Since 1911 October, 2002 Volume 22, Issue 3 Sigdalslag Saga

Serving Norwegian-Americans of , Eggedal & Krødsherad ancestry

Inside this issue: News from 2002 7 Lag Stevne Fra Presidenten 2 by Dianne Enger Snell The 2002 7 Lag Stevne is now behind The Saga’s New Clothes 2 us and Sigdalslag, at 83 members and friends, enjoyed th e largest registration Ola & Per Home in 4 in 20 years. The theme of the Stevne Spring Grove was “Join Hands and Dance” – and Rosella’s Search for her 5 that we did. (Actually some danced Roots and some only watched the dancing, but either way it was enjoyable.) NSI Fall Meeting 5 The joint meeting of the bygdelags of Sigdal, Telelag, Land, Numedal, Vesterheim Museum 6 Hadeland, - Dis- Celebrates 125 years tricts and Toten took place July 11-13 VIKINGS! Smithsonian 6 on the beautiful campus of St. Olaf’s Photo by Ed Espe Institute comes to MN College in Northfield, Minnesota, an Sigdal members in the Bunad parade (l-r) Corrine Johnson, Marilyn Sohmdahl, Earl Knutsen, and Carol Meade. Members Surveys 7 apropos setting for an event centered on Norwegian history and culture. Registration began Thursday morning in Bun- als to share with eag er “roots-seekers,” enhan ced trock Commons Hall along with the opening of by her impressive knowledge of the history of the genealogy research room that ran until noon Sigdal Kommune and its families. Velkommen, nye lag medlemmer! on Friday. Our Sigdalslag genealogist, Lee A variety of vendors were out in force Thursday Rokke, laid out a wide array of reference materi- and Friday, offering su ch tempting wares as x KRISTIN RISLEY Columbus, O hio books, artwork, jewelry and clothing of Norwegian x SHARON S. WICKLUND Dalton, MN persuasion. x BARBARA WEST A bonus of meeting at St. Milwaukee, WI Olaf’s w as the chan ce for some to do research in the x D. R. THUEN Deltona, FL impressive Rolvaag Lib rary on campus and enjoy a x WILLARD ANDERSON Chapel Hill, NC docent’s tour of the Norwe- gian American Historical Association (NAHA) archives, located in the Gifts and Memoria ls basement of the library. $ 2 0 from Kris tin R is le y (Continued on page 3) Researching their roots in the genealogy room at the 7 Lag Stevne Page 2 Sigdalslag Saga V olume 22, Issue 3

2002-2003 Sigdalslag Fra Presidenten: Officers

EARL O. KNUTSON President 722 SW 2nd Street Willmar, MN 56201 320-222-1613 [email protected] Saga has a new look! This is fitting because, CAROL MEADE VP 1 starting with this issue, we have a new editorial 4133 Lyndale Avenue S team - Cynthia Peterson and Marilyn Moen. These Minneapolis, MN 55409 two will try their best to do the job that Marilyn 612-827-6139 Somdahl has done alone for 15 years. I'm sure that [email protected] the readers will join me in welcoming Cindy and Marilyn M., and in wishing Marilyn S. a happy GARTH ULRICH VP 2 Box 28, Spalding SK retirement. I hope readers will start to submit SOK 4CO, CANADA news articles to Cindy or Marilyn M. 306-633-2274 In addition to the new editorial team, [email protected] Sigdalslag has a two new elected officers - Judith Sosted (third Vice President) and Amy Michelsen JUDY SOSTED VP 3 (secretary). The other four elected officers are 1118 Lia Court holdovers from last year. All six were elected at Northfield, MN 55057 the business meeting on July 13th. I'm grateful to [email protected] all for their willingness to shoulder the work needed to keep Sigdalslag moving forward. DON SKADELAND Treasurer -three 10642 “O” Street For those who could not attend this year's Omaha, NE 68127 stevne (July 11-13 at St. Olaf College), I can tell 402-331-5906 you that it was a very good meeting. Eighty [email protected] Sigdalslag members attended. Marilyn Somdahl told us that this was the largest registration that she AMY MICHELSEN Secretary could remember in her 20 years. The total 18730 Roanoke St. NW registration including all the seven lags that meet Anoka, MN 55303-8971 together was in excess of 340. 763-753-5484 [email protected] Ha det bra, LEE ROKKE Genealogist 13465 Garden View Drive Earl O. Knutson Apple Valley, MN 55124 President, Sigdalslag 952-432-9767 [email protected]

