Ringerike - Drammen Districts Lag BREV Serving Ringerike, Hole, Modum, Øvre Eiker, Nedre Eiker, Hurum, Lier, Røyken and Drammen, Norway Vol. 29, No. 3 www.rddlag.org August 2015 Searchable RDD Lag Database SMILE OR SAY CHEESE! Members posed at Fayze’s Restaurant on the stairs before leaving Finds ‘Cousin’ Connections A few dinner guests Lag genealogists Derwyn Anderson departed before the and Marilyn Sorensen have been using group assembled for this picture. Back row: the 4-generation charts that members Barbara Gulbrandsen, submit to find how lag members are Al Stevens, Malcolm related. Members were thrilled at the Maxwell & Sharon Risberg. July stevne in La Crosse to get a print- 2nd tier down: Kirsten ed copy of cousin matches to date. Bornus, Phyllis Max- well, Don Teigen & June Novak. The charts were printed in the BREV 3rd tier: Phyllis Schel- and if you do not have one, please e- lin back of Gloria and Ken Lundblad, Jackie mail to get one for the requested infor- and Derwyn Anderson. mation. 4th tier across: Dave Bornus, Marilyn Sorensen, Marilyn Remember that this lag serves nine Somdahl, Sherrie communities (kommuner) in the east- Framness, Gene and Ardis Danger, who ern part of Buskerud fylke, the middle provided all the photos level of government, similar to a coun- for this issue. ty/state in the US, where there are four In front: President Lynn Nord who was re administrative levels. The national -elected along with all government in Norway is the third tier incumbent officers. and has representation from 20 fylker. Charter members of
our predecessor If you have come across a family ref- lags appear on pag- erence to an ancestral church parish, it es 9 and 10. Please is listed here following the kommune email the editor if or community in which it is found. you are a descend- ent or you know someone who is! Share “Gateway to the Prairie” had excellent Ringerike : Norderhov, Haug, Hønefoss, the pages with others, too, especially those classes, many food demonstraions, Lunder, Viker, Nes, and Ådal. now living in the same towns as those many authors and vendors and a won- Hole: Bønsnes, Hole, Sollihøgda and listed. derful Norwegian band from Tyristrand Modum: Heggen, Nykirke, and Snarum Trøndelag which played at the banquet The Fellesraad or national council of following a bunad parade. Genealo- Eiker: Bakke, Eiker, Haug, Fiskum and bygdelag would like to identify descend- Nedre Eiker ants of charter members and so would our gists were busy. Hurum: Holmsbu, Hurum Filvet, and own lag. Both have 100 year celebrations! Kongsdelene IN THIS ISSUE Røyken: Aros, Nærnes. and Røyken Save the dates — May 5-8, 2016— for 2015 Stevne news & pictures 1, 6, 7, 8 Lier: Frogner, Lier, Sylling, and Tranby the party for all of the bygdelag to be in Fra Presidenten 2 Drammen: Bragernes, Strømsø, and Tangen Brooklyn Center, MN. Modum’s Priest, Eystein Poulsen 3, 4, 5 Welcome, New Members 5 FOUND at STEVNE BANQUET RDD Lag will host the next 7 Lag Visit Your Heritage at Norway House 5 A black spiral-bound note- Stevne and celebrate its own centen- Carmen Holter Obituary 8 book with a green stripe on the edge was nial July 14-16, 2016, at the Holiday Do You Descend from a Charter Member? 9, 10 found at the La Crosse stevne banquet. To Sickness, Healing & Old Superstition 11 claim, e-mail: [email protected] Inn, Austin, MN. Mark your calen- RDD Membership Application 12 dars and invite relatives to join us.
August 2015 RDD BREV Page 1
2015-2016 Officers FRA PRESIDENTEN :
President : Lynn Nord 9640 Vincent Avenue South The month of July is finally over. I say that with Bloomington, MN 55431 equal parts regret and relief! My son Greg married 612-816-9713 a wonderful girl named Esther, right, July 24 in [email protected] Fort Worth, TX. It was hot and a long drive get-
V President: Marilyn Sorensen ting there, but everything else was picture perfect. 4468 Arden View Court They wrote their own vows which blew us all St. Paul, MN 55112 away. Every couple in the room was wishing they 651-633-1329 could be that articu- [email protected] late about their love Secretary: Jackie Anderson for each other, in- 9431 Crestview Court cluding Steve and The 7 Lag Stevne website
nally staking a home for generations. progress, but I am happy to have it live. One of BREV Editor the features is a complete listing of our resource Marilyn D. Somdahl 5100 W. 102 St, #209 The RDD members met at Fayzes, a popular res- materials sorted by kommuner or municipality. Bloomington, MN 55437 taurant downtown. Officers were re-elected by (952) 831-4409 voice vote. We discussed what is coming up for An ‘Emigrant Lag’ should be able to attract new [email protected] members to our site when they google their ances- the lag, especially the 2016 7 Lag Stevne we are Web Master: hosting. We have settled on Austin, MN, at the tors. I am still looking for photos, as it is mostly a Anne Sladky Holiday Inn and Austin Conference Center for test site right now. And photos of your ancestors! 6938 State Hwy 200 NW our location and the dates are July 14-16. Pictures you have taken while visiting in Norway Laporte, MN 56401 or pictures of stevner would be interesting to share. (218) 547-1158 rddwebmaster@ Ringerike Lag was formed 100 years ago and had morwebsteps.com its first stevne in Albert Lea. While Albert Lea Let’s hope the rest of the summer is enjoyable! doesn’t have a facility large enough to host all RDD Lag is an IRS 501 (c) seven groups, we do plan to hold the RDD meeting (3) educational tax-exempt All my best, non-profit organization. there and commemorate our anniversary in a spe- Lynn Your gifts are tax deductible cial way. to the full extent of the law.
