Scope and Contents: The Josephine Simon Hayden Papers consist of handwritten notes by Josephine about pioneers in the Thompson, North Dakota area, including the Thomas Pascoe and Nicholas Simon families. A four-page historical sketch of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Pascoe’s pioneer experiences was written in the 1920s from notes taken by Josephine during a 1910 interview with Mrs. Pascoe. Topics include homesteading, blizzards, agriculture, neighbors, and the sundries of rural life. A three-page sketch of Nicholas Simon’s experiences describes his move to North Dakota, business dealings, agriculture, and neighbors. A two-page letter gives further information about the Simon family. Two pages of notes describe the process employed by the Simon family to make lye soap.