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Scandinavian Heritage Park becomes a sparkling won - derland with the of winter and the warm glow of lights. The lighting is a labor of love by the SHA “crew,” consisting of Ernie Selland, John Sinn, Arne Braaten, Carroll Erickson and many other volun - teers. (Photos by SHA board member Al Larson, Minot) .

. President’s report ...... 2 SHA Gift Shop ...... 8 . S

’ From the office ...... 3 Heritage House visit ...... 9 E IN MEMORIAM: ‘Snowshoe’ Thompson ...... 10-11 T

D • Gary Holum ...... 4 Gift annuity: A gift that gives back . . . 12 A I • Reuben Forsberg ...... 5 Membership form ...... 12 S

H ‘ Goat’ old Nordic custom ...... 6 Scandinavian Society reports . . . . 13-15

N Memorial gifts from members ...... 7 Tracing Your Scandinavian Roots . . . 16 W I Page 2 • December 2007 • SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS

President’s MESSAGE Scandinavian Heritage News Vol. 20, Issue 42 • December 2007 All I want for Christmas... Published quarterly by The Scandinavian Heritage Assn . by Mark Anderson, president student exchanges Scandinavian Heritage Association and other cross- 1020 South Broadway cultural partner - 701/852-9161 • P.O. Box 862 ith Christmas right around the ships. So first, as Minot, ND 58702 corner, my kids have been busy part of this new e-mail: [email protected] reviewing the weekend shopping W working relation - Mark Anderson Website: scandinavianheritage.org inserts and planting seeds as to what ship, I would like they would like to receive for to see SHA develop a programs-based Newsletter Committee Christmas. That got me thinking about mission focused on the sponsoring of Lois Matson, Chair what I would like for the future of programs like youth language camps Al Larson, Carroll Erickson Scandinavian Heritage Association. and student and faculty exchange pro - Marian Bergen Over the past two years as presi - grams, in partnership with Minot State Jo Ann Winistorfer dent, I have been blessed to receive University, Norsk Høstfest, and the many gifts; gifts of time, talents, expe - various heritage societies. Jo Ann Winistorfer, Editor rience, giving and friendship. It has 701/487-3312 truly been a rewarding experience and Wish No. 2 — [email protected] one that I will forever cherish. The Next, I’d like to see even more dedication and devotion that I have ways to showcase Scandinavian Al Larson, Publisher – 701/852-5552 seen from so many volunteers, direc - Heritage Park, the “Crown Jewel of tors and the membership have been Minot.” One way to do this is to make nothing short of extraordinary. it available for visitors around the SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE But, as with any administration, world. Discussions are currently ASSOCIATION there are still things yet unfinished; under way to produce a 30-minute 1020 South Broadway • P.O. Box 862 there is always more work to be done DVD, showcasing the beauty of the Minot, North Dakota 58702 in any vital, flourishing organization. park and capturing the history of our Phone 701/852-9161 And so it is with Scandinavian Heri- Scandinavian ancestors. Along with 2007 O FFICERS tage Association. Yes, I, too, have a list this DVD, we are discussing the pro - Mark Anderson ...... President of things I would like to see come to duction of an audio tour of the park, Luther Hanson ...... Vice President pass for this special organization. where visitors could enjoy a self-guid - Marion Anderson ...... Secretary ed tour that would present the history Jerome Jorgenson ...... Treasurer Wish No. 1 — and splendor of the park. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Earlier this year, we opened a Three-year terms ending January 2010 meaningful dialogue with Dr. David Wish No. 3 — Marion Anderson Virgil Rude Fuller, president of Minot State Lastly, I’d ask for a maintenance Helen Haaland Luther Hanson University. In June, Dr. Fuller and a trust to be established for the park to Ron Bieri Jerry Jorgensen delegation of Minot State University ensure that the beauty of this living Gail Peterson administrators accompanied Minot’s cultural museum be maintained for Three-year terms ending January 2009 mayor and other city officials as part years to come. I would propose the Duane Aase Doralyn Brown of a Minot-Skien sister-city delegation creation of the John Sinn Heritage Robert Whetter Eva Goodman that visited and other Trust, named in honor of our chief Doris Slaaten John Sinn Scandinavian countries. In addition to engineer and construction superinten - Jo Ann Winistorfer participating in the sister-city delega - dent, John Sinn, without whose exper - Three-year terms ending January 2008 tion, Dr. Fuller had visits and discus - tise and tireless effort many of the Mark Anderson Marian Bergan sions with University in structures and splendor of the park Ernie Selland Joan Varty Norway; American College of Norway would not have been possible. This Lorna Van de Streek James Maragos in Moss; Ostfold University College in would be a fitting and lasting tribute Lois Matson Halden, Norway; Kristianstad to John for all of his years of selfless One-year appointees to January 2008 University in Sweden; and Aalborg dedication to Scandinavian Heritage Peder Rice Bruce Nelson University in Denmark. Discussions Park. Verla Rostad Erv Johnson Bob Sando with the universities focused on stu - And so it is—my Christmas wish dent and faculty exchanges, study list for 2007 and beyond. Oh, and that Ex-Officio Members tours, study abroad and Scandinavian reminds me, I’ve got to get over to Carroll Erickson , Past President Past President studies curricula. Wal-Mart to finish up my shopping; Bruce Christenson , Arnie Braaten, Past President Scandinavian Heritage Association my kids just added more to their lists. Allen O. Larson, Past President met with Dr. Fuller and expressed an May you enjoy all of the blessings Roald Mattson, Past President interest in establishing an ongoing of this holiday season! George Officer, Past President relationship focused on developing God Jul! • Jeanne McNea, Office Manager SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS • December 2007 • Page 3

