The final product - Minot Public Library

A Minot High School History
by
Susan Gessner
August 2011
Anyone is welcome to print copies of this document or any
part of it as long as the copies are not for profit and credit is given.
To save paper, this document could be printed
without the endnotes, which can be viewed online.
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Table of Contents
General History 1887-1899....................................................................................... 3
1900-1910....................................................................................... 3
1910-1920....................................................................................... 7
1920-1930....................................................................................... 12
1930-1940....................................................................................... 20
1940-1950....................................................................................... 27
1950-1960....................................................................................... 36
1960-1970....................................................................................... 46
1970-1980....................................................................................... 58
1980-1990....................................................................................... 71
1990-2000....................................................................................... 82
2000-2010....................................................................................... 92
2010....................................................................................... 102
School Nicknames .................................................................................... 105
School Symbols: Mixed Imagery (with Official Logo History) ............... 106
School Mascots (with a Bunny History) ................................................... 109
School Colors ............................................................................................ 111
School Song .............................................................................................. 112
Major School Publications ........................................................................ 114
Superintendents and High School Head Principals ................................... 117
Article from 1912 Yearbook: “A Brief History of the Minot Schools”..... 120
Articles from 1946 Minot High Times --for Class "B" Tourney Fans ..... 123
Other Photos .............................................................................................. 125
Afterword .................................................................................................. 132
Endnotes ................................................................................................... 133
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General History
1887-1899
Minot’s first school was established in 1887, the same year the city was incorporated and a
school district organized. The first school building was a 16-by-24-foot wood frame structure
located on the same downtown block where Central Campus now is located. In 1890 the school
board expanded to five members and hired the district's first principal, C.A. Johnson.1
In 1893 the Minot Graded School, facing west, was built on
the southwest corner of the downtown block to house all of
the students.2 It would be known as the Central Graded
School (or Central School) in future years. All of the high
school buildings would be built on this downtown block until
the early 1970s. The photo to the right was taken in 1905 or
later, after a new school building was built on the block.
(This building can be seen in the background.)
Also in the early 1890s “a few high school studies” were
added to the course offerings.3 According to school board minutes from the period, there was a
high school department, as well as primary and grammar departments. In the spring of 1895 a
class of three young men became the first graduates, with commencement exercises held in the
Presbyterian Church.4
At this time Minot was a “rough little town” with “small bands” of Indians, probably from the
Turtle Mountain or Fort Berthold Reservations, camped on its southwestern edges.5
1900-1910
At the turn of the century Minot began to set its foundations, changing the ”the old haphazard
layout of the town” and beginning to build overpasses and bridges to improve traffic over the
Mouse River.6 The high school would also begin to set its foundations in this decade, under the
direction of able leaders.
The high school department began the 1900-1901 school year with two
teachers, twenty-six students, and a new superintendent, S. Henry Wolfe, who
would lead Minot’s schools for the next fifteen years. In his first year, he
instituted a “four years’ course of study” for the high school.7 As the following
pages will indicate, he seemed particularly interested in establishing the fine
arts. He also gave spelling tests to the high school students and offered to buy
alarm clocks one year for tardy students.8 Soon he was recognized “as one of
the foremost educators of the state.” 9
The high school students also would be fortunate in having Miss Florence
Cotton as their principal (and teacher) for most of the decade. She assumed her
position in 1903 at the age of 23.10 An alumnus wrote that she was a “beloved
principal” who gave “kindly advice and guidance, as well as . . . helpful
encouragement at all times.” 11 She would have such a distinguished life that an
4
elementary school in Minot, Florence Perkett, would be named after her. (She married J.B.
Perkett in 1913.) The photo of Mrs. Perkett appeared on the school board page of the 1916
Searchlight. She had become the first female member of the school board in 1915. In a later
yearbook she too would praise Supt. Wolfe for his “devoted service” to Minot’s children.12
In 1902 it was a student, though, who started the first school publication, titled The Searchlight. 13
In this decade it was a monthly or semimonthly periodical, not simply an end-of-the-year annual.
(See “Major School Publications” for more information.) It provided news about high school
staff and students (often humorous) and athletics (often in great detail), as well as student literary
efforts and earnest editorials advocating student self-improvement and school improvement. A
1906 graduate later wrote, “This monthly magazine was the source of much enjoyment to the
members of the school, and served to instill a real school spirit.” 14
In October of 1903 the high school was granted classification as a state high school of the “first
class."15 That year’s 1904 graduating class of five girls and one boy was the first to graduate
when the high school had this classification. As a result, according to Florence Perkett, “the
graduating class that year is usually ranked as the first class of the Minot High."16 This was also
the first class to complete the four-year course of study. 17
This is a description of the classrooms for the high school students in the 1903-04 school year,
provided by Perkett:
The High School and eighth grade, with about forty-five students, occupied
the south half of the second floor [of the Central Graded School], at that
time one large room, and had a small room under the belfry for recitation
purposes with a laboratory across the hall.
Altogether eight teachers and about 275 students were housed in the Central Graded School, with
some relief coming in February of 1904 when McKinley School opened.18
The high school band and orchestra were organized in the fall of the 1903-1904 school year by
Supt. Wolfe. A 1905 graduate wrote about the difficulties Wolfe and his twenty band members
(all boys) overcame:
Only two of them had ever had any training in band work, or knew how to play
any band instrument. The city had some instruments and, there being no city
band, kindly loaned those to the High School, and as some of the boys bought
their own, a fairly good instrumentation was arranged. By hard, patient work on
the part of Instructor Wolfe, and hard drilling on the part of the boys, the band
was able to give a concert in the Spring of 1904, which was well attended by
the citizens of Minot. In that way, some money was raised to buy needed
instruments and music.
The first orchestra consisted of eleven boys and girls. It performed, with soloists, at the band
concerts. According to the 1905 graduate, “these organizations at that time did as much or more
than any other to put Minot forward as a progressive city.” In the spring 1905 Devils Lake
Chautauqua season, the high school band was “recognized as one of the best High School Bands
in the State.” 19
Other fine arts also had a start in this decade. In April 1905 students performed a four-act play,
“The Schemers,” by Harry Dixon, at the Opera House. The performance had “the distinction of
5
having the largest house that ever witnessed a home talent play, in Minot,” with $250.25 in
receipts. Supt. Wolfe and his wife trained the students.20 In Searchlight issues for the
1907-1908 school year, boys’ and girls’ glee clubs were briefly mentioned.21
In 1905 a high school building with ten rooms, facing
east, was added to the southeast corner of the downtown
school block. (Over the years the high school building
would have a variety of functions--until it was
demolished in 1974. In later years it was referred to as
“Old Central.”) The Central Graded School remained on
the southwest corner.22
In 1905 the first sport was organized--baseball.23 The
interest in having a baseball team was reflected in a
complaint in the March 1905 Searchlight issue that no baseball team was being organized while
“nearly every high school in the state are making preparations for the organization of a baseball
team.” 24 A student, Pete (Clarence or C.P.) Vandenoever, organized the team, which was
considered a "very fast team."25 It played against area men's teams, such as “the Great Northern
office men."26
The next two sports to be organized were boys’ and girls’ basketball. In November 1905 the
boys formed an athletic association to start a basketball team and elected a captain. In the early
months of 1906 they played an “independent team” twice and Lansford, which had adults
playing for it. It would take another year before the team played against “interscholastic
competition” and an additional year before they had a “regular coach.” In August 1906 “the high
school girls got into the act by opening basketball drills under Captain Gertrude Dwire.” They
acquired a coach in December. 27 When the boys' team played Valley City on February 28, 1908,
this was “the first game between a team from this part of the state and an eastern team.” Minot
High won, with the score 19-13, and claimed the state championship--its first in athletics. 28
One of the difficulties the basketball teams had to face was a lack of facilities. One person
recalled that the first in-town games were played in the White Front building, located on Main
Street.29 The boys put in a floor in the attic of the Central Graded School to create a basketball
facility.30 ( Basketball games were played in the attic through much of the next decade.31) They
had no shower facilities until the spring of 1908, when “a room in the basement of the central
building” was “fitted up with shower baths and lockers.” 32 Through the 1909-1910 school year
the girls still did not have a “shower bath” area. 33
What were the basketball seasons like for the boys and girls? From 1907-1914, during the
regular season, these were the opponents for the boys’ and girls’ teams: Kenmare, Harvey,
Rugby, Lansford, Carrington, Donnybrook, Towner, Valley City, Enderlin, Berthold, Williston,
Velva, Tower City, Bottineau, Courtenay, Willow City, Mohall, S. of For. (?), Alumni, New
Rockford, Michigan City, and Grand Forks (once). One year the girls played one more game
than the boys, but generally they played fewer games and apparently not in tournaments. The
boys played from 6-10 games a year, sometimes with games in December but usually running
from January-March.34 The Berthold team that Minot High played during the 1907-1908 school
year was a men’s team, “some of them old time basket ball players.” 35
The first football team was organized in September 1906 without a coach; a captain and manager
6
of the team were elected. Only three games were played, due to weather: two games against
Harvey and one against Towner. 36 The team did not have an established playing field; two of the
places it played in the early years were “north of the Great Northern Passenger Station” and “on
the field just west of the McKinley School grounds.” 37 In 1908 the team decided to join the
“state high school league.” 38 This is a list of the opponents the football team played from 1907
to 1913: Towner, Williston, Devils Lake, Grand Forks, Kenmare, Fargo, Lakota, Enderlin, Park
River, Rugby, Carrington, and Co. D of the Militia. The team played 4-5 games per season,
usually beginning in October.39
There were other competitive Minot High School teams. Students participated in an annual track
meet, held in Grand Forks.40 They participated in an annual declamatory contest in Minot and
then in the annual state declamatory contest in Grand Forks. 41 Sometime in late 1907 or early
1908, three students organized a debating club.42 A debating team competed against Valley City
in the spring of 1909.43
In these early years the railroads (the Soo and Great Northern lines) seemed to be the main form
of transportation for the teams, fans, and sometimes the band. However, by “1907 or so”
automobiles (“gasoline buggies”) were “becoming fairly common in Minot” (and really began to
take off by 1915).44 Minot youth enjoyed the thrill of “sport coasting” in automobiles down
North Hill in this period, with the record time being 47 seconds in 1910.45 In a 1910 Searchlight
issue, a sophomore girl was reported to love a junior boy “who had a Rambler car."46 Early
drivers did face many problems: the vehicles were hard to handle, the tires did not hold up, and
Minot’s streets and nearby roads were not in great condition.47 Significant improvements in
roadways would not come until after World War I.48
Of course, each year’s social events were important to the high school. A Halloween party in
1904 was held in the bandroom with a grand march and prizes for best costumes.49 There were
class parties--held outside of the school at such places as the Opera House and Thompkins Hall
on Ramstad Street. In 1907 the Sophomore Party had dancing, cards, and fortune telling. 50
Supt. Wolfe and his wife entertained the seniors annually at their home. For the senior party in
February1905 that meant five seniors. They arrived at eight and stayed until the “wee small
hours” of the morning. They played games, ate a “dainty lunch” served at about eleven, and
enjoyed music from the phonograph.51
There were also parties held after games for the opposing teams. After a basketball game with
Towner, in the 1907-1908 season, a reception was held at the M.E. church and then a party at the
Opera House.52 After a February 11, 1910, girls’ game with Kenmare, a banquet was held in the
Catholic church basement with Valentine’s Day decorations and games that followed.53
Along with all the other developments involving the high school in this decade, the kinds of
courses offered to students underwent change. A student Searchlight editorial early in 1907
expressed a desire for “trade-training” courses.54 However, a commercial course seemed to have
been added first. A Searchlight editorial in the fall of the next school year noted the addition of a
commercial course and the advantages of the course for the school:
The number of boys in our school has always been a small minority compared
with the number of girls, but since the commercial course was added many boys have
entered. . . . Also many of the girls are taking the same course and even a few of our
graduates have come back to school to take up this interesting subject.55
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school.56)
(A business college established in Minot in 1903 drew students away from the high
By the 1909-1910 school year both commercial and manual training courses were part of the
curriculum as evidenced by this Program of Studies published in the final Searchlight issue that
school year:
Freshman
Required
English I
Elementary Algebra
Elective
Latin I
German I
*Physiology
*Phys. Geography
*Commercial Arithmetic
Manual Training
Sophomore
Required
English II
Plane Geometry
Elective
Latin II
German II
Bookkeeping
English History
Manual Training
Junior
Required
English III
Ancient History
Elective
Latin III
Chemistry
Botany
(torn page) Senior
Required
Physics
Civics
*American History
Elective
Latin IV
*Commercial Law
*Solid Geometry
*Higher Algebra
(torn page)
Unfortunately the Searchlight page was torn; the junior and senior lists are probably incomplete
and the asterisks unexplained.
57
School officials also continued to pursue accreditation for the high school’s preparation of
students for college. On March 24, 1910, Minot High School “was admitted as a member of the
North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.” As a result, its graduates would
“be admitted to all colleges and universities of the Mississippi Valley without examination.” 58
The high school enrollment grew from 26 in 1900 to 154 in 1910,59 while Minot’s population
grew from 1,277 to 6,188.60 At the end of the 1909-1910 school year, in his annual report, Supt.
Wolfe called for a new high school building to handle the increased number of students and the
kinds of courses now being offered.61 He noted in particular the lack of an “assembly room” to
hold all the students. The Searchlight staff, in the last issue that year, expressed a need for a
gymnasium, “physical culture drill,” “shower bath” for girls, more track equipment, and a track
training area closer to the school.62 It would take a few years before these needs were satisfied.
For the sports fan:
In the August 19, 1961, 75th anniversary issue of the Minot Daily News are
two articles to explore: a lengthy article by Merrill Schalow on baseball in
this era in Minot and the region and an article by James Sullivan on the early
years (through the 1950s) of Minot High School basketball. In the 1912
Searchlight are pictures of most of the early basketball and football teams.
1910-1920
This decade would be another one of growth for the schools. It would also be clear later in the
decade that the high school was not an island unto itself; the outside world would have
significant impacts on the school. But first some odds and ends . . .
Each year the four high school classes would choose at least one of these to represent the class:
a motto, color, flower, and yell. The senior class motto in the 1912 yearbook was “Impossible is
un-American.” Some American attitudes never seem to change.
8
Apparently proms were in existence as early as 1913, if not earlier. A 1916 graduate wrote that
he had attended the “Junior prom” his freshman year. This was his exaggerated description of
the prom that year:
The banquet commenced about 8 P.M. at De Leland [Leland Hotel] amidst enchanting
music and ladies, while dishes a la delicious were incomparable. Then from there we
motored in our palatial cars to the armory, where decorations were exquisite. So
in that fantastic hall we glided on the glassy floor with a fair sex in our arms . . . .63
The 1914 Searchlight provided detailed information on two important departments--Manual
Training and Commercial-- and reported an increase in departments. Students took these
manual training classes in their freshman and sophomore years: Mechanical Drawing, Cabinet
Making, Wood Turning, and Architectural Drawing. The course of study for the Commercial
Department, all elective courses, included “spelling, penmanship, business correspondence,
commercial arithmetic, geography, law, bookkeeping, and two years of shorthand and
typewriting, consisting of theory, dictation, and office work.” These two departments were
identified as being “more recent”: Chemistry and Domestic Science. 64
In the 1913-1914 school year a state tournament system
was devised for boys’ basketball: “the state was divided into
four districts and winners of each district were to meet in
Fargo” for semifinal and final games. The winner of the
final game would be the “undisputed” state champion.
Before this year there was no tournament system, yet teams,
including Minot, had claimed to be state champion. The
disputes occurred especially among the three largest cities:
Fargo, Grand Forks, and Minot.65
Census figures for North Dakota’s
four largest cities, 1910 and 1920
Fargo
14,331
21,961
Grand Forks
12,478
14,010
Minot
6,188
10,476
Bismarck
5,443
7,122
The bumpy road of the automobile revolution showed up in an entertaining story (in the form of
a letter) about a trip to attend a football game in November 1913. The football player author
wrote that he and others went up to Mohall in cars for the second team’s game. On their way
home they lost their way and suffered “about six punctures” and “about as many blowouts.” 66
As early as the 1913-1914 school year a yell (cheer) master was chosen for the sports events.67
These were some of the yells, with variations, provided in more than one yearbook in this period:
Eins, Zwi, Dri,
Boom-a-lacca! Boom-a-lacca!
Klein und Grouze!
Ach der Himmel,
Vas is Loose,
MINOT!
Ach Louie, Chop Suey.
Watch Minot Hop thruey.
Bow, Wow, Wow!
Chick-a-lacca! Chick-a-lacca!
Chow, Chow, Chow!
Boom-a-lacca! Chick-a-lacca!
Hoop-la-ki,
Rah! Rah! Rah! for the Minot HIgh
Give’m the ax, the ax, the ax!
Give’m the ax, the ax, the ax!
Where?
Right in the neck, the neck, the neck.
Right in the neck, the neck, the neck.
There?
Shall we salt ’em?
SURE!
Minot! Minot! Hats off to thee.
To our colors true we shall ever be.
Firm and strong united are we
With a Rah! Rah! Rah!
And a Zis! Boom! Bah!
And a Rah! Rah! Rah!
And a Zis! Boom! Bah!
RAH! for the Minot High.68
9
The “Minot! Minot! Hats off to thee” cheer was the school song for the high school for many
years. It was based on the University of Minnesota’s school song.
A “Dutch” band (also called German Band) was organized in the 1915-1916 school year to
support sports, especially to help get fans out to the games. The real goal was the money fans
would pay to see the games because “finances control athletics.” The band’s role was to
advertise the games, which they did by marching “down the principal streets on each evening
before a game,” playing loudly and apparently badly. The leader used a megaphone to announce
the games.69
The 1916 Searchlight provided some glimpses of technology in this period. The school had a
mimeograph machine. When news was sought from Fargo about the championship basketball
game between Valley City and Minot, students invaded Central Avenue to be near the telegraph
office for the news. 70 ( The 1916 Searchlight is particularly informative and entertaining.)
In the 1916 yearbook's daily chronology for the school year was this information for April 30:
The floods have descended--all the best part of town is being rapidly covered
with the overflow from the Mouse. School children will experience the novelty
of canoeing and rowing to school. Reports state that the worst is yet to come.71
Minot had not had a flood since the extensive 1904 one, but it was flood-prone (eighteen from
1904-1979).72 There would be a devastating one in 1969 and an even greater one decades later.
In an editorial in the 1917 yearbook the writer expressed dismay about Minot High School
having acquired a “black eye” in the state. He blamed the “black eye” mainly on the reputation
of Minot, "which," he wrote, "has been called the ‘wayward daughter of Mother Dakota.’” 73
According to Minot State University Professor Charles Dickson, “the city had long had a
reputation as a rowdy frontier town and had never paid much attention to the state’s prohibition
of the sale of alcohol.” 74 Minot also experienced “political turmoil” while it was the state
headquarters of the Socialist Party. The strongest years for the party were from 1912-1916.75
Whatever the reasons, the editorialist asked students to “boost” Minot High.
Both the 1917 and 1918 yearbooks were dedicated to Minot High School students and alumni
serving in the war that we now know as World War I. The 1918 yearbook cover is pictured
below. This was the 1918 dedication:
To our boys ‘With the Colors’ who, inspired by the ideals of
justice and humanity, liberty and democracy, inculcated in them in
the Minot High School, have gone forth to do battle for those
ideals and to make this world safe for democracy; whose worth we
know, whose fine, robust idealism we admire and in whose courage
and selfsacrificing devotion we have the utmost confidence; whose
memory is not only perpetuated in the stars on the cover design, but
enshrined in the heart of every student and teacher of the Minot
High School, this volume is lovingly dedicated.
There were many patriotic pages, including an honor roll of those serving, photos of some who
were serving, and a section titled “Extracts from the Boys’ Letters Home.” In both the
1917-1918 and 1918-1919 school years there was only one male teacher.
10
The big news for the 1918-1919 school year was the opening of a new high school building, but
students were not able to settle in for long before the Spanish Influenza closed the schools for
seven weeks. The football team was not able to play a single game.76 The Spanish Influenza
pandemic killed an estimated 550,000 in the U.S and 1,378 in North Dakota, a number
considered “grossly underreported.” 77
The new high school was built on the north side of the downtown school block, extending into
the center of it. This structure is still there today. In the school district’s souvenir booklet High
School Opening (January 8, 1919), all the modern features were listed (a master electric clock, an
intercom system, controlled temperatures, etc.) as well as such general-use rooms as a large
study hall/assembly room and specialized rooms for the various departments. Perhaps the most
outstanding feature, however, was the “great auditorium,” which had “a regular seating capacity
of fifteen hundred” and could be arranged to seat almost two thousand.78 The 1919 yearbook,
in its introduction to the new building, emphasized the new auditorium and the many ways it
could be used. It had a large stage for plays, oratory, choruses, etc. The floor could be used as a
gymnasium for basketball games and gym classes. At the rear of the auditorium was a
swimming pool and dressing rooms for both boys and girls. According to the 1920 Searchlight,
the auditorium/gymnasium included an indoor running track.79
New High School Building That Opened in 1918
The front of the high school building, at the left, is facing north.
At the right is the Central Graded School constructed in 1893.
The auditorium: facing the stage
The auditorium: facing away from the stage
11
According to the "Society" section of the 1919 Searchlight, the auditorium became the location
for social events at the high school, including many parties honoring the players from visiting
teams. There wasn’t anything about the prom in this yearbook, but in the next yearbook, a brief
article on the junior-senior prom reported that it took place in the auditorium.
What happened to the 1905 high school building? In the fall of 1918 it became the home for a
junior high school that was organized for seventh and eighth graders. The Central Graded
School had become a grade school sometime after the 1905 building was built.80
There was a very significant increase in enrollment in the year after the new high school
opened--from 276 to 440 for the 1919-1920 school year. Departments added classes and staff.
A new department was the Music Department, which had a large number of musical
organizations--orchestra, band, girls’ glee club, girls’ octette, boys’ glee club, chorus, and mixed
quartette--and offered “classes in music appreciation, in harmony and in group
instrumentation.” 81
In the short time of its existence the auditorium had become invaluable to the community. It
hosted “some of the finest musical attractions in the land,” a Sunday Music Hour “regularly” had
1000-1500 adults in attendance, and a Movie Hour brought in a like number of children and
young adults. It also was the gathering place for many other events, such as Thanksgiving
services and Armistice Day celebrations. Other rooms in the high school also provided a place
and equipment for a Night School.82
One other notable use of the high school: the Alumni Association of Minot established a dental
clinic for the city’s students. In an office in the high school the students “were examined and
given cards showing the necessary work which was done by the dentist the parents chose to do
their work with.” 83
A major national development at the end of this decade was the push for passage of the
Nineteenth Amendment, which gave women the right to vote. The sentiments for passage
seemed to be reflected in this plea for equal treatment from a senior on the 1919-1920 girls’
basketball team:
The deepest wish in the hearts of us who are leaving for those who practice
next year is that they should persuade the School Board to get a coach for the
Girls’ Basketball Team as well as for the boys. We ask: Is not the woman
coming more into prominence every year and certainly athletics in school will
help us a great deal, when after a few years, we have some grave political question
before us or when we are called to attend some man who has had a leg run off,
or mayhap to throw some guy off of a streetcar for not paying his jitney [slang
for five cents]?84
12
Three Buildings on the Downtown School Block, after 1918
From the SW corner: Central School with a bit of the new
high school building at left, back of 1905 building at right
Illustration from A History of Public
Education in Downtown Minot (1986)
The photo of the football team
to the right is from the 1920
yearbook. In the background to
the left is the public library,
which opened in 1911. The
building still stands. In the
background at the right is
the new high school building.
1920-1930
By 1920 Minot’s population had grown to 10,176. Enrollment in the high school was at 470 for
the 1920-1921 school year: 173 boys and 297 girls.85 The enrollment numbers would continue to
grow significantly during the 1920s, along with Minot’s population. Also notable for the decade
would be a proliferation of high school clubs, a new building on the downtown block, and the
establishment of a school newspaper, nickname, current school colors, Homecoming, and regular
physical education classes. In addition, some significant developments in the city’s history
would be reflected in yearbook pages.
A new department in the 1920-1921 school year was the Department of Physical Training (what
we would now call the P.E. Department). This department provided “regular and definite
required instruction and practice periods for all girls.” 86 In the fall of 1921 physical training was
organized for the boys. A new faculty member that year, Emil C. (“Jack”) Flug, seems to have
been a force in developing the physical training classes. 87 He would also become a successful
football and basketball coach in this decade.
Also this year sociology became a required credit of the sixteen credits needed for graduation.
As a result, the Social Science Department grew more than the other departments.88
The auditorium would be used for the physical training classes and for many other school
13
purposes throughout the decade, but it also continued to be heavily used by the community.
According to the 1921 yearbook, on one eight-day stretch, from Sunday through Sunday, the
auditorium had “an estimated attendance of over 10,000” at various activities held there. 89 In the
second half of the decade the auditorium was the setting for a number of major performances or
events. In 1926 nationally famous humorist Will Rogers appeared there, and in 1927 “the city
heard the Tunney-Demsey fight, not over the radio but by listening to a local announcer read
Associated Press reports supplied by the Minot Daily News.” 90 Yearbook calendar listings
indicated that John Philip Sousa’s Band appeared in September 1928 and a Russian Cossack
Chorus in October 1929. However, by the end of this decade “the major cultural center of the
community” would shift to the new McFarland Auditorium at the college.91
In the 1920-1921 school year three new groups were organized at the high school. Two were
music groups: the Ukulele Club and the Drum Corps. The Philomathians was organized to
promote “the development of all kinds of literary work among its members.” 92 The high school
had had a literary society in the 1900-1910 decade but probably not with this name.
In the next year’s yearbook an enduring issue was addressed: having a place to go in the evening
for young people, the boys in particular. A senior boy, in a lengthy piece, noted that City
ordinances had closed access to “pool-halls” and “dance-halls” for young people. The solution
should be a Y.M.C.A. run by the city, according to him. Near the end of his piece he wrote, “The
animals of the zoo have an animal house to keep out the North Dakota winter, but the boys of
Minot haven’t a place provided to spend their evenings in a way satisfactory to the
townspeople.” 93 (The city zoo had been established in 1920 and a bear den and “zoological
building” in 1921.94)
One sports highlight from the 1921-1922 school year indicated how Williston had become Minot
High’s biggest out-of-town opponent. After a basketball victory against Williston, Minot
students marched single file through downtown streets.95 The Normal School, which became
Minot State Teachers College in the 1924-1925 school year, was our in-town rival.
The 1923 yearbook provided information on the
physical training course for boys as well as a photo, to
the right, of the boys training in the auditorium/gym.
By this year the activities included “marching,
calisthenics, horizontal bars, horse, and work with the
Indian clubs and dumb bells.” Pyramid building was
also “one of the big parts of this course.” In fact, a
pyramid club had been organized the previous year.96
In the "Literary" section of the yearbook, a senior
acknowledged the national flappers phenomenon in a
poem titled “The Flapper.” The poem’s first line stated that the school had “many a
flapper” and then went on to identify the characteristics of a flapper--from
“penciled” eyebrows and “stenciled” lips to using slang words, chewing gum, and
“shirking” her school work. The drawing to the right opened the "Society" section
of the yearbook.
This yearbook also reported that a “cross-country bus” was used for a basketball team trip to
Donnybrook because the trains were running late.97 There would be increasing references to
14
buses (“motor bus”, “Yellow Bus”) in future yearbooks. By this time, according to Charles
Dickson, “the increased number of private cars and trucks cleared Minot’s streets of their clutter
of horse-drawn wagons.” In 1922 a bus system was available for Minot citizens and the “state’s
first interurban bus line . . . began operating between Minot and Bismarck.” 98
However, road improvement would continue to be needed,
both for the city and the state. Most of the state’s roads
were gravel roads. The road that we now call Highway 2,
then called Theodore Roosevelt, also “was called the ‘T and
R’or the ‘Tough and Rough Road’ due to its many chuck
holes.” The speed limit in towns and cities was 10 mph
and 30 mph on highways, reflecting road conditions and
automobile quality. 99 The illustration to the right, from the
1930 Searchlight, conveyed the basketball team’s experience
of traveling on the Jamestown-Carrington bus.
In this decade the major highways that met in Minot were known by
different names: Highway 2 as the Theodore Roosevelt or Glacier
Park Trail, Highway 52 as the North Star Trail, and Highway 83 as
the International Trail. Other names and numbers were also used at
this time and earlier. (See Endnote 99.)
On November 16, 1923, the Minot High football team played a game against Grafton before a
crowd “estimated at about 2000; it was the largest crowd that had ever witnessed a contest in the
history of the school.” 100 Victory would give Minot the right to play for the state championship
after a number of unsuccessful football years. Various city organizations and businessmen
sponsored the game, which Minot won 13-0. It was played at Riverside Park (soon Roosevelt
Park). Throughout this decade football games were played at the park.
Football at Roosevelt Park
There were many pictures of football games in the
1920s yearbooks. This one was taken during the
Grafton game.
This photo is from the 1927 yearbook. Notice the cars
at the back left and the man in the large tree at the back
right.
In May 1924 the printing class produced a single issue of a publication (newspaper?), which they
called the MI-NOT-HI. The following year there would be another single issue of a publication
with the same name. 101 (See "Major School Publications" for more information.)
15
Two pages in the 1924 Searchlight were devoted to the Teddy Roosevelt equestrian statue which
was to be placed in Riverside Park in June of 1924. The dedication would have to wait until
September 11, 1924, when the name of the park was also formally changed to Roosevelt Park.
The gift of this statue to Minot was a big deal. On the day of the dedication, Minot’s businesses
closed for the afternoon, a parade was held, and the governor and other
important people attended the ceremony. The statue was “dedicated to the
children of North Dakota,” and more than 3100 Ward County school
children contributed pennies and dimes to help create a base for it. Dr.
Henry Coe, who gave the statue to Minot, said that the gift was “a token of
recognition for what . . . [the city had] done in the line of developing its
parks.” 102 The 1924 yearbook also displayed many park photos. The next
three yearbooks would also have pictures of the statue and the park. The
one at the right is from the 1925 Searchlight.
In the 1924-1925 school year a parent-teacher organization and four student organizations were
started. The Parent-Teacher Association of the Senior High School Grades organized in
November with a charter membership of seventeen parents and five teachers; the membership
soon almost doubled.103 (A Central School PTA already existed.) The students added a Pep Club
(or P.E.P.--“ Pep Every Place”--Club), Beta Nu Science Club, and the Senior Forum Literary
Society. The Forum Literary Society was created especially to develop speaking skills.
Apparently the Philomathians had dissolved.
In the 1925-1926 school year many more clubs were launched: the Barrymore Dramatic Club,
the Minot High Athletic Club (for lettermen), the Hi-Y Club, the French Club (Le Cercle
Francais), and the Spanish Club. The goal of the Hi-Y Club was “to promote clean living, clean
playing, clean thinking, and to help get the worth-while things out of life.” 104 Principal J. H.
Colton, in his introduction to the 1926 yearbook, wrote about the value of clubs for schools: they
“give an avenue through which a pupil may receive additional training in line with his tastes and
preferences and in which lessons of mutual cooperation may be learned together with a toleration
for the views of others in his social group.” He must also have been pleased with what the club
creating said about the energy of his students and staff. (He was principal throughout the decade
and would continue to be Minot High's principal through the 1944-1945 school year.)
Also during the 1925-1926 school year the Magicians nickname seemed to become official, and
maroon and gold began to replace crimson and corn as the school colors. Minot High had
deferred to the Normal School's use of the Magicians nickname for some years. (See the
sections "School Nicknames" and "School Colors" for more information.)
In the 1926-1927 school year a newspaper, again titled the Mi-Not-Hi, was established with the
November 9th, 1926, issue. The juniors were in charge of it, publishing every other Tuesday,
just as the seniors were in charge of the yearbook. By the end of the 1927-1928 school year, the
newspaper was called the Minot High Times and the staff was no longer limited to juniors.105
These were new organizations added in the 1926-1927 school year: the Rostrum Club, the Latin
Club (Roman Sodalitas), the Pin Pan Club, and the Howling Hellions. The Rostrum Club was
another club to promote debating, as well as other speaking skills. (The Senior Forum Literary
Society remained active.) The Pin Pan Club was created to promote an interest in home
economics. The white-shirted Howling Hellions was a boys’ cheer group informally organized
to provide support at the basketball games. It would be active for three years, then fade out only
to be replaced by the Boomers in the 1929-1930 school year.
16
During the 1927-1928 school year the science club had to be broken into two science clubs-Newtonian and Mendelejeff--because so many students had joined it. Making first appearances
in this decade’s yearbooks were these clubs/physical activities for girls: Hiking Club, Swimming
Club, interclass baseball played in the gym, and tennis. The only one definitely identified as new
was interclass baseball.
Minot High’s first Homecoming Day took place on October 22, 1927. It was introduced by the
new head basketball and football coach, Fred R. Prusha. In the 1928 yearbook the day was
described this way under the heading “Annual Homecoming”:
This was the day on which M.H.S. Grads came home
to view the progress of their Alma Mater. . . . Before
the anticipated Devils Lake Game a gay parade
wended its way down the principal business streets of
Minot. Floats sponsored by each class and each club
were presented. The Sophomores with their clever
covered wagon of pioneer days, won the distinction of
having the best float.
The parade found its way to the gridiron where it ended in a
wild burst of glory when we won the heated battle with the Red Devils. . . .
In two years Homecoming would acquire a different name and expanded activities.
The theme of the 1928 yearbook reflected a significant development in the city. In a foreword
the airplane (“aeroplane”) was identified as “a sort of materialization of progress” and the theme
for the yearbook. (Near the beginning of the yearbook appeared a picture of Charles Lindbergh
in front of his airplane Spirit of St. Louis.) The foreword also noted that Minot had established a
municipal landing field (in 1928) that “put Minot on the aerial map of America.” Located on
North Hill, where it exists today, it was called the “Port of Minot.” 106
The theme for the 1929 yearbook was again progress. The foreword noted that Minot had
become “one of the most prosperous cities of our nation,” and, as further proof of progress, that a
“wonderfully well equipped” new building was being added to the downtown block. This was
the Junior High Building, which was built on the west side of the block. This building would
allow the school district to adopt the 6-3-3 plan, which meant the Senior High School building
would house the 10th-12th grades, and the Junior High School building the 7th-9th grades. The
new gymnasium that was part of the new building would allow the basketball team to “overcome
the handicap of playing basketball on a small floor.” 107
The New Junior High School Building
Above is an architect’s drawing found in the 1929 yearbook. At right
is a drawing of how all the buildings looked on the downtown block
(from A History of Public Education in Downtown Minot, n.p.).
17
Superintendent L.A. White provided additional support for what he called the “Spirit of
Progress” theme. The high school enrollment had risen to 908, along with increases for the other
schools and the city’s population. The new building would “enlarge the opportunities” for
students with its “excellent large gymnasium, space for a cafeteria later, many ample
classrooms, and good provision for home economics and some industrial arts work.” A “‘new
type’ of teaching methods and experiments” was being employed and the 6-3-3 plan was a
“modern type of plan.” As final proof of progress he reported on the success of the high school
graduates--in college and at jobs. 108
Some additional points about the new junior high building: The 1893 Central Graded School
was demolished to make room for the new building, which was completed in the fall of 1929.109
Though it was built right next to the senior high building, there were limited connections
between the buildings because school officials wanted to limit contact between junior high and
senior high students.110 Superintendent White did not mention overcrowding, but certainly the
new building and the 6-3-3 plan relieved crowding in the senior high school.
There were just a few organization developments in the 1928-1929 school year. The music
department continued to add groups: the Blue Bird Club (a girls’ choral group) and the
Harmonica Trio. Also new was the Girls’ Athletic Club, which had as a goal the promotion of
athletics for the “physical benefit of participants instead of primarily as a public spectacle."
Members could earn points for participating in these sports: “hiking, baseball, swimming,
basketball, athletic badge tests, quoits, and A plus class work.” 111
In the 1929-1930 school year these were the new organizations: the Commercial Club; the
History and Social Science Club; the Philatelic Club (for those interested in collecting stamps);
the Boomers; and more musical groups, including boys’ and girls’ sextets, a second girls’ glee
club, and the Clef Club. With the Clef Club perhaps a club mania had set in: the Clef Club was
open to any person who belonged to another musical organization. The Boomers replaced the
Howling Hellions as a boys’ cheering section at the basketball games.
In this school year Homecoming returned after a year’s absence, but under a different name:
Loyalty Day. (There was no mention in the 1929 yearbook of Homecoming activities except in
the "High School Calendar" section: “Annual homecoming not quite a success.”) The 1930
yearbook identified October 19, 1929, when the football team played Devils Lake, as the “first
annual Magician Loyalty Day."112 Details were supplied about the two days of activities
dedicated to this day:
Festivities were begun on the Friday afternoon before the big game when a pep
assembly was held in the high school. Later in the day, show windows in business
districts were decorated by girls of the school. The next step in the excitement
was a great snake dance in the evening which formed near the high school and
followed the band down Main street and Central avenue to Roosevelt Park where
a pile of wood as big as a house had been stacked and started afire. The blaze
was very spectacular and drew a large crowd of enthusiastic students and
interested townspeople. Strong electric flood lights had been arranged around a
platform where a short program was presented. Coronation ceremonies were
held and Frances Cox, the football queen-elect, was crowned by John Lee, the
football player who had been voted this honor. As the fire burnt low, cheers for
the team rang out, and the party broke up with the outlook for the next day very
bright indeed.
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Morning brought Loyalty day and its excitement. Everyone entered into the
spirit of the day. Floats were decorated by each of the classes and many of the
organizations in the high school. The prize winners were: Seniors, first;
Sophomores, second; and Girls’ Athletic Club, third. The Seniors had for their
float an antique hearse in which lay an effigy of the Devils Lake team.
The climax of the entire proceedings was the football game. . . .
According to a 1945 article in the Minot High Times, “the name Loyalty Day was voted by the
students because it best expressed the ideals of rededication of every student to his loyalty to
school and extra-curricular activities--in short, to the highest interest of the student and his
school.” 113 Loyalty Day would be the name that dominated until the 1960s, but there would
often be uses of both it and “Homecoming”--even in this yearbook and the next one.
The new gym was first used in a
game against the Alumni in late
December 1929 and formally opened
on January 17, 1930. It had features
that made athletes and fans happy.
For athletes there was a regulationsize floor with a “remarkable finish,”
walls surrounding the floor made of
cork for safety, and locker rooms for
boys and girls with special features.
For the fans, there were two electric
scoreboards and seating for almost a
thousand people. For the P.E.
classes, steel lockers were available and the gym could be subdivided into two smaller gyms “by
means of a sliding, folding door.” 114 The lighting and air control systems were also praised.
This gym is still being used. The photo above is from the 1930 yearbook. On the back right
side, not readable at this size, is a Boomers' banner. The seating at the back is on the west side.
Years later this area would become classrooms.
The 1930 yearbook was the first one in which photos of
the cheer masters (previously yell masters) were
provided. At the right are the photos of Magician Cheer
Masters Maybelle ("Mibs") Wheelon and Mort Aakrann.
(These two were each also labeled “cheer leader” in the
senior section of the yearbook.) An April 22, 1966,
Minot High Times article, which provides a history of
cheerleaders for the 1930s and 1940s, identifies the
1929-1930 school year as the first year for cheerleaders.
Aakrann was interviewed for the article.115
The radio theme for the 1930 yearbook probably was chosen because, in the fall of 1929, Minot
gained the radio station KLPM . It was located on the top of the Leland Parker Hotel; the LPM
letters stood for Leland Parker Minot.116 Principal Colton used the word “station” in his
introductory page in the yearbook.
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Throughout this decade the yearbooks continued to provide details on the many dances and other
social activities. These are a couple of the amusing details: Miss Cass’s science students had a
16th birthday party for her at least two years in a row, and a boxing match was part of the
program for one junior-senior party. A new type of dance at the high school was the sunset
dance. The November 25, 1925, sunset dance was the first one covered in the yearbooks. Some
1931 graduates still remembered these dances fifty years later. According to one of them, the
dances lasted about an hour or ninety minutes (the yearbooks give some longer times) and “were
held in the balcony area” of the auditorium. The students danced waltzes and foxtrots,
sometimes to music provided by the high school orchestra. Five cents was charged for
admission.117
By 1930 Minot’s population had increased to 16,099; it was still the third largest city in North
Dakota but a close second to Grand Forks. According to Charles Dickson, "by 1928 Minot
was . . . ranked as one of the most prosperous cities in the nation based on business volume.” 118
The enrollment for the three grades of the senior high school for the 1929-30 school year was
721.119 Nine years earlier the enrollment was 470 for four grades. The Great Depression,
however, would soon impact Minot and its schools.
Examples of Auditorium Use During This Decade
Proms were elaborate affairs. These pictures are of the 1924 prom with
an oriental theme. In the picture to the right tables are set for the prom.
Notice the detail of the proscenium arch.
Of course heavy use was made of the
auditorium for musical performances.
20
Minot Senior High School
This photo of the senior high school, facing north, is from the 1928 yearbook, before the junior high
was added on the west side. In 1940 there would be an addition at the east end of the senior high.
1930-1940
In this decade of hard times the word progress did not appear as a theme for any of the
yearbooks. It was not a time for significant growth in enrollment at the high school or
population growth for the city. However, the yearbooks were not filled with gloom and doom,
organizations were added, and in the middle years sports teams brought home championship
trophies. At the end of the decade there would be a modest addition to the senior high school.
The radio played a role throughout the decade and in decades to come.
The yearbooks had little to say directly about the depression, but the school board minutes
convey the building financial distress for the school district. At an April 1931 meeting the board
approved a 5 percent reduction in salary for all teachers and a suspension of automatic increases.
By the next spring positions were eliminated, including those
in industrial arts and home economics. That summer the
board voted to disallow salaries for substitute teachers "as an
The teacher pay schedule for the
emergency measure and economy move." At a March 1933
1933-1936 school years:
meeting the board voted for additional reductions in pay for
Senior High School men: $1600
teachers and administrators. The superintendent's annual
Senior High School women: $1350
salary had been over $5000; now it was reduced to $3000.
Grade 9: $1250
(Salaries stayed the same until the 1936-1937 school year.)
Grades 7-8: $1100
In the September 13, 1933, minutes appear the first of many
Grade school: $1000
similar statements in the upcoming months and years:
"Since the school treasury is depleted and there will be no
funds available to pay September salaries because of the non-payment of taxes, the Secretary of
the Board of Education be instructed to advertise in the official newspaper the sale of certificates
of indebtedness . . . ."120
There was no sense of the impending economic crisis in the 1931 yearbook, which was the first
one to use the theme of magic, with "Aladdin's Lamp" imagery. The foreword attributed the
21
theme to Minot's "Magic City" nickname and the school's "The Magicians"
nickname. Knowledge and education were equated with a “Magic Lamp” and
teachers with “genii.” To the right is one of the section page drawings that
conveyed the theme.
One new organization that year was the Principal's Student Advisory Council.
Each homeroom would elect a representative to be on the Council, which met
often with Principal Colton about issues "concerning the interests of the
student body at large." One of the issues was tardiness, a perennial problem. The Council
members compiled a list of the "ten usual reasons for tardiness."121
The 1931yearbook indicated that there had been a change in name for the sophomores--to
froshmores. (There was no freshman class with the 6-3-3 system.) The names of the drama
clubs, previously only one club, were the Senior, Junior and now Froshmore Dramatic Clubs.
The sophomore name change would continue until the 1950s.
Another change involved Roosevelt Park, which no longer provided a field for the football team
or Loyalty Day activities. Minot High games were now played at the Minot State Teachers
College field. The Loyalty Day football game was played under the lights there. The Loyalty
Day parade--a snake dance involving all students--took place on the downtown streets and ended
at the high school. Later yearbooks indicate a bonfire was lit on a vacant lot near the school. 122
The individual photos to the right identify the intramural
sports that girls participated in this school year--and
provide a picture of sports clothing in the early 1930s.
All of the girls pictured were members of the Girls
Athletic Club (later in the decade the Girls Athletic
Association or G.A.A.) Yearbook photos would capture
girls' intramural sports throughout the decade. (The last
school year in which the girls played a team from another
school was 1926-1927; they would not return to playing
interscholastic sports until the 1960s.) League (or
intramural) basketball was also available for boys who
could not make the school teams.
In the foreword to the 1931 yearbook, the yearbook staff
expressed the hope that Aladdin's Lamp "works magic for
the readers by bringing back to them their happy days in
dear old Minot High School." The refrain of happy days
or hours or years at Minot High School would appear in
the forewords of many of the yearbooks of this decade.
A representative student contest and new clubs were among the developments reported in the
1932 yearbook. The yearbook staff sponsored a "Most Representative Student Contest, based
upon scholarship, participation in activities, character, and attitude toward things worthwhile.” 123
The first one chosen by the student body was John DeMots. By the end of the decade five
students would be chosen annually. Two new student groups were the Public Forum and the
Radio Club. The Public Forum, which limited its membership to senior and junior boys, had
these purposes: " to develop a scientific attitude and approach to large social problems and to
22
questions."124
afford an opportunity for training in discussion of such
The Radio Club, which
seemed to have only male members, aimed "to develop . . . the ability to construct short and
long wave receivers; to create familiarity with conventional stock-model radios and their repair;
to propagate interest in the radio as a profession."125 (The yearbook's "School Calendar" section
reported that an assembly was held on October 9, 1931, to listen to a World Series broadcast over
the radio.) The Music Department continued to be active, adding the Jenny Lind Club as a
musical group. The vocal groups continued to produce an operetta throughout this decade.
The "School Calendar" recorded that the city band held a "benefit concert in interest of local
unemployment."126 The school board minutes listed motions to allow use of the high school
auditorium and other school facilities for such groups as the Citizens' Conservation Corps (CCC)
and the Federal Emergency Relief Association (FERA).
In the 1933 yearbook the depression was addressed more directly under the heading "Things We
Would Like To Know." One of the “things”: "How long will it last? (I mean this period of
general hard times." 127
Under the heading "Things We Would Like to See," these two items appeared, along with others:
a library in the Minot High School and the reorganization of the Minot High Times. Perhaps
since at least the mid 1920s the students had used the public library across the street as their
library. In a December 8, 1925, school board meeting, the board voted to place the high school's
library books, as a loan, upon the shelves of the city library for general circulation.128 The high
school would not have a library until the beginning of the next decade. The high school
newspaper was not published during five years of this decade, probably for cost reasons. (The
present high school libraries have only a few issues from1930 and one from 1931.)
One notable sports development was the addition of an in-town rival. Minot High played the St.
Leo's Lions for the first time during the 1932-1933 basketball season, St. Leo's first basketball
season. (The St. Leo's school building had opened across the street from the Junior High
building in 1926 and "expanded to 12 grades in 1929." 129) The St. Leo's teams, coached by
Father Hogan, were very successful during this decade, and though they were in the Class B
division, the games in the junior high gym between Minot High and St. Leo's High drew large
crowds. For at least St. Leo's first season, the team played their games in the junior high gym.130
The "School Life" section of the 1933 yearbook was particularly lively. One section within it,
"Memories of 1932 and 1933," provided an informative and entertaining run-through of school
activities. This was the October 20 entry, a familiar complaint: "There was a terrible snowstorm
raging and school goes on as usual." The January 11th entry: "Another all-school assembly-wherein we learn how to rid ourselves of all types of slang." The January 17-18-19 entry:
"Three days of explanations--we mean examinations. (Maybe we were right the first time at
that.)"
