America Letter Winter 2006 Vol

America Letter Winter 2006 Vol. XIX, No. 3

Your Museum in the An International THE DANISH IMMIGRANT MUSEUM Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, Protector Heart of the Continent Cultural Center BOX 470 • ELK HORN, IOWA 51531 ® Member of the American Association of Museums A New Website! Past on-line visitors to our website www.danishmuseum.org are in for a pleasant surprise. We have unveiled a new website, one with a fresh look and more information. In addition to valuable information about the Danish-American experience, visitors will learn about contemporary Danish culture and discover links to Danish companies and websites. Encouragement to update our site came from former board member Birgit Andersen, who be- lieved we needed to present a contemporary look to the over 50,000 monthly visitors to our site. She backed up her encouragement with a generous gift that allowed us to proceed with the redesign. Former board member, Curt Pedersen, assisted by placing us in contact with Kriss Pearson, whose company Art of Computers in Tucson, completed the work. Curt was also insistent that our website contain such useful information as a timeline of Danish and Danish-American history and a focus on contemporary Denmark. In the near future, we are also looking forward to offering a Danish translation for all the pages; this will be coming soon. Upgrading comes at a price. To keep pace with current web technologies, the site is designed for high-speed Internet service. This allows for fast delivery of the many pictures and slide shows. It may mean, however, that members who are tied to the Internet through telephone modems will experience delays as it takes time to transfer the many pictures. Bringing on-line any new product will result in some errors and glitches. We know they are there and ask your forbearance as we work to correct errors and address technical problems. In the meantime, we hope you will enjoy the site and will fi nd that it is another reason for valuing what we do here at The Danish Immigrant Museum. Director’s Corner By John Mark Nielsen “Vision without migration of peoples. I would hope our collection. Over the past years, we action is day- that visitors leave our museum having have made a good effort to collect, but dreaming; action considered the implications of immigra- now we need to be about interpreting the without vision is a tion and how the movement of peoples experience. To take such action needs nightmare.” contributes to the reshaping of culture. resources. -Japanese Proverb At this point, I’m afraid they do not. Resources will only be made available Recently I was Our permanent exhibit, “Across to us if the actions are meaningful and visiting Lowell Oceans, Across Time®,” tells a story, reveal a vision. In the past several years and Marilyn but it really ends in a pre-World War II we have been reaching out in an attempt Kramme, who are members of the era. Yes, there is a brief acknowledge- to connect with and engage a wider au- museum’s Lifetime Leadership Society. ment of the role some Danes played in dience in our programming. My hope Lowell is the Royal Danish Consul for rescuing their fellow Jewish citizens, and is that these programs to preserve and Iowa and also a former museum board we have Victor Borge’s first piano, but celebrate our Danish heritage and our member. As we discussed visions for The do we help visitors to understand what relations with Denmark are valuable. Danish Immigrant Museum, Marilyn motivated some to leave a changing, I do invite your continued support and shared this Japanese proverb. It resonated post World War II Denmark? Or do we your investment in our future. We are with me. explain why immigration from Denmark grateful for the many supporters we have; I was privileged to be a part of the today has dwindled to a trickle? Danes we are particularly grateful for those of original committee that envisioned a continue to migrate to countries around you who have shared with us that you museum. Through the actions of many the world, but now the destinations are have provided for the museum in your over the past twenty-two years, what often other countries within the European estate planning or who are willing to could have been daydreams has become Union or dramatically, Asia, as business make commitments over several years. a reality. Over the years, however, the opportunities beckon. Knowing that there are the resources to expectations and nature of the Danish- My vision is that The Danish Immigrant support our actions is critical as we plan American community have evolved. At Museum be an educational institution as the future; actions and visions without our founding, there was a desire to insure well. Preserving and explaining the past resources also inspire nightmares! that artifacts that told the Danish immi- is part of that vision, but I hope we are an grant story were preserved. This remains institution that will ask questions too. Yes, an important responsibility, but it does we should preserve and explain the past, not engage or attract younger audiences. but we should also help visitors understand Museum Board Consequently, we must be about more. the relationship between that past and the My vision for The Danish Immigrant Holds 72nd Meeting present world in which we live. Museum is that it be an active institution, The Board of Directors of The Dan- Actions that are needed to make this one known for inviting visitors to con- ish Immigrant Museum will hold its happen can be challenging because of sider the past, but also challenging them 72nd regular meeting February 9-11, our relatively small population and the 2006 in Tampa, Florida. The Executive to think about how it impacts the pres- scattered nature of our settlement. Where Committee will arrive on the 8th and ent and shapes the future. For example, we can begin to have an immediate im- meet on Thursday the 9th. Individual what advantages did my grandparents pact is on our website. Because of the committee meetings will take place enjoy that immigrants today from other support of two former board members, all day on Friday, February 10 and on countries may not? How has the world Birgit Andersen and Curt Pedersen, we Saturday the board will meet as a whole changed since they came in the early have been able to upgrade our website. I to discuss committee recommendations 20th century? In what ways do easy believe you will find it more informative and to receive a report from Executive communication and travel affect and than the old. I am particularly pleased Director, John Mark Nielsen. Board even impede assimilation? How does members will also hear a report from that it conveys a wider scope of activity American popular culture affect the lives representatives of Hartsook Companies, than was evident on our earlier site. of Danish young people? Why might Inc. of Wichita, Kansas, on a feasibility We can also enhance our permanent young Danes choose to live in the United study that will help the Board determine exhibit. The present exhibit “Across States but not become American citizens? future museum plans. Members from the Oceans, Across Time®” has been up Challenging people to think should be local Danish-American clubs are invited for eleven years. Not only has exhibit evident in the programming, displays, to attend a luncheon on Saturday where technology changed, the way we look at and exhibits we provide to members they will be given a presentation on the the Danish immigrant story has evolved. across the country. progress the Museum has been making A new permanent exhibit gallery is also The museum, I believe, has a respon- and plans for the future. Museum mem- needed, containing the space that can bers living in Florida who would like to sibility to tell the Danish immigrant story be used creatively and dramatically to participate in the luncheon are invited to to a wider audience, raising important spotlight the many artifacts we have in call The Danish Immigrant Museum at questions about the opportunities, chal- 800-759-9192 for details and to make lenges and conflicts that arise from the 2 reservations. Nadjeschda Overgaard, National Heritage Fellow 1998: A Retrospective The exhibition “Nadjeschda Over- includes paintings, drawings and several art of hardanger as a young girl from gaard, National Heritage Fellow, 1998” different forms of needlework, including her mother, Anna Lynge. The art was opened at Julefest and will remain on Nadjeschda’s hardanger needlework, also taught in Danish schools at the display through the spring of 2006. The which won her the designation of Master time. The exhibition features a couple exhibition offers a wide-ranging view Artist during the 1998 National Heritage of Nadjeschda’s school projects, but of Nadjeschda Overgaard’s work over Fellowship awards. the majority of the work that is on view the span of many years. The exhibition Nadjeschda Overgaard, daughter of reflects the achievements of her mature Danish parents, Carl and years. Anna Schjødt Lynge, was Nadjeschda Overgaard acquired an born in Siberia in 1905. Her – continued on page 4 father was working there to help establish creameries. The family returned to Den- mark in 1910 so Nadjeschda could be educated in their home country. In 1916, the Lynge family immigrated to the United States, settling in southwest Iowa. Nadjeschda learned the

