The Mogens Kiehn Collection Highlights Post World War II Immigration Following World War II, Many Was a Congressman from Illinois

Home , Christian X of Denmark, Egeskov Castle, Hadsten, Randers, Ringsted

America Letter The Danish Immigrant Museum An International Cultural Center Fall 2004 Box 470 • Elk Horn, Iowa 51531 Vol. XVIII, No. 3 The Mogens Kiehn Collection Highlights Post World War II Immigration Following World War II, many was a Congressman from Illinois. Danes immigrated to the United States. “Mr. Kiehn has led a colorful life,” Among them was Mogens Kiehn, an said Curator Barbara Lund-Jones, “and engineer and inventor, who was edu- his documentation of that life through cated in Copenhagen and who later the artifacts and related memorabilia is spent time with the French Foreign exceptional.” The artifacts that have been Legion in Morocco. In the early 1950s, given to the Museum contain descriptions he came to Rockford, Illinois, where that place them within the larger context he worked as an engineer until mov- of his life. ing to Scottsdale, Arizona. During his “His interest in the Museum is grati- career he received thirty-two patents fying,” added Executive Director John for a variety of inventions. Mark Nielsen. “It challenges us to also after a long, active and adventurous focus our collection efforts on post World life, Kiehn has begun giving impor- War II immigrants. Theirs is often a dif- tant artifacts to the Museum, artifacts ferent story from those who immigrated that visually document his story and earlier, and we have a special responsibil- the many people with whom he has ity to work with this generation or we come in contact over the years. These will lose their stories.” to Kiehn in April 1972, it also includes include models and prototypes of his an example of Kiehn’s documenta- a greeting card from Tribini’s U.S. tour inventions as well as personal notes tion can be seen in the poster from his in 1963. On the back, Kiehn has added from such personalities as then General good friend, the magician and character notes and an additional poster. Eisenhower to the current Secretary of actor, Professor Tribini. Signed and given Defense, Donald Rumsfeld, when he Historical Danish Folk Costumes In late August, the Danish Immigrant Museum received Lace-maker (right) is a traveling exhibit called Historical Danish Folk Costumes dressed in late Empire Style, C. 1840. The fabric in her from the National Museum of Denmark and began prepara- dress is not homespun. On tions for its installation. By mid-September, this exhibit, her head, she wears a cap featuring 20 dolls dressed in traditional Danish folk cos- for indoor use. Her costume tumes, will be up and ready for the public’s enjoyment on is from Tønder, Southern the third floor of the Museum. Jutland. Standing beside Each of the dolls is approximately 33” tall. Though cos- her is a woman dressed in tumes varied a great deal, these were fashioned to represent Sunday clothes from the as accurately as possible those that were worn between the southern part of the isle of years of 1780 and 1860 in the different regions throughout Funen, 1790s. Her outfit is Denmark. They also represent different occupations and made from linen, wool and homespun materials. She activities from the peasant harvesters to the bailiff to the wears a three-piece cap. elaborate bride and groom outfits. The dolls were carefully – continued on page 2 Lorraine Larsen of Audubon, Iowa, Designs 2004 Christmas Card 2004 Christmas The Danish Immigrant Museum is with her two sisters and two of her male Ornament excited to announce that the 2004 Christ- cousins. (right) and mas card is “Jule Aften” by Lorraine This year marks the 16th annual Christmas Larsen. Lorraine has lived her entire Christmas Card and the 5th year for the Card were life in Audubon County where she was annual Keepsake Ornament. We hope designed by a farm homemaker. In 1964, shortly after you will make this year’s card and orna- Lorraine the family’s youngest child was married ment a traditional part of your Christmas Larsen. and moved away, she started painting. holidays. She wanted to have a hobby that she we have made it easy for you to could pursue on the farm. By 1970, Lor- order the 2004 Annual Christmas Card raine was a proficient, self-taught artist. and Ornament. You can order online at Over the years, her creativity has taken a www.danishmuseum.org and click on number of forms. Her work has included Museum Shop, call us at 800-759-9192 or sketching, drawing, watercolor painting, send your order to the Danish Immigrant oil painting, mold making, quilt making, Museum Shop, Box 470, Elk Horn, IA plate making and doll making. 51531. Memory plays an important role in The Museum Shop is already look- Lorraine’s work, particularly her painting for the 2005 Artwork for the next ings. Several of her paintings reflect Christmas card. Since 2005 is the 200th her childhood experiences. She grew anniversary of Hans Christian Ander- up in an early Danish American home sen’s birth, we are looking for artwork and spoke primarily Danish as a small that might celebrate both Christmas and child. Her Jule Aften (Christmas Eve) his life and work. We invite you to submit painting depicts, with great charm, the your suggestions or artwork to: Danish tradition of dancing around the The Danish Immigrant Museum Christmas tree. In this painting, Lor- Shop raine is the child with blond hair and a P.O. Box 470 blue dress. She dances around the tree Elk Horn, IA 51531