tion were the Flag Display, chaired From the OFFICE by the late Cliff Bergan, and the Danish Mill, chaired by Laurence Thompson. The Icelandic Society added the statue of Lief Eiriksson, a More history behind SHA Park newsletter was started, and an office by Jeanne McNea there was “no was opened for the organization. SHA office manager room at the Jim felt that an office could be a inns” for us, so communication center for the board hristmas is near and the lights on it was arranged members, a place to inform people the trees in the park are making to have a about the organization and a meet - Cit look like a winter wonderland. catered banquet ing place for the board. At that time Thanks go to several volunteers who in the City the board met every week. He had spent a few days getting the lights Auditorium. It some space in a building that he let checked and on the trees and build - was the largest us use for several years, and I was ings. and most festive asked to manage the office. This project was one of James B. banquet SHA According to Jim, the highlight of “Jim” Johnson’s dreams, which came Jeanne McNea has ever had. his presidency was the trip to Nor- true in December 1993. People look The whole audi - way with Høstfest when he started forward to seeing the lights every torium and the laying the groundwork for getting year from Thanksgiving until the tables were decorated with greens, our Eternal Flame. Jim left his mark New Year. white lights and silver bows. Norsk on this park through his leadership That first year, Dale Bakken from Høstfest and the Sons of Norway and hard work. Thank you, Jim. • Northwest Music donated all the Lodge joined us, and we had digni - lights; Laurence and Opal Thompson taries from Norway, including two donated the electric outlet pedestals. great-granddaughters of Sondre The trees were smaller and fewer, Norheim and other special guests. THE HEART of a and all the board members plus some Lars Berge Haugen, a skier from community is of the spouses came out to help. Morgedal, Norway, lit the flame. Jim was our second president and Jim said his first project was the reflected served from November 1990 until hardest and most challenging: getting in the December 1994. He was involved in the Sigdal House over here from all of the first projects in the park, but Norway and getting it financed. To quality this time of each year we remember get a loan, each of the board mem - of its him for all the lights. bers took the risk of signing the The Eternal Flame was erected and papers. It took a long time to get it parks. dedicated at that time in honor of paid for, but a lot of lessons were Sondre Norheim, the famous skier learned along the way. Myron MINOT PARK DISTRICT from Norway, who settled here in Anderson was appointed chairman 420 Third Avenue SW • 857-4136 North Dakota. The timing was just for the reconstruction of the house. right, as the Winter Olympics were Jay Anderson, professor of Utah being held in Norway in 1994. Jim, State University, was the main speak - with Dr. George Christianson and Dr. er at the annual banquet Feb. 8, 1991, Myron Peterson, made the arrange - and Jim feels that the concept of the ments for the governor to bring a outdoor museum with the five flame back from Norway to light Nordic countries represented came CALENDAR ours. from that visit. It is the only museum When the date for the dedication of that type in the world. WINTER 2007-08 and our annual banquet was set, Other projects under Jim’s direc - Dec. 25, 2007• Merry Christmas Jan. 1, 2008 • Happy New Year Sat., Jan. 26, 10 a.m. • Scandinavian Heritage Assciation Annual Meet- ing, SHA headquarters building, Minot SHA Annual Meeting Fri., April 4, 6:30 p.m. • Scandina- SATURDAY, JAN. 26, 2008 • 10 A.M. vian Heritage Association Banquet, Grand International Inn, Minot Scandinavian Heritage Association Headquarters • Minot NEXT NEWSLETTER DEADLINE: SHA members are invited to attend! Copy and pictures—Feb. 15, 2008 Printing date—March 1, 2008 Page 4 • December 2007 • SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS

In memory of SHA’s first president— Ga ry A. Holum by Allen O. Larson bedroom, downtown apartment on Minot's Main Street, where family life he Scandinavian Heritage Associa- was crowded. He worked as a deliv - tion mourns the passing of its first ery boy for The Minot Daily News, and Tpresident, Gary A. Holum, and his home address earned him the extends its condolences to his wife, Main Street route. Older residents Joan, and his family. He will be recall the tall, skinny kid with a big, missed. happy grin on his face, running up Gary was chosen to be the first and down Main Street. president of the Scandinavian He attended Minot schools, held Gary Holum – 1937-2007 Heritage Association because of his office as head of his class and played charisma, energy and the great stature basketball at Minot High School. He he had in the Minot community. The was on the team that won the state McCutcheon, Karien, Schmidt, Holum association needed to “hit the ground championship in 1955, the year he and Rau, a practice that included a running” when it started, and Gary graduated. He recently was inducted three-year stretch, from 1973 to 1976, accepted the challenge to help it do into the MHS Athletic Hall of Fame. as Minot city attorney. so. When all we had was a “dream” to Joan Riebe came into his life early. He left the law firm in 1981 to sell to people, credibility was very They started dating in the ninth accept an appointment as Ward important. So with Judge Gary Holum grade, and on Aug. 16, 1958, they County Judge. He left that post to run as president and Mayor George were married in Minot. Before that, he for District Judge, a state court, in Christenson as vice president, we felt started college, spending the 1955-56 1992. He won a second six-year term confident that our dream could school year at Harvard University in in 1998 and served until his retire - become a reality. Cambridge, Mass. Then he returned ment in 2004. The Scandinavian Heritage to North Dakota and attended the When he returned to Minot in 1971, Association was incorporated on University of North Dakota at Grand he plunged into a wide range of activ - April 18, 1988, with the following offi - Forks, earning a B.S./B.A. degree ities in a number of organizations, cers: Gary Holum, president; George there in marketing in 1960. He came including the Ward County, North M. Christenson, vice president; Allen back to Minot where he worked in the Dakota and American Bar associa - O. Larson, secretary; and Russell city assessor’s office. He was assistant tions, retaining membership in those Anderson, treasurer. city assessor from 1960 to 1963 and groups throughout his legal career. He Gary Holum served as president city assessor for the next five years. also was a member of the North until Nov. 2, 1990, and remained a He was a member of the North Dakota Judicial Conference, the North good friend and supporter of the Dakota National Guard from 1960 to Dakota County Judges Association, association until his death. 1967, and was on active duty in 1961- Judicial Conduct Commission and the 62. Judicial Performance Evaluation Reprinted from the One day in 1968, a friend walked Commission. He was a member of the memorial program into his office and said, “Let’s go to executive committee of the National District Judge Gary A. Holum law school.” He thought about that Conference of Special Court Judges 1937 - 2007 for awhile. By then he and Joan had from 1982 until 1988. two children, and he had passed his At Minot State University, he was istrict Judge Gary A. Holum 30th birthday. He decided to go for it, an adjunct instructor in the criminal (retired), who lived his entire life took and passed the UND law school justice division in 1989 and 1990, and Din North Dakota, virtually all of it in admission test, and with his family, served terms on the MSU Board of Minot, died Sunday, Sept. 9, 2007, in a moved into one of the so-called tin Regents and the Development Minot hospital. His life has been huts that were part of the university's Foundation Board. described as one of service to his com - campus housing. Long active at First Lutheran munity and its residents through the His friend decided against law Church of Minot, he served on the many organizations in which he held school, and Holum found going back church council, the church call and membership and office. He was 70 to the study grind wasn’t easy. In nominating committees, and chaired years old. 1971, he was awarded the juris doctor the church centennial celebration. He was born in Minot on March 19, degree. After that, the family returned When his children were in school, 1937, a son of Bottolf and Mabel to Minot where Gary became a part - he was a member and past president (Olson) Holum. He grew up in a one- ner in the law firm of Bosard, of the Perkett and Jim Hill Parent SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS • December 2007 • Page 5