Nadjeschda made the baptismal dress for her oldest daughter, Annette. The small linen The Russian samo- garment is handmade in all aspects. Nadje- var seen in the fore- schda designed the embroidery pattern used ground was purchased on the dress and knit the lace, which trims by Nadjeschda’s fa- the slip. All seven of her children, many of ther, Carl Lynge, in her grandchildren, and some of her great- Tara, Siberia as a grandchildren have worn the dress at their wedding gift for his baptisms. bride, Anna, in 1904. One of Nadjeschda’s tatted doilies can Around 1910, Carl, be seen in a frame at the right. Nadjeschda Anna and their young learned the art of tatting as a young girl daughter, Nadjeschda, sometime after her immigration to America returned to Denmark in 1916. She learned the art from her aunt, so that Nadjeschda Anna Scott, who was also born in Denmark. could go to a Danish Over the years, she tatted with a shuttle school. The Lynges which Anna gave to her. Many years later, took the samovar with Nadjeschda gave the shuttle and some of them. In 1915, the her tatted lace to The Danish Immigrant Lynge family immi- Museum. grated to the United States, traveling directly to southwest Nadjeschda learned Iowa and the large the art of hardanger as Danish settlement in a young girl from her the Elk Horn/Kimball- mother, Anna Lynge. ton area. The samovar The art was also taught crossed the ocean with in Danish schools at the them. In 1947, Anna time. Later, in America, Lynge gave the samo- when she had her own var to her daughter, Nadjeschda made a number of things for family and friends. family, Nadjeschda taught her daughters, Annette, Karma and Nadjeschda; it was The pieces are delightfully imaginative and “homey” at the same Ebba, to do hardanger. Several of her grand- a centerpiece in the time. All of the items shown here reflect her own free-hand design. daughters have also learned this art. Over the Overgaard home for Through her dolls and finger puppets, Nadjeschda encouraged years, she made countless hardanger pieces as years. imaginative play. gifts for her family and friends. 3 This photo detail de- picts a hand-quilted ap- pliqué quilt Nadjeschda began in the 1930’s, prior to her marriage to Niels Overgaard in 1933. The appliqué pattern is her original design. She did not finish the quilt until several years later, however; raising children and managing a household delayed the project. A friend, Myrtle Hansen, helped her with Nadjeschda loved the Christmas season. the hand quilting. Nadje- It allowed her a wide imaginative range in schda gave the quilt to the things she could make. She especially the Museum in 2003. loved Nisser in all their forms. When she was invited to design The Danish Immigrant Museum’s annual Christmas card for the year 2000, Nadjeschda chose the Nisse motif. She routinely made and gave nisser as gifts to family and friends. Nadjeschda made the knitting and laundry bags as a schoolgirl in Denmark. At that time, girls were frequently taught sewing in Overgaard . . . school. Lessons often began with a study of continued from page 3 the different kinds of stitches. The girls would extensive working knowledge of the then make a sewing project using some of various needlework arts. She continued the stitches learned. Additionally, there were a number of private sewing schools where to work in several forms throughout her young girls were taught the details of fine life. She freely re-imagined traditional needlework and the textile arts generally. patterns and designs. The larger body of The hardanger doily dates from Nadjeschda’s mature years. her needlework reflects this re-imagining process, resulting in a number of original designs. The exhibit offers a select number of these pieces for viewing. Also on display are a number of fun things Nadjeschda made for family and friends. Among these pieces are Christmas nisse in various sizes and in- terpretations, Christmas tree ornaments made from egg shells with little scenes tucked inside, finger puppets of several different descriptions, little cloth dolls, a teddy bear and cloth ball. Nadjeschda was intrigued by flowers. They were a favorite subject for exploration in her paintings and pastels, a number of which are displayed in the current exhibition. Nadjeschda was particularly fascinated by the interplay of colors among the flowers. Their shapes and forms absorbed her as well. In her later years, during the 1990s, when she herself was also in her 90s, Nadjeschda devoted several works to the study of iris flowers. Two pieces from this period are included in the exhibition. In 1990, Nadjeschda received the Iowa Cultural Heritage Fellowship Award and in 1998 she was awarded the National Still life by Clint Hansen, see the story and more artwork on page 6 of Heritage Fellowship by the National this issue. Endowment for the Arts. 4 From A Curatorial Perspective . . . by Barbara Lund-Jones sion processes underlying the ongoing Americans and the ways in which Dan- The year 2005 saw the establishment development of our artifact collection ish heritage expresses itself in homes of two very important committees in the and our evolving exhibition program. and various organizations throughout curatorial department: the collections the country. From this starting point, committee and the exhibitions com- Collections Committee the committee moves on to a number of mittee. The collections committee was While the collections committee ad- other considerations: implemented in March and is comprised dresses all issues related to the museum’s • Does the object contribute to the of four full-time staff members, including collections, the larger portion of its time stories we tell? the executive director, and one long term is devoted to the development of the • Does it duplicate other objects in our collections volunteer. The exhibitions collection through a review of specific collection? committee was implemented in August; offerings. Each year, several hundred • Is it documented? What is the quality it, too, includes the executive director, objects are offered to the collection. The and scope of its documentation? as well as six other full-time staff mem- committee convenes on the first Monday • Can we care for it properly or does bers representing several different areas of every month to review the objects it have special conservation needs, within the museum. Both committees are offered during the previous weeks. which we are unable to provide on open to current interns. The committee’s first consideration an ongoing basis? It is the purpose of this article to suc- is whether an individual object fits the • Do we have room to store it and keep cinctly detail the work of each committee museum’s mission, which is to tell the it safely through time? so that our members and supporters will Danish immigrant story and the story All of these questions and more are ad- have a better idea of some of the deci- of subsequent generations of Danish dressed as the committee decides which objects it will take into the collection and which it will decline.