Page 2 RDD BREV August 2015
Lunde sogneprest June 9, 1914, but because of ill- Introducing Eystein Poulsen ness he’d already left the beginning of the following year. He had to quit. He had no strength. In the Modum Priest and Humanist summer of 1914 World War I began. I think that Poulsen took the war’s horrors into himself to such a by Jon Mamen degree that he clearly couldn’t work as a priest.
Eystein Poulsen is a name still remembered in Mod- The couple moved to a small farm in Svindal, Østfold. um. Many recall him with gladness and thanks. He It appeared that Andrea’s older sister, Aasne Aarhus, lived just as he taught. He dared to stand for what he bought the place so her sister and brother-in-law had a determined was right, even if it bore a personal cost. place to live. They lived there when their daughter I believe that Jesus was his Signe was born. Poulsen had became a small farmer. model. (The picture is from 1929; source unknown) To Modum—and away again In 1920 Aasne Aarhus bought the farm Gåserud in Adolescence and Studies East Modum and moved there. Eystein and Andrea Poulsen was the son of Vil- Poulsen along with Signe came the same year. Truly, helm Poulsen, a priest or prest, Aasne had managed to keep on top of things for her and his mother was Mina (born sister. Now that the war was over, Eystein, now 40, Ebbestad). Eystein, born in was ready to try to be a priest again, and he got a po- Vinje, Telemark, December 9, sition as the young people’s pastor at Modum. He got 1879, was the second of their six children while his an old schoolroom for living quarters which stood at father was a priest there. After that, his father was a Berg in East Modum. He became an inspirational priest in Seljord where Eystein attended school. He leader in the popular scouting program. After a cou- was confirmed there in 1894. Then he went to Kristi- ple years, his position increased to chaplain, a posi- ania’s Cathedral School and took his University en- tion unfilled since 1919. From 1925-27 he was an trance examination in the natural science curriculum institutional chaplain in Bjørgvin diocese and away in 1897. His father died the same year while serving from Modum. as the main priest or sokneprest in Gran. Among his siblings, his brother was a known architect. He drew Time at Komperud the new Gulsrud Chapel plans after the fire in 1930. In 1927 the position His sister Ragnhild married the author Kristian Elster, of assistant pastor the younger. was open in Modum which Eystein In the census of 1900 Eystein can be found in an sought and got. He apartment in Kristiania. He studied theology. He got to live at the took the University degree in 1903. In the fall came Komperud priest ’s the practical theological exam. Then at age 24 he farm in the service awaited a call as a pastor. He worked as a house quarters. Komperud teacher one year: moreover, he studied German and was an old fash- history at the University. He was overworked and ioned prestegaard hired out as a seaman. He was at sea three years and in Vestre Spone ar- had sailed to Australia. Back in Norway during the ea. It was the cultur- fall of 1909, he was an assistant at Vaterlands church al center in the com- in Kristiania. In 1921 he was secretary for youth of munity and they workers in the Norwegian Kristelige Ungdoms Socie- thrived there. With ty. the poverty of the Poulsen used his bicycle year round. He 1930s it was known carried a little case in the back. In the Shadow of World War I that one could al- In February 1914 Eystein married Andrea Aarhus ways get a meal or a place to sleep at Poulsens, if from Vinje. The same summer he had a call to Lunde needed. He gave away clothes and shoes. Some in Telemark, but he was there less than a year. The thought him kind to a fault, but both Eystein and An- call records stated that Eystein Paulsen came to be drea chose to live this way. (Go to page 4).
