The following true-false quiz is in response to the Mayor of Ellendale asking me to find out the knowledge and promote community pride in the local citizenry regarding the Ellendale area. Readers please circle “T” or “F” as you read each statement.
1. The warmest recorded temperature in this area has been in excess of one hundred degrees. T F
2. It has frozen in every month of the year in this area. T F
3. In many years the warmest high temperature in December has been warmer than the highest temperature on the same date of the month in July. T F
4. There has been a blizzard in every month in this area. T F
5. Carlie Wagner, one of the greatest lady basketball players for the Minnesota Gophers, is from this area. T F
6. The coldest recorded temperature in this area has been in excess of minus 60 degrees. T F
7. At one time, the land from Ellendale to Beaver Lake was owned by a Thompson. T F
8. There is a population of eel pout in Beaver Lake. T F
9. Ellendale was named after Ellen Dale, a railroader’s daughter. T F
10. Arlen and Coleen’s is a high-class supper club on the west side of Ellendale. T F
11. More out-of-state license plates can be seen in front of Steve’s Meat Market than any other place in Ellendale. T F
12. Thompson Oaks was started by Lars Larson. T F
13. Casey’s serves the best pizza in town.
14. Groth’s is an investment firm located at the top of the hill in Ellendale. T F
15. Lerberg’s in Ellendale is well-known for their service. T F
16. Ben’s Bait Shop in Ellendale is where trappers get their bait for trapping beaver in Beaver Lake. T F
17. Corn and soybeans are the main crops harvested in the Ellendale area. T F
18. Silos are where defense missiles are housed in the Ellendale area, ready to defend against missiles from North Korea. T F
19. Highway 30 is the main drag through Ellendale. T F
20. There are two water towers in Ellendale; one for hot water, the other for cold water. T F
21. Southbound on Interstate 35, once you are beyond Hope, the next town is Ellendale. T F
22. Ole and Lena, along with their twin daughters, Lutefisk and Lefse, will be having open house on May 17 in the Ellendale House. T F
23. Every other one of these statements is true, which means every other one is false. T F
24. “Dear John” was how the Farmer’s Daughter began her letter stating she was now riding around in a “Big Red.” T F
SUMMARY:
Readers please turn in your True-False Survey to one of the aforementioned businesses in Ellendale, or leave on the Mayor’s podium in the City offices. (Business owners, please give all survey results to the Mayor.)
The results of this survey will be published in this column – if the Mayor so decides.
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Bob is a retired AAL (Aid Association for Lutherans) agent, currently working on his master’s degree in Volunteering. His wife, Genie, is a retired RN, currently working on her doctor’s degree in Volunteering. They have two children, Deb in North Carolina, and Dan in Vermont. Bob says if you enjoy his column, let him know. If you don’t enjoy it, keep on reading, it can get worse. Words of wisdom: There is always room for God.