Exhibitions Committee Exhibits of Danish-American The exhibitions committee addresses all issues related to the museum’s exhibi- Artists Planned tion programs. It was created to more effectively plan future exhibits, develop The museum is committing its lower level gallery space to the exhibition of appropriate budgets, and coordinate Danish-American artists or artists who work with Danish-American themes or marketing. An important dimension of materials, such as Rick Marzullo, who works extensively with papirklip. The gal- the committee’s work is to brainstorm ex- lery space is scheduled through 2007 featuring the artists listed below along with hibition ideas through development and the dates of their exhibitions: tentative testing within the framework of both actual and possible resources. Clint Hansen, Audubon, Iowa...... January 19, 2006 – July 5, 2006 Committee members also brainstorm Rick Marzullo, Solvang, California...... July 20, 2006 – January 3, 2007 interpretative directions and manners Elmer Petersen, Galesburg, Wisconsin...... January 18, 2007 – July 5, 2007 of representation within an exhibit. In Cynthia McKeen, St. Paul, Minnesota...... July 29, 2007 – January 2, 2008 addition to consideration of exhibition subject and content, the exhibitions com- The museum wishes to make available to our visitors exhibitions of Danish- mittee addresses funding, marketing and American artists who work throughout the country. We would like to draw in artists programming strategies for individual from both the east and west coasts, as well as from the south and points in-between. exhibits. The organization and imple- We invite our members and supporters to submit names of Danish-American artists mentation of these two committees gives that they know and whose work would lend itself to a museum exhibition. a collaborative voice to the development Please send your suggestions to our curator, Barbara Lund-Jones, by either postal of both the museum’s collections and mail or e-mail [[email protected]]. She will gather available informa- exhibitions. tion regarding the artists and prepare the submissions for review by the museum’s The gymnastics exhibit, which is exhibition committee. We would like to be able to schedule the artist exhibitions scheduled to open in April of 2006, three to five years in the future. will be among the first of the museum’s exhibits to reflect the collaborative ap- proach of multiple staff members. We warmly invite you to share in this new 5 venture. Clint Hansen Exhibit Clint Hansen is a Danish-American Clint Hansen lives and works in artist, who works for a wide range of southwestern Iowa. He practices his art commercial and private clients. Among in several different mediums, including those companies commissioning his art scratchboard, oils, mosaic and stained are IBM, The Smithsonian Institute, glass. He has also created a number of Disney, Kellogg’s, Coca-Cola, Kodak, paper sculptures as part of his work as McDonald’s, Focus on the Family, an illustrator of children’s books. Some Reader’s Digest, Cracker Barrel, Banana of these sculptures will be on display, as Republic, Zondervan, Heinz, Anheiser will the books he has illustrated. Busch, Zebco and the Iowa National Air The exhibition of Clint Hansen’s work Guard. Hansen also created 1995 and opens January 19 and runs through July 1996 commemorative Olympic coins for 5, 2006. the U.S. mint (50 cent denomination).

A Sticky Situation or Our Weeping Trolls While working in Visual Storage in mid-November, Collections intern Katie Keil discovered two plastic dolls that are visibly deteriorating. These dolls are small trolls produced in Denmark, 1960s versions of the ones that were popular in the United States in the 1980s and early 1990s. Both trolls have simple, brightly colored dresses and white fuzzy hair on the tops of their heads. The exposed plastic arms, legs, and faces are oozing a clear, sticky liquid, obvious signs of deterioration. Most plastics begin deteriorating to some degree even when brand new. Plastics have in them chemicals that are called plasticizers. These chemicals cause plastics to degrade. The more plasticizers there are in a piece of plastic, the more quickly it will deteriorate. Soft, malleable plastics like Barbie legs have Katie and Collections Manager Angela more plasticizers in them than do harder Stanford immediately removed the trolls plastics like hair combs. These trolls have from storage, as well as the thin foam soft bodies and are most likely made of shelf lining (called Ethafoam) they were polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a standard resting on. Contact between the liquid plastic used in soft, flexible, inflatable the trolls are producing and other plastic toys. As this type of plastic deteriorates, artifacts could accelerate the deteriora- it creates this clear liquid. This process is tion of those pieces, so removal from called weeping. That liquid emits fumes storage was necessary. Also, the fumes that are not only unpleasant to the nose, are a health risk for any staff member but also toxic. The odor noted when the working in Visual Storage. They were staff does not work. dolls were found and removed came from temporarily stored in another room where Both Angela and Katie attended the this liquid. 6 – continued on page 7 2005 Julestue for the weekend, and when you Christian Andersen’s “The Little Match stepped through the door you Girl” which the children enjoyed. could smell Christmas. This As a Dane I enjoyed being part of special smell of Christmas this year’s Julestue, because it was like came from the kitchen, which a real Danish Julestue filled with hyg- was turned into the Jule Café, gelige hours among friends, and when where there were decorated watching everybody, whether it was the tables and one huge table filled volunteers, the staff or the guests, you with goodies – gløgg, coffee, could see everyone had a good time. That cider, cookies and a huge tray is exactly what Christmas is to me, having of æbleskiver. a good time with family and friends. At the café some vol- I hope next year’s Julestue will also be unteers mixed dough for a great success, and I will already now æbleskiver, fried æbleskiver invite you to join us. Vi ses! and baked pebernødder. The event could not have been possible without the volunteers. by Helene Christensen Therefore, we would like to thank you, During my childhood I have been at every one, who helped out during Jul- several julestue’er, therefore, I can say estue whether it was frying æbleskiver, with certainty that this year was very spe- baking cookies or reading Christmas cial – to spend a couple of days dedicated stories to the children. to Christmas at The Danish Immigrant Speaking of children, Julestue at the Museum, among fellow Danes and Dan- museum is an event for the whole fam- ish-Americans. ily and especially for the children. This Each year Elk Horn hosts Julefest dur- year like last year, people could make ing Thanksgiving weekend. In 2004 the different crafts at the tables in the dining museum initiated julestue (literally, the room – crafts like paper cutting, making Julemanden handing out treats Christmas room) as one of its contribu- a nisse of yarn, and Christmas decorations to Julefest. As in 2004, the museum tions. Besides different crafts, this year to the children. was decorated for the occasion with we had a couple of storytellers. One of Christmas lights and Christmas trees. the volunteers, Phyllis Kosky read Hans The whole museum glowed and sparkled

