Looking Back
News from Bertha's and Hewitt's Pasts
25 Years Ago
September 10, 1996
What started a little over 19 years ago in a double car garage, has grown into a prosperous business taking up over 11,000 square feet, employing 10 people, and delivering mattresses and box springs to five states. When Roy Dague, his wife Eunice, and their son Jeff began making mattresses in June of 1977, they never imagined they would be where they are today. J and R Mattress Factory ships out about 80 pieces (mattresses, box springs) a day. The main areas of shipping are to North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and a small portion of Nebraska.
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After a sluggish first quarter, the Bertha-Hewitt Bears offense got on track. They scored two unanswered touchdowns before the end of the half to build a 14-0 lead. The Bears added two more touchdowns in the third quarter en route to a 26-6 victory over Northome-Kelliher. This non-conference game was held last Thursday at 3 p.m. with temperatures in the high 80s. Both teams had to substitute numerous players to keep fresh players in the ball game.
75 Years Ago
September 5, 1946
Bertha Consolidated School will open Monday, September 16, at 9 a.m. The faculty: Leslie W. Anderson, superintendent, band director; Thomas Mortenson, principal, commercial, speech; Henry Drewes, math, science; Rev. E.R. Rapp, social science; Elaine Hanson, vocal music, English; Mrs. Leslie Anderson, sixth grade; Mrs. C.V. Burnett, fifth grade; Mrs. Dave Olson, third and fourth grades; Mrs. W.M. Bottemiller, second and third grades; Mrs. Carol Bode, first grade. Board of education: Dick Sagehorn, chairman; E. Tangen, clerk; W.M. Kassube, treasurer; Herman Sundquist, director; W.M. Bottemiller, director; Dr. C.B. Will, director.
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Mrs. Eunice Mittion, Bertha School faculty member, was awarded a Bachelor of Science Degree at graduation exercises at St. Cloud Teachers College. The story of her achievement has gained wide publicity since she spent 36 years in attaining the degree and is 55 years of age. The story was carried on the front page of the Minneapolis Star Journal. She was forced by necessity to attend college a few months at a time while working as a teacher and raising three sons.