Teacher associations. He also was a itage was reflected in the high profile under a lot of stress.” member of the Edison PTA. He he maintained through his work with “No,” he said, “I give stress.” moved on to involvement with the Norsk Høstfest, as a member of its Many of those he put in jail who Minot Music, Hockey and Swim club board and longtime manager of the were later released returned to tell boosters, served a term on and was event’s general store. He also was a him, “You saved my life.” president of the Minot School Board. member of Thor Lodge of the Sons of “You couldn’t have had anybody He was a member of various Minot Norway and was on the board and a better,” his wife said. “That’s a pretty Area Chamber of Commerce commit - former president of the Scandinavian big blessing. He was so proud of his tees, including its board of directors. Heritage Association. children, and they were proud of their He also served on the boards of He had traveled through all of dad.” Second Story, a social club for the Scandinavia. His journeys there Survivors include his wife, Joan; mentally and physically challenged, included six trips to Norway alone. sons Thomas Glenn Holum, Bloom- and the Minot YMCA. He joined the He took his family to visit his father’s ington, Minn., and John Gary Holum Y’s Men’s Club in 1976, was on its farmstead in Flam, Norway, and he and his wife Alicia, Gig Harbor, executive committee and served as and his wife represented Minot’s Wash.; daughter, Jane Ann Furer and president in 1983-84. He was a mem - Norsk Høstfest in that country, which and her husband Ferdinand, San Jose, ber of the Minot Recreation Commis- included visits to Skein, Minot’s sister Calif.; and two grandchildren, Ashley sion. city in Norway. and Justin Holum, Gig Harbor. A longtime member of the Minot There were other trips through An infant son, Robert, Gary’s par - Kiwanis Club, he served on its board, and Eastern Europe, Eng- ents, a brother, Glenn Holum, and a was president in 1989-90 and a lieu - land, Japan, Mexico and Canada. He sister, Carol Holum, preceded him in tenant governor of the Minnesota- treasured his family and the time he death. Dakotas District of the club in 1989. spent with them. He liked to hunt, A memorial service was held on He served on the board of Trinity fish, and garden. He liked people and Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2007, at 11 a.m. Medical Center from 1986 to 1990. He liked working with them. in First Lutheran Church, Minot. was a member of the Minot Elks and As a judge, he had to pass sentence Interment of ashes was at a private Moose lodges and of the Inquisitors on convicted criminals, many of them ceremony in Gethsemane Cemetery in Club of Minot. trapped in alcoholism or other drugs. Burt Township, Ward County, south His pride in his Norwegian her - Someone once told him, “You must be of Minot. •

Reuben Longtime SHA director and friend Forsberg – Reuben Forsberg passes away 1926-2007 euben Ellsworth Forsberg, 81, instructor. Ina Ruth died on Sept. 25, music. He Minot, a former director and 1982. Reub married Hazel Anderson enjoyed skiing, Ractive member of the Scandinavian Archer on Oct. 12, 1984, in Minot. snowmobiling, Heritage Association, died on Nov. 30, Reub was a member of First Luth- boating, auc - 2007, in his home from cancer. eran Church, where he served as trea - tion sales, Reub was born on March 18, 1926, surer on the church council. He hunting and on a farm north of Alamo, N.D., to served on the board of directors of cooking. Art and Margot (Manning) Forsberg. SHA and was a major force in secur - Reub leaves He was raised on the farm and gradu - ing funding for the construction of the his wife of 23 years, Hazel; children ated from Alamo High School. He stabbur, the first major SHA Park Holly (Larry) Eidsness of Minot, served in the U.S. Navy from 1944 structure. Major donors of the project Randi (Michael) Rice of Cedar Rapids, until 1946. Following his honorable were Mr. and Mrs. Larry Anderson of Iowa, and Ronald (Ann) Forsberg of discharge, he attended Minot State Minot. Over the years Reub also took Montrose, Colo.; six grandchildren; University for four years. numerous photos of SHA events, one great-grandchild; one brother, Reub married Ina Ruth Howe on which he donated to the organization. Fred; three brothers-in-law; several March 25, 1951, in Minot. They made He was a life member of the Elks nieces, nephews, and cousins; and a their home in Minot, where he owned Lodge, charter member of the Minot special friend, Nels Rennerfeldt of and operated Reub’s Minot Camera Camera Club and 50-year member of Longmont, Colo. and Reub’s Jet Photo for many years the Sons of Norway. He was a mem - Reub was preceded in death by his prior to his retirement in 1992. In ber of the Minot Gun Club, Minot Ski parents, his first wife, Ina Ruth, and a addition, he had served on a regional Club, Minot American Legion, V.F.W. brother, Mervin. committee of the Federal Trade and the Moose Lodge. Funeral services were held Dec. 7, Commission as an appointee of N.D. Reub’s hobbies included photogra - 2007, at First Lutheran Church, Minot. Gov. William Guy during the 1960s phy, dancing, playing the accordion He is interred at Rosehill Memorial and was an Arthur Murray dance and piano, and listening to polka Park, Minot. • Page 6 • December 2007 • SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS

‘’ (Christmas goat) an old Nordic custom ack in Old Scandinavia, they say, rode a One would dress up as the Yule Goat while the others pre - goat when he delivered goodies to eager children. Or was tended to slaughter it. (Thankfully, after it was thus ceremoni - Bit the goat who got the goodies? Or was the goat the gift??? ously killed, the Yule Goat always woke up again!) In Nordic countries, tradition has it that Santa came astride Sometimes it was the Yule Goat who was the gift! In olden a Yule Goat (Julbock in Swedish, Julebukk in times, our Nordic ancestors played pranks on Norwegian, Julebuk in Danish and in their neighbors by sneaking a Yule Goat into Finnish). their home without their knowledge. The The Yule Goat is one of the oldest Scandina- “tricked” family had to get rid of the goat in the vian and Northern European Christmas sym - same fashion. bols. Its origins may date back to pre-Christian In the Old Country as well as in Norwegian times, when two goats—named Tanngnjóstr and settlement areas of the U.S., young folks would Tanngrisnir—were said to pull the wagon of the dress in costume as Julebukker (“Christmas Norse God Thor (god of thunder) across the sky. fools”), paying surprise visits to neighboring In , the Yule Goat was originally an homes between Christmas and New Year. Their ugly creature who frightened children and neighbors were then expected to provide them demanded gifts at Christmas. Sometime in the with treats of food and drink. The tradition of 1800s, its role became that of a giver of Christ- continues in some communities. mas gifts. The rest of Scandinavian also adopted In modern times, a decorative goat made out this more gentle version. of straw is often found under Scandinavian Up until the 20th century, the Yule Goat was said to be Christmas trees. Large versions of this ornament are frequent - invisible, appearing shortly before Christmas to make sure ly erected in towns and cities around the holidays, then set Yule preparations were in order. afire before Christmas. A tinier version—a miniature straw In Sweden, a custom known as Juleoffer (Yule Sacrifice) goat—is still a popular (see the picture involved young men with grimy faces, singing and dancing. at lower right on page 8 of this issue). •