MARILYN MOEN Co-Editor 32557 Clay Bank Road Erhard, MN 56534 The Saga’s New Clothes [email protected] “Gee, why does th e Saga look different?” Halstenrud farms. My story is pretty much out- CINDY PETERSON Co-Editor/ Hopefully, that is positive critique! Due to the lined on my web site at www.omoth.com Publisher 3520 Banyan Street retirement of our longstanding and loyal editor, My husband Cliff, our dog and two cats live Santa Rosa, CA 95403 the Saga has taken on two new co-editors. in beautiful northern California wine country, 707-573-1504 For those of you who I have not met, please where I work as a civil engineering design tech- [email protected] allow me to introdu ce myself. My name is Cind y nician, and Cliff is a golf course superintendent. For submissions or questions, Peterson and I have humbly accepted the posi- We were fortunate enough to participate in please contact Marilyn Moen tion as your new Saga co-editor and publisher. the Lag’s 2000 trip along with my sister, or Cindy Peterson A member for just a few short years, my an- Gloria, and her daughter, Kendra. It was a cestry is from Eggedal, Norway, where my fam- (Continued on page 9) ily emigrated from the Åmot (Omoth) and Sigdalslag Saga V olume 22, Issue 3 Page 3

2002 Stevne... (Continued from page 1) sota, organized 20 years ago, showed their stuff O. E. Rolvaag, author of Giants In The Earth, Friday evening under the tutelage of Kjell and was the Association’s first secretary in 1925 and Elaine Nordlie, formerly folk dancers in Nor- laid the groundwork for the creation of the way. Saturday evening b anquet-go ers enjoyed archives consisting of papers, books, pictures, the singing, dancing and fiddling of Bø Junior newspapers and periodicals related to No rwe- Spelemannslag, an award-winning group of gian-Americans. NAHA has become a valuable young people from Bø, Telemark. source of immigration history has been a model The business meeting for our Lag was held for other ethnic groups who want to preserve Saturday morning at Christensen Music Hall the history of their peoples. NAHA members with about 60 in attendance. The agenda in- enjoy special benefits such as free publications cluded a welcome by Presid ent Earl Knutson, a (usually one or two books a year), newsletters, special welcome to new members, and a mo- and priority use of the archives. ment of silen ce fo r deceased members of the Entertainment for the three days of the Stevne past year. Carol Meade presented a slide pro- Photo by Sandra Towne focused on the musical side of Norwegian gram of Norway scenes set to music. Members Happy 90th birthday to Alice Mensing! culture. Soprano Kristen “Kristi” Bergland were asked to introdu ce themselves and tell She attended her first Stevne in 1913, performed vocal selections at the joint 7-Lag about their relationship to Sigdalslag. as evident in a Lag photo, where she meeting on Friday afternoon and again at the was just an infant in her fathers arms! The Saturday banqu et was h eld at th e American Friday evening Legion Hall in North- program. She field to meet and greet studied in old and new friends for Norway as a the final gathering until Fulbright next year. The tradi- scholar and tional Bunad Parade of now sings native costumes and an professionally evening of so cial dan c- in the Twin ing followed the fea- Cities. The Photo by Ed Espe tured entertainment. Torgier Straand of the Leikarring Photo by Ed Espe Bø juniorspelemannslag-The Bø Dancers of We hope to see you Don Skadeland, Garth Ulrich, Carol Meade, Earl Knutsen, Junior Fiddlers Dassel, Minn e- next year in Winona! Marilyn Somdahl, Judith Sosted, Lee Rokke, Twila Halvorson

Sigdalslaget 1949 yearbook still available “Takk fra meg!” The new hardcover English translation of the 1949 book went on sale in July and many are still available for $25 each plus $6.00 shipping and Members were generous with the praise handling ($31 US) by mail order or online at www.sigda lslag.org as I retired as Sigdalslag Saga edi- tor. I've valued lag friendships and coop- eration with our areas in Norway for the Order form for: Sigdalslaget - 1949 yearbook past 20 years. Now le t me say how much Name ______I appreciate your gifts, hand written Street ______notes, and the several tributes delivered at the stevne! Special thanks to Håvard State ______ZIP______Støvern in Prestfoss and to Sidney and Phone ______E-Mail ______Lois Rand in Northfield for their good Make check payable to Sigdalslag words. Qty. Price each Total Send to: Don Skadeland @ $31.00 10642 O Street Fondly, Marilyn Somdahl Omaha, NE 68127 Page 4 Sigdalslag Saga V olume 22, Issue 3