Sticky Situation . . . continued from page 6 Iowa Museum Association Annual Con- leaving the other troll alone. After time, ference in Des Moines in October. One any changes can be noted and it will be of the sessions they enrolled in discussed clear if this treatment has any effect on plastics and was led by Christina Kastell prolonging the life of plastics already in from the Putnam Museum of History the deterioration process. and Natural Science in Davenport, Iowa. Angela and Katie have begun this treat- They learned about how to identify ment process, and will monitor the dolls certain types of plastics based on ap- closely over the next several months. pearance, age, and even the deterioration Any and all changes will be noted, and process. this information will be shared with Ms. After the discovery of these trolls, Kastell at the Putnam as a part of on-go- Angela contacted Christina Kastell, ing research. who said she and others at the Putnam This experience underscores the im- are currently experimenting with pieces portance for staff to attend professional that have been removed from their col- workshops and to work collaboratively lection due to advanced deterioration. with the staffs of other museums. Watch Volunteer Clara Pedersen mak- She recommended cleaning one troll for updates on the status of our weeping ing pebernødder in the kitchen with with Q-tips and distilled water and then trolls in a future issue of the America her granddaughter, Holly. storing it in very cold storage, while Letter. 7 Friis Newly America Letter Published Three Times Annually By Appointed The Danish Immigrant Museum 2212 Washington, POBox 470 Elk Horn, Iowa 51531 Danish 712-764-7001 800-759-9192 FAX 712-764-7002 Ambassador www.danishmuseum.org to the email: [email protected] Board of Directors President – Kai Nyby, LaPorte, IN United States Vice-President – Marc Petersen, Ambassador Friis Arne Petersen, the Omaha, NE Secretary – Julie Jorgensen, Wayzata, MN newly appointed Danish Ambassador to Treasurer – John Molgaard, Atlantic, IA the United States, is shown with Frida Burling, a Washingtonian and museum Egon Bodtker, Salem, OR member whose great-grandfather, Johan “Danish Culture Past and Present: The Dr. Ronald Bro, Cedar Falls, IA Cornelius, was a member of the Danish Dr. Borge M. Christensen, Tucson, AZ Last Two Hundred Years.” The Danish Carlo Christensen, Glendale, CA Legation in Washington, D.C., until his Immigrant Museum co-sponsored the Lois Christensen, Elk Horn, IA death in 1874. His family stayed on in conference, which attracted over 400 Dr. Gordon Esbeck, Tipton, IA Washington, and his daughter, Frida’s participants. Bridget Jensen, Houston, TX grandmother, maintained her ties to the Frida Burling recently wrote a book Erna Jensen, Des Moines, IA Harold M. Jensen, Ames, IA Kondrups in Copenhagen. about her family, including the Danish Within days of presenting his cre- Dagmar Muthamia, Long Beach, CA relatives, which she entitled, Finally Mark Nussle, Palos Park, IL dentials to President George W. Bush, Frida. A copy she donated is available Benedikte Ehlers Olesen, Eugene, OR Ambassador Petersen was the banquet in the library of the museum’s Family The Honorable Consul Anelise Sawkins, speaker in Des Moines for the conference History and Genealogy Center. Minneapolis, MN Linda Sloth-Gibbs, Yuma, AZ Harriet Spanel, Bellingham, WA Ex-Offi cio Dennis Larson, Decorah, IA From Our Nils Jensen, Portland, OR Development Director… Staff “We are proud to support The Danish have assisted us Executive Director: Dr. John Mark Nielsen, [email protected] Immigrant Museum” a member couple in completing Director of Development: Thomas Hansen, recently shared with me. As I have several impor- development [email protected] traveled around the country visiting tant improve- General Information & Inquiries About with donors and supporters during the ment projects, Volunteering: [email protected] fall months, it was really wonderful to such as adding Group & Special Tours: Terri Johnson, [email protected] hear these words. It gives all of us on ultra-violet fi l- Wall of Honor, Donations, Memorial Gifts staff added motivation and inspiration ters for museum & Memberships: Deb Larsen, to give that extra effort daily in making windows, installing exhibit lighting for [email protected] our museum even better. the Mezzanine Gallery, and replacing Bookkeeping & Financial Inquiries: Jen- On behalf of the Museum Board of the shingled roof with a beautiful new, nifer Winters, [email protected] Collections & Exhibit Questions: Directors and staff, I want to especially red, tile-look roof. Barbara Lund-Jones, M.Phil, thank you for your generous and loyal Just as you have committed yourselves [email protected] giving in 2005 in support of our mis- to support us fi nancially through your Artifact Donations & Museum sion to share the legacy and continuing membership and contributions this past Loans: Angela Stanford, M.A., infl uence of Danish culture as realized year, I believe it is noteworthy to men- [email protected] in the experiences and contributions of tion that every single member of the Museum Shop: Jan Paulsen, [email protected] Danish immigrants, their descendents, museum’s Board of Directors and staff Donation of Books & Library Questions: and Danes living in America. Your mem- have also made sizeable contributions Michele McNabb, MLS, bership and contributions have provided as well. [email protected] us with the opportunity to showcase To make The Danish Immigrant Mu- Genealogical & Translation Inquiries: exciting exhibits, continue on-going seum even better, there is a lot of work [email protected] Volunteer Coordinator: Joyce Petersen educational outreach programs, and carry ahead of us in 2006 and beyond. Our Custodian: Tim Fredericksen on the museum’s daily activities. We are – continued on page 9 also grateful to the many donors who 8 Not good bye, but see you again… (Written December 16th 2005) “At rejse er at leve” are the famous Besides working on assignments the American- words from Hans Christian Andersen, directly related to the museum, I have Scandinavian and I must agree with him – “to travel also joined Terri Johnson for various F o u n d a t i o n is to live.” tourism meetings and exhibitions, and in New York, I started my internship at the museum it has been really interesting to see how the Danmark- August 1, 2005, and now it is time to re- the tourism industry is doing in Iowa. Amerika Fondet turn home. I do so with many memories What has made the greatest impres- in Copenhagen that I will treasure forever. The entire sion on me during my time in the United and the staff at experience as an intern at The Danish States are the people. I must admit that the International Office at Aalborg Uni- Immigrant Museum has been incredible. you Americans really amaze me. To me versity for giving me the opportunity to The job has consisted of various assign- Americans are so friendly, open hearted do my internship at the museum in Elk ments, and I can honestly say that there and welcoming. And I have to say that Horn. Further, I would also like to say has not been a day where I did not want the Elk Horn area has become like a thanks to the volunteers at the museum, to come into work. second home to me. So, I am sure it will it has been great to meet you all. Last but My major assignment was to sur- be tough to say “good bye” December not least, I would also like to say thank vey three different groups – members, 22 especially to all the new friends that you to my colleagues; you have made visitors and a potential new audience I have made while being here. the last five months insightful, fantastic, for the museum. This meant writing the I would like to thank the board mem- exciting and fun. instruments, conducting the surveys and bers of The Danish Immigrant Museum, Helene Christensen analyzing the data. In that regard I would like to thank those who participated in the survey. Along with the surveys, I have taken Jan Paulsen Elected part in different tasks like designing a new display board for traveling promo- President of Iowa Group tion, translating text into Danish, and designing a brochure. What I have re- Travel Association ally enjoyed is traveling and promoting the museum, meeting and visiting with Museum Shop Manager, Jan Paulsen tive groups to Iowa and launching a new people, who either are friends of the has been elected to serve as President web site. This should be a great year for museum or have never heard anything of the Iowa Group Travel Association. Iowa tourism! If anyone would like more of it. This non-profit organization is made up information on the association please of many diverse members from across contact Jan at 800-759-9192 or email her Iowa – destination marketing organiza- at [email protected]. tions, tourism attractions, businesses, Development . . . and services – all dedicated to promot- – continued from page 8 ing group travel and developing Iowa’s capacity to serve groups. A Design for the Board of Directors have, through its The association’s purpose is to pro- strategic planning process, established mote Iowa and its various tourism entities 2006 Christmas an ambitious and exciting vision for to the group tour market, to serve as a our future. Deb Larsen, Development vehicle for the exchange of information Card Associate, and I, are fully committed to and ideas pertinent to the group travel “Glædelig Jul og godt nytår” Christ- the challenge of this year’s fundraising industry, exerting its collective influence mas for 2005 has ended, and we are al- goals. With your continued support, we in matters which may impact the state, ready thinking about the 2006 Christmas believe we can be successful. national or international group travel season. The Danish Immigrant Museum I want to take this opportunity to wish industry and improving the marketing of is looking for that special Christmas card you and your family a prosperous and Iowa tour companies by working with design that will portray the warm and plentiful New Year. We hope your plans and through all entities involved with special feelings of a Danish Christmas this year include visiting “your Museum Iowa tourism. for the 18th annual Christmas card and in the Heart of the Continent” and the Jan is excited about the 2006 goals for the 7th annual ornament. If you know of Danish Villages of Elk Horn and Kim- the association. Her agenda includes ex- any artist or graphic designer who would ballton. If you cannot come in person, we panding the membership base, increasing be willing to submit a design, please have hope you’ll visit us at our new website. tradeshow opportunities, enhancing the them contact Jan Paulsen, Museum Shop We look forward to seeing you! ability to bring tour operators and prospec- Manager at 712-764-7001 or giftshop@ Thomas Hansen 9 danishmuseum.org. Announcing the 2006 “Tribute to the Rescuers” Essay Contest for Museum In Memory… Friends and members of the Museum Members’ Children and Grandchildren mourn the loss of long-time supporter Following a successful pilot project in that must accompany their essay. Merv Bro of Fountain 2005, The Danish Immigrant Museum is This essay contest is an outgrowth of Hills, Arizona, who passed away October pleased to announce the second annual a partnership between the museum and 28, 2005. Merv was “Tribute to the Rescuers” essay contest. the Institute for Holocaust Education born to Niels and The purpose of the contest is to introduce in Omaha and Dana College in Blair. Laura Bork Bro, both young people to issues of moral courage Since organizers want to encourage the Danish immigrants, through the experience of the rescue of best work possible, awards are generous. on the family farm Danish Jews during World War II. Stu- Because writing matures over the high near Exira, Iowa. He dents are challenged to recognize that school years, there are two contest cat- founded the Bro Oil this was not an isolated event and are egories, one for students in 9th and 10th Company in Audu- encouraged to discover and write about grade and the other for students in 11th bon, and later expanded the business to other individuals or groups who have and 12th grade. Awards in each category many other locations. Merv was very come to the assistance of their fellow are: First Prize, $750; Second Prize, proud of his Danish heritage and served humans and have thus demonstrated $500, and Third Prize, $250. For more on the Board of Directors from 1996 moral courage and civic responsibility. details, instructions and an ofﬁ cial en- – 1999. Merv’s brother, Dr. Ronald Bro this year the contest is open to try form, please contact terri Johnson, of Cedar Falls, Iowa is a current member the children and grandchildren of all Executive Assistant, at 712-764-7001 of the Board of Directors. Merv was a museum members. Participants must be or [email protected]. generous and long-time member of the in grades nine (9) through twelve (12) The museum is able to offer this im- Lifetime Leadership Society and the during the contest period. Students can portant educational opportunity through Heritage Builders. His many contribu- participate if they are attending a public, a generous gift from the Eric and Joan tions made possible the Bro Dining home, private or parochial high school. Norgaard Charitable Trust of North- Room, the installation of quality lighting Essays must be a minimum of 750 words brook, Illinois. The Norgaards were for the exhibit gallery on the mezzanine and not more than 1,000 words. Only one business owners in Chicago, who before level, and the completion of many other entry per student will be accepted. the their deaths set up a charitable trust to projects. We were so glad to have had deadline to receive essays is Friday, support young people and to celebrate the opportunity to host a dinner for Merv when he was back for a visit late last march 31st. Students must contact Eric’s Danish heritage and Joan’s Nor- summer. Merv was a wonderful friend the Danish immigrant museum for wegian heritage. to the Museum and he will be greatly instructions and an ofﬁ cial entry form missed.

