Arvie's parents, Matthew and Bertha Shultz Wunderlich came from Minnesota to settle on a farm near Walum, North Dakota. They had six children. Arvie was born March 7, 1895, in Waseca, Minnesota. Matthew worked for the railroad and passed away at an early age. Bertha obtained the position as housekeeper for Carl and Percy Nelson. Bertha passed away at Hannaford in 1944.
Arvie married Clara Rasmussen in 1917. Clara's parents James and Karin Rasmussen immigrated from Denmark. They lived on a farm near Walum, North Dakota. They had nine children. Clara was born August 21, 1898, at Dazey, North Dakota. Karin passed away at the age of 36. James passed away in 1932, at Valley City, North Dakota.
Arvie and Clara had 10 children: Alice, Eugene, Marjorie, Grace, Mildred, Joyce, Doris, James, Lois and Hazel.
They farmed near the community of Walum. We remember our mother saying how severe the winters were on the farm. Our dad had to tie a rope from the house to the barn to enable him to find his way back to the house after completing the chores.
Our dad worked for The Works Progress Administration which was formed by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1932. One of the projects he worked on was the building of the auditorium in Hannaford. Our dad was multi-talented, a self-made mechanic and barber for many people in town. He could play the guitar, banjo, harmonica, fiddle and saxophone. He and Alice played for dances around the surrounding area. He passed his musical talent to many of his children and grandchildren.
In 1942, dad moved to Seattle and mother moved to Hannaford with eight of her 10 children. She devoted all her time to raising her children. Life was easier there, even though we didn't have running water - it was carried from the schoolhouse. In winter she melted boilers of snow on the cook stove for washing clothes. The one highlight was to ride the "Galloping Goose" to Cooperstown.
In 1950, mother, Lois and Hazel moved to Seattle, Washington, to reside with an aunt and uncle. Mom clerked in their neighborhood grocery store which she enjoyed immensely.
Mother and dad had 34 grandchildren and 41 great-grandchildren.
Dad passed away January 9, 1965. Mother passed away January 8, 1978. Marjorie, Doris, James, Lois and Hazel live in Washington. Grace resides in New York, Mildred in Montana and Joyce in North Dakota. Alice and Eugene passed away several years ago.
We all enjoyed growing up in North Dakota. The small town atmosphere will always be valued.
Source: Hannaford Area History North Dakota Centennial 1889 - 1989 Page 245