September 2011

Celebrating July 4th in SHA Park

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P WHAT’S INSIDE President’s message ...... 2 Sigdal visitors bring gifts ...... 8-9 From the office; calendar ...... 3 Scandinavian Heritage: Kalevala . . . 10-11 Young folks volunteer in SHA Park . . . . 4 Gift annuity/membership form ...... 12 Picture this: SHA hosts July 4 festival . . 4 Scandinavian Society reports ...... 13-15 Nordic Roots Workshop, Sept. 27 ...... 5 Tracing Your Scandinavian Roots: Norsk Høstfest is a ‘GO’! ...... 6-7 10 tips for scaling brick walls ...... 16 Page 2 • September 2011 • SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS

President’s MESSAGE Scandinavian Heritage News Vol. 24, Issue 56 • September 2011 Published quarterly by Flood aftermath: A time The Scandinavian Heritage Assn . 1020 South Broadway for rebuilding and renewal 701/852-9161 • P.O. Box 862 by Gail Peterson, president I was honored to Minot, ND 58702 Scandinavian Heritage Association accept on behalf e-mail: [email protected] of the organiza - Website: scandinavianheritage.org t is hard to believe our summer is tion. We hung one Gail Peterson Newsletter Committee coming to an end, and for many of of the lanterns Lois Matson, Chair Ius it feels like it never started. This immediately. What a perfect time for Al Larson, Carroll Erickson devastating flood has impacted all of these gifts, for this year marks the 20th Jo Ann Winistorfer, Editor our lives. anniversary of the Sigdal House’s res - Many of our members and board urrection in our park. (See the com - 701/487-3312 members were flooded, myself in - plete story on pages 8 and 9.) [email protected] cluded. My home is on the river, and We were unable to have our North Al Larson, Publisher – 701/852-5552 the water reached to 9 feet on the main Dakota State Fair in Minot this year, floor. Thanks go to my family, fellow but we received great news that Norsk church members and military friends; Høstfest will still be held (see calendar SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE their support has been invaluable. Our and article in this issue). ASSOCIATION own treasurer, Sue Weston, brought her Although there were cancellations, 1020 South Broadway • P.O. Box 862 tractor out, and we moved mountains. we still held many events in the park. Minot, North Dakota 58702 We were disappointed that we had The Festival of the Parks on July 4 Phone 701/852-9161 to cancel our Midsummer Night festi - drew a very large crowd, and was a 2011 O FFICERS val, but because of the closed roads great event for the entire family. We Gail Peterson President and traffic flow, we did not think it are grateful that our park is high and Peder Rice Vice President was feasible. dry and still open to visitors. Marion Anderson Secretary Sue Weston Treasurer On a happier note, we had visitors Thank you to all in our community from on July 13 and 14. Sigrid who are helping flood victims. God BOARD OF DIRECTORS Kvisle, director of the Sigdal Museum, bless you. Hopefully in the spring, we Three-year terms ending January 2014 accompanied the group and made a can rebuild. Jerome Jorgenson Jim Maragos Even though our city has experi - Lois Matson Peder Rice presentation of gifts to the Scandina - Bob Sando Ernie Selland vian Heritage Association. Sigrid pre - enced great devastation, it is how we Joan Varty Neil Zimmerman sented me with two antique lamps to react that makes our community so strong and special. • Three-year terms ending January 2013 display inside the Sigdal House, which Marion Anderson Ron Bieri Liz Gjellstad Jana Hennix Gail Peterson Virgil Rude Three-year terms ending January 2012 Myron Anderson Eva Goodman Tha—nTkheySocaundtinoavoiaunrHearidtavgeerAtsissne. rs! Erv Johnson John Sinn Doris Slaaten Robert Whetter Jo Ann Winistorfer One-year appointees to January 2012 Adelaide Johnson Everett Olson Les Strege Sue Weston Bob Wheeler Verla Rostad, Office Manager Ex-Officio Members Carroll Erickson , Past President • 176 Spacious Rooms • Beauty Salon • Minot’s Finest Corporate Bruce Christenson , Past President • Indoor Heated Pool • Pavilion Restaurant Club Allen O. Larson, Past President • Two Whirlpools • Ground Round Bar & Grill • Oasis Lounge & Casino Roald Mattson, Past President • Sauna • Minot’s Largest Convention Center • Gift Shop George Officer, Past President • Game Room 2200 Burdick Expressway East, Box 2228, Minot, ND 58702 Mark Anderson, Past President Phone (701) 852-2504 • Fax (701) 852-2630 Toll Free 1-800-468-9968 Directors Emeritus Velkommen Til Marian Bergan, Director Emeritus Norsk Høstfest! Doralyn Brown, Director Emeritus Jeanne McNea, Director Emeritus Helen Haaland, Director Emeritus SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS • September 2011 • Page 3

