Carl joined Manger Insurance in the mid-1950s, eventually becoming a partner with Erling Manger. Later, Jim Leinen would join Carl and Erling. Carl handed the agency over to his son, Craig, and daughter, Karla.
Craig died in 2011, leaving the agency to Karla's son Rob Osborn and Karla.
Over the years, Erling, and then Carl and Jim moved the office several times. They finally ended at 511 Second Street West, southwest side of Williston.
Most of my memories were of the office at 309 Washington Avenue, kitty-corner from one grocery store, and, if I recall correctly, on the same block as the "old" Red Owl Store. There was a small donut shop next door and a very modernistic First National Bank branch on the same block.
I see on Facebook, today, that Manger Insurance -- Rob Osborn -- has vacated the Second Street West location. I know nothing more. Jan alerted me to the Facebook post but did not provide any information.
Seeing the building is incredibly bittersweet.
Manger started the agency around 1951, the time of my birth in Bismarck, ND. Dad and Mom moved to Williston around 1953 where they lived their entire lives, though the last few years Mom lived in an assisted nursing facility in Portland, OR, and prior to that spent her "retirement in Montana (summers) and Sioux Falls, SD (winter).
But, wow I spent a lot of time with Dad in the office on Washington and then a lot of time with Dad, Carl, and Karla at the Second Street West location.
Dad built the agency into a big, big deal, from two salesmen and one secretary to several sales people and many secretaries and support staff,
Bittersweet? Actually, it's quite sad. All the memories.