August 2015 RDD BREV Page 3
Modum’s Priest and Humanist meant that there was a need for spiritual service also among He used a bicycle year round to get around the community. them. He Besides their daughter Signe, the couple took in foster chil- engaged dren to raise. Poulsen founded a “Help for Young People” himself in group. It was a fund to finance evening school for young court cas- boys to learn a trade. In 1929 he was pictured with 45 es, and he boys he had confirmed in Nykirke and Vestre Spone.(not talked and shown here). He also had sympathy for young unemployed wrote for theologians. On his own he helped them find positions so mild they could prove themselves. Some were ordained and judge- could claim seniority rights for experience. One of these ments of was Herman Kvaase. those who’d War years In 1939 the position of sokneprest (head been on priest) was open in Modum after Peder Bjerkeset. Poulsen the unpop- applied and obtained the post; he was now 60 years of age. ular, losing The family moved to Heggen prestegaard duing February side. He 1940. Shortly afterward the war came to Norway. strived for reconcilia- Poulsen was a pacifist; I believe this was his attitude tion and throughout World War I. He did not encourage one to healing fight. But when the NS (Nasjonal Samling Party or Ger- within the man sympathizers) wanted the metal weight of the church communi- bells, Poulsen refused to give them up. He also called in all ty. He the keys to the churches. He opposed smelting church bells appealed to Birger Hammerstad drew this sketch of his own con- firmation class at Heggen Church. He was confirmed for canon. Easter Day 1942 most of the priests laid down the govern- September 27, 1942. But shortly before Confirma- their official duty to the state, even though they would ment for tion Day, Poulsen was forced out of Modum and serve the people of the church. Some were dismissed; mercy on Buskerud, so Herman Kvaase presided for the ser- Poulsen was one of these. behalf of vice. those Under the five years of German occupation people judged. He wrote newspaper articles, especially about capi- could not celebrate May 17, but they could go to church tal punishment. Not everyone appreciated this. Bishop on Sunday. In 1942 May 17 fell on a Sunday and Bergrav had called for marking a distance from those Poulsen should have services at Heggen Church. Spon- who had belonged to the Nasjonal Samling until they taneously, people flocked to church, partly because of the showed repentance or remorse. But many formerly NS- national Constitution Day. It was an early indication of the folk were thankful toward Poulsen. will of the people to assemble for that day. The priest, Christian Hansteen, was set on the sidelines In the summer Poulsen was driven from his residence and after the war. He was a brother-in-law to Gudbrand Lunde. in the fall driven out of Buskerud county. Poulsens then When Lunde and his wife died, the Hansteens became fos- lived at Konnerud until the liberation of Norway. Skoger ter parents for their children. By then the Hansteen family and Konnerud were in Vestfold county at that time. had moved to Sønsteby. The family’s position was difficult after the liberation. Poulsen let Hansteen have a job in the After the Liberation pastor’s office and, later on, as a priest. After some years, Poulsen made his way back to Modum May 14, 1945, and Hansteen was cleared to serve as a priest. He was named when he and Andrea arrived by train at Vikersund station, assistant pastor in 1950. He was the last priest to reside at many were on hand to receive them. They knew Poulsen Komperud. continued to be a pacifist. He was invited to be on a com- mittee to raise a memorial stone over the war’s fallen, but Retirement years he deferred to Sverre Hov, the chaplain, to be the spiritual Poulsen filled 70 years in 1949. Before he retired, he had member of the committee. set up a house at Heggen (church), which he named “Heggenlia.” He and Andrea moved there. Poulsen con- Many NS-folk (Nazi sympathizers) were arrested and gath- tinued to bike around the community, visiting people. ered in prison camps. Poulsen began to visit them. He (continued to page 5)
Page 4 RDD BREV August 2015
took the first prize in boys’ ski jump- ing competition. The troop leader (later sokneprest) Eystein Poulsen was as congenial as my parents in set- ting a Christian example—and he had a practical grasp on things. From him Carl Rasmussen, Stevens Point, WI I learned to dig myself down in a
snowdrift during the winter, make a Corrine “Corky” Olson, fire in the snow, make food outdoors. Viroqua, WI But none of them guessed to what degree I would use these skills in my Carol Hanson, adult years! Minneapolis, MN
Both articles from Gamle Modum, 29th Karen & Jeff Meinert, year, 2014, published by Modum Histo- Andover, MN rielag; Marilyn D. Somdahl, transla- tor.