From the OFFICE CALENDAR Flood interfered with park plans FALL 2011 by Verla Rostad Oak Park. People • Nordic Roots Genealogy SHA office manager quickly adapted Workshop, Tuesday, Sept. 27, to the amphithe - 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., lower level, hortly after the last newsletter ar - ater setting of the Scandinavian Heritage Center rived in your mailbox—all things hill near the Gol headquarters building, Minot Schanged in Minot! The front cover of Stave Church as (Focus: Norwegian genealogy) the June newsletter included a festive performing picture of the Scandinavian Heritage artists enjoyed Park promising that food, fun and en - shelter from the tertainment would be found at the Mid - sun under the summer Night Festival on June 24. Pavilion facing That was the plan. However, Mother the hill. The final Nature had a much different plan. In - Verla Rostad concert by The stead of celebrating the coming of sum - Treble Makers mer on June 24, citizens of the Minot drew a huge crowd, who also enjoyed area found themselves awaiting the gyros and baklava served by St. Peter’s coming crest of the swelling Mouse Church and root beer floats by Thor River. It was decided early in the week Lodge Sons of Norway. To add to the between sandbagging and evacuating “at the hop” atmosphere, many girls of our homes that the festival should be all ages wore poodle skirts, and the • Norsk Høstfest, Wednesday cancelled. It was not rescheduled, as Dakota Cruisers classic car club had thru Saturday, Sept. 28-Oct. 1; when the river finally did reach its crest, their cars on display in the parking lot. opening concert on Tuesday, it left in its path a devastated city. In addition to the Arts in the Parks Sept. 27, at 7:30 p.m. For de- Fortunately the Scandinavian Her - concerts, the picnic shelter has been a tails and ticket information, itage Park sits high atop Minot’s South popular site for group outings such as visit hostfest.com Hill and unlike most of the other parks family reunions, company and service NEXT NEWSLETTER DEADLINE: in town remained untouched by the club picnics, church groups, wedding Copy and pictures—Nov. 15, 2011 flood waters. receptions and rehearsal dinners. Sev - Printing date—Dec. 1, 2011 Even before the river crested on June eral senior living facilities have brought 26, brides were calling our office to groups as well. The number of outdoor check availability of the park for out - weddings is up this year, too. Some door weddings that had to be relocated days I feel like a football coach running from flooded Oak and Roosevelt parks. “two-a-days”! The sign on the door explains to visitors Early the next week, plans were made At the beginning of the season I was that we look forward to returning to ex - to move the annual 4th of July Festival so excited to say that the park buildings tended hours next year. Few have of the Parks from Roosevelt Park to would be open. with volunteers present voiced their disappointment. Scandinavian Heritage Park. With the every evening Monday through Friday It is unfortunate, since with so many sponsorship of Baker Hughes, a “bigger until 9 p.m., as well as Saturdays until 4 local people in the park for activities at and better” version of the annual cele - p.m. and Sunday afternoons. When the the picnic shelter, it would be a great bration became a reality. impact of the flood was realized, it be - time to “show off” all the park has to Timing was very good. As the city came apparent that would not be possi - offer. But it just isn’t to be. So instead, waited for the water to recede, people ble. Several of our volunteers were we work on greeting visitors and mak - came together for a fun-filled day of directly affected by the flood with ing them feel welcome when they come, food, entertainment, clowns, bouncy homes damaged or destroyed. Others and managing the schedule to accom - houses and carnival games while shar - have close friends and family who have modate as many groups as we can with ing stories and exchanging cell phone damaged homes. People found they our facility. For smaller groups, the sin - numbers. It certainly gave the Scandina - had to reprioritize how they use their gle table shelter and a few extra picnic vian Heritage Park a chance to shine! volunteer time, with the need to help tables work well when the larger picnic The rest of the summer has proven themselves and others. shelter is already booked. to be very busy in the park. The Nordic With no consistency from day-to-day My hope is that next year our volun - Pavilion Picnic Shelter became the 2011 or week-to-week in our team of volun - teer team will be back in place for home for the Minot Area Council of the teers, we decided to have the buildings evening hours, and many of the same Arts “Arts in the Parks” summer con - open only during daytime hours of 9 people will come back to the Scandina - cert series, which is normally held at a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday. vian Heritage Park for their outings! • Page 4 • September 2011 • SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS

Young folks volunteer at SHA Park e have the faces of youth among our volunteers this summer! Fif - Wteen-year-old Alex Westman of Saw- yer was looking for a way to spend his summer, and asked about volunteer - ing at the Scandinavian Heritage Park. Alex has attended Høstfest every year since he was a little boy, and he loves his Scandinavian heritage. He has be - come a regular around the park— sometimes helping out in the Gift Shop, sometimes helping with grounds maintenance and often serv - ing as a greeter in the Sigdal House or the Gol Stave Church. Alex’s activities and interests include golf, camping and hunting. He also plays basketball. Elijah Rockhold, a seventh grader Volunteers come in all ages! This summer we were lucky to have Elijah Rockhold (left) and at Jim Hill Middle School, volunteered Alex Westman (shown at right with park maintenance guru/SHA director John Sinn) help - for 15 hours as part of the Character ing out in the gift shop and the grounds. Leadership Foundation Mentorship Program. Elijah also worked in the electronics watching YouTube videos, and playing airsoft. Elijah’s dad is in Gift Shop as a greeter and helped with creating cartoons and making music. the Air Force; the family lived in Japan light maintenance around the park. He likes school, with math being his before coming to Minot. Elijah was Elijah loves music—he plays piano, favorite subject. He also likes to hang born in Iowa; the family have also guitar and violin, he likes to ride his out with his friends going to the mall, lived in Texas and Las Vegas. Elijah• has bike, and he spends a lot of time with riding bikes around the neighborhood one older brother and three dogs.

PICTURE THIS! SHA Park hosts 4th of July Clowns, carnival games, entertainment by the city band (see cover) and lots of food and fun were on the agenda as SHA Park hosted Minot’s Fourth of July Festival this year. (See details on page 3.) The party’s usual site, Roosevelt Park, suffered flood damage— giving us a chance to show off our beautiful park! • SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS • September 2011 • Page 5

