Medora

Clarence Sitter takes the reins

On this date in 1918, Frederick Smith was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Eugene and Gladys Smith. He began his career in entertainment at the age of 12, ushering at three neighborhood theaters. After a stint in the US Naval Reserve, Fred became an associate of Al Sheehan’s Inc., a company that produced all types of stage shows.

The Badlands of western North Dakota offer awe-inspiring views, but there’s a reason for the name: The Badlands are difficult to cross. And that’s putting it mildly.

Hey kids! This spring, a friendly bear will be moseying across the state. It goes by the name of Sheriff Bear, the mascot of Medora, and he's traveling across North Dakota in search for a new furry friend who will join him at the Medora musical.

Tracy Hsu is a horse trainer and captain of the popular carriage rides that clop down Main Street in Medora. Tom Brosseau hops on the carriage to chat with Tracy about her background in horse training, growing up in Elgin, and more.

Julia Marple and her husband, Larry, travel from Ohio every summer to portray the Roosevelts in Medora. Ashley Thornberg caught up with Julia, in costume as Edith Roosevelt, backstage at the Town Hall Theater in Medora.

Theodore Roosevelt reprisor Joe Wiegand, who hosts a daily one-man show in Medora, North Dakota, is also in charge of the annual "Gathering of Teddys." Each year, a dozen or so Roosevelt reprisors come to town to entertain, learn, and hone their craft where the real Roosevelt came to live and ranch.

Theodore Roosevelt National Memorial Park was established in 1947. It’s home to a variety of remarkable critters, and officials have long sought to restore the area’s historic wildlife, including species present when future President Theodore Roosevelt ranched and hunted there in the 1880s.

North Dakota has welcomed several royal visitors over the years. On this date in 1926, Queen Marie of Romania and her children -- Princess Ileana and Prince Nicholas -- made their way west by train through North Dakota, on a tour of the United States. Queen Marie was a granddaughter of Queen Victoria.

It’s not often a major motion picture set in North Dakota or filmed here, let alone stare Hollywood royalty. On this date in 2000, the Bismarck Tribune reported on the excitement that descended on Medora as the town hosted 150 cast and crew members for the filming of Wooly Boys. It starred Peter Fonda, Kris Kristofferson, and Joseph Mazzello and followed the story of a Badlands sheep rancher and his grandson.