Lois Marleen Haugen was born in Valley City, North Dakota, on May 26, 1944. She was the first child of Ingvard and Ruth Haugen. She was the first grandchild on Magnus and Malena Haugen. She just missed being born on her grandmother's birthday and they would have been exactly 50 years apart. Living just across the road, grandma walked down to see me nearly every day.
I attended all eight grades at the Haugen School. We had three people in our class. They were Vernon Lende and Myrna Fogderud. During the last few years of school, it was just Vernon and myself. My best friend in grade school was Shirley Mortenson. We graduated from the Haugen School with an eighth grade graduation ceremony at the Berg Auditorium. I then continued my education in Hannaford at the high school. I graduated from high school in 1962. We enjoyed the band trip to WDAY band days, although we were always tired when we had finished the marching.
I attended four years of college at Valley City State. After graduation I taught fourth grade in Redfield, South Dakota. I moved on to teach fourth grade at Nathan Twining School on the Grand Forks Air Force Base for two years. The summers I spent working for the Griggs County ASCS office.
In 1970, I married Ronald Johnson at Union Lutheran Church on July 5. We moved to Rockford, Illinois, for 17 years. Ron worked as a machinist for Ingersoll Miming and I taught at the Rolling Green Elementary School. On January 13, 1976, our only child, Christopher Eugene was born.
In 1985, we moved back to North Dakota. Ron was employed at Western Gear Corporation. He continued to work there until he passed away of a heart attack on June 18, 1987. That month I signed a contract to teach elementary school in Cooperstown, North Dakota. We bought a home here and moved here in July 1987. Christopher is busy with athletics and band. He attends Cooperstown High School.
Also, as I was writing this note to you, I just remembered I could have included for all four of us the fond memories of the Halloween Carnivals and Programs, selling tickets, selling Christmas Seals, the making of special Christmas gifts, and the Christmas Program we put on at the Haugen School.
I only partook in a couple of pie socials, but understand they were a big item of the carnival.
I remember Mom taking us to town to try to sell tickets and put up posters. Also, all the confetti... sometimes homemade and some years bought.
I also remember the day we would close school in the spring to clean the school yard and then roast hot dogs with our blistered hands.
We also had YCL and a big convention in Cooperstown. I remember as an eighth grader winning the office and having to read the report at the convention into the mike. Also, the County Spelling Contest which we came to at Central School.
In the spring we always had Play-day in Cooperstown. It was races, throws and other games. The businesses encouraged us to come with specials. Cooperstown seemed so large in those days.
Also, all four of us were in 4-H the maximum years. Each of the boys was outstanding 4-H boy for the year and we were all Key Club Members. Each of us won state trips and were always encouraged by the folks. We were also all active in the church groups, usually as officers.
Source: Hannaford Area History North Dakota Centennial 1889 - 1989 Page 145