Folk Costumes . . . – continued from page 1 Commemorat- researched and are beautifully dressed. A Celebration of Heritage: Danish Folk ing the Christmas All demonstrate impressive attention to Costumes in America on the main floor, Seal Centennial detail and lively color. which features life-sized costumes and The Museum’s winter 2004-05 exhibit accompanying the dolls are nine life- bonnets, photographs, and paintings from will commemorate the 100th anniversary sized bonnets dating from 1800 to 1870. the Museum’s collection. Visitors will of the Danish Christmas Seals. The A few are elaborate five-fold bonnets be able to enjoy the Historical Danish exhibition will feature items from the with metallic thread embroidery on the Folk Costumes until January 16, and will, Museum’s collection, as well as a truly backsides, and others are much simpler without a doubt, leave the Museum with remarkable private collection on special and consist only of a single piece of fabric a deeper understanding of and interest loan. Conrad Pedersen of the Twin Cit- with a bit of lace trim. As the headdresses in traditional Danish folk costumes. ies area has very graciously agreed to were the most recognizable features of a The Danish Immigrant Museum is make his personal collection of Danish particular region, these pieces provide a grateful to H. Rand and Mary Louise Pe- Christmas Seals available for this com- great addition to the costumes. tersen of Harlan, Iowa, for the generous memorative exhibition. His collection adding texture and color to the ex- donation that allowed us to partner with is extensive and very well presented. hibit will be 16 hand-woven fabrics, also the National Museum of Denmark and His loan will make the viewing of this representing the different regions of Den- the Nordic Heritage Museum of Seattle, exhibition particularly memorable. mark through the distinct patterns, colors, Washington, in making this exhibit pos- and weaving styles. Various prints will sible. detail the costumes and regions for the viewer. This exhibit is closely linked to 2 America Letter Director’s Corner by John Mark challenge coming generations to draw Published Three Times Annually By Nielsen lessons from those who have gone be- The Danish Immigrant Museum as I write this, fore them. For that reason I’m excited to 2212 Washington, POBox 470 I am in Chicago, have Judy Meisel, a Holocaust survivor, Elk Horn, Iowa 51531 712-764-7001 800-759-9192 visiting our sec- visit area schools in Audubon, Cass FAX 712-764-7002 ond grandson who and Shelby Counties and to share with was born on Sep- teachers and students the resources we www.danishmuseum.org th email: [email protected] tember 8 . His have at the Museum. I look forward to name is Aksel, ways in which we can be a resource to Board of Directors a good Danish our members across the country and to President - Joy Ibsen, Trout Creek, MI name. With his birth, Dawn and I become their young ones by providing or recom- Vice-President - Vern Hunter, Fargo, ND Secretary - Julie Jorgensen, Wayzata, MN mormor and morfar for the first time, as mending resources for learning about Treasurer - Clark Mathisen, Omaha, NE he is the first child of our daughter, Eva, their Danish heritage. Birgit Andersen, Ithaca, NY and son-in-law, Mike. Aksel’s cousin, I am so grateful to the many support- Egon Bodtker, Salem, OR John Henrik, our son and daughter-in- ers who are assisting us in meeting this Ronald Bro, Parkersburg, IA law’s first child lives just five blocks responsibility. Through the generosity Dr. Borge M. Christensen, Tucson, AZ Carlo Christensen, Glendale, CA away from them. To him we are farmor of the Eric and Joan Norgaard Chari- Lois Christensen, Elk Horn, IA and farfar. table Trust, we are able to expand our Thomas Christensen, Bettendorf, IA we adopted the use of the Danish educational outreach this next year. I Anne-Marie Douglas, Chicago, IL terms for grandparents (mother’s mother, am thankful for generous donors like H. Dr. Gordon R. Esbeck, Tipton, IA mother’s father, etc.) when our first son, Rand and Mary Louise Petersen, mem- Thomas Hansen, Blair, NE Erna Jensen, Des Moines, IA John Preben was born. My father an- bers of our Lifetime Leadership Society, Harold M. Jensen, Ames, IA nounced that he would either be called who have once again stepped forward Nils Jensen, Portland, OR farfar or grandfather. Farfar seemed to make possible our partnership with Orville Juhler, Harlan, IA easier to say for a little grandson, so farfar the National Museum of Denmark and Dagmar Muthamia, Long Beach, CA he has been—even to the spouses of his the Nordic Heritage Museum. This past Kai Nyby, La Porte, IN Curt Pedersen, Tucson, AZ grandchildren. Most recently, Stephanie, Friday, I learned that Lorraine Larsen, Marc L. Petersen, Omaha, NE our youngest son’s fiancée, learned that an area artist whose work we featured in Anelise Sawkins, Minneapolis, MN she too should call him farfar. So the a recent exhibit, and her husband Leroy Linda Sloth-Gibbs, Yuma, AZ tradition continues. have made provisions for the museum Ex-Officio The birth of a child fills me with wonder in their estate, a very important step Dennis Larson: Decorah, IA and a sense of responsibility: to cradle in assuring the Museum’s future. And little Aksel in my arms and rock him as finally, I am thankful to the many who Staff he squirms and wiggles; to see Eva and responded to our membership drive and Executive Director: Dr. John Mark Nielsen, [email protected] Mike hover over their new son as they to our summer appeal. General Information & Inquiries About take the first steps of parenting; to know Fund raising is not my favorite activ- Volunteering: [email protected] two-year-old John Henrik, unprompted, ity. But I know that we need members Group & Special Tours: Terri Johnson, sang “Happy Birthday, dear Aksel” when and resources to fulfill our mission to [email protected] he learned of his cousin’s birth affirms collect, preserve and study the Danish Wall of Honor, Donations, Memorial Gifts my hope that life and family continue. immigrant experience. In so doing we & Memberships: Deb Larsen, develop- I believe that I have a responsibility are preserving an important story of the [email protected] Bookkeeping & Financial Inquiries: Jenni- to acculturate these grandchildren to the American experience. This is our most fer Winters, [email protected] heritage and the values that have provided vital charge; this is our reason for being. Donations of Artifacts & Exhibit Questions: meaning for my life. I look forward to I invite you to consider how you might Barbara Lund-Jones, M.Phil, curator@ coming Christmases when we gather as invest in meeting this responsibility. We danishmuseum.org a family around the Advent wreath and do this for the generations to come. Past Donations & Museum Loans: Angela Christmas tree to sing familiar American, Stanford, [email protected] Danish and German carols. I anticipate Museum Shop: Jan Paulsen, giftshop@ danishmuseum.org family dinners when the new family Donation of Books & Library Questions: members too will join in the spirited Michele McNabb, MLS, librarian@ conversations about politics, religion Matching Gifts danishmuseum.org and art. I do know that my appreciation May 1, 2004 - August 31, 2004 Genealogical & Translation Inquiries: of heritage and culture came from my [email protected] immigrant grandparents and the family Volunteer Coordinator: Joyce Petersen, The Coca Cola Company rituals they maintained and passed on to Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Connie Johnson us. Custodian: Tim Fredericksen Woodmen of the World/Assured at the museum, we also have a responsibility to preserve the past and to Life 3 Midsommer Fest attended by staff in Dagmar, Montana Curator Barbara Lund-Jones attended a revival of Midsommer Fest on June 27th in Dagmar, Montana at the invitation of local historian, Jens Sundsted and his wife, Gertrude. In