In the 1933-1934 school year the basketball team won a state championship and acquired another
in-town opponent. The basketball championship would be the first of three in a four-year
period, under Coach Harley Robertson. The new opponent for the varsity team: the Model High
Beaver Kits. Model High was part of the Minot State training school for teachers. Minot High
reserve or froshmore basketball teams had played the Beaver Kits as early as the late 1920s.
(Model High School first graduated students in 1929.131 A new building for the training school
was dedicated on February 4, 1931.132 That building is now called Model Hall.) The first-string
23
basketball team stopped playing Model in the 1937-1938 season. Minot High also played
Model High in football for a few years.
Basketball and Football Teams in Action
This photo of action in the junior high gym is from
the 1934 yearbook. At the back is the east wall.
The game is at the college field. In the background
to the left is first the back of the new Model training
school building and then the Harrison School
building. This photo is from the 1933 yearbook.
Other developments this school year: The Biology Club and the Vergil Club were new. The goal
of the Vergil Club was "to become better acquainted with Roman custom." (The Latin Club was
no longer in existence.) Apparently there was a group of students from Eastwood Park that had
become a notable clique. They were singled out as a "gang" amongst other gangs in the "Senior
Class Poem." (In the next year's yearbook "Class Poem" they were "another good bunch" along
with the "South Hill gang.") The word depression appeared in the opening sentence of the
"class prophecy" section: "the dark clouds of depression, which for so long have hovered over
minot high school as over everywhere else . . . ." (The 1934 yearbook, designed in the
"modernistic mode," had no capital letters.)
The 1935 yearbook, with the
motion picture as a theme,
presented a number of casual
shots of students as if they
were in rolls of film. One of
these was the first picture at the
right. Some small pictures of
Minot businesses, such as the
State theater and Keg
restaurant, were also included. (Other theaters were the Strand and the Orpheum. 133)
Two new student organizations in the 1934-35 school year were the Quill and Scroll Society and
the Minot Model Maker. The Quill and Scroll Society was an "international honor society for
high school journalists." The Minot Model Maker ("Triple M Club") was for students interested
in aviation and model building.134
The following year, 1935-1936, was a signal year for Minot High sports. Minot won state
championships in basketball and football. In football, under Coach Glenn Jarrett, Minot was
the North Dakota and South Dakota state champion after beating Rapid City. The yearbook was
dedicated to the two teams with pictures of the teams placed at the beginning of the yearbook.
24
Perhaps because of the attention that was accorded the basketball and football teams, a number
of pages were devoted to the Girls Athletic Association. This description of G.A.A. activities
was provided:
At the same time the boys were winning championships for our school, the
girls were gaining better personalities and healthier bodies through their
athletic activities. A variety of sports was evident. Many girls, under the
leadership of Miss Grace Anderson, learned the fundamentals of tap dancing.
Expert volley ball, which was the result of hours of conscientious practice after
school, was exhibited in the tournament games. Playing basketball every
Saturday morning during the winter months became a popular pastime for many.
At the arrival of spring, time was spent playing indoor kittenball [softball].
Then also the tumbling mats were taken out, and many learned to perform
difficult feats which were shown at the physical education exhibit.135
The photos below convey some of the physical activities the girls participated in on the east side
of the school grounds or on nearby streets.
This photo was titled "Tumbling." In the background
to the right is the Armory, which became the
administrative building in the early 1960s. A
parking lot has replaced the residence at the back
This photo was titled "Kittenball." The girls are playing
in the street south of the school block. The Ellison
Apartments can be seen in the background to the right.
That building still stands.
A new club in the 1935-1936 year was the Active Atoms, created to study and promote
chemistry. The Latin Club was back under a new name (Latina Solidotus) as was the Model
Maker Club, which was now the Aviation Club.
The 1936-1937 school year was another dominating one for Minot boys’ basketball and football.
The basketball team won the state championship again. The football team outscored its nine
opponents before the championship game 520-0 (yes, 520-0, including a 90-0 score over
Bismarck). Unfortunately it lost the championship game against Valley City.
That year the high school began a weekly radio broadcast aired at 6:30 in the evening on
Tuesdays. Students, staff, and the principal participated in creating the programs.
The 1938 yearbook provided some positive details about the state of the
school. A home economics class was back for the first time since 1932.
The school newspaper restarted in February 1938 after not publishing
for a few years. The junior class of 251 was the "largest group in
several years."136
A sports star of this school year and the next two was Joyce Nelson, who
was considered "North Dakota's leading woman figure skater.” 137
25
The photo at the right from the 1938 yearbook has this caption:
"The latest in cars--and Seniors."
In the 1938-1939 school year these were new organizations: the
Broadcast Club, Students' English Council, and the Writer's Club.
The Broadcast Club "sponsored weekly radio broadcasts and six
radio plays." It's unclear what the purpose of the English Council
was, but each English class chose a representative for it. The
Writers' Club was organized "to encourage writing as a hobby."
Also noted were two Minot High boys who were amateur radio
operators. They were "two of the 281 licensed 'hams' in North
Dakota." 138 To the right is a photo of one of them.
By this year two outside youth organizations were having an
impact on Minot High students: Order of the Rainbow for Girls and
Order of DeMolay (for boys). Both organizations were associated with the Masonic Lodge and
emphasized community service and leadership.139 Both sponsored dances that were noted in the
1939 yearbook: a Rainbow Formal at the Parker's, a Rainbow Calico Ball, and a "swell"
DeMolay dance.140 It's not clear whether any of the dances took place at the high school. The
two organizations would be active for years in Minot and covered by the High Times.
The word jitterbugs (student dancers), along with jitterbuggin', appeared a number of times in
the pages of the 1939 yearbook. The jitterbug was a very animated dance that was popular in
the later 1930s through the end of World War II.
The happier times that the jitterbug might suggest were soon darkened by war news. The
"School Calendar" section of the 1940 yearbook recorded that on September 21, 1939, there was
a "special assembly called to hear President Roosevelt speak. (over the radio)." No commentary
was provided, but Roosevelt, appearing before Congress, asked that the Neutrality Acts be
amended so that the U.S. could more easily supply arms and goods to Great Britain and France.
In his introductory remarks in the yearbook, Principal Colton acknowledged "these times of
hourly European War news."
Other 1939-1940 school news was less ominous. The Shorthand Club was a new business
organization; apparently only girls belonged. Major movie news was conveyed in this March
31, 1940, "School Calendar" listing: "'Gone with the Wind' and we can't get excused from
school to see it. Oh, unhappy day. But that's OK. We'll spend all Saturday there. I'd settle for
Rhett Butler any day." The "School Calendar" also recorded the first mention of Sadie Hawkins
in a January19 entry: "Get set, girls--this is our big chance. Sadie Hawkins says, ‘Get your man,
honey, it's leap year.’" A Sadie Hawkins dance is an informal dance for which girls invite boys.
(Sadie Hawkins was a character from the comic strip Li’l Abner, begun in the mid 1930s.141)
A final sports note: Track was reported to have become a major sport for the high school boys by
the end of the decade.142 It had been covered in the yearbooks throughout the decade, along with
football and basketball. Golf and tennis were two other boys' sports covered, briefly, in most of
the yearbooks.
A new addition to the east end of the senior high building was finished in January 1940. The
picture below is from the 1940 yearbook.
26
Senior High School with East Addition, 1940
The high school's enrollment numbers moved upward by the end of the decade but at the end
were not higher than the 1929-1930 number. These were the high school's enrollment numbers
for the decade, beginning with the 1930-1931 school year: 663, 691, 682, 694, 613, 683, 696,
676, 727, and 721.143 The lowest number was during the 1934-1935 school year. Minot's
population grew only slightly--from 16,099 to 16,577. (The growth of the other three major
cities in the state was greater.) North Dakota's overall population numbers decreased as the
depression was accompanied by severe drought. In January of 1939, about 37 per cent of the
state's population was still "receiving assistance from a state or federal agency."144
Minot remained a small city physically as well. As Wally Hankla remembers it, "the
perimeters of Minot in the mid 1930s were roughly: Minot State Teachers College to the north;
10th and 12th streets west, except for Garden Valley which was random housing, Rosehill
Cemetery to the south, and Roosevelt park to the east."145 (The Garden Valley area was west of
the present Job Corps/past VA Hospital area.) A symbol of the economic times was an
unfinished office building downtown, called the Sparrow Hotel, that was begun in the mid 1920s
but not finished until after World War II, when Clarence Parker converted it into the Clarence
Parker Hotel.146 (It's now the Minot Commission on Aging Parker Senior Center.) However,
Minot was able to improve or build miles of streets, bridges, and sidewalks and improve its
sanitation system thanks to "large amounts of federal funds."147
Minot also needed a city auditorium but was unsuccessful in its pursuit of federal money for it.
The senior high school auditorium and junior high gym were not capable of or appropriate for
handling all of the city’s needs. The school board, in a September 3, 1935, resolution, stated that
a "combination Armory and Community building of sufficient size" was needed to handle "large
conventions, athletic events, entertainments of a wide variety, displays and exhibits such as civic
bodies of the City are in need of at this time." They also stated that the present Armory was
"wholly inadequate." Elks’ circuses performed in the high school auditorium in 1935, probably
in 1937, and perhaps in other years.148 There were even requests to handle boxing or wrestling
matches, in response to which the school board, in a Dec. 1, 1936, meeting, passed a motion
never to allow such events. The State Class B Basketball tournament and other big games were
held in a high school gymnasium with somewhat limited seating.149 Minot would not acquire a
city auditorium until the present building opened in 1954.
27
1940-1950
World War II was a major element in school life in the first half of this decade. However, much
of the normal activity continued, and in the second half of the decade developments with the
clubs and school publications seemed to suggest a new level of energy. School enrollment,
though, was another matter.
The U.S. was not at war during the 1940-1941 school year, but the patriotic theme of the 1941
yearbook was American liberty. The Statue of Liberty was the cover design, and the title of
Principal Colton's remarks in the yearbook was "Liberty Enlightening the World." America/
Minot was contrasted with Nazi Germany in the inside covers of the yearbook:
Superintendent White's yearbook remarks, titled "Our School Is Democratic," focused on "the
part the schools must play in [democracy's] preservation and development." Perhaps that is why
the high school acquired so many councils that school year. In addition to the Principal's
Council (previously the Principal's Student Advisory Council), the school had an Athletic
Council, a Social Council, and a Dean of Women's Council. On each of these councils there
were staff and student members, so that all had a voice, and together the councils served as
executive organizations for the bulk of school activities. The main purpose of the Dean of
Women's Council was "the welfare of the girls in school." 150 The councils, along with the P.T.A.,
were covered near the front of the yearbook.
Other new organizations were the Library Club, Ushers' Club, and the Homemaking Club.
The Homemaking Club replaced the Pin Pan Club, which had not been in existence for a number
of years. The Ushers' Club members, all boys in the yearbook photo, checked tickets and
ushered fans at the basketball games. The Library Club members worked in the library during a
free hour, and at its meetings that year studied reference books. The high school's first librarian,
Edith Iverson, was the advisor.
The new addition at the east end of the senior high school building included the library, which
opened on Nov. 13, 1940. When the library opened, it had 1500 books on the shelves with 500
"being readied for use." Thirty-one magazines were on order.151 By the end of the decade the
number of books would increase to 5000 along with 38 magazine subscriptions. Also by the end
28
of the decade the addition housed the band room and home economics
room.152
Some final bits from the 1941 yearbook: On a two-page spread for "All-Stars" from boys' sports,
skiing and figure skating standouts were highlighted, in addition to football and basketball
players. The G.AA., still active with 153 members, sponsored for the first time a girls' softball
league. For any prom historians, there was a two-page spread on how to get ready for a prom
(for the girl) and how to achieve a perfect prom day ( for the guy), filled with pictures. The
Calendar section included this entry for April 1: "It didn't seem like April Fool's Day with the
mobilization of the guardsmen."
During the next school year, the United States was drawn into war. The inside covers of the
1942 yearbook presented a map of North Dakota with the resources that North Dakota could
provide the nation during war. Throughout the yearbook were large photos of farm equipment,
coal mining equipment, and so on. At the beginning of the yearbook these were the words
provided by the administration about the efforts of the high school:
So we in Minot High School are trying to do our part. By giving up small
luxuries we have purchased war stamps throughout the year. Many of the boys,
both graduates and members of our school, have joined their country's forces.
Still more have entered war industries, so vital to the national program. Last,
but far from least, we have those who are doing their bit on the farms of our
state--growing the grain to feed the man behind the man behind the gun.
Minot High has the ability to do its part; Minot High has the resources to do
its part; Minot High has the will to do its part. Minot High School WILL do
its part!
On one page of the yearbook were pictures of some students
who had volunteered for military assignment. Both in this
yearbook and the previous one there were photos of
students and adults saluting the flag, in a manner that we
don't see anymore. The one to the right is from the 1942
yearbook.
A new council this year was the Red Cross Council, which
developed from the high school's membership in the National Junior Red Cross. Each home
room was a Red Cross Chapter and provided a representative to the Red Cross Council. The
members received First Aid instruction and knitted and sewed.153
The new library was clearly a success. This information was provided on the Library Club page:
"During an average day about six hundred students use our high school library. Usually about
seventy-five or more students come into the library each school hour. There are also about fortyfive students using the library before and after school hours."154
The first photo to the right is a busy
library scene, with the fireplace
mid left side. The second photo is
of the school cafeteria, housed in
what is now the shop area. Both
photos are from the 1942 yearbook.
29
championships.155
Some 1941-1942 sports notes: The boys' football and track teams won state
The football coach was Jack Mackenroth and the track coach C.A. ("Cassie") Mills. Male and
female figure skaters made the sports "All-Stars" page.
In the section "Glimpses from Bub's Diary," near the end of the 1942 yearbook, were these two
entries, among others:
December 8: The inevitable thing happened. The United States declared war on
Japan. I heard President Roosevelt's declaration in an all-school assembly.
February 9: I like the new Daylight Saving Time schedule.
The 1943 yearbook conveyed the effects of being at war for over a year. There were two pages
of lengthy lists devoted to "Sons in Service" and an "In Memory" page. A new section of the
yearbook was titled "War Work." Highlighted in that section were the Junior Red Cross
Council, a military drill unit (which met at the armory across the street), a course in home
nursing and first aid, and a course in farm machine repair.
New organizations were the Junior Game Wardens Club and another "executive" council, the
Dramatic Council. The goal of the Junior Game Wardens was "to restore the wildlife of North
Dakota and perpetuate it for the benefit of future generations." The Dramatic Council, an
"advisory board for the John Barrymore Chapter of Playmakers," had final say over the specific
productions and number of them as well as financial matters.156
This caption appeared with a photo of students dancing: "Time--every Friday night. Place--the
auditorium. What senior will ever forget the weekly snake rassels with their broken-down
nickleodians and sticky floor? Of course we did manage to have fun."157
A June 11, 1943, Minot High Times article conveyed the effects of war on the senior students:
Uncle Sam has called several seniors of Minot High to service for the
duration in the many armed services. Most of them are on an inactive
standing until graduation June 11.
Many have enlisted in the navy V-5 and V-12 programs and the army air
corps. Lee Northern and Don Thompson enlisted in the army air corps
while Howie Howe is the most recent senior to go into the navy V-5
aviation program. The navy deck officers training (V-12) has four M.H.S.
seniors on their roll. These are Bob Alander, Tom Hugh, Al Bacon and
Ted Bliss. The draft is going to get most of the seniors before the summer
is over, but they must go so that victory will be one step nearer.158
The war also took its toll on the school publications. The High Times would not be published for
the next two school years. The June 11th issue was much smaller physically. (The two high
school libraries have few issues of the early 1940s school newspapers.) Beginning with the 1943
yearbook, the yearbooks had fewer pages for a number of years.
The 1944 yearbook was dedicated to service. Principal Colton wrote about honoring the men
and women who served in the military and issued "a call for Service" to all in the high school--to
serve the school, their homes, country, and "best selves." Near the end of the yearbook was a
"Memoriam" page and a poem dedicated to those who had fallen.
30
There was news about organizations. A new one was the Office Club, whose members worked
during school hours in the principal's office and the board of education office. The Social
Committee, which seemed to have replaced the Social Council, was particularly active-purchasing a nickelodeon for the dances and sponsoring the Sadie Hawkins Dance and the Class
B Tournament Ball. The G.A.A. was still in existence as "among the more prominent
organizations in Minot High."159
According to yearbook photo captions, this music was a hit at two assemblies: the "boogie beat"
of the songs "Boogie Woogie" and "Pistol Packin' Mamma" along with the "swingin''" style of
Benny Goodman. According to the Benny Goodman caption, "The kids went high, wide, and
hog-wild over the arrangements and encores of this gentleman of jive."160
This was a bit of sports news: the high school had had a tumbling squad for a few years. This
year the squad, which performed during the halftimes of home basketball games, was larger.161
The 1945 yearbook did not have a theme but opened with photos of a war bonds booth with men
in uniform speaking to students lined up at the booth. The previous yearbook had ended with
war bonds booth scenes. Bonds would continue to be sold in the nation's schools the following
year with the slogan "Speed Recovery, with Your Savings."162
The 1946 yearbook provided a list of assemblies for the year and a small window on school life:
September 28--Vernon S. Peterson, PLASTICS
October 6--Emil E. Liers, TRAINED OTTERS.
October 30--Salvation Army.
November 3--Loyalty Day.
November 10--Armistice Day.
November 13--Dr. Laird, GEOLOGY.
November 22--Thanksgiving.
December 12--One-act Plays.
December 21--Christmas.
December 22--Football.
January 12--Mr. George H. Steck, RED CROSS.
February 7--Film, COMBAT AMERICA.
February 20--Film, WINNING THE WAR WITH SYNTHETIC
RUBBER.
February 22--Dr. Weber and Hazel McCulloch.163
Again a page in the yearbook was devoted to the war dead--now a much longer list--and a poem
was dedicated to the dead. A new page was titled "Missing in Action." The war in Europe was
over by the end of this school year, and in a few months it would be over in the Pacific. This
would be the last yearbook with lists of the war dead.
In the 1946 yearbook the war and its aftermath were addressed in the opening pages but made no
other appearances. The yearbook was dedicated to "all the men and women who have served in
the armed forces of our country, and especially to those who have paid the supreme sacrifice."
Superintendent Miller and Principal King wrote about the problems in the aftermath of war, and
the superintendent expressed hope for what the seniors would accomplish in "guiding affairs in a
post-war world." (The school newspapers did include some references to the war.)
31
The 1946 yearbook did have a unique feature and a bit of organizational news. The unique
feature was that all the junior and froshmore pictures were hand-drawn. A new organization was
the Executive Council, which apparently replaced the Social Committee. It sponsored many of
the school activities. The Principal's Advisory Council seemed to have disappeared with the
arrival of a new principal this school year.
In the 1945-1946 school year the High Times returned with force. Among the articles on the
front page of its first issue that year (October 19, 1945) was a lengthy article on Loyalty Day and
an article pushing for a canteen, a "place for teenagers to go evenings." The Loyalty Day article
provided specifics on the plans for that year's Loyalty Day activities, noting that "war
restrictions" had limited the activities in recent years. It also provided a history of Loyalty Day.
According to the article on the need for a canteen, there had been one in past years, but no one
was willing now to be in charge and the room was too small. The armory across the street was
favored, but it had been leased for use as a roller skating rink. An editorial in the same issue
insisted that Minot High's reputation was at stake. According to the editorial, Minot's youth had
a reputation for "drinking, smoking, [and] vulgar language," which came from frequenting
"'dives'" because there was no other place with "enough variety in activities to interest
everyone." Representatives from all three high schools in Minot were involved in the search for
a suitable canteen. A canteen did open later in the school year. Located in Eastwood Park, the
Teen Canteen was open every night except Sunday for all junior and senior high students.164
Where were some places students could be found apart from the Teen Canteen? The editorial
mentioned three places to dance--the Red Rooster, Parkers, and the Fairground pavilion.
According to Wally Hankla, "a prominent hangout for boys in the 40's was Angelo's Pool Hall
[on Main Street]. . . . If you were under 18, a written permission from your parents was required
to be filed. If boys and girls were together (or looking for one another), the place to go was
probably the Nifty Nook drive in."165
On a later page of the October 19 issue was an article that conveyed a common complaint about
the high school: its layout. The article also provided a sense of how the facility was used. This
is the article, titled “How Well Do You Know Nooks, Crannies of M.H.S?":
A jigsaw puzzle or a school? That’s M.H.S. Our school was built piece by piece
and that is the reason it is so cut up and unhandy. That is why you have to go
through Oral English to get to [the] Home Ec. department and through a drafty
tunnel to reach the new gym. Also, being a building of large proportions, it furnishes
many dark nooks and corners in which newcomers and visitors may get lost.
So many doors lead in and out of the building that one becomes confused. When
venturing into the old gym you’re likely to come upon several tunnels which lead
to no place in particular. On the second and third floor of [the] Senior High you find
iron gates which lead to the Junior High.
A sprawling room on the lowest floor is the cafeteria where lots of the students
eat lunch. A hot dish and fruits are usually served.
There is a running track around the upper balcony of the auditorium. Here daily
during track season the patter of dainty feet is heard stomping around the track.
At the back of the auditorium is a movie booth where regular size films may be shown.
32
On the street side of the track are two doors, one on either side. The door to the
right is the new bookstore and the door to the left is a dark, locked mystery.
If curiosity leads you to our swimming pool, you may enter either door at the
farthest end of the gym.
Our school, even if it isn’t a haunted building, has a spiral staircase. It is an
emergency exit from the band rooms and also Home Ec.
Dank . . . dark . . . drear . . . deathlike . . . any of Edgar Allan Poe’s favorite
words are said to apply to the faculty men’s hide-out or ‘lair’ near the shop.
Mr. Kuch guards the door--and who knows what goes on?
In a December 1945 poll in the school newspaper, students chose “If I Loved You” and “Paper
Moon” as the "top songs on the list of records wanted for the nickelodeon."166
The Class B Basketball Tournament continued to be a big event at the school. In a later section
is a March 15, 1946, Minot High Times feature that welcomed the fans and provided information
on Minot High and what Minot had to offer fans. Model High would win a number of Class B
championships beginning with 1947. ( St. Leo’s had joined the Class A ranks after its third
Class B championship in 1943.)
A significant change in class requirements went into effect at the beginning of the 1946-1947
school year: no more gym for juniors and seniors. Physical education and health instruction
would now be covered in the 7th-10th grades. This schedule, it was felt, would allow the
upperclassmen "more of a chance to do their studying inside of school" and "more time for extra
curricular activities."167 Required gym classes for juniors and seniors would not return for years.
The revived Quill and Scroll organization sponsored a literary magazine, Magician, that would
continue to be published for decades. The first issue was printed in December 1946.168
There were a number of other organizational developments in the 1946-1947 school year.
According to the 1947 yearbook, two new clubs were the Future Homemakers of America (FHA)
and the Key Club. The local FHA unit was part of a national organization. (The Homemaking
Club seems to have had a short existence.) No information was provided about the Key Club in
the 1947 yearbook, but there was information in the 1948 yearbook: it "is sponsored by the
Kiwanis Club in Minot and is to Minot High School what the Kiwanis is to the community."
The membership of this all-male service organization was made up of representatives from all of
the school's clubs and organizations. Minot High's Key Club was the first one in the state. (It
would be active for a few years, then disappear for many years.) The Executive Council was
apparently replaced by the Student Activities Committee, whose membership consisted of
students and advisors for organizations in the school. The Ushers' Club now had male and
female members. (In future years it would an all-girls club.) According to the High Times,
a local chapter (Troupe 791) of the National Thespian Society was chartered at Minot High in the
spring of 1947.169 To qualify for this honor society, Minot High Playmakers had to perform at a
high level. (The Thespians were not mentioned in a yearbook until 1948.)
A committee covered in the yearbook was the Constitution Committee, which produced a school
constitution. The proposed constitution, whose creation had been sponsored by the Minot High
Times staff, was published in a November 15, 1946, High Times issue. It was ratified soon after
by a "narrow margin."170 In the 1949-1950 school year it was revised. 171
33
A notable issue of the High Times this year was the October 18, 1946, Twentieth Anniversary
Edition. It provided a lengthy history of the school paper, as well as articles on Minot's history,
Minot High's history, and the histories of many smaller cultural institutions such as KLPM, the
Y.W.C.A, and the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts.
Flickertail Girls' State had its first session in the summer of 1947. Sue Harmon was Minot
High's delegate to this session. The applicants, chosen from the junior class, were "selected on
the basis of leadership, character, courage, honesty, cooperation, and scholarship by each high
school faculty."172 (The first session of Boys State began in the summer of 1938.173)
Attendance at the Class A basketball
tournament was a significant social
activity in these years, warranting (as
early as the 1944 yearbook) a page of
informal photos in the yearbooks To
the right are photos from the 1947 and
1948 yearbooks:
In the 1947-1948 school year a new
organization was added and one
returned after many years' absence. The new organization was the
Legislative Council, which made "regulations governing student conduct outside the
classroom." 174 Both it and the Executive Council were part of the Constitution ratified the
previous year. This year its delegates, from each home room and from "the six major activities,"
addressed these topics: an all-school letter, management of dances, and gym seating.175 (The
Student Activities Committee seemed to have been replaced by the two councils.)
The Hi-Y Club, which received a "charter of national affiliation" this school year, was back in
time to play a role in the establishment of "a building to house all YMCA activities in Minot,"
according to a High Times article. The overall purpose of this all-male club was "to create,
maintain, and extend throughout the school and community high standards of Christian
character."176 In 1948 a YMCA building was built downtown, just north of the high school.
(That building would have a number of additions and then be sold and replaced by the new
YMCA building in 2001.177)
In the 1947-1948 school year the school district acquired a new
GMC forty-two passenger bus.178 The photo at right is from the
1948 yearbook. It doesn’t seem possible that forty-two
passengers could fit in the bus.
During the 1948-49 school year, the high school added a
vocational agriculture program. The agricultural classes were
"open to all farm boys, in compliance with the federal Smith-Hughes Act." In addition to
covering grains and animals, farm machinery was also covered.179
Two clubs were added this year, three were back after many years' absence, and one expanded.
The new clubs were the Future Farmers of America (FFA) and the Student Council. The FFA
was an outgrowth of the new vocational agriculture program. Apparently the Student Council,
becoming a "unicameral body" in the second semester, replaced both the Executive and
34
Legislative
(According to the 1950 yearbook, the Student Council was composed of
all the class officers and homeroom officers.) The Latin, Debate, and Spanish clubs were back.
There was a Junior Hi-Y in addition to the Hi-Y.
Councils.180
The biggest sports news in the 1948-1949 school year was the boys' basketball team winning the
state championship, under Coach Pete Petrich.
The 1949 yearbook covered the usual major social events--Loyalty Day, a carnival with
concessions manned by each organization, and the prom--but two of the more memorable events
must have been the Hobo Hop and the Sadie Hawkins Day dance. For the Hobo Hop "all Minot
High School went slumming," according to the yearbook article, which went on to report that
"the highlight of the evening was the crowning of our hobo king and queen, . . . who, dressed in
their 'regal attire,' received the royal gifts of a can of beans and a cigar." 181 This was the
description of the Sadie Hawkins Day dance:
All MHS girls and the boys they snared danced among the jugs and schmoos
[both from the Li’l Abner comic strip] at the Sadie Hawkins Day Ball
sponsored by the Quill and Scroll. The only entrance to the dance floor was
a slide from the first balcony. After the boys compared corsages made of
vegetables and what else was available at home, the dancing began--and what
dancing! As they all went home, visions of butterflies danced in their heads.182
These are photos from the yearbook for these events:
Both the 1949 and 1950 yearbooks, longer than the yearbooks had been in years, provided twopage photo features on Froshie Day. For the 1949-50 school year the Student Council
established some rules--apparently limiting the mistreatment of froshmores. This is a description
of their treatment: "besides bowing and praising upper-classmen, the froshies could be seen
carrying books, polishing shoes and scrubbing floors under the willful commands and whims of
their masters." 183 Happily, the froshmores were honored at a dance that evening. The first photo
below is from the 1949 yearbook; the second is from the 1950 yearbook.
35
For the 1949-1950 school year, Minot High had very successful football and basketball seasons-under two first-year head coaches, Duane Carlson and Art Hovde. The football team made it to
the state championship but lost a close game. The basketball team won a second straight state
championship.
Some final sports notes for the decade: From the 1946 yearbook on, the G.A.A. seems to have
been inactive; at least there was no coverage in the yearbooks. Girls' sports, however, continued
in leagues for basketball, volleyball, softball, and bowling. (There were also boys' leagues in
most of these sports.)184 Teams from the other high schools were involved in these leagues.185
The boys' varsity played St. Leo's, whether Class B or Class A, twice a year in basketball and a
few times even in football. The football team played Model in 1947-1948. Football, basketball,
and track were the only significant boys' sports; tennis and golf disappeared for the entire decade.
What happened to the councils by the end of the decade? The Dramatic, Social, Dean of
Women's, Executive, and Legislative Councils were gone. The Athletic Council continued into
the next decade, but almost no attention was given it in the yearbooks. The Student Council
remained, along with councils for each of the three classes, consisting of the officers for each
class and the homeroom presidents for each class. The Red Cross Council, after a short hiatus,
also continued into the next decade. Representative democracy was still alive at Minot High.
Before this decade is closed out, some attention is due the school’s vital music and dramatic
organizations and its Pep Club. During the 1930s and 1940s the high school always had at least
one band, orchestra, and chorus, along with smaller musical groups. These organizations
provided music for many occasions. In the 1936-1937 school year Arvel Graving joined the
department, where he would be a force for decades as a band director. In all but one year of the
1930-1950 period, according to the yearbooks, there was at least one Dramatic or Playmaker
Club producing plays. In the year when no club seemed to exist (1938), both the juniors and
seniors produced plays. The all-girl Pep Club, in existence every year during these decades, was
generally very large, sometimes requiring three photos to include all the members. Its force at
games was captured by these words from the 1941 yearbook: “A sports announcer once said,
after observing a basketball game, that the girls won half the game.” This club not only
supported the teams at games but sponsored such events as Loyalty Day, the Pep Club formal,
and pep assemblies, as well as financing the cheerleaders and, at least for a time, choosing the
cheerleaders.186 According to the 1944 yearbook, at a time when Pep Club membership was
limited to junior and senior girls, it was the “height of every [froshmore] girl's ambition” to
become a member of the Pep Club.
Minot's population over the decade grew significantly from 16,577 to 22,032. After the war
ended, there were two major building additions to the city: the Clarence Parker Hotel and the
VA hospital.187 The high school enrollment numbers, however, decreased significantly, probably
reflecting the impact of the Great Depression on birth and marriage rates. These are the
enrollment numbers, beginning with the 1940-1941 school year: 784, 750, 694, 608, 635, 610,
623, 619, 579, 616.188 There were no building additions to the high school. There were,
however, some positive developments by the end of the decade: the return of the school
newspaper (with, at times, ambitious content), the addition of a literary magazine, the increased
size of the yearbooks, the return of many clubs and the addition of others, and sports success.
36
1950-1960
In this decade the city's population grew significantly and the high school's enrollment even more
significantly. Minot High acquired a new school song. The debate team was the school's most
successful team. Cars made the school newspaper many times. Rock-and-roll music arrived.
Sports offerings and venues expanded.
A major event in the 1950-1951 school year for Minot High students was a model United
Nations held at Minot State Teachers College on November 10-11. Dr. Thomas Davis of MSTC
was the original force behind the event, considered to be the first one of its kind in the United
States for high school students. Six hundred students from at least forty-seven schools were
scheduled to attend. Minot High students represented the U.S. and Russia as well as eight other
countries. All Minot High seniors were required to attend.189
The lack of a teen canteen was back as an issue. For a while the speech classes, which worked
on the issue, looked for a large house that they could inexpensively remodel.190 Then a High
Times editorial suggested that the "new" YMCA about to be built would provide financially
stable and ample facilities, including a teen canteen that girls could use.191 It is not clear what
was meant by a "new" YMCA; likely it was an expansion or remodeling of the earlier building.
The small debate team had a successful year under the
direction of new coach Willard Laabs. The team traveled
to Gustavus Adolphus and Concordia colleges in
Minnesota as well as to schools in North Dakota. It also
put on informal debates in Minot. It took first place at the
state high school tournament, for which the general topic
was the "welfare state."192 This tournament was the "first
state debate convention." 193 The trips would continue
throughout the decade and so would the success. There
would be four more state championships for Minot High's
debate teams coached by Laabs.194 The photo at the right,
from the 1954 yearbook, captures the traveling element of
being on a debate team. Coach Laabs is at the left.
In the next school year, 1951-1952, the High Times campaigned for a drivers' training course.
Above a photo of wrecked cars, this was the headline of one article: "A Driver Training Course
Could Have Prevented This Accident."195 The article noted that as "times are more prosperous"
more young people are driving cars. In an editorial, some numbers about state schools were
offered in support of a course at Minot High: "251 out of 386 secondary schools conduct drivers
training courses, and out of 6,414 eligible students, 5,567 are enrolled." In another article, it was
reported that in a driving-training poll of students only 35 were opposed. However, it was also
acknowledged that with increasing enrollments the administration needed to fill other staffing
needs.196
On November 16-17, Minot High's Student Council hosted, at Minot High, the first annual state
convention of the Student Councils of North Dakota. A Student Council Edition of the High
Times was published. Nine student committees worked to make the event a success.197
The teen canteen problem seemed to have been solved with the opening of a "new" YMCA
37
building in January. Among the many facilities were an
80-by-50-foot basketball gym and a 60-by-20 foot
swimming pool. A teen canteen was supposed to be "held"
in the banquet room on Saturday nights. As of January 21,
1952, 376 high school boys and 62 girls were members of
the YMCA.198 However, future High Times articles would
indicate that, while student involvement in the Y would
remain high, the teen canteen remained in a state of flux.
(In two years there would be plans for a teen canteen in the
basement of the YMCA, in another two years the American
Legion was considering building a Teenage Youth Center, and then late in 1958 a remodeled Y
canteen was supposed to open. 199) The photo of the pool is from the February 4, 1952, High
Times. It would be used by Minot High physical education classes in future years.
Minot High added new clubs this year and saw other developments with organizations. One of
the new clubs was the Minot Chapter of the National Honor Society, whose goals, according to
the yearbook, were "to promote worthy leadership and service, and to create an enthusiasm for
scholarships."200 The yearbook now covered three levels of Hi-Y: Froshmore, Junior, and
Senior. The High Times reported on a new Y club, Tri-Y, formed in the spring of the year. This
club was for girls who belonged to the YMCA; they were "allowed to use all facilities at the
YMCA." 201 The Science Club returned with three divisions--Biology, Physics, and Chemistry.
Big sports news in Minot was the new gym at Minot State, which could seat 3500. 202 It was part
of the new Swain Hall. The college basketball team played its first game in the gym early in
January 1952.203 On January 29th, Minot High played St. Leo's before 2500 fans.204 This was
what Minot Daily News sports columnist James Sullivan wrote before the game: "For the first
time a Magician-Lion game should attract everybody who is willing and able to see it. There are
folks who have never sat down to the action, except in front of the wireless."205 Minot hosted its
first Class A western division basketball tournament at the new gym in March. Though the new
MSTC gym was certainly welcome, Minot High and St. Leo's continued to play basketball at the
Minot High gym. With four teams in town, all the games could not be held at the new college
gym. (Dakota Lutheran Academy, another school at this time, may also have had a team.)
An issue of the High Times was devoted to the tournament, with material about the teams'
schools as well as each team and advice for visitors. In one High Times tournament piece
visitors were advised that the places to go for young people were the YMCA, the Nifty Nook,
and a place the writers called "THE HOLE."206 "The Hole" was Selk's Pool Hall, a boys' hangout
that was featured in a High Times article on two snooker rivals earlier in the school year.207
A minor sports development at the school was the addition of a
trampoline. A trampoline team of five boys performed at half
times at basketball games. The following year there would be three
girls and one boy on the team.208 The photo at the right is from the
1953 yearbook.
Other news this year: Some movie stars--Robert Young, Gig
Young, Marta Toren, Ann Doran, Dorothy Patrick--visited Minot
High, and Senator Joseph McCarthy spoke before the American
Legion in Minot with many students in attendance. 209 There were two references to the fighting
38
in Korea in the High Times--both about how soldiers had enjoyed reading copies of the High
Times at the Korean front.210 The yearbooks seemed to contain nothing on the war.
In an October High Times editorial in the next school year, 1952-1953, there was a call for the
high school to have its own school song. Bismarck High had come up with its own school
song.211 In a few years there would be an answer to this call.
In the second semester Miss Mai Nagatomo taught a radio class that consisted of students from
the previous semester's High Times staff who were "interested in attaining experience in radio
writing and radio speaking." The class produced 15-minute programs Fridays, beginning at 3:45,
that were broadcast over radio station KLPM. The programs were supposed to "consist of school
news, interviews, and recorded music." 212
A March 1953 High Times article captured the spirit of study hall:
Buzz-z-z, recess time. On the third floor of Minot High school is a large
room with 12 light bulbs and 16 big windows . . . . One hour of each day
the Minot High kids enjoy an hour of relaxation there.
The Study Hall supervisor acts as a recreation director, and sits up in front
of the room at a big desk. . . .
For recreation the kiddies sometimes have races to see who can fill up the
pencil sharpeners the fastest. Ever try to find your reflection in a light
bulb? That's lots of fun. The dictionary will twirl around at an alarming
speed with a little practice. The athletes often practice throwing balls of
paper at a waste basket half way across the room. Funny, how they've
usually got a better aim in the gym.
..........
The kiddies, who have real lively imaginations, can tell their futures by
reading the lines and pictures carved in their desks. It just takes a little
voo doo practice.213
Another March High Times article provided an update on what the library had to offer: about
5000 books, four sets of encyclopedias, four large dictionaries, about 25 newspapers, about 44
"different magazines," and a career section. The career section consisted of books on vocations
and bulletins from colleges and universities.214 The library expanded this section at the end of
the decade.215
Later this year students from the Distributive Education (D.E.) class met in Valley City with
other delegates from around the state to form a "North Dakota chapter of Distributive Education
students."216 D.E. classes had been offered at Minot High since the 1950-1951 school year. On a
1953 yearbook page the D.E. class was described as "composed of students interested in
preparing themselves for selling jobs after high school graduation. The students study retail
merchandising and advertising in class, and apply what they learn when they are on the job
during the afternoon." By the following year, 1953-1954, there was a club, sponsoring such
events as "an appreciation dance for their employers which was held at the Riverside Lodge." 217
By the end of the decade the D.E. Club would also be known as the DECA Club.
39
In the 1953-1954 school year, Minot High's radio broadcasts were expanded and a talent
discovered. Nagatomo's Newswriting II class now produced a program from 5:05-5:30 Fridays
on KLPM. By this year "talent from the school" had been added to the program.218 One senior
stood out as a radio talent: Boyd Christenson. In addition to being an announcer for the Minot
High program, he ended up with his own "On the Record" program from 10:35 to 10:55 PM
Mondays through Fridays. He received his night position "because of his bang-up performance
on the March of Dimes program . . . and through the efforts of Les Maupin of KLPM."219
Christenson would go on to be a well known figure for decades in North Dakota radio and
television.
School leaders this year addressed concerns about safe driving and juvenile delinquency, among
other issues. The Student Council sponsored a safe driving campaign "because many
townspeople blame reckless driving and traffic misdemeanors on teenagers."220 In a May 1954
High Times editorial juvenile delinquency was acknowledged as a national problem. The
editorialist stated that "no serious outbreak of delinquency has been present in Minot High," but
added that there is "no reason to believe this is something that happens only in far-away large
cities or imaginative places." The editorialist ended by asking readers to "exert every effort to
combat this menace to our nation." 221
In the 1954-1955 school year, early meetings of the Student Council attempted to address two
problems: the "perennial" lack of student parking spaces around the school and congested
hallways between classes. Students who couldn't get excused to move their vehicles had to pay
$1.00 parking ticket fines.222 The congestion in the hallways was probably due to the steadily
increasing enrollment at the high school.
Club news: A new service club this year was the Flickers, "an
audio-visual aids club... formed for the purpose of learning to run
and to repair movie projectors." 223 The club's officers and advisor
appear in the yearbook photo to the right. The science club was
back under the name "Acidaddicts." The Pep Club adopted a
constitution that "provide[d] for the systematic election of the
school's cheerleaders," which were sponsored by the Pep Club.224
Big news for the city was the opening of a new municipal
auditorium. At that time it was the state's largest civic auditorium, able to seat an estimated
6300 people.225 A professional basketball game between the Minneapolis Lakers and the Fort
Wayne Pistons was played in it on December 30th; this was Minot's "first pro league game in
history." It was soon booked for a variety of other events.226 Minot High first played in the
auditorium against Devils Lake on February 8, 1955.227 The high school would play many home
games on this court in upcoming years.
Other sports news: Minot High's basketball team, "the best defensive team in the state," won the
state title under Coach Hovde. 228 There also was news about a hockey team. Though the
yearbook did not acknowledge this team, according to a January 1955 High Times article, "for
the first time in four or five years, MHS [was] represented in the sport of hockey." The team was
called the Minot Cake Eaters and apparently played at Lincoln Park, or at least was set to host a
tournament there. 229 (Erik Ramstad Junior High was built on Lincoln Park land two years
later.)
40
There were many articles on style in this year's High Times issues These were some of the titles
of articles: "Sprightly Cottons Brighten Hearts and Minot Shop Racks," "Hap-Hazard Hair
Styles Give Spice to Students, Teachers, " and "MHS Students Wear Every Imaginable Kind of
Glasses." Such articles appeared in issues throughout the decade.
The Pep Club formal in November and the Quill and Scroll
formal in February were major social events throughout the
decade. At the 1955 Q & S Valentine Formal, held in the high
school auditorium, "Valentine mobiles were suspended from
the ceiling, and red lighting cast a rosy glow over the
decorations."230 The photo is from the 1955 yearbook.
In the 1955-1956 school year the word froshmores was
replaced by sophomores--in both the yearbook and the High
Times. (In the 1955 yearbook, both terms were used.) Froshie
Day was replaced by Sophie Day, but this initiation tradition would end this
year. Future sophomores would not have to look forward to the Froshie
Day afternoon assembly when they had to perform in unflattering attire for
the upperclassmen. The photo is from the 1953 yearbook.
Minot High had a foreign exchange student for the first time this year,
sponsored by the Student Council: Ayca Izbudak, from Turkey.231 Minot
High would also send two of its students as summer exchange students--one
to Germany and one to Norway.232
Organization news: The science club this year was called the “Molecules.”
The A Cappella Choir performed as a "Singing Christmas Tree" in the school
Christmas program and for television. On portable risers each singer held
"a fir branch and electric colored candles and [wore] a decorative cape." 233
In subsequent yearbooks the "tree" would be called the "Magic Tree" or the
"Magic Christmas Tree." The photo at the right was from the 1956
yearbook.
During this year the radio class produced a half-hour program broadcast on
KCJB radio each Saturday. The program, titled "School Scoops," "featured
news and events from the Minot area schools on the sports, social and academic scene." 234
Minot was able this year to host, at the new city auditorium, its first Class A state basketball
tournament. The High Times staff published a twenty-page issue for the tournament. For visitors
it supplied information about what was playing at Minot's theaters--the Empire Theatre and
Town Theatre--both of which seemed to have opened just in the last year or two. (The Strand
and State theaters advertised in the High Times through the first half of the decade.) On its page
devoted to Minot High's team, the newspaper also provided an article on the fads of Minot High
students. Common student expressions were "cool man, cool," "that's real gone" and, for the
girls, "for nice" and "for cute." One of the newer fads was the Jockey hat, which was "worn over
one eye by the boys." The "braver students" wore Bermuda shorts, which could not be worn
"without knee length socks."235 The issue also identified the jive and the bop as the most popular
dances at Minot High. Both were rock-and-roll dances. "Bopping" was introduced to Minot
High by a student who had spent his summer working in California.236
41
Later in the spring Elvis Presley made an appearance in the High Times. The author of the article
stated that Presley was "probably the most controversial figure in the recording industry" at that
time and "idolized by a tremendous number of teen-agers all over the country." In another article
on the same page, the Crewcuts were identified as "America's number one singing group." They
performed at the Minot city auditorium before a "huge crowd" in April.237
In the 1956-1957 school year Minot High acquired its own school song.
The High Times campaigned for it, and, as a result, band director Arvel
Graving, who had been thinking about composing a pep song, created both
the lyrics and music for a song that was officially adopted in the spring by
the Student Council. (See "School Song" section for more information.)
The photo of Mr. Graving is from the 1956 yearbook.
A High Times editorial asked again for a driver's training course. A response
from Supt. Paul Miller was also published. He felt that the money to pay for a driver's training
teacher could be better spent on a teacher for other courses, especially when it had been hard to
find a teacher.238
The High Times also addressed juvenile delinquency again in a number of pieces. According to
an editorial, though it was not considered to be a major problem in Minot it was "on the rise"-perhaps due to population growth.239 One article provided some numbers on Ward County: "In
1956, there were 262 juvenile delinquents in Ward County, compared with 180 in 1955. The
1956 total is double that of 1954."240 For another article, newspaper staff asked Minot High
teachers, students, and parents: "Do you think Elvis Presley hair cuts and dress affect juvenile
delinquency?" The article reported that "most opinions showed that the mode of dress doesn't
necessarily affect delinquency." A number of individual responses were also supplied, most of
which were somewhat critical of Presley's appearance but at the same time questioned its effect
on young people. Here's one student response: "I don't think it does too much, really. It's just a
bunch of hoods and hound dogs that think they are being cool by wearing their jeans low." One
adult's response: "I don't think his hair and dress do so much as other factors such as his--ahem-movements."241
Another High Times article aired student opinions on the new jet-interceptor base being built
north of Minot. ( The groundbreaking for it had taken place on July 12, 1955.242 ) The question
posed to 18 students was "How will the Air Force base affect Minot?" The more serious
responses mentioned concerns about noise, Minot as a target for the Russians, Minot becoming a
"wild town, " as well as increased population for Minot and "people that are new to North
Dakota." The less serious seemed to focus on the young men who would be arriving; about this
boys' opinions differed from girls'.243
A sports note: In track in the spring of 1957 senior Tom Skadeland
high jumped over 6' 6", which broke the state record and landed him
on the All-American high school track team. He “joined an elite
group of three high school students in the U.S.” that accomplished
this feat.244 The photo is from the 1957 yearbook.
The 1957 yearbook and yearbooks for the rest of the decade would
be at least twenty pages larger than previous ones. The expansion in
pages reflected the increase in students at the high school.