Painted by Håkon Kongsrud, this portrait of Visit Your Heritage at Norway House Poulsen hangs in the sacristy in Heggen Church. Jon Mamen photo. An exhibit called “Norwegian former Consul General Thor Johansen of Threads” continues into August at (conclusion) the Royal Norwegian Consulate General Norway House’s Education Build- Poulsen conducted uplifting meetings in Minneapolis, now retired in Norway, ing, 913 East Franklin Street, Minne- at school houses or neighborhood was invited to have the honors with a apolis, MN 55404. It features the houses. He wrote for newspapers and great-sized scissor. It was his initiative in work of Norwegian textile artist Lise 2004 that first brought the idea of a Nor- periodicals. He was unhappy Norway Skjåk Bræk and painter Anne Lang- wegian center forward. became a NATO member. In 1959 sholt Apaydintli. when Christopher Hornsrud celebrat- In mid-July name plaques of varied sizes ed his 100th birthday, Poulsen wrote Joyful, sometimes humorous, paint- had been engraved and were prominently an article in praise of him with the ings give a resonance to one-of-a-kind displayed on a wall across from a social same skeptical attitude Hornsrud had area where beverages and refreshments exquisite dresses with a modern selec- held about NATO. may be ordered from Also Ingebretson’s, tion of materials and colors. There whose main store is a popular Norwegian are 18 or 19 gowns, all with substan- He was an erudite, learned man. He gift and food market on Lake Street. tial price tags, if you wished to have read much. He wrote for the periodi- They also carry many gifts in an intimate one. Worth the trip! Call 612-871- shop setting at Norway House. cal, “Church and Culture.” Titles 2211 for the hours. worth reading today include: “How Bygdelagenes Fellesraad, the national one Becomes a Personality”; “What The exhibit honors the late Hulda Gar- council of bygdelag, met the require- Literature Says”; and “Bjørnson as A borg who is credited with giving the ments for a plaque of $10,000 and 100 Christian: A Character Study”. different customs of folk dress the at- words of engraving, submitted in March. tention she thought might be lost. Each Since it celebrates its 100th anniversary in Andrea died in 1967. Poulsen contin- district had its own traditional patterns 2016 that averages $100 for 100 years. ued to live at Heggen with some hired that she believed needed to be pre- help until his death August 1, 1971, served in each traditional bunad. To date smaller plaques for $2,500 gifts and he is buried at Heggen cemetery. had been engraved from couples or indi- viduals—some whose names you may Norway House will be fundraising to complete future building projects. If you recognize— along with Sigdalslag, More About Eystein Poulsen haven’t visited yet, you should look for an Solørlag, Telelag of America, Totenlag, by Oscar Magnusson ocean blue building whose parking lot is and Vestlandslag. from his book, Jeg vil leve ( I Will Live) shared with the Norwegian Memorial Church, fondly called “Mindekirken.” Norway House offers various categories My father gave great emphasis that of annual Basic or Contributing Member- ships. (Pictures on page 11) we should learn to find our way being Several members of various bygdelag out in nature. He was happy when I attended the official ribbon-cutting and started in the scouting movement and dedication of the building June 14 when
August 2015 RDD BREV Page 5
SCENES from the 29th year of the 7 LAG STEVNE
Peg Schellin’s map says: HERE! Genealogy draws Gloria Lundblad, Irene Navarre and Dick Jones with Derwyn Anderson sharing data as Below, Ardis Danger’s almond cakes were sampled after she gave recipes and hints Al Stevens looks on, center. for good baking results. Other Norwegian foods that were made and demonstrated Carl Rasmussen wears an appro- included lefse, krumkake, heart waffles, fattigmand, and even kransekake. Conven- priate shirt, top right. tion Center Coffee was sold. The hospitality room also showed videos of old, pre- Sandy Hendrickson 1920 prairie churches in the Midwest. mixes it up
Above, Phyllis Maxwell awaits an inquiry. However, Marv Lang, at right, visits and com- Marlene Dingle serves krumhake pares notes with Dave and Kirsten Bornus in the genealogy room. Not shown here were the ven- dors and authors next door who sold books after speaking.
Tracing RDD ancestors on the US map—Malcolm and Phyllis Maxwell. At right, Ken and Gloria Lundblad find something of interest to read. Cheryl Goplin and her husband make lefse
Page 6 RDD BREV August 2015
HELD at La Crosse, Wisconsin—July 9—12, 2015
Gene Danger, Jackie Anderson & Corky Olson say, “HI”. “Trønder Boys” from Norway entertain at the 7 Lag Banquet and Bunad Parade Clockwise, beginning at right: 1) Lynn Nord, Marilyn Sorensen & Kirsten Bornus share online genealogy 2) Marv & Louise Lang Thursday even- ing at dinner 3) Don Teigen, Gene Danger & Derwyn Anderson at the ban- quet 4) Marilyn Somdahl, Al Stevens, Sherrie Framness & Kirsten Bornus at Fayze’s Restaurant 5) Barb Gulbrand- sen orders another Pepsi 6) Marilyn Sorensen and Sonia Thule tackle an unknown genealogical problem online.
Below are Carl Rasmussen, Malcolm and Phyllis Maxwell who seem to have shared a happy story at dinner. Thank Ardis Danger for all the stevne photos.
