Inside History

It s back to school time You ve likely made dozens of purchases in the past few weekseverything from pencils and paper to protractors Things have changed in the past 100 years Here s Tom Gerhardt with more Schools today are much different than the one room variety so common in the past But these color crayons look familiar they belonged to Ivan Burn of Burt North Dakota It s not close to the 120 colors known todaybut a set of eightincluding PRussian Blue Mark But the family kept some momentosIvan s box of Crayola crayons a limited numbernumber 8 size from about 1915 it has the mark from the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition Medal And how about taking notes on chalkboards They also belonged to the Burn family who came to North Dakota in 1908 This french horn belonged to the US Army at one time It found its way to Riverdale while the Garrison Dam was being built Mark This is ex US Army it was transferred to the Army Corps of Engineers in the 1950 s they completed a major project here in North Dakota you know it as the Garrison Dam But the employees of the people who were working that project the city of Riverdale was created and this was turned over by the Army Corps of Engineers to the Riverdale Schooland the Riverdale school closed in 1990 this was transferred to the historical society And take a look at this classic varsity wool sweater Mark In the 1950 s Geraldine Hanson was a cheerleader for Mott Cardinalsas a result they cheered not only for Football team Basketball team and track This jacket was worn by Linda Harmson of LaMourewho went on to become the first female professional firefighter in North Dakota There are many items in the collection at the Heritage Centerfrom this Garfield and Odie lunchbox from the 80 sto a pair of Soccer shoes donated in the 90 sall documenting the story of education in North Dakota If you d like to check out more photos and storiesvisit the main gallery at the Heritage Center