Ola and Per, home in Spring Grove

The sculpture was erected in wants his hat donated to “that pring Grove, th e first Nor- S Viking Memorial Park in museum” in Decorah, Iowa. wegian settlement in Minne- Spring Grove, hometown of Sculptor Bergsgaard discovered sota, celebrated its Ses quicen- both Rosendahl and Bergs- Per’s last requests while re- tennial last May which included gaard. Spring Grove salutes searching the cartoon, and has the installation and dedication and honors the heritage of graciously granted him his of a life-siz ed “Ola and Per” Scandinavian Americans and wish… in bronze, for the bronze sculpture, created b y the diversity of this country, Vesterh eim Museum! Colorado artist Craig Bergs- which is evident even to the gaard. traveler just passing through THE SCULPTOR The comic strip “Han Ola og town. At the dedication, Bergsgaard han Per” was the creation of PER’S HAT remarked “I feel this com- Norwegian- memoration is as American farmer, important as any in Peter Rosendahl the Scandinavian (1878-1942). It was genre because it an exclusive feature chronicles the strug- The Sigdalslag’s web in the Norwegian- gles of ALL of an ces- site celebrated it’s 1st language newspa- tors and not the ac- birthday on per, the Decorah- complishments of an Posten from 1918 individual”. to 1935, and was Bergsgaard also cre- reprinted until the ated another life- paper sold to West- sized bronze in ern Viking in 1972. Spring Grove’s Vi- Today, the W estern king Memorial Park. Viking continues “The Quest,” drawn the tradition and from his Scandina- publishes Ola and August 26, 2002! vian heritage, shows Per every week. a Viking warrior in Photo by Craig Bergsgaard Thanks Web Master A unique combina- full regalia. Originally Han Ola og han Per in Viking Memorial Park Ed Espe & son Karl! tion of Scandina- (and still) in the con- vian and American struction business, his In one particular strip inspired humor, the strip was a reflec- life-long love of art eventually by Rosendahl’s thoughts about tion of rural and ethnic life had an opportunity to blossom the stock market crash of 1929, during the artist’s life that the in 1990. the characters decide to go Norwegian immigrant commu- back to Norway. To get there You are welcome to view his NOTE: Following the July 31st nity could identify with. Trying in a hurry, they acquire an air- works at deadline for submissions to to adapt to a changing society the forthcoming Sigdalslaget plane, but circumstances leave www.homestead.com/ and struggling with the difficul- Membership Directory, the them stranded on an island on cbstudios/ ties of learning the English committee of Garth Ulrich, the brink of starvation. They language was difficult at best, “When everything goes wrong, Walter Jellum and Dianne discover a pancake tree on the but the bumbling comedy of A little fun and foolishness, Snell are busy preparing for island and eat until they be- Ola and Per eas ed the days Make it easier to get along” the anticipated year-end come ill. Per, convinced he is hardships with a good laugh. publication date. Watch for going to die, makes his last Ola and Per were used information on orde ring y our requests. He wants his daugh- copy in the next SAGA, as well throughout the strip which ter Dada to go to Normal as on the website! often led to hilarious situations School in Winona, and he on it’s own. Sigdalslag Saga V olume 22, Issue 3 Page 5

Rosella’s Search For Her Roots The following story, written by Rosella Goettelman of Decorah, Iowa, was published in the June 25th 2002 edition of Capper’s magazine:

ANCESTORS SEEM MORE REA L Since I became interested in genealogy, I By 1840, it was hard for the young peo- As is the case with many of us, I had no have met several distant relatives both in ple to find a place to live. Work was scarce interest in genealogy until I was middle- America and Norway. I learned the name and wages w ere very low. Then they heard aged. By that time, those who could have of a distant cousin who is about the bountiful land answered my questions were gone. But I living on the farm where one across th e sea wh ere eve- of my great-grandmothers ryone could get good, knew the names of my immigrant ancestors “Had they known the and where they came from. All my an ces- lived. We began correspond- hardships that lay fertile land inexpensively. tors came from the same valley in Norway, ing in 1980. My cousin does- ahead… would have left The first of my an cestors their homes and which made my search easier. n’t speak English, so I strug- came in 1840. Soon three gled to write to him in Nor- struggled to make a Several areas in No rway have published different kind of future pairs of my great- wegian. Since then, I have for themselves and their histories of farms and the people who lived grandparents were living learned more and more of descendants?” on them through the years. I was able to in America and taming the the languag e, so my letters wilderness. The fourth borrow an excellent set of “bygdeboks” have improved. I’m still not from my ancestral area of Sigdal. They branch of the family, my fluent, but if I had not researched my paternal grandmother, came in 1871. were written in Norwegian, but I had roots, I would not have had the incentive learned some of the language as a child. So to learn Norwegian. Had they known the hardships that lay with the aid of a ahead, I wonder if they would have left dictionary, I was I went to Norway in 1986. I slept in the their homes and struggled to make a differ- able to res earch my house where my great-grandmother had ent kind of future for themselves and their roots back to the been born, and I walked on the ground descendants? 1300’s. where she had walked. It seemed that the only fairly level land was the spot where the My genealogical research and my visit to You too can research I learned that some house stood. The other buildings seemed Norway helped me think of my ancestors from the Lag’s of my an cestors to hang precariously on the hillside and the as living, breathing, people, not just some Bygdeboks, at the were relatively faces staring out of fad ed, yellowed pic- 2003 Stevne field below seemed to b e almost vertical. wealthy land own- tures. According to the history book, my an- ers and some were Rosie is a life member and recently provided the poor cotters who had to work for the land- cestors had large families. When they needed a place to live, they cleared a spot, English translation for the Sigdalslaget-1949 owners to pay rent on a little cabin and a book. tiny piece of land. built a cabin and planted crops wherever they could. NSI Holds Fall Meeting

NSI representatives met September 7 at Sandra Hendrickson’s Sigdalslag’s new NSI rep res entative, Earl O. Knutson, was elected home to make plans for the Winona 7 Lag Stevne to be held at as secretary to su cceed Carol Meade who was present to take the Minnesota State University, Winona., MN., July 10 - 12, 2003. minutes. Re-elected w ere Chairp erson Sandy Hendrickson, Landingslag; Chet Habberstad, Numedalslågen, vice chairperson; Registration for the July gathering at Northfield , MN, was 371 and Norma Gilbertson, Hadeland, treasurer. Other lag with 340 attending the Saturday evening banquet. Sigdalslag representatives p res ent were Marie Brown, Toten Lag; Arnold topped registrations with 83 registered and 63 at the banquet. Ness, 2002 coordinator, Telelag, and Narv Somdahl, 2003 Winona (editor CP note: WHOOPEE!) coordinator , and Marilyn Sorensen, coordinator of genealogy, It is not too early to write ‘Winona’ on your calendar. This historic Ringerike Drammen Districts Lag. southeastern Minnesota city grew under the landmark bluff Besides its harbor, Amtrak and Greyhound service, Winona is known as Sugar Loaf, which overlooks the beautiful Mississippi served by airport shuttles from La Crosse, WI, Ro chester, MN, River valley for miles. When you come, you will watch the river and Minneapolis-St. Paul. Originally built on an island, the city traffic and want to drive up Garvin Heights Ro ad to see the big boasts of about 100 buildings of architectural worth which have picture from the bluff. been placed on the National Historic Register. Page 6 Sigdalslag Saga V olume 22, Issue 3

Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum Celebrating 125 years!

through October, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. November through April. The picturesque Northeast The museum is hosting its second biennial Folk Art Benefit Auc- Iowa community of Decorah tion to raise money for Vesterheim’s folk art education program. is home to the Vesterheim Some of the world’s best folk artists have generously donated Norwegian-American Mu- one-of-a-kind pieces to be auctioned. The auction will take place seum which relives the saga of the Norwegian immigrants life in in two parts: a silent auction running from September 10 to Octo- America, their vesterh eim, their w estern home. ber 26 and a live auction the night of October 26. Live and silent Nestled in wooded hills and limestone bluffs on the Upper Iowa auction pieces will be on display in the Hauge Gallery of the River, Decorah is less than 3 hours from the Minneapolis/St. Paul Westby-Torgerson Education Center (502 W. Water St.) and at airport and centrally located approximately 60 miles from Roches- www.vesterheim.org starting September 10. Even if you cannot ter, Minn., La Crosse, Wis., and Waterloo, Iowa. The museum is be in Decorah during this time, you can still participate in both open every day except major holidays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. May auction formats by mail, fax, or e-mail. For more information on