August 2015 RDD BREV Page 7
Welcome to the NEW Web Site
www.rddlag.org Carmen Jane Holter, age 80, Cohasset, MN, passed away after a lengthy illness on All Saints Day, November Congratulations! Lynn Nord and lag webmaster Anne 2, 2014, in Duluth, MN. The service celebrating her life Sladky have collaborated to create a new lag web site. was November 6 at Zion Lutheran Try it out and see what you can find that was not there Church and her ashes will rest in Zi- previously. Share this with your relatives. on Lutheran Columbarium. As you use it, please email the president what else you Born in Blooming Prairie, MN, to would like to read or find there. See page 2. Guy and Margaret Cooper in 1934, she also lived in Iowa and California Q. Which Members Went to Stevne? before moving to Bemidji, MN. There she graduated from high Answer: Mostly those who have gone previously! school and married Richard Holter in Answer: Those who planned ahead—- June 1952. The couple moved to Answer: The lucky, willing to learn — International Falls, MN, to start their family. Then a final move was to their longtime home in Cohasset. It truly is great to hear good speakers for classes and pro- grams and be with congenial people. Tours and genealogy She is survived by her husband, Richard; children, Patty and good food and a bunad parade—- there is something (Thomas) Baltz, Pequot Lakes, son Randy Carlson, Grand for everyone. You will be welcomed! Plan to save dates Rapids; Julie (Ron) Moser, Maryville, WA; sister, Darlene- for next July now. Myhre, brothers, Carroll and Doyle Cooper, their spouses, nieces, nephews, several in-laws: Joyce, Peggy, and Terry Registering with Ringerike Drammen Districts Lag for the (Cindy) Holter, as well as step-grandsons and great- excellent annual 7 Lag Get Together were Derwyn and grandchildren. She was preceded in death by son Douglas, Jackie Anderson, David and Kirsten Bornus, Gene and Ardis her parents, and brother Raymond. Danger, Sherrie Anderson Framness, Barbara Gulbrandsen, Marvin and Louise Lang, Ken and Gloria Lundblad, Malcolm She enjoyed her flower gardens, bird watching, family trips and Phyllis Maxwell, Lynn Nord, June Novak and her guest, Sharon Risberg, Valerie Pearson, Carl Rasmussen, Peg and gatherings. She was well read and not only collected Nelson Schellin, Marilyn D. Somdahl, Marilyn Sorensen, Al- recipes, she also cooked, baked and shared them with dear lard “Al” Stevens and Don Teigen. (first timers in bold) relatives and friends. Among her special relationships were the years spent as Zion’s church secretary and her Members registered with one of the other six lag included : participation and bygdelag membership, along with her Helen Buche, Deb Nelson Gourley, Eunice Helgeson, Dick husband Dick who has roots in Numedalslågenslag and Holter, Janice Johnson, Richard Jones, Tom Lanman, Marlys RDD. Together they built lag membership as they co- Larsen, Paul D. Larson, Carol Meade, Irene O’Connor Na- edited the Numedal newsletter many years while Dick also varre, David and Lee Rokke, Don Rorvig, and Diane Snell. served as lag genealogist. Al Stevens’ daughters, his son-in law and several other guests attended the banquet. (Sorry, if the editor missed someone; Memorials were suggested to a sign fund at Zion Church. she is doing this from memory!)
It’s time . . To check the ADDRESS LABEL to renew membership or to GIVE A GIFT
See page 12. Renewing members should see 2016 or a later year after your name —especially if you wish to take ad- vantage of reduced Fellesraad Centennial Registration fees before January 15 for that celebration May 5-8, 2016. **RDD publishes FOUR issues of the BREV and invites you to submit family articles, obituaries, corrections, and other timely news….a month before publication. Please note that the next deadline is OCTOBER 1, 2015.
Next year Ringerike Drammens Districts celebrates its own 100th year July 14-16 at Austin, MN. You will not want to miss this event. Please check out the updated web site at a NEW address, www.rddlag.org
Current members may send autobiographies for a lag book to the editor. Pictures, too. Tusen takk! - MDS
Page 8 RDD BREV August 2015