keeping with tradition, the event was held at Nathaniel Lutheran The Midsommer Fest choir gave a remarkable and moving performance. Some of the Church situated in the countryside some participants traveled a great distance for the event. distance outside of Dagmar. During the th consisted of young Danish men and early years of the 20 century, Dagmar’s women of the area. Only unmarried Midsommer Fest was a major event people could be a member. One of their extending for three days and drawing valuable contributions to the community upwards of 500 people from miles away. and the church was the development of They visited, they sang, they ate and the spiritual and cultural aspects of the they listened to speakers from different community. Their other purpose was to walks of life. When they left, they took get the young people together to sing with them a wealth of memories that Danish songs, do lectures and readings, gave Midsommer Fest a very special so they and others could better understand place in their shared history. As times what the Danish language and literature changed and the century progressed, the could contribute to America. They also traditional Midsommer Fest celebration promoted gymnastics, folk dancing, also underwent changes. It faltered, choir, and a lot of other worthwhile modified and sometimes did not happen activities. They were not an auxiliary A photographic exhibition on Nathaniel at all. This year, members of the Dagmar of the church, but most of them were Lutheran Church and some of the prior festi- community, with the assistance of their members of it. Many of their decisions vals and gatherings held on its grounds was pastor, determined that 2004 would see and activities were related to the church. prepared by local historian Jens Sundsted. a revival of their beloved Midsommer Many of the photographs displayed are ones I believe they were very instrumental in he had taken over the years. Fest. The core choir members of Na- starting the first Midsommer Fest. They thaniel Church committed their time to were asked by the church to pick one of Festival participants (below) learn about practice and recruited additional singers the speakers and the congregation was the exceptionally rich history of Nathaniel from several miles away. The assembled asked to pick the other. They shared this Lutheran Church in an exhibition specially Midsommer Fest choir gave a truly prepared by Jens Sundsted for the 2004 remarkable and moving performance. duty for many years.” Midsommer Fest revival. The event also had a featured speaker, a special exhibit tracing the festival’s history in the Dagmar community and concluded with dinner and socializing. Approximately 80 to 90 people were in attendance. Harold C. Nielsen of Dagmar has researched the history of the Midsommer Fest. “This [event] was definitely the highlight of the year for the community and the outlying areas in the earlier years. To attest to this, in 1923 between 450 and 500 people attended the Midsommer Fest. It was treated as a formal affair, as everyone, including the children, were dressed in their finest clothing.” Nielsen has found the role of the area’s young people to have been particularly important in the development of the Festival. “In 1908, an organization called Nathaniel Lutheran Church in rural Dagmar, Montana. The weather for the 2004 the Young peoples Society was formed Midsommer Fest was exceptionally cooperative. [in the Dagmar area]. Its membership 4 New Museum Shop Successful manager a familiar face Membership Jan Paulsen has returned to The Danish Immigrant Museum as the new Museum Shop Manager. Jan has Drive held had 18+ years of retail and management experience. In 1998 the Board of Directors set an Some of that experience came when she was the first annual goal of increasing membership manager of our Museum Shop from 1994 to 1999. each fiscal year.A growing membership Since then she has worked for the Girl Scouts of is important to the future of The Danish America and the Danish Windmill in Elk Horn. Immigrant Museum. Achieving this goal Jan is working on product development for the shop will assure the Museum’s growth and contribute to financial stability. During that will offer new and exciting inventory. Partnering the February 2004 board meeting in with a buyer who regularly travels to Denmark, she Yorba Linda, California, the Board of has selected exciting items related to the bicentennial Directors assigned the Development of Hans Christian Andersen’s birth. She also just got Department the task of completing this back from a buying trip at the Umauga Gift Market goal. in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The new products will offering their time and skills, several be available in the Christmas catalog due out in the members from the Board’s Develop- end of September. So, be watching for it in the mail ment Committee assisted Deb Larsen, or you can also find the products on the web site www.danishmuseum.org. the newly hired development associate, “It is great to be back at the Museum” Jan stated. “I have missed the experience in strategizing a plan of action target- of working in a great environment in such a beautiful setting with wonderful staff ing the Museum’s lapsed membership. who understands what teamwork means.” Many new changes are in the works Committee members, Thomas Hansen, from bookkeeping to new display areas in the Museum Shop. We invite you visit Nils Jensen and Kai Nyby, as well as us when in the area. our director, John Mark Nielsen, were instrumental in the success of this brief campaign. Within six month’s time and a deadline date of August 31, 2004, a total of 255 new or lapsed memberships were Danish graduate student joins staff attained. Planning and preparation for this as- Tina Wittorff, a 24-year old, Danish nication and Globalization at Aalborg signment was completed in early spring. graduate student from Aalborg Univer- University. Tina is excited to have an During the months of May, June, July sity, has joined the Museum staff until opportunity to study an interesting part th and August, three separate Phone-a- January 15 2005. Her internship at The of her national history while completing Thons were held. The process included Danish Immigrant Museum is part of a her graduate program. During her stay, a preliminary invitational letter sent to final project in completing a graduate she will work to improve the Museum’s individuals whose memberships had program in Tourism, which is a supple- marketing and advertising plans. lapsed somewhere between the years of ment to her degree in Culture, Commu- In addition to her studies Tina has 1998 and 2003. Within this letter it was a practical knowledge of the Danish indicated that they would be receiving a tourism industry. She has worked at phone call to discuss their future involve- the Tourism Welcome Center in Århus, ment with the Museum. Many “tracked” Denmark’s second largest city, where she letters were “returned to sender” and no also resides. Tina’s interest in the tourism further address information could be industry does not come from strangers found. This, too, was beneficial as the since Tina’s older brother is employed Museum could take this opportunity to at a Tourism Welcome Center in one of update its records. the largest tourist areas in Denmark. The next step included three Phone- Both Tina and the Museum look for- a-Thons, volunteers placing the assigned ward to a wonderful five month intern- phone calls. At this time we also learned ship and are grateful to the American how the Museum might better serve the Scandinavian Foundation for their as- member’s interests, or of any concerns or sistance in obtaining the necessary visa suggestions. With the help of numerous that makes her visit possible. local volunteers, the Museum’s three phone lines were lit up many evenings. Leroy and Clara Pedersen, Annette An- dersen, Lois and Lamont Christensen,