42
In the 1957-1958 school year the High Times made a major push for a guidance counselor at
Minot High. The newspaper even sponsored a student essay contest on the subject "Why we
need a Guidance Counselor in Minot High School."245
Below are photos of some of the Loyalty Day activities (from the 1958 yearbook). On Thursday
evening there was a snake dance, led by the cheerleaders, to the "highlands" (the Town &
Country shopping center would be built there), where a bonfire had been lit. On Friday
afternoon there were coronation activities for the new queen, followed by a parade of homeroom
floats and the royal court, led through downtown Minot by the high school band.246 In the
evening was a football game, followed by a dance.
A flu epidemic closed the high school for a week in the late fall. 247
Later in the year a High Times writer covered a sports topic under discussion in the school: the
need for more "sports activities." According to the author of the article, the student body had
expressed a desire for "Golf, Tennis, Baseball, Bowling, Gymnastics, and Cross Country (a type
of marathon run held during the football season)." He wrote that "the most serious thinking has
been along the line of golf" because of the high interest and the fact that there already is a state
meet. This was his justification for more sports:
The reason for this expanded sports program is to get more boys as well as girls
participating in sports. As it is now there are only Basketball, Football, and
Track, where in the case of basketball and football, height and weight
disadvantages create a problem. This program would involve more people and
it would give a lot more students a chance to enjoy extra-curricular activities.
In a separate piece, he also reported that there was quite a bit of interest in forming a wrestling
team. He wrote that "Model and other schools in the area now participate in the sport."248
Additional sports notes: In the girls’ gym classes this year the activities included volleyball,
basketball, wrestling, and boxing. Wrestling was the most popular.249 Minot hosted a three-state
basketball tournament at the city auditorium over Christmas vacation. In addition to North
Dakota, teams from South Dakota and Minnesota participated.250
Club news: The science club changed its name again--this time to "The Little Einsteins." The
Pep Club yearbook photos were impressive for the numbers of girls in them. This was the third
year in a row that the yearbooks described the organization as the largest in the school.
In the spring of the year the High Times reported on "major" curriculum changes and new
graduation requirements for the upcoming year. Students would need 18 credits to graduate.
These were the specifics about class changes:
43
The major changes will be in science and math requirements, as four credits of
each will be required for graduation. The following courses, in addition to the
present ones, will be offered: advanced chemistry, advanced physics, and
advanced biology; a full year of advanced algebra, a year of trigonometry and
geometry II (combining solid and analytical geometry).
A few subjects will be dropped next year, including home economics,
Journalism II, speech and dramatics, art, and physical education. No credits
will be given for Band, Orchestra, A Cappella, or private music lessons. These
will be purely extra curricular.
Two years of language will be required, and German and Russian will be taught.
English requirements will remain the same, but only three years of history
(no social studies) will be required. There will be no physical education
requirements, although an extra credit course in drivers education will be
offered.
It's not clear how many of the changes were implemented the following year (neither German
nor Russian was taught), but clearly the administration felt a need to make changes. According
to the article, these changes were "instituted because the need for fully educated citizens has
increased steadily throughout the years."251 Though not mentioned in the article, America’s Cold
War with Russia and its scientific accomplishments (it successfully launched the first satellite,
Sputnik, in October 1957) must have had an impact on these decisions.
In an October High Times article in the 1958-1959 school year, the new superintendent, James
Slocum, discussed building changes for the school district, including another new junior high.
(Erik Ramstad had opened in 1957.) According to the article, Supt. Slocum said leftover federal
money granted to build an elementary school at the new air base would be used to build a "junior
high known as South Junior High School. Upon its completion Minot Junior High School will
be vacated and senior high students will move into its classrooms." All of this would take a few
years, but the plan was in place. Slocum also stated that the administration was thinking about
adding Russian to the curriculum.252
Club news: There were two new clubs: Psychology Club and Art Club. The Radio Club
returned with the nickname "Erratic Statics," influenced perhaps by the various nicknames the
Science Club had used. This all-male group studied “technical radio theory” and had a ham
radio station.253 The Minot High D. E. Club was the championship team at the state DECA
convention.254 The Girls' Athletic Association (G.A.A.) was back for a few years after many
years' absence. Its purpose was "to promote more interest in sports among high school girls."255
Major sports news was the addition of wrestling and golf as
Minot High sports. Wrestling was set up so that it would start
after the varsity and "B" squad basketball teams were chosen.
Minot High competed with Class A and Class B teams.256
The team did quite well in its first season, placing fourth at
the state tournament but close behind the second and thirdplace finishers.257 In the 1959 yearbook photo to the right
Jim Hauge is working on a pin. He took first in the state
heavyweight division this first year. In the spring golf was
established. Minot had a sixth-place golfer at the state tournament. 258
44
In a February 1959 editorial the High Times once again addressed the lack of student parking.
Some students had brought the issue before the City Council, but the suggestion that the students
use the parking lot at the Municipal Auditorium was not well received. How many students
needed parking spaces? According to the editorial, a survey that 93 percent of the students took
showed that 135 students drove cars to school each day.259
Some final points for the 1958-1959 year: Former President Truman spoke at MHS at an
assembly in October.260 Apparently driver's education had finally come to Minot High.
According to the 1959 yearbook, "every other day the sophomores take a break [from their
physical education classes] and study driver's education."261 Boxing and wrestling seemed to be
gone from the physical education classes, as only basketball, softball, trampoline, volleyball, and
swimming were mentioned in the yearbook.
The 1959 yearbook provided a school calendar with Minot High, U.S., and world events. The
previous two years' yearbooks had also provided this kind of school calendar, for an eventful
time in history.
These are some informal photos from the 1959 yearbook:
Locker areas always seem
to have been a draw for
students.
The hula hoop craze hit
Minot High.
In the 1959-1960 school year Minot High finally satisfied the need for a guidance counselor. In
fact, Minot High now had two counselors: Benard Rostberg, who was the full-time counselor,
and Carl Bloomquist, who was a teacher/counselor. In addition, one of the teachers also served
as an attendance, or "truant," officer.262 This year "more than 500 students came to Mr.
Rostberg with some personal, scholastic, or vocational counseling." Seventy percent of these
came for vocational counseling.263
Organization news: The Chess Club and Math Club were new this
year. The Bible Club may also have been new. (Though not
identified as new, it showed up in multiple High Times articles.)
A club for students studying Latin was back with the name Omnes
Res Club. By the end of the decade the Hi-Y and other YMCA
clubs had disappeared from the pages of the yearbook but not from
the High Times. There were nine YMCA high school clubs this
year, and a "Y Canteen group" was reported to be "getting under
way" in October. Student Council sponsored a Career Night for
the first time.264 The A Capella Choir brought back Sadie Hawkins
in a big way with three days devoted to it. There was record
attendance at the Pep Club formal.265
Two of the forty members
of Chess Club at play
45
The ever-increasing enrollment at the school was addressed in a High Times editorial about the
need for good manners in the hallways and stairways. Students were asked to follow the up and
down signs on stairways and keep to the right in the hallways.266
The High Times ran a "Classroom in Review" series covering the school's various departments.
We learn, for example, that the foreign languages taught this year were Latin, French, and
Spanish. An increased interest in studying foreign languages was connected to the increased
interest in science and mathematics. Courses in German and Russian were still being
considered.267 In the article on the music department, Minot High's vocal director, Hardy
Lieberg, would not let music take second place:
It is certainly interesting to hear all about this science emphasis, and the fact
that we are behind Russia and so forth. But, I am sure, many of us would be
interested in knowing that there is as much emphasis placed on music and art
as on science in Russia, since the musicians are paid as well as the scientists.
There is a great tie between science and the arts. Without one the other is at
a loss.268
These are some of the informal photos in the 1960 yearbook:
Minot students at a tournament
resting on a big-finned car
The big crowd at the Sadie
Hawkins dance
The Minot High band
performing for a game at
the city auditorium
P. E. students careening
around Minot High's
indoor track, which
encircled the auditorium
Sports notes at the end of the decade: The football team continued to play its games at the
college field, now called Allen Field. According to yearbook photos, the football team seemed
to have held some of its practices at Corbett Field baseball stadium and near John Moses
Hospital. (The VA hospital had been given this name in 1950--after a three-term North Dakota
governor.269) In 1959, Bishop Ryan High School opened and St. Leo's High School ceased to
exist. We stopped playing basketball against St. Leo's after the 1953-1954 season; it must have
dropped out of Class A. The previous year we only played them once.
Change came to Minot High's neighborhood in the late 1950s. Dr. John Ayash built a clinic in
1958 across from the senior high school and east of the public library. This was the Minot Eye,
Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic; the building still stands today, though it is no longer a clinic.270
46
The brick Methodist Church, which had occupied the corner of 1st St. and 2nd Ave. SW since
1906, was vacated in 1957 when a new church, Vincent United Methodist Church, was built
away from downtown.271 The corner would become a parking lot at some point before the
Northern States Power building was built there in 1967. Today SRT occupies the building.
Earlier in the decade, south across the street from the junior high gym, a new St. Leo's rectory
was dedicated in 1953.272
Minot's population grew from 22,032 to 30,604 in this
decade; it was still the third largest city in the state. Minot
High School enrollment numbers grew from 620 to
1074.273 The number of teaching staff expanded from 36 to
45. There were no significant changes to the high school
buildings in this period, but the need for more classroom
space was clear. The air force interceptor base was a major
new development for the school district as well as the
community.
Census figures for North Dakota's
four largest cities, 1960
Fargo:
46,662
Grand Forks:
34,451
Minot:
30,604
Bismarck:
27,670
1960-1970
In this decade the senior high school spread to all the buildings on the downtown block, and a
building and P. E. room were added. Student enrollment, along with the number of teachers,
grew dramatically. Teachers employed new approaches and equipment. Sports offerings
continued to expand, and girls returned to the interscholastic sports scene. The wrestling team
became a state powerhouse later in the decade. School dress rules were instituted and then
changed. The high school entered the computer world. And then there were two devastating
events in the spring of 1969.
The first High Times issue of the 1960-1961 school year reported "record enrollment figures," a
phrase that would be often repeated. The number of teachers increased by three. 274 The
newspaper just reported student numbers for the first day (“more than 1,000 students”), but
according to the yearbook, the enrollment was either 1100 or 1200 students.275
Both the superintendent and the principal, in letters to the high school students, remarked on the
importance of neat dress, in particular the need for boys not to wear "tight fitting denim levis" to
school.276 According to an administrator interviewed a few years later, there had been no need
for a school dress policy until the arrival of blue jeans and "other extreme styles."277
Club news this year: Three new organizations were German Club, Future Business Leaders of
America (FBLA), and Lettermen's Club. A German class was part of the curriculum this year for
the first time in decades. The Lettermen's Club, in addition to honoring Minot's male athletes
who had earned a letter, also took on many projects, such as selling tickets and other items for
sports events.278 FBLA's "primary objectives [were] to help the member to a better
understanding of the functions and operations of the various office procedures, machines, and
ethics."279 The Student Council published a directory of organizations, including sports teams,
this year. Thirty-seven organizations were listed.280 It also sponsored Career Night again with
"forty-six professions, including the armed forces and colleges, [to] be represented."281 A DECA
store opened in January 1961 as the DECA Exchange. At first it just sold pencils, paper, and
Lifesavers. The store was located in the auditorium--in the upper northwest corner.282
47
The math department was one focus of another High Times series on departments. New
developments were highlighted. An "advanced math" course had been "officially instituted."
This "college preparatory course" included solid geometry and trigonometry, which were "the
highest forms of high school math." A new geometry textbook had a chapter on logic. Minot
High School was the only high school in the state employing the Beberman program, "a new and
modernistic approach to teaching algebra," "greatly favored" by math teacher John Anderson.283
Max Beberman is considered to be a founder of the New Math.284
Sports news: Minot High's basketball team, under Coach Hovde, won the
State Class A championship. There were three Pederson brothers on the team.
In the yearbook the starting team was called the "famous 'Minot Five.'"285 The
photo, from the 1961 yearbook, captures high scorer Paul Pederson at work.
Minot played Bishop Ryan for the first time, against a basketball team coached
by Dale Brown of future LSU fame. Soon Minot would play Ryan, which had
become a Class A team, twice a year in classic contests. Minot also wrestled
against Ryan twice this year and would continue to do so, as well as against
Model.
In the first High Times issue for the 1961-1962 school year, the newspaper
again reported increasing enrollment numbers. The sophomore class, at over
500 students, was the largest ever. The district hired twelve new teachers for
the high school and moved one up from the junior high. 286 The newspaper also provided school
maps for the new students. Floor plans for all four floors of the senior high school were
provided. These are the floor plans provided for the second and third floors:
The newspaper provided such maps for a number of years.
In this school year, the first home economics class for boys, senior boys in particular, was
introduced. Boys had requested the class, which included "the fundamentals of preparing
food, ... an academic approach to family relationships, personality and child care plus the wise
selection of clothing and personal grooming." All of this was meant to "fulfill the needs of
teenagers and prepare them for adult life." 287
The Social Science Department placed "greater emphasis" on teaching about communism this
year "because of the threat of Communism infiltrating great parts of the world . . . --more
specifically the Americas." 288 These were the teaching methods employed by the department
head, Lyle Fogel: “research projects, panel discussions, lecture-discussions, guest lecturers,
48
audio-visual aids, and current events." A film was created about how Minot High "teaches about
Communism" to be shown on television. 289 In two years a six-weeks-long "intensified unit of
study" on communism would be taught in the senior American government class.290
Kathleen Dunn became Minot High's first woman guidance counselor. She said that "women
counselors [were] still rather unique in North Dakota" at this time.291
The Minot High Playmakers and musical department produced a number of well known musicals
from the 1940s and 1950s this decade. This year’s production was Brigadoon with a cast of
over 60. In addition to the dramatics coach, Lloyd McNea, Hardy Lieberg was the music
director and Virginia Maupin the choreographer.292
New organizations: The National Forensic League (NFL) was an honorary society for debaters
"consisting of those superior students who have excelled in the argumentative field of the spoken
arts."293 The Political Discussion Society was organized “primarily” for discussion, not for
formal debate, of “political, social, and economic problems of the world.” 294
In two articles the High Times reported on polls it had conducted to determine the ideal Minot
High School boy and girl. This was the first article’s summary of what the girls had to say:
The perfect Minot High School boy is about six feet tall, has black hair
which is worn in a crew cut and brown eyes. He's not particularly good
looking but he has a nice personality. He wears jeans seldom and never
to school. He has good manners and he's moderately religious.
The article went on to provide details and nuances. Fifty-two percent of the girls preferred crew
cuts over long hair, but many of those who preferred long hair still wanted it neat. Seventy
percent of girls did not want to see jeans on boys. The 30 percent who found them acceptable
qualified their responses; for example, some didn't want the boys to wear the jeans "at half mast,"
which was a point "the girls definitely stressed with vigor." Seventy percent of girls accepted
boys' smoking, with some qualifications. They were not so accepting of drinking; eighty-one
percent disapproved. Almost 100 percent of the girls felt that "although looks are an asset,
personality is what counts" and good manners were "'mas importante.'" 295
This was the summary of the results of a 23-question poll of 100 "representative" male students
and teachers about the perfect girl: "She has long hair, she does not drink or smoke, she's
religious but not overly so, she wears very little make-up and she's talkative." Again the article
provided details. Just 50 percent of the boys preferred long hair. These boys "asserted that it
looks more feminine than the short boyish bobs that seem to be the style." Sixty-four percent of
the boys "declared they did not prefer blonds." Seventy-eight percent of the boys preferred that
girls' skirts be short; over 70 percent said they did not like seeing girls in slacks. Over 70 percent
of the boys were very much opposed to the girls smoking and drinking, and many supplied
"fiery" language to describe girls who smoked or drank.296
The High Times also surveyed students about what books they read. The results indicated that
"few read for enjoyment" and that what they read were classics or popular adult books. Young
adult books were not yet being written or published. The most popular book was Exodus,
followed by Hawaii, Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, The Scarlet Letter, To Kill a Mockingbird,
1984, Ivanhoe, The Guns of Navarone, The Agony and the Ecstasy, and Giants in the Earth. 297
49
Sports notes: A new municipal golf course was completed in time for the Minot High golf team
to use it in the spring of 1962. The coach hoped for greater turnout as a result of the "new
facilities."298 (This may have been a nine-hole course.) There was major coverage in the High
Times of the "Powder Puff" basketball game between the junior and senior girls, sponsored by
the Lettermen's Club.299 There was also a photo in the yearbook.
Two final notes for this year: Minot High’s physics classes studied a new electronic device: the
sound synthesizer.300 Contact lenses became popular. As of early March, 18 Minot High
students were using them--16 girls and 2 boys.301
In the 1962-1963 school year a new building was added to accomodate the increased enrollment.
It housed the music and vocational agriculture departments. 302 The previous band room was
made into two classrooms for biology laboratories.303 Until the new building opened in the
second semester the band met "at the Labor Temple, the Chorus at the YMCA, agriculture in the
garage, and the orchestra in the balcony of the Junior High Gym." 304 A photo of the addition and
a drawing of the school block appear below.
The photo is from the January 18, 1963, Minot High
Times, p. 1. The drawing shows other changes in the
decade also. ( from A History of Public Education in
Downtown Minot, n.p., the drawing adjusted slightly)
This year also the Central School--which began as a high school building in 1905, became a
junior high building for a decade, and after that an elementary school for decades--began to
transition to being a high school building. The top floor of the Central School building ( "Old"
Central High School on the map) was used for foreign languages and the basement for art
classes.305 (Beginning with the 1964-1965 school year it was "used solely by the high
school."306 )
In addition to building changes, the high school also added twelve new classes. They included
geology, astronomy, international relations, consumer economics, family and marriage, and
commercial art.307
A series of High Times pieces addressed the issue of whether Loyalty Day should be called
Homecoming. In an editorial the High Times indicated it preferred Homecoming. By the end of
the decade that name dominated in the yearbooks.308 It would take a few years into the 1970s
before Homecoming entirely replaced Loyalty Day.
A national concern covered in a High Times editorial was high school dropouts. The editorial
noted the large number of young people projected to come into the national workforce in this
50
decade. They would need an education to compete, yet many were "not expected to finish high
school." The editorial asserted that 70 percent of the dropouts "will leave school, not because
they can't do the work but because they don't want to do the work.” After covering the serious
consequences of dropping out, the editorial addressed readers in this final statement: "So YOU
think before making the decision to drop out of school!"309 The topic would continue to be
addressed in the High Times in the next few years. One later editorial again highlighted the
serious consequences of dropping out but also indicated that the dropout rate at Minot High was
much less than the national average.310
The musical this year was Oklahoma. "A record shattering number of playgoers were in
attendance all four nights of the musical production," according to the High Times. 311
A High Times survey on smoking indicated that a high number of Minot High students smoked.
The survey of 200 students indicated that 38 percent of MHS students smoked "consistently." Of
the students who smoked, "nearly half smoke[d] with their parents' consent," and that fraction
increased to "three-fourths" with seniors who smoked.312
The large debate team, coached by Wayne Sanstead, took first at state, winning "seven of the
eight available trophy spots."313 Though the debate teams in this decade would not win as many
state debate tournaments as those of the previous decade, they would come home with many
trophies from the many trips they took to other tournaments.
The Pom-Pom Girls were a new group this year. They were chosen by the Pep Club advisor and
a committee from the club. The girls developed routines that they performed during half-times at
basketball games. This is a description of their outfits: "gold corduroy skirts with side pleats,
white tennis shoes with tiny maroon pom-poms and white letter-sweaters with gold M's
borrowed from the various athletic teams." 314 (Pom pom girls would not be organized again until
the 1966-1967 school year. At the end of the decade the pom pon spelling would start to be
used. )
Sports notes: Minot played its first football game against Ryan this year in its final game of the
season.315 Minot played its home games at Ryan's Hogan Field this year and the next year.
Student dress was not ignored by the High Times. In two editorials the newspaper editorial staff
expressed dismay about the dress/appearance of girls at Minot High. These were fads that were
criticized in one editorial: "'haystack' hairdos, short-short skirts (with minimum interior
clearance), and make-up applied with a putty knife."316 The title of the second editorial was
"Typical Girls' Knees Are Knobby, Should Be Covered." One getup in particular seemed to
aggravate the editorialist: "Will a father's or boyfriend's shirt covering a knee-tickler skirt,
pleated or tight, enhanced by knobby knees encased in baggy, dark, runny stockings become a
standard uniform for Minot High School girls?" The editorialist called for a change in the dress
policy for girls.317
A major development for the 1963-1964 school year was the inclusion of the junior high wing as
part of the senior high. (See drawings on pages 16 and 49.) The junior high students moved to a
new building on South Hill, Jim Hill Junior High School. The doubled-in-size high school
building was renovated over the summer so that "complete departmentalization [was] possible."
The first High Times issue this year provided details on the changes. The high school also added
11 teachers, bringing the total to 73.318 The number of students climbed to 1400.319
51
The library, guidance offices, and study hall all experienced size or location changes this year.
The library almost doubled in size, "stretching into the two classrooms which formerly were two
commerce classrooms." This new section was "made up of a reference and periodical
department, two conference rooms and a small room where films may be viewed or tapes
listened to, a new concept of library services at MHS." 320 The study hall was "divided into
smaller sections."321 The guidance offices were moved to the north end of the administration
suite,322 where they remain today.
The auditorium was also renovated. The changes included "the new paint job, the squared off
apron on the stage making more acting room and the widened archway made by cutting out the
curlicues and thereby increasing the view from auditorium seats." There were also a new curtain
and light and sound systems.323
The renovated auditorium was ready for this year's musical, The Music
Man. According to a High Times article, "one of the unique features
about the 'Music Man' itself which hasn't been tried often at MHS is the
planned use of the main auditorium floor throughout the play for the
bigger production numbers."324 In this 1964 yearbook photo "Professor"
Hill practices lines meant ultimately to capture the heart of Marian the
librarian.
Two Loyalty Day activities were discontinued this year: the bonfire and
the parade. Principal Davy gave six reasons for eliminating the bonfire,
most having to do with safety. He gave four for eliminating the parade.325
A major platform plank of the High Times for the year was to eliminate a symbol associated with
the school. The newspaper was not successful; in fact, the symbol became the school's official
symbol."326 (See "School Symbols: Mixed Imagery.")
There was major technology news this year. The
Math Department acquired the Minivac 6010, for
$250, to introduce students to computers. It
seemed to be used mainly by members of the Math
Club. John Anderson, the Math Club advisor,
"said it was a simple computer but works under the
same principles as the larger ones," according to a
High Times article. The students programmed the
Minivac 6010 "externally by plugging wires into
holes." When the Minivac was programmed to play
tic-tac-toe, the students found that it would "quit playing rather than lose."327 The photo is from
the 1964 yearbook.
Two other technology notes for the year: Student ham radio operators were still being covered
in the High Times. In the same issue that carried the computer story, there was a major story on
two Minot High hams, one a girl. The boy spent four-five hours a day at his hobby.328 In a later
High Times issue there was a story about filming games for coaches. The films were "taken with
a 16 mm motion picture camera powered by batteries." There was "400 feet of film on one roll
and that would cover only half a game." It took a long time to load the camera. All the films
were sent to a "processor" in Minneapolis. According to the article, as the "opposing teams do
52
not favor the practice of being filmed while on offense . . . it is not done to a large
extent."329
Student Council worked this year on reducing its size, which had grown to 65 members. 330 A
reapportionment amendment that reduced the number of members permanently to 18 was passed
by the student body later in the spring. The new Student Council would consist of a president,
vice president, secretary, under-secretary, treasurer, non-voting parliamentarian, the three class
presidents, and three members-at-large elected from each class.331
Minot High added two new sports this year. Cross country was a new fall sport. Eleven boys
came out for the team, which practiced at Roosevelt Park and the Minot State College track.332
Baseball was added as a varsity sport in the spring. In March 1964 the North Dakota High
School Activities Association invited the Class A teams to participate in its high school baseball
program, which had been in existence for Class B teams for fourteen years. Minot was the first
Class A team to join. About fifty students tried out for the team, coached by Clarence
Christenson. Practice was at the school gym and then at the Minot Municipal Ball Park (Corbett
Field). Minot played its first game against Lansford and was also scheduled to play Velva,
Crosby, Tolley, Kenmare, Columbus, Sherwood, and Glenburn.333
The yearbook was dedicated to the new Minot Air Force Base. According to the Dedication, the
"nearly 15,000" people of the base had brought "culture, worldly experience, unlimited talent,
and new ideas as well as economic gain" to Minot and Minot High School.
The 1964-1965 school year was an important one for athletics.
When the school year began the high school had a new multipurpose field, located west of Jim Hill Junior High School. It
was called Magician Field until 1982, when its name was
changed to Duane Carlson Stadium. The field was dedicated
on Loyalty Day, October 9th. These photos are from the 1965
yearbook:
There was a push this year to expand sports offerings. The High Times covered a speech by Art
Hovde in which he addressed the need for expansion. He focused on gymnastics, swimming,
and "especially girls' athletics." It was noted that at that time the only sports outlets for girls
were Minot Recreation Commission volleyball and a powder-puff football game. (The girls
played their first powder-puff football game this year. See first photo above.) Hovde also
acknowledged that swimming in particular faced obstacles: a lack of facilities and a lack of
schools to compete against. At that time only Fargo had a swimming team.334
In his speech, according to the article, Hovde also brought up the importance of having sports
with "carry-over value, that is, those that will be exercised after school." Swimming,
gymnastics, and tennis were offered as examples of such sports. Another High Times article later
53
in the year also reported on the emphasis on “carry-over sports.” For this article Gary Leslie, a
Minot High P.E. teacher and coach, was interviewed about the advanced P.E. classes that had
been started the previous year. (P.E. was still only required for sophomores.) In the advanced
P.E. program these were among the sports that juniors and seniors could play: golf, tennis,
curling, bowling, and swimming. Leslie gave this as a reason for “carry-over sports”: "'there is
an increased amount of leisure time in today's world and these various sports are an excellent
way to fill up this time.'"335
Under the direction of Leslie, a gymnastics
program was started this year Twenty students,
both boys and girls, came out. The team hoped
to promote their sport by performing at
basketball halftimes and providing gymnastics
clinics in area schools. The ultimate goal:
becoming a varsity sport and competing with
other schools. At this time only Grand Forks and
Williston had "this type of established program."
While Minot High had a "good collection of
gymnastic equipment," it did not have a good
place to practice. 336 A gymnastics team would not compete against other teams until the next
decade. The photo is from the 1965 yearbook.
In the spring a tennis club was organized so that students would have a chance to compete "on a
level equal to their own skill and on a regular schedule." The intent was to travel with the golf
team and hold dual meets with other schools. The lack of any information on the tennis team in
the yearbooks for the rest of the decade seems to indicate that the tennis efforts this year did not
have lasting effects.
Minot High won state in both basketball and baseball this year. This was the fourth state
championship for Coach Hovde, who would retire from coaching the next year. The yearbook
described the team as a "well balanced team with great depth."337 The baseball team, which had
a perfect season under Coach Christenson, beat Steele for the championship, held in Minot. 338
Dress code information for this year: Girls were not allowed to wear coullottes, slacks, or short
skirts. Boys were not to wear western-styled jeans or stretch pants.339
Club news: The Astronomy Club was new this year. The FFA Club was particularly large, with
96 members. According to the yearbook, the club provided many opportunities for members to
compete--"over thirty local, state, regional, and national events"--and skills to learn, including
parliamentary procedure, public speaking and livestock, crop, and other judging. Due to a
number of controversies the Political Discussion Society (PDS) was “terminated early in the
school year by its advisors.” One controversy involved discussion of censorship “which
offended several teachers.” 340 The PDS was reorganized in future years.
Popular culture developments: Skateboards arrived this year. A September High Times column
reported that "a lot of the kids at the base have 'skateboards,' a landlubber version of the surf
board, and are attempting to master the art." This column also mentioned a girl who had become
a "semi-celebrity" because she had had her picture taken with "THE George Harrison." 341 The
Beatles had just begun their first North American tour in August. A December High Times article
54
presented the results of a "street survey" about "Beatlemania." The Beatles were most liked by
the sophomore and junior girls, and the seniors were mostly "indifferent." According to the
article, those who liked the Beatles seemed most taken with their appearance. Some were even
"infatuated," as one girl's response indicated: "they are sweet, unspoiled, wonderful, exciting,
unselfish, and anyone who sees them can't help but like them."342
This year a new "recreation center," the Corner Pocket, opened at "the old site of Minot's
Diamond Department Store." In addition to being a "pool hall," it offered high school students
such facilities as "pin-ball, a shooting gallery, juke box, and vending machines selling everything
to consume from pizza burgers to hot chocolate and whipped cream."343
In its first issue of the 1965-1966 school year, the High Times again announced a record
enrollment but also announced that there were plans for a new high school to deal with the
expanding student numbers. The plans were for a site near Jim Hill Junior High School with
"completion . . . hoped for by 1970."344 The completion date would be pushed back, but at least
there were plans.
Also in this first issue was an article with detailed information on this year’s dress standards:
. . . the present dress policy prohibits excessive make-up, extreme hairstyles,
shorts, slacks, and poorly fitted (too short or too tight) skirts or dresses for the
girls, and blue jeans, too-tight pants, exposed shirt tails, and excessively long
hair tending towards a Beatle style for the boys.
Boys are required to wear belts on all trousers, and anyone who forgets his
belt must pay a dime to rent one from the school. Dress policy violators
are sent home to change into more suitable attire.345
In another article, the high school’s two assistant principals were interviewed about the purpose
of having a dress policy. The dress policy, along with other behavior policies, was felt to bring
discipline to the student and the school with the ultimate purpose "to prepare the students for life
in a very demanding society." Students, in one principal’s words, "must conform to regulations
to meet society, to get jobs, to continue their education or to go into military service." The
assistant principals noted recent dress "extremes" by boys who wore maltese crosses and
earrings. One principal was quoted as saying, "We like to separate the sexes and leave the
wearing of jewelry to the girls."346 In just a few years, however, rules would begin to change.
Early in the school year the North Dakota High School Activities Association established a girls'
"interscholastic athletic program." State meets for girls were established in track, golf, and
tennis--all in the spring. There was talk of softball as a fall activity and gymnastics and
basketball as winter activities. 347 Minot’s school board soon approved a girls' athletic
program.348
In the spring Minot High's first NDHSAA-sanctioned girls sport was organized. According to a
High Times article, for a number of years Minot High girls had "gotten together on their own to
practice for the Minot State College Field Day but they did not represent Minot High at the
meet." This spring the track team had coaches--Bonnie Gonzalez and Gary Leslie--and could
officially represent the school. The girls practiced at the high school gym and at the State
Fairgounds. This 1966 track team won the first North Dakota Girls' Track meet, which had 128
55
participants from 51 schools. Nine of the girls lettered in track--also a first, of
photo of girls from the 1966 team is from the 1967 yearbook.
course. 349
This
Technology notes: Minot High acquired overhead projectors for
teachers this year. The math teachers, who had purchased
"special jackets" the previous year to cope with chalk dust, were
the most excited about them. Other teachers felt the projectors
were no different than blackboards. One teacher expressed the
reservation that they "too often . . . take the place of a
teacher."350 The photo is from the 1966 yearbook. Also, the
potential of computers already was drawing enough attention
that the High Times did an article on whether computers could
think.351
A High Times editorial addressed "ability grouping" of students, which was apparently new to
Minot High. The editorial asserted that "the English deparment's successful acceleration
program should be extended to include other courses in the curriculum." The editorial also
referring to ability grouping as a "tract system." (Maybe tracking was a new enough concept
that the student author had not seen a spelling of the term.) This newspaper issue also provided
some student opinions about ability grouping; they were on the whole positive. 352
The High Times also pushed for a compulsory sex education class in a long editorial. The
editorial opened with this statement: "The mounting incidence of pregnancy, abortion, and
venereal disease among the nation's teenagers today can no longer be ignored." According to the
editorial, the situation at Minot High was not as "grave" as in other parts of the country, but it
was "critical enough to warrant serious attention." The editorial also stated that "teachers with
enough courage and objectivity to teach it will be difficult to find."353 Two years later the High
Times would publish another editorial calling for a sex education class.354
In February or early March a "teen night club," called the Downtowner, opened. It was open
from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. weekdays and until midnight Friday and Saturday evenings for dances,
followed by "jam sessions." These were some groups that played at the club: Ernie Story and
the Imaginations, the Intruders, and the Cherrystones. 355
Other odds and ends from the year: "Viet Nam" was mentioned in a High Times article about the
draft and Minot High senior boys.356 An article on students' opinions about rock-and-roll music
indicated that it wasn't every student's favorite music.357 In another article, students expressed
their feelings about recent, mostly negative media images of teenagers. One student summarized
the treatment this way: "most TV specials and magazine write-ups . . . make us look like we are
spoiled or are always getting into trouble." 358 Another article reported on a poll that was
conducted about whether Minot High should have male cheerleaders. Most of the students
56
quoted in the article had
(The last time Minot High had male cheerleaders was in
a period after World War II, when it had two male cheerleaders in five out of six years.) No male
cheerleaders were added, but a male cheering organization would organize in a few years. The
debate team co-sponsored with Minot State College Forensics the "appearance of the Cambridge
University team from England . . . in a public debate."360
reservations.359
These are informal photos from the 1966 yearbook:
Students ate lunch in the
high school gym stands.
These students seemed to
enjoy the satire of MAD
magazine.
The yearbook for the 1966-1967 school year opened with these words about the "TIMES": "the
war in Viet Nam . . . the Negro's fight . . . Birchers and the Communists . . . American
responsibilities in the world . . . the realities of life."
Organization news: The interdenominational Christian Fellowship Club was new.361 A pom
pom group, called the M and M's, returned this year. In a High Times article, the organizer of
the group was quoted as saying the girls "symbolize the entire Pep Club" and "most students
don't realize the amount of work put into the group." 362 This was the first year of the Change
of Pace Singers, a select choir group that had, as the yearbook put it, "a new name . . . a new
look . . . a new sound."363 The select singers had previously been called the Chamber Choir and
had focused on music from the "Renaissance, Baroque and Classical periods," along with
performing some "stylings of great pop standards."364 Now the focus was more on modern
music. The singers wore lightly colored outfits instead of dark ones.
After a two-year break, musicals were back: Guys and Dolls this year, followed by Finnian’s
Rainbow, Flower Drum Song, and On a Clear Day You Can See Forever. The number of
students cast for musicals is captured in this 1967 yearbook photo of the Guys and Dolls
production.
57
Both Minot High wrestling and baseball teams took state this year. Coach Don Klostreich
established a wrestling state championship streak that would continue through the 1971 season.
The baseball team, under Coach Christenson, won "in the first Class A Baseball Tournament in
the history of North Dakota High School Athletics." 365
Teaching and curriculum notes: This year some Minot High staff explored team teaching as a
method of teaching. If it worked well in trials, then it was felt that facilities required for it must
be incorporated in plans for a new high school. 366 In the second semester a computer
mathematics class was offered for the first time. Students would be “given ‘live time’ on the
Westland Oil computer which the school [had] arranged to use in conjunction with the program.”
They would learn computer programming and would “program their own problems to run
through the computer.” As the emphasis was on the “mathematical side,” there would be no data
processing. The school still had only one small computer. To purchase a powerful enough one
for the computer mathematics class would have cost “at least $18,000.” 367
In the 1967-1968 school year, the board of education agreed to add to the facilities for the P.E.
department. A relatively small room, 68-by-43.5 feet, would connect to the auditorium and be
close to the gymnasium. The extra height would allow for gymnastics, as well as wrestling and
other sports. The need was clear this year: two P.E. classes had to expand to the YMCA, and
other classes had up to 40 students. The addition, called the Wrestling Gym, opened in 1969.
( See map on p. 49.)
The library continued to expand its collections for student and staff use. It added 1000 new
books and 20 magazine subscriptions to bring its total up to 117 magazines subscriptions. The
previous year the library tried out soft background music, as a Student Council project. Students
apparently enjoyed it enough that the librarian hoped the Council would continue it this year.368
A Russian class was finally added to the curriculum--taught by Sam Verbitsky. It was the only
Russian class taught in North Dakota at that time.369
Club news: After not being organized for a number of years, the Future Homemakers of America
(FHA) was back. The Student Council continued to struggle to find the right makeup. This year
it created a committee system to more efficiently handle its responsibilities and to involve more
students. “Each of the six committees [was] headed by a student not involved in Student
Council."370
Providing books for students to read that they really would enjoy was helped in 1967 by the
publication of S. E. Hinton's novel The Outsiders. A High Times review described it this way:
"It's for teen-agers, it's about teen-agers, and it's written by a teen-ager." It had the Greasers
against the Socs and a character named Ponyboy. Hinton had also been written about in
Seventeen Magazine, Read, and the Atlantic Monthly.371 Hinton's book is considered by some to
mark the beginnings of the "modern YA novel as we know it."372
There were two developments this year that might provide a "boost" for the golf team. The new
18-hole Municipal Golf Course (the Souris Valley Golf Course) opened, and the State High
School Golf Tournament was held at the Minot Country Club. 373
At the beginning of the 1968-1969 school year Minot High counted former Model students in its
ever-increasing enrollment numbers. Model High School closed at the end of the 1967-1968
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school year. In its first issue this year, the High Times welcomed the Model students under a
photo of the Model High School building.374
The large number of students forced the school to contract a company, Dakota Data Incorporated
of Bismarck, to computerize the registration for the first time. Students did need help
interpreting the schedules they received as "the computer talks in numbers not words." Principal
Howe found the problems "minor for the first year of service." He also indicated that employing
a computer service would help in modular scheduling, then being considered for Minot High.375
Minot High had a new dress code regulation for boys this year: "bangs must be at least one inch
above the eyebrows." This was a new regulation for girls: "culottes are in--pant dresses out."
The girls were also reminded that "slacks necessary for warmth during the winter are to be
removed for the school day." 376
Minot High's wrestling teams continued their total domination of other teams. Through this
year's wrestling season Minot had 47 consecutive dual meet victories, which at that time was
"the most consecutive victories by any team, in any sport, in the history of high school athletics
in the state." The teams also won 18 straight tournaments and three consecutive state titles377
Though this would be Coach Klostreich's last year at Minot High, the streak would continue.
In the spring computers again made the High Times, in an article that reported on the Student
Council's efforts to help students "find their perfect match." A Computer Dance was to be held
on April 25th. Students could purchase a computer card for sixty cents. After they filled it out, it
would be sent to a company in New York for processing. According to the article, "those
attending the computerized dance will receive a number for themselves and five to ten other
numbers of selected matched mates. Then the fun begins, searching and circulating during the
dance allows the students to meet his various matches. No one is obligated to stay with any
person."378
But before the Computer Dance could be held, Minot and its public schools experienced
contemporaneous disasters: a teachers' strike and a major Mouse River flood. "Close to 150" of
425 teachers in Minot's public schools went on strike Wednesday, April 2nd. The next day
around 200 did not show up at their schools. On April 2nd a front-page Minot Daily News photo
showed a student at Minot High at the front of a class, acting as the teacher; the next day a photo
showed students gathered at the front of the high school. The high school, along with the two
city junior highs, was closed early on April 2nd; on April 3rd all three opened only long enough
to dismiss classes. This was repeated on April 8th, after the Easter break.379 On April 10th, the
school board announced that all schools would close because of flooding, which had begun on
April 6th. They would stay closed for two weeks due to flooding, which also undermined the
strikers' cause. Teachers were given an April 25th deadline to return to their schools; one
hundred twenty-five did not and were fired.380 When the high school reopened on April 28th it
had 75 teachers compared to the 86 it had before the strike; twenty-nine of the 75 were
substitutes hired to replace striking teachers. Some classes, such as shop and German, could not
be reopened at that time because replacement teachers could not be found. Only juniors and
seniors were required to be back at the beginning of this week. Many students did not return the
first two days.381 The unsettling changeover in school district teachers continued. An estimated
75 additional teachers did not return to the school system for the next school year.382
The flooding, which had begun on Easter Sunday, lasted until May 12th. It forced close to
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damages.383
12,000 people to evacuate and caused millions of dollars of
While Minot High
School was not flooded, flooding did affect school activities in many ways. The baseball team,
for example, lost its home park to the flood. (See first photo below.) The team ended up using
the field at the Air Force Base.384 Minot High had its "first out-of-doors graduation" at Magician
Field. The city auditorium, the usual location for the ceremonies, was unavailable because it was
"currently being used as a storage area for the furniture of flood victims."385 Both of the 1969
flood photos below are from the 1970 yearbook.
At the beginning of the 1969-1970 school year, Minot High reached an enrollment of 1,982
students with 91 teachers and 3 administrators.386
There was a significant loosening up of dress code regulations, as reported in the High Times:
Blue jeans and tennis shoes are now accepted attire for boys. Belts have been
required for boys, but due to the change this year, they are not essential.
Girls are now allowed to wear culottes or pant dresses. Although there is no
set length for skirts or dresses, they must be of modest length and fit.
Boys are allowed to wear long hair if it is neat and well-groomed. If the
block cut [is] worn, hair should be thinned. Boys must be clean shaven. If
sideburns are worn, they should not come below the lower part of the ear. Bangs
are to be cut above the eyebrows.
There is no restriction on shoes or sandals as long as socks are worn.387
Notice that slacks still seemed not to be allowed for girls, but photos in 1970-1971 school
publications showed girls in slacks as well as skirts and dresses.
The library expanded once again as Study Hall East became the new periodicals section of the
library. 388
In a December article, the High Times announced that a bond issue had been passed that would
pay for a new high school. These were student hopes for the new school: escalators, pop and
candy machines (the new school would not be near downtown stores), television sets, a student
lounge, and a swimming pool. According to Principal Leonard Anderson, the new school would
be "quite different" from the present one: "They will be able to combine classes and change
classrooms by moving a wall with a button." There was even mention of "unstructured time" for
students.389 According to the yearbook, the Student Council helped to push the bond issue.390
Some Minot High teachers began using a "contract system" with students, which allowed a more
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individualized approach. Students liked the system, according to a High Times article, but also
thought it was "easy to slack off."391
New organizations: This year the BA BOYS was organized to help the cheerleaders and Pep
Club promote school spirit. They wore red and white engineer caps and created their own
cheers. The name was borrowed from a Minneapolis group, Bachelors Anonymous.392 In the
yearbook, on the same page with a Pom Pon Girls photo, was a photo of a girls' group called the
Twirlin Merlins. They had twirling batons but no information was supplied about the group.
The baseball and wrestling teams won state
championships. This was the baseball team's
third championship under Coach
Christenson. The wrestling team also pushed
its undefeated duals record to 58 this year,
under new head coach Al Allstadt. 393 The
first photo is from the 1970 yearbook, the
second from the 1971 one.
A note about football during the this decade: For the 1960-1966 football seasons there were no
state championship games--just regional ones. 394
Environmental odds and ends: In April Minot High classes helped celebrate the first Earth Day
by discussing "major pollution problems" in all their classes.395 There was also a High Times
article on the "pollution proof" electric car.396
According to a High Times article, the junior-senior prom was to take place May 15th in the
boys' gym, with the Universal Joints playing, followed by a "fun night" at the North Hill Bowl.
As a reflection of the times, the prom’s theme was “The Age of Aquarius.” (In 1969 "Aquarius/
Let the Sunshine In," “a medley of two songs from the musical Hair,” was a Billboard #1 single
by The 5th Dimension.397 ) However, the article insisted the prom would "not be a psychedelic
affair. It [would] be as romantic as it has been in the previous years.” 398
While Minot’s population only grew from 30, 604 to 32, 290 during this decade, Minot High’s
enrollment almost doubled. This was no doubt mostly the result of a post-World War II “baby
boom.” Minot High’s facilities had to expand and would continue to expand in the next decade.
Other changes came in the form of teaching innovations and curriculum and sports expansion.
Dress code regulations had to accommodate changing styles and gender norms. These were the
1960s, after all. Change may not have been psychedelic at Minot High, but here as elsewhere in
the country all these young people commanded attention.
1970-1980
The biggest development this decade was the opening of a new high school campus, which
combined with the old high school campus to make one Minot High School. The main old high
school building was extensively remodeled, a vocational building was added, and a building was
torn down. Vocational training opportunities were enhanced. More sports were offered, both for
boys and girls. Minot High's track team dominated, and then both swimming teams became
dominant. Enrollment was never greater.
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There was record enrollment again for the 1970-1971 school year--modestly higher than the
previous year's enrollment. There were 96 staff members.399
Although it took until the second semester of this year, female teachers were finally able to enjoy
a dress code change of their own: the right to wear pantsuits. Over the Christmas break one of
the female teachers who wanted to wear pantsuits during the winter contacted Supt. Marlowe
Johnson for permission, which was granted. Female teachers reported that the main reason they
liked them was that they were comfortable. One also reported that she felt more freedom in
teaching her classes. Apparently they were popular enough that a “pantsuit-craze” ensued.400
This was the first year female students took Auto Tech. The eight girls offered these reasons for
taking the class: (1) most had boyfriends with little car knowledge so their knowledge could
help when there was car trouble and (2) for those with "grease monkey" boyfriends, car
knowledge would allow them to be with their boyfriends on weekends when they were working
on cars.401
Sports news: The basketball team, under Coach Nick Olson, and the wrestling team, under
Coach Marlin Schlager, took first at state. (In a December tournament the wrestling team was
defeated for the first time in four years.402) There was a large gymnastics team this year, still
made up of both girls and boys, but mostly girls. The High Times provided an article on the
importance of weight training for athletes and the addition of the "Hercules Gladiator" equipment
with its "11 stations, each designed to increase strength in the arms, back, chest, legs, shoulders,
and stomach."403
Organization news: Photo Club, Social Studies Awareness, and Physical Fitness Boys were new
groups with photos in the yearbook. No information was provided on any of them.
In addition to hosting a foreign exchange student from Brazil, Minot High exchanged two
students with Canada this year over a two-week period. There was also an exchange with Ryan
over a three-day period. 404 Minot High continued to have exchanges with Ryan.
Just before the start of the 1971-1972 school year there
was a groundbreaking ceremony for the new high
school, which would be located west of Jim Hill Junior
High below Magician Field. The land had once been
part of the old municipal golf course, Washington Golf
Course, land owned by the Minot Park Board.405 The
photo from the 1972 yearbook shows early activity in
preparing the grounds.
At the start of the year students at the current high school had to endure extensive remodeling of
the school building. Some classes were run out of the YMCA, YWCA, and Northern States
Power Co. buildings.406
Later in the year, however, students could enjoy having a student
lounge--a Student Council project. Card playing (but not
gambling), radios, and tapedecks were allowed, and a pop machine
was installed.407 It was located on the third floor "across from the
Foreign Language Lab."408 The photo is from the 1972 yearbook.
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Two new organizations this year were the Youth Association for Retarded Children (YARC) and
the Air Force Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC). Through its activities the Minot
chapter of YARC (maybe only in existence this year) had this as its "long-range goal": "to boost
the retarded person's morale and give him confidence in his ability to gain social acceptance."409
The ROTC students enrolled in the first year of a three-year aerospace education program at the
high school. Seventy-one boys were enrolled; girls could join but could not yet get credit. In
addition to aerospace instruction, the program was "designed to develop the student's leadership
potential" and "promote habits of orderliness, personal honor, self-reliance, and discipline."410
Girls were able to enroll for full credit beginning with the 1973-1974 school year.411
Sports news: The girls' track team took first at state under Coach Diane Hildenbrand, as did the
boys' cross country team under Coach Doyle Radke. This year there were separate gymnastics
teams for the girls and boys. Neither seemed to be involved in interscholastic competition.
