Richland County Township History: Walcott
Taken from the Richland County History Book Page 533
Incorporation as a City
For close to ninety years, the village of Walcott, North Dakota, was governed by the township board of officers. At various times throughout its history, efforts were made to incorporate as a city. All such efforts failed until an election was held July 23, 1969, which made incorporation a reality by a vote of 65-5.
The first election after incorporation was held on August 28th of that year, with the following officers elected: Mayor---William Olson, Aldermen--Palmer Wigtil, Levi Larson, Boyd Nelson, Rueben Jacobson.
The following were appointed to serve: Judge--Adolph Peterson, Auditor--Arnold Jordheim, Treasurer--Hazel Olson, Assessor--Pete Larson.
In the summer of 1971, plans were made for the construction of a city water and sewer system. A federal grant, supplemented by a long-term loan from the Federal Housing Administration, made the huge undertaking possible. The project was begun in July, 1972, and went into operation in December of the same year. Several new families have moved into available homes as a result of the improvements effected. Others have been motivated to bring in mobile homes, or build new houses, all of which helps to revitalize the community. By Mrs. Levi Larson
Walcott American Legion Auxiliary Taken from the Richland County History Book Page 550
Although the Walcott Legion Post 166 was organized in 1920, it was not until 1946 that the Auxiliary Unit was formed. At this time many men from the Walcott area were back from serving in the Armed Forces. This enabled many wives, mothers and daughters to become members of the Legion Auxiliary.
Mrs. A.W. (Stella) Krause, Tenth District President of Wahpeton, appointed Mrs. Carl (Ethers) Skoog of the Abercrombie Unit to help organize the Unit and to install the officers: President--Mrs. Preston Heglie; Vice President--Mrs. Ed Rheault; Secretary and Treasuer--Mrs. J.W. Nord; Chaplin--Mrs. Ted Amundson; Sergeant of Arms--Mrs. Leon Nelson; and Historian--Mrs. William Oestreich.
Other charter members were Mrs. D.B. Allen, Mrs. B.B. Anerson, Mrs. Fred Flaa, Mrs. Martin Peterson, Mrs Harry Smith, and Mrs. Harvey Smith. Four charter members are present members of the Unit and include: Mrs. Harry (Jennie) Smith, Mrs. Harvey (Maye) Smith, Mrs. Leo (Mabel) Nelson, and Mrs. Preston (Margaret) Heglie. The unit membership has grown and now totals 36.
Several changes took place this year of 1975 with the deaths of members Mrs. Bertha Breimon and Mrs. Mabel Farsdale. A charter member, Mrs. D.B. Allen, also passed away.
In 1955 the unit gave aid to three members and their families who were victims of the tornado which destroyed several homes west of Walcott. They were Mrs. Harry Smith, Mrs. Harvey Smith, and Mrs. William Manske.
Mrs. Jennie Smith was honored this year for her 29 years of active membership, never having been absent from a meeting. At present she is serving as Chaplain, an office she has had for many years.
The unit is active in Girls' State and has sponsored many girls from the Walcott area. The unit has enjoyed the report given by each girl on her return home from Grand Forks, the city where the annual Girls' State Convention is held.
Other ptograms the unit is active in include Child Welfare, giving aid to children overseas as well as in our country and locally, aiding in the rehabilitation of Veterans, and supporting bills that will assist the Veteran and his family.
Memorial Day is a day the Unit and the people of the community honor the dead and also the living veteran. After the Legionnaires return from the local cemetery where the Memorial Day ceremonies have taken place, a program is held in the Legion Hall. Dinner is served to the Veterans, their families, friends and visitors.
One event the Auxiliary members enjoyed was the celebration of the Legion's 50th birthday in 1969. At this meeting Mrs. Esther Skoog, who helped organize the unit, was the main speaker. Five charter members were also honored: Mrs. Jennie Smith, Mrs. Maye Smith, Mrs. Fred Flaa, Mrs Mabel Nelson, and Mrs. Preston Heglie. Another special event was the celebration of the Unit's 25th anniversary in 1971. Guests were invited to both meetings.
All activities and motions passed are made with the words "For God and Country", part of our Preamble, in mind. Most of the Auxiliary funds are used to support projects that will benefit people and our country. By Mrs. Wade (Cordy) Farsdale