Search results for

4/17/2014: X-rays were so named because this radiant energy was of unknown origin. The “X” in “X-ray” was a scientific symbol for “the unknown.” Discovered by Wilhelm Roentgen in 1895, X-rays were immediately put into practical medical use the following year.

4/23/2014: On this date in 1953, residents of Fargo prepared for the end of a medical era as two doctors who had established the Fargo clinic prepared to retire. Dr. Olaf Sand and Dr. Nils Tronnes, both of Norway, came together by chance. They both studied separately at Oslo University in Norway before travelling to the United States, brining their practice to the land of opportunity.

4/28/2014: In 1889, following the Governor’s Proclamation providing for the election of delegates to the Constitutional Convention, the political air was heating up across northern Dakota Territory. Although there were pleas from all across the territory to refrain from party politics and encourage voters to select those best suited to frame the constitution, political caucuses were being held in each of the twenty-five districts. There was too much at stake.

5/7/2014: Americans dreamed endlessly about a forthcoming day when they might strike it rich and gain both fame and fortune. For many, it remained just a fantasy beyond their wildest thoughts, but for a fortunate few, dreams became reality, and the American West became a gateway to an American Dream.

5/8/2014: On this date in 1889, only six days remained until the election of delegates to the Constitutional Convention for the new state of North Dakota. The twenty-five districts were laid out with minority representation in mind. Each district had three delegates to the convention, but voters could only vote for two, allowing for a solidified minority to elect the third delegate.

5/12/2014: When spring sunshine warms the earth and grass grows green, baseball begins. 1873 was the first year of existence for the brand-new city of Bismarck, and a visitor from Minneapolis who arrived in the city, on this date , told about the first baseball games in the frontier town.

5/14/2014: It was springtime in Dakota Territory. The lands surrounding the rivers, lakes and prairie potholes were dotted with white blooms nestled among the groves of burr oak, and the older settlers watched carefully as to location of these flowers. The warm prairie sun and summer showers would turn the blossoms into vibrant globes of succulent wild plums, destined to become delicious jams and jellies. But the succulent fall plums on the minds of the veteran territorial politicians in the spring of 1889 were not of the eating variety, they were the plums of politics – namely Congressional and Federal positions.

7/10/2014: As World War I raged in Europe, President Woodrow Wilson called for mobilization of the National Guard. The western states were the first to be affected. On this date in 1917, Colonel J.H. Fraine, commander of the First North Dakota, made an announcement. The North Dakota National Guard would report for national service on July 15.

7/11/2014: There are several Hutterite colonies in North Dakota. The Hutterites are named for their founder, Jakob Hutter. The movement originated in the early 1500s. Hutterites were persecuted in Europe, and were forced to relocate several times. They made their way to Russia then migrated to the United States in the 1870s. Most Hutterites today live on the northern Great Plains. They live in colonies. Their dress is modest. They are often mistaken for Mennonites or Amish. But they are not like the Amish. They embrace modern life. They drive, go to college, and have electricity in their homes.

7/21/2014: It has never been easy to be a farmer in North Dakota. One of the biggest problems can be a lack of rain. North Dakota averages of 17 inches of rain per year, making it one of the driest states. Studies of tree rings show that drought has been a problem in the area since the 1400s. Paradoxically, another problem is too much water. Flooding along the Red River often means standing water in the fields when it is time to plant.