Minot High "reinstated a competitive swimming program" this year for boys. The team was
called the Minot Swim Club in the yearbook. The yearbook page also supplied this information:
"The most difficult problem for the first year team was getting some meets organized. There are
no schools in western North Dakota with swimming programs and eastern teams had their
schedules already filled." A girls' golf team was also organized this year.412
A new teen center was The Garage. Located in the renovated Aero Garage building, it offered
"pinball machines, pool tables, picnic tables, . . . a large dance floor and a stage for bands." Two
Minot businessmen created the center with the help of the school board and financing from a
local bank.413 One of the businessmen said "the Y ...[could] not provide for all the students."414
During the 1972-1973 school year the old Don Moe Dodge building was converted to a
vocational education facility for Minot High students. It was located northeast of the downtown
school block at 102 3rd St. SE. The building was first used in the second semester with
"approximately 250 students . . . enrolled in . . . auto technology, auto mechanics, auto body,
small engines, advanced woods, and upholstery." 415
The first photo, taken many
years later, shows the front
of the vocational building. 416
Little was done to the outside
of the building over the years.
The second photo, from the
1978 yearbook, captures an
inside scene.
A new fall sport this year was girls' swimming. The team, called the Girls' Swim Club in the
yearbook, competed in five meets. 417
Organization news: There were three new clubs this year: Speech Club, Humanities Club, and
Rodeo Club (perhaps only in existence this year). The best talent this year in Speech Club was
in these two events: original oratory and serious interpretation.418 The Humanities Club was
"for those who [were] interested in traveling and for furthering their appreciation of fine arts."
This year the members traveled to Winnipeg, Manitoba.419 The Girls Athletic Association (GAA)
was back after a lengthy absence. It was noted in a High Times article on the GAA that out of
1046 girls at the high school, only 423 were enrolled in P.E. GAA activities were promoted as a
way, after school, to meet "physical activity needs" in a variety of individual and team sports.420
63
The 1972 Homecoming had some activities no longer used. Queen candidates had to give
campaign speeches and skits before the sophomores and then the juniors and seniors. For the
second annual Hush Day "all the girls had to buy a button for a penny and wear it until she was
tricked into talking to a boy (about eleven seconds on the average)." Girls had to buy a new
button if they talked. On Thursday, after a snake dance through downtown Minot and a pep
rally, there were tricycle races in front of "Old Central."421
At the beginning of the 1973-1974 school year Minot High's eleventh and twelfth graders
entered a new high school building, Magic City Campus (MCC), while ninth and tenth graders
remained at the older facility, now called Central Campus (CC). After a period of over forty
years of being a high school with three classes--sophomores/froshmores, juniors, and seniors-Minot High was back to having four classes. However, the division of classes between two
campuses was unusual. This photo of Magic City Campus, cropped to fit here, appeared on the
front cover of the 1974 yearbook:
The new school building had a number of distinct design features. Overall it had a spread-out
design, "a departure from the monolithic, rectangular buildings of the past with their long
corridors opening onto rooms of uniform size and shape."422 The department spaces were all
organized around the media center and locker bay areas. "Open planning was used in the
English, Social Studies, Art, Shop and Home Economics areas." 423 (Openness generally meant a
lack of doors and moveable "walls.") Two large resource areas were included for each floor of
the north academic wing.
According to district administrators, the new building offered more than additional space for
increasing enrollments; it was designed to promote "active participation" by students. The
flexible design of the building and a "revamped and wider-ranging lineup of courses" were the
"key" to involving students.424
At Central Campus what was not remodeled in the 1971-72 school year was remodeled this year.
Twenty-five classrooms were "out of commission" when the school year started. The boys' gym,
locker rooms, and office areas were also being remodeled. Rooms at the YMCA and portable
classrooms had to be used, as well as all the rooms in Old Central.425 The "color combinations"
in the newly remodeled rooms were "in shades of green, gold, and blue," with the carpet colors
matching wall colors. 426
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At Magic City Campus colorful
was in. The photos capture
some of the theater seating, a
section of the brick walls that
enclosed bathrooms off the
main hallway, and the colors
of one locker bay. The seating
and locker bay photos are
from the 1974 annual.
What did students think of the new school? They liked the "locker system, with the colorful
compartments grouped in a centralized area," the carpeting, commons area, and bright furniture.
They liked the Physical Education Department scheduling and really liked the pool, indoor track,
weight rooms, and gymnasium. They also spoke positively about the equipment in other
departments, such as Home Economics. One complaint students had was about the openness of
some classroom areas. One student said, " You could get more out of a class if there was whole
walls and doors." Another student wrote about what he called the "delightful faculty game 'My
record player's louder than yours,'" in which two faculty, in side-by-side rooms, keep adjusting
the sound levels of their record players so that students can hear. As a result, according to this
student, students are learning the skill "Basic Lip Reading," which was also being employed in
the commons area during lunch. Some also complained about the "plastic falseness" (their
words) of the many artificial plants in the building.427
Soon, in a High Times editorial, the goal of "one Minot High School" was questioned. The
editorialist felt that it was "totally unrealistic to continue in the delusion that we are one school"
and went on to write, "We live in two separate worlds, quite independent of one another." To
support this viewpoint, the writer said that Magic City Campus's club presidents, activity
advisors, and students involved in activities do not say they "feel united to their counterparts at
Central." Also offered as support was the different physical environments at this time--a "near
perfect" Magic City and Central in a remodeling mess. While Magic City had an open campus,
Central did not.428 A North Central Association report from a visit later in the school year also
indicated there was "poor communication and cooperation between students and staff at the two
campuses." 429 Two campuses trying to be one school would continue to be an issue.
Under the heading "Old Methods, Teachers Fade," this year's yearbook provided these comments
on teacher-student relationships at MCC: "The stereotyped image of 'the teacher' has changed.
The high-heeled disciplinarian has given way to pant suits, informal discussions, and awareness
of students as individuals. The personal student-teacher relationship is facilitated by an open
classroom and a more casual atmosphere."
Sports news: After many decades girls were back playing interscholastic basketball, with this
nickname: the Majettes. The Majettes' record this year was 8-2, and they won the District 20
championship. A High Times article reported that the lyrics "I am invincible, I am woman" could
be heard at this tournament. 430 The boys' track team took first place at state, beginning a string of
seven straight state championships under Coach Radke. The girls' gymnastics team became
competitive this year, participating in thirteen meets before taking third at state.431 Minot High
wrestler Ink Johnson, a two-time North Dakota state champion, took fifth place at the National
Junior Freestyle Wrestling Tournament in March. The previous year he had placed sixth in this
tournament.432
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Organization news: The foreign language clubs sponsored a soccer tournament during
Homecoming week. 433 This tournament would become part of Homecoming activities for a
number of years. The Student Council sponsored hour-and-a-half mini courses on a day set aside
in March as a break for students and a chance to explore careers.434 A new organization was the
Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), which was originally just a “girls' huddle,” but then
“male athletes were invited to become a part of the huddle."435 This year students were asked to
join the Parent Teachers Association (PTA). The result: the Parent Teacher Student Association
(PTSA).436 At Central the Math Club acquired a more popular name: Bulc Htam.437
Curriculum developments: The English and Social Studies Departments at MCC offered nineweeks "mini courses" this year. They included Ethnic Literature, Science Fiction, and Women in
Society. Students could sign up for a Helpers in Education (HIE) two-hour block during which
they worked with a teacher. The object was to help students interested in becoming a teacher to
decide whether teaching is really what they should pursue as a career.438 The Occupational Child
Care class at MCC ran two sessions of nursery school for Minot children in the spring. The twohour block class was for students "interested in jobs or careers where they work with
children."439
At the end of the year, High Times articles reported on curriculum changes for both high schools
in the upcoming year. A goal of the many course additions at Central was to reduce the busing of
students between the two campuses. A significant change in physical education was that students
would take P.E. only for one semester (five days a week) each year. At MCC 18 new courses
were going to be offered, "bringing the total available courses to 260." Two trends: vocational
education courses and independent study courses for those who have "completed all the courses
offered under one subject." One new vocational offering would be Health Occupations.440
These are additional photos of the new school and
of an art piece mounted on an outside wall of the
Arvel N. Graving Theater. The two photos to the
right (from an information booklet on the new
school) are of the commons area, with plastic
plants, and the large pool area. The Humanities
Club paid for the stainless steel and bronze
sculpture, which was created by a former Minot
High student, Mike Odden. Odden did not title
the piece because he felt “people should be free to
see art for themselves.” 441 The photo below was
taken by the author.
66
The above photo of MCC's media center (from a slide) was taken
sometime before 1982, when the magazine collection was moved
to the balcony area. Note the plastic plant at the right edge.
The photo to the right is of the first page of the 1975 yearbook
and captures the idea of one school with two campuses. In a few
years the sign was changed to Central Campus High School.
Early in the 1974-1975 school year, a High Times editorial expressed hope for a better year than
the previous one, which many students felt was a “down” year. This year, the writer noted,
"both campuses are physically ready to go and . . . not all the faculty and students are new to our
system." The writer exhorted everyone to get involved to ensure “a good year.” 442 The yearbook
indicated that many organizations were added this year, particularly at Central Campus. (This
year the yearbook increased again in size--to 272 pages. The jump from 200 to 248 pages in the
1974 yearbook reflected the addition of freshmen.)
Central Campus began the school year without the "Old Central"
building, which was torn down in August.443 It was the first Minot High
School building, opening for school in 1905. In the 1980s a new
building would be built on this part of the school block. The photo is
from the 1975 yearbook.
Sports news: Coach Radke's cross country and track teams took first at
state. The boys' swim team, under Coach Jim Straight, also took first at
state. They were undefeated in duals.444 This was the first year for
Minot High boys' hockey as a sanctioned sport. The team skated outside near Corbett Field's
outfield. The coach of the team was looking forward next year to using the All Seasons Arena,
which was being built this year.445 Both photos below are from the 1975 yearbook.
The fans also were
probably looking
forward to indoor
hockey.
Jon Morrison,
nationally ranked,
led the way for MHS
at the state cross
country meet.
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A High Times guest editorial this year criticized the impact of P.E. grades on students' grade
point averages. This was a new issue because, with the opening of Magic City Campus, juniors
and seniors were required to take P.E. for the first time in many years. The student editorialist
did not question the value of P.E., or even that P.E. should be required. The many solutions
offered included not counting the P.E. grade in the grade point average or allowing the P.E.
classes to be taken pass/fail.446
In January “many” Minot High students attended a North Dakota Senate committee hearing and
House session on whether the legislature should ratify the Equal Rights Amendment. A student
who attended the Senate hearing wrote that the hearing room was “absolutely torrid with
emotion” and that those in attendance were equally divided. 447 The amendment was ratified by
the state legislature in February.
A High Times article provided information on vocational education at Minot High. An estimated
61 percent of Minot High students grades 9-12 and 75 percent of those in grades 11-12 were
enrolled in vocational classes.448
In the April 1975 issue of the High Times, an editorial responded to an April 2nd Minot Daily
News front-page article that stated that "80 percent of Minot High School students have or are
smoking marijuana." The editorialist felt that "the majority" of Minot High students were "not
habitual users" but seemed unsure about what could be done about the problem.449
The musical Calamity Jane was a big hit this year, with shows running eight days. The director
was Ron Wineteer, with Gary Walth as music director and Virginia Maupin as choreographer.450
The Student Council again sponsored a Mini Day. These were some of the activities students
participated in: folk dancing, dog grooming, reading palms, and "elementary" karate.451 Central
Campus had its first Mini Day or Mini Fair this year.452
In the 1975-1976 school year Central Campus, having added a journalism class, established its
own newspaper, the Central Campus Crier. The Crier staff hoped, in an editorialist's words, “to
establish our distinct and unique individuality." The editorialist also wrote: "By reporting the
accomplishments and activities of our students we hope to propagate school spirit and to
encourage others to become involved."453 The High Times had attempted to cover news for both
campuses for the previous two years. (Unfortunately only copies of two Crier issues, including
the first, survive from this year through the 1989-1990 school year.)
Sports news: Boys' golf, under Coach Les Anderson, won state, as did boys' track. Minot High
added both girls' and boys' tennis teams. Apart from the first year for the girls’ team, when he
was an assistant coach, Jerry Lyon would be the head coach for both teams for over thirty years.
Organization news: Minot High added the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America (VICA),
which covered these areas: electricity, health occupations, building trades, small engines, auto
body, auto mechanics, and welding. The Chess Club won the state championship this year.454
The design for the yearbook celebrated the country's bicentennial with lots of red, white, and
blue. The music department created a Bicentennial Singers group dressed in colonial costume.
The Art Club worked on a bicentennial mural and posters. The Playmakers celebrated it with a
"melodrama, a classic, and an historic revue."455
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These are informal photos from the 1976 annual:
A Mr. Magic City contest was a memorable part of
Homecoming Week in these years.
Plaid was in these years and Dr. Olthoff, head principal
at MCC this year, was not afraid to wear plaid.
A note about hair: Quite a few of the male staff
(and students) had longer hair at this time as well
as mustaches and beards.
According to the yearbook, the senior class for the 1976-1977 school year was
the largest ever.456 The seniors of the previous school year could argue that their numbers from
earlier in the school year were larger--over 700. But if end-of-the-year enrollment numbers are
the basis for comparison, the 634 number from the end of the 1976-1977 year was larger, though
not by much over the 1975-1976 and 1977-1978 numbers (630, 631). 457
Sports news: Boys' cross country and track, under Coach Radke, were again state champs. The
baseball team, under Coach John Thompson, had a perfect season.
Organization news: The Chess Club again took state. A new club at Magic City was the Special
Education Club, which provided extracurricular activities for the 28 students enrolled in special
education at MCC.458 Another new club was the Wrestlettes, who supported the wrestling team
and coaches. Both the VICA and FFA clubs were very large; VICA had 350 members and FFA
224 members. Central Campus added two organizations that Magic City did not have--Kiwanis'
Key Club and Student Guides. Central’s Key Club seemed to have existed only this year with
male members only (at least in the yearbook photo), as was the case with Key Clubs years ago.
Some other news from Central: The Career Education Plus program was added to allow students
"individual learning with an accent on community job explorations and working with adults."
The New Model Me Program class was added to help students make decisions that were "more
positive for themselves and others."459 Sharon Johnson, who became an assistant principal at
Central this year, was identified in the yearbook as "the first woman secondary principal in North
Dakota." In more recent times this may have been true, but Minot High did have female
principals at the beginning of the 1900s.
The 1977-1978 school year was a good year for sports as these four Minot High teams won state:
girls' tennis, girls' track, boys' swimming, and boys' track. This
was the fifth consecutive state championship for the boys' track
team under Coach Radke. The boys' swim team was undefeated
this year under Coach Mike Stromberg. The championship
would begin a string of six straight state championships. (The
photo is from the 1978 annual.) The girls’ state track meet was
held in Minot this year. The girls won under a new head coach,
Jane Jackson.460 The girls’ tennis team had a 15-1 record this
year; next year their record would be even better.
This year the DECA store acquired a new name--The Corner Junction--and new merchandise.
For the "grand opening" there was a "ribbon cutting ceremony, program held in the theater, and
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store."461
the KKOA broadcast from the
The photo of the Corner
Junction sign, still there today, is from the 1978 yearbook. The store was
remodeled the following year.462
Organization news: Speech Club, under Coach Arlyn Marquardt,
also took first at state this year, with firsts in four events.463 A new
organization was Students Concerned About Students, which was "open to any students who
finds an interest in other students." Amongst their activities were attending a seminar on alcohol
awareness, in order to present information to students, and showing new students around
school.464 This organization would be in existence for only two years but was a predecessor for
the Rainbow Connection program, established at the high schools in the 1980s, and later the
Character Counts program.465 In May the Student Council sponsored one-minute radio
broadcasts on KKOA that featured information about school activities and an interview.466 MCC
students with technical help from Hank Beaver put the broadcasts together.
Beaver, who was the new head librarian this year, brought
audio-visual expertise and many students to the AV
production areas of the library. The photo is from a pamphlet
(undated but likely created in the early 1980s ) about the
production services available in the library. The products
could be as complex as “multi-image slide programs,
synchronized with narration and background music.” 467
Familiar issues were addressed in the High Times. In a poll of seniors conducted by a High
Times reporter, sixty percent felt that parking was "the major problem" at school. They wanted
more space for parking--another parking lot.468 There were also editorials expressing concern
about a lack of school spirit or lack of involvement. One student had a somewhat unusual
solution. In a guest editorial in the paper, he wrote that a poll of students had been conducted
about whether they knew the school song, "Loyal and True." "Only 31 per cent," he reported,
"could recite the song leaving a sickening 69 per cent who could not." He asked whether school
spirit could exist without a school song and in his last paragraph wrote, "Let us break the chain
of apathy and learn our school song."469
The 1978-1979 school year would see another very good year in
sports as Minot High took state in girls' swimming, boys' swimming,
girls' basketball, boys' track, and girls' tennis. This was the girls'
swimming team's first championship and would begin a string of
eleven straight state championships and more under Coach Kathy
Aspaas. The girls' basketball team, under Coach Bruce Anderson,
also won state for the first time, beating Bottineau in the final game.
The head coach for boys' swimming was again Coach Stromberg. The
photo of the girls' basketball team in action is from the 1979 yearbook.
Hockey notes: This was the first year the Minot High hockey team began playing teams from the
east.470 The team's head coach was Dean Blais (1977-1980 at MHS), who would go on to be an
assistant and head coach for the UND Sioux.
Vern Thiessen's vocational classes built an addition to MCC "located behind the current building
trades classroom." The addition was to be used by the building trades and the drafting classes.471
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Today the second floor of this area is used by the ROTC staff and students.
District budget concerns affected programs at MCC this year. The purchase of sheet music and
instruments for music was limited. A number of assistant coaches were dropped. The pom pon
team was discontinued and the baseball program’s existence threatened.472 The baseball team
did play in the spring, but this was supposedly baseball's final year.473
Because of low enrollment and the cost of the program, the Air Force Junior ROTC program also
was cut this year. ROTC gave a glider to the library "in hopes that they [would] be
remembered."474 That glider is still hanging in the library. Eventually the ROTC program would
return.
Other organization news: MCC added a Creative Writing Club. Student Guides, as a "branch"
of Students Concerned About Students, seemed to first appear this year as a distinct group at
MCC.475 Central Campus added a Pool Club.
There was a High Times article this year about the introduction of an Apple II computer in Craig
Nansen's computer math class. (Apple first introduced the Apple II in 1977.) It cost about
$1400, was “the size of a typewriter,” and could handle “sixteen thousand bits [16K] of
information in memory.” The students studied “ computer language, problem solving and game
creation.” The programming language for the Apple II was BASIC, but the students also studied
FORTRAN, used on the IBM computer at Minot State College.476 Students had been entering
data and computer programs on keypunch cards that were taken over to the college.477
The issue of inadequate parking space for MCC students was covered in a number of High Times
articles this year. One editorial supplied information about the increasing demand for parking
spots: this year one out of three students was driving to school compared to one out of five
when the 317 student parking spaces were designed for Magic City Campus.478 Early in the
school year car pooling was proposed as a solution, both for high gas prices and the lack of
parking, but the efforts of Students Concerned About Students to organize carpooling for
students had limited success.479 Another solution was paying for parking, but the preferred
solution was adding parking space, and the Student Council had specific ideas about what areas
to pave over. However, the feeling was that the School Board, especially at a time when it was
cutting programs and staff, would not be willing to pay for more parking spots. The Student
Council also focused on Snack Bar money, which they considered "MCC student money" even if
the school district had used it for projects at other schools. 480 The parking space problem would
not go away, and Snack Bar money, in future years, would be directed to MCC projects like
parking spaces.
A High Times article from later in the school year reported that a new pool hall had come to
Minot--Golden Cue Billiards--located on the 2 and 52 Bypass East. Students had to be at least
eighteen years old to go there. It had twenty pool tables, some snooker tables, "a small arcade
room," and a snack bar.481
This photo from the 1979 yearbook shows the popularity of
George Chumas' Minot Food Store during lunch break for the
Central Campus students. Chumas also was a famous fan of
Minot High sports.
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In the 1979-1980 school year, Minot High took first in four sports and added a sport. The boys'
and girls' swimming teams again were state champions. Ken Disher was the new head coach for
boys' swimming and would remain head coach for many very successful years. Boys' basketball
took state, under Coach Terry Hjelmstad. Boys' track completed a string of seven state titles
under Coach Radke. This was the first year for girls' cross country.
This year a computer room was added in what is today the
math office area, along with three new Apple II computers
and a printer--all for a cost of about $8000. The computers
could handle Pascal programming language and “64,000
bits [64K] of information.” The computer math classes,
along with "a handful of interested students and teachers,"
used the computers to design “programs which will do
everything from typing mailing labels to a program
designed to tell jokes.” 482 The photo is from the High Times.
This year was the first year of a a multi-year program called Enhancing Student Communication
Skills Across the Curriculum. Dr. Olthoff and seven staff had met in the spring of 1979 to put
together the program, which focused on reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. This
year all four skills were covered. In following years individual skills would be the focus.483
According to Dr. Olthoff, one reason for the program was to respond to "the back-to-the-basics
critics," though the "real big reason" was "to do a better job" of developing student
communication skills.484
Mascot news: The bunnies continued to multiply. Last year there were three.
This year the number grew to five. This year a senior, Mitch Fink, was a
popular magician mascot at basketball games. (For more about Mitch and
other magician mascots, as well as the bunnies, see the "School Mascots"
section.) The photo of Mitch is from the High Times.
Organization news: A new club was the student AFS (American Field Service)
Club. Its main purpose was to "help raise money for students chosen to go
abroad during the summers." VICA added the drafting classes, which moved to MCC this year.
Other news: Both the pom pon girls and baseball team were back
despite last year’s budget cut threats. Central Campus had its first
King and Queen of Hearts event, which would always take place the
week of Valentine's Day.485 The event provided a balance to
Homecoming, which had more of an MCC focus. The photo is from
the 1980 yearbook. (It would be two years before Homecoming
would have a king.) KXMC began a program to present “youth
views” on television. Students from the MCC Speech and Media Arts
classes participated.486
School dances made MCC a “social hub” in these years, according to one 1980 graduate. In the
1979-1980 school year there were at least seventeen school dances--from prom and
Homecoming to a Homecoming Week breakfast dance, Sadie Hawkins, and dances after games.
Almost all had live bands--from as far away as the Twin Cities and Nebraska. After the dances
many students hung out at Burger King. Student Council sponsored almost all of the dances.487
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Though Title IX had been enacted in 1972, school district officials did not seem to fully address
its requirements, particularly with regard to P.E., until this school year. The Title IX federal law
prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in "any education program or activity receiving
Federal financial assistance." At a December school board meeting, one principal reported that
P.E. teachers were "apprehensive": there were "male teachers who have never taught girls and
female teachers who have never taught boys." Some school board members were also
apprehensive. However, two principals pointed out that "apprehensions on a nationwide basis
were found to be unfounded once Title IX was implemented in the schools." The school district
could come into compliance by "providing that all classes in non-contact sports be co-ed."488
Changes soon followed for P.E. and sports in the school district.489
A final note about a teacher-politician: Beginning with his election to the
North Dakota House of Representatives in 1964, Wayne Sanstead divided his
time between teaching at Minot High and political office for fifteen straight
years. He was a state representative for six years, a state senator for two, and
then the lieutenant governor for eight years. He left teaching at Magic City
Campus after the 1978-1979 school year. The photo is from the 1979
yearbook. Since 1985 he has been the North Dakota Superintendent of
Public Instruction.
Minot High had its highest enrollment numbers in the 1973-1976 school years when the total
each year was over 3000 students.490 (A comparison between beginning and ending totals this
decade is less useful because there were only three high school classes at the beginning of the
decade. These were the beginning and ending numbers: 2027, 2427.) The population for the city
of Minot changed little over the decade: 32,290 to 32,843. In 1980 Minot added the Dakota
Square Mall and the Minot State University Dome. Soon, too, a new 16th Street underpass near
the Water Treatment Plant and Burdick Expressway eased traffic to and from MCC.
1980-1990
In this decade a new building was added to Central Campus, filling up the downtown block
again. A few more sports were added, and many MHS teams won state championships,
especially the swimming and diving teams. This was a major decade for new educational
concepts/practices, at least at Magic City Campus. One club was particularly successful at
winning state awards, culminating with a triumphant national campaign by a MHS student.
Both swimming teams continued their strings of state championships begun in the previous
decade. This decade girls' swimming, under Coach Aspaas, would win state every school year
except the last one. Boys' swimming, under Coach Disher, would win state six times, three at the
beginning and three at the end of the decade.
Early in the 1980-1981 school year a new student parking area
was finally added at MCC. The new lot, designed for
approximately 70 "economy cars," was located north of the
academic wing, between the teachers' lot to the east and the large
students' lot to the west. (Another small students' lot was located
near the softball fields.) Snack Bar money was used to pay for
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the new
lot.491
The above photo of the lot under construction is from the 1981 yearbook.
Students' eating habits were affected by a new federal law that banned the sale of "junk foods,"
including carbonated beverages, until after lunch. According to a Snack Bar supervisor, there
had not been many complaints because there were "enough other choices." The Snack Bar staff
could sell "anything that contributes at least five percent of any nutrient the body needs."492
This year at MCC writing was the communication skill that teachers were supposed to emphasize
across the curriculum. Another writing movement of the period was the focus on writing as a
process.493
Early in the school year Chicken Man visited MCC, probably on a promotional
tour. The Journalism I classes arranged a press conference for him, he signed
autographs, and he appeared at both MHS and Ryan football games. The
character was from a show that had been broadcast on "more than 1,000 radio
stations" since its start in the mid 1960s, including"five times daily on KTYNradio in Minot." (The radio show was actually titled Chickenman; the name
for the visitor may also have been misspelled in the High Times article used as
a source for this information.) The character was a shoe salesman during the
week but a "'white-winged . . . warrior'" against crime on the weekends.494
Sports news: There were a number of Minot High teams that won state this year and one new
sport. Both girls' golf, under new head coach Steve Hurd, and boys' tennis, under Coach Lyon,
won championships for the first time. Boys' tennis also had an undefeated season. The football
team, which had not won a state championship since the 1941 season, won under Coach Howard
Theige. Both girls' and boys' swimming won. Girls' track also won state, under Coach Glee
Mayer. This would be the first of four state championships for the girls' track team this decade.
The new sport this year was girls' volleyball--power volleyball rather than recreation
volleyball.495 Although the coaching staff and school officials apparently thought volleyball
would be a NDHSAA-sanctioned sport this year, they would have to wait another year.
Nonetheless, the varsity and two junior varsity teams continued their planned practices and
scheduled games. 496
The debate team also took state under Coach Allan Alvstad. Minot High had the two top teams,
having defeated their "great rival" Fargo North in both semifinal rounds. As usual, the debate
team's season involved competition against teams beyond the state's borders--against South
Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Iowa, and Ohio teams this year.497
The issue of students and part-time work was addressed in High Times articles. According to a
survey, 66 percent of MCC students had a part-time job--69 percent of males and 63 percent of
females.498 A High Times editorial stated that more students were working than in past years and
expressed the view that this was at the expense of school work, school athletics, and being a fan
of school teams. According to the editorial, students were working to buy such items as
"waterbeds, cars, trucks, and stereos"--items "their parents [could not] afford to get them." The
"solution": "raise the age of when employment can begin or pass a rule that makes it so a
working student can only work a minimum of hours and only until 9:00 p.m. at the latest."499
Another survey, conducted by the sociology classes, was on chewing tobacco use at MCC. The
survey indicated that 22 percent of junior guys and 30.25 percent of senior guys chewed. While
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none of the girls who were surveyed said they chewed, the author of the High Times article on
this survey said there were "a few" who did. An editorial addressed the issue of disposing of the
chew, which had ended up "on the floors, in drinking fountains, garbage cans and in school
desks." The High Times wanted tobacco chewing banned in school.500
Patriotism Week was celebrated in February and would be an annual event throughout the
decade. Members of John Sandeen's International Relations class organized the activities, which
included speeches, a flag-folding demonstration, a red-white-and-blue dress-up day, and a slide
presentation that "included scenes of America and its history, . . . shown to the accompaniment of
American music."501
Other news: This year the computer math students (and other students and teachers) had access
to 12 Apple computers to use for programming. 502 The choir held a variety show for the first
time, to earn money. The Change of Pace singers performed over 40 times.503 The prom may
have had its first After the Prom Party this year, sponsored by the Minot Kiwanis. Of those
students who attended the prom about 65 percent attended the After the Prom Party.504
In the 1981-1982 school year the communication skill focused on school-wide at MCC was
reading.
For the first time for Homecoming a king was crowned as well as a queen. Just as now, there
were eight candidates for each position.
The part-time job issue was again addressed in a High Times article, along with another survey.
The notable information from the new survey was that of those students working (67 percent of
students), 82 percent worked over 15 hours and 38 percent worked later than 11:00 p.m. While
the positive aspects of part-time jobs were identified, the main points of the article were that
research showed the "15 hour rule of thumb" was best to insure that negative consequences of
part-time work don't outweigh positive ones and that a "community effort" was needed to limit
work hours for students.505
Another issue this year was Ryan participation in Minot High sports. In January the school
board voted to allow Ryan students to compete to be on Minot High teams. A High Times guest
editorial opposed this decision, and an article in a later issue sampled student and staff opinions,
which were divided. According to the author of the article, "the only true consensus of opinion
seemed to be that Ryan participation in Magi sports might lead to cuts of Minot High students on
some teams and increased inter-school rivalries."506
MCC had a resident writer this year who worked with various language arts and foreign
language classes. Dr. William Borden was an author, playwright, and creative writing teacher at
the University of North Dakota. He presented writing as, in his words, "a process, a learning
process."507
This year home economics added an organization: HERO (Home Economics Related
Occupations). Though it was not directly connected to FHA in this year's yearbook, the next year
it would be, as FHA/HERO. The HERO part emphasized that FHA (and home economics) was
more than homemaking; exploring careers such as child care, food service, and fashion design
was a major emphasis. In the 1990s the organization would change its name again.
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During Spirit Week in February, FBLA presented MCC with a
banner that contained the words to the school song. FBLA
members had worked on the banner for two months as a
competition project focusing on school loyalty. They focused
on the school song after "noticing many students did not know
the school song." The banner was hung on the south wall of the
gym. 508 It was replaced at least two times, but the words are
still there on that wall. 509 The photo is from the 1995 yearbook.
Sports news: Both swimming teams won state again, as did boys' tennis and girls' golf, this time
under Coach Dwight Farrell. The volleyball team was sanctioned this year.510
A May High Times article reported that "a growing number of students and teachers alike are
becoming 'hooked on hacking.'" The article defined "hacking" to mean being "addicted to
computers." As an example of the work of computer math students, the article noted the
"popular" dating service project of two female students. They "programmed their Apple II to
match students with similar interests. The lists of compatibility were then printed and sold for
50¢ as a fund raiding project for the Student Council."511
The MCC pom pon team acquired a new name this year-Magicianettes. According to the yearbook, they changed
their name because other pom pon squads had chosen names
that "correspond with their schools." They did not choose
Majettes because of its connection to girls’ athletics. The
photo is from the 1982 yearbook.
A major development in the 1982-1983 school year was the addition of a new building at Central
Campus--a gym/cafeteria facility that filled out the southeast corner of the downtown block. Both
the gym and the cafeteria, located in the lower level of the facility, were truly needed. The old
floor/gym area of the auditorium was not adequate for such sports as volleyball. There was no
cafeteria for students. In previous decades they ate in the stands of the newer gym or on its
playing floor or left the building.512
New Gym/Cafeteria Facility at Central Campus
The photo and drawing are from A History of Public Education in Downtown Minot. As the drawing
indicates, the new facility was connected to other parts of the campus through a commons area.
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Central also added an elevator to the outside of the north side of the campus to allow
handicapped access. The Special Services and Art areas had also recently been renovated.513
This year at MCC enhancing student speaking skills was emphasized across the curriculum.
This was the fourth year of a five-year program, with only listening skills to go.
On October 28th the name of Magician Field (or Magician
Stadium) was changed to Duane Carlson Stadium. At that time
Carlson, who had served the district for forty-two years, was the
Director of Athletics. 514 The photo is from the 1987 yearbook.
Sports news: Both girls' and boys' swimming teams again won
state. Due again to a school district "financial crisis," the baseball team was to play its "final
season." The major problem for baseball seemed to be that it was the state's only Class A team.
It had to travel out of state to compete, and even North Dakota's springs were not helpful.515
Minot High School began the 1983-1984 school year as one of the top 100 high schools in the
nation. During the summer the National Commission on Excellence in Education gave Minot
High--CC and MCC combined--that designation. 516
Sports championships: Three girls' teams won state this year: swimming, track, and
gymnastics, under Coach Pam Parizek. This was the first state championship for the gymnastics
team, which was also undefeated in regular season meets. Also boys' track was a co-champion
at state.
Other sports news: MCC added soccer this year--as a club, not yet as a school-funded sport.
The club organized intramural games for six coed teams with 80 participants. Of course, a goal
of the organization was a "future school sponsored soccer team." A number of staff assisted the
organization in getting off the ground; some coached and supervised games.517 It would take
three years before soccer became a sanctioned sport. The baseball team was back again this year
despite the lack of funding from the school board. Students and parents raised the needed money,
and 52 students came out to try out for the team.518
Two music groups, the Symphonic Winds Band directed by Dave Jensen and the Senior Jazz
Ensemble directed by Richard Anhorn, won Minot High's first gold medals at the Winter in the
Rockies Festival held in Colorado Springs, Colorado, in March. The gold medals "placed the
bands in the top four to six percentage of the nation."519
Organization news: Back at MCC after a number of years was Latin Club, and the Library Club
returned to CC. Vern Thiessen's and Blanny Nygaard's classes (VICA students) renovated the
Edison hockey rink, including "rebuilding the warming house," in the fall.520 Some MHS
students organized the North Dakota Surfing Association, "a group of students who dress in their
wild Hawaiian attire and go to all high school hockey and basketball games and cheer for their
teams." Their goals were to "promote school spirit and to have fun with friends" at the games.
What was particularly unusual about the group was that they were willing to lead a pep rally and
game cheers for teams other than Minot High teams.521
Two issues covered briefly in the High Times were parking, again, and a possible cancellation of
senior "skip week." Students continued to park in the teachers' lot and other prohibited areas,
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partly it seems because many of them took up two spots in the student lots. This year the fine
for illegal parking was raised to ten dollars. 522 For many years seniors had looked forward to the
last week of school as "skip week." This year the state superintendent of public instruction, Dr.
Joseph Crawford, was insisting that all North Dakota students must attend the required 180 days
of school. Another argument for eliminating skip week was that many students who were going
off to college were missing the final exams typical of college classes.523 The seniors did
eventually lose their skip week.
In the 1984-1985 school year the school district added an alternative education program for
students ages 16 to 21 who had dropped out of school or intended to drop out. Through this
program students could attain a regular high school diploma. Bob Kelly was the coordinator/
teacher for the program; Sharon Goodman Ellis was also a teacher for it. The first building used
for the program was the Adult Education Center on 4th Ave. NW. 524 Eventually the program
would be housed in a building on the Quentin Burdick Job Corps Center grounds and become the
school district's third high school, with the name Souris River Campus.
At Magic City Campus two new programs were implemented: "Problematic Behavior
Intervention" and "Enhancing Questioning-Discussion Teaching Skills" (higher-order
questioning). The first program formalized intervention with students in trouble, working
through four stages: identification, confrontation, referral, and reclamation. The goal of the
second program was to have teachers asking the kinds of questions that required students to
apply, analyze, synthesize, and ultimately evaluate.525
Sports news: Girls' tennis, girls' swimming, and girls' golf, under Coach Farrell, all won state.
Boys' track, under Coach Radke, also won state.
The High Times reported that this year the North Dakota High School Activities Association
passed a rule that "girls have the choice of participating in contact sports such as football, hockey
and wrestling." Of ten students interviewed by newspaper staff, most supported the idea but
potential issues were noted, such as where the girls would dress. 526
Textbook and library book controversies seem to have hit a peak this year. The
ninth-grade literature textbook, Reflections in Literature, along with the tenthgrade text The Grapes of Wrath (and the movie version) became the focus of a
removal campaign led by a school board member. The principal complaint
seemed to be that they were negative or depressing. Neither were
removed.527 (The photo is from the 1985 yearbook.) Another textbook that
generated controversy was the text Married and Single Life, especially its two
chapters on sexuality, used in the Family Living course taught at MCC.528 In
August of 1984 the same school board member had "announced . . . that she
would form a committee to investigate the public school libraries," which she
did by checking out books from various libraries, utilizing a checklist of 60
books. She proposed that "at budget [ordering] time each book be reviewed beforehand by at
least one person in the community.” 529
Edna Boardman, the librarian at Magic City Campus, later wrote that the school district
"experienced challenges and criticisms relating to materials over a nine-year period." The
district attracted national attention during these years. 530 The school board member had also
campaigned against Humanism (or Secular Humanism) in the schools.531 In June, "wearied by
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years of controversy," Minoters voted to replace this school board member and another with
similar views with two "mainstream candidates."532
The traditional Wednesday graduation day was shifted to Sunday this year. The main reason,
according to Principal Olthoff, was that the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction
"requires that all students be in school until the end of the school year." He did supply an
additional reason: "relatives and friends who travel long distances can attend."533
Computers had become important enough to the school district that a district computer
coordinator position was created. Craig Nansen was chosen for the position, which he began
serving in the following year. He has remained in that position, though now as Technology
Director.534 Nansen has retained his support for Apple computers over the years. However, PCs
and Microsoft software were purchased over the years when needed.
This year MCC had eight foreign exchange students--from six countries.
In the 1985-1986 school year a High Times article conveyed further developments in computer
use. Both Magic City and Central Campus teachers took computer word processing classes this
year, taught by other teachers. The article reported that one of the teachers of the class
"explained that computer word processing is the ability to correct errors on the screen when
typing a test or program into the computer. The program is stored on a disk and can be changed
even years later." This teacher also "pointed out that computer word processing is important to
everyone, not just those in a math-related field." 535
Mastery Learning, an instructional method/philosophy, was introduced this year to high school
staff by Dr. Robert Osland, the curriculum coordinator for the Minot Public Schools.536 Its
essential beliefs are that almost all students can master material, if given enough opportunities,
and should master it before moving to new units of material. These are some of the terms
associated with Mastery Learning: outcomes, formative tests, enrichment activities, and
criterion-referenced tests. Darrell Liebelt, Dave Armstrong, and then Cindy Mau were the
teachers who pioneered using it in their classrooms at MCC.537
Sports news: Girls' cross country took state for the first time, under
Coach Joe Ringen. The girls' golf team took state, again under
Coach Farrell, as did girls' swimming. The photo of the cross
country girls is from the 1986 yearbook.
In January the Industrial Arts Dept. "housed a high-tech lab
sponsored through N.D. Vocational Education and Industrial Technology of UND." The lab
"familiarized students with these areas of higher technology in industry: robotics, lasers, and the
CAM and CAD systems (computer-aided machining and computer-aided drafting)."538
This was also the first year for MCC to be involved with the Close Up program. The program
was created to give students "a chance to experience the process of democracy as insiders." The
participants would travel to Washington, D.C., to see how the federal government works.539 In
later years the trips would be to Hawaii.
This year "the shadow of censorship," in the words of a Minot Daily News editorial, returned
briefly. 540 Two famous children's books, Shel Silverstein's A Light in the Attic and Where the
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Sidewalk Ends, came under attack, although no formal complaint was filed. The books were
removed temporarily from shelves at some schools and underwent a committee review. All of
the committee members supported returning the books to the shelves, and school officials
"agreed that a new, better defined procedure" was needed. A High Times article reported that of
one hundred MCC students surveyed, "ninety-five percent were opposed to the removal of the
books from school shelves in the area." 541 "Leave the Books Alone" was the title of the Minot
Daily editorial.
The yearbook listed these fads: "stirrup pants, shaker sweaters, floral print jeans, paisley, socks
over pants, broaches, and plaids over plaids."542
While trike races had been part of Homecoming Week assemblies
at Central Campus for many years, this year turtle races seemed to
be a new event. 543 The photo is from the 1986 yearbook.
In the 1986-1987 school year Mastery Learning was newsworthy
enough that it was covered twice by the High Times. According
to one of the articles, most students liked the new method. They liked the chance to improve
their grades (and many did) and, according to one of their teachers, "seem to work much harder
when given a second chance." 544 The other article offered a reason why it wasn’t being used by
more teachers: “it involves a ton of work for both student and teachers.” The article also
reported that, according to Darrell Liebelt, “some classes are easier to implement mastery
learning [in] than others.” 545 School district officials would continue to push for its
implementation for a few years, but eventually the lack of staff support for it undermined its
influence.
Beginning this year, Minot High piloted a new approach to North Central Association
accreditation. Instead of "conducting faculty self-evaluations," MCC and CC faculty used an
"outcomes" approach that required pre-testing and post-testing. The "target areas" were "study
skills, communication skills, international awareness, and student self-concept."546
Central Campus developed a students' courtyard in the center
court area. This photo of staff doing landscape work on the
courtyard is from the 1987 yearbook.
This year soccer finally became a sanctioned sport at MHS.
However, according to the 1987 yearbook, "a hockey booster
group was responsible for all costs this year." The yearbook also reported that the team was the
"only coeducational sport played in North Dakota."547 Though yearbook photos did not list any
female members, a High Times article reported that a sophomore girl had been on the team until
injured.548
Other sport news: The girls' golf team took state for the third
time in a row, under Coach Farrell. The girls' cross country
team repeated at state, under Coach Ringen. Girls' swimming
continued its string of state championships.
Prom was moved to the auditorium. The photo is from the
1987 yearbook.
80
In the 1987-1988 school year MCC staff employed additional educational concepts/methods:
Lesson Design (the Madeline Hunter model) and Cooperative Learning. (Cooperative Learning
seemed to have been new this year, but Lesson Design may have been introduced earlier.)
Lesson Design provided a structured approach for effective use of classroom time. In fact, "time
on task" was a term associated with Lesson Design. Some of the terms that were part of the
Lesson Design model included "Anticipatory Set," "Guided Practice," "Checking for
Understanding," and "Closure." With Cooperative Learning students were divided into groups
to work on learning activities; each student in a group had a responsibility in the more formal
uses of this strategy. According to a High Times article, proponents of Cooperative Learning
"say that it produces more and better ideas than the usual method of 'teacher talk and student
listen.' They also say that group learning improves problem solving abilities and helps students to
get to know each other." 549 In these years it was emphasized that these educational practices, as
well as others recently introduced, were research based. 550
There were also important curriculum changes All departments at MCC were supposed to
change to an outcomes-based format within the next five years. There was also a push to "move
away from tracking," which resulted in some Language Arts Department courses being dropped.
Dr. Olthoff expressed the view "that classes in which all types of students are grouped together
are more beneficial."551
Sports news: This was a very successful year for Minot High
teams. When the girls' swim team won its 10th straight state
championship, it tied a national record and brought a visit
from ESPN to interview the team.552 (The photo is from
the 1988 yearbook.) These were the other victorious teams:
boys' swimming; boys' basketball, at Minot, for the first
state title under Coach Gene Manson; girls' golf for the
fourth consecutive year, again under Coach Farrell; girls'
tennis; and girls' track, beginning a nine-year period during
which they won 8 state championships under Coach Mayer.
The issue of P.E. class grades affecting grade point averages returned to the High Times. A
lengthy student guest editorial calling for a change in how P.E. grades were counted in terms of
grade point average (and maybe even dropping P.E. as a requirement) elicited an even longer
response from a P.E. teacher. The teacher discussed the many benefits of physical activity and
pointed out, in terms of grades, "that everyone has something they don't do as well in as the next
person."553
The High Times again covered student parking space concerns. Over the summer the field south
across 11th Avenue, which had provided space for 60-65 vehicles, had been fenced in by ASK
Incorporated, which was trying to sell the land. The school district did not have funds for a new
lot, but "ten parking slots in the teacher lot [would] be assigned to 'student groups of four or
more' who are willing to car pool" and permission had been obtained to park near Jim Hill Junior
High.554
By this year the seriousness of the AIDS epidemic compelled the school district to provide
information for staff, students, and parents through a presentation titled "Suddenly Sex Has
Become Very Dangerous." At MCC students viewed two videotapes in English classes and
could ask trained staff questions. Grades 8-10 students were also to view the videotapes.555
81
The musical South Pacific, produced only once so far at MHS, was a major success. Ron
Wineteer was the director, Richard Anhorn the musical director, and Virginia Maupin the
choreographer. 556
Rainbow Connection was a new organization at Central. According to the 1989 yearbook, its
goals were "to help teens understand the issues they deal with . . . on a day-to-day basis, offer
alternatives to substance abuse, and to create positive peer pressure." 557 The organization
sponsored a successful all-night New Year's Eve Party.558
In the 1988-1989 school year MCC's library added a computer lab, in the room off the junior
locker bay, with twenty-four new Apple II GS computers and five printers. Students had to have
their own floppy disks; the lab was not yet networked beyond the room.559 This was the first
computer lab for general use in the school. However, as reported in a High Times article, Craig
Nansen, the computer coordinator, hoped that English Department classes would get "extra use
out of the computers because he [felt] that the word processor [would] revolutionize the teaching
of writing classes."560 The library also added three computers in the main library area.561
Sports news: In another very successful year, these teams won state championships: boys'
tennis, under Coach Lyon; boys' golf, under Coach Farrell; boys'
swimming; girls' swimming, for an 11th consecutive title; and girls'
track. The school board voted to allow high school members of the
Magic City Figure Skating Club a chance to earn athletic letters.562
The girls on the Magic Blades team performed at "hockey games,
competitions, and their annual ice show."563 (The photo is from the
1989 yearbook.) This year the gymnastics team moved into a new
building at the Fairgrounds, which they shared with the Gym Dandys.564
This year a Magic City Campus team took first at the Minot State University Math Track Meet
for the ninth year in a row. The only year this decade they did not take first was in 1990.
A Conoco Kwik Stop store opened at the corner southwest of MCC and quickly became popular,
competing with MCC's Snack Bar. According to a High Times article, "a few hundred students
visit the Kwik Stop daily. On the average, each spends about one dollar."565
In the 1989-1990 school year the Minot High School DECA chapter capped a
very successful decade by winning the state Chapter of the Year award for the
seventh year in a row under Advisor Kevin Reisenauer. In addition, the MHS
Chapter and State DECA President Heather Funke, a senior at MCC,
campaigned for and won the election to be National DECA President.566 The
photo of her in action is from the 1990 yearbook,
Other organization news: By this year Rainbow Connection seemed to have
expanded to include students from Magic City Campus as well as Ryan High School. Members
also worked with younger students.567 The Pep Club returned at MCC after not organizing for a
number of years. It would fade away again in the next decade.
