VOL XVII NO 1 February 1997 Serving Norwegian-Americans of -Eggedal & Kredsherad Ancestry

REFLECTIONS OF A 1996 VISIT IN Since a "travel tradition" shows up in Sigdalslag's historical books, your editor decided to write about experiences and people visited in Norway last fall and to thank for congratulatory notes, cards, and phone calls. These came from California to Norway, including signatures of everyone at Sunnfjordlag's stevne last June!

My husband Narv and I had not been to Scandinavia since 1990, and we decided quite suddenly to be there this October. We wanted to re-visit families and to find others interested in the expanded areas of Districts Lag.

Visits to most relatives would follow an audience at the royal palace in . We'd see Dahlens in Oslo and Lillehammer, Finnerud families in Sigdal, Krederen, Snarum, and Vikersund; Somdalens in Oslo and BrMen families near Gol and Nes. It was to be a sad time for those at Former Kl'Jldsher.d mllyor IngvII/d Granum, (left), his son, Svein Knut, wife Tor., lind Krederen. We would attend the lin American second cousin, Marilyn Dahlen Samd.hl, pose October 23, 1996. funeral at Glesne Kapell October 28 for my second cousin, Paul Granum, who had an outer office. We passed a bronze of Queen died suddenly as he worked in the forest. Victoria, His Majesty's famous ancestor.

Marilyn's audience was Monday, October 21. at Twelve chimes rang in the inner office. After a 12:00--high noon--to thank His Majesty King single knock. the attache opened the door and Harald V for awarding her the Saint Olav Medal. announced my name. "Congratulations:' came signed by the king March 8. The presentation forth with a broad smile and an outstreched hand was made in Minneapolis on behalf of the king from His Majesty. My thanks came as we shook May 13. 1966. It recognizes cultural work hands, banishing the awe of the moment; I would between Norway and the United States. be at ease.

We took the subway to Oslo with time for a little Luckily, I'd chosen to speak English, thereby walk before we watched the Changing of the recognizing the subtle, but quick good-humored Guard at the main entrance. A tourist took our play on words which might have escaped me in picture: two tiny Americans in front of a large Norwegian. We talked about both spending the European palace! The guard was alarmed as we weekend at Lillehammer, the Olympic Games, intruded into the (invisible) security boundary. trade initiatives in Poland (a royal visit of three Then, as he watched me reach for a letter, he days occurred the previous weeki, Norwegian- asked if I were Marilyn Somdahl! Yes, we were Americans maintaining their special heritage, the expected. He ushered us to the king's private 1999 centennial of the bygdelag movement in the secretary. After I became presentable, I was US and of the Valdres Samband stevne in summoned, walking up the wide staircase where Norway. "Welcome back again'" (see page 81 a military attache met us, accompanying me to FRA PRESIDENT EN: Kmdsherad Calendars Arrive; This is the season to reflect on the Have Member Purchase Option happenings of 1996, the past year, and to look forward optimistically to what is to come Sigdal Lag once again expresses its deep in 1997. thanks to Kmdsherad Kommune for the Wasn't the Saturday meeting of Sigdalslag calendars. This 10th year edition, published by in Forest City a delight? Our room was this municipality and township, includes packed with over 55 members. Treasures folkways and customs, present Norwegian from our ancestors' trunks lay displayed on holidays, and interesting old historical several tables. There were flowers and norsk photographs. treats! Did you like time to visit at our lunch Greetings for Christmas and for 1997 from together? Ordfcrer, Inge Thorud, occupy the back cover. Looking forward to the 1997 at Wahpeton, Members with connections· in this district I'd like to challenge more of our members to appreciate the local government's preservation come. With over 200 current member of our common heritage. We gratefully accept households, we have 315 paid members as of these gifts. Tusen takk! January 15, so I'd like to see twice as many Brown ink on ivory paper enhances the sepia come as we had last year! images of old photographs. The calendar cover At our recent Sigdal Lag board meeting we features Haugerud (I2lvre Kmdsheradl with the discussed the program for 1997. Many of our fjord and in the background. Included members have never walked on the soil in on 12 monthly pages are: Olaug Skinnes. radio Sigdal, Eggedal, or Kredsherad. What is it like operator. January; 43 confirmands in 1932; horse today? Will you help inform us? and 1927 wedding carriage of Ruth Wesm"ss & We are looking for several of you who have Hermann Brekke; S.OlavsbrAten group ca. 1947; visited there to present short topics or share women in Anne Stevern's weaving class. 1949; Oybendal's place in 1935; dairymaid 1949- Gunhild perhaps 5-10 of you best slides for Saturday, Holtet; summer tourists at 0rpen, 1B97-1903; July 12. Please identify what/who are in your Sunday School 1953 at HAkonsrud; 1950s car ferry pictures and inform me also about your on Krederfjord; Anne Redalen Kierult in bunad. ca. knowledge of cultural events and sites, 1890; and Krederen School's 1st grade class, prominent Peopl!L _and buildjngs, in_dL!~tri~s,_ ~6_2.-1lecembJlL- ~. _~. ~_~ ~ _ hotels, landscapes --both present and past. Our good fortune is passed on to current Even if you live a great distance away from members who may wish to own such pictures the stevne site, you can participate. Why not and to assist in re-building the lag's Publishing write a paragraph or two to be read. if you are Fund on a first come, first served basis. not able to present it yourself? Lest you are When enough funds accumulate to pay for tempted to procrastinate. may I please ask you printing Sigdalslaget, 1914 and 1920 in the to write or call me NOW this week? Then we English translation, the lag will send the can include what you may have in the plans! manuscript and order the books. Final readings are in progress. Mange takk, Overseas postage to the US brings each s/Corrine Lesteberg Johnson, President calendar's value well over wh~t is asked. With the exception of one for Sigdalslag's library, the calendars will be available for purchase. CALL FOR EXHIBITORS AT 1997 STEVNE Please send a check payable to SigdaI Lag of Names and addresses of prospective exhibitors at least $7 IUS$) postpaid for each calendar. who may wish to sell Norwegian crafts and other Write KK calendar on the memo line of the products at the 7 Lag Stevne, July 10-12, 1997, check. Mail to Muriel Hoff, Sigdal Lag at ND State College of Science, Wahpeton, ND, Treasurer, 3512 White Bear Avenue. White Bear are requested as soon as possible. Lake, MN 55110. Products must relate to the Norwegian heritage Gifts beyond this suggested amount will and could include demonstrations. appear later on in Gifts & Memorials. Intent/interest to participate must be indicated before APRIL 30 by calling (360-693-1890) or write Dave Bauman, 908 NW 53rd St, Gifts & Memorials Vancouver, WA 98663. In memory of Telford Ansten: Details and application information will be $10 given by sisters Hazel & Oscar Skaim sent, including specific criteria for possible and Rosella & Virgil Goettelman acceptance. (This is a one-time notice. I $10 given by Lee & David Rokke

