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July 09, 2004
Sheldon, ND Population 135
I decided to write this post after getting my T results today. My Helper-Ts are at 135 today. Now don't be alarmed, they've been hovering between 125 and 175 for nearly four years, and I've never been sick.
I can't help relating it to one of those Midwestern farm small towns that you hear about on the news—you know, the kind that no matter what they do, population just keeps moving on to the big city, brighter pastures and more opportunity. A town much like Sheldon, North Dakota, who according to the 2000 census, had a population of 135.
Now, from what I've been able to piece together, based on loose evidence, Sheldon might have been founded in 1881. It looks like it was a railroad stop according to an old-time picture of the town. More historical pictures are available at Sheldon N.D. Photograph Collection.
They're planning a big 125th Anniversary there in 2006. Find out more details at the Sheldon Public School site.
I don't know what occurred in the meantime, but between then and 1932, Sheldon Public School was built. Not sure if this picture represents the original or is a later version.
People in Sheldon like to re-enact historic battles. They also like to hunt.
You can find people there that love horses. Dave & Kim Utke of Sheldak Ranches have raised some pretty great horses they like to show. Gateway Building Systems is proud of the silos they've built there. Did Bea Wall ever get a 2001 Windmill Calendar going?
And yes, even a small town must have its scandal and conflict. Read the fascinating recounting of Sheldon's Outlaw Well.
Oh, and if you have to pass by Sheldon next weekend, make sure you stop there on July 17th, and join in the Sheldon Street Dance!
135. That number doesn't quite seem so small now, does it?
Posted by Bastique at July 9, 2004 09:28 AM