DISCOVER YOUR FAMILY HISTORY: DIGITAL HERITAGE WORKSHOP Nordic Roots Workshop for RVers and others TUESDAY, SEPT. 27 • 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. • SHA, MINOT A separate afternoon workshop is being planned for Mon., Sept. 26, in Minot. The • Internet research—Jeanne Narum, refer - s there a Viking or two workshop will focus on family story - lurking in your family ence librarian, Minot Public Library • The hunt for Ole Olson: a research case telling, genealogy and media arts that history? Are you de - document and preserve heri tage in digi - Iscended from Scandina - study—Jo Ann Winistorfer, co-author, “Trac - tal ways. The session covers resources vian royalty? Might your ing Your Dakota Roots” family tree have sprouted a few “nuts” • Norway’s digital archives—Deb Nelson involved in creating photo books, among its fruits? Gourley, author and publisher of Norse-Eng - recording family stories for e-books, Here’s your chance to learn how and lish bilingual books producing multi-media DVDs, and creat - where to “dig” for these interesting ancestors • Creating a coat of arms—Scott Aberle, ing a Family Wiki (shared, dedicated, se - heraldic researcher in your family history. cure Website). Travelogues using social The Nordic Roots Workshop takes place Breaks will feature Scandinavian treats; a box lunch will be served at noon. Also on the media are also discussed. The goal is to from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 27, organize a support group for RVers with in the lower level of the Scandinavian Heri- agenda: guided tours of beautiful SHA Park. Internet access that continues online tage Center, located at the corner of 11th Av - Whether you’re a beginner or well along enue and South Broadway, Minot. The focus in your research, you’re bound to glean new following the workshop. ideas for finding your ancestors. of this in-depth Scandinavian genealogy If interested, e-mail contact info to: workshop will be on Norwegian heritage. Cost of the workshop is $30 per person [email protected] Sessions and instructors are as follows: ($50 for a married couple sharing the same • Beginning genealogy—Cathy Langemo, handouts). Pre-registration is required by This new N.D. nonprofit organization is co-author, “Tracing Your Dakota Roots” Sept. 12 for planning and meal purposes. dedicated to teaching media arts as a • Norwegian genealogy—Iona Loken, The workshop is sponsored by the Scandi - means of preserving family heritage. genealogist and researcher navian Heritage Association of Minot. For • Find-a-Grave—Herb Schwede, researcher more information, call (701) 852-9161. •

My genealogy experience level: PRE-REGISTRATION FORM  Beginning  Medium  Advanced Mail to: Nordic Roots Workshop 2011 Area(s) I am researching: c/o SHA, P.O. Box 862, Minot, ND 58502  Norway      Others (list) I plan to attend the Nordic Roots Genealogy Workshop, taking place on Tuesday, Sept. 27, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 ______p.m. in the basement of the Scandinavian Heritage Asso - ciation headquarters building, 1020 S. Broadway, Minot. Area(s) of Norway I am researching: ______Price includes workshop, genealogy handouts and a light lunch. (Seating is limited; participants must pre- ______register by Sept. 12 to guarantee a spot.)

I enclose: $______(Check or money order) TENTATIVE WORKSHOP SCHEDULE: —$30 per person —Beginning genealogy —$50 per married couple sharing same handouts —Norwegian genealogy —Find-A-Grave searches Name(s): ______—Internet resources Name(s): ______—Finding Ole Olson (research study) Address: ______—Norway’s digital archives —Creating a coat of arms ______

Phone: ______Sponsored by: —Scandinavian Heritage Association E-mail: ______Page 6 • September 2011 • SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS

Norsk Høstfest is a ‘go’! FLOOD CAN’T DAMPEN FESTIVAL’S SPIRIT

he question on the minds of lots of America’s largest Scandinavian festi - an ocean of booths featuring artisans folks has been, how has the Minot val—will bring history and heritage and crafters from both sides of the Tarea’s historic and devastating flood alive for four full days this fall. ocean, selling handcrafted items and affected Norsk Høstfest? Will there be Things begin rolling Tuesday demonstrating their skills. a Høstfest in 2011? evening (Sept. 27) with a Great Hall of Look for exciting new acts and ex - The answer is a resounding “YES!” the Vikings opening night concert by hibits, along with returning favorites. Sandbags, heavy equipment and lots of country singing sensation Martina Free stages feature entertainment by hard work on the part of volunteers, McBride. Other Great Hall stars during the Oak Ridge Boys, Norwegian coun - National Guard troops, city workers the week include Trace Adkins, the try artist Bjøro Haaland, Williams & and crews rescued the All Seasons Judds, and the Gaither gospel group, Ree (the Indian and the White Guy Arena from the clutches of the Mouse returning for a Gaither Høstfest comedy team), the new-to-Høstfest River. Warehouses where Høstfest sup - Homecoming. On Saturday afternoon, Lowe Family entertainers, and the Tele - plies are stored experienced water all-time Høstfest favorite entertainer graph Road and Boundary Water Boys damage, but cleanup continues and all Charley Pride performs for his many bands. will be ready well before Høstfest time. fans. Tickets to each of these perform - For the cost of daily general admis - So be assured: the show will go on as ances are $58 and $65, which includes sion ($35), you can catch any or all of planned! the cost of general admission. Norsk Høstfest’s free stage acts and Mark the dates on your calendar— For the rest of the week, Minot’s All partake in Høstfest activities. General Wednesday through Saturday, Sept. 28 Seasons Arena magically transforms admission is free to active-duty mili - through Oct. 1, for family fun and en - into a Scandinavian extravaganza, tary personnel and their families dur - tertainment with a Nordic touch. The with entertainment by top performers, ing Military Days, which run all four 34th annual Norsk Høstfest—North a vast International Marketplace, and full days of Høstfest. In addition, Fam - SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS • September 2011 • Page 7

GREAT HALL OF VIKINGS STARS • Tues., Sept. 27 - Sat., Oct. 1

• Martina McBride — Opening night, Sept. 27, 7:30 p.m.; Sept. 28, 1 p.m. • Trace Adkins — Sept. 28, 7:30 p.m.; Sept. 29, 1 p.m. • The Judds — Sept. 29, 7:30 p.m.; Sept. 30, 1 p.m. • Gaither Høstfest Homecoming — Sept. 30, 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 1, 7:30 p.m. • Charley Pride — Oct. 1, 1 p.m. only ily Fun Days take place at 4 p.m. all And while you’re there, check out Hall, where the Scandina - four days of Høstfest; families (par - the ethnic food booths sponsored by vian Heritage Society will be selling ents accompanied by kids) can enjoy our SHA member organizations: Sons books, calendars and more, all related Høstfest general admission free of of Norway, the Finnish Society, the to things Nordic. charge. Icelandic Society and more. Treat Yes, Norsk Høstfest is a definite Come to Norsk Høstfest and you’ll yourself to some Finnish “mojakka” “go” this year. Don’t miss it! • see why the American Bus Associa - stew, Norse lutefisk, Swedish meat - — — — tion has once again included the festi - balls, Danish aebelskivers, Icelandic For further information, visit val among its Top 100 tourist wedding and more. Also check hostfest.com or call the Norsk Høstfest destinations in the U.S. out the Norsk Høstfest Bookstore in office at (701) 852-2368.