2 ENGEBRET HIAASEN, SPELLEMAN IN SIGDAL

By Bjorn Laupsa Barga and translated by Marilyn 0, Somdah/ This is the conclusion of lin IIrticJe about the Sigd.'·Eggeda' SpeJfemansfsg lind its founder, Engebret Hi."sen. The author interviewed Hill"sen, then in his mid· 70s, October 10, 1991. The interview reflects 8 certain fraternity and integrity of spending time doing the things that are not only worth doing, but also those that make one happy. The original is found in the Norwegian periodical, Under Norefje/l.

Sigdal Spelemannslag was founded in 1942. home to do recordings. It was Engebret's idea and he was along in its The playing of Eivind Moe is some of the organization. Other charter members were Nils most likable Engebret heard as well as the Buen Stubberud, Ola Hiaasen, Ottar Halstenrud, and men. At the national meet in Knut Nils Lien. As was stated, it was Engebret who Buen held a lecture for the judges before he first mentioned they should form a lag. He began to play "Kivlemeyane" or one he asked Erik Lindteigen of Lyngdal how to do this composed himself. because there was such a lag in Numedal. Engebret didn't like Knut Buen's "variations" He also wrote to Knut Hus, leader of the circle of svrere/aatane (standard tunes). So he would at Be, and got a sample of bylaws from them. not score Knut first if he were the judge there. These were adapted for Sigdalslaget soon Steadier men were Hank Buen and Ola Eieland. afterward since Beheringen hadn't organized Engebret has been fond of Vestlands playing much earlier than Sigdal. through time, such as Haldor Meland and Engebret was at Kongsbergmarken each year (Anders) Kjaerland, As it happens, he was sitting at the kapp/eik there, where much happened. At next to Kjaerland at a contest in Odda in 1962. the old Labor Society there was modern dance It was fun to chat with him, and Anders downstairs in the large hall and Hardanger thought that Kjell Midttun who played there fiddling upstairs at Fjelltrampen. "That's where would become one of the better players. As we ended up, you know," he added. they sat chatting, Engebret meant that Anders One time he heard Lars Ervheim who sat was a bit tipsy. Engebret smoked a pipe but playing upstairs. "It was fun for a boy to had a pack of cigarettes in his pocket which he listen," Sveinung Kvale was another good, offered to Kjaerland as a treat. Yes, he would promising fiddler he heard. willingly have one. It was a filter cigarette and Sigbjern B. Gsa was living in Numedal during he'd put the wrong end in his mouth and lit it. the war, and he was at a kapp/eik in SigdaI Some sitting close by said, "Oh, the filter is once. He didn't compete, but he played during burning." the entertainment afterwards. Torfjell Haugerud took part in both competition and a jam session later at a kappleik in Ljosheim, Flesburg. That was the most exceptional playing Engebret heard that time. Standing outside on a cultivated field. Haugerud played "Siklebekken. "Ligangaren", and "Langedragen". Engebret said he had never been so gripped by the music. And they were there until the dawn of the new day. He remembers that he and a comrade who worked on the neighboring farm took the forest paths over to Greterud, cycling the old road down to Lyngdal, further over Ligrenda down to Flesburg for the first kapp/eik he attended. All of the fiddlers there were very enthusiastic. Ola Sigdal fiddlers {L-Rl: Bjame "en, Ola H. Hlaasen, Braatas, a Haukjem (Helgel, and Gudmund Buen Thorvald B,aaten and Ola'. 80n, Engebret Hiaasen played very fine, with Gudmund winning that contest. Anders Buen competed there. Engebret Hiaasen thought it was a terrible Likewise Deildokk was also good. Hellik dilemma to judge when there were several of Juveli didn't play. Engebret had just recently excellence in the top ranks. "One must tally heard him, and he was very good. He and such that some like the mother and others the Engebret had both served as judges. Juveli had daughter:' he explained. Skijumpers and others good knowledge about everything, but he didn't in the long runs have some time and a walk like recordings made of his playing. He afterward, He thought that previously there appreciated it more that some came to him at were substantial partisan or (continued, p. 91

3 Deb Shortino Is - - - Working To Build Sigdal Lag's Historical Records

Born and raised in Minneapolis, she answers to either Debbie or Deb. She may have assisted you with a question about the history compiled for the 85th anniversary stevne last year. SAGA shares some information about her when she is not busy with lag records.

