93-year-old sells N.D. town — and its memories

Summer in Sibley
Sibley evolved like many other small towns in North Dakota. Though it has never surpassed the 50 or so residents who call it home year-round today, it has paved streets, a city council, park board and volunteer fire department, "just like a big city," Hagglund said with a laugh.

On most summer weekends, the population climbs to 200 or more. There are enough children in town to require a hand-lettered "Please drive slow! Watch for children crossing!" sign on the single road that runs from one end of town to the other.

Heinze said Hagglund's property will be sold either in chunks or as a single package, depending on how the bids go. "Everything should bring anywhere from $350,000 to $500,000," he said.

Heinze said he has had calls from people as far away as Minneapolis, and he expects a large crowd, though "mostly spectators."

John Rowh, who has managed the bar and cafe for 15 years, said he hopes to buy the businesses. He said Hagglund's auction plans "came out of the blue," and many residents want to keep the businesses under local control.

"People are hoping I get it," Rowh said.

'When I'm 100, I'm going fishing'
Hagglund, an active woman who still does maid duties at the motel, said she plans to continue operating that business "'til I'm 100."

"I love to fish, but I don't have time," she said. "When I'm 100, I'm going fishing."

A night's stay at the motel has increased in cost through the years but is still cheap by today's standards, especially for a facility just a stone's throw from the docks. "Thirty-five dollars a night," Hagglund said. "It was $2 a night when we first built it. And we had people galore."

Hagglund said creating Sibley is the best thing she and her husband ever did, and the time she has spent there has been the happiest time of her life. When the heart of the town passes from her ownership on Saturday, "I'll still be here," she said. "I'll still be enjoying it."

And still looking forward.

"The potential here is just great," Hagglund said, staring out over the lake and smiling. "I'm proud of it."

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