Raffle Proceeds to Help House Northern's Goose and Gander
Winter 2004

The Northern Alumni Association is sponsoring a raffle of the James Pasma bronze the "Golden Boy" to raise money for permanent storage for the "Galloping Goose" and "Gander." Class of '53 alum Ray Watson and his wife Sue, of Great Falls, Montana, have generously donated #7 of the limited edition of twelve bronzes to the Northern Alumni Association to kick off the fundraising. "This is an exciting project for the board and all alums in our continuing effort to restore and maintain these historical vehicles for use in campus events" says Judy Bricker, Director of Alumni Affairs. "In the future, we would like to see them used again for Campus Cleanup Day, Homecoming and during student orientations and alumni reunions."

The "Goose" is an historic Yellowstone Park touring vehicle and has been known as the campus mascot since 1942. It was manufactured by the White Trucking Company in 1929, and came to Northern in 1942 when the Havre Civil Aeronautics Flying Corps purchased it to transport student flyers to the airport for training. It was then kept in storage for ten years before it was revived with a fresh paint job in Northern's Maroon and Gold school colors and with an ear piercing whistle that became an immediate favorite of students and community alike. It was designed to carry twelve passengers, but has been known to carry many more. The "Gander" is also a vintage White truck that has been used for many student activities. One of the few unique identifying traditions remaining to Northern, they are remembered by many former students who depended on the "Goose" as their sole means of transportation, other than their own two feet. Many student arrivals at the train depot were greeted by the "Goose" a memorable trip to campus.

Last May, during the Class of `53 Golden Anniversary Reunion, classmates recalled fond memories of the "Goose." When they found that the two vehicles had no permanent home and have been moved from pillar to post over the years, they decided to take a collection and challenge all of the other Northern classes to "meet or beat" their contribution. The proceeds would then go to permanent housing for the "Goose" and the "Gander." The Northern Alumni Association has invested over $10,000 in restoring the "Goose" with new seats, a new engine and paint and permanent inside storage is advisable before restoring the "Gander".

The Northern Alumni Association has been selling tickets at Northern's home basketball, football and volleyball games. Ticket prices are $5.00 each or 3 for $10.00. The drawing will be held on Founder's Excellence Day, May 7th, 2004. Tickets are also available through the Alumni Office and from Board members. For more information contact the Alumni Office at 406.265.3770

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