After graduating from Richfield High School, Debbie completed nurses training at Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing. She took a job Fellesraad Will Meet May 3 opportunity in Kansas City, MO, At Wyndham Garden Hotel where she lived about five· years According to its constitution, Bygdelagenes before meeting and Fellesraad, Inc. holds its annual meeting the marrying her first Saturday in May which is May 3 this year. husband, Bill There are 32 bygdelag affiliated with this Shortino. national bygdelag council. They moved to A breakfast buffet will be served at the Warrensberg, MO, Wyndham Garden Hotel, 4460 W 78 Street where their son Joe Circle, Bloomington, MN 55435. Nearest was born. Shortly parking is at the rear entrance and the space is before their fully accessible. Badges may be picked up from daughter Jessica 8 - 8:30 AM. was born, the Shortinos headed If you wish to stay overnight, call 1-800- back to WYNDHAM or 612-831-3131 for room rates. It Minneapolis. During those years an interest in is 10 miles to the Mall of America. family history developed. Over time the interest grew because Deb joined the Sigdalslag in If payment and reservations are received on or 1993. before April 25. the meal- is $10-per person, (afterward $11.25 ppl including tax. tip, and Her own family research continued in four areas beverage. Two delegates and interested of Norway. In Eggedal alone she has three guests will be seated at tables of eight. (No generations of grandparents who emigrated refunds will be made unless you call 612-831- from the Bille, Medalen, and Skare farms. 4409 to cancel by April 291. Then a job transfer took the family to Grand Mail checks, payable to Fellesraad, to 10129 Forks, ND, but by May 1996 they re-Iocated to Goodrich Circle, Minneapolis, MN 55437. Bellevue, NE. Bill, a claims adjustor for a large trucking company in Omaha, has also served 20 years in the US Army Reserve.

Deb devoted much of her time to volunteer "MIGRATION OF A TRADITION" activities wherever the family lived. For the MOVES ON TO SEATTLE past five years she has worked with the Army Reserve family support groups. One afternoon The art exhibit, Norwegian Folk Art; The each week she has"led book discussion groups Migration of a Tradition, will be on display in atJhe elementary school library and has been a the fourth of five venues very soon. The co-leader for Girl Scouts. She is also on hand exhibit travels now to Seattle, Washington, for Joe's high school events. where the opening will be February 28. Even though she maintains that history was her The show comprises more than 200 works from "worst subject" in school, Deb Shortino now several museums in Norway as well as objects loves it, evidenced by her service to Sigdal Lag with distinctly similar motifs or themes now in its third year. She is working now on produced in the United States by people who the more recent pertinent materials. especially have mastered time honored crafts. since 1980.

For further information, call 206-789-5707. Deb enjoys gardening, playing the piano and all The display continues in Seattle until May 31 kinds of needlework--quilting, cross-stitch, and when it heads back to Oslo, Norway. hardanger embroidery.