5 – continued on page 6 From A Curatorial Perspective . . . by Barbara Lund-Jones In this issue, the curatorial column is to their best possible advantage - include timately tied to the documentation of its taking on a slightly different perspective. detailed information on: individual pieces. In a heritage collection Rather than writing about ongoing proj- • 1, The person or persons to whom the such as ours, the more documentation we ects, such as the new exhibits, which are item belonged secure, the more likely we are to be able covered elsewhere in this letter, I want • 2. How the item was used. to note discernable patterns, shared tradi- to ask for your help with an important • 3. How it was passed down among tions and community interrelationships, project that is very near and dear to our family members. as well as contrasting observances. department – collections documenta- In line with these items, we’d also we welcome your gifts. And when we tion. appreciate any other information – or ask for more documentation, remember The importance of a well-documented even family stories —that you think that we are trying to do justice to your collection cannot be over emphasized. others might find helpful when they see gift and to the place it will have in our Collections documentation is ongoing your gift on display. collection. You can help by providing us and has several identifiable stages. Per- Very importantly, we want to know with as much informational material as haps the most important of these is the about the people to whom an object possible. documentation secured at the time an belonged. We frequently ask for short, a museum’s collection staff works artifact is offered to the Museum. It is summary statements about the family not only for current generations, but, for at this stage that my staff and I have the members associated with particular ar- those that come after as well. The greater first opportunity to become acquainted tifacts. And it is even better when this our documentation, the greater will be with members and visitors and to set background information is accompanied the legacy made available for both con- the stage for documentation that will by photographs and any related memo- temporary visitors and the generations preserve a family’s memory in a very rabilia, which help to fill out the picture that follow. unique way. And we can do this only by of the lives associated with the gifts. Barbara Lund-Jones providing as complete a context as pos- we need this documentation for a sible for your gifts. The information we number of reasons. First and foremost, need - and which will set off your gifts the overall strength of a collection is in- Membership drive . . . – continued from page 5 Jeanette and Eivind Lillehoj, Connie Johnson, Thomas Hansen, Dr. John Mark Nielsen and Terri Johnson assisted Development Associate, Deb Larsen, with this course of action. This task would have been impossible without their willingness to support this effort. at the same February 2004 Board meeting, the Museum’s Board of Di- rectors also set for itself a goal of each present board member to recruit ten new or lapsed members. The competition ended on August 31st with a tie between Vern Hunter and Dr. Gordon Esbeck, Henri Sørensen’s Paintings for each recruiting fourteen memberships. Second place draw was awarded to Joy The Yellow Star: The Legend of Ibsen and Kai Nyby, both enlisting nine memberships. The Board’s enthusiasm King Christian X of Denmark and efforts are very much appreciated. In 2000, Henri Sørensen, a Danish il- is a legend, Deedy suggests the story is Membership helps to preserve the lustrator, completed a series of paintings important in symbolizing the loyalty and Danish immigrant heritage. With all of for a children’s book by Carmen Agra fearless spirit of the king and his people us working together, we can continue to Deedy entitled The Yellow Star: The in fighting against intolerance. achieve our ultimate goal. “All for one Legend of King Christian X of Denmark. From October 14 until December and one for all!” ~ “En for alle og alle This book relates the legend that King 1, visitors to the Museum will have for en!” Christian X wore a yellow star in solidar- an opportunity to– see continued an exhibit on page of the12 Deb Larsen, Development Associ- ity with Danish citizens who were Jewish. ate Though she makes clear that the story 6 Sankt Hans Aften celebration attracts all ages