Vesterheim 2002 Vesterheim 2002 Schedule of Exhibits Vesterheim 2002 Schedule of Classes x Woodcuts by Olive Nordby x October 26 x October 25 - 26 February 8 - December 31 Main Valhalla Society Breakfast - A special pro- Carving for the Holidays Museum - 1st floor hallway Curator: gram to honor Valhalla Society members. with Harley Refsal Steve Johnson x October 26 x November 1- 3 x Building a Western Home: 125 Second Biennial Folk Art Benefit Auc- Beginning and Intermediate Santa Carica- years of Vesterheim Norwe- tion See info above. ture Carving with Gerald Ekern gian-American Museum March 22 - January 19, 2003 x November 1 x November 8 - 9 Anna Hong Fine Arts Gallery, main Decorah Friends of Vesterheim - A gala Monk’s Belt Table Runner with Carol Dahms event with a gourmet dinner, music, and program at building. Curator: Tova Brandt with x November 8 - 9 the Hotel Winneshiek. For information call Kirsten Charlie Langton Beginning Hedebosøm with Roger Buhr Heine at (563) 382-9681. x Norwegian Americans in the x November 16 x December 7-8 Civil War Norwegian-American Holiday Cooking Norwegian Christmas Weekend - A tradi- February 7 - August 18, 2003 Workshop with Darlene Fossum-Martin Anna Hong Fine Arts Gallery, main tional event! Norwegian foods, holiday customs, folk building. Curator: Jerry Rosholt with art and craft demonstrations. A Christmas tree Call or e-mail Angie Reynolds for more information: Tova Brandt party, the julenisse, hands-on fun, and live music 563-382-9681 create a festive day. e-mail: [email protected]

Vikings: The North Atlantic Saga Opens November 23, 2002 through May 18, 2003 in Minnesota! collections of Vikings artifacts ever assembled in The Science Museum of Minnesota will bring one place. the world-renowned Smithsonian Institution Advan ced tickets for Vikings went on sale exhibit Vikings: The North Atlantic Saga to Monday, September 16. Minnesota from November 23, 2002 through May 18, 2003. The exhibit features Vikings art, Vikings: The North Atlantic Saga tells the little- artifacts, and historical objects on loan from known story of the Vikings’ westward explora- museums and private collections from around tion. More than 1000 years ago, the Viking the world. This represents one of the best (Continued on page 9) Sigdalslag Saga V olume 22, Issue 3 Page 7

Sigdalslag Members Send in Surveys Sigdalslag Surveys have been received from: x Ilene Forde, Plymouth, MN on the descendants of ELI ELLEVSDTR BØLESHAGEN. x Lucille Bjore Churchill, Underhill, VT, on the descendants of OLE KNUDSEN BJORE & INGEBORG O. EIDAL. x Mark Strand, Wheat Ridge CO, on the desce ndants of GUNDER JENSEN RAMSTAD x Jackie Miller, Fort St. John, BC Canada, on the descendants of ELLING ELLINGSEN. Some of the family used the name KRAVIK because they came here from Numedal, but Elling (b. 1826) was the son of E LLING GUNDE RS E N ÅS A ND. x Brandi Amunrud, Clyde Park MT, on the descendants of ANDERS KRISTIANSEN AMUNDRUD and wife SIGRID HALVORSDTR OMOTH, and MARTIN KRISTIANSEN AMUNDRUD and wife ANNE GURINE PEDERSDTR BJØREEIE. x Sandra and Robert Towne, Nederland, TX, on the descendants of HALVOR OLSEN PLETENHAGEN. They also gave us a picture of the plaque on the back of the Wikko tombstone in Silver Lake Cemetery in Worth County Iowa. x The family of EVEN FINGARSEN FOSLIEN was obtained from a copy of a family cook book. x Charles and DonnaLee Wheeler have submited a CD containing the ancestors of DONNALEE. Her immigrant ancestor was SIRI ASLESDTR ANFINRUDHAGEN b. 1852 in Sigdal. x Corrine Lesteberg Johnson on the descendants of VEIL ANDERSDOTTER LESTEBERG. x Kathleen Johnson, Salt Lake City, UT, on the descendants of PEDER GUNDERSEN BLEGEBERG and MARI HALVORSDTR SLETTE. x Bob Nesje, Flandreau, SD on the descendants of OLINE KLEMETSDTR KORSENGEIE

