The combination of slippery streets and the prevalence of Asian flu canceled the Armistice Day parade here 50 years ago. A brief memorial service was held before a smorgasbord dinner was held for veterans in the Memorial Clubrooms of Grand Forks County Courthouse.
The two Grand Forks hospitals - Deaconess and St. Michael's - were closed to visitors by Dr. Charles Graham, city health officer. As the flu worsened, there were 1,950 absences in the city schools. Health authorities were certain many were hit by the flu. No one was seriously ill, however, and Grand Forks was following the national pattern.
General "Ike" Eisenhower was president 50 years ago, and there were tense relations with Russia resulting in "The Cold War." In Grand Forks, there were signs of building under way at Grand Forks Air Base. The Herald reported that stationing of major Air Force units was due early in 1959. Total personnel anticipated at the base would require 1,686 living units.
Two banner headlines on the front page of the Herald tell the story of a half-century ago:
-- On Nov. 22: Big missile base planned.
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-- On Nov. 25: Soviet missile lead seen; Strike at U.S. held possible.
Life went on in spite of the uneasiness of the Cold War and the flu. "The Pajama Game" with Doris Day was playing in the Empire Theater. There were regular dances for high school students called "Hob Nobs" at the Young Women's Christian Association. Bridgeman's was featuring ice cream rolls with turkeys in the center. Norby's department store opened a third floor of fashion in its downtown location and was all decked out for Christmas. Turkeys were advertised at 39 cents a pound before Thanksgiving.
In other Grand Forks news during November 1957:
-- The first formal dance of the season at UND was sponsored by Mortar Board and featured Dream Men and Spinsters. In keeping with Sadie Hawkins season, it was titled, "Spinster Skip." Dream Men included John Burke of Grafton, N.D.; Robert Melby, Oakes, N.D.; and Floyd Stewart, Williston, N.D.
-- The final UND football game of the season with Northern Michigan was canceled because of snow and slippery conditions at Marquette. The announcement was made by athletic director Glenn Jarrett after a phone call with Sioux Coach Marv Helling from Ashland, Wis., where the football team was snowbound.
Names in the news 50 years ago:
-- Maxwell Anderson, prominent American playwright and UND alumnus, presented a collection of original manuscripts to the UND library.
-- Carolyn Birkeland was chosen Potato Queen at the Walsh County Fair and North Dakota State Potato Show in Park River, N.D.