The Debate Team won state, under Coach John Scheeler. Two MHS teams competed for the first
place trophy.568
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Sports news: The soccer team won the state championship, under
Coach Erv Johnson, after two years of being runnerup. (The photo of
a Minot player going in for a score is from the 1990 yearbook.) The
boys' basketball team won state again, under Coach Manson, with an
undefeated WDA season. Boys' swimming also won state, for the
third time in what would be a string of six straight victories. While the
girls' swimming team did not win state, they did push their dual victory
string to 103 wins and were the WDA champs for the 16th year in a row. The Magic Blades
team won the Traveling Trophy at the North Country Competition for the third year in a row. 569
To encourage students to read and thereby improve reading skills, an NCA target for the high
school, a reading break was instituted this year. A High Times article summarized the experience
this way: "The reading break happens once a week for 15 minutes, alternates hours every week,
and students seem to enjoy the break." 570
The popular Media Arts class was offered for the last time this year. Students had learned about
"the history of the media . . ., the importance of nonverbal communication, how to make
commercials, propaganda techniques and practices, radio and TV broadcasting and how to make
movies." The class was discontinued because the Curriculum Cabinet felt that as a language arts
class it did not require enough reading, writing, or speaking.571 (Over the decade, too, there had
been an increasing "concentration of the courses in the core curriculum."572) This class was a
forerunner for the present Media Literacy class at MCC, and now media creations are common in
classes in all departments.
In the spring of the year KX13 and Piggly Wiggly sponsored a game show, High School
Academic Challenge, that was broadcast on KX13. Teams from eight area schools, including
Minot High, competed against each other in answering questions from these categories: math,
science, American literature, and history.573
There were a number of High Times articles about school district budget cuts this year (and in
other years this decade). Thermostats were even turned down, and the district began recycling
paper.574 In remarks, in this year's yearbook, about the upcoming decade, Supt. Edward Mundy
identified "funding for education" as "the greatest challenge in North Dakota." He also wrote
that "technology will change the type of education students will receive."
Minot High School's enrollment declined a bit from the first year of the decade to the last--from
2324 to 2124. The city's population grew over the decade--from 32,843 to 34,544.
1990-2000
In this decade the most important development may have been Internet access in the schools.
This was not a decade of major new educational practices, but school site councils brought
decentralized decision making, more course opportunities were provided for college-bound
students, and another alternative school was provided. A number of girls' sports teams had
strings of state championships; girls’ track, under Coach Mayer, won state the first seven years of
the decade. One new girls' varsity sport was added. There was a building addition to Magic
City Campus and talk of major renovations to Central Campus. Teen bands were big.
83
In the 1990-1991 school year there was concern, fueled by rumors, that Minot had a gang
problem. The focus of attention was a group of young people nicknamed the "Raiders" because
they "often [wore] clothing with the L.A. Raiders logo on them." After some incidents in Minot,
Minot police and Air Base security police took action. However, one MCC student identified as
a "Raider" insisted, "All we are is a bunch of guys who hang out together, and we all like the
Raiders. The police are blowing it all out of proportion." Dr. Olthoff stated that it was "not fair
to judge somebody just because they wear a certain color." He also said, "The only action I am
taking taking at this time is to be more visible." 575
Both the debate and speech teams won state. The debate team, under Coach Scheeler, was
successful throughout the debate season competing against North Dakota, South Dakota, and
Minnesota teams.576 The speech team, under Coach Marquardt, won as a result of the
performances of many team members in many different categories.577
Sports news: Boys' swimming won state, as did girls' track, girls' tennis (under Coach Lyon),
and the gymnastics team (under Coach Nancy Ziegler). Freshman gymnast Kim Sveum was
Minot’s "first-ever all-round titlist"578 and would continue to be a standout performer. This was
the first year that girls' soccer was a varsity sport.
A Magic City Campus team took first at the Minot State Math Track Meet. MCC teams would
also take first in 1994, 1997, and 1998.
The High Times had an article on staff and student reaction to U.S. involvement in the Persian
Gulf War (August 1990-February 1991). The article reported that most supported U.S.
involvement.579 There was also a page titled "MCC students support Desert Storm troops" in
the yearbook supplement.
Organization news: The Student Technology Association (STA) was a new organization. (At
first it seemed to have a longer name: Student Technology Education Association.) Its goals
included: to "expose students to different areas of technology"
and to “improve thinking by applying technology." 580 DECA
members created a "product to promote the city" that was
similar to Monopoly--a game they called MINOTPOLY. They
"sold spaces on the board to local businesses for advertising and
promotion."581 (The photo is from the 1992 yearbook.) DECA
would continue its string as state chapter-of-the-year through the
decade. Rainbow Connection became Connections this year. The organization continued to
include students from MCC, CC, and Ryan. Their "main activity" was "cross-age tutoring."582
The drafting classes were now using computers with AutoCAD software. (CAD means
Computer Aided Design or Computer Aided Drafting). With this software students could
experience college-level or professional level tools that allowed them "to become more efficient
and reduce drawing errors." 583
This year the MCC Magicianettes discarded the label "pom pom team," insisting instead that
they "be known as a dance team," according to their advisor. She said they seldom used their
pom pons.584 At Central the pom pon squad also experienced changes. It acquired a new name,
Magic Kicks, and competed in the state pom pon competition.585 In the following years
Magicianettes and Magic Kicks would disappear as nicknames; both teams would be Majettes.
84
In the 1991-1992 school year computer opportunities continued to improve for students. The
Business Department at MCC received a "high-tech" IBM computer lab, through federal Perkins
Act money, that allowed students to save to a server for that lab rather than to disks. There were
also "broadcast" and monitoring features for teachers.586
Organization news: There were two new MCC clubs, both community service-oriented:
Ecology Club and Psychology Club. The main goal of the Ecology Club (also called Students
for the Environment Ecology Club) was to help protect the environment. Amongst its activities
this year was working with STA to place two bins for pop cans in the commons and, along with
the Central Campus Science Club, organizing a newspaper recycling drive that brought in almost
21,000 pounds of newspapers.587 (This club would combine with the Science Club in
1997-1998.) The Psychology Club was for students "interested in human behavior to experience
learning outside the classroom," in the words of the advisor Cindy Mau. Psychology Club
members volunteered to work with agencies helping such groups as the elderly and the
handicapped. 588 The Symphonic Winds, Jazz Band, and orchestra traveled to Orlando this year.
These were the first music groups to fly and the first to travel as far as Florida.589 (They would
be joined by the choir in future years.)
Sports news: The hockey team won its first state
championship this year, under Coach Gary Sampson.
This was also the first state hockey title for a team from
the West. In the finals the Magicians beat a team that
had beaten them twice during the regular season, the
Bismarck Demons; the final score was 8-7. Tom Philion
was the tournament MVP.590 (The photo is from the
yearbook supplement.) The boys' swimming team also
won state (for the fifth straight time), as did the girls'
track team and the gymnastics team, under Coaches
Robbie (Lacari) Werchau and Steve Carver.
According to a High Times article, role-playing games, such as Merc 2000 and Stormbringer,
were increasing in popularity at MCC. Those who played the games were called "gamers," and
the role-playing was called "gaming." The article reported that the "most popular games seem to
be based on wars of the future [as with Merc 2000] or on battles of the ancient past [as with
Stormbringer]." These were not computer-based games or video games, which do not require a
game master. According to a student interviewed for the article, most gamers also listened to
"speed metal" music.591
Two High Times articles indicated that teenage bands were a notable element of teen life in
Minot. Two bands were covered in articles, one unnamed, the other with the name Nobody's
Children. One band played for activities that benefited organizations and social needs.592 Local
bands would be covered in the High Times through much of the decade.
Honor Society pursued changing 11th Avenue to Magic City Avenue. Amongst the obstacles was
a cost of from $600 to $700 to change seventeen street signs. 593 Magic City Campus is still
located on 11th Ave. SW.
In the summer before the 1992-1993 school year there were two developments that would help
staff and students at MCC. The library automated its book collection so that students could use
85
computers to find materials more quickly. Circulation was also
(It would be a
few years before CC's library was automated.) Over the summer MCC and Souris River
Campus language arts teachers created a writing handbook for their classes. 595 The handbook
was first used in classes this year, and a revised version of it is still in use.
computerized.594
Sports news: After an undefeated regular season, the wrestling team took
state for the first time since 1971, under Coach Ken Vetter. In the state
tournament 11 of its 12 wrestlers placed. The team ended up ranked fourth
nationally.596 (The photo is from the High Times.) The boys' swimming team
continued its string of victories (six in a row). The gymnastics team won for
the third time in a row, under Coaches Carver and Werchau. The girls' track
team also won, as well as girls’ golf, under Coach Nadene Johnson.
Key Club was a new club at MCC, still "sponsored in part by the Kiwanis." Though in previous
appearances Key Club was restricted to males, it now had male and female members. Its major
goal was "to promote community service among MHS students." Key Club members had the
"opportunity to give about fifty hours of service . . . through volunteer work on the weekend."597
Students from Central Campus’s Science Club took first at the ND State Science Olympiad
competition this year. This competition began in 1985.
In a first-time production at MCC, the musical Fiddler on the Roof was a big success. Tanya
Kjos was the director, Neil Lemieux the music director, and Virginia Maupin the choreographer.
In April the first Minot High Battle of the Bands was held at MCC. These were the bands that
competed: Prodigy, Nobody's Children, Death Toll, Nothing, and Dr. Carlson Must Operate,
which won the contest. The bands were judged on appearance, originality, and crowd
response.598
The 1993-1994 school year was Dr. Olthoff's last year as the head principal at MCC, before
moving on to become the assistant superintendent. He had served as a Minot High head
principal for nineteen years, two at CC and seventeen at MCC. He promoted what he called a
"'high expectations' philosophy."599
Sports news: The gymnastics team won state for the fourth time in a row--under
Coaches Werchau and Carver. Kim Sveum was the all-around titlist for the fourth
year in a row. (The photo of Sveum is from the 1994 yearbook.) The girls' golf
team, under Coach Johnson, and the girls' track team also won state again. This
was the fourth victory for girls' track, under Coach Mayer, since 1991.
A new tool for helping students plan their futures was introduced to students this
year: the Choices computer program. Students were able to access the program in
a library computer lab or on a computer in the guidance department area. It
allowed students to find out more about post-secondary schools, occupations, and financial
aid.600 Later in the decade it added a Career Aptitude Survey (CAS) feature.601
For this year and next FHA seemed to be replaced by FLA (Future Leaders of America) or had
FLA added to its name (FHA/FLA). There would be a permanent name change in a few years.
86
In the 1994-1995 school year site-based councils were established at schools throughout the
district. The councils were composed of teachers, administrators, parents, and, at MCC, students.
The councils provided decision-making at the level closest to the students served by the building.
According to Supt. Larson, the councils had the power to make "important decisions regarding
setting goals, hiring staff, and developing educational programs."602 They had a budget to work
with.603
Sports news: A number of teams won championships for MHS. The girls' swimming team
began a string of five straight state wins this year, after an absence since 1988. The girls' golf
team won state for the third time in a row under Coach Johnson. The girls' track team won
again, along with the girls' cross country team, both under Coach Mayer. The boys' basketball
team won, under Coach Manson, with strong defensive play.604
Two students collected over 500 signatures on a petition to have the dress code eliminated at
MCC. The students were protesting against rules that said school personnel could remove a
student who wore clothing that "disrupts class, an activity or constitutes a safety/health hazard to
the student or classmates." Specifically this would be clothing that "displays offensive graphics
or lettering or that illustrates alcohol, drugs or tobacco products." One of the students said, "The
power to decide what a student can and can not wear shouldn't be left up to one person but to the
student body." He wore a Hooters shirt one day to test reactions. The two students brought the
petition before the school board, but the dress code was not changed.605
In the second Battle of the Bands, held during senior week, these groups performed at MCC:
Bloatedfish, Jesus, Aneurism, Mercy Seat, Sputnik, and The Pink Ladies + Kevin. The Pink
Ladies won.606
Some of these bands also performed at the Minot Collective Cultural Center ("the MC3"), owned
by Micah and Sarah Scott. A High Times article described this music venue this way: "This is
the only place within 200 miles or so that you can hear your favorite underground punk, metal,
alternative and hard core bands in full stereo sound." The Center had been around for a few years
but hadn't always had "their own building."607
According to the yearbook, these were other places students hung out: YMCA, Oasis (for
"playing pool, ping pong, or video games"), Dakota Square Mall, McDonald's, Sweetheart's
Cafe, and school sporting events.608
These were two informals from the yearbook:
The M & H Store (see store
sign in first photo at right)
had been a draw for
Central Campus students.
At far right is a cast photo
from the hit musical
Godspell.
87
In the 1995-1996 school year the Internet arrived, in a limited way, for staff and students. In the
MCC library there was a computer upstairs for students to use Sendit as an in-state email service.
Staff could access a main floor computer to use both Sendit and the Netscape Web browser.
During the summer the school board had passed an acceptable use policy for student use of the
district's "electronic network." These were functions listed for the network: "electronic mail,
conferences, bulletin boards, data bases, and access to Telnet, FTP, and WWW resources."609
For periodicals research the library began to move away from print indexes to computer-based
tools (via CDs): an EBSCO index for magazine articles and, through an expensive subscription
to Newsbank, "thousands of newspaper articles . . . ready to read off the screen or print out." 610
A greenhouse for horticulture classes was completed on the east side of MCC, attached to the
home economics area. The previous year Scott Bexell and his Drafting II students drew up
designs from a concept presented by Vern Thiessen, whose Building Trades students put in the
foundation and footings in the spring of 1995 and continued work on it this year. A masonry
company was hired to do the brickwork. 611 The High Times photo on the left below is of the
building under construction in the fall of 1995. The second photo was taken in 2011.
College credit courses became an option this year for MCC students. These were the first
classes that provided this opportunity: IBM Computer Applications II, Marketing and
Management, and Writing Workshop (which provided credits in Freshman Composition).612
This was the first year that ITV classes were taught by MCC teachers from a studio at MCC.
The courses taught this year were Art Techniques, Speech, and Criminal Law.613
Home economics classes this year became Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) classes.614 It
would take a few years of encouragement from the FACS staff before others consistently used
the new name.
School planners were new this year for students, replacing folders. The main
purpose behind them was as an organizing tool.615 The yearbook captured the
promotion of the planners in a humorous two-page spread celebrating them.
Planners are still being used. The photo is from the 1997 yearbook.
Sports news: Girls' golf won for the fourth straight time, under Coach Johnson,
breaking the state score record two years in a row.616 Other state champions were girls' track and
girls' swimming, which had a perfect season. There were High Times articles this year, and in
upcoming years, on a non-school hockey team, the Minot Oilers, on which Minot High students
played. The Oilers played this year in the North Dakota Midget Hockey League and the Moose
Mountain Provincial League.617
88
This year for the first time cheerleaders were able to perform stunts. According to a High Times
article, that meant they could "now lift each other higher than the base person's waist. They
[could] also do basket tosses, which is where one person is thrown into the air and three others
catch her." The past summer the cheerleaders and advisers had to get certified to do the stunts.618
Central Campus adopted a no-hat policy this year; MCC would adopt it next year. 619 The policy
addressed concerns about gang activity and difficulties communicating with hat wearers. 620
The yearbook had a two-page spread on student involvement with bands. The Minot Cultural
Center and Sweetheart Gourmet Coffee Shop were identified as "stages" for performances.621
The yearbook also had a page on the O.J. Simpson trial with student reactions.
In the 1996-1997 school year Internet access expanded. The high school campuses were wired
over the summer, and students could now email and browse the World Wide Web.622 At MCC
the Internet became available for general use in one of the computer labs in the library.623 For a
few years that lab was so packed with students at lunch and after school, especially with
emailers, that library staff had difficulty clearing the room.
More computers were purchased to address a district goal of "having a computer available in
each teacher's classroom." FirstClass, which provided in-district communication, was also
installed on all staff computers.624
One consequence of having computers in classrooms was the need for security for them. At
MCC doors were added to classrooms that had been without them since the school was built.
Advanced Placement classes were offered for the first time--AP English 11 and AP English 12.
AP Calculus was added the next year, followed by AP Chemistry one year later. AP
Government and AP U.S. History would be added towards the end of the next decade.
MCC teams won the state Science Bowl both this year and the next year. Both teams went on to
the Department of Energy National Science Bowl; the 1997-1998 team placed in the top eight.
Competition for the Science Bowl began in 1995 in North Dakota.625
Sports news: Girls' swimming, girls' track, and gymnastics, under Coach Carver, took state.
The Magic Blades took second at nationals. This year and the next two there were photos of
male gymnasts on the yearbooks' gymnastics pages. There had been a male gymnasts' club in
Minot for years, but not until their sport could letter did they receive yearbook attention. They
had Russian coaches and participated at their own meets, mostly out of state. 626
Souris River Campus moved to 1510 University Avenue West, on the
southwest corner of the Quentin Burdick Job Corps Center grounds,
its present location. The school district partnered with the Job Corps.
According to Supt. Richard Larson, "high school students had
opportunities to enroll in courses and programs offered by the Job
Corps and their enrollees could take academic classes at the
alternative program facility."627 The alternative program had in
recent years been housed at the State Fair Grounds. The photo of part
of the then newly renovated SRC building is from the 1997 yearbook.
89
This year the Building Trades classes took on a large project,
building a house across the street from MCC.628 In the photo
students are laying forms for the house, which was located in a
wide-open area. This would be the first of the on-site house projects
that the Building Trades (soon Construction Technology) classes
would construct on property across from MCC and then at Aspen
Circle in an area west of KMOT. Such a large, expensive building
project was unique for high schools in the state.629
FHA at MCC began making home-made Swedish meatballs this year for Minot’s annual Norsk
Hostfest.630 The meatballs were made at school, and everyone enjoyed the aromas.
Battle of the Bands competition this year involved Snotrockets, KumKwat, 2nd Generation, Afro
Davis, Nail Bender, Adrenalin, and Twist. "The scene," in the words of a High Times article,
"was just like that of a rock concert with an awesome stage, courtesy of Star Guitar, and ten
security guards who were needed to keep the rowdy students away from the stage and the band
members." The winner was 2nd Generation. 631
Snowboarding made the High Times this year. One snowboarder was quoted as saying,
"Everybody and their mom has a snowboard these days." For a while, every evening about 7:00
at MCC, "a bunch of guys" and sometimes a girl could be seen "going off a jump that they made
themselves or carving down the hill." The district did close down the
steeper hills to snowboarders and sledders.632
The school year at Central Campus began with some serious
excitement as a "pop bottle bomb" was "detonated in a hall trash
can." 633 The photo of police on the scene is from the 1997 yearbook.
The 1997-1998 school year was the last year Tom McDonald was the
head principal at Central Campus. He was head principal there for twenty years, the second
longest serving MHS principal. In the 1998 yearbook McDonald had this to say about the
students he dealt with over the years: "The quality I like most about the 9th and 10th grade age
group is the high energy and enthusiasm that forces adults in their world to hustle to keep up."634
There was talk of bringing all of the high school students together in one building. That would
have required expanding Magic City Campus or building a new facility. In a High Times article,
the money issue was addressed: "We already have problems with school funding. Where would
money come from to remodel or build a new school?" According to the article, "a majority of
the student body said that they think [combining the four grades] would distract from our
learning environment, although there were a few who think it would be a good idea."635 The talk
of a potential new high school would turn to talk about significant remodeling of Central
Campus.
The library added its first online database, the Electronic Library, which would soon be called
eLibrary. The database allowed students to search content from "newspapers, magazines,
encyclopedias, almanacs, and other print material via the Internet."636
Sports news: Only girls' swimming took state this year. The Magic Blades won the bronze at
the Spring Cup World Precision Competition in Italy.637 Dance became a varsity sport. 638
90
Backpacks seemed to really arrive at MCC this year. According to the
yearbook, "virtually all MCC students and even some staff use them."
The convenience of being able to carry everything around with you was
noted but also the danger of being hit by a backpack. At Central there
was a "no hats, no jackets, no backpacks policy." 639 The photo of MCC
students heading to class is from the 1998 yearbook.
Peer Mediation began at Central Campus. Trained student mediators
were to work with other students having a dispute, bringing them face to
face to hear the other side and talk.640
Bands were again covered in the High Times. One article reported at some length on these MCC
student bands: Nail Bender, Afro Davis, International Velvet, and Project Euphio. The bands
were said to demonstrate a "wide variety of music and talent."641
The High Times also covered game-playing and fashion developments. Games, such as Tetris
and Drug Wars, could now be played on the graphing calculators, to the dismay of most
teachers.642 Students were caught up in the competition between the Nintendo 64 and Sony Play
Station game-playing systems. Whatever the system, their addictiveness was evident.643 Tongue
piercing was reported to be the "latest fashion trend." An article covered the experiences of a
student who had had her tongue pierced. Derma Design, according to the article, was the only
place that did tattooing and piercing.644
In the 1998-1999 school year, after two years of considering whether to adopt block scheduling,
a committee of teachers, students, administrators and parents recommended against adoption. A
survey MCC and CC staff "indicated that 55 teachers approved of a modified block scheduling
plan and 46 were opposed."645
Sports news: The MHS basketball team, under Coach Manson, won state after a 25-1 regular
season record. Both girls' swimming, for their fifth straight, and boys' swimming, which began a
long string of victories, were state champs. The baseball team, under Coach Pete Stenberg, also
took first at state. (NDHSAA, though, did not begin sponsoring Class A baseball until the next
year.646) This was the first year of girls' hockey in Minot. However, the sport was not yet
supported by the school; instead Minot Hockey Boosters supported it.647 A shortage of rink
space created practice problems for the Magic Blades.648
Organization news: Key Club returned to Central Campus. DECA created a second edition of
Minotpoly. One thousand games were produced; fifty were given to businesses that "had
purchased a space on the board" and the rest sold out. DECA also created two other games this
decade: LIFE in Minot (in 1994) and Magic Land Game (in the 1999-2000 school year).649 After
a very successful performance at the Orlando Music Festival, Minot High's orchestra ended up
ranked second in the nation.650
The MCC Art Department added Art Studio as a class “for senior art students who wish to
research and experiment further with a specific medium.” Students who were going to take the
class reported looking forward to “working with other students who are good at what they are
doing” and to “working freely.” The Art Department was known for its “developed” program.651
Central Campus changed its front sign, replacing a sign that said “Central Campus High School.”
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The new sign reinforced the idea of two campuses but one
high school. The photo of the new sign is from the 1999
yearbook.
MCC continued to expand its student parking spaces A new
area, an extension of the lower west lot, opened early in the
school year.652
In the 1999-2000 school year, another alternative school was added--this time for 9th and 10th
graders. It was called Central Campus East and was first located at 1900 8th Ave SE. Its
location would change a number of times. Now it is called Central Campus Plus.
By the end of this school year, after extensive discussion, the school board committed to
significant renovations at Central Campus, in a part of the facility that had seen little change
since 1918. The renovations would involve the old auditorium/gymnasium and opening up
traffic to the various parts of the complex.653 In a few years the board would commit to another
phase of renovations.
New colorful iMacs appeared in schools around the district,
including labs at the high school campuses. These iMacs seemed
to revive the fortunes of Apple Computer and in the school district
rekindled an interest in Apple computers. The photo is from the
2000 yearbook.
The new iMacs did not have a slot for floppy disks, which did create some problems, but this
year everyone could save to a server from any computer in the school. The server could also be
accessed from home.654 (Access to the server from home would be eliminated in a few years to
protect the school district network from hackers.655
Boys' swimming and diving was the only sport to win state this year.
At Central a new snack/lunch/breakfast facility was added in the commons: Snack Central.656
FHA changed its name to FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America.)
A High Times article on backpacks had a different focus this year: health concerns. Experts
were cited for both sides of the issue of potential harm to students from wearing backpacks. The
students interviewed for the article agreed with the idea of potential harm. The article also
reported that “the latest trend in backpacks is the new one-strap backpack.” 657
The yearbook captured the spirit of a millennium year
with the theme “Millennium Magic.” The photo is from
the yearbook.
High school enrollment increased slightly over the
decade: 2126 to 2227.658 Minot's population went from
34,544 to 36,567. Another high school appeared in Minot
in 1995 when Our Redeemer’s Christian School added a
high school program.
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2000-2010
In this decade there were significant facility upgrades: major renovations at Central, a new
Career and Technical Education wing and other renovations at Magic City, a new location for
Central Campus East (now Central Campus Plus), and new or improved athletic facilities and
stands. The No Child Left Behind Act, signed into law in 2002, and the actions of the state
legislature led to more testing, especially of juniors. Also in part as a response to No Child Left
Behind, new programs or practices were introduced to increase the graduation rate, improve
student performance, and enhance professional growth for staff. Changes were made to improve
security. Two new girls' sports were added. The swimming teams continued their dominance,
especially boys' swimming, which won state all but one year in the decade. Two swimmers were
particular standouts.
Declining enrollments would be a concern through much of the decade. Supt. Richard Larson,
in his 2000-2001 annual report, offered these main reasons: "parents having fewer children,
changing patterns of work force deployment on the Minot Air Force Base, and both in-state and
out-of-state young adult migration." He also wrote, "Growth in parents deciding to educate their
children at home, private school enrollments, and open enrollment continue to impact the
number of students attending the Minot Public Schools."659
Early in the 2000-2001 school year renovation began at Central Campus. The auditorium and
track areas were closed, and jackhammers were a familiar sound.660 The project would take until
February 2002 to be finished.661
Sports news: Boys' swimming, still under Coach Disher, and boys' track, under Coach Greg
Fjeld, won state. This was Coach Kathy Aspaas's last year as head coach of the girls' swimming
and diving team, which finished second at state. During her twenty-six years as head coach her
teams won the state title sixteen times. The city added a skating arena in the fall, MAYSA
Arena, named after the organization that led the efforts to provide more rinks for skaters in
Minot--the Minot Area Youth Skating Association. The arena is located across from the Souris
Valley Golf Course. For the first time Minot would have rinks with ice on them all year long.
Minot skaters had even been using a rink "located in a barn," "the infamous Ice Palace." 662
MCC began an Academic Achievement Letter program that recognized students for
achievements beyond sports, such as membership in school organizations, high scores on tests
such as the ACT exam, and taking advanced courses.663
Minot High students won the MSU Math Track meet this year and would also win it the
following year and in 2007.664
This was the twenty-second and last year that Central Campus held the King and Queen of
Hearts event.
During the 2001-2002 school year Central's students were able to enjoy the results of what would
be Phase I of renovations there. The outdoor courtyard was enclosed to allow a new commons
area that "opened up east-west traffic through the building." Before there had only been
confusing, often crowded routes. The old auditorium/gymnasium was replaced with a new
auditorium that could seat 550 people comfortably, with "state-of-the art" sound and lighting.
No longer was there a track around the auditorium. Under the new auditorium was a new
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gymnasium and another room for physical education activities. (The new stage was higher than
the previous one.) Off the commons, in what had been the Wrestling Gym, was a new Wellness
Center. Central's principal, Keith Altendorf, reported that the physical changes "impacted the
attitudes of both our kids and our staff in a very positive way!"665
At right, in clockwise order,
are photos of the new
auditorium, the new
commons/passageway, the
Wellness Center, and the new
gym under the auditorium.
The view of the new commons
is from just beyond the west
front entrance to CC. Part of
the floor of the auditorium's
stage can be removed for an
orchestra pit. These photos
were taken by the author in
2011.
Organization news: A new organization at both Magic City Campus and Central Campus was
FEA (Future Educators of America), sponsored by Phi Delta Kappa, a professional organization
for teachers. Through such activities as bringing in guest speakers and attending camps, students
in FEA learned about what is involved in being a teacher.666 Also new this year at Central
Campus was a Character Counts Committee, which was started due to one student's desire to
continue being on a Character Counts Committee and ended up with forty-three students on the
committee.667 Magic City Campus would add a Character Counts organization in three years.668
Sports news: The boys' swim team and boys' track team, under Coach Fjeld, again won state.
The big "M," which had long topped the Midwest Federal building in
downtown Minot, was added to the northwest edge of Duane Carlson
Field. It was purchased and donated by Chuck Kramer, manager of I.
Keating Furniture World. Additional monetary donations helped to
anchor it as a symbol of Magi pride at Duane Carlson.669 The photo
was taken by the author in 2011.
Some significant local and national events were noted in the Searchlight and High Times.
Students and staff were glued to television screens on September 11th during the terrorist attacks
on the World Trade Center Twin Towers and the Pentagon. Students from the Air Force Base
were particularly affected by the September 11th terrorist attacks as many of their parents would
be called up for service. Early in the morning of January 18th a Canadian Pacific (CP) train
derailment in the Tierrecita Vallejo area created a cloud of anhydrous ammonia that spread over a
large area of Minot. It was a frightening day, especially for those in the Tierrecita Vallejo area.
According to a High Times article on the experiences of one Minot High student who lived in the
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Tierrecita Vallejo area, it was so difficult to see that when he tried to get to his neighbor in his
car, he crashed into a tree. All schools were closed for the day. This year, too, the new YMCA
building in southwest Minot was completed, medical services were consolidated as Trinity
Hospital purchased Unimed Medical Center and Medical Arts Clinic in May, and students
enjoyed a new skate park at Roosevelt Park.670
Technology notes: MCC's Technology Education Department received an $18,000 laser
engraving machine. 671 Responding to the great need for more computers for students at MCC,
Principal Lynn Sanford allocated Snack Bar money in the spring for two laptop carts, each with
sixteen iBooks, for the next school year. Laptop carts would multiply in the years ahead.
At MCC work was completed on the refurbishment of the gymnasium. The gymnasium was
painted and the old bleachers and dividers replaced. 672
At MCC someone was hired to monitor the student parking lots, and at CC a "security greeter"
was hired to be the "eyes and ears of the school."673 Both positions still exist but with added
duties.
Both Central Campus and Magic City Campus were broken into by two men hoping to find
money. The men caused approximately $10,000 in damage in the March 31 break-in at CC and
$20,000 at MCC three days later.674
In the 2002-2003 school year, Phase 2 of the renovations at Central Campus began. With this
phase fire safety concerns would be addressed, science rooms shifted to the third floor, and the
foreign language area remodeled and equipment updated. Four classrooms would be added, two
each on the second and third floors, as a result of the enclosure of the courtyard. Work began in
March 2003 and was completed in February 2004.675
Organization news: This was the first year at Central Campus for FBLA. At Magic City
Campus three students organized Students Take a Stand (STS) against tobacco. The organization
expanded to include students from other schools.676 MCC also had a SADD (Students Against
Destructive Decisions) chapter. The goal of this organization was for its members to educate
other students about how to say no to drinking, drug abuse, and other destructive activities. It's
not clear whether this was the first year for this organization at MCC.677 (SADD previously
stood for Students Against Driving Drunk.)
The Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp (JROTC) program returned as a curriculum offering at
Central Campus and Magic City Campus. JROTC members raised a special flag on September
11th in a program at MCC to remember the victims of the 9/11 attacks.678
In January one of the teachers in the social studies department at MCC, Gary Wenstad, was
deployed with his National Guard unit to serve in Iraq. 679
Sports news: Boys' swimming, under Coach Disher, and boys' golf, under Coach Farrell, won
state.
The MCC theater department's very successful production of Much Ado About Nothing marked
the end of a five-year period of annual Shakespeare play productions under Director Wendy
Knudsen-Kelleher.
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In the 2003-2004 school year Phase 2 of the Central Campus renovations was completed. At a
total cost of about $6 million, the two phases of renovations addressed many needs at Central
and also preserved some of the original flooring, woodwork, and other features.680
Sports news: Both boys' swimming, under Coach Disher, and girls'
swimming, under Coaches Barb McPeak and Brock Mitzel, won state. This
was standout swimmer Matt Lowe's senior year. By the time he graduated he
had won seven individual state titles and held the record in four individual
events.681 As of 2011 he still holds all eight of Minot High's individual-event
records. Lowe continues to swim professionally. The photo is from the
2004 yearbook. The Minot High Competition Cheerleading squad won the
State Winter Cheerleading Competition. The team consisted of the three
varsity squads for girls' and boys' basketball and hockey.682
A new club at MCC was the Culture to Culture Club, founded by a foreign exchange student
from Thailand. The club, according to the yearbook, "brought students and faculty together to
celebrate different cultures."683
Thanks to Lt. Jamie Vadell of the Minot Air Force Base, students were able to participate in a
drumline, called the Minot High School Magi Drumline, which practiced after school. Their
performances were described as "a high-energy display of well-synchronized percussionists."684
A photo of the first drumline is in the 2004 yearbook.
Technology news: New computer labs were added to the foreign language areas at both Central
and Magic City. Each computer had a headphone and microphone to improve listening and
speaking skills.685 Central Campus added a"C-Cam" studio, consisting of a camera room and a
control room, in the library for students to broadcast announcements and other news.686 The
Apple iPod Mini, in five colors, was released early in 2004 and soon became a favorite of
students.687 Both CC and MCC make adjustments to their cell phone policies. Cell phones
would continue to be an issue.688 Online grades were now available for students and parents to
check.689
Two MCC student bands covered in the High Times were Mapatazy and Brakelazy. One of the
performers for Mapatazy said his band was "more raw" than the other with "more of a hard punk/
alternative style."690
During the 2004-2005 school year work was begun on a new Career and Technical Education
(CTE) addition at Magic City Campus. The groundbreaking ceremony was on March 3 and
construction began in late March. MCC students had had to travel to the vocational building
near Central Campus, a building that was "in very poor condition." 691 The addition was to the
northeast part of Magic City Campus, extending out into what had been a parking lot. A new
parking lot would be created northeast of the addition.
To add security to school district buildings, all staff were required, for the first time, to wear I.D.
tags--with a photograph, staff name, and school name.692
Sports news: These teams won state: boys' swimming, under Coach Disher; girls' swimming,
under Coaches Mitzel and McPeak; and baseball, under Coach Stenberg.
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The Key Club at Central raised $8170 for Feeding the Children International by raffling off "Win
a Dinner Date with Josh Duhamel" tickets.693 Duhamel is a Minot High graduate and movie star
who starred in the romantic comedy Win a Date with Tad Hamilton.
Central Campus students began participating in National History Day competitions. Beginning
with this year, a number of Central students would take firsts at the state level and then go on to
compete in Washington, D.C.694
For the first time there was an after-graduation party, based on the after-prom party. The event
was called the Minot High Senior Blast and was sponsored by the Magic City Campus PTA and
the Minot Sertoma Club.695
In the 2005-2006 school year work continued on the new CTE wing at Magic City Campus.
Sports news: Boys' swimming, under Coach Disher, and girls' swimming, under Coach Dan
Hinton, won state. The MHS cheer team took first at the 2006 North Dakota State Winter
Cheerleading Championship. A stunt group also took first in that competition.696 Minot High
also added a new school sport: girls' fastpitch softball. Minot High's competitors included
Bishop Ryan and seven teams from the eastern part of the state.697
In 2005 serious talk began about building a community bowl in Minot. One reason certainly was
the conditions of both MSU's Herb Parker Stadium and Duane Carlson Stadium. The concrete
stands at Duane Carlson had become a safety and appearance issue. The success of
Bismarck's community bowl also was a factor. Sites that came under consideration were school
district land north of Jim Hill Middle School, Minot Park District land near the MAYSA Arena,
and either a renovated Herb Parker Stadium or a practice field at Minot State University. MSU
facilities were settled on. Whether the project would go ahead eventually was decided by a vote
in June 2008. Voters were asked to decide whether half of the 1 percent sales tax for the
Northwest Area Water Supply project should be diverted for three years to funding for a
community bowl. They rejected the diversion of money.698
Magic City began a new "tutoring program," called Guided Study, to help students struggling
with their classes and in danger of not graduating on time. Two staff work with students who are
assigned to the program during their off hours.699
Organization news: A teacher at Central Campus organized a writing club for students called the
Magic Pens. The teacher said he "wanted to provide a place for students who are more into
writing than into other school activities." The meetings were "for students to critique each
other's works and to learn writing techniques."700 The National Honor Society at MCC, working
with the Family Support Group of the 164th National Guard Unit of Minot, promoted an Adopt a
Soldier program. The program was "designed by National Honor Society members to send care
packages to former Minot High School graduates who are members of the 164 ... unit"
monthly.701
This year, according to a Minot Daily News article, "the school district met its goal of enrolling
girls in non-traditional career courses for the first time." A teacher of an autobody class at MCC
reported that the number of girls in his class had grown from one to ten over the past five years.
He attributed the increase to "word of mouth and a district program called Diva Tech, which . . .
introduces middle school and young high school girls to vocational education courses." The
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autobody teacher noted the girls' "better hand-eye coordination" and ability to "see
colors." 702
In October both Central Campus and Magic City Campus received bomb threats. The schools
were evacuated, but no bombs were found.703
SMART Boards with LCD projectors began to be added to classrooms. This interactive
technology allows teachers to display what is on a computer screen and use the SMART Board
as a touchscreen. 704
When the 2006-2007 school year began, Magic City Campus students were able to enjoy the new
$5.1 million Northwest North Dakota Career and Technology Center, which was just completed
in August. It houses automotive technology, automotive collision, welding, computer repair,
electronics, information technology, and health careers programs in “a combination classroom/
lab setting." 705 There is also a large career center in the facility.
The photos are of the front
of the new CTE wing and
of the drilling project for
geothermal heat for the
new wing. The photos are
courtesy of Lynn Jensen at
MCC.
This year renovations to create an expanded weight room in the physical education shelter area at
MCC were completed.706 In the next few years improvements, including installation of an air
circulation system, would continue in the area. All the renovations improved facilities for fitness
classes, such as yoga and muscle pump, in addition to the improvements for weight training.
Below are photos of areas in the shelter area (both taken by the author in 2011).
This year significant cosmetic renovations were also begun at MCC. Colorful bricks began to be
covered up, and beautiful oak facings were added. A Wall of Fame was established to honor
Minot High School graduates "who have had a significant impact on their community."707
Beginning in the summer of 2006 and finishing in December, the theater was repainted, the stage
floor was refinished, and new maroon-colored seating was installed.708
Sports news: Both the boys' swimming team, under Coach Disher, and girls' swimming team,
under Coach Hinton, won state. This year girls' cross country and boys' soccer also won state.
One star for the cross country team was Heather Funke, who had been the individual state
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champion the two previous years. Under Coach Matt Pfau, the boys' soccer team won the
championship in overtime.709
The term "Professional Learning Community" began showing up this year at both Magic City
Campus and Central Campus.710
As a result of new federal regulations for schools that receive federal money for lunch programs,
the school board adopted a wellness policy in June 2006 that affected food options for students.
For the Corner Junction, at MCC, that meant selling only snacks that could meet certain
percentage requirements for vitamins, etc. In the Snack Bar at MCC, Snack Central, or in the
lunch lines that meant, amongst other changes, that milk had to be purchased when a cookie was
purchased.711
At Central Campus the open campus lunch period was changed to a closed campus one "in order
to provide safety and security for all students," according to Principal Altendorf.712 The previous
year only the sophomores had been allowed to leave the campus for lunch.713
Magic City Campus began to add large monitors to its commons area and a wall across from the
main office to broadcast mainly announcements and sporting events.714
A new place for teens to hang out, called the Red Carpet, opened in January in the lower level of
16 S. Main. It was the home for Artists Musicians and Performers (AMP), which had previously
existed at another location. The "promoters," Nick Cavallo and Jeb Fredrickson, said that the
"bulk of the audience [for their concerts] is high school students." Cavallo said that they featured
both local bands and touring groups and that "Minot's alternative music scene is lively."715
A Central Campus Crier article conveyed the dismay of CC students about the lack of parking
spots for those who drive to school. As had always been the case, they could find some spots
around the school but would have to move their vehicles every two hours. The other option was
a special permit to use private parking lots. At this time the cost was $25/month.716
Minot High began the 2007-2008 school year without a home football field. Parts of the stands
at Duane Carlson Stadium had become so unsafe that the school board closed the stadium,
forcing the football team to use Herb Parker Stadium at Minot State for its "home" games.
Coaches and players were dismayed that the repairs had been put off for years and that senior
football players in particular would not be playing at Duane Carlson Stadium.717 Complicating
the school board response to this situation was the unsettled community bowl issue, the lack of a
school district building fund, and the need for stadium improvements beyond just bleachers,
which would require significant expenditures. 718 In the spring of 2008 the school board accepted
bids for the concrete work and installation of bleacher seating with seat backs. 719
The school district began a serious push to involve staff in professional learning communities
(PLCs) within disciplines and for particular courses, with the goal of collaborative work on
essential learnings and assessments. 720 Ultimately, the goal was to improve student performance
through improved classroom instruction. "Data driven" and "triangulate the data" would become
important phrases in assessing student performance.
This was the first year juniors were required to take six hours of classes (plus a physical
education class.) The new requirement would help ensure students had enough credits to
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graduate; a number of students came to MCC credit deficient. The state legislature had also
increased the number of credits required for students to graduate, which would go into effect for
next year's juniors.721
Other sports news: Both boys' swimming and girls' swimming teams, under Coach Hinton, won
state. This would be Ken Disher's last year as head coach for the boy's swimming team. It
would also be the last year for three other long-time Minot High School head coaches: Gene
Manson, Bruce Anderson, and Jerry Lyon.722
The Varsity Football Cheerleaders won the American School Spirit Award, which they flew to
accept in Orlando, FL. To win the award they submitted a "25-page scrapbook of activities they
did in the areas of community service, academics, and school spirit."723
Security cameras were added to public spaces at Magic City Campus: locker bays, parking lots,
commons, hallways, and entrances. These were meant to deter vandalism, fighting, drug
transactions, theft, and "any type of Columbine situation."724 Additional cameras would be
added in a few years. One student said, "I believe the cameras were well worth it. The school
just feels more safe and I feel secure here at all times."725 At Central Campus the security
cameras were installed near the end of the previous school year.726
In an Auto Tech class at MCC students built an engine that ran on vegetable oil. A local
company and local non-profit organization donated parts or money for the project. The students
worked on the project for six months.727
The Construction Technology students began building houses west of KMOT this year. The
school district had been fortunate enough to purchase the land before there was such a demand
for lots. The house the students built this year was expected to sell "between $230,000 to
$259,000."728
Students began the 2008-2009 school year with a different time schedule at both high school
campuses. School now began at 8:05 a.m. and ended at 3:00 p.m. with 50-minute class periods.
(Previously school had begun at 7:45 and ended at 3:15 with 55-minute class periods.) The main
reason for the schedule change was to allow for intervention time for students to meet with staff
about their classroom work. (One day a week the time was used for staff PLC meetings.) At
Magic City the intervention time was from 7:30-8:00; at Central Campus the intervention time
was after school. Starting the day a bit later also acknowledged the student need for more
sleep.729
As a result of new state requirements for credits to graduate, this year for the first time Central
Campus students were required to have a seven-period day.730
Central Campus East changed its name to Central
Campus Plus this year and moved to a building
purchased for it at 215 Maple St. In the previous five
years, when the school district rented space for it, the
school had to move three times. 731 The photo, taken
by this author in 2011 just before the flood, is of CC
Plus' new building.
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MCC changed how it handled students who got in trouble. Instead of in-school suspension
(ISS), which took students out of all of their classes, students now were assigned loss of
privileges (LOP), which was assigned on off hours and lunch periods and could include removal
from the specific class in which a student got in trouble. The change improved a student's
chances of keeping his grades up.732 This change was part of an extensively developed "pyramid
of interventions" at MCC to help students succeed in their classes and graduate.
Sports news: Girls' golf, under Coach Eric Hendrickson, gymnastics, under Coaches Marisa
Upton and Pam Tweten, and girls' swimming, under Coach Jake Solper, won state
championships. This year the girls' fastpitch softball team was recognized by the school district
as a sanctioned sport. As a result, participating girls were able to letter.733 The football team was
able to play its home games at Duane Carlson Stadium this year. Below is a 2011 photo of the
new stands. Metal bleachers with backs were installed.
Each year organizations and students try to come up with unique service projects This year at
MCC, for example, the Honor Society conducted a campaign, called "Books for Babies," "to
provide a book to each newborn in Minot to encourage a lifetime of reading from birth." At CC,
two students founded a project called "Warm Fuzzies." They and other students made fleece
blankets for those in need.734
A High Times article reported that MCC students had given names to their parking lots. The two
lots on the west side of the school were called Tier One (top one) and Dirty South (lower one).
The lot on the east side of the commons and swimming pool was called the Athletic Parking Lot.
The newest lot, northeast of the new CTE wing, was called Egypt. The most distant lot, near the
north playing fields, was called Australia.735 In later articles the Tier One Parking Lot was called
the Senior Parking Lot.
In the fall the Red Carpet closed. Two pages in the 2009 yearbook were dedicated to it,
including these words of tribute: "For the last two years, this small basement had been Minot's
premium venue for local bands to show off their talent. It's also been a social center where teens
can be themselves. . . . Though it closed this fall, the Red Carpet's legacy of music and friendship
lives on in the music inspired by this well remembered scene."
In November, though, the Pangea House, a "community center . . . geared to young people,"
opened at 109 W. Central Avenue.736 A two-page spread in the yearbook supplement included
these statements on the new hangout for teens: "At the Pangea House music is everything. . . .
you can mosh, dance, or just chill and listen to great music."
Three high school bands mentioned in the yearbook or school newspaper were Made from
Concentrate; I, Apparatus; and Black River. 737
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A weather note: In Minot, and elsewhere in North Dakota, a large amount of snow fell this
winter. There were three snow days for Minot's public schools. One MCC teacher who lived in
the country walked a mile four days to get to a road where someone could pick him up and drive
him to school. In the spring students helped to sandbag when Mouse River flooding
threatened.738 Unfortunately the winters with heavy snow would continue, and memories of the
flooding in 2009 would be overwhelmed by what was to come in 2011.
Important news for 2009-2010 seniors was the scholarship opportunities provided by the 2009
state legislature. Seniors could earn the North Dakota Academic Scholarship by graduating with
a score of 24 or better on the ACT exam. They could also earn a North Dakota Career and
Technical Education Scholarship by scoring a 24 on the ACT or a 5 or better on each of the
WorkKeys assessments. The scholarships provide up to $1500 per academic year with $6000
being the maximum payout. The scholarships are limited to attendance at North Dakota's
colleges and universities.739
Sports news: After a one-year break, boys' swimming won state again,
this time under Coach Jake Solper. The gymnastics team, under Coaches
Upton and Tweten, and the girls' golf team, under Coach Hendrickson,
repeated as state champions. This was the senior year for Dagny
Knutson, a very talented girls' swimmer with Minot High, state, and
national records. In the summer of 2008 she participated in the Olympic
trials, qualifying for the finals in one of the events she competed in.740
The photo of her is from the 2009 yearbook.
There were two school newspaper pieces ("Parking Panic" and "Parking Catastrophe for Minot
High") about winter parking concerns. The parking lot of most concern was the senior (or upper
west) lot. Yellow parking lines disappear in the winter, but with the senior lot the problem is
compounded by the fact that it has a curved shape. Some students, too, are not the best drivers/
parkers. The parking lot supervisor does attempt to clear ice and snow from the yellow line, but
winter parking does remain a problem.741 This year was not the first year students had
complained about it.