These have been added to the Sigdalslag library: x The Sigdalslag (Sixth Book) 1949, English translation by x Worth County Iowa Cemeteries, Book 6, Bristol Twp, com- Rosella Goettelman, Edited by Debbie Jackson Shortino, piled 1986 by Helen Dwelle, published by Iowa Genealogical published by the Sigdalslag 2002, printed by Anundson Pub- Society 1990. lishing Co., Decorah Iowa. 2 copies x Worth County Iowa Cemeteries, Book 7, Fertile Twp, com- x Edward Braaten’s Ancestors, by Dale E. Holter, February piled 1986 by Helen Dwelle, published by Iowa Genealogical 2002. Gift from Dale Holter. Society1990 x Norwegian American Sesquicentennial 1825-1975. Pub- x Worth County Iowa Cemeteries, Book 8, Brookfield Twp, lished by the Norwegian American 1975 Sesquicentennial compiled 1989 by Helen Dwelle, published by Iowa Genea- Association , Minneapolis MN 1975. Gift from Dianne Snell logical Society1990 2002. x Worth County Iowa Cemeteries, Book 9, Kensett and Barton x The Cotter’s Son (Husmandsgutten) by Hans A. Foss, trans- Twps, compiled 1989 by Helen Dwelle, published by Iowa lation by Joel Winkjer, published by Park Region Publishing Genealogical Society1990 Company, 1962. Gift from Lee Rokke x Worth County Iowa Cemeteries, Book 11, Union Twp, com- x Images of America, Spring Grove, Minnesota’s First Norwe- piled 1989 by Helen Dwelle, published by Iowa Genealogical gian Settlement, by chad Miller, Published by Arcasia, 2002. Society1990. Gift from Lee Rokke. The following, all dated June 10, 2002, were a gift from Rodney Pletan: x A History of Norwegian Immigration to the United States, x Ancestors and Descendants of Engebret Torkildsen from the beginning to the Year 1848, by George T. Flom, (Risbrudt) by Rodney Pletan. published Iowa City Iowa, 1909, gift from Lee Rokke x Ancestors and Descendants of Jens Ericson Pletan, by Rod- The following were a gift from Paul Larson: ney Pletan. x Worth County Iowa Cemeteries, Book 4, Deer Creek Twp, x Ancestors and Descendants of Helge Gunderson Lillemoen, compiled 1989 by Helen Dwelle, published by Iowa Genea- logical Society 1990. by Rodney Pletan. x Worth County Iowa Cemeteries, Book 5, Hartland and Sil- x Ancestors and Descendants of Ellef Hellekson, by Rodney ver Creek Twps, compiled 1989 by Helen Dwelle, published Pletan by Iowa Genealogical Society 1990. Page 8 Sigdalslag Saga V olume 22, Issue 3