Hats Off to Elk Horn’s Danish Windmill At the 2005 State Tourism Conference Horn as well. held in Council Bluffs, Iowa, the Danish The staffs at the windmill and museum Windmill was awarded “Tourism Attrac- often work together to schedule group tion of the Year – Population Less than tours, sharing booths at tourism and mar- 10,000” (the Museum received this same keting events, and various other venues award in 1994). This award is especially in a collaborative effort to promote their timely, since the mill will celebrate its own attractions as well as the towns of 30th anniversary this year. Elk Horn and Kimballton. Lisa Riggs, The authentic Danish windmill was manager of the mill, has also served built in Nørre Snede, Denmark in 1848 as treasurer of the museum’s Board of and was brought to Elk Horn 30 years Directors. ago and rebuilt by community volunteers All of us associated with the museum as a tribute to the strong Danish heritage offer congratulations to Lisa and her staff. in the area. The Danish Villages of Elk This award acknowledges the work they Horn and Kimballton are in the middle have done to make Elk Horn not only a of the largest rural Danish settlement in place to stop along I-80, but a destina- the U.S. - two of the reasons for building tion, and that is a benefi t to all of us in The Danish Immigrant Museum in Elk the community and surrounding area. 10 Museum Shop to Feature Books Volunteer spotlight: Illustrated by Audubon Artist Clint Hansen