A student editorial about how Magic City Campus students dress created some controversy. The
editorialist was critical of what she labeled "a lot of repetitious, dull fashion." She identified the
"main look" at MCC as the "'scrub' look: meaning sweat pants, hoodies, white tees, and
slippers." She didn't object to this style, just that it was worn all the time. She wrote that what
girls wore was "cute" but they all wore the same stuff and wore it every day: "floral tank dresses
with a waist belt, loose knit vests and wraps, folded yoga pants, leggings worn as pants, jeans
with a lot of holes, boots, plaid everything, moccasins, stripes, pajama pants." In the end she
asked her fellow students to "think outside the box and try something fun." 742
The Magic City Campus school newspaper changed its name this school year from Minot High
Times to MCC Times, which better reflected the one-campus focus of the paper.
At the beginning of the decade the school district was facing declining enrollments. At the end
the school district numbers had begun to expand again. The high school enrollment numbers
declined throughout the decade: 2213, 2119, 2116, 2064, 2049, 1943, 1922, 1908, 1905, and
1870 (from the 2000-2001 through 2009-2010 school years). The enrollment number would
increase in the first year of the next decade (to 1908). 743
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Minot's population grew significantly, from 36, 567 in 2000 to 40,888 in 2010. Its population
growth rate was second only to Fargo's (11.8 percent to 16.5 percent). In the second half of the
decade Minot Air Force Base added another squadron of B-52s and 1,090 personnel and their
dependents, oil development had come to western North Dakota, and North Dakota's agriculture
sector and overall energy sector were thriving.744 (There wasn't talk any more of North Dakota as
a "Buffalo Commons" or of that National Geographic article "The Emptied Prairie.") Boom
times came to Minot and Minot's nickname, "The Magic City," was asserted in news stories.
2010-2020
At the beginning of this decade improvements to playing field facilities at both high school
campuses were completed. Boys' swimming and gymnastics continued winning streaks to open
the decade. Student parking space remained an issue. Unfortunately, an old problem returned
with overwhelming force: Mouse River flooding. Early in the decade Minot would face an
uncertain future. Its school system would have to deal with displaced, stressed students.
In the 2010-2011 school year Central Campus added "green space" for the first time, and the
track at Duane Carlson Stadium was upgraded. Both took longer than expected. In 2007 the
school district tore down the old vocational building on Third Street, leaving a large lot to be
converted to "green space." At that time Central Campus was one of only two high schools in
the state without "green space" near it. However, other facility needs had to be addressed and
the "green space" project was put off, further delayed by the length of time it takes for grass to
grow.745 The track upgrade at Duane Carlson Stadium began in the summer of 2010 but was
delayed by rains and a late start. Unfortunately, the delays prevented the football team again
from playing or practicing at Duane Carlson stadium through the entire football season.746 In the
spring, however, the track teams were able to enjoy upgraded facilities, including an extra two
lanes that would allow Minot to host state track meets. The photos below are of the new
physical education playing field near Central Campus and the new track at Duane Carlson field.
At the back of the playing field photo are flood waters. At the back
of the track photo is a new storage building for P.E. equipment used
outside. The photos were taken by the author in 2011.
Sports news: This year boys' swimming, under Coach Solper, and gymnastics, under Coach
Tweten, won state.
While for many years a limited student internship program had been available for Minot High
students, this year the program was expanded. Now students could focus on any job or volunteer
experience beyond the school walls that they wanted to explore more fully for high school credit.
Under the supervision of a high school teacher, students in the program would keep track of their
hours, set goals, and write reflection papers "about what they have learned and accomplished." 747
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Again there were two articles in the school newspaper on student parking at MCC. One
discussed whether the Senior Parking Lot should be closed to juniors or be used on a first-come,
first-served basis. The other pushed for an additional parking lot, with numbers in support. The
author reported that 870 students had 565 parking spots available to them. He felt the best
location for a new lot would be behind the "Egypt" lot. He even provided an estimated cost per
square foot: $44.748
Magic City Campus' first musical of the decade was a wonderful production of Fiddler on the
Roof. As with the previous production almost twenty years ago, audience members left with
echoes of such songs as "If I Were a Rich Man" and "Sunrise, Sunset." Alphonse Koenigsman
was the director, Dawn Freeman the music director, and Paula Simonson the stage director.
Technology notes: Many MHS staff experimented with iPads this year. Plans for next year
included iPads for entire classes. More students were seen using e-book readers.
There was lots of snow again in Minot, and north of the border, and then too much rain in the
2011 spring. Soon after school was out there was a mandatory evacuation order, but Minot
survived the first flood threat. Then in a couple of weeks came another mandatory evacuation,
followed by record-breaking flooding. These school district buildings suffered flood damage:
Ramstad, Longfellow, Lincoln, Central Campus Plus, Head Start, and the Adult Learning Center.
Neither Magic City Campus nor Central Campus was threatened, but certainly many staff and
students were affected.
Magic City Campus became Task Force South Command of North Dakota and Minnesota
National Guard units. About 500 National Guard members, at the peak numbers, occupied the
school for a number of weeks, sleeping in classroom areas. Beginning in mid July the National
Guard moved out only to be replaced by about 350 Red Cross officials and volunteers, 12
FEMA staff, 80 Corps of Engineers members, and 14 Southern Baptist Convention disaster relief
volunteers.749 Below are some photos of the flood impact on MCC.
A large hole was dug out of the clay hills of MCC. Sandbags were everywhere in parking lots. National
Guard vehicles (and personnel) were also everywhere. The sandbags photo is courtesy of Lynn Jensen.
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Blackhawk helicopters regularly took off from MCC grounds. Xcel Energy experts were
housed in vehicles parked in the southeast parking lot. The helicopter photo is courtesy of
Lynn Jensen. Other photos above were taken by the author.
At its height the flood waters were not very far from the new "green space" at Central Campus.
The first photo below is of the intersection of Central Avenue and Third Street Southeast. While
there were no dikes around Central Campus, the SRT building across the street was diked.
The left photo is courtesy of Trent Hall. The top
one was taken by the author.
------------------------------
In the January 8, 1919, souvenir booklet for the dedication of the then new high school building,
“the Minot view of education” was expressed:
No community can be greater than its schools.
The city of tomorrow is being builded in the lives--the training,
the ambitions, the dreams--of its youth today.
A city that invests well in educational equipment establishes at once
its civic wholeheartedness, and typifies a citizenry of worthy ideals.
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School Nicknames
The boys’ athletic teams are called the Magicians or Magi; the girls’ teams are called the
Majettes.
The Magicians nickname undoubtedly originated from Minot’s “Magic City” nickname, which
seems to have been first used in the city's earliest years (late 1880s), when it experienced "rapid
growth."750 In the first decade of the 1900s, another boom time for Minot,751 use of the city
nickname must have been fairly prevalent because the phrases “Magic Minot” and “Magic City”
appeared in 1907 issues of the high school’s monthly magazine. 752 Bruce Anderson, a Minot
history buff, has a photo of a 1908 banner with the words “Magic Minot” on it; the banner was
celebrating Minot’s first harvest festival.
As early as 1903 a Minot sports team used the Magicians nickname. According to Gaylen
Brown, Minot State University history professor, “Minot had a full-salaried [baseball] outfit
from 1903-1904 called ‘The Magicians.’” 753
Minot High sports teams began using the Magicians nickname as early as the 1915-1916 school
year, according to the 1916 Searchlight. In that yearbook, the basketball and track teams were
called Magicians,754 but the nickname would not appear again in the yearbooks for another ten
years. Although Minot High fans and teams seem to have continued to use the nickname
unofficially, "official" use seems to have been affected by another school's use of the nickname.
The other school was the Minot Normal School, which had opened in 1913. (Originally devoted
to training teachers, it would become, after various name changes, Minot State University.) The
Normal School's first yearbook, for the 1916 school year, was titled The Magician. Its next
three (1923, 1924, and 1925) also had the same title, but a change would come as a result of a
campus newspaper campaign. In January 1925 the staff of the Normal School’s newspaper, The
Red and Green, promoted the beaver as a mascot for the school’s sports teams (the school did
not have a mascot).755 By March, according to a newspaper editorial, The Magician staff also
wanted to change the yearbook name to Beaver. 756 The debate over the proposed changes was
reflected in spring and summer issues of the newspaper. By the end of the summer the Normal
School had a beaver mascot and its yearbook had a new name.
Some of the contributions to The Red and Green debate indicate that the Magicians nickname
was being used by Minot High School students and/or fans. One writer said, “The High School
folks have long been called Magicians. Why not permit them to keep exclusive use of the name
so long used.” Another wrote, “Could you miss seeing the word ‘Magicians’ on the Minot High
sweaters at the game? For many, many years they have been known by this name.” 757
The nickname was now solely Minot High's and began appearing again in Searchlights,
beginning with the 1926 one. 758 Until then sports team members had often been called “Wearers
of the M” (as early as the 1912 yearbook, for example) or “M man” (as in the 1925 yearbook's
coverage of the basketball season).
So far the author knows little about the origins of the Magi nickname, other than that it was
being used as early as the 1940s. The nickname did appear three times in the June 11, 1943,
school newspaper, referring to Minot’s track team twice and then the basketball team. (Two of
106
these times it was followed in the next paragraph by Magicians.) The first appearance of the
nickname Magi in a yearbook seems to have been in the 1948 Searchlight.
The Magi nickname may simply have originated as a shortened form of Magician or perhaps
because some people visualized magicians as Middle Eastern figures and the word magi certainly
conformed to that imagery. One definition of magus, as the singular form of magi, is sorcerer or
magician. The shorter Magi also works well with such a phrase as “Mighty Magi.”
The Majettes nickname for girls’ sports teams seems to have originated with the girls’ basketball
team in the l973-74 school year. This was the first year of a Minot High girls’ basketball team
after many decades. Coach Glee Mayer, who began her coaching career for Minot in the late
1970s, says the nickname gave female athletes a distinct identity with a word that emphasized
femininity.759 Only the basketball team used the nickname at first, but in the 1976 yearbook all
three nicknames --magicians, magi, majettes-- rimmed a two-page spread, acknowledging the
importance of the new nickname. In the 1980s the nickname continued to spread to other girls’
sports. In the 1989-90 yearbook all three nicknames were spread throughout the yearbook as a
motif.
School Symbols: Mixed Imagery
At the right is Minot High's official logo. However, the imagery of a genielike head resting on a crystal ball has not always been how the Magician has
been depicted. Sometimes the Magician was a top-hatted fellow with wand,
gloves, and rabbit to pull out of the hat. And not all of the school's symbols
have pertained to magicians or magic. What follows is a brief, certainly
incomplete, history of imagery associated with Minot High.
On one page in Minot High’s 1912 yearbook appeared an Aladdin’s lamp
image. The 1931 yearbook had a magic/Aladdin’s Lamp theme with
drawings of Eastern characters. At right is one of the pages from that
yearbook. In the 1935 yearbook the football season was captured in a series
of drawings, some pictured below, of a Magician with the mascots of
opposing teams. These were the opponents pictured below: Fargo Midgets,
Bismarck Demons, Williston Coyotes, and Model High Beaver Kits.
107
In the 1937 yearbook there were no drawings, but there were descriptions of Loyalty Day
activities that involved queen candidates "parad[ing] around a large black hat" at a pep assembly
and the queen "seated on the throne to represent a magic rabbit."760
In the later 1950s magician-with-a-crystal ball imagery seemed to gain
ascendence over other imagery. The theme of the 1956 yearbook was "the
Magician and his magic crystal ball." For an example of the sketches of
the magician that appeared in this yearbook see the top drawing at the right
from the Seniors sectional page. A 1957 graduate, however, said that when
she attended Minot High "we used a magician in a tuxedo for our school
symbol," considering it to be more representative than the "swami."761
Then, in the spring of 1959, the design for the current logo originated
when a committee of juniors met with a ring company's salesman and
artist to choose a design for their senior rings. Junior Tom Walstad came
up with the design, which the ring company's artist drew. The design first
appeared on the 1960 senior rings.762 For many years before this the ring
design had been a “gold facsimile of the library doors," which students
had wanted to change.763 The bottom drawing is from the inside cover of
the 1961 yearbook.
During the 1963-64 school year, the school newspaper campaigned
against the dominance of the magician/magi with a crystal ball. That year the High Times staff
made “TO BURY SWAMI” one of the planks of the editorial platform. This was one of the
drawings that appeared above the editorial platform:
Instead of the swami kind of magician as a school
symbol, the newspaper supported the “position that
the rabbit would not necessarily be the school
symbol, but perhaps a rabbit and a hat, or a
magician, hat and rabbit.” 764 Rabbit drawings
populated the newspaper issues (see examples to
the right) and even the cover of the yearbook (at far
right), whose staff seemed to have sympathized
with the newspaper campaign. The newspaper
staff and others of like mind who commented in
various issues of the school paper insisted that a swami was not
really a magician or did not really reflect the spirit of the school. One letter to the editor attacked
the character of the "Swami" in these words:
How people can accept the shifty eyed Swami, and see any connection between
it and a good, clean rabbit owning Magician is beyond me. None of us would want
to be known statewide as the Minot High School Swamis, then why continue using the
old man in the turban on so many MHS articles, particularly the rings. 765
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It’s hard to know how serious any of the critics were, but they did not sway many members of
the Student Council, who voted "by almost unanimous consent" in April
1964 to adopt the Magi (their word for the Swami) as the official school
symbol. (This was the Magi of the earlier ring design and current logo.)
According to a school newspaper account, Principal Joel Davy noted that
the Magi design had been created by a "special artist" and accepted by
students. He also stated that he did not consider the rabbit an 'callencompassing emblem.'" (The assistant principal, Norman Howe, did
suggest that the school not adopt an official mascot, which would allow the
newspaper to use the rabbit.) 766 In the May 4th issue, above a newspaper platform without the
"TO BURY SWAMI" plank, the drawing at the right appeared--absent only a rabbit.
The official symbol, now more than a ring design, first appeared in a school newspaper
in the October 9, 1964, issue at the top of a column called “the Ball Gazer.” See
figure at right. The exact graphic first appeared in a yearbook in the 1968 edition (a
hand-drawn version appeared in the 1965 yearbook).
Other symbols did not disappear. The following year the newspaper kept the drawing from the
May 4th issue atop its platform. A new column appeared titled "The Rabbit Knows" with a
drawing of the face of a rabbit. The school mascot section below is filled with images of top
hats and rabbits (or bunnies). The 1984 yearbook had a photo of school symbols without a Magi.
(See first photo below.) The cover for the 2001 yearbook has a rabbit reaching out of a top hat.
The superhero Magician on the cover of the 2011 yearbook (see second photo below) has a face
like that on Minot High's official logo, but he also carries a wand--a mixing of imagery. (The
cape seems more a superhero cape than that of the top-hatted magician.) As a final note, it does
seem that in recent times there is less use of the other symbols.
Recently Jostens created a Magician crest for its Minot High products. The company is allowing
the high school to use it for nonprofit purposes. This is the crest, with Jostens' permission:
The M the high school uses as a logo is the University of Minnesota M.
109
School Mascots
Minot High School’s official mascot is the magician, but rabbits or bunnies have also served as
mascots.
In the yearbooks the first photo of a mascot may have been in the 1965 edition. See first photo
below with its stuffed rabbit dressed in magician attire. There was a similar photo in the 1966
yearbook; this time, though, the rabbit's hat had MAGI on it. In the 1967 yearbook, in a photo of
cheerleaders, a girl is dressed like a magician holding a hat with a rabbit. See second photo
below. Was she considered the mascot or was it the rabbit in the hat?
In the 1970-1971 school year the bunny era began. The five
cheerleaders for boys’ basketball came up with the idea, to
allow one additional girl to be part of their cheerleading
team. The bunny cheerleader wore a full bunny uniform
and led cheers from the sidelines, not out on the floor.767
The full uniform was “white terry cloth, with a maroon vest
[with] gold buttons, and bunny hood with pink inset bunny
ears.” 768 The photo at right, which shows the bunny in a
snake dance, is from the 1971 yearbook.
A November 1973 Minot High Times article on the "Magi
Mascots" reported that two bunnies were chosen for that year out of fifteen who tried out for the
position--one bunny for boys basketball and one for wrestling, with the two combining for major
matches or games. According to the article,
The duties of the bunnies are to talk up the game in school, go up in the stands
and fire up the students. They are expected to attend all in-town games and
all out-of-town games if they can get a ride. They have to attend one practice
a week with the cheerleaders. 769
In addition to the above duties, they also tossed out “fire-up treats” to the crowd, helped make
posters/banners, and facilitated “crowd signage” with hand-held signs/streamers. 770
Eventually the bunny cheerleader position was offered to the top scorers in cheerleader tryouts,
and the bunny was out on the floor. Also there were bunnies for the cheerleading squads for all
the sports.771
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In the 1970s and 1980s the bunnies led a popular chant: “We want a VICTORY just like that .....
Magicians pull one out of your hat!” 772
In the fall of 1999, “as cheerleading routines began to include
stunts,” the uniforms needed to change to reflect the safety
rules set by the National Association of High School Activities.
The rules did not allow performing stunts in costumes. Since
then bunnies have worn white cheerleading outfits and bunny
ears.773 The photo at right is from the 2006 yearbook.
One result of the uniform change is that the bunny may no
longer seem like a mascot. For many years, though, the
bunnies served that role. The lower right photo with headline
is from the 1987 yearbook.
In the 1980s a number of young men served as magician
mascots for the school. During the basketball season for the
1979-80 school year, at a game in which the bunny could not
appear, senior Mitch Fink appeared as a magician to boost
school spirit. The response was so favorable that he was
asked to continue in the role. Fink did a number of things to
fire up the crowd, but he felt his "most effective device" was
"his flame-shooting wand.” He said that, while he liked doing
tricks at the games, “I just like to help out the cheerleaders as
much as I can.” 774 In the 1981-82 school year, the idea for a magician mascot came from the
Magic City Thespians, who received approval from the Pep Club. A Thespian, dressed in a cape
and top hat, helped “the cheerleaders and bunnies fire up Minot fans at home games.” 775 Below
are photos of magician mascots. The first is from a 1980 High Times issue; the other two are
from the 1982 and 1986 yearbooks. 776 In the 1987 yearbook there was a photo of a student
identified as the Magician but he was not wearing a magician outfit.
More recently, the school mascot seems to appear mostly as a graphic (of the official logo) on
posters, etc. If a student were to dress as a magician, perhaps he would be more likely to dress
like the official logo.
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School Colors
The high school colors are maroon and gold, but they were not the school’s first colors.
According to the November 1907 issue of The Search-Light, colors were first chosen for the high
school in the fall of that school year. Students voted on these choices: crimson and corn, blue
and corn, and red and black. “Crimson and corn were chosen mainly because they were the
colors of the first band organized by Prof. Wolfe.” 777 (Prof. Wolfe was also the school system
superintendent from 1900-1915.) In a 1910 issue of The Search-Light, a student poem celebrated
these colors.
The Crimson and the Corn
Although some have always favored
The yellow and the blue;
All the schools of other cities
To maroon and gold are true,
We’ll own our own dear colors
And these we’ll never scorn,
For to us there are no others
But the crimson and the corn.
So we’ll wave our colors proudly
So high that all may see
That we’re loyal to our high school
To her true we’ll ever be.
We will own our own dear colors,
Till they are old and worn
For to us there are no others
But the crimson and the corn.778
If the yearbooks can be used as evidence, it would take until the second half of the 1920s before
the high school finally shifted to maroon and gold. In the 1915 yearbook Minot High’s colors
were identified as “maroon and corn,” but then in the 1916 yearbook the colors were back to
crimson and corn.779 In the 1922 yearbook they were identified as “Old Wine and Corn.” 780 The
covers of the 1925 yearbook seem to be maroon and gold, but there was no mention of maroon
and gold within. In the 1926 yearbook the words “Crimson and Gold," used to represent the
football team, appeared in the Athletics section, but on the Pep Club page it was recorded that the
club presented "two Maroon and Gold 'M' blankets” to the football team.781 In the 1927
yearbook the words “ the Maroon and Gold” appeared in the football pages of the Athletics
section. In the article “The Athletic Banquet” in the Social Committee section the school colors
were identified as “maroon and gold.” In the 1928 yearbook two football reserves teams were
called the “Gold” and the “Maroon.” 782 Crimson and corn seemed to have faded into history.
Note: For many of these early years the four classes, grades 9-12, also chose class colors.
Additional note: Maroon and gold hues have varied over the years on school clothing, paint on
walls, stationery, etc.
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School Song
These are the lyrics for Minot High’s school song:
Loyal and true,
We pledge our hope and faith in you.
Right is the rule . . .
We are one for all and all for Minot High School.
Here's to your fame and may you always meet the foe
With glory and honor forever . . .
So why not Minot, let's go. Rah! Rah! Rah!
Before Arvel Graving created the melody and lyrics for "Loyal and True" in 1956, the school
song was set to the "Minnesota Rouser"783 with these lyrics:
Minot, Minot, hats off to thee
To our colors, true we shall ever be,
Firm and strong, united are we,
With a Rah! Rah! Rah! Rah! Zis, Boom Bah!
With a Rah! Rah! Rah! Rah! Zis, Boom Bah!
Rah! for the Minot High.
This version is from the the Athletics section of the 1918 yearbook. Lyrics found in other
yearbooks, such as the 1922 and 1937 ones, varied a bit, especially after the third line. 784
One early effort to change the school song came in the 1929-1930 school year. In the January
29, 1930, issue of the Minot High Times, a front-page article reported a contest, sponsored by the
Music and English Departments, to create a melody and lyrics to replace the college melody and
"revised words" the school had been using. They wanted "a song with an M.H.S.
individuality." 785 Information was not available on the outcome of the contest, but change seems
to have waited for the 1956-1957 school year.
In the first months of the 1956-1957 school year the school newspaper staff raised the question of
whether the school song should be changed, given that so many other schools set their school
songs to the same university school song. Sometime that fall both the lyrics and the melody for
the song were created as a pep song by the MHS band director, Arvel Graving. In an April 5,
1957, High Times article, the newspaper staff reported that Graving’s new pep song was
officially adopted by the Student Council as the school song. According to the article,
Mr. Graving stated that he had been thinking of writing a new school song for several
years but the vigorous Minot High Times campaign for a new pep song is what
prompted him to do so.
The actual composing of the song took only a few minutes but much work followed
as sheet music had to be arranged for the Concert band which consists of approximately
70 members.786
113
A photo of Graving’s handwritten composition, with lyrics, appeared in the Dec. 21, 1956, issue
of the High Times.
114
Major School Publications
First publication
In 1902, under the direction of student Leda Mansfield (later Mrs. Cap Aaker), a school
publication titled Searchlight was created that would change format a number of times. Mrs.
Aaker provided a history of the Searchlight's early days in the 1928 yearbook. At first it was
written by hand on “a piece of foolscap paper” and read to the High School Literary Society “on
certain Fridays during the month.” Its contents were an “editorial, news, items, original verses,
and sketches.” In 1903 it was published twice a month “in the form of a small newspaper,
printed by the Ward County Reporter." Mrs. Aaker also wrote that it was hard to sell ads to local
businesses and hard "to get the students to write contributions." 787 In following years the
Searchlight was a monthly publication in the form of a 5”x10’‘magazine with covers. By the
1909-1910 school year, the last issue of the year was called an annual. For the 1911-12 school
year, the Searchlight appeared only as an annual (or yearbook), in a larger size.
There were slight variations in the title of the publication--from The High School Search Light to
The Searchlight or Search-Light. The last 1909-1910 issue (Vol. 7, No. 5) was titled The
Searchlight Annual, a 51-page issue.
Copies of many of these early Searchlight issues are available at the Central Campus library:
issues from the 1904-05, 1906-07, 1907-08, and 1909-1910 school years. (The Magic City
Campus library has photocopies of these copies.) It appears that no issues were published for the
1905-06 school years because there is no missing volume number for that year. It is also
possible that no issues were published for the 1910-1911 school year.
Annual/yearbook
The school’s yearbook continues to have the title Searchlight. When the yearbooks have had
volume numbers, they have either used the 1910 annual issue as the base number or 1903. The
volume number for the 2011 yearbook is 108.
According to a October 1980 High Times article, the yearbook staff that year pushed to change
the name of the yearbook to The Magician “because they felt that the name Searchlight didn’t
relate to the school. They even tried tracing the origin of the name but were unsuccessful.”
The students voted on the issue and Searchlight won 1278-617.788
Both Central Campus and Magic City Campus libraries have almost complete yearbook
collections. The 1913, 1914, and 1917 volumes are missing at MCC; CC is only missing the
1913 volume. According to a September 29, 1950, High Times article, the 1913 edition may
have consisted of individual volumes for classes.789
Newspapers
Each campus of the high school has a newspaper: the MCC Times and the Central Campus Crier.
The MCC Times has only been in existence as of its April 2010 issue. Before that MCC's paper
115
was the Minot High Times, which had been in existence since its November 9, 1926 issue (Vol. 1,
No. 1). The first issue of the Central Campus Crier was the September 24, l975, issue.
A detailed history of the early years of the Minot High Times can be found in a front-page article
of the October 18, 1946, High Times. The article acknowledges the early issues of the
Searchlight as a forerunner. In both 1924 and 1925 single issues of publications titled MI-NOTHI were put out; the first was a four-page newspaper, the second a 24-page booklet. According
to the article, “in 1926 came the real step toward the present High Times.” On November 9th the
junior class published the first issue of a newspaper that was to appear every other Tuesday. The
newspaper kept the name MI-NOT-HI until the February 7, 1928, issue, when the paper was
given its present name. Also in the 1927-28 school year the paper stopped being just a junior
class project. This was the newspaper’s platform:
1. To uphold the ideals of Minot High School.
2. To express the opinions of the students.
3. To give students an idea of what other students are doing.
4. To give townspeople an idea of what the school is doing.
5. To create enthusiasm for Minot High School.
Over the years the newspaper has had a variety of publication schedules but only stopped
publication entirely during the Great Depression and World War II years. During the Depression
years the newspaper stopped publication for three years from 1931-1934 and then two years from
1936-1938. During the World War II years, it stopped publication from 1943-1945.790
For two years after Magic City Campus came into existence, in 1973, the Minot High Times was
the newspaper for both MCC and Central Campus. By the 1975-76 school year, Central
Campus staff and students felt a need for their own newspaper. This explanation was provided in
an article in the first Central Campus paper: “Due to space limitations and the priority given to
Magic City students’ news, many of this school’s activities have gone unreported.” 791
Copies of most of the issues of the Minot High Times can be found at either CC’s library or
MCC’s library. Central Campus has copies of a number of the 1927, 1929, 1930 issues and one
1931 issue (Jan. 14). Neither library has copies of any other issues from the 1930s. For the early
1940s MCC has these limited copies: two issues from November 1940 and a June 11, 1943,
issue. Magic City Campus has copies of all of the MCC Times issues. Central Campus has
copies of the Crier's first issue, one issue from 1988, and the issues from the 1990-1991 school
year to the present.
Literary magazines
Early issues of the Searchlight as a magazine/newspaper and then as a yearbook included student
literary efforts, but the first publication devoted to student literary works seems to have been
The Magician, which first appeared in December 1946. In a Minot High Times article that
month, it was described as “Minot High’s first literary magazine.” 792 Four hundred copies of the
first issue were printed for sale. It was sponsored by MHS members of the Quill and Scroll
Society, an honorary journalism society.793 The magazine was sometimes published twice a
year.794
By the early 1960s the Quill and Scroll Society became “defunct” and publication of the
magazine was taken over by the High Times. 795 ( Later other groups would sponsor it.) In 1964
116
magazine.796
the Magician became a literary and art
In the 1966 and 1967 school years it
received national recognition, and its 1968 edition was 48 pages long and sold about 900
copies.797 The Magician was not published in the spring of 1969 because of the teachers‘ strike
and Minot flood.798
In 1970 a twenty-fifth anniversary issue was published, but soon the magazine would struggle to
survive. The anniversary edition included works from the previous 25 years: “short stories,
poetry, essays, vignettes, designs, drawings, paintings, prints, and photography.” The two-part
issue included a part with works from 1946-1970, which would enable the reader to see how
style and content had changed over the years.799 According to the cover of the 1977 Magician,
the magazine “continued until 1974 when interest diminished.” That 1977 edition was revived
by members of the Media Arts class. The Magician would continue to be published until
1985.800
There have been other literary publications. Creative Writing and Media Arts students turned out
an Annual Literary Magazine in the spring of 1986, with “winning literary articles from writing
competitions in the areas of prose, poetry, and short stories.” 801 Groundbreaking: Minot High
School Anthology of Student Writers (2003) and Looking Back on Tomorrow: Student Anthology
2003-2004 were publications from the last decade.
Copies of some Magician editions from the 1970s and 1980s, as well as copies of
Groundbreaking and Looking Back on Tomorrow, can be found at the Magic City Campus
library.
117
Superintendents and High School Head Principals
Superintendents
In the school district's first years, the head administrator had the title "principal" rather than
"superintendent." These are the four who had that title:
C. A. Johnson
1890-92
J. E. Arnold
1892-1893
S. A. Danford
1893-1898
J. H. Dobbin
1898-1900
S. Henry Wolfe began his term as the principal for the district but within a few years acquired
the title "superintendent," as did all following head administrators for the district.
S. Henry Wolfe
1900-1915
Bruce Francis
1915-1918
L. A. White
1918-1944
Paul A. Miller
1944-1958
James Slocum
1958-1968
Marlowe Johnson
1968-1975
R. Edward Mundy
1975-1992
Lowell Latimer
1992-1993
Richard Larson
1993-2003
David Looysen
2003-2011
Mark Vollmer
2011-
118
Minot High School Head Principals
The first three women listed below were assistant principals (at the high school level) serving
under the principal of the school district. In 1904 the titles were changed to "principal" and
"superintendent." For a number of years the principals also taught classes. (School board
minutes and yearbooks were the main sources for the names and dates.)
Mrs. Hornbeak
1900?
(Principal/Teacher?)
Sadie Mathews
1901-03
(Principal/Teacher)
Florence Cotton
1903-1909
(Principal/Teacher)
Dorothea Poppy
1909-1911
(Principal/Teacher)
W. Roy Mitchell
1911-1912
(Principal/Teacher)
Ruby G. Phillips
1912-1918
(Principal/Teacher)
Guy Newcomer
1918-1919
Ruby Phillips Newman
1919-1920
J. H. (John Herbert) Colton
1920-1945
Lloyd H. King
1945-1949
James Johnson
1949-1953
William M. Kulstad
1953-1955
Joel A. Davy
1955-1965
Norman Howe
1965-1969
Leonard Anderson
1969-1973
With the beginning of the 1973-74 school year, the high school was divided between two
campuses--Magic City Campus and Central Campus--with separate principals.
119
MCC Head Principals
CC Head Principals
Mark Sanford
1973-1975
Richard Olthoff
1975-1976
Robert Boyd
1976-1978
Richard Olthoff
1978-1994
Lynn Sanford
1994-2002
John Sandeen
2002-2005
Mark Vollmer
2005-2011
Scott Faul
2011-
Leonard Anderson
1973-1976
Richard Olthoff
1976-1978
Thomas McDonald
1978-1998
Keith Altendorf
1998-
Alternative Schools
Souris River Campus and Central Campus Plus
The first head administrators at both campuses did not at first have the title Principal.
SRC Principals
CC Plus Principals
Bob Kelly
1984-1992 John Sandeen
1992-1994
Steve Joyal
1994-1998
Cliff Hovda
1998-2009
Ned Strand
2009-
Keith Bjornson
1999-2008
Bill Cox
2008-
120
Article from 1912 Yearbook
121
122
Accompanying the above article were these photographs, which show all of the district's school
buildings in 1912. In the yearbook each appeared by itself on a page.
Central School
McKinley School
Minot High School
Sunnyside School
123
Articles from March 15, 1946, Minot High Times
In the March 15, 1946, issue of the school newspaper there were articles that provided
information for the state Class "B" tournament visitors. The articles provide a picture of Minot
and Minot High at this time. A copy of the articles, from page three of the newspaper, appears
on the following page.
This was the headline for the page on which the articles appeared: "Welcome -- Class "B"
Visitors!"
124
125
Other Photos
This postcard, a "Hand Colored Work," was postmarked 1906. The two downtown school buildings
appear center left in this view from South Hill. Courtesy Old Soo Depot Transportation Museum
and Western History Research Center. All of the postcards are somewhat enlarged on these pages.
This postcard was postmarked 1915. In the foreground is the high school building that opened
in 1905. In the background is the Central School, which opened in 1893. Courtesy of Old Soo
Depot Transportation Museum.
126
This postcard was postmarked 1914. In the left background of this photo of the 1905 high school
building is St. Leo's Catholic Church. Courtesy of Old Soo Depot Transportation Museum.
This postcard with a September 13, 1924, postmark pictures the Senior High School building that
opened in 1918 on the north side of the downtown block. The Vincent M.E. (Methodist Episcopal)
Church appears in the right background. Courtesy of Old Soo Depot Transportation Museum.
127
This is an undated photo of the swimming pool that was part of
the 1918 Senior High School auditorium/gym area. Courtesy of
Keith Altendorf, Central Campus collection of photos.
This postcard of the Armory was postmarked July 24, 1913. This building, located east
and across from the block of central school buildings, became the school district
administration building in the 1960s. Courtesy of Old Soo Depot Transportation Museum.
128
This photo and caption appeared in the Junior High section of the 1923 yearbook. Students
were entering the 1905 building. Half of the Armory can be seen at the back left.
This postcard of the Leland Hotel had no postmark but another card of the same photo
was postmarked April 1916. This hotel was located on Main Street and Central
Avenue. Courtesy of Old Soo Depot Transportation Museum.
129
This postcard was postmarked July 24, 1911. Between St. Leo's Church and the Methodist
Church were first a rectory and then two small houses. (See book St. Leo's: the First 100
Years.) Courtesy of Old Soo Depot Transportation Museum.
In this 1929 photo not only can Central School be seen, but also the new St. Leo's School with a
rectory between it and St. Leo's Church at the left. These words were written on the back of the
photo: "Minot Junior High School Taken January 2, 1929." Central School would soon be torn
down to make room for the new junior high. Courtesy of Keith Altendorf.
130
Only the central part of Souris River Campus usually appears in
photos, as in the 2011 photo above. The photo below conveys
the full length of the building. The photo was taken by the author.
This photo of Central Campus Plus shows the water line
left by the flood. The photo was taken by the author.
131
This photo was taken from the roof of MCC after flood waters overtook Minot.
Beyond the water treatment plant and dikes was a sea of water.
132
Afterword
A special thanks to Pat Bolyard, who provided many kinds of assistance, and to the library staffs
at Magic City Campus and Central Campus, who helped gather information and resources.
Thanks, too, to the many other people who provided assistance.
The genesis for this document was a question in the fall of 2009 about the high school’s official
logo. That led to work on the school nicknames, colors, mascots, and song. Then a broader
survey of the school’s history seemed necessary, along with some details about Minot's history.
The design of the general history grew out of the early information I was finding; I had no idea
what I would find. I added features to help readers keep a larger focus while immersing
themselves in school year developments.
As the endnotes indicate, I found most of the information in school newspapers and yearbooks.
I also used many other print sources in the MCC Library and ran down other bits of information
at a variety of places around Minot. Most of the illustrations are from Searchlight photos and
drawings, most of which were cropped to some extent to enhance the illustrations, especially
given the small space allotted to most of them in this document. A few yearbook photos were
cropped significantly.
Of course I struggled over many things. I did not do justice to a number of organizations, such
as the theater ones. I tried to establish the beginnings of organizations but didn't always have
time to follow through on what happened to them. I hesitated to use many names of staff and
students because I would inevitably leave out the names of other "significant" people. Because I
did not want to undermine the power of quotations, I did not use [sic] to indicate errors; in a few
cases I did some very minor editing. ( I did use [sic] in the endnotes.)
I particularly enjoyed the detective work involved in writing this history, the many charming
discoveries, and the role I was playing in keeping Minot High's history alive. The project was
also, though, very time-consuming--too many resources and many slippery facts. By the end I
was a bit overwhelmed by details.
There may be later editions of this document with corrections and additions. I would certainly
like to add more photos to the photo section. Of course, there is still much information out there
to collect. Because of the length of this document, I could not include all the interesting details I
came across. Perhaps other people can expand on areas of Minot High's history.
Susan Gessner
133
Endnotes
1
Brynhild Haugland, A History of Ward County: Term Report [Minot, ND: Minot State Teachers College], 1927,
[p. 43].
2
A motion to use the name Minot Graded School was passed at the September 12, 1893, school board meeting,
according to the minutes for that meeting.
3
“A Brief History of the Minot Schools,” 1912 Searchlight, n.p.
4
1917 Searchlight, p. 17.
5
Mark Timbrook, The Last Hurrah: an Account of Life in the Mouse River Valley, Bone Town, Little Chicago, and
the Magic City (Minot, ND: Niess Impressions, 2008), pp. 74-75; “Ward Settlers Never Faced Indian Tribes on
Warpath,” Minot Daily News, 19 August 1961, Part 2-Section A, p. 15. The quotes are from Salvation Army officers
serving in Minot at that time, as reported in Timbrook’s book. Timbrook’s source: A Brief History of the Minot
Corps, 1896-1937, State Historical Society of North Dakota archives, 1937, 2. Similar information was provided
by the editor of the 1917 Searchlight, Evangeline McConnell, in her article “The First Graduating Class of the
M.H.S”: “At the time of the passing of this class the Magic City was a young burg of about a thousand population.
Indian teepees could be seen scattered around the town, which was, as a whole more or less ‘wild and woolly’”
(p. 17).
6
Gaylen Brown, Minot History Through Slides, 1900-1920 [Minot, ND: 1983], [p. 1]. This paper, a script for a
slide show on Minot history, can be viewed at the Minot Public Library website: http://www.minotlibrary.org/
minot_history_through_slides1900-1920.htm. Brown was a professor at MSU.
7
“A Brief History of the Minot Schools,” 1912 Searchlight, n.p. During Wolfe's years in charge of the school
system his title changed from Principal to Superintendent.
8
Spelling accounts can be found in the February 1905 Searchlight, p. 9, and March 1905 Searchlight, p. 8. The
alarm clock account is from the January 1907 Searchlight, p. 13.
9
“The Development of Northwestern North Dakota,” The Northern Review Monthly IV:3 (1904?), p. 15.
10
Nellie R. Swanson and Eleanor C. Bryson, eds., Pioneer Women Teachers of North Dakota (Minot, ND: Ward
County Independent, 1965) pp. 96-98; Elaine Sahl, ed., Minot Art Club: History Recipes (Minot, ND: Minot Art
Club, 2002), pp. 115-117. That she was 23 when selected to be a principal is from the Minot Art Club book.
According to both books, she was born on October 13, 1880. Neither book provided sources for their information.
The information on Mrs. Perkett's marriage date and Minot School Board service is also from both sources.
11
Pearl Smallwood Dahle, “Alumni, M.H.S.,” 1929 Searchlight, p. 88.
12
Florence Cotton Perkett, “Minot Public Schools in Nineteen Hundreds,” 1930 Searchlight, n.p.
13
The spelling of the title and even the title itself varied in the early years. To avoid confusion, the title used
throughout this paper is Searchlight. See “Major School Publications” section for more information.
14
Vernon Stenerson,“Minot High in the Old Days,” 1916 Searchlight, p. 23.
15
"History," Searchlight VII:5 [1910 Searchlight Annual], p.10. This information is repeated in "A Brief History of
the Minot Schools," in the 1912 Searchlight.
16
Florence Cotton Perkett, “Minot Public Schools in Nineteen Hundreds,” 1930 Searchlight, n.p. Mrs. Perkett also
identified the six who graduated in 1904.
134
17J.
H. Colton, “To the Pioneer,” 1927 Searchlight, n.p. This is what Principal Colton wrote: “Two teachers were
caring for the high school classes when the first graduating exercises were held in 1904 and six young people
completed the four year course.”
18
Florence Cotton Perkett, “Minot Public Schools in Nineteen Hundreds,” 1930 Searchlight, n.p.
19
Leon Ellithorpe,”The High School Band and Orchestra,”1916 Searchlight, pp. 24-25.
20
"Local," Searchlight, April 1905, pp. 9-10.
21 All
that appears in the Searchlights are the club names when programs for events are provided. The boys’ glee
club is mentioned in the December 1907 issue, on p. 11, and the girls’ glee club in the February 1908 issue, p. 15.
22
Melody Kuehn, project coordinator, et al., A History of Public Education in Downtown Minot ([Minot, ND]:
1986), n.p.
23
Sources give varying dates for the beginning of baseball at Minot High School. George Benno wrote that it
occurred during the 1905-06 school year. Vernon Stenerson wrote that the team organized in the spring of 1905.
William Mulroy wrote that a baseball team played before 1906, and James Sullivan, writing at a much later date,
said C.P. Vandenoever organized a team at the high school in 1903. Given the words from the March 1905
Searchlight and Stenerson’s and Mulroy’s words, the team was most likely organized in the spring of 1905. (See
citations on this page and the previous page.) These words in the 1915 Searchlight “Base Ball” section question
the early claims of baseball: “This year [1915] is the first that the Minot High School can boast of a strictly High
School team” (n.p.).
24
"Editorial," p. 2.
25
William Mulroy, “High School Athletics--1905-1909,” 1916 Searchlight, p. 25; Merrill Schalow, “Baseball Was
Colorful, Furiously Fought Sport in an Earlier Era,” Minot Daily News, 19 August 1961, Part 2--Section B, p.13.
Both Mulroy and Schalow give Vandenoever credit for organizing the team, though Mulroy did not think much of
the team as a team. The quote is from George Benno: George Benno, “Athletics in Minot High School, 1901-1905,”
1916 Searchlight, p. 25. Benno identified Clarence Vandenoever as a pitcher for the team and Chet Vandenoever as
a shortstop. The February 1905 Searchlight mentions both Clarence and Chet (p. 9). Clarence was reported to have
just dropped out of the freshman high school class to go to the business college.
26
Merrill Schalow; George Benno. In Schalow's article C.P. Vandenoever was quoted as saying the team "played
against men's teams in the area."
27
James Sullivan, “First Basketball Team in Minot Walloped by Lansford; Play Started in 1906-07,” Minot Daily
News, 19 August 1961, Part 1--Section C, p. 14. William Mulroy confirms much of this. All the quotations in this
paragraph up to this endnote number are from Sullivan's article.
28
"Athletics," Searchlight, Feb. 1908, p.18--for the score and the quotation in the previous sentence. These are two
sources for the championship claim: "Editorial," Searchlight, March 1908, p.10, and Mulroy, p. 26. Mulroy has the
wrong school year for the championship. Mulroy said that this victory gave Minot its first championship.
29
William Mulroy, “High School Athletics--1905-1909,” 1916 Searchlight, p. 25
30
Stenerson, p. 24. Schalow wrote that in the fall of 1906, after the new high school building was built, the players
were able to move to the basement of that building. If he meant to play games, this was unlikely because games
were played in the attic of Central after this and the new locker area was in the basement of the Central school,
according to Searchlight articles.
31
See "Athletics," Searchlight, Feb. 1907, p. 10, and "Athletics," Searchlight, December 1907, p.13, for earlier
games played in the attic. See 1915 Searchlight, p. 63, for mention of a game played there in the next decade.
135
32
"Athletics," Searchlight, Feb. 1908, p. 16, and March 1908, p. 11.
33
"Athletics," Searchlight VII:5 [1910 Searchlight Annual], p. 45.
34
1914 Searchlight, pp. 74-75.
35
"Athletics," Searchlight, March 1908, p.13.
36
"Athletics," Searchlight, January 1907, p. 11. The date for the establishment of the Minot Business College was
found in the article “The Development of Northwestern North Dakota,” The Northern Review Monthly IV:3 (1904?),
p. 15.
37
William Mulroy, “High School Athletics--1905-1909,” 1916 Searchlight, p. 26.
38
"Athletics," Searchlight, February 1908, p. 16.
39
1914 Searchlight, p. 66.
40
"Athletics," Searchlight, March 1908, p. 11.
41
"State Declamatory Contest," Searchlight VII:5 [1910 Searchlight Annual], pp. 36-38.
42
"Locals," Searchlight, January 1908, p.10.
43
“The Class of 1909,” 1912 Searchlight, n.p.
44
Frederic Johnson, “Arrival of ‘Gasoline Buggies’ Brought Excitement and Humor,” Minot Daily News,
19 August 1961, Part 2-Section B, p. 7.
45
Mark Timbrook, The Last Hurrah: an Account of Life in the Mouse River Valley, Bone Town, Little Chicago, and
the Magic City (Minot, ND: Niess Impressions, 2008), p.118.
46
"Athletics," Searchlight VII:4 [1909-1910?], p. 16.
47
Frederic Johnson’s article provides many details on the problems with the early automobiles.
48
Charles Dickson, Minot History, 1920-1940 ([Minot, ND]: 1985), [p.2]. Accessed at the Minot Public Library
website: http://www.minotlibrary.org/minot_history1920-1940.htm. The paper, created as a script for a Minot
history slide show, has this additional information: "Draft (6 August 1985), Minot Between the Wars (Part I)."
Dickson was a professor at MSU.
49
"Locals," Searchlight, Nov. 1904, p. 10.
50
"Local," Searchlight, Feb.1907, p. 12.
51
"Locals," Searchlight, Feb. 1905, pp. 9-10.
52
Locals," Searchlight, Jan. 1908. p. 10.
53
"Athletics," Searchlight VII:3 [1909-1910?], pp. 17-18.
54
"Editorial," February 1907, pp. 8-9.
55
"Editorial," November 1907, pp. 11-12.
56
"Local," Searchlight, February 1905, p. 9.
136
57
"Program of Studies," VII:5 [1910 Searchlight Annual], p. 12 (partially torn).
58
“A Brief History of the Minot Schools,” 1912 Searchlight, n.p.
59
J. H. Colton, “To the Pioneer,” 1927 Searchlight, n.p.
60
“1890 Census Gave Minot 575 Total,” Minot Daily News, 19 August 1961, Part I-Section C, p. 1.
61
"Superintendent Wolfe's Annual Report," Searchlight VII:5 [1910 Searchlight Annual], p. 15.
62
"Athletics," VII:5 [1910 Searchlight Annual], p. 45.
63
1916 Searchlight, p.33.
64
Pp. 36-39. These pages include “History by Miss Bell,” a history of the Commercial Department, on p. 38.
65
1914 Searchlight, p. 68.
66
1914 Searchlight, p. 60.
67
1914 Searchlight, p. 41.
68
These yells are from the 1919 Searchlight in the “Yells and Yellers” section, n.p.
69
1916 Searchlight, p. 78.
70
Pp. 118, 121.
71
P. 124.
72
“The Flood of 1969,” a special supplement to the Minot Daily News, 17 April 1994, p. 5. Before the 2011 one the
1904 and 1969 floods were considered to be the most extensive ones.
73
P. 12.
74
Charles Dickson, Minot History, 1920-1940 ([Minot, ND]: 1985), [p.3]. Accessed at the Minot Public Library
website: http://www.minotlibrary.org/minot_history1920-1940.htm.
75Gaylen
Brown, Minot History Through Slides, 1900-1920 [Minot, ND: 1983], [p. 7]. This paper, a script for a
slide show on Minot history, can be viewed at the Minot Public Library website: http://www.minotlibrary.org/
minot_history_through_slides1900-1920.htm. Also see pp. 129-149 of Mark Timbrook’s The Last Hurrah for
more details.