Board member Thomas Hansen enjoys assisting children in making snog- brød. sankt Hans Aften (Danish for Mid- tour of the Museum’s exhibits, singing tradition continued on the feast day of St. summer’s Eve Festival) was celebrated and making snogbrød (roasted bread on John the Baptist, which is the feast day on the grounds of The Danish Immigrant a stick), and followed by cookies and ice closest to the summer solstice. To make Museum on June 19th. This Danish fes- cream. At dusk the huge bonfire was lit sure that the coming year would be good, tival is thought to ward off evil spirits. and a effigy of a witch was burned. the Danes lit these fires on their farms, Over 150 people were in attendance on Sankt Hans Aften is the time in Den- in small villages, or any open space to this particular chilly and damp evening, mark for lighting fires on Midsummer burn the power of the evil spirits. The reminiscent of such a night in Denmark. Eve, the longest day of the year. The people would dance and sing and send the The annual event was sponsored by the custom of setting bonfires at midsummer witches off to Blocksbjerg, a mountain Elk Horn-Kimballton Danish Brother- stretches back to Viking times, predating in Germany where the big witch lives. hood Lodge No. 341, Rebild Society- the coming of Christianity to Scandina- Heartland Chapter, and The Danish via. With the advent of Christianity, the Immigrant Museum. The festivities began with a bring- your-own blanket and picnic food to eat with your family or friends. During the evening, visitors were entertained by the Vikings and a wandering minstrel. Other activities included children play- ing games, guests taking a self-guided

Admission & Hours Admission (Includes Bedstemor’s House) Current Museum Members: FREE with Membership Card Non-Members: Adults, $5; Children (ages 8-17), $2 Museum Hours Mon.-Fri.: 9:00 am-5:00 pm; Sat.: 10:00 am- The Sankt Hans Aften bonfire lights the Iowa sky. 5:00 pm ; Sun.: 12:00 noon-5:00 pm Business Hours Monday - Friday: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Family History & Genealogy Cen- ter Hours Family History & Genealogy Center search- May-Oct.: Tues., Wed., Fri., 9:00 am-5:00 pm 1st & 3rd Saturday: 9:00 am-5:00 pm es for Danish immigrants Nov.-April: Tues., Wed., Fri.: 10 am-4 pm are You a Danish Immigrant? Do you know one? Then we would like to have Other Times By Appointment information on you! Enclosed with this America Letter is a copy of our Immigrant All facilities are closed on New Year’s Day, Information Form which can be filled out and returned to theL ibrary. Photographs, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving & Christmas. documentation, and lengthier biographical and family information may also be (Local weather conditions may cause attached. occasional closures.) 7 Family history told through quilts

