Markus Bakken was born in Oslo, Norway on March 28, 1887, and emigrated to America in the early 1900s. He settled in Hannaford where he met Anna Sebbe, who was employed as a cook at the Hannaford Hotel. Anna was born in Bergen, Norway on August 13, 1882. To this union four children were born: Arthur, 1912; Myrtle, 1914; Thelma, 1916; and John Alan, 1929. Arthur passed away September 1974, in Crookston, Minnesota, where he had lived many years.
Markus spent all of his early years in construction business and participated in building many of the Hannaford buildings and homes. He worked as custodian of the Hannaford School System from 1930 to 1957. He was active in all town meetings, worked with the Fire Department and Police Department in his spare time.
In 1923, Markus, Helmer Rasmussen, Peder Faistad and Casper Oimen were the main promoters of the ski slide which gave so many youth and townspeople much pleasure throughout the years. He and sons, Arthur and John, brought home many trophies. Markus enjoyed hunting and fishing and Arthur and John joined him many times.
The two boys also were excellent basketball and baseball players. Arthur was a catcher and played with Tunney Schmitt (Phillip) on occasions. Tunney was in the Big Leagues then. Arthur also managed an American Legion Team. The old swimming hole was a great pleasure for the Bakken children and Arthur excelled in diving meets then. John Alan spent four years in the Air Force with one year in Japan. At the present time he is teaching in the Hannaford School system. Myrtle resides in Walum and Thelma in Florida.
Our mother spent her life taking care of others and worked very hard always. Church work was her priority. She passed away on November 5, 1957, and Markus on July 26, 1958.
Growing up in Hannaford we had many pleasures - there were ski tournaments and swim meets at the Bald Hill Creek Park with its slides and diving boards. We had sleigh ride parties out into the farm country that were fun for both mom and dad and all the children. We were kept active in church projects and programs and the Christmas Eve program and chorus was a special event and we practiced for months. Then there were the athletic meets in Cooperstown every spring. We all participated in some kind of race and were proud to bring home a ribbon. Sunday berry picking at the river was also enjoyed. We had wonderful neighbors who helped each other always and Hannaford should be very proud of its place in the history of North Dakota.
Source: Hannaford Area History North Dakota Centennial 1889 - 1989 Page 86