4 NEWSBITS

Norwegian author, 0ys1ein Lllnn, will spend 10 Lag President Travels to Sweden days at Augsburg College this February as a writer-in-residence. He will give a free public For the first time in five years, Corrine reading of his writings February 25 at 7 :30 Lesteberg Johnson hosted the families of all p.m. at Sateren Auditorium, 22nd and four children December 21 --just six days after Riverside, Minneapolis. Also included are her return from a pre-Christmas trip to Sweden. Norwegian pictures, music and costumes with She completed research begun in 1991 and a gala reception afterward. Lllnn will present wrote a Norman-Sampson family history. workshops to assist creative writing students at participating high schools as well as St. Olaf The editor has permission to pass on some and Augsburg Colleges, and the Universities of highlights of interest to readers. Minnesota and Wisconsin. Why choose Sweden this time of year? ROSELLA GOETTELMAN planned to "put the "Sweden is beautiful as it prepares for coffeepot on" Saturday, January 25, in case a Christmas with lighted candelabra in every few people dropped in. If you live in friendly window--stores, office buildings, schools, Decorah, you probably don't need to invite homes, churches and businesses. There were folks for a special occasion. Those who concerts everywhere and the churches were wanted to come most likely dido-for VIRGIL's packed for morning or evening services/concerts 80th birthday. Hope it was a happy one! on the first two Sundays of Advent," according to Corrine. MICHAEL JOHN NORDLAND, who arrived Then came St. Lucia Day. "On December 13 at October 31 , was baptized at Bethlehem 8: 15 a.m. I was awakened by knocking and Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, December 15, singing. There at my door stood white-robed wearing the long baptismal gown and petticoat candlebearers with coffee and Lucia buns!. The created in 1904 by his tippoldemor, Ingeborg church was packed with 1200 people watching Endresdtr Finrud Johnson, for her daughter in awe as the maiden with six lighted candles Ruth Dahlen. The editor, who is Michael's on her head led a processin of 80-90 children all grandmother, and his mother, SONJA K. with lighted candles. They sang a dozen or SOMDAHL, also wore this infant dress. more Swedish carols (while the fire marshall in Sonja's husband, SIG NORDLAND, added our group almost had a heart attack for fear of socks underneath with a Purdue logo! a fire). This Lucia singing with candles continued throughout the day in department / Planning an outing? Call Vesterheim Museum stores, on escalators, in schools and streets and in Iowa 319-382-9681 for exhibit at concerts all over Stockholm." information. "The Western Home Through the Eyes of Norwegian-American Artists" features Workshops where things were made included: paintings and woodcuts by Gausta, Running, watching glassblowers blow objects, seeing and Homstad through April 1. "Alaskan blacksmiths fashion iron candlesticks, and the Cultural Interaction: The Brevig Family, Saami, pouring of molten wax into brass molds for and Inupiat Story" is on view until April 15 as candles. Dala horse figures and another, a is "The Sami People." tomte place, also brought fine memories-- especially the latter since Corrine was BOOKS DELIVEREDIN NORWAY interviewed in Swedish by a local radio station Somdahls personally delivered the book, The (a broadcast her relatives had heard). A Sida/s/ag 1929 - 1932 - 1940 (VOL III. to newspaper also interviewed her. three places in Norway last fall. They visited Knut Djupedal, director of the Norsk She visited North Norway previously so perhaps Utvandrermuseum, at the new address south she will relate experiences from northern of Hamar: Akershagan, N-2312 Ottestad, Sweden, and tell about the festive foods that Norway; the University of Oslo; and, The were traditional there some time later. Riksarkiv at Kongsberg at a new address. • Blizzards, deep snow, mixed with sleet and ice, Books have not yet been placed at: Iowa have closed roads and schools this winter in the Historical Society, Chester Fritz Library at Midwest. Up to 12 days of school in Minnesota University of' North Dakota, Minnesota were lost, with roof cave ins to 5,000 ag/farm Historical Society, and Harvard University buildings under this extra weight and countless Library. Call LEE ROKKE for details if you wish losses of chickens, turkey, and livestock. to give a book to a library. Names of donors appeared in the SA GA last October.

5 GENEALOGY NEWS & VIEWS By Lee Rokke

Our Sigdal members work hard to share their heritage with others. We exchange letters, talk it over at stevne, compare family trees, and help each other as much as we can. Art Storbo went one degree farther and shared his heritage with all of Washington state' I was pleased to receive this picture and and the following letter: Dear Lee, I just Sretra and Mari Evendatter. She emigrated from had to write Norway in 1872, and they also settled in Stony and tell you Brook. how much fun I had with my Gift from Sidney A. Rand, Minneapolis, MN: family tree In Pleasant Places, his autobiography, 1996. exhibit at the Dr. Rand, a grandson of the founder of Western Sigdalslag, is best known for his diplomatic Washington skills, both in his administrative duties and his Fair in Puyallup relationships to other people. His kindness last September. and warmth shine through his words as he This fair is the describes his life in pleasant places and relates largest in the a goodly heritage. (See Psalms 16:6) state, and over the years our Gunhild Lundquist, Rose Prairie, B.C. donated family has had $13.75 for the Postage Fund. The gift came some entries, just in time; our postage fund was getting very such as cattle, low. needlepoint, or photographs. SIGDAlSlAG SURVEY RETURNS: Though the fair usually has + RalphJorgen~en,Burnaby,B.C., Canada a m /I ~ mily on the family of IngeborgAslesdtr Hoffart · s a a + lois Kline, Zumbrota, MN, on the Jens Pedersen hIstory e:

Thanks for Gift Books & Donations With the help of photos in the SigdaI bygdebok, I was able to tell him this was Gift from Henry Berg, Palm Beach, CA: T.H.H. indeed his grandmother ingeborg's mother, Thoresen: States Attorney. Tax Commissioner and Ragna Aslesdat1er 0verbyeie. who was married Lieutenant Governor. by Cynthia T. Selland and to Gunder Olsen Kroken. They lived on Chandice Johnson. North Dakota Mini-Biography Langhalsen of Sore Kroken. Not only is the Series, published by State Historical Society of bunad a Sigdal drakt, but the same background North Dakota, Bismarck, NO, 1986. shows up in several photographs from Sigdal; Thorsen's wife was Mendine Vigen, a daughter of they were taken in the same studio' Hans Knudsen Vigen who was born in Kmdsherad in 1857 and immigrated in 1852 with his parents, Frank's grandmother was Ingeborg Knud Olsen and Ingeborg Nilsdatter. They settled in Gundersdatter Kroken who immigrated in 1892 Stony Brook Twp, Grant Co, MN. and married Julius Gunhus from Snarum. They Mendine Vigen's mother was Kjersti Aslesdatter lived in Bluffton Twp, Winneshiek Co, Iowa. Sundseie. born in SigdaI in 1866 to Asle Aslesen Ingeborg died May 20, 1949.