This exhibit features two quilts de- The quilt from the Museum’s col- voted exclusively to family stories and lection focuses on the Jens Christian family history. One of the quilts is from Jensen family. Jens Christian Jensen and the Museum’s collection. The second is his wife, Kirsten Marie, emigrated from specially loaned for the exhibit. Denmark in 1868. They farmed for a few In each of the quilts, every block tells years near Dwight, Illinois, eventually a different family story. In exhibition selling this farm and purchasing land notebooks accompanying the quilts, near Cozad, Nebraska. The Jensen family the family associations linked with at this time numbered nine, two adults each block are presented in both visual and seven children. Kirsten Marie died and written form. Be- shortly before their move to Nebraska, cause the quilts are so just a few weeks after the birth of their well documented, the seventh child,. exhibit is of interest Jens appealed to Kirsten’s family in to both quilters and Denmark for help. Kirsten’s half-sister, nonquilters alike. Marie, then twenty years old, agreed to Maren (Minnie) Jens- come and help with the children. Upon en, depicted here, made her arrival, she and Jens married, as it the Jens Christian Jensen seemed the proper thing to do. Marie family quilt. She was and Jens had another fourteen children, the fourth child of Jens one of whom died in infancy. Altogether, Christian and Kirsten Marie raised twenty children into adult- Marie Jensen. hood. The quilt blocks reference the lives of these children and the children of the quilt’s maker, Maren (Minnie) Jensen Hans Hansen Exhibit to be featured Pedersen, who was the fourth child of Jens Christian Jensen and his first wife, This summer, several staff members ly loan several items from his farm shop, Kirsten Marie. Family members and from the Museum traveled to just out- which will tell the story of his creativity friends designed the thirty-one blocks side West Branch, Iowa to the Walter and ingenuity. Several handcrafted tools Hansen farm for hospitality and history. such as an auger and horsehair brushes, – continued on page 9 Walter and his wife and daughters gave as well as a homemade tool chest will be personal tours of the extensive farm and among those pieces. A particularly vivid sat down to talk about Walter’s father and touching piece will be the carpenter’s Hans who cleared the land and built the apron Hans always wore, forever stained farm. An exhibit, which will be installed by the hours of work it saw. On the farm, in February and will remain up much of it still hangs in the farm shed where he 2005, is the result of this fascinating and last left it before his death. Neither the educational visit. apron nor the hammer that is still hanging Hans Hansen immigrated to the from a loop on the side of the apron has United States from Denmark during the been used since Hans last hung them in first decade of the 1900s, and worked for the farm shop. Walter has left them in the railroad for a time in order to earn the their place in honor of his father. In ad- money necessary for building his farm. dition to farm tools, Hans also built and The house was completed first and the detailed furniture and other household outbuildings followed over the next sev- accessories. A few of his candlestick eral years. Hans’ sons, including Walter, holders will be on display. worked with their father constructing the Visitors will appreciate the work of buildings and running the farm. Walter Hans Hansen and will be intrigued by still resides in the house with his family his ingenuity. The Museum is excited and continues to farm the land. to receive these pieces and wishes to Hans had a brilliant mind for problem extend a warm thank you to the Hansen solving and that will be the focus of the family for being so generous. The history of the first block from Mar- garet Christensen’s quilt is explained in this exhibit. The Hansen family will gracious- excerpt from her notebook, which has been 8 specially prepared for the exhibit. Volunteer spotlight: Dolores Gregersen Connelly our spotlight in this issue of The Before Dolores even came back to the dependable volunteers, assist Michele America Letter is on a volunteer who area she was thinking of volunteering McNabb in keeping our Center running has accumulated hours at a fast pace and decided to do so at the Museum as “I and helping our many patrons with their since joining our dedicated group at the just plain wanted to help out.” After her searches into their own roots. Thank you, Museum’s Family History Genealogy return to the area in 1999, she attended a Dolores! Center. Dolores Gregersen Connelly volunteer orientation in September and is a native of the Elk Horn area having started volunteering in October. On the been born Southeast of town on a farm day of orientation she was not certain known as Hansen Heights. She grew up whether she would prefer being at the near Anita, Iowa and after graduation front desk as a greeter or working in Organization- began a career as a bookkeeper. Dolores the FHGC. During the tour that day, Lodge Associates relocated to Honolulu, Hawaii where upon arriving in the FHGC, Margaret Cedar Valley Danes, Cedar Falls, IA she continued in her profession spend- Christensen asked her “Are you here to Danebod Lutheran Church, Tyler, MN ing the last 20 years as VP/Director of help us?” Dolores replied “yes” and has Danish American Club of Milwaukee, Accounting with the largest ad agency been with the Museum’s Family History WI, West Bend, WI in Honolulu. It was there in Hawaii that and Genealogy Center ever since. Danish American Club of Orange Dolores met and married her husband, Mae Petersen taught her how to County, CA, Aliso Viejo, CA Bob Connelly, who was originally from research, and Dolores comments, “We Southern Illinois. Her husband passed Danish American Heritage Society, have had good fun working together!” Ames, IA away in 1996 and when she retired in A real perk is that her volunteering has Des 1999, Dolores moved back “home” and Danish Brotherhood Lodge #15, gotten Dolores delving into her own Moines, IA is currently residing in Atlantic. genealogy and through three contacts Man- Since The Danish Immigrant Mu- Danish Brotherhood Lodge #35, in Denmark has found 29 of her ances- teno, IL seum’s beginnings Dolores has been tors. She has met relatives that she had Law- a donor and wholeheartedly approved Danish Brotherhood Lodge #56, not known before and has received old rence, KS of the idea that the town of Elk Horn family photos. Albert promote its Danish heritage. Her Danish Brotherhood Lodge #75, Dolores has passed several volunteer Lea, MN parents, four grandparents and three hour milestones and last year accumu- Elk great-grandparents are all buried in the Danish Brotherhood Lodge #341, lated over 1,000 hours since she began Horn, IA Elk Horn Lutheran Cemetery and all volunteering at the Museum. You will Eu- but one of her grandparents came from Danish Brotherhood Lodge #348, find Dolores each Tuesday at the FHGC. gene, OR Denmark. She, along with our other enthusiastic, Danish Club of Tucson, Tucson, AZ Danish Vennelyst Park, Omaha, NE Heart of Iowa Danes, Ames, IA Quilts . . . continued from page 8 Knudsen Old Timers, Glendale, CA Nebraska District of DBIA, Lincoln, in the quilt, which Minnie assembled in through their settlement in America. NE 1938. Minnie’s granddaughter, Lois Elna Margaret has taught family history Outlook Study Club, Elk Horn, IA Christiansen Eagleton, gave the quilt to and genealogy for a number of years. Her Rebild National Park Society, Inc., Ari- the Museum in 2002. notebook is full of suggestive traces for zona Chapter, Tucson, AZ Margaret Christensen, who lives near those interested in researching family his- Rebild National Park Society, Inc., Upper Jacksonville, Iowa, made the second tory, such as a copy of discharge papers Midwest Chapter, Maple Plain, MN quilt, which is loaned to the Museum from the War of 1812. Her notebook also Rebild National Park Society, Southern for this exhibit. Margaret’s quilt consists has ship manifests listing Orvie Chris- California Chapter, Glendale, CA of forty-two blocks and tells the history tensen’s great-grandfather’s journey to Red River Danes, Fargo, ND of two families, spanning a few genera- America from Denmark. Family history Ringsted Danish American Fellowship, tions. In the quilt, Margaret traces her researchers will be intrigued by the Ringsted, IA Darnell family lineage from Great Britain documentation Margaret has provided Royal Danish Embassy, Washington, through their participation in vital mo- for each of her quilt blocks. D.C. ments of American history, such as the Sons of Norway, Waverly, IA American Revolution and the War of Symra Literary Society, Decorah, IA 1812. She also traces her husband’s, Or- 9 vie Christensen’s, family from Denmark 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] Several items top the current wish list of Family History & Genealogy Center The following items are at the top of (1980; $9.95 and up used on abebooks. the current FHGC Wish List. If you have com) any of these or similar materials and wish • Microfilm of 1928/29 Chicago city to discuss making a donation, contact directory ($149) Michele McNabb at 877-764-7008 or Thanks to Carolyn Sand, William at [email protected]. R. Miller, and Sandra L. Wunder, who Volunteers honored recently at a banquet • Vols. 1-15 (1915-1939) of the Danish recently ‘adopted’ large-scale Danish included (front, l to r) Charlotte Sorensen, Brotherhood Magazine, and issues of maps for our collection since the last Mae Petersen, Esther Sand-Hendersen; The American Dane from 1997 on. AL. Several others are on order. The (center) Jeanette Knudsen, Dolores Con- • Strangers in Hollywood: the history following maps are still orphans: north nelly, Gayle Stuart; (back) Andy Kissel and of Scandinavian actors in American and south Bornholm, and the areas of Jim Kelgor. films from 1910 to World War II, by Nykøbing Mors, Thyborøn, Hundborg, Hans J. Wollstein (1994; $59.50 on Farsø, Struer, Holstebro, Ulfborg, Lem- amazon.com) vig, Hammershøj, Bjerringbro, Karup, • What did they do? In Danish…., by Viborg, Hadsten, Randers, Ebeltoft, John E. Herl ($13 from www.gene- Fornæs, Lohals, Korsør, Holbæk, Sorø, Genealogical alogystore.com) Reersø, Kalundborg, Nykøbing Sjæl- • From Copenhagen to Okanagon, by land, Sejerø, and Saltholm. Each map Ulrik E. Fries (1949; $9.95 and up costs $15 and will be labeled with the researchers: used on abebooks.com) adoptive patron’s name. • But you can feel it, by Emil B. Fries home access Volume dating back to available If you are a Museum member and an 1642 acquired avid genealogical researcher, you may be interested in having home access to Fairly frequently Museum members HeritageQuest Online™, a database or visitors call about or drop off dona- that allows searching in U.S. censuses, tions of books that they no longer want, over 25,000 local and family histories, telling us to do whatever we want with them. Initially, of course, we look for and PERSI, the valuable genealogical volumes to add to our collection or use PERiodical Source Index. Remote access for educational purposes, and then try will be available through the Museum to find appropriate homes for the ones website beginning this fall for members that don’t fit our collection guidelines. who join or upgrade their membership Every once in a while, however, some- to the $100/year level or more. If you thing unusual is donated that doesn’t fit. are interested in this, contact Michele at Such was the case this past winter, when FHGC or Development Associate Deb a group of books arrived after several Larsen at the Museum. Deb is also the phone conversations with the donor. Jyske Lov in its original vellum person to contact if you can’t remember Among them was an insignificant looking binding – 362 years old! what membership level you’re at or when vellum volume, which turned out to be it expires. an intact 1642 edition of Jyske Lov, one of retired antiquarian bookdealer and of the landmarks of Danish legislation. super-sleuth Jens Christoffersen, minor Enhancements to the Museum website Inside the front cover is an inscription in repairs were made to the volume. Jens this fall will include the first visual im- elaborate 17th-century penmanship indi- also constructed a beautiful protective ages of the FHGC display of Danish im- cating that the volume had been presented box for it. Through his contacts it was migrants from Tivoli Fest 2004, vignettes to its original owner by court painter decided that the volume will be sent to from our “Across Oceans, Across Time” Karel van Mander, who at the time was in Copenhagen for auction this fall. It will series, and pictures of current Museum painting his way through members of the be exciting to see –where continued its newon page home 11 exhibits and activities. Danish royal family. With the assistance 10 1642 volume . . . – continued from page 10 will be, and how much this incidental Activities donation will benefit the Museum. and News • our Danish Brotherhood death index now spans 1941-1995, which covers all the issues of The American Dane and its predecessor that the library currently has. • Thanks to long-distance volunteers Carolyn and Kenneth Sand and In- ger Hojfeldt the 2-volume Danske i California has now been indexed. Carolyn has also indexed obituaries and personal notices in the library’s copies of Church and Life. Both will be added to our in-house database collection after proof-reading. • Volunteers Dolores Gregersen Con- nelly and Jeannette Knudsen, assisted by Sheiree Planck and Jim Kelgor, have been organizing obituaries and entering them into a consolidated The beautiful protective box construct- database, which will facilitate looking ed by Jens Christoffersen for same. If you have obituaries of Danish immigrants or their offspring, The famous beginning words of Jyske please send us copies. If they are Lov, usually rendered by “Med lov skal land bygges” (By law a land is built) in Danish, we’ll be happy to send you a complementary translation in return. • Volunteer Herb Christensen has begun photographing tombstones in several Elk Horn-Kimballton area cemeteries as part of the Iowa Tombstone Photo Project. He’s finished and uploaded several hundred stones from the Kimballton cemetery. These can be accessed at: www.iowagravestones. org. • Danish researcher Pia Viscor will be visiting the Museum during the first two weeks in November. Her research interest is in Danish Baptist congrega- tions and families, particularly those from Skjoldenæsholm, who immigrated to the U.S. Many settled in Racine; others in Iowa and Nebraska. If you have information on any of these families and are willing to be contacted, please let Michele know by mid-October. • Beginning November 1st the FHGC will be “falling back” to its winter hours: 10-4 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. We will no longer be At the Family History and Genealogy Center Sharon Winchell (seated right) and open on alternate Saturdays as well. Mae (back left) Petersen assist patrons looking for ancestors on the Internet.