In conjunction with the Clint Hansen exhibit, which begins January 19, the Museum Shop is happy to announce that we will be carrying three books illustrated by Clint. The books will feature reproductions of his oil paintings and paper sculptures. In this edition of the America Letter we spotlight and thank the many volunteers The Christmas Flower, written by who have helped with the various mailings we do. In the past several months there Gwen Ellis will help your children learn have been bulk mailings for special appeals and membership, the America Letter that when we offer Him the best we have, and a number of Christmas cards and letters. God is pleased. In this heartwarming We are very fortunate to have such a willing group of people to speed the book, siblings Sara and Mark discover project along. It’s not always just a simple task of putting a letter in an envelope the story behind the poinsettia plant, – sometimes there are many pieces that must be kept in a specifi c order and also the mailing envelopes are stamped in such a way that care must be given to keep the Christmas fl ower, which helps their them in order as well. Many of the volunteers called to help with the mailings are family have the best Christmas ever. It getting to be quite “professional” at this job! is a very moving story that all ages will Volunteers helped with sending out over 2,300 packets containing the fall is- enjoy. sue of the America Letter (approximately that same number for this edition of the Clint Hansen’s paper sculpture won- America Letter) and the Museum Shop’s Christmas Catalog. In December, they derland fi nds a perfect home in the warm assisted in sending childhood memories of Martin Nelson out 2,567 End-of-the- Burton’s, Fooling the Tooth Fairy. The Year Christmas letters. sequence of wordless pages - where the They also helped with Tooth Fairy fl ies to the boy’s house, reacts Christmas greetings sent to 120 of our passionately to fi nding out that the boy volunteers. has tried to trick her with a paper tooth, We also want to then devises her own strategy to “get say a special thank even” - make for a wonderful prediction you to Alice Petersen exercise for young readers. of Kimballton, who “The fi rst friend I ever had was a lep- for the past year has rechaun. We used to write to each other. devoted many hours to keeping up the Museum’s scrapbook. Alice is “retiring” I would leave notes for him at bedtime. from volunteering and we do appreciate the help she has given. In the morning, I would fi nd his answer.” All of us at the Museum are most grateful for each and every one of our valuable So begins Martin Nelson Burton’s true volunteers. account of an enchanting correspondence that would last for seven years, and a friendship that would last a lifetime. Staff mem- The original childhood notes of Martin ber Angela Nelson Burton and the warm, fatherly Stanford and replies of “Mr. Leprechaun” spring to volunteer An- life in Clint Hansen’s breathtaking paper nette Andersen sculpture world. helping chil- Make sure to add these timeless books dren fold Dan- to your collection. Call Jan at the Mu- ish stars in the seum Shop 800-759-9192 or email her Julestue. at [email protected] to place your order. 11 HappeningsJulestue

2006 Exhibit

Schedule Above, staff member Angela “Fitness, Form, and Rhythm in Mo- Stanford shows the children how to tion: The Danish Gymnastic Tradition make traditional Danish Christmas in the United States” will be the major tree decorations. exhibit for 2006. This is the result of a partnership between the museum and Right, Herb Christensen dem- the Danish Gymnastics and Sports As- sociation. In addition to the exhibit, onstrates to visitors how to “turn” visitors will be introduced to and have æbleskiver. opportunity to play “Krolf,” a game blending golf and croquet! As a part of Below, volunteer Phyllis Kosky this partnership, The Danish Immigrant reads The Little Match Girl to Museum will create a special traveling exhibit that will be featured at the 2006 young listeners. summer festival of the Association to be held in Haderslev, Denmark from June 29 through July 2.

Mezzanine Gallery • “Hans Hansen: A Study in Danish- American Ingenuity” through March 27, 2006 • “Fitness, Form and Rhythm in Mo- tion” April 20, 2006-March 6, 2007

Main Floor Gallery • “Nadjeschda Overgaard: National Heritage Fellow, 1998: A Retrospec- tive” through June 5, 2006

Lower Level Gallery • The Art of Clint Hansen, January 19, 2006-July 5, 2006 • The Papirklip of Rick Marzullo, July 20, 2006-January 3, 2007

12 Fa m i l y Hi s t o r y & Ge n e a l o g y Ce n t e r Stamtræ [email protected] News from the Family History & Genealogy Center

[email protected]. Thanks go to Kai & Starr Nyby and Kim- • Siftings, by Jens Jensen (1939; re- berli Jacobsen Petty, whose donations for printed. From $11.95 used on Amazon. map purchases completed our collection com). Thoughts and writings from the of large-scale Danish maps. Kimberli long career of Jensen, who was the also contributed funding for purchasing father of the prairie style of landscape back issues of Saga of the Sandpitch, architecture. which have many stories of Danes who • Vols. 1-15 (1916-1939) of the Danish settled in Sanpete County, Utah. Brotherhood Magazine. Our next big goal is to fill in gaps • Microfilm of 1928/29 Chicago city in our newspaper collection, including directory ($149). back issues of local Elk Horn-Kimball- • Strangers in Hollywood: the history ton newspapers and Danish-language of Scandinavian actors in American newspapers published in various parts films from 1910 to World War II, by of the country. We would like to start Hans J. Wollstein (1994; $59.50 new with the following papers: on amazon.com) • Elk Horn Kimballton Review (8 reels • But you can feel it, by Emil B. Fries from 5/1986-12/1996; $588) (1980; $9.95 and up used on abebooks. • Danish Villages Voice (1 reel from The following items are currently com) 7/2002-12/2003; $73.50) at the top of the FHGC Wish List. If • Back issues of The Danish Sisterhood We have also a listing of newspapers you wish to discuss making a dona- magazine. from Minnesota, Nebraska, Wisconsin tion of the following or contribute • Pre-2000 issues of Bien, the weekly and Illinois on our wish list. These will money toward their purchase, contact Danish-language newspaper pub- be published in the next issue of the Michele McNabb at 877-764-7008 or lished in California. America Letter. Activities and News from the Family History &Genealogy Center