6 Authentically Dressed: Then and Now A shared folk costume tradition developed in Sigdal-Eggedal, Kredsherad and FIIJ Each limited area developed its own tradition in cut, for example.

From the early- to mid-1800s NOW . . Solveig Bilstad the kort liv bunad or short, high bodice garment worn by RAGNA (lett, NAS photo) ASLESDATTER 0VERBYEIE, the Last July Solveig, a teacher living in great-great grandmother of Frank Noresund, Norway, brought this Storli, was what was worn in black stakk with a knip/ede (lace) Sigdal. border at the hemline in green and a This shared folk costume red small-patterned shirt to wear at tradition developed in Sigda1- the 7 Lag Stevne. Fabrics may be a Eggedal, Kmdsherad, and Fla. lighter weight than was usual long ago. Then home-woven linen was used for slips and shirts, fabric THEN Ragna, below, sturdy enough for daily work and wore a floral wool muslin apron, simple occasions. Long ago a stakk a silk scarf tied on her head, and too worn for "Sunday best" found the long sleeve wool trsye use as a so-called hverdags (jacket). It features the same (everyday) bunad with an apron rounded opening as the bodice which is not used now. A underneath. Ragna also wore a momseband at the waist is optional. bringeduk, a.. removable panel of geometric beadwork, in the oval cut-out. This was almost always NOW . _ Carol Meade used in Eggedal, but was optional Ibelow. CLJ photo) elsewhere. Theodor Kittelsen's CONGRATULATIONS to Carol! Her painting, Grautkjerringer (19041, new bunad was ready to wear for depicted a large 14-sklilslllje the 1996 stevne banquet. Her (brooch) instead of the beadwork. Each tradition had its own jewelry traditions as well. Individual choices of fabric, colors, and finery were possible. bunad has the red 'long bodice' (which extends down to the natural waistline) with an inset of beadwork. Her dark blue wool stakk (skirt) and the apron are embroidered, as are the hat and the pocketbook. (Geometric woven stakk borders and various embroidered shirt patterns are other options). This fest bunad is appropriate for big occasions like weddings or confirmations. Another distinguishing characteristic is skjlBlingerumany expert stitches built up to make a "wave" at the back hemline of the bodice that stand out and salute. Gold or silver metallic lace edges the rounded opening and the bodice hem.

7 (A VISIT IN NORWAY continued from page 1) Further congratulations and thanks concluded the this would take place. Her successor had called audience. It had been a distinct honor. his wife in Tranby, Lier, (north of Drammen) to tell her he would be the next prime minister Before we became ordinary tourists again, Narv about five minutes before TV cameras would had met the next two men invited for audiences: announce it publicly! Thorbj0rn Jagland a Norwegian general and a retired member of the presented his Labor Party cabinet ministers to His King's Guard just returned from Ethiopia. He was Majesty King Harald V officially Friday, October a most enthusiastic conversationalist. 25. Elections will be held in 1997. It was an exciting time to be in Norway. Oh yes, the king did ask about 'my ancestry which is 100% Norwegian. Four paternal great- Sigdal Lag members Tone Naess and her husband grand parents came from Nord Aurdal, Valdres. Kjell Reistad (pictured looking at family photos) One of them was bade us welcome to five, coming with his Drammen at the public parents in 1845. library where she That's one set of G- works. We spent g-grandparents. The further time with Kjell, maternal set left another relative, who Kmdsherad in 1848. bought tickets for us Their (as yet unborn) to see great treasures grandaughter became at Drammen Museum my matemal grandma together. Ingeborg Endresdtr who left her married Maihaugen's new sister's Sigdal farm, Visitor Center also had Hunstadhagen, in an outstanding exhibit 1893. Her husband interspersed with films emigrated from and we attended three Karm0Y. King Harald concerts. Many of the Quickly pronounced churches planned me a fifth generation special music for All Norwegian-American I Saints Sunday. Candlelight from lanterns placed at many of the My closest living relative, Alma BrAthen. a first- gravestones dotted an Oslo churchyard early in cousin-once-removed, shares that maternal the evening. Flower beds in front of the stones lineage that came to America 148 years ago. In held rose heather and silver moss. two days we would visit her at Finnerud, having waffles topped with whipped cream and multer Entertaining us were Ruth and Rolf Reistad, Ellen (cloudberriesl. A plate of lefse Iding and good Baekken, Ragne Eken, Gunbjorg and Eilert coffee was also served by her daughter Ellen. Sandberg, and Rita Granum. We missed saying hello to several who attended the funeral. After Earlier in the day we'd left our hosts, Arvid and the burial in the churchyard, I spoke briefly with Bodil Granum, to walk across the road to accept the sokneprest, Mayor Inge Thorud, Gudbrand a breakfast invitation to his parents, Ingvald and Halmrast (former KK mayor). and Sigdal' s r~dman Tora, meeting Svein Knut Granum, editor- Kjell Finnerud and his mother Thora, Berit Raaen, publisher of Norske GJrdbruk in and and Ellef Finnerud of . The mourners Oppland Counties. While we were there, gathered in a new 'parish hall' for sandwiches, reporters dropped in to interview me for two cakes, kransekaker, and coffee. newspapers, Fremtiden, and Tidende / Blad. Articles with large colored Sunday enroute back from Kongsberg Church we pictures of Ingvald Granum, Narv and me ran in visited Daniel and Sigrid Lie in Hokksund. these papers Thursday in Vikersund, Drammen, and Gol. Cars may have snow tires after November 1 if you plan mountain driving. Ours didn't; we flew That same Wednesday evening as we watched home November 5 to meet a new 5-day-old the TV news, we learned that Gro Harlem grandson and proud parents. (Stay tuned for Brundtland had resigned as prime minister. Only coming issues with more pictures) -- MDS her husband and the king had prior knowledge