Ringerike Lag Charter Members Ole Ellingsen, Faribault, MN John Johnson, Albert Lea, MN Printed August 1917 in “Samband” Theodor Ellingsen, Faribault, MN J. H. Johnson, Osage, IA Inger Aker, Lafayette, IN Gilbert Ellingson, Fairdale, ND Ole Johnson, Barron, WI Anton Amundson, Hayward, MN Narve Ellingson, Henning, MN O.S. Johnson, Spring Grove, MN A.H. Anderson, St Paul, MN John Engebretsen, Chicago, IL Carl Johnsrud, Kensington, MN Ambrosious Anderson, Carlton, MN Edward Enger, Portland, ND G.E. Johnsrud, Clarks Grove, MN Andrew N. Anderson, Chetek, WI Andrew Erickson, Chicago, IL Gunvold Johnsrud, Albert Lea, MN Mrs. Annette Anderson, Mpls, MN E.C. Erickson, Mabel, MN John Johnsrud, Kensington, MN Emma Anderson, Chicago, IL Elias Erickson, Dalton, MN Erick Jonsrud, Albert Lea, MN Ingval Anderson, Barron, WI Ole Erickson, Rose Lawn, WI Ole Juverud, Henning, MN Oscar Anderson, Cobban, WI Helge Finbraaten, Madison, MN John Kalsbraaten, Henning, MN Rasmus Anderson, Barron, WI K.O. Fjeldbraaten, Hayward, MN C.A. Kastet, Cooperstown, ND Robert Anderson, Albert Lea, MN A.O. Flaskerud, Calmar, IA Johan A. Kastet, Rothsay, MN Anton Arneson, Chicago, IL E.K. Flaskerud, Albert Lea, MN Johan O. Kastet, Rothsay, MN Anton Ask, St Ansgar, IA Ole Flattum, Thief River Falls, MN P.A. Kittilsby, Chicago, IL Ole Ask, Mitchell, IA Mrs. Thea Foss, Chicago, IL Randi Kittilsby, Calmar, IA Arthur Bagaasen, Albert Lea, MN Ole Fossom, Manchester, MN John J. Kjos, Decorah, IA N.C. Bagaasen, Albert Lea, MN Hans Gilbertson, Northwood, IA Helge Klemetson, Thief River Falls, MN Martin Baker, Clear Lake, WI Nils Gilbertson, Fairdale, ND K.E. Knutsen, Faribault, MN Lovise Bakken, Chicago, IL Anna Gislesson, Albert Lea, MN Fredrik Krohn, Mpls, MN Hans Bendikson, Lake Mills, IA Johannes Gordhammer, Kerkoven, MN H. Larson, Syracuse, NE S.K. Berg, Joice, IA Ole Grima, Colfax, WI H.A. Larson, Madison, MN Bernt Bergeson, Hartland, MN C.D. Gulbrandson, Albert Lea, MN Marie Larsen, Chicago, IL Mrs Kari Berkvam, Spring Grove, MN Ellie Gulbrandson, Albert Lea, MN Olaus Larson, Evansville, MN Martin Bjerke, Bristol, SD Einar Gulbrandson, Albert Lea, MN Peter Larson, Albert Lea, MN Ole Bjerke, Mpls, MN Gilbert Gulbrandson, Hayward, MN Andrew A. Lia, Colfax. WI Paul Bjerken, Mpls, MN Mrs Kari Gulbrandson, Albert Lea, MN Carl Lian, Fairdale, ND Ole Blirrud, Spring Grove, MN Rolf Gulbrandson, Hayward, MN Henry Lindelien, Osage, IA Hanna Braatelien, Rothsay, MN *Vegger Gulbrandson, Albert Lea, MN Christian Ludvigsen, Chicago, IL Andrew Braaten, Colfax, WI V.M. Gulbrandson, Mpls, MN Alfred Lunde, Hayward, MN Christian Braaten, Elk Mound, WI E. K. Gryte, Ruthton, MN Earl K. Lunde, Hayward, MN Jacob Braaten, Colfax, WI Herman Hagelsten, Dawson, MN C.O. Lunde, Nora Springs, IA H. A. Braastad, Mpls, MN Mrs Anna Hagen, Eau Claire, WI Gustav Lunde, Nora Springs, IA C. N. Brawthen, Mpls, MN Ole Hallingbye, Osage, IA Lars Lunde, Hayward, MN (died) Andreas Brekke, Chicago, IL Mrs Nils Halvorson, Lonsdale, MN M.R. Lunde, Nora Springs, IA John Bye, Ashby, MN Peter Halvorson, Vining, MN Ole Lunde, Austin, MN Timan Børtnes, Hartland, MN Mrs. Peter Halvorson, Vining, MN Johanne Løbben, Chicago, IL Andreas Christianson, Osage, IA Anton Hamborg, Albert Lea, MN Theodor Martinson, Whalan, MN P.A. Christianson, Osage, IA L.G. Hanson, Grand Meadow, MN Martin Mikkelsen, Chicago, IL Ole Christopherson, Albert Lea, MN Dr. M. A. Hansen, Osage, IA Gulbrand Moen, Albert Lea, MN(died) C. H. Christopherson, Hartland, WI O. P. Hanson, Albert Lea, MN Peter S. Moen, Albert Lea, MN Marit Christofferson, Albert Lea, MN Christian Haugen, Henning, MN Syver W. Moen, Chester, IA Carl Claments, Albertville, WI Ole Haugen, Henning, MN Ole C. Morben, Thief River Falls, MN Alfred Dahl, Hayward, MN Emil Hendrickson, Walnut Grove, Andrew Nackerud, Walnut Grove, MN Dolly Dahl, Chicago, IL MN Karl Hendrickson, Hartland, WI Caroline Narveson, Albert Lea, MN Anton Dammen, Whalan, MN H.E. Herbrandsen, Vining, MN Ole Narveson, Albert Lea, MN Edvard Dammen, Whalan, MN Mrs. Rosa Hofman, Hayward, MN S.O. Narveson, Albert Lea, MN Gilbert Dammen, Walnut Grove, MN J. J. Hove, Hayward, MN Theodore Narveson, Albert Lea, MN Gilbert J. Dammen, Mitchell, IA Elling Isaksen, Albert Lea, MN Belle Nelson, Chicago, IL Iver Dammen, Walnut Grove, MN Mrs. Edward Iverson, Dows, IA O.B. Nelson, Mpls, MN John Dammen, Hayward, MN Thomas Iverson, Albert Lea, MN Edwin Nilson, Glenville, MN Ole Dammen, Albert Lea, MN Jacob Jacobson, Henning, MN Abraham Rygaard, Scarsville, IA Martin Edvartsen, Stanley, WI John Jacobson, Waterville, IA Ole K. Ryhus, Vining, MN Gulbrand Eggerustad, Fairdale, ND Martin Jacobson, Waterville, IA Ole T. Ryhus, Vining, MN Hans Eid, Albert Lea, MN M.O. Jemterud, Portland, ND Edvard Ellingsen, Henning, MN Andrew Johnson, Clarkfield, MN (Continued to next page)
