Back Then with Tracy Briggs

Edna Kirby just might have been Kim Kardashian before Kim Kardashian was Kim Kardashian. Kirby was a movie actress in the 1920s but became more famous for letting people just watch her live her life.  Was she the world's first reality star?  Maybe, but whatever you call her, we know for sure that 95 years ago this month, she was delighting the gawkers right here in Fargo-Moorhead.

Greg Carlson and Katie Smith embrace the mid-century style of the orignal owners, Blaine and Virginia Amidon.

Dr. Blaine Amidon, one of the area's longest-serving OBGYNs, left an indelible mark on the community and not just in the delivery room.

Viewers' heads might have been spinning when WDAY became ABC and KVLY (then KTHI) became NBC on Aug. 22, 1983, but broadcasting in North Dakota would never be the same.

After 62 years of growth, Hans Langseth's beard was measured at 17.6 feet long - a Guinness World Record for "The Longest Natural Beard Locks ever (male)" which still stands today.

Warren Magnuson was the Spud team captain and later hobnobbed with U.S. presidents, dated movie stars and quietly became one of the most powerful men in the country.

August 4th is National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day, a day to honor the nation's No. #1 homebaked cookie. But how was GI Joe responsible for its popularity?

Gate City was founded 100 years ago this summer. Employees today say after more than a century, you'd be surprised at what hasn't changed.

It might not be a Dreamhouse, but my guest room features my favorite childhood Barbies and other vintage favorites. 

The ketchup debate rages on this National Hot Dog Day over tastes, traditions, and what is just none of your doggone business.

On July 4, 1923 — 100 years ago — 3,000 people swarmed The Forum building to get the as-it-happens news of the fight, but the aftermath of the brawl was far more interesting.

Last month Forum Communications looked into whether the Batmobile was impounded by Fargo Police in 1968 and whether one certain child might know the answer. See more from Tracy Briggs at https://www.inforum.com/tracy-briggs.

It was the place to go for students to grab a bite between classes, but the deadly 1957 tornado tried to put an end to that.

Penny Andrist of Penny and Pals has retired after more than 30 years as a children's entertainer. She left her mark on my kids and so many more.

Reggie candy bars were all the rage when Mr. October ruled the baseball diamond in the late 1970s. Now, after more than 40 years they're back and chocolate-loving baseball fans are on board.

We can all second-guess our school days, but a recent bus ride in Mayville makes me wonder how things could have been different 

The famous TV car was in Fargo in the fall of 1968 for a publicity tour that might have ended in an arrest and court appearance. See more from Tracy Briggs at http://www.inforum.com/tracy-briggs

Harold Hill actors from Robert Preston to Matthew Broderick to Hugh Jackman have sung about how this man raised in Grand Forks was the route of all the 'trouble' with a capital 'T.' 

During Teacher Appreciation Week, here are the "Back Then Teaching Awards" for outstanding achievement in all things great (and groovy). 

Lena Rock was moving into her new place when she found this photo of a smiling couple. She'd love to learn more about them. Read more from Tracy Briggs at https://www.inforum.com/tracy-briggs

As the event marks its 50th anniversary, take a closer look at its intriguing past. Read more from Tracy Briggs at https://www.inforum.com/tracy-briggs.

As another Taco John's closes its doors, what am I supposed to do with my cravings (and memories)? Read and hear more from Tracy Briggs at https://www.inforum.com/tracy-briggs

In 1935, Valley City, North Dakota attracted attention as a hot spot for multiple births. One small school boasted nine sets of twins, six pairs in the same grade. See more from Tracy Briggs at https://www.inforum.com/tracy-briggs.

In 1966, Fargo North High administrators told seven students to leave school until they could get a proper haircut. The boys had another idea. Read more from Tracy Briggs at https://www.inforum.com/tracy-briggs

Over the last three weeks, Inforum published "The Capones of North Dakota," a look at the famous gangster connections to the upper Midwest. After the stories ran, you surprised us. See more from Tracy Briggs at https://www.inforum.com/tracy-briggs