11 – continued on page 12 Museum expands educational opportunities Through a generous grant from the all goes well, we hope to sponsor future Alt: Survival of a Human Spirit are Eric and Joan Norgaard Foundation, the contests for the children and grandchil- available to members and member Museum is able to continue its partner- dren of members across the country. organizations to borrow. We simply ship with the Institute for Holocaust related to these educational activi- ask that you pay the cost of postage and Education to offer exciting educational ties, the Museum has on exhibit during handling. The film is an hour in length programming for area schools and October and November paintings that the and makes an interesting and thoughtful residents, and for our members across Danish artist Henri Sørensen did for the program. You may make arrangements to the country. The Institute located at the children’s book, The Yellow Star: The borrow either a VHS or DVD version of Jewish Community Center in Omaha has Legend of King Christian X. the film by calling Terri Johnson, Execu- its roots in The Foundation for Tribute Tak for Alt Available to Members tive Assistant at 1-800-759-9192. to the Danes and Other Rescuers, which VHS and DVD copies of Tak for was formed in New York shortly after World War II. on Monday October 4th, the Museum – continued from page 5 will host area educators for a workshop Sørensen’s paintings . . . on holocaust education. This workshop original oil paintings that Henri Sørensen Copenhagen during World War II. will focus on the film Tak for Alt: Sur- completed for this book. The paintings This exhibit is made possible by spe- vival of Human Spirit and the Tribute to offer striking renditions of King Chris- cial arrangement with Peachtree Press of the Rescuers Essay Contest. (Readers tian, the Danish people and the city of Atlanta, Georgia, the publisher of The of the America Letter will recall the Yellow Star and the generosity of the student essay that appeared in the sum- Eric and Joan Norgaard Charitable Trust of Glenview, Illinois. mer issue.) Presenters will include Beth Copies of The Yellow Star are avail- Seldon Dotan, Director of the Institute October is Family able from the Museum Shop and would of Holocaust Education and several History Month make a wonderful gift for children of all educators who have incorporated the film one way you can share your Danish ages. It has won a Christopher Award and and essay contest into their curriculum. a Parent’s Choice Gold Award from the heritage is through gift certificates for Participants will receive a curriculum Parents’ Choice Foundation. The cost is translations or genealogical research. guide that accompanies the film. $16.95. Certificates for both services are avail- on November 10th and 11th, Judy able at the Museum Store as well as at Meisel, the subject of the film, Tak for the FHGC’ Alt, will visit area schools and also make Michele will be presenting two lec- a public presentation. As a young Jew- tures on Danish genealogy at the 19th ish girl in Lithuania at the beginning of Family History Workshop held at Min- Activities & World War II, Judy and her family were nesota State University in Moorhead interred in a concentration camp where on October 2nd. And we will also have news . . . she lost her mother. During a forced – continued from page 11 a computer for research purposes in the march as the Russian army advanced, Museum’s display area at Norsk Høstfest The Saturday experiment this summer she and her sister were able to escape. from Oct. 6-9 [Terri: check dates, please]. went quite well, and will probably be Ultimately they made their way to Den- repeated next summer. If our regular If you’re planning to visit the festival, mark. It was in Denmark that Judy says hours are not convenient to your Elk bring your family materials and questions her faith in humanity was reborn. Later Horn visit, appointments can still be and we’ll see if we can’t answer some she immigrated to the United States, made by calling 712-764-7008. of them! where as a young mother, she became • Fall classes and workshops will The month will end with a group bus active in the Civil Rights movement include a 10-week beginning con- trip to Omaha, where humorist Garrison when she witnessed prejudice towards versational Danish class, and two Keillor will be performing on Sunday, African-Americans. workshops on Danish genealogy. Oct. 24th. Tickets for the performance In the spring of 2005, the Museum Registration for the workshops held may be ordered through the Okoboji and Dana College will sponsor a special on Saturday, November 6, 13, 20 from Lutheran Bible Camp at 800-656-2654. 10am-noon may be done through essay contest limited to high school Bus ticket reservations ($10) can be made Iowa Western Community College students at Audubon, Atlantic, Elk Horn- by calling the Museum. Since seating is (712-755-3568). If your organiza- Kimballton, Exira, and Harlan public. open we encourage Museum members tion would be interested in having This contest is a pilot project that grows to try to sit together wearing Danish a Danish genealogy workshop day, out of the contest that has been held in colors. contact Michele at the library number the Omaha area for the past two years. If 12 above. Wall of Honor – May 1, 2004 – August 31, 2004 Alf & Lili Gregerson, Ridgefield, KY; James Louis Kelley, Severna Peter Andreas Andersen Her- WA – Diane Gregerson-Bowe, Park, MD; May C. Finn Magee, mansen, Story City, IA – Peter Seattle, WA; David Gregerson, Mequon, WI. and Janet Hermanson, Story Vancouver, WA. Valborg Eleonora Lind Kiertzner City, IA. Jacob & Martine Jorgine (Hansen) & Otto Emil Kiertzner, Sr., Ida Jørgen Gunnar Andersen, Modesto, Brodersen, Jacksonville, IA – Ber- Grove, IA - Leroy & Joan Kiertzner, CA – Karen Elizabeth Andersen, nice Brodersen Skow, Emmetsburg, El Monte, CA. Santa Maria, CA. IA; Morgan Peter Camery, Le- Dagny A. “Swensen” Svendsen, Har- Marius Friis & Alice Larsen Friis, Sueur, MN; Miles Joseph Camery, lan, IA – Elliott Svendsen, Harlan, West Branch, IA – Paul and Janet Albuquerque, NM; Joan Camery IA; Larry Svendsen, Green Bay, WI; Friis, West Branch, IA. Prather, Lake Quivira, KS; Janis Keith Svendsen, Loveland, CO; Carol Martinus P. Maigaard, Des Moines, Camery Pientok, St. Francis, WI; Stoll, Wellman, IA. IA – Ronald P. Maigaard, San Margaret Brodersen Hatcher, Har- Valdemar Marius Theobald Jensen Diego, CA. lan, IA; Max Richard Brodersen, and Thora Petrea Nielsen Jensen, Christian Jensen (Johnson), Clay McCook, NE; Kristy Brodersen Audubon County, IA –Beverly Mae Township, Shelby County, IA Galt, Tacoma, WA; Barbara Cam- Lauritsen Maas, Atlantic, IA; Anna – Dixie Woodrum, Roanoke, VA; ery Reininger, Sun Prairie, WI; Mary Mildred Alice Jensen Lauritsen, Debra Sisk, Millstadt, IL. Susan Kelley Harbour, Lexington, Atlantic, IA.

