Melvin Olson, perhaps the most widely known man in Barnes County, was born in 1902, the fifth child of Charley W. and Mina (Stevens) Olson. Melvin married Dena C. Mahlum, daughter of Andrew and Johanna (Olsberg) Mahlum of Hastings, North Dakota. They lived in Hastings for a few years, where they took a foster child (Clarice Martinson) into their home. Later, Joanne was born.
In 1931, the Olsons moved to Nome, where Melvin at one time owned two grocery stores, a locker plant, a cream store. Here, Donna, a second daughter, was born in 1934. From 1941 to 1949, Melvin and his brother served in the State Legislature.
In 1946, Melvin sold his businesses in Nome and moved to the original homestead of his grandfather, Stephen Stevens. However, farming was too isolated for him and in 1947 he went into the garage business with his brothers in Valley City. In 1949, he built the Hi-Liner Cafe, which he operated until ill health forced him to sell the Cafe.
He, then, continued as a real estate agent until his death in 1972.
Melvin was extremely active in his church, serving on the local, state and national boards. Active in the Boy Scouts, he was the recipient of the Silver Beaver Award.
Clarice married John Lee, Anchorage, Alaska; Joanne is Mrs. Kenneth Matson, Valley City, and Donna is Mrs. Jerry Johnson, Lewistown, Montana.
Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 186