8 A Continuation of. . . ENGEBRET HIAASEN, SPELLEMAN political choices that had been overcome now. He played almost better in a contest than One time the kappleik was at Frydheim in otherwise. One time he sat nervously, tuning Baaseroa, played by Gunleik Bondal. Karl on his fiddle, and Tor Myhre came over to him Bjernsen and Viksbraaten sat listening with and said, " Now you must be bowing". Then he trust. It was between Nils Stubberud and was obligated and fired away at the playing. Gunleik Bondal. The judges were Engebret Engebret had never heard him play that well. Hiaasen, Halvor Klonteig, and Kittil Flaglia. All That time he had used Engebret's fiddle. three had Bondal first, and there were kibbitsers He said it was not good for the fiddle to be who told Viksbraaten and Bjorsen that now idle. The strings go bad. They need to vibrate Stubberud should win. "Nuts! I'll be damned: and be played or the bridge gets bad. He will said one to the other, as they left slowly. try to send it to Aasane for repairs. Karl Bjernsen was a very apt fellow; Someone said to Ole Lendal, " Wouldn't it be moreover this "Bjlllrnsane" had an orderly, good to have a fine-tuner on the fiddle?" Ole winning brainpower, according to Hiaasen. He didn't answer. He repeated the question. Ole had several very good tunes after his uncle Ola answered, "Certainly, on a bad fiddle." Bj"rnsen. He left for America, but came back Engebret Hiaasen believed it was possible to early in the 1920s. He played fine tunes. keep the lag in existence for the folkmuseum in especially waltzes. Engebret Hiaasen learned Sigdal. There are many new (ones) who come, many of theni': "Juvsrenningen" Engebret but he had not heard that many. "I depend on thought might be the same as Torkjell it that these young people around here will Haugerud's playing of "a little twisting (i.e. carryon, but they have so many irons in the complicated, difficult) piece". Karl Bjernsen fire: he said. They don't practice at home. meant that it was the same tune--also played in They are musical, but they also must do Numedal, Hallingdal, and Valdres. and certainly something themselves... He meant that they in Telemark. must be "bitten by the bug". The Norwegian Broadcasting System (NRK) Engebret had a powerful fiddle. It was Knut has played a little folk music from Sigdal lately. Ufs who obtained the fiddle for him. He knew Nils Stubberud does not like to come forth that Steinkjenndalen had completed a fiddle, because he is so particular, it should be 110% now ready, that drew very well, so Engebret perfect. He was visited by 0ystein Ellefsen, Kjell bought it unseen or almost so. He gave only Evju, and Bjern Laupsa-Borge when he had his 200-300 kroner for it in 1942. Arne Holt in 70th year birthday. Then he played a good part Eggedal bought one just like it. The grandfather but not for recording. of Arne Holt at Solumsmoen bought the same Engebret Hiaasen has a cassette with laatter, one. Knut Ufs had Johannes Holt's fiddle with showing that Nils Stubberud played the first of him and played that one. Johannes played a those tunes from about the mid-1960s. little. He traveled around giving concerts Engebret himself played quite a bit on that one. closest by with his son's son who danced the His nephew Helge told what was to be played hailing. on one cassette, among others, an incomplete Anders Stubberud was a good friend of the gangar after Bjerndal where Engebret had only father, according to Engebret Hiaasen, and they heard the beginning one time and not more than were often together. He took part in every once after Mosafinn: "Slik mreler du og slik spellemanns meeting they had. He was an streler dun (Such as you measure you steal). annual conference delegate at fiddle Because Sigdal Spellemannslag was 50 years competitions. Besides, he was a great old in 1992, Steinar Strom had brought up the storyteller; the folk tales were done with dignity possibility of putting out all anniversary and properly performed. account. And they had the minutes book to go One time there were four pieces played in the by, Hiaasen pointed out. He was invited to radio broadcast. Anders Stubberud spoke while write what fiddling took place up here in the Karl Bjernsen. Nils and Gunnar Stubberud and forest. It was a moving pick-me-up, a stimulus Ola Hiaasen played. They'd played so well that for Ola and Engebret. Ola was born in 1920. afterward many letters were received. Among and the spellemanns group began in 1927-28. the selections were the "Kolsrud Mill Waltz" It was a "gang" that played-- Nils Stubberud, H. besides a waltz from Bjernsen. Ola Torgersen Deyver, and Ola were in the same class, and from Nedre Sigdal (Kolsrudsagern) was a fiddler. they went together to competitions, especially Una, the mother of Karl Bjernsen, had heard in Numedal. As a rule, one of the three came Torgerson play and she hummed the waltz for home with the first prize. Nils was perhaps a Karl who learned to play it. That piece had rung above the others, but now all had taken never before been played by the method Karl firsts. Ola had a fiddle that projected out well. Bjernsen chose! (continued, p. 10)