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We are proud of our Swedish Heritage via the Quist and Chelgren (Johnson) lineages. Page 8 • September 2011 • SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS From Norway to SHA Park: Sigdal visitors bring gifts

by Verla Rostad

marks the 20th anniversary of the ar - 2011rival of the Sigdal Log House in Minot. It was the second building to be placed in the Scandina - vian Heritage Park. This summer, we had some special visitors to the park who were especially interested in the Sidgal House. Two separate groups of travelers who were on their way to the 7-Lag Stevne, which was held in Fargo July 14-17, stopped to see the park and the Sigdal Log House. The first group came on July 13. Among them was Jens Stør. Jens’s great-grandmother, Marta Ølesdatter Vatnås, was born in the Sigdal House in Norway. The next day brought us more visitors from Sigdal with connec tions to the Sigdal House—and they came bearing gifts! Torill Lien, mother of Endre Lien, was among the visitors July 14. Endre was a young man 20 years ago when he came to Minot with Arne Svarstad to r reassemble the Sigdal House. Scandinavian Heritage e f r Association board member Marion Anderson was here o t s to greet the mother of the young craftsman who had i n i stayed at her house while in Minot.

W Also in that group was Olaf Vatnås, who grew up n n near the farm where the Sigdal House originally stood. A o He remembered sitting at the table when the house was J d in Norway. He posed for a photo at the table once n a again. d a Sigrid Kvisle, director of the Sigdal Museum, was t s o also with the July 14 group. Sigrid made a presentation

R of two antique lamps—one which hangs from a ceiling a l r beam and the other a wall lamp. The lamps were pur - e

V chased by the previous director of the museum, Håvard y b Stôvern, at an auction some years ago. Mr. Stôvern died S o t Sigdal Museum director Sigrid Kvisle brought two antique lamps in July 2006 but wanted the lamps to find their home in o h (including the hanging lamp above) for SHA Park’s Sigdal House. the Sigdal House in the Scandinavian Heritage Park. P Scandinavian Heritage Association president Gail Peterson also accepted a framed print of the only known image of the Holmen Gamle Kirke, the oldest known church in Norway, which is located in Sigdal. The stavkirke was built in the 1100s and was demol - ished in 1854. The drawing was done in 1845 by Kaja Stub, the priest’s daughter, as seen from the vicarage. Birger Moen, journalist with Bygdeposten, was also traveling with the July 14 group. He presented us with a copy of the newspaper article that told of the Sigdal House coming to North Dakota and with it, an English translation. Marion Anderson (left) greets Torill The Sigdal visitors were impressed with the Scandi - Lien, mother of a visitor she hosted 20 navian Heritage Park and were glad to see the Sigdal years ago when he was in Minot to Log House has such a good home. • help reassemble the Sigdal House. SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS • September 2011 • Page 9

SHA president Gail Peterson (left) accepts a photo of Holmen Gamle Kirke, a stave church located in Sigdal, from Sigrid Kvisle.

Ole Vatnås Jens Stør

Visitor Olav Vatnås (left) remembers sitting at the table when the old log house was still in Sigdal! Right: Jens Hans Christian Anderson Stør’s great-grandmother was born in the Sigdal House. wears a flower crown A young Swedish girl, Carrie Otto, helped assemble crowns of artificial flowers for visitors to SHA Park for the Midsommar Night festival originally scheduled for June 24. Unfortunately, the event was cancelled due to the devastating Minot flood. Here, Carrie shares her crown with Danish author Hans Christian An - derson, a featured sculpture in SHA Park. (See page 13) •

THE HEART of a community is reflected in the quality of its parks. Bygdeposten journalist Birger Moen (right) gifted SHA with a newspaper article on the Sigdal House’s journey MINOT PARK DISTRICT from Norway to Minot, North Dakota. 420 Third Avenue SW • 857-4136 Page 10 • September 2011 • SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS

States when other nations defaulted. Until 1548 Finnish was only a spo - The Scandinavian Heritage • 23 ken language, not a written one. Michael Agricola, the bishop of Turku*, who had studied under Mar - Finland: Land of the Kalevala tin Luther and Philip Melancthon inland is little understood by the One word best describes the (early Lutheran Church founders), rest of the world, but five million Finnish character: “sisu.” It really can - published their first alphabet book Finns (Suomi) are very happy to live not be translated but means, “I may and translated the Bible. there. For over 700 years, Finland was not win, but I will give my life gladly The old stories of Finland’s past ruled by outside powers, first by Swe - for what I believe.” have been preserved in a special book den and then by Russia. But all during This is the spirit that enabled Finns called “Kalevala.” Elias Lönnrot, a this time, they had a sense of their to such patriotism in resisting Stalin’s physician, went back to the ancient own identity. 1939-40 invasion. It was also runes to put these together. They were the spirit that gave them the taken from songs which were sung by determination to pay their people facing each other on opposite war debts to the United benches. Finlan d’s national epic The Kalevala, a compilation of ancient folklore and mythology gathered from across Finland, was compiled in the 1800s by Elias Lönnrot (left), a physician as well as a literary scholar and linguist. Lönn rot’s research trips took him to outlying villages in Karelia, where he recorded Finnish folk poems called runos, performed by local singers. The completed project represents the literary heritage of the Finnish people. Regarded as the national epic of Finland, it is one of the most significant works of Finnish literature. The Kalevala, translated into 60 languages worldwide, has had a pro - found impact on Finnish national pride.

