With the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps, the land north of Arvilla, N.D., that once was pasture was turned into a beauty spot in 1936.
Called Turtle River State Park today, it first was called Grand Forks State Park.
CCC workers created a rustic bridge of native stone and logs over the Turtle River. A park was created on land where buffalo once roamed and later became a cattle pasture. The old Indian graves and Campbell beach of the ancient glacial lake Agassiz within the boundaries gave the park a historical flavor.
Work started in 1935 by youthful CCC boys. M.M. Greenwood, camp superintendent, said a mile-long drive would lead visitors to every point of interest. The points included picnic grounds with native stone fireplace and tables.
Two shelters were completed using heavy logs and mortar. Foot trails were created alongside the sparkling little brook. And upstream from the dam, there was a swimming pool with a sand bottom.
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In Grand Forks, there was a big boost in the number of building permits issued up to October 1936. With 54,595 issued in September, it brought the year's total to 673,193, the Herald reported.
In spite of the drought years, North Dakota's financial rating of the state was back with a 100 percent rating, state officials said.
Gov. Walter Welford said the state not only had the largest balance in its general fund since 1933, but also had reduced its bonded indebtedness. The state was showing $1.3 million in its general fund balance.
Other news around Grand Forks in October 1936:
** Aaker's Business College celebrated its 34th anniversary. Speakers were Mayor E.A. Fladland and W.P. Davies, editor of the Herald. Also speaking was Gov. Welford.
Aakers was founded in Fargo in 1902 by H.H. Aaker. His widow was present at the celebration. R.C. Hadlich was president of the school.
** Grand Forks County had the largest turkey flock in northern North Dakota. Four thousand gobblers were strutting their stuff at the John Wolf Farm, 8 miles southwest of the city. They would be marketed for Thanksgiving.
** A pontoon bridge was serving as footing for workmen on the Point Bridge over the Red Lake River. Demolition of the old Washington Bridge was complete.
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The new bridge would be 180 feet long over the river channel and 1,000 feet long overall.
** The novel "Gone With the Wind" by Margaret Mitchell was first in requests at Grand Forks Public Library, according to librarian Ruth Brown. "Anthony Adverse" by Harvey Allen was second.
** Dr. August Eggers, who worked here for 43 years, died. He had come to Grand Forks from Kongsberg, Norway, in the 1890s.
** The tin-faced, two-story Brunswick Hotel at 97-103 DeMers Ave. was destroyed by fire. The loss was estimated at $20,000.
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Throughout October 1936, Sioux football fans were happy. The Sioux opened loop play and downed Iowa State Teachers College 19-0.
The Sioux battled St. Louis University on homecoming and defeated them 13- 6. Then the Sioux trampled the Bunnies from South Dakota State, 33-6, and went on to bury the Moorhead State Dragons 33-7.
And they ended the month by trouncing the Bison of North Dakota Agricultural College by a score of 14-0 in Fargo.