9 The Conclusion of .. ENGEBRET HIAASEN, SPELLEMAN Many of the so-called unknown pieces came inside themselves, they let another one back out on the radio, Hiaasen said, in the beginning out," he said. Because he was very musical, of the 1950s. There probably aren't tapes of Arne Olsen came quite far but had nothing left these four to be found. Lakkplater Irecords) for the competitions. He lived in were ordered through the spellemannslag. An some years before living in Landegrenda now. offer would come from a record company and Ola FragMt died several years ago. then the fiddlers would be found. Engebret Meland lives between 0ystese and heard them at an exhibition of fiddling at the Nordheimsund. Originally from Serfjorden, he Sigdal-Eggedal museum. At this exhibition, herded sheep on Hardangervidda. fiddlers nobody knew about "came out of the In 0ystese some were active in bygdtHIans woodwork". Among others was Kaare Tangen (folk dancing), even though there was less with a fiddle made by either his father or an interest in fiddling there. It was seen with a uncle. Certainly someone in Sigdal had a Venaas negative bias: not at all popular in the prayer- fiddle that wasn't used. There were many house environment there. Bands and horn fiddles made by Ola Haugen--among others a music were acceptable, but fiddle music was Restad fiddle. almost forbidden. A niece of Hiaasen was married in Vennesla, A Leif Hjelmevoll was Meland's student. He 0vrebe, where Restad lived. He'd read of competed in the national meet in Nesbyen early Restad in the Vennesla Tidende. Nils had in the 1950s, perhaps 1953. Engebret Hiaasen borrowed a Restad fiddle from A. Prestmoen. and a couple of others stayed at Hotell 0stenfor Those he'd /borrowed from also had a where Hjelmevoll and Kjrerland also stayed. Steinkjenndal fiddle lying around unused. That was the fun to come together with such fellows at national competitions. Up in Gudbrandsdal at the Vagamo kappleik, Engebret Hiaasen recounted 10 hours he'd sat listening with only time away to find a little to eat. He heard it all and sat completely alone. Once he sat next to Richard Skjellekvaale, a downright gruff old man. Early during the playing his pride grew, "Ja, det e' senn min det!" Indeed, it was his son. Hiaasen believes the national kappleik is to be Engebret Hiaasen tells that when he went to long lasting: and he means that the flat fiddle agricultural school, Prestmoen was in the class must be included, since it is more widely used that followed his. That time he had a than the Hardanger fiddle. It shouldn't be Steinkjenndal fiddle and he wasn't the worst to broken off from the national lag. If there are play either. He was a good pal of Myklebust. many lag, then there would be many divisions. Hiaasen met Prestmoen on the field at There are some that outlaw the flat fiddle, Kongsberg several times, but he wasn't known but there are competent performers and good at the competition there. He had much contact music, especially in Gudbrandsdal. with fiddlers in Numedal and Sigdal. Hiaasen tells about a Be kapp(eik videotape In Nore the music was greatly inspired by where a young boy plays a waltz in a good music from Tinn. Halvor and Joh Kaasin knew beat on the flat fiddle. It was in 1988. From Engebret well. Halvor was operated on for the radio he'd learned a waltz, "Ungdomsliv", cataracts, but continued to play in his 91st by Hans Geitvik. In Be he heard a girl and boy year. He and Engebret made a recording play it on a street corner; they played well. together. He played a laatt which Engebret had Engebret Hiaasen has not dared to be at heard many, many years before called kappleik these last years because he has "Fjellbekken"; it's actually a Telemark tune. asthma and difficulty getting his breath. But he Engebret heard Alf Tveit play it for dancing at a would have liked to go to Voss because they national competition. A Monica Amundsen of have one of the better competitions. Voss also played it exactly like Halvor did. She had learned it from Lars Ervheim, who, Engebret Source: Under Norefjell, Vol 12, No.1, 1996 believed, had learned it from a Halvor Kaasin Drawing by Havard Stevern tape. Arne Olsen has become very apt in playing. Very good beat. He and Ola Fragatt played together. Both were students of Kjell Evju. "My impression was that when they got a tune

