City of Forman
...a bright spot in North Dakota

We would like to extend a big thank you to the residents of Forman and the surrounding community on the 125th celebration.  It really became a community effort and great success.  All the planning and work becomes worthwhile when families, former residents and alumni, and other nearby communities take time to come back to Forman for the “Celebrating the Past and Looking to the Future” weekend.

Mick Kjar asked what was special about Forman.  Each city, whether small or large, thinks its entity is special because that is where our every day lives take place.  Forman is special to us as it has been home to us for over 70 years except for a few years in Korea, working in the Cities, and at college. It’s the home of many good and talented people. We are fortunate to be the physical home of Sargent Central, the Sargent County Courthouse, Museum, and Fair, and a wide variety of businesses which provide the services necessary to make it a city that is holding its own and even growing in many ways when so many others no longer have these services available within their city. The economy at the present time is having an effect on many of our citizens’ lives, and hopefully this will soon become a “remember when?” time.

We thank Jiggs Dyste and Sandy Hanson who volunteered to serve as co-chairpersons for the 125th representing the city and the rural communities respectively.  This 125th committee started working on it almost two years ago, and each had times when other unusual factors played a part in their lives…campaigns, job challenges, family illness…and yet the plans moved forward with the committee as a whole stepping forward.  Shannon Jablonsky served as the secretary and did a great job, as she does each week with The Scoop.  We really appreciate all the information that goes out to more than 500 homes due to her work and the Sargent County Bank with their public service in offering The Scoop.

This is the third celebration in which we’ve been involved as the steering committee…the 75th in June 1959, the Centennial in June 1984, and last month’s 125th.  In 25 years it is our wish that we can be cheering on the committee from the sidelines.  It was great to see 100-year-old Jim Rathert lead the parade as Grand Marshall!  What a remarkable source of Forman’s history he holds in his head as he lived it and continues to vibrantly tell the stories.  It should all be recorded.

All of the events during the weekend were very well organized by each committee, and thoroughly enjoyed by a large audience.  Besides the 125th events, the City Hall was filled with 200 Forman Alumni for its Saturday evening banquet.  There were several family reunions during the weekend as well.

The parade was great! Thanks to all who entered a unit, and to all who sat along the streets on the entire parade route.  It was nice as a parade participant to hear the applause, cheers, and appreciation of candy thrown out.  The weatherman certainly did his job!

The ecumenical church service held on the front courthouse lawn Sunday morning brought the weekend to a perfect ending.  The Millerhagens from Norway brought a gift of music for the people of Forman, and what a gifted young person presented this gift.

Thanks to everyone.  You made me proud to be the Mayor of Forman.

With appreciation to all,
Neil R. Anderson (and Elaine too)