CONVENIENT d, Ve rendrye Elect ric d Foo CARE CLINIC “Goo nks” e Dri Coo pera tive Health Center – Medical Arts sNic Minot - Velva 400 Burdick Expy E. • Minot SM for Reservations, A Touchstone Energ y Mon.-Fri. – 9 am-6 pm Partner Cooperative Sat.-Sun. – Noon-6 pm call 70 1-83 7-1010 The power of human connections For appointments call Walk-Ins Welcome 857-7817 (weekdays) 10 North Main St. or 857-7383 (weekends) Minot, ND 58703 Open Tuesday–Saturday 4:00 pm – Close 701.85 2.0406 & 1. 80 0.47 2.214 1 SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS • September 2011 • Page 11

The “Kalevala,” published in 1835, came at the same time that the na - tional spirit of Finland began to rise. In 1808, the Russians had taken over the country from Sweden. The Finns had T-L gotten used to Swedish rule, but the oppressive spirit of the czars was too THOMPSON-LARSON much for them. Even though the Kalevala was pre- FUNERAL HOME G Christian, the Finnish spirit was A O

H “Caring Friends… aroused to pride and patriotism. They - N N were ready for their freedom in 1917 I Caring For Families” F

when the Russian government fell. T A P The Finnish people have deep so - Y R

cial concerns. Not only do they have A M social security and medical insurance Y Caring for you through all B for everyone, but the Finns were the O the stages of your life. T

first to give women the right to vote. O H

Most women in Finland have ca - P reers outside the home, many of them in medicine, teaching and govern - Author Arland Fiske ment. To help with the care of chil - dren, they employ “park aunties,” Editor’s note: This column is the 23rd in who are professional baby-sitters. Full Service Pharmacy Equal rights for women is not an a series by former Minot pastor, Arland issue in any of the Scandinavian coun - Fiske (now living in Texas), retired from Phone: 701-858-6700 ministry in the Evangelical Lutheran Toll Free: 1-800-841-7321 tries; it is taken for granted. www.centerforfamilymedicine.net Finland is 99 percent literate and Church in America. Fiske has written 1201 11th Ave. SW • Minot, ND 58701 has a high priority for science and ed - nine books on Scandinavian heritage. The ucation. It is far advanced in the field chapter reprinted here is from his book, of mental health. Social legislation, “The Scandinavian Heritage.” however, costs a lot of money, and taxes are high. But the cost of having slums and an uneducated populace is perity are not private pursuits, but even higher. A low crime rate is one of rather goals for all the people. A so - the benefits of this system. The Finns cially responsible capitalism seems to have learned that survival and pros - be working for them. •

*Turku: Located at the mouth of the Aura River in southwestern Finland. Although archaeological findings in the area date back to the Stone Age, the town of Turku was founded in late 13th century. To this day, the city's identity stems from its status as the 1831 BURDICK EXPRESSWAY WEST • MINOT oldest city in Finland and the country's first capital. Call Us…852-5552

Our reputation by focusing on tenant needs, shines as brightly we have created shareholder retailretail as our diamonds. value for over 41 years office Fred, Jr. & Sheri Lien 107 South Main Street 701-838-5151 Minot, ND 58701 medical industrial North of the SHA Park at 500 South apartments Broadway 14001400 31st Ave SW Suite 60|Minot,60|Minot, ND 58701 Minot 852-1354 701.837.4738 | iret.com | NASDNASDAQ:AQ: IRET Page 12 • September 2011 • SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS

Page 12 • March, 2007 • SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS ters building. It’s a good idea, too, for each of us to sit down with our families to dis - SHA memorials: cuss where we would like our own ComingSHA soon:me mAudioori atoursls: of SHAmemorials tPark!o go someday. We should lans to have an audio tour system in place in Scandina v- Already, the text for thewr isoundtrackte down ou hasr w ibeenshes writtenso that oandthe isr ian Heritage Park by this summer are progressing nicely. in the editing process. family members have the information PGThe systemif twills involve th thea uset ofk aroundee a halfp dozen on giviStilln to g be decidedand is c awhethern follow the th raudioough player’swith our recording will be coordinated with a circle tour of MP3 players,by J oeach Ann containing Winistorfe rrecorded descrip-a loved one’s memory. For example, wishes. Remember, too, that placing a tions of the park’s features. the park, or whether different stations along the you can choose to support a specific notice in an obituary indicating where “Each system will look like a small route would have numbers, enabling the user hen a friend or loved one has just project, such as our Heritage House memorials are to be sent helps others Walkman, complete with headphones and to simply push a number to synchronize the passed away, it’s often a struggle museum. Or, you can choose an ethnic neck band,” says Mark Anderson, SHA pres- tract tow hdescribeo wish tthato h oparticularnor the d eparkceas high-ed. to come up with a fitting tribute to that Wident. “There will be five or six available, group’s project within the park (such light—orA both!nd finally, the ultimate gift is to panders peopleon’s m ecanmo rentry. M themakin gfor a ga inominalft dona - as the Danish windmill, Swedish Dala Thebe nextcom estep a b eisn toefa raisector ofundsf SH Ato t hoffsetrough tchargeion in toth acarryt per swithon’s them hono onr t oa tself-guidedhe Scan - horse, Gol Stave Church, etc.). You canthe costyou ofr ethesta tproe. I jt ect,’s a which way f oisr expectedyou to le toave dtour.”inavian Heritage Association is one also give a donation directly to the as -run betweena lastin g$2,000 legac yand to $2,500.your S candinavian waAy tjointo ac kprojectnowle betweendge how the mu Scandinavianch the sociation to be used where needed. Presidentheritag Marke as w ise lbusyl as a these mem daysorial send-to you dHeritageeceased Association meant to y oandu. I thet’s a Northlso a w Dakotaay Contributions of $1,000 or more aingre lettersor a to fa friends,mily me fraternalmber. organizations tCentero keep for th ePersons heritag withe of oDisabilitiesur immigr a(NDCPD),nt ackowledged with a plaque on the and businessesWe h toop seee y whetherou will c theyonsi dwoulder the likeScan - athenc eplayersstors a lareive designedand well especiallythrough o forur visuallyScandinavian Heritage Associatioton help sponsordinav ithean Hproject.eritag e Association when bimpairedeautiful parkpark visitors.in Mino t’s heart. Wall of Honor. Lesser amounts ofHow $25 abouty you?ou dIfis cyou,uss myourem obusiness,rial don ayourtion sorga- or es - ButThe ranyonee are m canany use wa themys to gtoi venhancee a me - theiro tourr mo experi-re are recognized innization the Gol dore n anyoneta youte g iknowfting. wouldFor inf olikerm atoti giveon, c ao ndona-tact mence,oria accordingl to Scand toin aPresidentvia Heri tMark,age Pa noting,”It’srk in Bo oak positive of Memory in ttion,he S HpleaseA he acalldq uthear -SHAth Officee SHA at o f(701)fice a 852-9161.t (701) 85 2-9161. • on a number of different levels.” Thank you!• Join Us In Preserving the Traditions of Our Proud Heritage THE SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE PARK, the only park in the world representing all five Nordic countries, hosts thousands of visitors each year from around the world; as well as providing a picturesque setting for weddings and family gatherings. As a member of the Scandinavian Heritage Association, You help support: • Interpretative Tours of the Park • The Heritage House Museum MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES • Local School Field Trips • The Annual “Midsommar Natt” SUSTAINING MEMBER • Membership Pin (initial membership) • “Arts in the Park” $35.00 per year • The Scandinavian Heritage News, offi- • Seminars on Heritage and Culture Will receive the SHA Membership cial newsletter of the Association • The on-going preservation and pro- Package, which includes: • Invitation to Annual Banquet and other motion of Scandinavian traditions, • Membership Card good for 10% off SHA events positive values and ethics Scandinavian Gift Shop items • And much, much more! • Annual SHA Gift Packet • Logo window Sticker SPONSOR MEMBER M EMBERSHIP A PPLICATION $100.00 - $499.00 per year Name (please print)______Phone ______Receives the SHA Membership Package, Address______E-mail______plus: City______State______Zip______• Recognition in Newsletter (one issue) I/We wish to support the Scandinavian Heritage Association at the level checked below: • One (1) Complimentary Ticket to the  Sustaining Member  Sponsor Member  Benefactor Member Annual Banquet  Yes, I/We give permission to print our name in the SHA publications BENEFACTOR MEMBER  Please contact us.  I/We would like to become Volunteer(s) at SHA. $500.00 and above per year  Check enclosed $______ Credit Card:  MasterCard  Visa  Discover  Am. Exp. Receives the SHA Membership Package, Card Number ______Exp. Date______plus: Name on Card (please print) ______Signature______• Recognition in Newsletter (one issue) Please mail to Scandinavian Heritage Assn., P.O. Box 862, Minot, ND 58702. Thank You! • Two (2) Complimentary Tickets to the Annual Banquet SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS • September 2011 • Page 13

SCANDINAVIAN SOCIETY NEWS ••• Swedish Heritage Society-NWND N EWS SWEDISH CHEESE CAKE (Ostkaka) 2 eggs 3 tablespoons sugar Swedish flags waved on June 6 1 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons by Bev Jensen, secretary ing this celebration. A ½ cup milk Swedish Heritage Society- young Swedish girl, Car - ¼ cup half & half or heavy NWND rie Otto, helped with this 1 cup Ricotta cheese project (see photo on ¼ cup blanched , chopped n June 6, 20-plus yel - page 9 of this publica - low-and-blue-colored tion). Whisk eggs and sugar, stir in flour. Oflags waved above SHA Sadly, because of flood Add remaining ingredients and pour Park. On that day our so - concerns in the Minot into a 9-by-12-inch glass or ceramic ciety celebrated Svenska area, this annual event dish (*see note below). Bake at 350 Flaggans Dag—Swedish had to be cancelled. degrees for 40 minutes, or until done. National Flag Day. Thankfully, SHA Park Serve with and lin - We began the day by was not in the flood zone gonberry or other preserves. (*Double displaying the Swedish and thus escaped water-re - the recipe if using a 9-by-13-inch flags throughout the park, followed lated damage. Other Minot parks pan.) by coffee and fellowship. That were not so lucky! —Vicky Jones evening, a potluck meal was well at - The July 4th celebration, held in tended by members and guests. Our SHA Park this year due to flooding member from Sweden, Vicky Jones, at other parks, helped to rekindle a introduced us to a delicious patriotic spirit for our community our Scandinavian hospitality in wel - (see recipe at right). Her background and brought many to this park for coming family and friends. Mem bers has contributed a great deal in lead - the first time. Our thanks for every - will be participating in the Parade of ing us to preserve our traditions: one’s participation. Flags each full day of Høstfest. We hope you join us for these Summer SHA Park events Upcoming events events! In preparation for the June Mid - • Sept. 17 – Swedish Society fall Check out the SWEDEN TODAY sommar event in the park, our mem - meeting in the SHA lower level website ([email protected]) bers assembled crowns of artificial • Sept. 27-Oct. 1 – Nørsk Høstfest. which offers a variety of informative flowers to be given to those attend - This will be an opportunity to share articles. •