10 IN MEMORY The funeral of Calvin Peterson, former TELFORDHERMAN ANSTEN (March 2, 1922- Landingslag president, took place at Starbuck, Oct 17, 1996) of rural Decorah, lA, passed MN, in January 1997. away at Mabel, MN. Funeral services were held Oct 22 at Madison Lutheran Church, Ridgeway, lA, with burial in its cemetery. EDDIE GRONSETH (July 10, 1911-Sept 8, 1996) of Jewett Lake, Fergus Falls, MN, He is survived by passed away at the Lake Region Nursing three sisters: Hazel Home in that city. and Oscar Skaim, Rosella and Virgil He is survived by his wife, Alice; three Goettelman, Decorah; daughters, Marilyn and Clifford Moen, Erhard, and Gladys and MN; Kathy Kolle, Fergus Falls; Virginia Veazie, Arthur Varon, Edinburg, TX; six grandchildren, Scott and Hesperia, CA, five Jillene Moer;, Aurora, IL; Crystal and John nieces and one Walkup, Bozeman, MT; Kerry Kolle, Kevin and nephew. He was Becky Kolle, Burnsville, MN; Kayla and Sean preceded in death by Sullivan, Fargo, ND; and Lary Veazie, Duluth, his parents and a MN. Four great-grandchildren: Kristian sister, Malene Cash. Moen, Chase Walkup, Jared and Tanner Kolle plus one sister, Olida Wigdahl, Rothsay, and He was born to Henry and Inga Myran Ansten many nieces and nephews. in Madison Township, Winneshiek County, lA, and baptized March 26, 1922, at Madison He was preceded in death by his parents, an Lutheran Church where he was a life-long infant sister Ella, sisters, Inga Haga and Ella member. He confirmed his faith there May Rorvig, and a brother, Tony Gronseth. 23, 1937, and later served on the church council. Born to Ole and Anna Carlsrud Gronseth at his parents home farm in Akron Township, Telford operated the family farm with his Wilkin County, MN, Eddie grew up and father, and continued farming alone after his attended the District #5 School there. father's death. He lived there until 1994 when he became a resident of Green Lea He married Alice Evelyn Amundson June 1, Manor, Mabel, MN. 1941, at the Hamar parsonage in Rothsay, MN. Together they farmed and raised Travel appealed to him and he visited registered Hereford cattle, which won Australia, New Zealand, Alaska, and several numerous awards throughout Minnesota and countries in Europe. He had a zest for other states. dancing which he enjoyed wherever he went.

In 1969 Eddie and Alice moved to Edinburg, He also visited Norway with all of his sisters TX, to begin a second business, the All and a cousin for the stevne held in Eggedal American Mobile Home Park. They were (his area), Sigdal and Kmdsherad in 1986. members of Our Savior's Lutheran Church, (The group had an especially creative visit to McAllen, TX, and long time members of the the western fjords since much of their SigdaI Lag. luggage went initially to Osaka, Japan, instead of Oslo.) He was generous in giving Eddie served on the Rothsay school board and rides to almost every annual stevne because various committees of Hamar Lutheran he was interested in his heritage. Church. In 1966 he and Alice were named Master Farmer and Homemaker for Otter Tail He will be especially missed in his home area, County (MN). Actively involved with the at Green Lea Manor, by his Sons of Norway annual Winter Show at Crookston, he had lodge, and by the Sigdalslag where he was a memberships in the American Hereford long time member and gave it his loyal Association and in the chamber of commerce at Edinburg, TX.

Spending time with his family in Texas and Minnesota was one of Eddie's pleasures along with visiting guests at the mobile home park, landscaping work, and selling fruit from his orchards.

11 Welcome, New Members Join Sigdal Lag For Its 86th Year - 1997 Since October 1996 Full Name/s Date lIn,...... _.lurt ... mlnnr...... _. l!,..hlldren'. nemes) Sharon/Rodney Gilland, Crosby, ND Street ______.2Phone ------

______,Z1P _ Svein Knut Granum, Noresund, Norway

I. II BUSKERUDfamily origin In §IGDAl • !;GGEDAL - ~0DSHERAD? Cynthia Gunhus, Kenyon, MN Ancestor'. Farm Derek Jorgensen, Palm Springs, CA narne name ------.,.~""Fl:I._. ,"TlKT

Church partsh Veer emigrated _ Ralph Jorgensen, Burnaby, B. C.

J.n. - Dec. 1997 DUES include three issues of SAGA newsletter. Roy Jorgensen, Surrey, B.C. $8fyear or $20/3 yrs in US dollars • {NORWAY $10/yr or$2513 yrl Julia Magee, Longmont, CO Mail this fOlm with your check payableto Sigdal Lag to: AmylMichael Michelsen, Fridley, MN Muriel Hoff, Treasurer, 3512 White BeerAvenue White Beer Lake, MN 55110 Belva C. Presler, Pearland, TX

Ruth Ann Walters, St Petersburg, FL

1996-1997 ()fincers TOTEN LAG - TELELAG - SIGDALSLAG - RlNGERlKE-DRAMMEN DISTRICTS LAG

CORRINE L. JOHNSON, President NUMEDALSLAG - HADELAND LAG - LANDINGSLAG 612-831-8637 4575 - 80th St Circle #202 Bloomington, MN 55437 Cordially Invite You DON SKADELAND, 1st VP 402-331-5906 10642 "0" Street Omaha, NE 68127 ATTEND WJY~LAG STEVNE ...- ADDlE WlLLIAMS, 2nd VP North Dakota State J1.Mil!&t: o~cience; WAHPETON, ivt3 612-429-3808 2565 Lake Avenue Mite Bear Lake, MN 55110 -

LEE ROUE, VP/Genealogist 612-432-9767 13465 Garden View Drive Apple Valley, MN 55124

HENRY A, BERG, Secretary 619-327-4648 993 E. Parocela PI. #1 Palm Springs, Cot 92264

MURIEL HOFF, Treasurer 612-777-7395 3512 White Bear Avenue Mite Bear Lake, MN 55110

DEB SHORT/NO, Hisrorian 402-293-5498 2804 Jack Pine St. Bellevue, NE 68123

MARILYN SOMDAHL, EmtorlNSI Rep 612-831-4409 10129 Goodrich Circ/e Bloomington, MN 55437

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