76
”Football,” 1919 Searchlight, n.p. According to the author of the “Freshman History” in the yearbook, the new
high school building was open at the beginning of the school year in September. Evidence that the auditorium was
not finished at the beginning of the school year: the football team was still using the showers in the Central School
and the district did not dedicate the auditorium until January 8, 1919.
77
George Kohn, ed., Encyclopedia of Plague and Pestilence: from Ancient Times to the Present, 3rd ed. (New York:
Facts on File, 2007), pp. 370, 372; “101-year-old Recalls 1918 Flu Epidemic.” Minot Daily News, 28 April 2007, p.
B6. The North Dakota information is from the second source.
78
N.p. An original of this booklet is housed in Central’s library and a copy in MCC’s library.
79
“Our School,” 1920 Searchlight, n.p.
137
80
High School Opening: Minot N.D., January Eighth, 1919 (Minot, N.D.: Ward County Independent), n.p. See
photos.
81
“Our School,” 1920 Searchlight , n.p. The list of musical organizations came from the music section.
82
“Our School,” n.p.
83
“Alumni,” 1920 Searchlight, n.p.
84
“Girls’ Basketball Writeups,” 1920 Searchlight, n.p.
85
“Our High School,” 1921 Searchlight, n.p. The enrollment numbers differ, but not significantly, depending on the
source.
86
“Our High School,” n.p.
87
1923 Searchlight, n.p.
88
“Our High School,” 1921 Searchlight, n.p.
89
“Our High School,” n.p.
90
Charles Dickson, Minot History, 1920-1940 ([Minot, ND]: 1985), [p.8]. Accessed at the Minot Public Library
website: http://www.minotlibrary.org/minot_history1920-1940.htm.
91
Dickson, [p.8].
92
“Organizations," 1921 Searchlight, n.p.
93
“Minot’s Need of a Y.M.C.A.,” 1922 Searchlight, n.p.
94
“About Roosevelt Park Zoo,” 1920-1969 time period, Roosevelt Park Zoo (http://www.rpzoo.com/
aboutrpzoo.html).
95
“Sports," 1922 Searchlight, n.p. Kenmare was probably Minot's biggest rival before Williston.
96
N.p. The article is near the beginning of the yearbook.
97
“Basket Ball Trips,” n.p.
98
Minot History, 1920-1940 ([Minot, ND]: 1985), [p. 3]. Accessed at the Minot Public Library website: http://
www.minotlibrary.org/minot_history1920-1940.htm.
99
Dickson, [p. 1] ; Carl O. Flagstad, “On 1926 Road Map: Dirt Roads, More Towns,” Minot Daily News,
28 September 1986, p. D1. The quote is from Dickson. Sources for the information box: Dickson for the first
sentence, then Flagstad and this source: Zena Irma Trinka. North Dakota of Today, 3rd ed. (St. Paul, MN : Louis F.
Dow Co., 1920), p. 29. Trinka wrote that Minot was on the Wonderland Trail, the Black Trail, and the Green Trail.
The June 3, 1919 Minot Park Board minutes note, in a resolution, that the Wonderland trail name was being changed
to Roosevelt Highway.
100
“The Football Season of 1923,” 1924 Searchlight, n.p.
101
Jerome Shulkin, “High Times Survives Through ‘Hell and High Water’ to Preserve History of Minot High from
1902 to 1946,” Minot High Times, 18 October, 1946, p. 1.
102
1+.
“Impressive Ceremony in Minot Park Marks Acceptance of Gift,” Minot Daily News, 11 September 1924, pp.
138
103
Minutes of the Parent-Teacher Association of the Senior High School Grades, 1924-1925. The minutes are
housed at the Minot Public Schools Administration building (in Dr. Latimer's office at this time).
104
“Organizations," 1926 Searchlight, n.p.
105
“Organizations," 1928 Searchlight, n.p.
106
Charles Dickson, Minot History, 1920-1940 ([Minot, ND]: 1985), [p. 7]. Accessed at the Minot Public Library
website: http://www.minotlibrary.org/minot_history1920-1940.htm.
107
“Junior High School,” 1929 Searchlight, p. 12.
108
1929 Searchlight, p. 14.
109
October 31, 1929, school board minutes. The meeting was called to address “the delay in the building of the new
J.H.S. and the furnishing of heat.”
110
Terry J. Aman. “School Board Reviews Possible $1.8 Million Project at Central Campus.” Minot Daily News,
17 December 1999, pp. A1+. The source of the writer’s information was school board member Nancy Langseth.
According to the November 12, 1930, school board minutes, a motion was approved "to buy iron gates for the halls
on the second and third floors between the Senior high school and the Junior high school."
111
1929 Searchlight, p. 70.
112
“Magician Loyalty Day,” n.p.
113
“First Peace Time Loyalty Day,” Minot High Times, 19 October 1945, p. 1.
114
“Dedication of the New High School Gymnasium,” 1930 Searchlight, n.p. The date for the alumni game-actually December 27--came from the Calendar section.
115
Christine Moen, “MHS Cheerleaders Symbol Since 1930,” p. 4.
116
“A Brief History of Minot,” People, Places & Events, Minot, Ward County: Bridging the Century (Winnipeg:
Inter-Collegiate Press, 1985), p. 97. The Minot-Ward County Centennial Book Committee was responsible for
creating this book.
117
Kent Olson, “Class of 1931,” Minot Daily News, 22 November 1993, p. D1.
118
Charles Dickson, Minot History, 1920-1940 ([Minot, ND]: 1985), [p. 1]. Accessed at the Minot Public Library
website: http://www.minotlibrary.org/minot_history1920-1940.htm.
119
Minot High Times, 9 October 1929, [p. 1]. The number is under a picture of the senior high school.
120
These are specific dates for the school board meetings: April 14, 1931; March 8, 1932; July 20, 1932;
March 3, 1933; and May 5, 1936.
121
1931 Searchlight, p. 104.
122
"Loyalty Day" 1931 Searchlight, p. 63. For one example of a bonfire set near the school, see the 1932
Searchlight, p. 61.
123
P. 96.
124
P. 93.
125
P. 93.
139
126
P. 106.
127
P. 102.
128
According to a February 17, 1950, Minot High Times article, “prior to this time [the 1940 opening of the new
high school library], the school board paid for the use of the public library” (p. 4).
129
P. 21. Pages 21-22 provide details on the success of Father Hogan's teams and a likely beginning date for the
basketball team.
130
October 11, 1932, school board minutes.
131
"The First 40 Years: Growth and Change," Connections [Magazine of the Minot State University Alumni
Association], June 2000, p. 9. This is the complete information supplied in this article: "W.D. ('Doc') Allen, who
had joined the faculty in 1925, started a ninth grade in 1926, added a grade a year until the first Model High School
graduates were turned out in 1929."
132
1931 Beaver, p. 20.
133
Wally Hankla, "Memories of Minot," Prairie Flower [Rotary Club of Minot Weekly Newsletter], 20 May 2009,
n.p. This is a PDF file accessed through the archives for the Rotary Club Prairie Flower: http://
www.rotaryminot.org/noon/newsletter-archive/pf-archives/ .
134
Pp. 87, 95.
135
P. 96.
136
P. 40.
137
P. 68.
138
Pp. 80, 82, 86.
139
"International Order of the Rainbow for Girls" and "Order of DeMolay," Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia
(http://www.wikipedia.org).
140
Pp. 114, 116.
141
The comic strip originated in 1934. This is a description of the minor character Sadie Hawkins: “In the early
days of Dogpatch, Sadie Hawkins was ‘the homeliest gal in them hills’ who grew frantic waiting for suitors to come
a-courtin'. Her father Hekzebiah Hawkins, a prominent Dogpatch resident, grew even more frantic—about Sadie
living at home for the rest of his life. So he decreed the first annual Sadie Hawkins Day, a foot race in which all the
unmarried women pursued the town's bachelors, with matrimony as the consequence. A pseudo-holiday entirely
created in the strip, it's still observed today in the form of Sadie Hawkins dances, at which women approach (or
chase after) men.” Quotation source: “Li’l Abner,” Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia (http://www.wikipedia.org).
142
1940 Searchlight, p. 68.
143
These numbers were obtained from the homeroom numbers supplied on Teacher's Final Report forms filed at the
office of the Ward County Superintendent of Schools.
144
145
Edwyn Robinson, History of North Dakota (Lincoln, NE: University of Nebraska Press, 1966), p. 408.
Wally Hankla, "Memories of Minot," Prairie Flower [Rotary Club of Minot Weekly Newsletter], 20 May 2009,
n.p. This is a PDF file accessed through the archives for the Rotary Club Prairie Flower: http://
www.rotaryminot.org/noon/newsletter-archive/pf-archives/ .
140
146
Hankla, n.p. ; Charles Dickson, Minot History, 1920-1940 ([Minot, ND]: 1985), [p. 9]. Accessed at the Minot
Public Library website: http://www.minotlibrary.org/minot_history1920-1940.htm.
147
Dickson, p. [10].
148
There exists a photo with this title: “Elks Circus 1935 - Central Auditorium.” Bruce Anderson has a copy of it,
and it can be found at http://pages.minot.k12.nd.us/index.php?page=629 (part of a collection of photos posted
online and titled "School Photos & Chronology"). For the 1937 source see "Days of a Senior Girl," 1937
Searchlight, n.p. The entry about an Elk's Circus held March 8-12 does not indicate where the circus was held, but it
probably was the auditorium.
149
1939 Searchlight, p. 70; 1938 Searchlight, p. 64. In each yearbook an entire page was devoted to the State Class
B Basketball Tournament.
150
1941 Searchlight, p.16.
151
"School Library Opens During Book Week," Minot High Times, 15 November 1940, p. 1.
152
153
"Library Addition Finished in 1940," Minot High Times, 17 February 1950, p. 4.
1942 Searchlight, p. 23.
154
According to the "Library Addition Finished in 1940" article, before the high school had a library the class
"periods were only 45 minutes long and by the time you had your study hall, it was time to come back. Then, of
course, there were some who became lost and never reached their destination."
155
The track championship was not reported in the 1942 yearbook; instead the report came in the 1943 yearbook,
p. 81.
156
P. 66 for the Junior Game Wardens information and p. 87 for the Dramatic Council information.
157
P. 30.
158
"Many M.H.S. Students to Leaves [sic] for Service," p. 3.
159
1944 Searchlight, p. 57.
160
P. 70.
161
"Tumbling," 1944 Searchlight, p. 83.
162
"Buy Bonds Here!" Minot High Times, 2 Nov. 1945, p. 1.
163
"Assemblies," p. 68.
164
"Canteen Now Open Every Night," March 1, 1946, p. 4.; "Where To Go After the Game," Minot High Times, 15
March 1946, p. 3.
165
Wally Hankla, "Memories of Minot," Prairie Flower [Rotary Club of Minot Weekly Newsletter], 20 May 2009,
n.p. This is a PDF file accessed through the archives for the Rotary Club Prairie Flower
( http://www.rotaryminot.org/noon/newsletter-archive/pf-archives/ ). Hankla provided this additional information
about Angelo's Pool Hall: "located under Saunder's Drug, again located where there is now a parking lot on Main
Street, across from 10 North Main restaurant."
166
"'Pop' Records Win M.H.S. Song Poll," Minot High Times, 21 December 1945, p. 3.
141
167
Lloyd Dornfeld, "No More Gym for Juniors or Seniors, Minot High Times, 27 September 1946, p. 1.
168
"Magician Magazine Goes to Press," Minot High Times, 6 December 1946, p.1.
169
"Thespian Society Chartered Here," Minot High Times, 18 April 1947, p. 1.
170
"Constitution Ratified," Minot High Times, 6 December 1946, p. 1.
171
"Council Readies Constitution for Student Ratification," Minot High Times, 17 April 1950, p. 1.
172
"Girls' State Will Be Goal," Minot High Times, 30 April 1948, p.1.
173
David A. Wolf, “North Dakota Boys State History,” 1992. This article can be found at the NokoBoTa, ("The
Voice of N.D. Boys State") website: http://www.nokobota.com/history/History.html.
174
1948 Searchlight, p. 72.
175
1948 Searchlight, p. 72.
176
"Hi-Y Now Nationally Affiliated," Minot High Times, 19 December 1947, p. 1.
177
"YMCA Building Sold," Minot Daily News, 2 March 2001, pp. A1+.
178
"Hire Driver for School Bus; Defects to Be Remedied Soon," Minot High Times, 7 November 1947, p. 1.
179
"Board of Education Votes to Offer High School Courses in Agriculture Next Year," Minot High Times, 16 April
1948, p. 1.
180
"Student Council," 1949 Searchlight, p. 96.
181
P. 51.
182
P. 61.
183
P. 38.
184
This information was obtained from the faculty extracurricular assignments listed in the 1949 Searchlight.
185
"Girls Basketball Gets into High Gear," Minot High Times, 28 January 1949, p. 4.
186
1943 and 1944 Searchlights.
187
“A Brief History of Minot,” People, Places & Events, Minot, Ward County: Bridging the Century (Winnipeg:
Inter-Collegiate Press, 1985), p. 98. The Minot-Ward County Centennial Book Committee was responsible for
creating this book.
188
These numbers were obtained from the homeroom numbers supplied on Teacher's Final Report forms filed at the
Ward County Superintendent of School's office.
189
"Miniture [sic] United Nations Sets Major Problems to Students," Minot High Times, 9 November 1950, p. 1.
190
"Speech Class Looks into Teen Canteen Possibilities," Minot High Times, 16 February 1951, p. 1.
191
"Teen Canteen: Is This Trip Really Necessary?" 28 February 1951, p. 2
192
"Minot High Debater Receives Top Rating As Team Wins First," Minot High Times, 20 April 1951, p. 1.
142
193
"Debate Teams to Participate in First N.D. State Meet,"Minot High Times, 22 March 1951, p. 1.
194
According to the 1960 Searchlight (p. 85), the debate team won six state championships in the decade, but I
could only find evidence for five.
195
24 October 1951, p. 2.
196
"Driver Poll Shows Student Enthusiasm," 22 January 1952, p. 2.
197
16 November 1951, p. 1.
198
"New YMCA Opens Doors; 3 Hi-Y's Start Meetings," Minot High Times, 4 February 1952, p. 5. The teen
canteen information comes from the following article, along with facts about the "new" Y: "YMCA Provides Better
Futures," Minot High Times, 7 November 1951, p. 2.
199
"Y Clubs Plan Teen Canteen," Minot Hi-Times, 18 December 1953, p. 1; "American Legion to Sponsor City Teen
Age Youth Center," Minot High Times, 8 March 1956, p. 8; "'Y' Canteen" [in the column "Brief Bulletins]," Minot
High Times, 19 December 1958, p. 5.
200
P. 54.
201
"Girls New Organization Competes [?] More Interest," 17 April 1952, p. 4.
202
Ron Abrahamson, "Ball Chatter," Minot High Times, 22 January 1952, p. 5.
203
"Olympics Edge Out Beavers, 44-43, In Gym Opener Here: Crowd of 4,000 Sees Price Clinch Triumph," Minot
Daily News, 9 January 1952, p. 8.
204
205
"St. Leo's Overthrows Magicians," Minot Daily News, 30 January 1952, p. 9.
"The Inside" [column name], Minot Daily News, 26 January 1952, p. 12.
206
Jake and Lou, "MHS Has Its' [sic] 'Scream' Boy and Girl; Column Has Would-be Party Line-up" ["Magic Brew"
column], 6 March 1952, p. 2.
207
"Pool Rivalry at Selks Pool Hall," 7 December 1951, p. 6.
208
1952 Searchlight, p. 86; 1953 Searchlight, p. [87].
209
"Movie Stars Visit Minot Jr.-Sr. High," Minot High Times, 24 October 1951, p. 3; "McCarthy Talks, Students
Attend," Minot High Times, 7 November 1951, p. 1.
210
"High Times Reaches Korean Front; Letter Received Expressing Thanks," 7 December 1951, p. 1; "Army vs.
Marines in Times Readership," 22 January 1952, p. 5.
211
"Let's Have Our Own School Song," Minot High Times, 10 October 1952, p. 2.
212
"Weekly Brocasts [shortened to fit space] Over KLPM," Minot High Times, 13 February 1953, p. 1.
213
"Study Hall Recreation Hour Kiddies Count Light Bulbs," 20 March 1953, p. 3.
214
"Services of School Library Prove Beneficial to Students," 2 March 1953, p. 5.
215
"Guidance Center Put in Library," Minot High Times, 22 January 1960, p. 5.
216
"Dist. Ed. Officers Chosen at Meeting Held in Valley City [April 10th]," Minot High Times, 1 May 1953, p. 3.
143
217
"Distributive Education," 1954 Searchlight, n.p.
218
"Newswriting II Present Programs," Minot High Times, 12 February 1954, p. 3.
219
"Boyd Christenson 'On the Record,'" Minot High Times, 1 April 1954, p. 7.
220
"Teen Drivers Get Chance to Prove Skill," Minot High Times, 1 April 1954, p. 9.
221
"Delinquency: Fact or Myth," 7 May 1954, p. 2.
222
"Student Council Ponders Frequent Parking Tickets," Minot High Times, 27 October 1954, p. 1.
223
1955 Searchlight, p. 92.
224
1955 Searchlight, p. 88.
225
"City Auditorium Scene of Class A State Tournament," Minot High Times, 8 March 1956, p. 1.
226
"Inspection Party Views City Auditorium; Kileen and Wille Final Payment Okayed, " Minot Daily News, 5
January 1955, p. 2; James Sullivan, "Fort Wayne Wallops Lakers, 93-76, Before 4,000 Here," Minot Daily News,
31 December 1954, p. 20; James Sullivan, "Lakers Edge Celtics, Eye Fort Wayne Here," Minot Daily News,
30 December 1954, p. 9. The quote is from the last article.
227
James Sullivan, "Magicians Take 58-42 Cage Tussle from Devils Lake," Minot Daily News, 9 February 1955,
p. 15.
228
The quotation was from the 1955 Searchlight, p. 110.
229
"Minot High School Pucksters To Play Tourney Saturday," 28 January 1955, p. 7.
230
1955 Searchlight, p. 66.
231
"It's the Principal: Exchange Program Brings Knowledge in World Peace," Minot High Times, 27 April 1956,
p. 3; Ayca Izbudak, "Education in Turkey Differs Immensely from Ours in U.S.," Minot High Times,
22 December 1955, p. 3.
232
"Two MHS Exchange Students Return after Summer Abroad," Minot High Times, 27 September 1956, p. 7.
233
1956 Searchlight, p. 104. Also see "Christmas Pagent [sic] Presented by Playmakers and Choir,"
Minot High Times, 22 December 1955, p. 1.
234
1956 Searchlight, p. [72].
235
"MHS Students [sic] Fads Turn Towards Bermuda Shorts," 8 March 1956, p. 12.
236
"Seniors Introduce Rock-N-Roll Dance to MHS," 8 March 1956, p. 3.
237
"Elvis Presley New Teenage Hearthrob [sic] Hits Top of Stack"; "Crewcuts Give Top Performance for Huge
Crowd," 27 April 1956, p. 5.
238
"Drivers' Education Believed to Solve Reckless Driving," 9 November 1956, p. 2.
239
"Delinquents on Rise," 28 February 1957, p. 2.
240
"Most Delinquency Occurs after 11 pm," 5 April 1957, p. 2.
241
"Many Opinions Aired on Delinquency Because of Presley's Dress and Hair," 5 April 1957, p. 3.
144
242
Eloise Ogden, "Air Force Picks Minot for Site of New Base," Minot Daily News: Hometown edition, 2008, p. 86.
243
"MHS Students Air Opinions on Jet-Interceptor Base," 9 November 1956, p. 4.
244
"Graduates Will Remember Three Years of Sport Thrills," Minot High Times, 21 May 1958, p. 4. The state
record information was confirmed via e-mail by Brenda Schell of the North Dakota High School Athletics
Association on 18 February 2011.
245
"Guidance Program Benefit to School," 1 April 1958, p. 2. Other relevant articles appeared in the 20 December
1957, 5 March 1958, and 26 March 1959 issues.
246
1958 Searchlight, pp. [106-107]. The Town and Country information was found in a photo section of People,
Places & Events, Minot, Ward County: Bridging the Century (Winnipeg: Inter-Collegiate Press, 1985), p. 177.
According to a caption under a photo of the Town and Country Shopping Center, the center was "built on what was
called the Highland, years ago."
247
"Class of 1958 Leaves Behind Fond Memories of Good Times At MHS," Minot High Times, 21 May 1958, p. 4.
248
Jerry Fundingsland, "Sports Highlights" [a column], 21 May 1958, p. 6. The separate piece, "MHS
Contemplates Wrestling Team," appeared under the column heading.
249
"Girls Gym Classes Initiate Wrestling," Minot High Times, 1 April 1958, p. 4.
250
"Minot Plays Host to 3 State Series," Minot High Times, 20 December 1957, p. 6.
251
"Major Curriculum Changes to Take Place Next Year," 1 April 1958, p. 1.
252
"New Superintendent Reveals Plans for Minot Schools," 2 October 1958, p. 2.
253
1959 Searchlight, p. 60.
254
"Distributive Education Club Places First in N. Dak.," Minot High Times, 26 March 1959, p. 1.
255
"GAA Organized; Knutson, Prexy," Minot High Times, 20 November 1959, p. 3. There was no mention of the
GAA in the 1958-1959 High Times or Searchlight. Two statements in this article imply there was a GAA during the
1958-1959 school year--probably organized later in the year.
256
257
"New Sport at MHS," Minot High Times, 14 November 1958 , p. 4.
"Hauge Takes Heavyweight Division at State Tourney," Minot High Times, 26 March 1959, p. 4.
258
"MHS Golfers Start Steady Practice; Boys Plan Road Trip to East Division," Minot High Times,
12 February 1960.
259
"Can I Park Here?" 13 February 1959, p. 2.
260
"Former President Speaks to MHS Student Body," Minot High Times, 14 November 1958, p. 1.
261
P. 152.
262
"Principal Davy Remarks, 'Things Are Going Okay!" Minot High Times , 16 October 1959, p. 6.
263
Marilyn Borke, "Counselling Services Assets to MHS Guidance Program," 28 November 1960, p. 6.
264
"Annual Career Night Slated by Student Council," Minot High Times, 24 February 1961, p. 5.
145
265
"Hi-Y, Tri-Y Clubs Elect New Officers, Choose Group Names," 20 November 1959, p. 4; "YMCA Plans Fun
Year in Hi-Y, Tri-Y," 16 October 1959, p. 3; "Sadie Hawkins Days Prove Successful; More To Be Seen During
Future Years," 20 November 1959, p. 1; "Pep Club Formal's Held; Record Crowd Attendance," 20 November 1959,
p. 1.
266
"Larger Enrollment Makes Manners More Conspicuous," 20 November 1959, p. 2.
267
"Classrooms in Review: Third in a Series of Seven Articles," 22 January 1960, p. 6.
268
"Classrooms in Review: Fifth in a Series of Seven Articles," 18 March 1960, p. 8.
269
Carl Flagstad, "Another Chapter in Often Stormy John Moses History May Be Written," Minot Daily News,
3 March 1983, p. 12.
270
"Ayash Funeral Friday at Presbyterian Church," Minot Daily News, 19 January 1976, p. 6.
271
Grace Fisher, “Vincent United Celebrates 100th Anniversary Year," Minot Daily News, 18 October 1986, p. A4.
A Methodist Church building was actually on this corner from 1887-1957. In 1906 the brick building was built to
replace an earlier, remodeled church building.
272
Grace Fisher, ed., St. Leo's: the First 100 years: 1886-1986: Minot, North Dakota, [Minot, ND: 1986], p. 24.
273
These are the full range of numbers that were obtained from the homeroom numbers supplied on Teacher's Final
Report forms filed at the office of the Ward County Superintendent of Schools: 620, 661, 697, 725, 767, 910, 671,
905, 1011, 1074. Two numbers seem questionable: 910 and 671. To check their relative accuracy I checked them
against the number of student photos (or names) in the yearbooks. These are the yearbook numbers: 594, 593, 671,
686, 746, 725, 786, 850, 931, 969. Given either set of numbers, there was a significant increase in students.
274
"Record Enrollment Figures Swell MHS Student Ranks," 23 September 1960. p. 1.
275
Pp. 1, 25.
276
"Mr. Davy Greets Students; Extends Advice, Facilities," Minot High Times, 23 September 1960, p. 1; "Praise for
Davy, Christensen; Leave Levis in Old Corral," p. 2. The quote is from Supt. James Slocum, found in the second
article.
277
Kelly Genesen, "Administration Perceives Dress Policy Needed to Prepare Students for Society," Minot High
Times, 22 April 1966, p. 4. The quote is from Principal Norman Howe.
278
"Athletic Lettermens [sic] Club Close Eventful First Year," Minot High Times, 16 May 1961, p. 6.
279
Sandy Beal, "Student Work Plan Offered in DE, Comm. Bus. Classes," Minot High Times, 13 February 1961,
p. 5. Also see p. 33 of 1961 yearbook.
280
"Directory Provides List of Organizations, Advisers, Presidents, 37 Clubs Represented," Minot High Times,
28 November 1960, p. 4.
281
"Annual Career Night Slated by Student Council," Minot High Times, 24 February 1961, p. 5.
282
Cheryl Buschow, "DECA Store Supplies Most School Material," Minot High Times, 14 December 1992, p. 4.
Also see the 1962 Searchlight, p. 118. For an article on the store two years later see "DECA Club Enjoys Increased
Business in New, More Convenient Location," 11 November 1963, p. 4.
283
Sandy Beal, "High School Math Essential Course for College Attendance," Minot High Times,
28 November 1960, p. 7.
146
284
Jeffrey Miller, “Whatever Happened to New Math?” American Heritage, December 1990, American
Heritage.com (http://www.americanheritage.com/content/whatever-happened-new-math-0).
285
1961 Searchlight, p. 51.
286
"Large Enrollment Necessitates Hiring Twelve New Teachers," 31 August 1961, p. 1.
287
"A First Introduced at MHS; Home Economics Class For Boys," Minot High Times, 2 February 1962, p. 4.
288
Corliss Fried, "Basic Concepts of Communism Emphasized Throughout MHS Social Science Department,"
Minot High Times, 16 March 1962, p. 5.
289
Fried.
290
"American Government Classes Examine Communism in Special Study Unit," Minot High Times,
11 November 1963, p. 1.
291
Mary Strube, "'A Good Teacher Is Also a Counselor' Is Belief of First Woman Counselor at MHS,"
Minot High Times, 23 December 1961, p. 7.
292
"Brigadoon First MHS Musical in Years Presented March 30-31 In Auditorium," Minot High Times,
16 March 1962, p. 1.
293
1963 Searchlight, p. 117.
294
“Discussions of Problems Object of Political Society,” Minot High Times, 16 March 1962, p. 3.
295
Cheryl Buschow, "Poll Reveals Perfect MHS Boy Has Black Hair, Good Manners, Pleasing Personality," 16
February 1962, p. 2.
296
Cheryl Buschow, "Perfect Girl Poll Taken Among MHS Male Students, Teachers," 19 January 1962, p. 2.
297
Tori Smith, "Reading Survey Reveals Few Read for Enjoyment," 22 November 1961, p. 2.
298
Mark Ashton, "Golf Team to Venture Out on New Course in Mid-April," Minot High Times, 13 April 1962, p. 3.
299
"Juniors Hold Off Last Quarter Surge, Squeak by Seniors with 18-17 Victory," Minot High Times, 2 February
1962, p. 3. According to an article the next school year, 1962 was the second year of this game: "Junior, Senior
Girls Prepare for Encounter," 15 February 1963, p. 5. However, the 1962 article and another article on the same
page made no reference to a game in the 1960-1961 school year.
300
Tom Ribb, “Electronic Sound Synthesizer Demonstrated to Physics Class,” Minot High Times, 2 February 1962,
p. 4.
301
Saundra Bryn, "Contact Lenses Make Showing at MHS," Minot High Times, 16 March 1962, p. 2.
302
Caption for photograph, Minot High Times, 18 January 1963, p. 1.
303
"New Building One of Additions Seen at MHS This School Year," Minot High Times, 30 August 1962, p. 1.
304
"Use Common Sense and Map to Find Your Way Around," Minot High Times, 30 August 1962, p. 2.
305
"Use Common Sense and Map to Find Your Way Around."
306
Caption for maps, Minot High Times, 27 August 1964, p. 4.
147
307
"12 New Classes Added To MHS Curriculum; Open Doors To Knowledge," Minot High Times,
14 September 1962, p. 1.
308
"Confusion: Loyalty Day? Or Is It Homecoming?" 14 September 1962, p. 2; "Homecoming Not Always Held;
New Since '31," 28 September 1962, p. 2; "The Magician's Cape" column, 28 September 1962, p. 2. The second
article showed the editor asserting the use of "Homecoming" instead of "Loyalty Day."
309
"Formula For Failure: Drop Out of School," 9 November 1962, p. 2.
310
"Profile of A High School Drop-Out," 4 March 1966, p. 2. This was an article by one of the school’s guidance
counselors: Schmitt, Patrick, "Schmitt Speaks Out on School Dropouts," 11 November 1963, pp. 2, 4.
311
"'Oklahoma,' Lively Rendition of Life in Days of Old West," 11 April 1963, p. 1.
312
"Large Number of Students Smoke with Parent Consent," 11 April 1963, p. 2.
313
1963 Searchlight, p. 117.
314
"Pom-Pom Girls Provide Halftime Shows for Magi Fans," Minot High Times, 1 February 1963, p. 3.
315
Jim Ribb, "Ribb'n with Ribb" [column], Minot High Times, 26 October 1962, p. 3.
316
"She 'Monsters' Still Roam Halls of Minot High," 2 February 1963, p. 2.
317
5 March 1963, p. 2.
318
"Minot High School with Doubled Capacity Welcomes New Students," 29 August 1963, p. 1.
319
"Holidays Evident to All in MHS in Sight and Sound," Minot High Times, 20 December 1963, p. 1.
320
"Library Capacity Doubles with Addition of Two Former Classrooms," Minot High Times, 20 September 1963,
p. 4.
321
"Minot High School with Doubled Capacity Welcomes New Students," 29 August 1963, p. 1.
322
"Listening, Guiding, Advising Keep MHS Counselors Busy," Minot High Times, 4 October 1963, p. 2.
323
"Face-lifted Auditorium Scene of Nov. Music Man Production," Minot High Times, 25 October 1963, p. 1.
324
"Face-lifted Auditorium Scene of Nov. Music Man Production."
325
Joel Davy, "Davy Explains Why No Bon-Fire," Minot High Times, 4 October 1963, p. 2.
326
"The Minot High Times Editorial Platform," 4 October 1963, p. 2.
327
Bob Williams, "Math Club Learns Principles of Electronic Computing in Work with New Minivac 6010," Minot
High Times, 20 December 1963, p. 3.
328
Jim Ribb, "School Boasts Ham Hobbiests [sic]; Communicate Around the World," Minot High Times,
20 December 1963, p. 8.
329
Kathe Williams, "Movies Record Magi Merits, Mistakes," 20 March 1964, p. 5-A.
330
"Student Council Takes Up Problem of Reapportionment," Minot High Times, 28 February 1964, p. 1.
331
"Reapportionment Bill Passes; New Council to Number 18," Minot High Times, 3 April 1964, p. 1.
148
332
"Cross Country, New Magi Varsity Sports [sic] Attracts 11 Candidates," Minot High Times, 4 October 1963,
p. 4.
333
"Christianson Heads 1st Magician Baseball Squad," Minot High Times, 17 April 1964, p. 3; Clarence
Christianson, "Baseball Squad Ends First Season," Minot High Times, 20 May 1964, p. 5.
334
"Hovde Urges Extension of MHS Sport Program, Girls Athletics," Minot High Times, 6 November 1964, p. 3.
335
Larry Dreyer, "Advanced Phy-Ed Proves Popular Student Elective," 9 April 1965, p. 3.
336
"Gary Leslie Breeding Gymnasts in Hope of Establishing Program," Minot High Times, 18 December 1964,
p. 4.
337
1965 Searchlight, p. 175. A lengthy article on Coach Hovde's retirement from coaching: Robert Mihalya,
"Coach Hovde Resigns after 20 Years at MHS," Minot High Times, 22 April 1966, p. 5.
338
1966 Searchlight, p. 186.
339
"Clothes Must Meet MHS Standards," Minot High Times, 27 August 1964, p. 2.
340
“Political Discussion Society to Be Reorganized Now after Last Year’s Controversial Collapse,” Minot High
Times, 3 December 1965, p. 1.
341
Jane Green, "The Rabbit Knows," 18 September 1964, p. 2.
342
Linda Ford, "MHS Boasts Beatle Lovers, Haters," 4 December 1964, p. 3.
343
Susan Hart, "Corner Pocket Newest Hangout for Students," Minot High Times, 9 April 1965, p. 4. The article
supplied this address for the Corner Pocket: 437 2nd St. N.W.
344
"School Year Opens with Record-Breaking Enrollment," 2 September 1965, p. 1.
345
"Howe Outlines Dress Standards," 2 September 1965, p. 3.
346
Kelly Genesen, "Administration Perceives Dress Policy Needed to Prepare Students for Society," 22 April 1966,
p. 4.
347
Larry Dreyer, "NDHSAA Establishes Girls Inter-Scholastic Sports Program," Minot High Times, 1 October 1965,
p. 7.
348
This is inferred both from the Dreyer article and from a Minot High Times editorial titled "Athletics for Girls Are
Sorely Needed" in the same issue, p. 2.
349
"Girl's [sic] Track to Start New MHS Program," Minot High Times, 22 April 1966, p. 6; "Girls Win State Title in
Track," 27 May 1966, p. 3; "Nine Girls Given Letters for Track Successes," 27 May 1966, p. 4. The quotation is
from the first article.
350
"Overhead Projectors Most Versatile Classroom Aid, Teachers Report," Minot High Times, 22 December 1965,
p. 5.
351
Kelly Genesen, "Development of More Complex Computers Poses Potential Threat to Future of All Mankind,"
22 December 1965, p. 6.
352
"Accelerated English Deserves Extension," 1 October 1965, p. 2; "Cornered Comments" [column], 1 October
1965, p. 2.
149
353
"Times Advocates Sex Education Class," 18 March 1966, p. 2.
354
"Sex Class Needed," 19 January 1968, p. 2.
355
"Teen-Age Night Club Owner Appreciates MHS Patronage," Minot High Times, 4 March 1966, p. 5.
356
Susan Hart, "Those Eligible for Draft Speak Out on Own Situation," 12 November 1965, p. 1.
357
Diana Hunter, "Rock and Roll - Good or Bad?" 3 December 1965, p. 3.
358
Linda Saugstad, "Students Protest Stereotyped Image," 7 April 1966, p. 5.
359
Linda Saugstad, "Lack of Cooperation Criticism for Male Cheerleader Plan," 4 March 1966, p. 6. An article
published later in the spring provided a history of Minot High's cheerleaders, including information about male
cheerleaders: Christine Moen, "MHS Cheerleaders Symbol Since 1930," 22 April 1966, p. 4.
360
1966 Searchlight, p. 161.
361
1967 Searchlight, p. 109.
362
Pat Ohlgren, "Spirited M And M's Make the Scene, "13 February 1967, p. 7.
363
1967 Searchlight, p. 128.
364
1965 Searchlight, p. 159. The Chamber Choir was only in existence for two years.
365
"Magicians Capture Top Honors at the First Class A Baseball Tourney in N.D.," Minot High Times,
15 September 1967, p. 5. According to a NDHSAA staff person, high school baseball was not truly sanctioned until
the spring of 2000: Brenda Schell, e-mail message to the author, 27 April 2011.
366
"Teen [sic] Teaching Slated To Begin This Year," Minot High Times, 13 February 1967, p. 1.
367
“Semester Brings Three New Classes to MHS,” Minot High Times, 13 January 1967, p. 1.
368
Kathy German, "Good Library Essential Part of Complex School System," Minot High Times,
29 September 1967, p. 4.
369
"Russian Class Added to MHS Curriculum," Minot High Times, 22 December 1967, p. 4.
370
Kris Halverson, "Student Council Acts As Representative," Minot High Times, 22 December 1967, p. 8.
371
"The Book Shelf" [column], 19 January 1968, p. 4.
372
Patrick Jones, "The Hip and Well-Read: The Reading Interests of Older Teens," in Sheila Anderson, ed., Serving
Older Teens (Westport, CN: Libraries Unlimited, 2004), p.113.
373
1968 Searchlight, p. 188.
374
5 September 1968, p. 2.
375
"MHS Students Scheduled by Computer," Minot High Times, 11 October 1968, p. 5.
376
"Regulations Set for Dress Wear," Minot High Times, 5 September 1968, p. 2.
377
"Klostreich and Hennessy . . . Coaches Head Magi Wrestlers," Minot High Times, 3 April 1969, p. 1.
378
"Computer Dance to Be Held for Minot High Students," 3 April 1969, p. 5.
150
379
This information is from front-page Minot Daily News articles for April 2, 3, and 8, 1969. The "close to 150"
quotation comes from the April 2nd article. That article stated that there were 430 Minot Public Schools teachers,
but the other articles consistently reported 425.
380
Bette Nowacki, "When the Teachers Went on Strike," Minot Daily News, 10 April 1994, p 1. In the following
article, striking teacher Hardy Lieberg is quoted as saying "the flood is what broke our back": Andrea Johnson,
"Minot Teachers Go on Strike in 1969," Minot Daily News: Hometown, 2008, p. 72.
381
“Minot High Enrollment Up--No More Absences Being Tolerated without Good Reason,” Minot Daily News,
29 April 1969, p. 1.
382
Bette Nowacki, "When the Teachers Went on Strike," Minot Daily News, 10 April 1994, p 1.
383
Frank Rzeczkowski, "Flood [Overview]," The Flood of 1969: a Special Supplement to the Minot Daily News , 17
April 1994, pp. 1, 18.
384
"Minot AFB Diamond Becomes Home Park for Magi," Minot High Times, 28 May 1969, p. 9.
385
"Magician Stadium Scene of 1969 Commencement," Minot High Times, 28 May 1969, p. 5.
386
"Enrollment Reaches Peak," Minot High Times, 3 October 1969, p. 1.
387
“Major Changes Are Made in Dress Code,” 24 October 1969, p. 2.
388
"Study Hall East Becomes Library," Minot High Times, 3 October 1969, p. 2.
389
"A Big Dream Has Come True: There Will Be a New MHS," 19 December 1969, p. 1.
390
P. 65.
391
"Contract System of Teaching Meets with Student Approval," 13 February 1970, p. 2. This article was not
clearly written.
392
"The BA BOYS Help Promote School Spirit!" Minot High Times, 13 February 1970, p. 3. The 1970 yearbook,
on p. 26, said that BA stood for Bachelors of America.
393
1970 Searchlight, p. 91.
394
"State Football Champions, 1910-1974"--a spreadsheet file downloaded from the North Dakota High School
Activities Association website (http://www.ndhsaa.org/champions_football).
395
"Earth Day Observed in MHS Classrooms," Minot High Times, 27 April 1970, p. 1.
396
"Electric Car Will Shock the World," 27 April 1970, p. 3.
397
"Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In," Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia (http://www.wikipedia.org).
398
"The Junior-Senior Prom's Groovy Theme Is 'The Age of Aquarius,'" 27 April 1970, p. 1.
399
The staff numbers were from this article: "22 New Faculty Members Added to MHS Staff Bringing Total to 96,"
Minot High Times, 12 October 1970, p. 6. According to numbers compiled at the school district administration
building, the September 30, 1969, MHS enrollment number was 1918; the number for 1970 was 2027.
400
"Pantsuits Dominate Fashions," Minot High Times, 5 February 1971, p. 3.
401
"Females Invade Auto Tech," Minot High Times, 26 March 1971, p. 5.
151
402
"Magi Wrestlers Beaten for First Time in Four Years," Minot High Times, 18 December 1970, p. 4.
403
"New Hercules Machine Regarded as Boost to Minot High Athletics," Minot High Times, 26 March 1971, p. 6.
404
1971 Searchlight, pp. 8, 65, 185.
405
Minot High School Magic City Campus (Minot, ND: Minot Public Schools, [1973]), p. 3; "$5.8 Million High
School Project Nears Start," Minot Daily News, 12 August 1971, p. 1. Minot High School Magic City Campus was
an information booklet on the new school.
406
"Summer Ends on Monday for Youngsters of Minot," Minot Daily News, 24 August 1971, p. 14.
407
"Dance, Lounge and Pledge Discussed by Student Council," Minot High Times, 14 February 1972, p. 1.
408
"Ron Mills Interviewed," Minot High Times, 15 October 1971, p. 2.
409
"Youth Group Aids Retarded," Minot High Times, 28 March 1972, p. 3. This organization may have existed only
for one semester.
410
"ROTC Invades Minot High," Minot High Times, 15 October 1971, p. 2. The information in the last sentence
was from the 1972 yearbook, p. 157.
411
"Aerospace Education Program Expanded to Third Year," Minot High Times, February 1973, p. 2.
412"Golf
Swingers Move into Second Year," Minot High Times, October 1972, p. 5. So far this article's headline is
the best evidence that girls' golf started in the 1971-1972 school year.
413
"New Teen Center Is 'Garage,'" Minot High Times, 19 May 1972, p. 10. In an article the following year "Arrow
Garage" was identified as the Aero Garage, which had "stored taxi cabs and buses" and then "was converted into an
indoor parking area." See citation below.
414
"Student Opinion Requested for Improvement of Garage," Minot High Times, December 1972, p. 3.
415
"Vocational Education Program Sees 250 Students Enrolled," Minot High Times, February 1973, p. 3.
416
This photo is courtesy of Pam Stroklund, who took it just before the building was torn down. Steve Beutler also
has a photo of the front of the building.
417
1973 Searchlight, p. 130.
418
“Marquardt Launches Speech,” Minot High Times, October 1973, p. 8.
419
"Newly Formed Humanities Club Sees Culture in Winnipeg, Man.," Minot High Times, February 1973, p. 1.
420
"Physical Fitness and Enjoyment Are Outcome of GAA Activities," Minot High Times, February 1973, p. 6.
421
"Homecoming 1972 at MHS," Minot High Times, October 1972, p. 6.
422
Robert Roos, "Shuffle Due When $5.5 Million High School Opens," Minot Daily News, 10 March 1973, p. 10.
423Minot
High School Magic City Campus (Minot, ND: Minot Public Schools, [1973]), p. 3. This was an
information booklet on the new school.
424
Roos, Robert. "Active participation" are Supt. Marlowe Johnson's words quoted in the article.
425
"Construction Necessitates the Revival of Old Central, Y, Portables," Minot High Times, September 1973, p. 5.
152
426
"Facelift at Central Campus Lifts Faces of Students," Minot High Times, February 1974, p. 5.
427
"Compliments and Complaints Due New Campus," Minot High Times, September 1973, p. 5. The sentences on
the faculty game and Basic Lip Reading are from this article: Jackie Fredrich, "The Games People Play . . .," Minot
High Times, November 1973, p. 4.
428
"One Minot High School: The Unrealistic Goal of Administrators and School Board," November 1973, p. 2.
429
David Whitney, "Relationship of MHS Campuses Top Concern," Minot Daily News, 8 August 1974, p. 5.
430
"Majettes Grab District Crown," Minot High Times, November 1973, p. 8; 1974 Searchlight, p. 160.
431
1974 Searchlight, p. 164.
432
"Ink Johnson Wraps Up High School Wrestling Career with 5th in Nationals," Minot High Times, April 1974,
p. 4.
433
"Language Clubs Launch Year," Minot High Times, October 1973, p. 3.
434
"Mini-Day Coming Soon," Minot High Times, March 1974, p. 1.
435
1974 Searchlight, p. 193.
436
"Invitation to PTA Extended," Minot High Times, November 1973, p. 3. A letter to the editor in the October
1974 High Times, p. 2, shows that the PTSA was organized by that time.
437
“Game Theory Object of Bulc Htam,” Minot High Times, November 1973, p. 5.
438
"Helpers in Education Exercise Interest in Teaching as a Vocation," Minot High Times, March 1974, p. 4.
439
"Miniature Students Invade Minot High," Minot High Times, March 1974, p. 3.
440
"Central Expands on Its Curriculum," Minot High Times, March 1974, p. 7; "Sanford Reveals Innovation for
Future of Magic City," Minot High Times, May 1974, p. 2.
441
“Youth Supplies a Touch of Culture from the Humanities Club,” Minot High Times, September 1973, p. 1. In
the yearbook the information on the sculpture stated that it had been given the title “Youth.”
442
"U.S.S. Minot High School Improves after Maiden Voyage," October 1974, p. 2.
443
"Walls of Old Central Come Tumbling Down," Minot Daily News, 15 August 1974, p. 1.
444
"MHS Swim Team Captures State," Minot High Times, March 1975, p. 1.
445
"Hockey Closes with 3-12-1," Minot High Times, 4 March 1975, p. 8. For the previous four years the Minot
Recreation Commission had organized a league for hockey teams. Minot High was one of the teams and competed
with teams from a number of towns. See "Hockey Season Begins," Minot High Times, November 1973, p. 6, and
"Hockey Sets 2-9-1 Record," Minot High Times, February 1974, p. 5.
446
Dana Rogstad, "Alternates to Current P.E. Program Suggested," January 1975, p. 2.
447
Dana Rogstad, “ERA Hearings Observed,” Minot High Times, January 1975, p. 3.
448
"Vocational Education Week Observed at Minot High School," 4 March 1975, p. 3.
449
"Drug Non-Users Pay the Price," April 1975, p. 2.
153
450
"Lead Slinging Lady Portrayed by Becky Bakken in 'Calamity Jane,'" Minot High Times, March 1975, p. 1.
451
"Mini Days Are Again Successful," Minot High Times, November 1974, p. 3.
452
"Central Campus Mini Day Debut Deemed a Huge Success," Minot High Times, 4 March 1975, p. 5.
453
"Student Newspaper Begins Publication at Central Campus," Central Campus Crier, 24 September 1975, p. 1;
David Ricci, "Central Campus Establishes Identity," Central Campus Crier, 24 September 1975, p. 2. The
quotations are from the second piece, an editorial.
454
1976 Searchlight, pp. 125-127, 129.
455
1976 Searchlight, pp. 130, 133.
456
1977 Searchlight, p. 48.
457
These numbers were taken from enrollment sheets at the school district administration building. For each year I
looked at the numbers for the end of September and end of May.
458
"Special Education Organizes Club," 1977 Searchlight, p. 43.
459
"Brostrom Heads New Career Education Plus" and "New Model Me Program Added to Curriculum," 1977
Searchlight, n.p.
460
"New Head Coach Jane Jackson Pacing Girls Track to Victory," Minot High Times, May 1978, p. 19.
461
"Grand Opening of the Corner Junction Highlighted by KKOA Broadcast, Prizes," Minot High Times,
November 1977, p. 1. There was also an article on the opening in the October 1977 High Times.
462
1979 Searchlight, p. 67.
463
"Speech Club Members Capture State Championship in Fargo," Minot High Times, May 1978, p. 18.