In Memory

ROS ANNA GUTTERUD were entertained by Marion the Knight's Cross, First JOHNS RUD granddaughter Joanna, who spent Class, in the Royal Norwegian March 19, 1912 - April 9, 2002 a year there as a Rotary exchange Order of St. Olaf for his service At age 90, Rosanna died at the student at Trondheim. to Norwegian and Norwegian- Highland Manor in Bloomington, Her (Gutterud) ancestry includes American society and culture. MN. She was born in Fairdale, ND, The Sons of Norway awarded JEANINE GAIL OMOTH and lived most of her life in North Sigdal, and Ådalen. Sept. 2, 1957 - July 23, 2002 Dakota in the towns of Grafton, Rosanna wrote in both the 1949 him its Leif Ericson Citation also Jeanine, age 44, died of cancer at Fonda, Dahlen and Grand Forks, Sigdalslag book and for the old for this lifelong work. St. Olaf her home in Moorpark, CA. before moving to Bloomington, Ringerike Lag. College in Northfield, Minn., Sister of members Gloria (Ken) MN. She was a writer, musician, (source: Western Viking, Seattle) bestowed upon him an honorary doctorate in 1992. Glaser and Cindy (Cliff) poet and proud of her Norwegian —————–———————— Peterson. Other surviving family American ancestry. A native of Fergus Falls, Minn., are her nephew and niece, Daniel DR. MARION and the son of Scandinavian and Kendra Glaser. Rosanna began writing as a JOHN immigrants, Marion Nelson was teenager, and at 18 she wrote a 3- NELS ON an internationally recognized Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, act play in the Norwegian Dr, Nelson scholar, and the nation's foremost the family moved to Ventura, language. She studied classic violin served as the expert on Norwegian-American California in 1960. She resided in and collaborated with other first executive decorative, folk, and fine art. Moorpark after she purchased her Midwest poets, publishing the book director of Marion received his B.A. in own home in 1997. Jeanine was Tre-Kløver-Hjørnet (Three Leafed Vesterheim 1947, M.A. in 1950, and Ph.D. in an honors graduate of Ventura Clover). Rosanna had a lifelong after it became 1960, at the University of Junior College, and worked for interest in social and global an independent Minnesota, where he spent his many years with her father’s civil political issues, believing in, and museum, passed away on entire academic career. engineering firm, Omoth and writing about the quest for peace September 6, 2002 at his home in Initially, Marion held joint Associates, as well as her sister and justice. M inneapolis. and brother-in-law’s business, appointments in the departments KG Concessions. Jeanine had Her husband Emore preceded her Marion and his wife Lila, of Scandinavian Studies and Art many talents, a quick wit, a in death in 1995. She is survived Vesterheim's first textile curator, History at the University of wonderful sense of humor and by her children Sonja (Robert retired from Vesterheim in Minnesota. He was promoted to was a brilliant student. Johnston of Burnsville, MN, and December, 1991. The Nelsons the rank of full professor of art Robert Julian (Julie Elison) of came to the museum when it was history in 1971, and served two She was preceded in death by her Toledo, OH, her brother Melvin first under the auspices of Luther terms as departmental chair. He parents, Jean and Jerry Omoth, of (Margaret Gillespie) of Park River College and, during their 27-year was named Professor Emeritus of Ventura, California. and Mesa, AZ, grandchildren tenure, Vesterheim joined the art history. Marion also was a Joanna ranks of major Norwegian- member of the Society for the Johnston of American cultural institutions Advancement of Scandinavian NYC, Robert and grew into the largest, most Study and served on the board of Two Flags Johnston Jr. comprehensive museum in the the Norwegian-American of Burnsville, United States dedicated to a Historical Association for many Two flags will I vow to forever be true MN, and single immigrant group. years. Two flags with their colors of red, white and blue Zachary Accepting only minimal During his distinguished career, They glow with a glory of heavenly gloss Emore compensation for their work, the In one shine the stars, in the other - the cross. Johnston of Marion authored or edited several Nelsons began by undertaking books and monographs. His most The first is the flag of America’s land Nagoya, the cataloging and conservation Japan, and recent book, Painting by The second, the flag of my forefathers strand; of the museum's then roughly Minnesotans of Norwegian And fairer than Juno, and brighter than Mars two great- 16,000 artifacts. grandchildren. Background 1870-1970, was Shine the flag with the cross, and the flag with the stars! At the time of his retirement from published this year by the My flag waves aloft o’er America’s hills, At age two Vesterheim, Marion reflected that Norwegian-American Historical And steeples the mountains, and touches the rills! she spent a all his 27 years at Vesterheim had Association and is dedicated to And, by midnight sun, lighted o’er fir trees and moss year in been "a challenge in one way or his wife Lila. Waves the flag of my fathers - the flag with the cross! Norway when another, but it was one worth her parents Marion is survived by Lila facing because of the significance Nentwick Nelson, his wife of I do believe Providence felt it her due Thorvald and of the cause." To give them each color of red, white and blue, Mina (Thune) forty-three years; two brothers, I think heaven itself gently let down her bars Gutterud "The richness of Norwegian and Milford of St. Paul, Minn., and And gave one flag the cross, and the other the stars. considered Norwegian-American culture has Robert of Richfield, Minn.; and moving the always impressed me, he two sisters, Louis Rustad of St. Sometimes it seems, as they furl and unfold, family there. continued, and I have felt that a Paul, Minn., and Ingvarda The stars turn to silver - the cross turns to gold In 1964 and major repository for it as a source Hanson of Detroit, Mich. And I feel I am closer to heaven because again in 1984, of inspiration to others is (source: Vesterheim Museum website) There’s a flag with the stars - and a flag with the cross. the Johnsruds essential." If you have information on a By Rosanna Gutterud Johnsrud visited In 1978 His Majesty Olav V, departed member, please contact the Norway and editor. King of Norway, awarded Sigdalslag Saga V olume 22, Issue 3 Page 9