Memorials – May 1, 2004 – August 31, 2004 Memorials have been received in loving memory of the following individuals:

Doris Bell Neelna J. Clausen Clara Froker Al Jensen Carl Bonnesen John Ertmann Dwayne Haahr Esther Hansen Jensen Irene Bruning Valborg Godfredsen Eve Harvey C. Hansen Merlyn Jensen June Christensen Astrid Hansen Fehl Ruth Jean Hansen Rose Jensen Mathilda Christensen Elin Frandsen Ruth Henriksen Borge Jessen Stanley N. Christensen Joan Jacobsen Nioma Johnson Allan E. Juhl Alberta Kennedy Irene Ladd Business Associates Christian S. Larsen AmericInn, Elk Horn, IA Hardi Midwest, Inc., Davenport, IA Thelma Larsen Answers, Atlantic, IA Harlan Newspapers, Harlan, IA Bernice C. Linden Audubon State Bank Charitable Founda- Henningsen Construction, Inc., Atlantic, IA Violet Lund tion, Audubon, IA Irving F. Jensen Co., Sioux City, IA Eva Muller Machutas Bank of Maple Plain, Maple Plain, MN KJAN, Atlantic, IA Gilbert Mannering Carroll Control Systems, Carroll, IA KNOD, Harlan, IA Robert J. McDermott Childs & Hall, P.C., Harlan, IA Kessler Funeral Homes, Inc., Audubon, IA Claude G. Metzler Culligan Soft Water, Atlantic, IA Landmands National Bank, Audubon, IA George Mortensen Danfoss A/S, Nordborg, Denmark Marge’s Hair Hut, Elk Horn, IA Cindy Nelson Danish Mutual Insurance Association, Elk Marne & Elk Horn Telephone Co., Elk Joyce Ann Nelson Lawrence P. Nelson Horn, IA Horn, IA Lorraine Lucille Bengard Elk Horn Country Store, Irwin, IA Nelsen & Nelsen, Cozad, NE Nelson Elk Horn Pharmacy, Elk Horn, IA Olsen, Muhlbauer & Co., L.L.P., Carroll, Ruth Herman Nielsen Elk Horn-Kimballton Community School, IA Gordon Petersen Elk Horn, IA Proongily, St. Paul MN Kenneth Potts Elverhoj Museum of History and Art, Scenic River, Inc., Bayport, MN Edna Hedvig Refshauge Solvang, CA Stone Printing Company, Carroll, IA James C. Rosse Faith, Family, Freedom Foundation TR., Travel by Scott, Canoga Park, CA Constance Webster Calistoga, CA Westergaard Farms & Scandinavian Bed & Hallett Materials, Des Moines, IA Breakfast, Whiting, IA Escorted Egeskov Castle Denmark 2005!

12-Day Danish Heritage Tour July 23-August 3, 2005 escorted by Phyllis Hoegh Book Your Cruise or • Frederiksborg Castle • Kronborg Castle • Odense Tour Package • Egeskov Castle • Ribe • Billund • Aarhus-Den gamle By by October 15 • Rebild • Skagen • Roskilde • Copenhagen and Receive: Phyllis Hoegh, (712) 764-4111 • Reduced Deposit of $100 per person 1 Night Copenhagen and 10-Day • Danish Crystal Memento • Coupon Booklet valued at Baltic Cruise $120 (cruise passengers August 1-13, 2005 escorted by Barb Stenberg only)

• 1 Night Copenhagen w/ Dinner at Tivoli Gardens • Baltic Cruise to include: Copenhagen, Denmark • Stockholm, Sweden • Helsinki, Finland • St. Petersburg, Russial Tallin, Estonia (2 nights) • Gdansk, Poland • Oslo, Norway • Copenhagen, Denmark

Choose the Danish Heritage Frederiksborg Castle Tour or the Each Booking Baltic Includes a $ Cruise 50 DONATION to the DANISH IMMIGRANT - OR BOTH! MUSEUM! DON’T DELAY- CALL TODAY FOR DETAILS! 14 Th e Da n i s h Im m i g r a n t Mu s e u m Yo u r Mu s e u m in t h e He a r t o f t h e Co n t i n e n t

Return form to: Fa m i l y Hi s t o r y & Ge n e a l o g y Ce n t e r – PO Bo x 249 – El k Ho r n , IA 51531-0249

Immigrant Information Sheet

Name(s) of Immigrant(s):______

Year of Immigration:______

Primary Place of Settlement in U.S. (city or town and state):______

Immigrant Information (biographies, documentation, photos, etc. may be attached or sent as email attachments to: [email protected])

Date of Birth:______Place of Birth:______Father:______Mother:______Date of Marriage:______Place of Marriage:______Name of Spouse (incl. maiden name of wife):______If Deceased, Date of Death:______Place of Death:______Occupation:______Religion:______Military Service:______Other places lived:______Names of children (birth year optional): ______Emigrated from:______Date:______Port of Entry:______Reason for immigration:______Other relatives who also immigrated:______Additional information and family history hightlights:______Information completed by: ______Date:______Mailing address:______City:______State:______Zip:______Email:______

15 Immigrant Information Sheet • page 2

Additional information and family history hightlights:______Information completed by: ______Date:______Mailing address:______City:______State:______Zip:______Email:______Return form to: Fa m i l y Hi s t o r y & Ge n e a l o g y Ce n t e r – PO Bo x 249 – El k Ho r n , IA 51531-0249