• FHGC Volunteers, both local and • Danes & Other Visitors: Frank long-distance, contributed over 3700 Esmann of Danmarks Radio spent hours of work in 2005. That represents two weeks in Elk Horn in October a lot of hard work – and is much ap- researching material for a series of ten preciated! short programs on Danish immigrant • Our collection continues to grow, with destinies and a half-hour program on the addition of over 500 new books and the Museum and Elk Horn, which other items to the collection this past were aired in Denmark in December. year. We hope you will like the new He has kindly given the Museum additions of the FHGC section of the copies of the programs. The half-hour Museum webpage; we’ve got exciting program featuring John Mark Nielsen plans for future material, including a and Michele McNabb was aired on number of databases that are currently December 26, and the Museum has only available in-house, and hope it received favorable reviews from won’t be too long before we can share listeners in Denmark. And Wartburg those with you. College student Jeremy A. Pedersen • On the Road: The FHGC plans to at- researched and completed a project on tend the Nebraska State Genealogical the language transition from Danish to Frank Esmann of Danmarks Radio Society annual conference in Beatrice English around World War I. We hope on May 5-6. Please stop by our table to add his contribution to the Museum • For the TivoliFest 2006 display to say hello if you plan to attend this webpage in the near future. our theme is “There’s No Place like event. 13 – continued on page 14 Activities & News . . . – continued from page 13 Are You a Danish Home.” We are looking for photographs of your immigrant ancestors’ homes Immigrant or from both Denmark and the U.S. If you have images you would be willing to Long-term Resident? share please send them as .jpg fi les to [email protected] or send a Many Danes have immigrated to the clear copy to us no later than May 1st, 2006. Be sure to include the following US since WWII, have been exchange information: students or resided in this country for • name of family longer periods of time. We would like • location of home (for Denmark, town/parish and county would be appreci- to have some information in our library on more recent immigrants or long-term ated; for the US/Canada the location, county and state/province and year of residents from Denmark. If you would be settlement) willing to fi ll out an Immigrant Informa- • your name and address and contact information. tion Form or distribute it at meetings of We’d like to get a wide variety of photographs, so, once again, we will be award- your local Danish-American organiza- ing (modest) prizes for the most interesting images. tion, contact Michele at the FHGC for copies.