August 2015 RDD BREV Page 9
MORE CHARTER MEMBERS Erik Torgrimson, Grand Meadow, MN Carl J. Johnson Syver T. Ryhus, Henning, MN G.T. Torgrimson, Grand Meadow, MN Hans J. Johnson Hans Odden, Osage, IA Carl A. Toverud, Lake Mills, IA Mrs. O. Johnson Mrs Olava Odden, New Effington, SD Kristian E. Uggen, Colfax, WI Mrs. William Johnson Christian Olsen, Chicago, IL Mrs. A. F. Uggen, Dundas, MN August Klagstad * Ole M. Olsen, Albert Lea, MN Christine Ulfsby, Chicago, IL George N. Klagstad Mrs Oline Olsen, Litchfield, MN L.A. Vangsness, Calmar, IA Magnus Klagstad Ole Klagstad Rasmus Olsen, Spencer, IA Bernt L. Wahl, Racine, MN Peter Knutson Elmer Larson Edward Olson, Mpls, MN E. L. Wahl, Osage, IA Mrs. Mary Larson Isaac Olson, Sherman, SD Ole Wahl, Osage, IA Mrs. H.O. Lobben George Olson, Ross, ND M.B. Wamstad, Nora Springs, IA Miss Marie Lobben Levi Oscar Olson, Osage, IA Trygve Wefring, Mpls, MN Mrs. Lena Nelson E.J. Onstad, Cambridge, WI H.A. Wik, Stettler, Alberta, Canada Christ Nordsiden Wilhelm Onstad, Jackson, MN Ole Odegaard Nels Olander Ole A. Oppegaard, Henning, MN (From RME BREV, April 1990. In the Edward Olson Fred Olson Paul E. Oppegaard, Albert Lea, MN type used the initials I and L are diffi- Sam Olson Ole Anderson Overby Torkel Oppegaard, Henning, MN cult to distinguish). If the name and Mr /Mrs Adolph Peterson Mrs Julius Ostby, Albert Lea, MN address appear to be an ancestor, the Hans Presterud O.O. Refsell Hans N. Owen, Hatton, ND editor would like to hear from current Edward Ruud Rasmus Owen, Thief River Falls, MN descendants of charter members via Jens Skjelbred E. Pedersen, Browerville, MN email. [email protected] Andrew J. Sonju Ole Sonju Gabriel Pederson, Waterville, IA Thea Sonju Hans A. Strand H. F. Pederson, Northwood, IA Modum-Eiker Lag (6/8/1925) J.S. Sulland Kristian Svendsby Ole Pederson, Barron, WI Charter Members Follow Dorthea Syverson Erick Rasmussen, Chetek, WI Hans Aasmunderud Mr/Mrs Thomas Thompson Fredrik Ring, Libertyville, IL A. N. Ambla *(2nd random listing below) A.O. Ringerud, Portland, ND (died) Augusta Ambla Trygve Amundrud Olaus Ringerud, Sedan, MN C. N. Ambla Ole Austerud Thorwald Rosby, Faribault, MN Pete Amundrud Mr/ Mrs. C.G. Doshland Mrs Gunhild Rosendal, Spring Grove Carl Anderson Mrs. Nettie Drolsum E.K. Roverud, Caledonia, MN Carl J. Austrud Jeanette L. Dyer Gerhard A. Roverud, Spring Grove Mr/Mrs Hans A. Bergh Albert C. Engebretson John W. Rud, Spring Grove, MN Ragna Christianson K.A. Fernberg/Jernberg? Marie Sandager, Calmar, IA Louis C. Dahl John A. Finrud Anna Forsber E. Schoyen, Mankato, MN John O. Doxrud Mrs. M. Galchuett Anton Setrang, Chicago, IL Albert Flattum Jens P. Jensen F. F. Sætrang, Waterville, IA Jens H. Flattum Bernhard Johnson P.E.. Simon, Dalton, MN Andrea L. Fogdrud Marie Knutson Marie Monson Olava Simonson, Chicago, IL H. A. Foss O.P. Monson Lewis Sivertsen, Casper, WY Halfdan Anderson Foss Gottfred Nelson Carl A. Ness, L.B. Skattum, Hills, MN Helga Grefstad Even Nilson Sam Olson Gilbert Skaug, Hayward, MN Mrs. H. A. Gordon Harold Opsahl A.O. Smedal, Albert Lea Christian P. Gundhus Mrs Andrine Opsahl Even Solberg, Spring Grove Olaf A. Gronlund Olaf Overby, Nils H. Solie, Spring Grove Gilbert Hanson Mrs H.P. Rude Aksel Solhjem, Petrel, ND Harold Hanson Olaf Syverson Gust Sorenson, Rice Lake, WI Mrs. J. C. Hanson Einar Tandberg, Jorgen Sorum, Barnesville, MN Carl August Hauge C. Teien Thorwald T. Strøm, Spring Grove Ingvald Hauge O.H. Tempte B. J. Støa, Austin, MN Nels P. Haugen (BREV Feb 1995) Elling Støa, Buxton, ND Karsten Haugerud Copy these two pages for others in John J. Støa, Albert Lea Tom Heggen your family to view! Knut J. Støa, Albert Lea Gottfred Hilsen Martin T. Støa, Austin, MN Sigurd Holtan M.A. Tesland, Hayward, MN John Honerud Alfred Thoreson, Spring Grove, MN Mr/ Mrs Anders Horne Thorwald Thoreson, Evansville, MN
Page 10 RDD BREV August 2015
At the Norway House Exhibit: Hulda Garborg in poster, left, and paintings behind model. My wife helped me get the boots and stockings off. Oh, my goodness, how it hurt! My leg was so swollen and the ankle was about double in size and completely dark blue. I was lying on the sofa and feeling intense pain while I waited for the woman.
