Serving Proudly As The Voice Of Valley County Since 1913

Articles written by Helen Depunydt


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  • Figures Of Yesteryear

    Helen DePunydt, Prairie Poet|Feb 12, 2020

    Around Christmas time 1921, when Mary Jane and her little daughter of Glasgow were visiting Mary Jane’s parents in Malta, the two came down with the measles. The little girl had black dots over her entire body. Mary Jane wanted a bath for at least her baby but her mother, a Chippewa Indian, told her in her native language, “Dear girl, you must not give her a bath as she will get very sick.” In retrospect, Mary Jane said, “The older people are so very wise.” That is what did it – the baby became terribly ill. Dr. Curry was called in. He pres...

  • My Older Sister

    Helen DePunydt, Prairie Poet|May 15, 2019

    Reflecting back, her life was indeed amazing. Upon her husband’s retirement, Hazel telephoned me and informed me that they were en-route to Oregon. Their only son resided close to Portland, Ore., and he had located a suitable home for his parents. Hazel requested that I pray for her as she had symptoms of colon cancer. Her oncologist confirmed her suspicion. Radiation was recommended and as she related to me, “I received one treatment, walking away I turned to the nurse and said “I’m leaving and never coming back!” The nurse replied, “Oh, you...

  • Just for Fun Country Chuckles

    Helen DePunydt, Prairie Poet|Apr 3, 2019

    Mary Ellen, our number nine child, who had just arrived home from school, strolled through our farm house with an anxious look on her pretty face. She blurted out, “Mom WHEN are you and Dad EVER going to get married?” I went into a state of shock....right there in our living room! “Honey....Dad and I have been married for 30 years!” I was very puzzled....It turned out that Mary Ellen thought that a couple were married only if the bride wore a lovely white gown. Louie and I had an informal wedding, very common in that era. My expensive pink su...

  • A Montana Story

    Helen DePunydt, Saco Stories|Jul 25, 2018

    Sometimes unexplainable events live in your heart and are told to grandchildren eager to hear yet another one of grandma’s tales. One of my South Carolina grandchildren asked for a story. I related to her about seeing the Electrolux (vacuum) salesman at the door. I invited him to come in and join my husband and me at our dinner table. After saying grace, our guest was not bashful about filling his plate with a ranch meal which nearly always consisted of beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, plus vegetables. This, of course, was topped off with homemade...

  • Listen to the Quiet: Part 5

    Helen DePunydt, Saco Stories|Oct 5, 2016

    The Kienitz family now numbered four: Otto, Lizzie and their two lively daughters, blond Leona, nicknamed “Toots,” and the dark-haired Luella, who is known as “Babe.” The members of this family were closely knit and have remained so over the years. Luella, number two daughter, now living in Bremerton, Wash., reminisces about her childhood out on the windswept prairie. “Winter snows brought out the homemade sleds, scoop shovels or toboggan for sliding down the rocky hills. With my long tresses trailing behind and lying flat on the sled, I g... Full story