HIST 489 (Fall 2008)

Date

September 29, 2008

I did some preliminary research on the Internet. I focused on researching the background of Traill County. Used the Traill County website. www.co.traill.nd.us

I also found a website with a picture of my monument. It stated who it was established for, Walter S. Traill, It was erected in 1966 by the old settlers memorial association.
www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WMJDQ

Date

October 2, 2008

As of class yesterday, it was discovered that I don't even have my correct monument! I looked at the library catalog today and will be checking out a few books on the general history of Traill County . I will be then heading to the Institute to see what they have for me, perhaps I can even get a picture of my monument!

October 15, 2008

After class today, I feel I have some excellent areas to research. I went to the Institute tonight and found a few pieces of useful information, I defiently need to go back when I have more time to sit down and explore some small collections. I am going to be spending time tomorrow looking through some of the books I have checked out. I am going to be looking at the idea of Old Settlers Associations and other aspects pertaining to my memory group. Before class today I was able to find a couple of articles in archived issues of the Hillsboro Banner.

October 23, 2008

This morning I went up to Belmont Park and was able to look at my monument. I took some great pictures of it and it looks just like the picture I have of it, but now I have a place for it. I also headed into Hillsboro to try to find out more about the Traill County Historical Society. I ended up finding the Traill County Museum, but they do tours by appointment only. I am going to call and try to set up a time to meet with them and to see what information they might have that can help me. I also stopped by the county courthouse to see if they could offer any information, all I got from them was phone numbers I already had. Next up is to take a trip back up there next week and visit the public library in Mayville and I think I will stop in the Hillsboro Banner office, to see if they any useful info as well.

October 24, 2008

I looked through back issues of the Traill County Tribune and Hatton Free Press. I found an article on the settlers picnic in the Traill County Tribune, it doesn't tell me much that is new, but it does give me some more names to check out. I also ordered more issues of the Traill County Tribune today, this time looking for articles relating to the founding of the monument association.

November 3, 2008
Since I have last updated I have been in contact with the Traill County Historical society. The president doesn't believe there is much information they have for me. I am in the process of trying to set up a time to meet with them this week or next. She did give me the name of a book that we have at the Institute, so I will look at that Wednesday after class.

Update on November 3
I have a meeting scheduled with Shirley, President of the Historical Society Thursday morning. I also found an article in the Hillsboro Banner from my microfilm which gives me just good information about my monument, who it is aimed toward, the plans for it, etc!

November 6, 2008
I spent a good two hours up in Hillsboro this morning. My contact with the historical society didn't have much information for me, but it did lead me to check out the Hillsboro Banner office. From there they sent me to the Highway department, where the past historical society president works. He was able to give me a couple of good articles. The newspaper also gave me some more contact names, one being a county commissioner who has done a lot of work with Belmont Park, so I am going to try to get a hold of him to see what I can find out. I also headed to the local library, a.k.a the high school. It was weird being in a highschool again after a few years away, but the librarian was helpful, and I found out so more info on the ethnicity about Traill county as well as some good general info about Belmont Park/Frog Point. Hopefully all this info will be put to good use and I will have something to show for it by next week.