464
1978 Searchlight, p. 172. The information about showing new students around was from this article: "Caring
Evident in 'Students Concerned About Students,'" Minot High Times, September 1977, p. 1. Steve Joyal (see
following citation) said that students presented information to other students.
465
Steve Joyal, telephone interview, 5 May 2011.
466
"Student Council Plans Radio Broadcast," Minot High Times, May 1978, p. 9.
467
Mr. Beaver’s last year at MHS was the 1985-1986 school year. A couple of the photos suggest that the pamphlet
was created after the 1970s.
468
"Students Voice Problems at MCC," November 1977, p. 2.
469
William Blansfield, "Students Are Urged To Hult [sic] Apathy by Learning School Song," November 1977, p. 2.
470
1979 Searchlight, p. 134.
471
"Voc. Classes Construct MCC Addition," Minot High Times, December 1978, p. 4.
472
"Budget Cut of $1.2 Million Unhappy Set Back [sic] for Magic City" [editorial], Minot High Times, January
1979, p. 2.
473
"Baseball Slicks into Last Season," Minot High Times, April 1979, p. 4.
154
474
"ROTC Donates Glider as Remembrance," Minot High Times, February 1979, p. 1.
475
"Newly Chosen Student Guides Acquaint Students with MCC," Minot High Times, September 1978, p. 1. A
photo of MCC Student Guides first appeared in the 1979 yearbook.
476
"Apple II Computer Errorless," Minot High Times, November 1978, p. 1.
477
Craig Nansen, personal interview, 18 April 2011.
478
Thom Smith, "Magic City Students Drive To Solve Parking Lot Problem," April 1979, p. 2.
479
"Is Car Pooling Needed at MCC?" October 1978, p. 1. For the outcome of the carpooling efforts see articles
cited in the previous and following note. For more on the car pooling effort, see this article in the Minot Daily News
by Kim Murphy: "Students Try Car Pooling Program," 9 November 1978, p. 16.
480
Shelly Rau, "Student Council Presents Solution to Parking Problem," May 1979, p. 1. Also see the Thom Smith
article above. The quotation is from the Rau article.
481
"Golden Cue Comes to Minot Area," May 1979, p. 4.
482
"Computers Add New Dimension to Math Department," Minot High Times, September 1979, p. 3. Craig Nansen
supplied the information that the new computer room was in the math office area in an 18 April 2011 personal
interview.
483
“Speaking Is Emphasized in Curriculum,” Minot High Times, November 1982, p. 2.
484
Laurie Baker, "High School Program Emphasizes Writing," Minot Daily News, 15 October 1980, p. 3. In this
article Dr. Olthoff also notes that the emphasis on vocational training and industrial arts had kept more students in
school than in the past, students with weaker communication skills.
485
1981 Searchlight, p. 192.
486
“Media Arts Classes Join TV Set with Youth Views,” Minot High Times, November 1979, p. 3.
487
Jim Vitko, personal interview, 29 April 2011.
488
Jack Graham, "Coeducational Phy-ed Classes Concern School Board Members, Minot Daily News,
6 December 1979, p. 13.
489
Glee Mayer, phone interview, 28 August 2011. Some MHS staff to interview in the future on the topic: Kathy
Aspaas, Bob Sundberg, Doyle Radke, and Clair Roth. Brett Mayer did her St. Cloud University master's degree on
the topic.
490
The numbers, including those for the decade's opening and closing years, were taken from enrollment sheets at
the school district administrative building. All of the numbers were end-of-September enrollment numbers.
491
"Problems Solved for Parking," Minot High Times, October 1980, p. 2. Another article discussed pressures on
student parking south and southwest of the school across the street: "Staff Commends Decision for More Parking
Space," September 1980, p. 2.
492
"Feds Say No to Junk Food," Minot High Times, October 1980, p. 1.
493
"Mr. Olthoff Practices Writing Skills," Minot High Times, October 1980, p. 3.
494
"Chicken Man Flies into Hearts of MCC Students," October 1980, p. 3.
155
495
"Power Volleyball Gives New Meaning to Old Game," Minot High Times, February 1986, p. 5.
496
"Goodman Heads Initial Girls' Volleyball Season," Minot High Times, December 1980, p. 4.
497
"Debate Team of Schmidt and Iverson Take First at State," Minot High Times, February 1981, p. 1.
498
"Percentages on Recent Poll Reveal 66% of Students Work," October 1980, p. 2.
499
"Student Life Suffers Greatly When Students Work," November 1980, p. 2.
500
"Student Poll May Be 'Up to Snuff'" and "Tobacco Chewing Deemed Thoughtless, Harmful Habit," Minot High
Times, February 1981, p. 2
501
"Patriotism Week Promotes Civic Pride," Minot High Times, March 1981, p. 3.
502
"Teacher Craig Nansen Comments on Computers and Math Students," Minot High Times, May 1981, p. 18.
503
1981 Searchlight, pp. 70-71.
504
Patty Francis, "After the Prom Party Offers Choice," The Review: a Weekly Magazine, 8 May 1985, n.p. This
magazine was published by Creative Media Publishing of Minot in the 1980s. The Patty Francis article is in a
vertical file folder at the MCC library. No page number was written on the article.
505
"Part-time Jobs Have Good and Bad Aspects for Students," Minot High Times, October 1981, p. 2.
506
Kelly, John, "Wisdom of Ryan Participation in MHS Sports Challenged," February 1982, p. 2; "Students Express
Their Feelings on Ryan Students Participating in MHS Sports," March 1982, p. 3.
507
Denes Smith, "Borden Presents Writing As a Learning Process," February 1982, p. 3.
508
"FBLA Sponsors School Song Banner for Gymnasium at MCC," Minot High Times, March 1982, p. 3.
509
It seems to have been first replaced in 1997. See this article: Tim Gange, "Site Council Members Decide Issues
Involving MCC Operations," Minot High Times, December 1997, p.1. A more recent replacement left out a word
that was not actually part of the school song.
510
511
1982 Searchlight, p. 288.
"'Hacking' Computers Becomes a Frustrating Yet Profitable Activity for MCC Students," May 1982, p. 13.
512
"Mrs. Aanestad Recounts School Days," Minot High Times, 19 May 1984, p. 11. There's a photo of students
eating at tables on the floor of the gym in the 1975 yearbook.
513
1983 Searchlight, p. 151.
514
"Duane Carlson Stadium Named for Athletic Director after 42 Years of Service," Minot High Times,
November 1982, p. 2.
515
The "final season" quote is from the 1983 yearbook supplement pages on baseball. The "financial crisis" is from
this article: "Financial Crisis Necessitates Cuts in Extracurricular Activities," Minot High Times, April 1983, p. 4.
The other information is from this article in the Minot High Times: "Baseball Is Here," April 1984, p. 5.
516
"Minot High School Chosen As Top Class A High School in State of North Dakota," Minot High Times, May
1983, p. 15; 1984 Searchlight, p. 156.
517
"Soccer Association Plans Intramural Games for Eager Student Participants," Minot High Times, April 1984,
p. 6. Also see the supplement to the 1984 Searchlight, p. 15.
156
518
"Baseball Is Here," Minot High Times, April 1984, p. 5.
519
1984 Searchlight Supplement, p. 9.
520
"Students Renovate Hockey Rink," Minot High Times, October 1983, p. 3. The yearbook reported on the
renovation in the VICA section.
521
"North Dakota Surfing Association Started at Magic City," Minot High Times, December 1983, p. 3.
522
"Parking Continues to Be Problem; New Ten Dollar Fine Seems High," November 1983, p. 2.
523
Nadine Bouchard, "Crawford Considers Canceling Skip Week," 19 May 1984, p. 4. The Nation at Risk report on
American education had just been published in 1983.
524
"Dropouts Drop in to Alternate Education Program at New Site," Minot High Times, October 1984, p. 1.
525
Tanya Watterud, "MHS Programs Designed to Solve Personal Troubles, Sharpen Logic," Minot Daily News, 6
September 1984, p. 7.
526
"Various Views Are Expressed About Girls in Contact Sports," February 1985, p. 2.
527
Jim Johnson, phone interview, 14 May 2011; Betty Neff, phone interview, 14 May 2011. The author
remembers the complaints by the school board member that the materials were negative or depressing. She also
remembers that other texts were questioned.
528
"Family Living Course Causes Much Controversy," Minot High Times, September 1984, p. 5.
529
Tanya Watterud, "One Candidate Backing Flickinger on Investigation of Library Books," Minot Daily News, 1
June 1985, p. 1. This article provides much detail on the "investigation."
530
Edna Boardman, Censorship: the Problem That Won't Go Away (Worthington, OH: Linworth Publishing, 1993),
pp. 4.3, 4.8, 4.9.
531
Laurie Baker, "Minot School Board members Criticize Flickinger Mailing," Minot Daily News, 14 November
1980, p. 2.
532
"Leave the Books Alone" [editorial], Minot Daily News, 12 March 1986, p. A6.
533
"Tradition Changes As Graduation Moves to Sunday," Minot High Times, April 1985, p. 3.
534
"Nansen Named New Coordinator," Minot High Times, May 1985, p. 4.
535
"Teachers Teach Teachers, Too," February 1986, p. 3.
536
"Mastery Learning Is Road to Achieve Set Outcomes," Minot High Times, January 1987, p. 1.
537
Darrell Liebelt, personal interview, 16 May 2011.
538
1986 Searchlight, p. 161.
539
"Close Up Group Heads for Washington, D.C. To Experience the Process of Democracy," Minot High Times,
January 1986, p. 1.
540
"Leave the Books Alone" [editorial], Minot Daily News, 12 March 1986, p. A6.
541
"Review Committee Returns Books," Minot High Times, April 1986, p. 2.
157
542
P. 273.
543
Turtle races were mentioned in this article: "MHS Students and Faculty Make '85 Homecoming Huge Success,"
Minot High Times, October 1985, p.3. There were also photos in the 1986 yearbook.
544
"Mastery Learning Gives Students a Second Chance to Improve," October 1986, p. 3.
545
"Mastery Learning Is Road to Achieve Set Outcomes," January 1987, p. 1.
546
Connie Ingebretson, "Schools Try New Accrediting Method," Minot Daily News, 4 January 1987, p. 3.
547
P. 131.
548
"It's About Time for Soccer," October 1986, p. 4.
549
Kirby Meiners, "Teachers Try Using New Cooperative Learning Process," May 1988, p. 14. Lesson Design was
mentioned a number of times in the staff section of the 1988 yearbook. Some of the information in this paragraph is
from the author's memory of these concepts being used at MCC.
550
1988 Searchlight, p. 147. The author also relied on her memory for this.
551
Dyana Neal, "MCC Departments Change Format," Minot High Times, February 1988, p. 2. All of the quotes are
in Dyana Neal's words.
552
1988 Searchlight, p. 107.
553
Dyana Neal, "Phy. Ed Requirement Destroys GPA's for Many," November 1987, p. 2; Bonny Kemper, "Teacher
Lists Benefits of Physical Education in Response to Editorial," March 1988, p. 4.
554
Dean Mattern, "MCC Faces Parking Problem," September 1987, p. 2; "Teachers' Lot Opened to Only a Chosen
Few," December 1987, p. 3. The second source covers the additional parking options.
555
Aimee Cartier, "Students and Teachers Receive Education Concerning AIDS," Minot High Times, February
1988, p. 2. An editorial also to check out: Tom Koppenhaver, "AIDS Presentation Is a Success at Magic City,"
March 1988, p. 2.
556
Sabrina Grover, "Greatness Expected of South Pacific," Minot High Times, September 1987, p. 1; "'South Pacific'
Gets North Dakota Raves" [editorial], Minot High Times, November 1987, p. 2.
557
P. 116. This yearbook was more helpful than the 1988 one in explaining the purposes of the organization.
558
1988 Searchlight, p. 95.
559
Brian Norstegaard, "Computer Lab Now Available," Minot High Times, September 1988, p. 1.
560
Aimee Cartier, "Library Adds Computer Lab," May 1988, p. 19. This article reported that 25 Macintosh
computers were going to be added.
561
Susan Gessner and Edna Boardman, “Library History and Personnel,” computer file that the MCC library media
specialist has. According to Mrs. Boardman’s notes, the three computers were “three overflow regular
MacIntoshes . . . placed in carrels.”
562
Kim Stockert, "School Board Gives Figure Skating Club a Chance to Earn Athletic Letter," Minot High Times,
October 1988, p. 4.
563
1989 Searchlight, p. 277.
158
564
1989 Searchlight, p. 166.
565
Anne McMillan, ""Kwik Stop Rivals Snack Shop," January 1989, p. 3.
566
Anissa Zerr, "DECA Wins Chapter Award; Reisenauer Top State Advisor," Minot High Times, February 1990,
p. 1; Rhonda Semingson, "Funke Runs for National DECA Presidency," Minot High Times, January 1990, p. 1. The
national election took place in April. I relied on my memory for the outcome.
567
1990 Searchlight, p. 56; Herro Mustafa, "Values Stressed in Rainbow Connection," Minot High Times,
February 1990, p. 5.
568
1990 Searchlight Supplement, p. 5.
569
Barbi Roberts, "Figure Skaters Capture the Trophy Once Again," Minot High Times, February 1990, p. 4.
570
Theresa Chilson, "More Reading Goal of NCA," March/April 1990, p. 1.
571
Jason Ackerman, "Say 'Goodnight, Media Arts' As Class Offered for Last Time," Minot High Times,
March/April 1990, p. 3.
572
Steve Joyal, 1991 Searchlight, p. 204.
573
Trevor Gaffney, "Academic Challenge--Minot's Answer to Jeopardy," Minot High Times, May 1990, p. 2.
574
Shane Schmeichel, "Budget Cuts Affect Minot Public Schools," Minot High Times, January 1990, p. 1; Toreen
Johnson, "Budget Cuts Prompt Recycling of Paper," Minot High Times, February 1990, p. 2. For a student editorial
response to the cuts, see "We Are All at Fault for the Budget Cuts--It Is Time to Get On with It," January 1990, p. 2.
575
Chris Neufeld, "Rumors of Local Gang Cause Concern," Minot High Times, 30 November 1990, [p.3]. In this
same issue was an editorial ("Gangs in North Dakota?") that contained this statement: "If there actually is a gang
problem, it needs to be addressed; if this is all just a bad rumor, then maybe we all need to learn some manners."
576
Dan Griffith, "Taking First Was No Debate for This Team," Minot High Times, February 1991, p. 1.
577
"Minot High Speakers Win State Championship," Minot High Times, April 1991, p. 1.
578
1991 Searchlight [Supplement], n.p.
579
Margi Crossley, "MCC Students and Staff Express Their Feelings on the Gulf War," February 1991, p. 2.
580
Chris Larson, "Technology Club Started," Minot High Times, 5 October 1990, [p. 3]. The 1991 yearbook page
for the club suggested that it may have started the previous year.
581
1991 Searchlight, p. 133. The article spelled the game MINOTOPOLY.
582
1991 Searchlight, p. 185.
583
Eric Abrahamson, "Drafting with Computers Inspire Students to Learn AUTOCAD," Minot High Times,
5 October 1990, p. 1.
584
1991 Searchlight, p. 250.
585
1991 Searchlight, p. 252.
586
David Snyder, " Expensive IBM Lab Benefits Students and Adults," Minot High Times, October 1991, p. 3.
159
587
"Ecology Club Debuts at MCC," Minot High Times, November/December 1991, p. 1; Cary Cooper "Technical
and Home Economic[s] Classes Score with Boys and Girls," Minot High Times, January/February 1992, p. 2. The
quotation is from the first article.
588
Brent Olson, " Psychology Club Focuses on Volunteering and Community Service," Minot High Times,
November/December 1991, p. 2.
589
1992 Searchlight, pp. 242, 249.
590
1992 Searchlight Spring Supplement, p. 8. See also Leroy Huizenga, "State Champs at Last!!! Magi Hockey
First in 92," Minot High Times, March 1992, pp. 1, 4.
591
Dana Charter, "Role-playing Games' Popularity Grows with Students at MCC," Minot High Times,
January/February 1992, p. 3.
592
Becky Burnside, "Unnamed Band Makes Reputation," March 1992, p. 2; Becky Burnside, "Nobody's Children
Band Popular at Many Local Social Functions," May 1992, p. 9.
593
Becky Kean, "Honor Society Wants to Change 11th Ave. to Magic City Avenue," Minot High Times,
March 1992, p. 1.
594
Heidi Sormula, "MCC Library Advances to the Computer Age with New Technology," Minot High Times,
18 December 1992, p. 1.
595
Matt Boyd, "Teachers Create Composition Handbook," Minot High Times, October 1992, p. 3.
596
1993 Searchlight Supplement, n.p.
597
1993 Searchlight, p. 207.
598
Devin Reierson, "Epic Confrontation Emerges from First Ever Battle of the Bands," Minot High Times,
May 1993, p. 13.
599
See his remarks on the MCC principals' page for both the 1993 and 1994 yearbooks.
600
Kelly Bills, "Choices Program Helps Students Decide on Careers," Minot High Times, December 1994, p. 1.
601
Amanda Haugeberg, "'Choices' Program Valuable," Minot High Times, March 1999, p. 3.
602
Richard Larson, "Implementing the Strategic Plan," Minot Public Schools Annual Report for the 1996-1997
School Year, 1997, p. 1.
603
Tim Gange, "Site Council Members Decide Issues Involving MCC Operations," Minot High Times, December
1997, p. 1. This is a very informative article on Site Council operations at MCC at this time.
604
Kevin Morales, "MHS Team Brings Home State BB Title," Minot High Times, March 1995, p. 1.
605
Chad O'Connell, "MHS Dress Code Controversy Rages Still," Minot High Times, May 1995, p. 14.
606
Mike Rose, "Second Annual Battle of the Bands Highlights Senior Week," Minot High Times, May 1995, p. 13.
607
Mike Rose, "Minot Collective Cultural Center Gives City Taste of Punk Rock," May 1995, p. 15. Also see
citation in previous note.
608
P. 108.
609
Edna Boardman, FYI, October 1995, n.p. FYI was a MCC library newsletter that Mrs. Boardman created.
160
610
Edna Boardman, FYI, October 1995, n.p.
611
Austin Van Zomeren, "Greenhouse Addition Gets Nearer to Completion," Minot High Times, October 1995, p. 3;
Nathan Anderson, "Building Trades Is Popular Class," Minot High Times, May 1995, p. 13. Vern Thiessen
confirmed, in a 27 August 2011 phone call, that the greenhouse was finished during the school year.
612
Phil Mellum, "College Credit Becomes Option for Many Magic City Students," Minot High Times, January
1996, p. 1.
613
This information was from a binder titled Registration Numbers 1995-2013 that Assistant Principal Jeri Grant
has in her office. Mrs. Christine (Avery) Burchill also remembers that she began teaching ITV classes in the
1995-1996 school year.
614
The 1995-1996 high school registration guide listed the home economics courses under this heading: "Family
and Consumer Sciences (Home Economics)."
615
Paul Johnson, "Planners Meant to Help Organization," Minot High Times, October 1995, p.1. Also see 1996
Searchlight, p. 162.
616
Holly Leshovsky, "Girls' Golf Team Wins Fourth Straight State Title with Record Performance," Minot High
Times, October 1995, p. 1.
617
Mike Kelly, "Minot Oilers Hockey Team Lays Claim to Dynasty with Fourth Consecutive State Title," Minot
High Times, April 1996, p. 4.
618
Jaime Larson, "Cheerleading Is Complicated Work," Minot High Times, January 1996, p. 4.
619
1997 Searchlight, p. 2.
620
Stanley Rowe, "Hat Rule Introduced at Central," Central Campus Crier, February 1996, p. 2.
621
1996 Searchlight, p. 116.
622
1997 Searchlight, p. 164.
623
Edna Boardman, FYI, September/October 1996, n.p. FYI was a MCC library newsletter that Mrs. Boardman
created.
624
Richard Larson, "Implementing the Strategic Plan," Minot Public Schools Annual Report for the 1996-1997
School Year, 1997, p.1; "Strategic Plan Accomplishments - 1996-97," Minot Public Schools Annual Report for the
1996-1997 School Year, 1997, p.2. The quotation is from the first source; the FirstClass information is from the
second one.
625
This online source was used to establish the years and when North Dakota participation began: http://
www.wapa.gov/ugp/sciencebowl/NorthDakota/Winners.htm. Rich Feldner, advisor for the teams, supplied the
information about the 1996-1997 and 1997-1998 teams in a personal interview, 14 June 2011.
626
Robbie Werchau, phone interview, 6 June 2011. Also see 1997 Searchlight, p. 215.
627
Richard Larson, "Implementing the Strategic Plan," Minot Public Schools Annual Report for the 1996-1997
School Year, 1997, p. 1.
628
For more information about this year's work see these two High Times articles: JB Budeau, "Students Learn
Carpenter Skills in Building Trades I Class," October 1996, p. 3; Nate Seright, " House Built by Building Trades
Class Almost Ready for Sale," April/May 1997, p. 15.
161
629
Brent Borkhuis, "Construction Tech Classes Get Loads of Hands On Experience," Minot High Times, November/
December 2000, p. 3.
630
1997 Searchlight, p. 236.
631
Matt Knutson, "Second Generation Wins Battle of the Bands Competition," April/May 1997, p. 12.
632
Noel Danielson, "Snowboarding Is 'PHAT' This Year at Magic City Campus," December 1996, p. 8.
633
1997 Searchlight, pp. 2, 5.
634
P. 143.
635
Michelle Grueneberg, "Joining Two High Schools Becomes Issue," February/March 1998, p. 2.
636
Scott Ballantyne, "Significant Changes Made in Library Computer Labs," Minot High Times, September/October
1997, p. 2.
637
Kim Hall, "Magic Blades Win Bronze in Italy," Minot High Times, February/March 1998, p. 8.
638
Alyssa Kemper, “Dance Team Has Great Year,” Minot High Times, March 1999, p. 4. In the following article
was the sentence “Dance is now recognized statewide as an athletic sport”: Kristie Crocker, “ Dance Team
Requires Hard Work, Long Practices, and Dedication,” Minot High Times, February/March 1998, p. 7.
639
Pp. 107, 155.
640
1999 Searchlight, p. 197.
641
Mark Kelly, "Rockin' Magic City Campus Is the Home to Many Bands," February/March 1998, p. 4.
642
Daren Lorenz, "Calculators Have Undergone a Huge Change," December 1997, p. 3.
643
Rex Dimond, "Nintendo 64 or Sony Play Station Are More Than a Fad," February/March 1998, p. 2;
Eric Ferguson, "More Sony or 64?" February/March 1998, p. 2.
644
Jenny Pitner, "What's Up with Tongue Piercing?" February/March, p. 2.
645
Richard Larson, "Strategic Plan Accomplishments 1998-1999," Minot Public Schools Year in Review:
1998-1999 School Year, 1999, p. 12. Also see Jennifer Jones, "Block Scheduling to Be Studied," Central Campus
Crier, March 1998, p. 2.
646
Brenda Schell, e-mail message to the author, 27 April 2011. Ms. Schell is on the staff of the NDHSAA.
647
Maglyn Keeney, "Girls' Hockey Team Prepares to Defend the Goal in Their Inaugural Season," Minot High
Times, November/December 1998, p. 4. Also see Renee Sposito, "Girls' Hockey Comes to Minot," Central Campus
Crier, 28 April 1999, p. 5.
648
1999 Searchlight, p. 280.
649
All of this information, except the information about the 1999-2000 game, is from this article: Brittany Genre,
"DECA Minotpoly Project Successful Money Maker," Minot High Times, January 1999, p. 1. The last bit of
information is from the 2000 Searchlight.
650
1999 Searchlight, p. 222.
162
651
The first quotation is from the 1998-1999 Minot High School Registration Guide and Course Description
Bulletin. The rest of the information is from this source: Jesse Hauser, “MCC Art Teachers Always Looking for
Ways to Improve Instruction,” Minot High Times, September/October 1999, p. 1.
652
Sarah Kester, "New Parking Lot Opens," Minot High Times, September/October 1998, p. 2.
653
Terry J. Aman, "School Board Reviews Possible $1.8 Million Project at Central Campus," Minot Daily News,
17 December 1999, p. A1; Aman, "Minot Public School Board Discusses Central Campus," Minot Daily News,
18 January 2000, p. A1.
654
"Library Always Features Something New," Minot High Times, September/October 1999, p. 1.
655
Craig Nansen, personal interview, 16 June 2011.
656
Cheryl Purseglove, "Snack Central Opens," Central Campus Crier, 6 March 2000, p. 1.
657
Heather Welch, “Trendy Backpacks Sometimes Have Health and Safety Concerns,” Minot High Times,
September/October 1999, p. 3.
658
These are enrollment numbers from the end of September, not from the end of the school year.
659
"Minot Public School District #1 Actual Enrollment 1993-2001 as of May 30," Minot Public Schools Year in
Review: 2000-2001 School Year, 2001, p. 11.
660
2001 Searchlight, p. 4; Ashley Bernsdorf, "Central Campus Being Remodeled," Central Campus Crier, 28
February 2001, p. 1. According to the following article, the intent seemed to have been to have construction crews
begin work at 4:00 p.m.: Andrea Johnson, "Reviewing Needs, Setting Priorities," Minot Daily News,
31 October 2000, p. C2.
661
Andrea Johnson, "Central Campus to Celebrate School Renovations," Minot Daily News, 1 February 2004,
p. B1.
662
Ryan Bakke, "Minot Gets New Ice Skating Rinks," Minot High Times, September/October 2000, p. 3.
663
Chase Cantone, "Achievement Letter Program Enters Year Two," Minot High Times, Nov./Dec. 2001, p. 1.
664
At Math Track in the 2008-2009 school year, Minot High's team did not win the top title, but John Chelgren was
the over-all champion; he was the only one in the state to achieve a perfect score on the exam. (Chelgren had not
been the only MHS student to receive a perfect score on the exam, according to MCC math teacher Mike Gessner.)
Source for the Chelgren information: Alex Wohl, "Match Track Meet Brings Out the Best in Students," Minot High
Times, May 2009, p. 12.
665
"The All-New Central Campus: Physical Renovation Receives Thumbs Up!" The Educator [published by the
Minot Public Schools], December 2001, n.p.; "Innovation and Increased Expectations Play a Role in Central
Campus's Positive Environment," The Educator, December 2001, n.p; Keith Altendorf, personal interview, 30 June
2011. The first quotation is from the first article, the second quotation is from Keith Altendorf, and the third
quotation is from the second article. Most of the paragraph intermixes information from the first article and Mr.
Altendorf.
666
2002 Searchlight Supplement, p. 3; 2003 Searchlight, pp. 184-185.
667
2002 Searchlight, p. 21.
668
Jeri Novak, the finance secretary at MCC, used her records to determine that Character Counts started in the fall
of the 2004-2005 school year.
163
669
2002 Searchlight, pp. 25, 155.
670
David Leonard, "Students React to Attacks on America," Minot High Times, September/October 2001, p. 3; Amy
Engleson, "MCC Student Tells of CP Train Derailment," Minot High Times, February/March 2002, p. 1; 2002
Searchlight, pp. 25, 29. I added the information about schools being closed after the train derailment and the
immediate reactions of students at MCC. Also see these Crier articles: Mike Scott, "New Park Skates into Minot,"
4 April 2001, p. 14; and Devon Wold, "Ammonia Spill Affects Many," 27 February 2002, p. 10.
671
Charlie Ruppert, "Tech. Ed. Unveils Laser Engraving Machine," Minot High Times, February/March 2002, p. 3.
672
"Magic City Campus," Minot Public Schools Year in Review: 2001-2002 School Year, 2002, p. 9; Glee Mayer,
phone interview, 28 August 2011. The date for the refurbishment is from the first sources; the other information is
from Mayer.
673
Christa Anderson, "Edward Striefel Added to Central Campus Staff," Central Campus Crier, 27 February 2002,
p. 1.
674
Peter Williams, "Break-in Occurs at Central Campus," Central Campus Crier, 1 May 2002, p. 1.
675
Andrea Johnson, "Central Campus to Celebrate School Renovations," Minot Daily News, 1 February 2004,
p. B1. Keith Altendorf supplied the information about the additional classrooms in a 30 June 2011 personal
interview.
676
Brandon Bailey, "STS New Organization at MCC," Minot High Times, March/April 2003, p. 2.
677
SADD is first mentioned in this article: Nickie Peterson, "Magic City Teacher Wenstad Called for Active Guard
Duty," Minot High Times, March/April 2003, p. 2. The organization was first covered in the 2004 Searchlight.
678
Ali Guitian, "September 11th Ceremony Held in MCC Courtyard," Minot High Times, September/October 2002,
p. 1.
679
Nickie Peterson, "Magic City Teacher Wenstad Called for Active Guard Duty," Minot High Times, March/April
2003, p. 2.
680
Andrea Johnson, "Central Campus to Celebrate School Renovations," Minot Daily News, 1 February 2004,
p. B1.
681
Chris Bieri, "Lowe Returns To Teach Local Swimmers," Minot Daily News, 1 May 2011, MinotDailyNews.com
(http://www.minotdailynews.com/page/content.detail/id/554278/Lowe-returns-to-teach-local-swimmers.html?nav=5016)
682
Heather Berry, "MHS Cheerleaders Win State Competition," Minot High Times, March 2004, p. 1.
683
2004 Searchlight, p. 200.
684
"Recognition of Community Members & Employees," 2003-2004 School Profile [Minot Public Schools], 2004,
p. 12.
685
Tyler Bakke, "MCC Foreign Language Students Get New Computer Learning Lab," Minot High Times,
November/December 2003, p. 2.
686
Denise Maresh, "C-Cam News Comes to Central Campus," Central Campus Crier, 25 February 2004, p. 2.
Bruce Anderson, AV director at CC, is the advisor for the C-Cam program. According to the article, a student came
up with the name "C-Cam."
687
This was one student's review of the iPod Mini: Justin Grina, "Apple's iPod Mini Makes Its Debut with Students
at MCC," Minot High Times, March 2004, p. 2.
164
688
2004 Searchlight Supplement, p. 22. Also see this later article in the Minot High Times: Allison Tracy, "Cell
Rules Changed for the Better," October 2007, p. 3.
689
"Central Campus" and "Magic City Campus," 2003-2004 School Profile [Minot Public Schools], 2004, pp. 8-9.
690
Brittany Dittus, "Brakelazy Band Debuts New CD of 13 Original Tunes," November/December 2003, p. 1;
Jessica Kelly, "MCC Students Form Mapatazy," November/December 2003, p. 3. The quotation is from the second
article.
691
"Northwest North Dakota Career & Technical Center Celebration Held Today," The Magi Flyer [Magic City
Campus], 16 October 2006, [p.1]. This entire issue was created for the opening of the new center.
692
Erin Obenchain, "Central Campus Undergoes More Changes," Central Campus Crier, 6 October 2004, p. 1.
693
"Central Campus," 2004-2005 School Profile [Minot Public Schools], 2005, p. 8. Also see Sarah Bauchner,
"Win a Dinner with Josh Duhamel, Central Campus Crier, 1 December 2004.
694
The person who organized National History Day participation at Central Campus was Mrs. Marsha Looysen. A
phone call to her on June 22, 2011, confirmed that 2004-2005 was the first year of participation. The School Profile
annual reports provide details on how well the participants did in state competition. Mrs. Looysen and Mr. Richard
Srejma were mentors.
695
"First Time for 'After Graduation Party,'" Minot High Times, May 2005, p. 10.
696
2006 MHS Searchlight Supplement, p. 8.
697
Kristen Bliven, "Girls' Fastpitch Softball Added," Minot High Times, February/March 2006, p. 1. The article
also has information on girls' fastpitch softball in the summer for the previous three years.
698
Jill Schramm, "Community Bowl Tops List," Minot Daily News, 5 November 2005, pp. B1+; Schramm, "Bowl
Group Narrows Site Search," Minot Daily News, 12 July 2007, pp. A1+; Schramm, "Committee Settles on Site,"
Minot Daily News, 25 July 2007, pp. B1+; Schramm, "No NAWS Money for Bowl," Minot Daily News, 11 June
2008, pp. A1+.
699
Andrea Johnson, "School Starts New Tutoring Program," Minot Daily News, 19 August 2005, p. B3. In the
1997-1998 school year Central Campus began a high school prep program for students who were not succeeding in
classes. Unlike Guided Study, the high school prep course was taken for credit. See this Central Campus Crier
article: Jennifer Petrisin, "High School Prep Helps Students Succeed," March 1998, p. 3.
700
2006 MHS Searchlight Supplement, p. 29.
701
Kelli Ohlhauser, "Adopt a Soldier Promoted," Minot High Times, November/December 2005, p. 3.
702
Andrea Johnson, "More High School Female Students Are Enrolling in Non-traditional Career Classes," Minot
Daily News, 13 December 2005, p. C1.
703
Andrea Johnson, "Minot High School Receives Second Bomb Threat Tuesday," Minot Daily News, 12 October
2005, p. B1+.
704
Jason Lillis, ""'Smart' Board Technology," Central Campus Crier, November 2005, p. 3; David Looysen, letter to
school district patrons, 2005-2006 School Profile, 2006, p. 1. Supt. Looysen wrote that the money for 80 SMART
Boards and 185 projectors came from the settlement of a Microsoft class-action lawsuit.
705
"Northwest North Dakota Career & Technical Center Celebration Held Today," The Magic Flyer [Magic City
Campus], 16 October 2006, [p.2].
165
706
Amber Adams, "Big Benefits Made from MCC Weight Room Renovations," Minot High Times, January 2007,
p. 1.
707
Matthew McGee, "Goodbye Orange Brick Wall," Minot High Times, November/December 2006, p. 2. The quote
is from MCC Assistant Principal Jeri Grant, personal interview, 27 June 2011.
708
Alphonse Koenigsman, phone interview, 15 July 2011. Mr. K also said that a new sound system was installed in
the spring of 2008.
709
2007 Searchlight, p. 178.
710
"Magic City Campus," 2006-2007 School Profile, 2007, p. 8; Keith Altendorf, personal interview, 30 June 2011.
711
Kalen Hogan, "Newest Regulations Mean Changes in the Food We Eat," Minot High Times, October 2006, p. 2;
Andrea Johnson, "MCC Fries Eliminated," Minot Daily News, 30 August 2006, pp. A1+. Also see Miranda Eckert,
"School Changes Lunch Policies," Central Campus Crier, October 2006, p. 2.
712
Keith Altendorf, personal interview, 30 June 2011.
713
Katie Nice, "Central Terminates Open Campus," Central Campus Crier, October 2006, p. 1.
714
Paul Pitner-type, " What Will the New School Monitors Monitor?" Minot High Times, October 2006, p. 2.
715
Andrea Johnson, "Roll Out the Red Carpet," Minot Daily News, 26 January 2007, p. C1.
716
Cayla Engh, "Students Aggravated by Lack of Parking," Central Campus Crier, October 2006, p. 3.
717
Zac Elgie, "Minot's Duane Carlson Field Closed for Many Safety Issues," Minot High Times, October 2007, p. 4.
718
Nancy Langseth, "Clarifying Position on New Stadium" [letter to editor], Minot Daily News, 24 June 2007,
p. F3.
719
Andrea Johnson, "School Board Discusses Community Bowl, Carlson Stadium," Minot Daily News,
11 April 2008, p. B1.
720
I established a date for PLC implementation through Supt. Looysen's letter to school district patrons, 2007-2008
School Profile, 2008, p. 1. In the Central Campus section in this school profile (on p. 8) are details about the
implementation.
721
Victor Mercado, "Changes Ahead for School Day," Minot High Times, April 2008, p. 1. CC Principal Keith
Altendorf confirmed that it was the state legislature's new requirements that brought about the change.
722
Ben Berg and Nabila Ibrahim,"Four Coaching Dynasties Will End at MHS This Year," Minot High Times, May
2008, p. 12.
723
Terrel Officer, "Cheerleaders Capture Crown," Minot High Times, April 2008, p.1.
724
Monica Melvin, "Cameras for Security Seems to Be an Accepted Notion at Minot High School," Minot High
Times, February/March 2008, p. 1.
725
Blake Tobey, "School Camera System Makes Students Feel Safer," MCC Times, March 2010, p. 2.
726
Zach Holm, "Central Campus Installs Cameras," Central Campus Crier, May 2007, p. 1.
727
Monica Melvin, "You've Heard of Hybrid Engine; How About a Diesel 'Frybrid'?" Minot High Times,
April 2008, p. 3.
166
728
Ben Berg, "MCC Construction Tech Houses Built on a New SW Location," Minot High Times, February/March,
2008, p. 3.
729
Victor Mercado, "Changes Ahead for School Day," Minot High Times, April 2008, p. 1.
730
"Central Campus," 2007-2008 School Profile [Minot Public Schools], p. 8. Keith Altendorf confirmed the reason
for the change in an interview on 30 June 2011.
731
David Looysen, letter to school district patrons, 2007-2008 School Profile, 2008, p. 1; "Central Campus East,"
2007-2008 School Profile, 2008, p. 8. The information about the previous five years is from the letter.
732
Deven Mantz, "LOP Makes Its Debut at Magic City," Minot High Times, September/October 2008, p. 1.
Mrs. Jeri Grant also supplied information.
733
Megan Ronnie, "New: Girls Softball Sanctioned," Minot High Times, January/February 2009, p. 1.
734
2009 Searchlight, p. 179; 2009 Searchlight Supplement, p. 16.
735
Arie Bauer, "Students Have Pet Names for Lots," January/February 2009, p. 2.
736
Carla Burbidge, "Business Beat," KXMCTV Minot, 13 November 2008, KXnet.com (http://kxnet.com/
getArticle.asp?AddComment=True&ArticleId=297312)
737
2009 Searchlight, pp. 16, 41; Mara Howard, "Local Band Creates Unique Sound," Minot High Times,
September/October 2008, p. 3.
738
The weather this year was covered in a two-page spread in the 2009 yearbook supplement titled "Crazy
Weather," pp. 11-12. The information on the teacher, Mr. Mike Gessner at MCC, is supplied by the author.
739
Annaka Smith, "North Dakota Legislature Provides Additional Scholarship Opportunities," MCC Times, October
2009, p. 1.
740
Ronnie Megan, "Knutson Tries Out for Olympics," Minot High Times, September/October 2008, p. 4;
2009 Searchlight, p. 38.
741
Brett Morris, "Parking Panic" [editorial], MCC Times, December 2009, p. 6; Lexus Mitzel, "Parking
Catastrophe for Minot High," MCC Times, April 2010, p. 6.
742
Ashley Rogers, "Editorial: Magic City, Aren't We All So Fashionable!" MCC Times, April 2010, p. 7.
743
These are end-of-September numbers, obtained at the school district's administration building.
744
The Minot AFB information is from this article: Eloise Ogden, “Mission Accomplished,” Minot Daily News,
9 April 2008, pp. A1+.
745
Andrea Johnson, "MHS to Convert Empty Lot into 'Green Space,'" Minot Daily News, 6 September 2008, p. B1.
Also see Andrea Johnson, "School Board Approves Budget," Minot Daily News, 14 August 2009, pp. B1+.
746
Luke Elgie, "Disappointment over Duane Carlson Stadium," MCC Times, November 2010, p. 1.
747
Luke Elgie, "MHS Internship Program," MCC Times, January/February 2001, p. 6. Mrs. Jeri Grant also clarified
some of the information.
748
Carson Fuchs, "Designated Parking Debated at MCC," MCC Times, September 2010, p. 2; Zak Grytza,
"Parking: Why Isn't There Room for Me?" MCC Times, January 2011, p. 1.
167
749
Most of these numbers were supplied by Lynn Jensen and Scott Faul on July 19, 2011. Rev. Charles Burchett
supplied the volunteer numbers for the Southern Baptist Convention in a personal interview on July 21, 2011. He
also reported that the Southern Baptist Convention, "the third largest disaster relief organization in the world," was
providing these units at MCC: shower, laundry, and water pressure.
750
In the Ward County Centennial volume (People, Places & Events--Minot, Ward County : Bridging the Century,
1986), an early date for the nickname is provided but no source is given. Minot experienced "rapid growth" after the
Great Northern Railroad (then called the St. Paul, Minneapolis, and Manitoba)) opened a depot here in 1886 and
incorporated as a city in 1887. According to People, Places & Events: “By October 1887, there were about 5,000
transients called ‘boomers’ living in Minot. This rapid growth brought about the nickname ‘Magic City'" (p. 96).
Minot State University Professor Gaylen Brown also wrote about this early use of "Magic City" but also did not
provide a source for the information (Gaylen Brown, Exploring Minot 1885-1990, 1981, p. 5. ) This source, housed
at the Minot Public Library website, can be found through a Web search as a Microsoft Word document. This was a
script for a slide show on Minot history. Professor Brown's first name is misspelled on the document. ) According
to Minot historian Mark Timbrook, the “Magic City” nickname did not gain currency until the 1910-1920 decade
(phone interview, 11 December 2009). Mr. Timbrook also noted that Minot had other nicknames in its early years:
“Bone Town,” “Gem City,” and “Wonder City.”
751
People, Places & Events, p. 96; Chapter 9 of Mark Timbrook's book The Last Hurrah: an Account of Life in the
Mouse River Valley, Bone Town, Little Chicago, and the Magic City (Minot, ND: Niess Impressions, 2008).
752
The November 1907 and Thanksgiving and Football 1907 issues of the Searchlight--in advertisements and in an
editorial section.
753
Gaylen Brown, Minot History Through Slides, 1900-1920 [Minot, ND: 1983], [p. 4]. This paper, a script for a
slide show on Minot history, can be viewed at the Minot Public Library website: http://www.minotlibrary.org/
minot_history_through_slides1900-1920.htm.
754
755
756
1916 Searchlight, pp. 99, 102.
"Why 'Beaver'?" Red and Green, 20 January 1925, [p. 2].
"The Matter of a Name," Red and Green, 3 March 1925, [p. 2].
757
L.E. and M.M. respectively, "What's In a Name--The Beaver or the Magician--Which?" Red and Green, 3 March
1925, p. 1.
758”The
1925 Football Season,” in the “Athletics” section, n.p.
759
Glee Mayer, personal interview, 25 January 2010.
760
The descriptions were found in the "Diary of a Senior Girl" and the "Social Activities" sections.
761
Mrs. Welder [senior English teacher], “Magi Musins’” column, Minot High Times, 25 October 1963, p. 2. Mrs.
Welder was Ona Carlson when she graduated in 1957. I am not sure "swami" is the word Mrs. Welder would have
chosen except for the school newspaper's use of the term when she offered her comments.
762
Tom Walstad, phone interview, 11 August 2011. Thanks is due a number of people who supplied information via
phone calls to lead the author to Mr. Walstad. One of them, his sister Mary Hoffman, also remembered the
1963-1964 High Times campaign against the Swami/Magi.
763
“Council Rejects Rabbit, Declares ‘Magi’ School Symbol,” Minot High Times, 17 April 1964, p. 1. Principal Joel
Davy is quoted. In the following article mention is made of class rings with the "tradition[al] doors of MHS"
design: "Class of 1958 Leaves Behind Fond Memories of Good Times At MHS," Minot High Times, 21 May 1958,
p. 4. A number of students wanted to change the design.
168
764
“Council Rejects Rabbit, Declares ‘Magi’ School Symbol."
765
Loren Odland, “The Hot Line” [column], Minot High Times, 28 February 1964, p. 2.
766
“Council Rejects Rabbit, Declares ‘Magi’ School Symbol,” Minot High Times, 17 April 1964, p.1
767 Angie
Speiser, phone interview, 1 June 2010. The first cheerleading bunny was Jackie Spiros (Rauschenberger).
768
Tammy Elgie, FirstClass message to the author, 2 June 2010.
769
P. 6.
770
Tammy Elgie, FirstClass message to the author, 2 June 2010.
771 Angie
772
Speiser, phone interview, 1 June 2010.
Tammy Elgie, FirstClass message to the author, 2 June 2010.
773 Angie
Speiser, phone interview, 1 June 2010; Speiser, FirstClass message to author, 10 June 2010.
774
“Magician Dazzles Crowds,” Minot High Times, March 1980, p. 2. The first two quotations are those of the
author of the article.
775
“Magician Mascot Joins Bunnies,” Minot High Times, October 1981, p. 1.
776
The students in magician costume are Mitch Fink in 1980, Kevin Burckhard in 1982, and Kevin Ell in 1986.
777
P. 10.
778 A.J.’11,
in the "First Chronicle of the Juniors," VII:4 [1910], p. 12.
779
Pp. 77, 62 respectively.
780
N.p. but early in volume.
781
N.p.
782
N.p. for both last two, 1927 and 1928 yearbooks.
783
”Song Adopted at Elections Written by Band Director,” Minot High Times, 5 April 1957, p. 7.
784
In the early pages of the 1922 yearbook these are the four lines between the third and final line: "With a Rah!
Rah! Rah! / And a Zis! Boom! Bah! / And a Rah! Rah! Rah! / And a Zis! Boom! Bah!" On the 1937
Cheerleaders page, these were the two lines between the third and final line: "Rah, rah, rah, ziz boom bah! / Rah,
rah, rah, ziz boom bah!"
785
"Contest Is Held by School to Find Typical H.S. Song." There was also an editorial on p. 2 pushing for a "typical
Minot High school song." The article reported that Minot High had “for a long time been using the melody of
Georgia Tech with revised words.” Georgia Tech seems an error. At the front of the 1928 yearbook are words that
match those found in the 1937 yearbook, which are a revised version of the "Minnesota Rambler." See Wikipedia
articles for “Ramblin’ Wreck from George Tech” and “Minnesota Rouser” for lyrics comparison.
786”Song Adopted
787Leda Aaker,
788
at Elections Written by Band Director,” Minot High Times, 5 April 1957, p.7.
“The First Searchlight” [Alumni section], 1928 Searchlight, n.p.
“Name Searchlight Unchanged,” Minot High Times, October 1980, p. 1.
169
789
"Library Acquires Old Searchlights," p. 5.
790
Jerome Shulkin, “High Times Survives Through ‘Hell and High Water’ to Preserve History of Minot High from
1902 to 1946,” Minot High Times, 18 October, 1946, p. 1.
791
“Student Newspaper Begins Publication at Central Campus,” Central Campus Crier, 24 September 1975, p. 1.
792
“Magician Magazine Goes to Press,” Minot High Times, 6 December 1946, p. 1.
793
“‘The Magician,’ Literary Magazine, Planned by Quill and Scroll Group; Prize Contest fro Cover Design,” Minot
High Times, 18 October 1946, p. 1.
794
One example was in the 1962-63 school year, when it was published before Christmas and in the spring. “The
‘Magician’ Is Only One of Kind in State,” Minot High Times, 9 November 1962, p. 2.
795
“The ‘Magician’ Is Only One of Kind in State,” Minot High Times, 9 November 1962, p. 2.
796
1969 Searchlight, p.140.
797
Geri Deschambault, “Magician Celebrates 21st [sic] Birthday,” Minot High Times, 28 January 1969, p. 3.
798
1970 Searchlight, p. 75.
799
“1970 Magician Celebrates 25th Anniversary,” 27 May 1970, p. 8.
800
"Students Provide Writings," Minot High Times, April 1985, p. 1.
801
"New Literary Ideas Found in Magazine," Minot High Times, May 1986, p. 3.