Dakota Finnish Society NEWS From ‘mojakka’ to Minot’s flood by Marion Anderson, president tries this summer, and Finland is the Dakota Finnish Society last one to be highlighted. Some of us from the Minot area will be attending. nce again the Finnish Society will Update on Brad Tengesdal: He is at have a booth at Norsk Høstfest Dakota Alpha Rehab in Mandan and is Oserving mojakka (Finnish beef stew), doing very well considering the sever - breads with Finn Lappi cheese and ity of his injury. Hopefully he will re - bread pudding. If you can help out at turn to Minot soon, as he is making the booth, please call me at (701) 721- good progress. Remember, the benefit Marion and Myron Anderson, and our 8677. account at First Western Bank in Minot board president Gail Peterson. It takes On Sept. 20, 2011, there will be a is still open. “sisu” to get through it all, but prog - showing of a Finland video at the The flooding in Minot this summer ress is being made, slowly but surely. Sibyl Center in Stanley. The Sibyl Cen - affected at least three of the Finn Soci - Thanks to many of you for your ter has been featuring different coun - ety members—Mary and Wayne Hill, prayers and concerns on our behalf. • Page 14 • September 2011 • SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS

ward. What has been done cannot be Thor Lodge Sons of Norway N EWS undone. So we need to go forward. Iona Loken, accompanied by Marilyn Anderson, shared with us, “Den Store Hvite Flokk/The Great White Host.” History lessons Minot's prayer service for Norway ended solemnly with the tolling of the on Norwegian royalty bell. Verla Rostad rang a choir bell from a local Minot church bell choir by Rob Odden, honored by a testimonial and a flower once for each tragic victim—77 ringing president in their memory. voices. They were of consequence. Thor Lodge 4-067 We had a moment of silence to re - They were not insignificant. Sons of Norway member another significant number: This summer Thor Lodge hosted a On Friday, July 22, 2011, 77 voices were Saturday morning Norwegian break - ello, Friends— silenced by an attack of violence in our fast, thanks to Mary Zurcher and Kari On Aug. 1, Thor Lodge held its sister country Norway. Others were in - Mahle. If you are interested in cultural Hannual memorial service, remember - jured, are recovering or are grieving. classes, please let Mary know by call - ing and honoring Thor Lodge mem - Some have demonstrated for peace, ing (701) 362-7468. bers who have passed away the last flocking in vigils and lining the streets. Martha Elliott has been heading up year, from May to May. Our memorial We may know these victims personally the SON Foundation Helping Hands service and prayer service were ob - or know someone who did know in the Minot area during the flood-re - served this year jointly with the Scan - them. This summer evening, in our covery. All lodge members who were dinavian Heritage Association in the moment of silence, in our stavkirke, eligible will receive $1,000 from the Gol Stavkirke, coordinated by Jeanice we prayed for the good of the citizens SON Foundation Helping Hands. Officer, Rev. Joel Hernes and Verla of Norway, and we honored the value Thor Lodge will again have a food Rostad. The Gol Stave Church is beau - of these 77 silenced voices. They were booth at Norsk Høstfest. Look for us tiful and peaceful, an integral part of of consequence. They were not in - and stop by for an authentic Norwe - this enjoyable park. significant. gian meal. This Monday in August 2011 we re - Pastor Hernes reminded us at this We would like to have a member - membered some of our number who time of the human need for mercy. He ship dinner sometime this fall. were significant to us. These deceased reminded us we need to keep going Prospective members, please contact Sons of Norway members were each forward after this tragedy, not back - Anne Krause at (701) 852-5508. •

Icelandic Heritage Society N EWS ple were primarily of Norwegian, Irish and Scottish origin, the Irish and Scots being mainly slaves and servants of the Norse chiefs, accord - Iceland history turbulent ing to the Icelandic sagas. Recent evi - by Jim Goodman when sailing dence suggests that approximately 60 Icelandic Heritage Association from Norway to percent of the Icelandic maternal the . gene pool is derived from celanders, especially those living His reports led to and Scotland, much higher than other on the main island, have had a - the first efforts to Scandinavian countries. Imultuous history. Indeed, the island settle the island. The Icelandic Age of Settlement itself has a turbulent past. The first perma - (Landnámsöld) lasted from 874 to 930. Iceland is a geologically young nent settler in Ice - On that year, chieftains and their land mass, having formed an esti - land is considered to be families met near Reykjavik to estab - mated 20 million years ago due to a Norwegian chieftain named Ingól - lish the Alþing (Althing), Iceland's volcanic eruptions on the Mid-At - fur Arnarson. He settled with his first national assembly. lantic ridge. The first human settle - family at a place he named Bay of In 1262, struggles between rival ment date is generally accepted to be Smokes, or Reykjavík . chieftains left Iceland so divided that 874, although there is some evidence The same year, another group of King Haakon IV of Norway was to suggest human activity prior to Norwegians sailed to Iceland with asked to step in as a final arbitrator the Norse arrival. their families, livestock, slaves and for all disputes. Iceland was under The first Viking to sight Iceland possessions, escaping the domination Norwegian leadership until 1380; at was Gardar Svavarsson, who went of the first King of Norway, Haraldur this point, both Iceland and Norway off course due to harsh conditions Harfagri (). These peo - came under the control of the Danish SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS • September 2011 • Page 15