Vikings exhibit… Schedule of Events (Continued from page 6) culture and history. people set sail from their homelands in Scandina- x October 9-13 After it premiered at the Natural History via to explore the Atlantic, in search of new land, NORSK HØSTFEST 2002 Museum, the "Vikings" exhibition is embarking new resources, and freedom from restrictions Minot, ND, State Fair Grounds on a 2-year tour of North America which imposed by growing European central authori- (701) 852-2368 included New York, Houston, Los Angeles, ties. Recent archaeological eviden ce now www.hostfest.com Denver and Ottawa. It is now in Ottawa through conclusively supports the accounts that had long October 14, 2002 at the Canadian Museum of x October 19 been passed down in sagas, which Civilization, Ottawa/Hull. SCANDINAVIAN COOK- indicated that Vikings were the first Europeans to ING CLASS Nordic Heritage reach North America and make contact with the You can visit the Science Museum of Minnesota Museum, Seattle, WA native p eople h ere. site for additional details at: www.smm.org/ (425) 392-5806 visitorinfo/nowshowing/Vikings.php “Vikings is truly a world class exhibit,” remarks www.nordicmuseum.com You can also visit the official Smithsonian Science Museum president Jim Peterson. “W e x October 26 are so proud to host an exhibit that gives visitors Institution Vikings web site to learn more about HALLOWEEN TROLLS from around the region a chance to examine their this unique exhibit: www.mnh.si.edu/vikings/ for kids! (reservations required heritage and marvel at a group of people who had The Science Museum of Minnesota is located at by Oct 23) Nordic Heritage such a tremendous global impact with their 120 W Kellogg Boulevard Museum, Seattle, WA amazing pioneer spirit.” St. Paul, MN 55102 (206) 789-5707 www.nordicmuseum.com The exhibit emphasizes the historical link You can call them or e-mail them: between Europe and North America and relies e-mail: [email protected] x October 31- December 8 on recent archaeological, literary, and environ- phone: (651) 221-9444. Henrik Ibsen’s “GHOSTS” mental research to present a fresh view of Viking Classic Stage Company, 136 East 13th Street, NYC New Clothes... www.classicstage.org x November 23 - 24 (Continued from page 2) close to Rothsay, Minnesota where our ances- YULEFEST Nordic Heritage dream come true for me, truly a trip of a life- tors settled. I am retired but Cliff still farms Museum, Seattle, WA time! over 1000 acres so we stay busy. We enjoy our www.nordicmuseum.com When our President, Earl Knutson, asked if I home on a small lake where we live with our would be interested in the editor position, I real- Norwegian forest cat. W e are blessed with a son x November 23 - May 18 ized that I had big shoes to fill and would need and a daughter both married and giving us the VIKINGS! The North At- assistance! My thanks to Marilyn Moen for gra- joy of five grandchildren. lantic Saga Smithsonian Ex- ciously accepting the duties as co-editor. I very mu ch look forward to working with hibit, Science Museum of Minne- As new co-editor and publisher, I will do my Cindy as co-editor of the Saga and thank our sota, St. Paul, MN best to pres erve th e integrity o f the publication President Earl Knutson for thinking of us. I x July 10, 11, 12, 2003 and honor the Lag with my new position. think that this should be a very interesting effort 7 LAG STEVNE, Minnesota ———————————–————— over time and that I will learn a lot! State University, Winona, MN. Hello from Marilyn Moen. My great- ———————————————— grandfather came from the Gronseth farm in We both would personally like to thank out- Also see Vesterheim schedule, pg. 6 Sigdal. My grandparents, parents, and my hus- going editor, Marilyn Somdahl, for her years of band and I have all been members. Having an dedication and infinite hours spent in creating Just For Fun… interest in genealogy our page is on the internet the Saga during her tenure. We think we can Ole and Lars we re out duck at freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/ speak for all members when we say “th ank you” hunting. They h ad bee n out ~mmoen/ I have been to Norway twice with and “Bravo Marilyn!”. fo r hours w ith no luc k. Dis- visits to Sigdal on both of those trips. All of my Suggestions are alw ays w elcome, and we en- gusted and tired, Ole turned ancestors have come from Norway so we have courage you to submit stories or information to Lars and asked, “ Do you roots in various parts of Norway. My husband that you think might be of interest to other Lag tink maybe ve haven’t been Cliff's great-great grandparents came from Egge- members. trowing da dog h igh dal so we have a double connection to the area. Respectfully yours, eno ugh ?” Cliff and I live near Erhard, MN which is Cindy Peterson and Marilyn Moen Sigdalslag Saga FIRST CLASS MAIL

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