Wilbur Mortenson is a Moorhead native and a veteran of WW II. He has worked in the Moorhead Post Office and has been a member of the American Legion since 1946 and served in a variety of offices including Commander and Adjutant. Mr. Mortenson tells of the very beginnings of the Legion formed in 1919. He describes how the Legion clubs are organized into local posts, state departments, and on a national level. The goals and purposes of the Legion are also discussed.
In this oral history Wilfew Olesen tells the history of the Askov Fire Department, which includes building the first Viking pump. He recalls some of the earliest fires. Volunteers received $1.00 per fire. Clarence Morgensen donated the truck chassis for the first fire truck.
Bill Weaver discusses his career as a local radio and television personality with WDAY in Fargo from 1953 to 1964. He describes the early days of television, and his activities as a sportscaster and talk show host. Mr. Weaver also discusses his political and business careers and his military service in the US Air Force during World War II.
William Dosland discusses his years as a lawyer, including his involvement with the Red River Valley Sugarbeet Growers Association and his work for them during the acquisition of the American Crystal Sugar Company. His involvement as a Minnesota state senator, with the city of Moorhead and on the Board of Regents for the University of Moorhead. Born in Chicago, Illinois in 1927, William Dosland moved to Moorhead after World War II.
William Kenney was born in Park River, North Dakota in 1911. He went into business in Moorhead in 1938. He went into the Navy in 1942 until 1945. Mr. Kenney tells of his experience in business and of his ownership of a cage and hotel in Moorhead from 1945 to 1974.
William Jones' career was as an educator. He first taught in Thief River Falls. He conducted the band there. He had various jobs in other towns until they came to Moorhead in 1972. He is presently the Academic Vice-President of Moorhead State University and his wife is director of External Studies also at MSU. They both are planning to retire at the end of the 1984-1985 school year.
William A. Smaby was born at Peterson, Fillmore County, Minnesota, in 1904. He reflects on his experiences as the Concordia College business office manager since 1952. Mr. Smaby discusses the importance of rural students attending college, interest of parents and teachers, and salary negotiations. He also describes the problems and successes of the greatest �growth period� in the history of the College.
Willis Kingsbury, 47 years old, was born and reared in Minneapolis. He graduated from North Dakota State University with a degree in architecture. Mr. Kingsbury has served as community development director of the city of Moorhead and director of the Red River Valley Interpretive Center. He describes his experiences as a city employee and outlines the changes in Moorhead resulting from urban renewal and economic development programs.
