Grand Marshal Barbara Dart leads parade at Midsummer Fest

By Joyce Forthum • June 21, 2012 1:44 pm
Barbara Dart, born in nearby Havillah, moved with her family to the Nine Mile area when she was five, attending the Nine Mile School from first to fourth grade. She was this year's Grand Marshal and led the parade. Photo by Gary DeVon

Barbara Dart, born in nearby Havillah, moved with her family to the Nine Mile area when she was five, attending the Nine Mile School from first to fourth grade. She was this year’s Grand Marshal and led the parade. Photo by Gary DeVon

MOLSON – Barbara (Dammel) Dart was this year’s Grand Marshal for the Midsummer Festival that took place in Molson last Saturday.
Dart was born in Havillah and moved with her family to the Nine Mile area when she was five. She attended the Nine Mile School from grades one through four and completed her education in Oroville, graduating from the “high school on the hill.”
After high school she worked as a telephone operator in Oroville. The office had two switch boards and was located on the lower floor of the Peerless Hotel. She married Richard Dart in 1950, on a cold, rainy day in June. They began their married life in Molson and four of their children attended the Molson school and graduated from Oroville. She and her husband operated Dart Farms in the highlands for 42 years and she served as Molson’s Postmaster from 1953-1955. She moved to Oroville in 2001.
She has always been very active in the Molson community and was the activity chairperson for the Grange. This allowed her the privilege in being in charge of the Friday night roller skating for approximately 36 years. For nine years she served as secretary for the fire commissioners of District 11. Along with taking minutes she dealt with the government paperwork.
Dart is a key player in the operations of the museums in Molson. It was in the early 1960s that she was part of the group involved in the community study which opened the door for the local history books that have been published. She continues to be involved in Molson events and activities, scrambling the eggs for the pancake feeds. During the summer you will see her every Thursday serving as a volunteer hostess at the school museum.
She is still involved in the ranching operation with her son Phil and promises to remain committed to her church and community.

Midsummer Activities Results

Winners of the Walk/Run: 1 Mile (10 & Under) 1. Cory Olson, 2. Jasper Burnell; (11-18) 1. Sammy Walimake, 2. EllaMae Burnell; (Adult 31-49) 1. Heather Burnell, 2. Jackie Olson; (Adult 50 & Over) 1. Ken Cockle, 2. Phyllis Hilstad.
Winners of the Walk/Run: 3 Mile (11-18) 1. Elijah Burnell, (19-30) 1. Susanna Hawkins, 2. Liz Raymond; (50 & Over) 1. Carmen Kinley, 2. Blane Van Hoven, 3. Jean Van Hoven.
Scavenger Hunt: 1. Savannah Scriven, Emric Scriven and Erich Scriven; 2. Noni Alley, Julie Alley, Tim Alley; 3. Phyllis Hilstad, Judy Bowling, Cara Valdez, Cheryl McNall.
Car Show: 1. Joe Schell from Tonasket, a 1950 Ford; 2. Dave Hilstad from Molson, a 136 Buick and 3. Lary and CoraLee Thompson from Omak, a 1961 Corvair.
Horseshoes: 1. Chuck Thompson and George Penner.
Drawings: Quilt, Mary Louise Loe; Painting, Ethel Mjoen; Candy Jar, David Raymond; Antler Flower, Bob Welborn and Copper Bracelet, Jean Van Hoven.