It seemed to be an eternity be- fore she arrived. Finally she came. She was short and skinny and very reserved in her de- meanor. “Do you have a knife with good steel in it?” That was her question after the customary greeting. My wife gave her a shaving knife. The woman found a piece of wood in the SICKNESS, HEALING wood box and then the treatment began. She came very slowly AND OLD SUPERSTITION over to me. She touched the shaving knife down the sore foot by Andreas Gjerstad while she mumbled something—probably swearing! I didn’t understand the words. Then she touched the knife to the piece We believe the story could possibly be about a merchant named of wood and this maneuver was repeated three times, the en- Gjerstad. The lady who healed him was Stina Tangen, known to tire time with very slow mumbling. be a healer. She lived from 1860-1942 and she was married to Carl Geithus who lived from 1859-1954. One of her grandpar- When she had finished stroking my foot the third time, she ents was Solveig Skalstad. said, “Now it will be just as long until you are well as from
the time you fell down until now.” I looked at the clock Some 300 years ago people came to Norway from Finland and and figured I was going to be well by 12 midnight. settled in an area of Modum called Finnemarka. They built houses and farmed the fields. The group was known as the The time was passing very slowly and I willingly admit that I Glomsrudkollen. In addition to being farmers, they seemed to had little faith in this little woman. I thought the entire time know how to heal illnesses and diseases, about the doctor and lead water but de- stop bleeding and to order snakes to go cided to wait until midnight before we into a fire—like magic. They also cured In addition to being farmers, went to bring Dr. Svensen. At 10 diseases in animals. Because they bore they seemed to know how to heal o’clock the woman had eaten and left. such good traits, everyone was nice to illnesses and diseases, stop She didn’t want any payment. them and treated them well. Ancestors of bleeding and to order snakes to the Glomsrudkollen continue to live in go into a fire— like magic. I asked the others to go to bed and I was this area today. lying there alone with my thoughts. At
11 PM my leg was just as swollen and painful. The time went In 1912 I was building a house in Geithus. I’d made good s-l-o-w-l-y and my faith in the procedure was lacking. As the progress and was about to install the large beam between first hands of the clock neared midnight, I hadn’t noticed any and second floor. The floor was open down to the basement. change. Then I heard the clock strike 12: all of a sudden I no Unfortunately, I slid on one of those beams and fell down to longer felt pain. Even when I stood up and stood on the leg, the basement. While I landed on my feet, the uneven floor there was no pain whatsoever. I did a little dance on the floor! caused one of my legs to become twisted. It was some time The leg was and remains good. Since that time I never had before I could free myself and crawl to my nearby home and any pain in that leg. A better doctor I have never had! into bed.
Source: Gamle Modum, the 13th year, 1998. Translated by I asked my wife to have our helper boy run for Dr. Edvin Else Sevig and transcribed by Ardis Danger. Svensen. Dr. Svensen told him I could come, but there was a lady here at Geithus who can do miracles and you could get better right away. I can’t say that I had any faith in this wom- an, but since the doctor recommended her, my wife called her.
August 2015 RDD BREV Page 11
RINGERIKE DRAMMEN DISTRICTS LAG, Inc. 5100 West 102nd St, #209 Bloomington, MN 55437-2567
R-DD BREV Editor Marilyn D. Somdahl Published February, May, August, November
FIRST CLASS
Serving Norwegian-Americans with ancestry in nine communities: Ringerike, Hole, Modum, Øvre Eiker, Nedre Eiker, Hurum, Lier, Røyken and Drammen, Norway
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION for RINGERIKE DRAMMEN DISTRICTS LAG
2016 Dues per household: [ ] $12 one year [ ] $33 three years [ ] $50 five years
Membership year starts January 1 and expires December 31 [ ] New [ ] Renewal [ ] Gift
Please use this form for (*) changes in any contact information by marking with an X — so the BREV can keep current
*Name *Email
Street *Phone
City & State Zip
Family Origin in RDD if known—circle only one. If you have other emigrants from RDD, use a separate form for each. Ringerike Hole Modum Øvre Eiker Nedre Eiker Hurum Lier Røyken Drammen
Ancestor Given Name & Patronymic Birth parish if known
Farm Name if known Year emigrated if known
COMPLETE & MAIL with check payable to “RDD Lag” to Lag Treasurer:
Page 12 RDD BREV August 2015