Eastwood Park Reporter
Minot, North Dakota
Est. 1991
November 1991
Vol 1, No 1
Skeleton Found in Eastwood Park in 1929
Article Reprinted from Ward County Reporter August 1, 1929. Researched by Mary Janicki
Workmen excavating on the property owned by George Ingerbrand in Eastwood park at 117, Seventh street southeast uncovered a complete skeleton of a white man and property belonging to it.
The skeleton was found at a shallow depth the lower limbs being uncovered first with the remaining portions being found though further digging.
The skeleton had evidently been buried for many years as no vestiges of clothing were found and the bones had begun to disintegrate to some extent. Dr. J. R. Pence, acting coroner in the absence of Coroner R. W. Pence, pronounced the bones to be those of a man about five feet nine inches in height, weighting about 160 pounds and middle aged. The bones were on display in a washtub in the city hall the first of the week.
A pipe, a folding comb, buttons and a bead together with a wooden handled knife with the initials W. W. carved in the handle were found with the bones. The blade of the knife had rusted almost entirely away.
No attempt at identifying the has been made as no one recalls any missing person that may have carried such a knife and answered to the supposed height, weight and age of the man whose bones were found.
The Early Days of Eastwood Park
Erik E. Skaro and his wife, Betsy, homesteaded 160 acres that included the land one day to be named Eastwood Park from the United States Government in October, 1889, for the filing fee of $4.00.
Erik was born in Hollingdal, Norway in 1855. Betsy was also born in Hollingdal in 1859. Erik came to the United States with an aunt and her family when he was 15 years old. They settled at St. Peters, Minnesota, where he learned to farm. Betsy came to America with her family when she was 18 months old. They settled in Wisconsin where she grew up.
On September 25, 1884, Erik Skaro married Betsy Knudson at Belmont, Trail County, Dakota Territory.
Another part of their homestead was Roosevelt Park. It is said that the log cabin that at one time could have been seen there was their home.
Erik and Betsy, along with neighbors, were involved in the very beginnings of the First Lutheran Church. The Church's first cemetery was on their land at the southwest edge of the present day Roosevelt Park. This may be the Eastwood Park Cemetery that is rumored to have been located here.
The Skaros held bittersweet memories of the eight years that they spent in Minot. Four children were born in Minot. They had made close friends but getting supplies from town took days at that time.
On January 12, 1888, the temperature dropped from 70 degrees to 40 degrees below zero in less than 24 hours. This storm took 235 lives in all. Shortly afterward, Erik and Betsy lost a 9-1/2 month old daughter.
In 1889, Erik applied for United States citizenship and by December, he was officially declared a citizen.
In 1892, Erik and Betsy sold the land that one day would become Eastwood Park and moved east.
Resident of the Month
St. Peter the Aleut Orthodox Youth Group is holding a food drive to aid the homeless. They are accepting donations of non-perishable food items as well as aluminum cans for recycling. Anyone wishing to make a donation should contact the church.
The Youth Group meets weekly to give young people an opportunity to participate in devotion, crafts, outings, cooking, caroling, retreats and other fun activities.
The Youth Group is open to young people in grades 7 through 12. It meets every Sunday at 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. For more information, please contact the Orthodox Church or call XXX-XXXX after 6 p.m.
EPHDN Association News
By Jacque Younger
The Eastwood Park Historic District Neighborhood Association's 2nd Annual Tour of Homes is being planned. The Landseidel, Dennis, and Cameron homes have been slated for the Tour in 1992. One more home is needed to complete the Tour. The Synagogue will also be open for the Tour. The neighborhood ladies will donate cookies. Coffee and cookies will be served at the Synagogue.
The Association also plans an Eastwood Park Holiday Festival on Sunday, December 15, 1991, from 4:30 to 7:30 pm. Some activities will be a hay ride, a lighting contest, strolling carolers, and refreshments. Winners of the lighting contest will have their names placed on a traveling plaque. A committee consisting of Kay Cameron, LeAnn Derby, Jacque Younger, Bob Coburn, and Jody Dennis-Martin are discussing the details.
The bronze plaques for the entrance posts have been ordered, and the ground for the landscaping has been turned over.
A petition is circulating in Eastwood Park to have stop signs put up in an effort to slow down traffic. Also, the bridge to the fairgrounds is currently on hold but must be replaced within five years. These issues require attention now.
Recipes needed for Eastwood Park Cookbook
By Kathleen Cunningham
Recipes are needed for the Eastwood Park Cookbook which will be sold during the 1992 Tour of Homes. Recipes can be dropped in the mail slot at the Cunningham's house at 106 7th Street S.E. Each recipe should include the name, address, and phone number of the contributor. Many recipes are needed so that the cookbook can be ready for printing in January. Pictures of Eastwood Park homes are also needed. Dan Derby will use the pictures to do architectural drawings for the cookbook dividers.
A Walk Around Eastwood Park
By Steven Cameron
People are moving to Eastwood Park because we have a homeowners' association. The association could affect what city hall decides on the First Avenue bridge. Eastwood Park may receive money and other benefits simply because we have a homeowner's association.
The advantages of our Eastwood Park Historic District Neighborhood Association are becoming apparent. But we all must become involved. We will publish the Association's meeting dates so please attend the meetings or contact its officers, LeAnn Derby, Pete Hugret, Jacque Younger, or Bruce Knutson. Be involved!
Letters to the Editor
Great Job!
My admiration to both of you for your creativity, professional newsletter and your time. Great Job!
-- Judy Sawamura, Eastwood Park.
Eastwood Park Stays In The Heart.
Mary Janicki sent me a copy of your newspaper. It is a great idea and long overdue.
We were active in the fight to save the little 'humpback' bridge, fighting both the city engineers and city hall. I keep running into North Dakota and former Minot residents here. When I say I lived in Eastwood Park, they brighten and say that they did too when they were first married. Strange how that little piece of real estate stays in the hearts and affection of former residents.
-- Edna Keller, Sun City, AZ.
Miss Sadie Says...
Congratulations to LeAnn and Dan Derby on the birth of their new son, Ross Westin.
Congratulations to Camille and Jeff Greatorex on the birth of their new daughter, Gabriel and Happy Birthday to Naomi Greatorex.
Congratulations to Captain Debbie Ness on her promotion to Captain.
Happy Birthday to Richard Zietz.
Happy Birthday to Amy Swanson
Welcome to Andy and Sarah Gillett at 118 8th Street SE.
Cultural Calendar
The Mouse River Players will present Wuthering Heights on November 14, 18 & 19 at 8:00 pm, November 15 & 16 at 8:30 pm and November 17 at 6:00 pm at the Mouse House.
The Chapmans will perform songs about parenting, romance and finances on November 15 at 7:30 pm. at Our Redeemers Lutheran Brethren Church.
Nodakords will perform on November 16 at 8:00 pm at McFarland Auditorium.
Minot Symphony will perform an all Mozart concert on November 17 at 1:30 pm at McFarland Auditorium.