Researching Ancestors Database Updates To be successful, family historians had traveled to California in the early must make use of both traditional re- 1900s to see other relatives who had Over 225 Museum members now have sources and those available via electronic emigrated from Ærø. Peter returned from access to HeritageQuest Online™ in their technology, supplemented by family California with a 4-foot long picture of a homes. This is available to members recollections and local experts, common huge chicken house. With just these few at the annual giving level of $100 and above. Anyone interested in signing up sense and ‘thinking outside the box.’ bits of information I started my search. should contact Development Associate Here, one researcher, Beverly Maas, “I fi rst wrote to a researcher on Ærø Deb Larsen at 1-800-759-9192, or fi ll gives an account of her search during to see if he could help. He suggested I out and return the HQO request form the summer of 2005, showing how the write to Astrid Pedersen, a distant rela- sent out with the annual renewal letter. pieces can fi t together. tive, who was still living on the island. To access HQO from the new Museum “The use of computers has made ge- He also told me I was barking up the webpage just click on the HQO logo on nealogical research faster and so much wrong family tree – Peter’s birth record the upper left-hand corner of the home easier. It has always been a great way was in Rise Parish, not Ærøskøbing! At page. to organize one’s data but now it is also last, a crack in the wall had appeared. There are several other new resources a convenient way to do research. I had The Danish Immigrant Museum at Elk available for searchers at the FHGC. We now have a subscription to the found all the major records in America Horn was my next stop. other major online genealogical resource, about my grandfather Peter Lauritsen, “In May, Michele, the librarian at FamilySearch™ Library Edition, which such as census records, his death record, the research center, showed me how to provides staff and visitors with access to Audubon County warranty deed records search online for spelling variations of a large number of databases and greatly for his farms, naturalization papers, and names in the Danish Emigration Archives enhances the chances of fi nding missing the courthouse record of his marriage and the Immigrant Ships’ List by using family members. Other new resources in- to Carrie Nielsen. Birth, marriage, and a “%” symbol. Success was achieved clude two extensive obituary databases. death records for all twelve of their at both sites. The Danish Archives site One contains over 6000 obituaries and children had also been found. But then listed Peter’s year of emigration as 1889, death notices from The Audubon County it was as if I had hit a brick wall: I was along with his age, last place of residence, Journal from 1897 to 1970, the other consists of several thousand obituaries not able to fi nd anything about his im- occupation, and destination. It also told submitted by Museum members from migration or family in Denmark. when and why these police records were throughout the country. More of these “We remembered Grandpa Peter had established. The Ships’ List stated that databases are in the pipeline. If you would said that his mother’s name was Maren he arrived in New York with 2 pieces of like to contribute obituaries (Danish im- and his stepfather was Hans Pedersen. luggage, and gave his occupation and migrants or Danish-Americans) to the From about age 14 until he emigrated the location of the compartment he oc- collection, please send them to us, and from Ærøskøbing, on the island of Ærø cupied on board the Thingvalla. Next I if possible, indicate which newspaper at 17, Peter worked as a “house boy” or was taught to search for relatives at the they come from and the date. Anyone servant for a widow who once lived in the www.familysearch.org site. Searching submitting a Danish-language obituary Danish Virgin Islands. Peter’s youngest will receive a complimentary translation – continued on page 15 of the article. son Victor remembered that his father 14 Researching Ancestors . . . – continued from page 14 by ‘Place’ in the Family History Library Catalog gave the film numbers I needed to order for birth/baptism, confirmation, marriage, and death/burial records in Rise Parish. Before leaving that day, I ordered a microfilm for Rise Parish from the Family History Library and picked up the FHGC list of Useful Websites for Genealogical Research. “One of the Danish webpages, www. sa.dk/lak/brugearkivet/famhist/, gave the years Danish censuses were taken and the information found on them as well as what is listed on Danish emigration records. A listing of many of the words found in Danish records was translated State Emigrant Landing Depot, Castle Garden, New York, from Immigration into English and there were examples and the Commissioners of Emigration, by Fredrich Kapp (New York: Arno Press of the older Gothic handwriting. A and the New York Times, 1969 [originals ca. early 1880’s]). Note the sign mark- ing the entrance to the Ward’s Island Department. photograph of a parish register showed what data is listed in each column. The Parish on file in Elk Horn listed Maren’s parish you wish to search. In the 1845 explanation of the use of patronymics birth/baptism record, the names of both census for Rise Parish, I found Maren, instead of surnames prior to 1870 and the parents, and her sponsors. age 6, living with her parents and three traditions of assigning a Christian name Then a photograph of Rise Parish older sisters. Now the brick wall was were extremely helpful for searching the church was found in the alphabetical really beginning to crumble! microfilm of Rise Parish. listing for Danish churches at http:// “Ever wonder what it was like to “When it arrived the Rise Parish record dis-danmark.dk/kirkeimg/. This church immigrate to America in the 1800s? gave me Grandpa’s date of baptism and dates back to 1150-1200 and is the oldest Peter’s immigration records stated he birth (24 January 1872) as well as the church on the little island of Ærø. sailed on the Thingvalla and entered at names of his parents and sponsors. I The English version of http://ddd.dda. Castle Garden in 1889. www.theshipslist. now had the name of his natural father, dk is a great place to find older Danish com has detailed descriptions and actual mother, and stepfather. According to census records. The site has a map of all photographs of immigrant ships and the Danish calendars on www.rmadsen. the counties in Denmark. It also gives a etchings of ships’ rigging. In 1888, the dk/ka/ Grandpa was born on Wednesday, list of what’s in the database by simply year before Peter sailed, the Thingvalla 24 January 1872. A second film for Rise typing in the name of the county and collided with and sank another ship of the same line, the Geiser, with the loss of 105 lives. This site has an interesting account of the accident by the captain Admission & Hours of the Geiser. Admission (Includes Bedstemor’s House) “In 1890 the Thingvalla collided Current Museum Members: FREE with Membership Card $ $ with an iceberg but the ship was only Non-Members: Adults, 5 • Children (ages 8-17), 2 slightly damaged. I think I would have Museum Hours: Mon.-Fri.: 9:00 am-5:00 pm; booked passage on another ship! The Sat.: 10:00 am-5:00 pm ; Sun.: 12:00 noon-5:00 pm “Image Gallery” on www.norwayher- itage.com also had photos of Castle Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Garden and of the Thingvalla after the 1888 collision as well as some photos Family History & Genealogy Center Hours May-Oct.: Tues., Wed., Fri., 9:00 am-5:00 pm of immigrant quarters. Grandpa most 1st & 3rd Saturday: 9:00 am-5:00 pm likely read 1889 newspaper advertise- Nov.-April: Tues., Wed., Fri.: 10 am-4 pm ments and promotional pamphlets for Other Times By Appointment this ship just like the ones shown at this site. www.castlegarden.org and www.el- All facilities are closed on New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving & Christmas. lisislandrecords.org are places to search (Local weather conditions may cause occasional closures.) for immigrant records. They also give a 15 – continued on page 16 Researching Ancestors . . . continued from page 15 short history of the processing centers, a included many wonderful stories about detailed description of what immigrants many of our family members, such as a experienced there, and have wonderful five-page detailed account of Christen old photographs. and Johanne’s rural wedding in 1829. “A nice letter from my new-found “During World War II, the Germans Danish relative Astrid added the names of tried to intern Danish Jews and police- Grandpa’s parents, all four grandparents, men. Grandpa’s cousin Christen hid a his half-sister and a list of descendants local policeman from September 1944 Steerage of his half- brother Hans. This letter until the end of the war. It was very risky was followed by a surprise email from and nobody in the village knew about it ton, in Gone with the Wind. He also was Astrid’s nephew Leo. He emailed photo- until afterwards. According to probate Marilyn Monroe’s first leading man in graphs of Hans, his wife, and all of their records, Grandpa’s great-great-grand- Gentleman Prefer Blondes. However, not children. There was also a photo of Leo father left the family farm to his son on all our relatives turned out to be heroic and his three brothers and an awesome the condition he was to have use of the or famous. One distant cousin obviously old picture of Grandpa’s stepfather and room west of the living room as living did not manage money very well. The brother standing with a team of horses quarters, have storage space in the attic, night before the bank was to take posses- and a wagon in front of the farmhouse that his bed was kept in clean sheets, and sion of his farm, a mysterious fire burnt where Grandpa lived as a child. He said that he and his wife cook, clean and assist the buildings down. To this day no one the house is still in the family – Leo’s him when needed when he was old or knows for sure how the fire started. brother lives there now. The last photo sick. There was also an annual fee of pork “As for the mysterious picture of the showed how the house looks today. What fat, butter, wood and peat for burning, chicken house, Ib knew that answer too. a thrill it was to open that email! free grazing for ½ a cow and 1 sheep, 1 Christen Hansen had a large chicken farm “http://home13.inet.tele.dk/ibcung/ apple tree, rye grain, barley grain, malt, in California. His brother was married was the dynamite that blew the wall and free brewing. to a cousin of Grandpa Peter. Christen down. This is a Danish site about the “It was also a surprise to find this and Grandpa most certainly knew each island of Ærø. Parts of it are in English, site had two of Grandpa’s children and other quite well, as they grew up in such as the short history of the island. their descendants listed from Audubon the same neighborhood in Voderup, on The most complete list of emigrants from County. Two of Peter’s uncles immi- Ærø. Both immigrating uncles stayed Ærø is also in English. Both Grandpa grated to California, but only one was with Christen when they first came to Peter and my uncle Lars were on this listed with his descendants. It turns out America. Grandpa most likely went to list! One of the few photographs of Ærø that Peter’s cousin Lois Nelson was a California to see all three men. was the home of A. H. Riise, Council- stuntwoman who played the first Peter “By the end of summer, my “brick lor of State to St. Thomas in the Danish Pan in the silent movies. She married wall” had become a “book” with the Virgin Islands. I now had a photograph Arthur Stanley Jefferson, better known usual data, many great photographs and of the place where grandpa worked as as Stan Laurel, who just teamed up with wonderful stories about many ances- a teenager and the name of the family Oliver Hardy. Her daughter Lois mar- tors. Genealogy truly is a jigsaw puzzle he worked for. Through this website ried Rand Brooks, who played Scarlet without an edge and what a joy to find I contacted webmaster Ib Christensen O’Hara’s first husband, Charles Hamil- the missing pieces!” to see if he had any information about Peter Lauritsen. After sending what little information I had, I anxiously waited his reply. “About a week later Ib replied with a “Dear Cousin” letter. He said we had the same great- great-great grandparents, Christen Jensen and Johanne Pedersdat- ter, and that he would be sending me a great deal of information. I was expect- ing a simple list of names and statistics for a few more generations back. What he actually sent was a report about our ancestors going seven generations back from Grandpa Peter. Besides the usual statistics, Ib included occupations, where they lived, land register numbers and Staff Member Deb Larsen (left) and Danish Intern Helene Christensen wel- names of farms, number of acres and come Chicago area guests Marco and Anita Nielsen to the Julestue who inherited the land. But best of all, he 16