Souris Danish Society N EWS Neil Zimmerman’s roots lead to Denmark Again in this issue, we are highlighting family histories of our members. The following is the an - cestry of Souris Valley Danish Society member Neil Zimmerman, who sent us the writeup and photo:

ars Jensen Vestergaard lived on a farm located on the island of LEgholm off the coast of Aalborg, Den - GRANDPA’S FARM, EGHOLM, DENMARK mark. There were only 12 families liv - Grandpa’s mother, brother, Jens Peder and his wife ing on the island. My grandfather (Fredrik Nicoli Larsen) lived on this farm until he joined the Navy for two years. He then went to Copenhagen to Grandma said she never had a Anna. They all came to America and train as a storekeeper. ready-made dress. A dressmaker came settled in Racine, Wisconsin, where When he first started, he made de - to the house and fitted the girls. They they worked as cooks at the Racine liveries, including to the house where did not go to school; instead, a tutor Hotel. Grandma worked as a housekeeper. came to the house. When Grandpa Fredrik came to They met only casually at that time. When she came to America (in the America in 1893, he also settled in My grandmother, Mary Winterberg, early 1890s), she could not speak or Racine and worked as a streetcar op - came from a very well-to-do family. read English, so they had a teacher erator. He and Mary met and married They had a tin shop where they made come to their house to teach her. in 1894. In 1904, they moved to Del - and sold tin products. Grandma had two sisters, Stena and mont, South Dakota, and bought a farm. In 1917, they moved back to Wisconsin, buying a farm in Medford. While working the woods, a large Crown. With the introduction of ab - situated in the south of the island, tree fell on Grandpa, and after that he solute monarchy in Denmark, the Ice - erupted. The aerosols built up caused was not able to do hard work. So in landers relinquished their autonomy a cooling effect in the Northern Hemi - about 1920, the couple bought a dance to the crown. This meant a loss of in - sphere. The consequences for Iceland hall, pool hall and bar in Orrin, North dependence for Iceland, which led to were catastrophic, with approximately Dakota. They loaded up the seven nearly 300 years of decline. 25 to 33 percent of the population youngest kids and left Wisconsin. The reasons are largely attributed dying in the famine of 1783 and 1784. When they got to St. Paul, Grandpa to the fact that Denmark and its crown Around 80 percent of sheep and 50 hired a young man to drive through did not consider Iceland to be a percent of cattle and horses died be - Minneapolis. After they arrived in colony to be supported and assisted. cause of fluorosis from the 8 million Orrin, Grandpa never drove again. In particular, the lack of help in de - tons of fluorine that were released. My mother was about five years fense led to constant raids by maraud - This disaster is known as the Mist old when they arrived, and she was ing pirates along the Icelandic coasts. Hardship (Móðuharðindin). the only one of their children who Unlike Norway, Denmark did not In 1798–99, the Alþing was discon - could speak English. By the time she need Iceland's fish and homespun tinued for several decades, eventually started school, she had learned to talk wool. This created a dramatic deficit being restored in 1844. It was moved German. They were the only family in in Iceland's trade, and no new ships to Reykjavík, the capital, after residing the area that was not Catholic or Ger - were built as a result. In 1602, Iceland at Þingvellir for over nine centuries. man-Russian. was forbidden to trade with other The island became independent in My mother, Mildred Larsen, was countries by order of the Danish gov - union with Denmark in 1918. Since born in Armour, South Dakota, in ernment, and in the 18th century cli - 1944, Iceland has been a , and 1916, and grew up in Orrin. She mar - matic conditions had reached an Icelandic society has undergone a ried my dad, Francis Zimmerman, in all-time low since being settled. rapid modernization process in the 1934. I was born in 1936, the oldest of In 1783–84, Laki, a volcanic fissure post-independence era. • three children. • CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Minot, ND 58701 Permit No. 266 P.O. Box 862 Minot, ND 58702

Page 16 • September 2011 • SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS

up. Visit the cemetery that contains your Tracing your Scandinavian ROOTS • 34 ancestors’ graves. 8. Network with other genealogists . Join a genealogical society in the area 10 tips for scaling brick walls you’re researching. Ask a fellow geneal - by Jo Ann Winistorfer in the locality of your ancestor —when ogist to help —especially one who is records started, where they’re held, etc. researching the same general area you O, YOU’RE STUCK! You’ve run into Determine which ones might cover your are. That person may be able to suggest a brick wall on your genealogy re - ancestor’s life span. something that may help. . Ssearch. You’ve checked every resource 5. Check with an LDS family history 9. Attend genealogy workshops you can think of. Or, you’ve heard that center near you for a research guide on focusing on your ethnic group or the the records burned in a courthouse fire. the country or state you’re researching. locale of your ancestors. Turn to page 5 You’re burned out yourself, from trying (You can also check the LDS Website— in this newsletter for information on to find one of your ancestors. What can www.familysearch.org — and download Nordic Roots Workshop 2011, taking you do? Here are 10 tips that might help these guides.) Check the Family History place from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tues - you find that elusive relative or family Library Catalog (FHLC) on the family day, Sept. 27. The event, sponsored by branch you’re seeking. history center computer. the Scandinavian Heritage Association, 1. A rm yourself with information 6. Check the Internet; search for a spe - takes place in the lower level of the SHA about names, dates and places. Record all cific area to see what resources are avail - headquarters building. The focus is on spelling variations on your genealogy able. Also search for ancestor surnames. Norwegian genealogy, but researchers charts. Record the locale of the person 7. Visit the area of your ancestors , of any ethnic origin should be able to (parish, farm, county). Estimate the dates instead of just writing for records. Go to glean information and research ideas. for each person’s life (birth, marriage the local library and ask, “Are there any 10. Never give up hope. New infor - death, emigration, etc.) if dates are local histories or church histories?” Go to mation is being extracted every hour, unknown; enclose in parentheses to dis - the courthouse in person to look through and being made available to the public. tinguish them from known dates. the records. That way , you may be able And who knows, if you remove the 2. Determine the religion of the person to spot associated names. Or, if the name right brick, the wall between you and (to help in locating church records). has a spelling variation, you may catch it your elusive ancestor will come tum - 3. Find out what records are available while some other researcher might pass it bling down! •