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Jo hnson, Kir k& Ma rtha MEMORIALS Jo hnson, Leonar d& Bett y Jo rgenson, Je rome &P atricia Me morials gifts in honor of th ef ollo wing persons Knudson, Ro bert &C onni e and the names of th ed onor sa re listed fo rt he Conni eH augen Krause ,A nn period from Ja n. 1t hrough Oct. 31, 2007 . Berg ,G len &N orma Larson ,A lle n&S hirley Larson ,R ic h& Ma rd i Lina Johnson Mickey Clark Larson ,R ut h Braaten, Arnie an dF ran Berg ,G len &N orma Lien ,F re dA& Sh er iC Loken, Io na Hy stad Joe Stair Astrid Norby Schnabe l Lokken ,G lori a& Richar d Goodman ,E va Huesers, Anna Mari e Louser &Z en tP C, Ma hle, Co ry &K ari Fred Goodman R. Olson Ma nson, Gene &M er ry Mc Ne a, Mi lton Braaten ,A rnie an dF ran Marshall, CR&J oAnn Marshall, F. Jo hn &S haro n Erickson, Carrol l&N oree n Matonich ,M arco Si nn, Jo hn Herb Parke r Larson, Alle nO .a nd Sh irle y Me dalen, Ernest &H elen Goodman ,E va Me dalen, Lorrain e Matson, Loi sA . Mi no tD uplicate Br idge Club , Ho dgson, Ve rl a Gary Holum Mo ngeon, Ro bert &L avon e Jo rgenson, Je rome &P atrici a Anderson ,M ario na nd My ro n Ne lson, El aine Solie, Ir en e Arnold ,S ue E Nu tz ,G ar y& Ja ne Braaten, Arnie an dF ran Ba ckes ,O rlin &M illi e Office r, George an dJ eanice Darling, Patricia Ba con, Br uc e& Cath y Olson, Clarenc e& Caroly n Ba tchelo r, Debbi e Olson, Ev eret t Eric Reev e Berg ,G le n& No rm a Olson, Gordon &C arley Erickson, Carrol l&N oree n Bergan ,M arian B. Olson, Larr yD . Bjor dahl, Ro yE &W anda L Olson ,RN ic k& Ma rV onne Dave Germai n Bl iven ,W illiam &M ar y Pa rd on, Danny &M arie Si nn, Jo hn Bodell, Caroly n& Ja me s Pe terson ,T will a Erickson, Carrol l&N oree n Braaten ,A rnie an dF ran Re dlin ,R olland &C hristine Braaten, Arnie an dF ran Br ekke ,S everin &B onni e Rolle ,M ilto n& Bonni e Solie, Ir en e Bu ettner ,R amon a Sabol, Richar d& Ja ne t Germain, Mrs .D avid Bu rns, A. F. &P .A . Sa muelson, Jo hn an dB arbara Bu tz ,D iane Schmidt, Pr iscilla &R onal d Eleanor Johnson Carlson, Ar vi dL&L avonne Schreine r, Ralp h& Yv onne Erickson, Carrol l&N oree n Carlson, J.M. Schriock, Pe arl Chelgren ,G lady s Schulz, Georgi aJ Shirley Link Christenson, Br uc e& Ja n Se lland ,E rnes tB . Erickson, Carrol l&N oree n Cranksha w, Charles &C heri Si nn, John Dahlien ,L orrain e Sk reen ,C arol e&E mmet t Morris Lawrence Dehlin, Glen n So lie, Ir en e Braaten, Arnie an dF ra n Di ll, Ja nice F St alions, Larr y& So nj a Eidsness, Larr y& Ho lly St envold, Delori s Bill Humme l Elliott, Crai g& Ma rtha St ewart, Jo hn an dJ od i Erickson, Carrol l&N oree n Fr ost ,V irgi lR&H elen St uck, Jo hn &D onna Gr ub b, By ro n& Na nc y Sw enson ,B ruce &J an Irene Tveng e Haaland, He le n Ta ube, St anley , Anderson, Marion an dM yron Hady ,M ik e& Na nc y Thompson ,I sabelle E& Dean R Hafner ,R alph &C he ry l Ti mm ,M ik e Hansen, Denee V To llefson, Du an e& Sh arlen e Hele n&W illie Bodie Haugeberg, Arnold To rno, Delton &V iole t Anderson, Marion an dM yron He greberg, Geral d Va lo r, Ly nwoo d& Tr ud y He inemeyer ,M argaret C Va ngsness, St even &D ebra Dale Cockrell He ndrickson, Ma rk Vial ,D enni s& Yv onne Goodman ,E va Ho dge, Ro bert &I rene Wa hlund ,L arr y&E dwina Anderson, Marion an dM yron Ho dgson, Ve rl a Wa ld ,D onal d& Be rtha Hanson, Vi ona Hu gelen, Hi llis J. &J ea n Wa lker ,B ruce &D ian e Hu izenga, Bonni e Wa nkel, Charles Lawrence Lamoureux Hu mmel ,D on&S herr y Wheele r, Ro bert &B etty Brow n, Do ralyn Jo hnson, Ja me sB&F lorenc e White, Keit h& Pa tricia Page 8 • December 2007 • SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS

Last-minute shopping? Stop by the... SHA Gift Shop

or any of those Scandinavians on your “Santa” list, may we recommend a gift Ffrom the Scandinavian Heritage Association Gift Shop. Jeanne McNea (right), who runs the SHA office and orders items for the Gift Shop, invites you to stop in to browse around. You’ll find books, calendars, ceramic items, plates, tiles, aprons, jewelry, figurines and more—all with a touch of Scandinavia. Another ideal gift for folks with Scandina- vian roots: Give them a membership to the Scandinavian Heritage Association. It’s a gift that keeps giving all year—to the recipient, and to preserving the heritage of the early pio - neers. Members receive a 10-percent discount on SHA items purchased in the Gift Shop, four issues of the Scandinavian Heritage News, and a gift packet containing a membership pin and a window sticker. For details, see page 12. Don’t forget—as a member, you, too, get that 10 percent SHA Gift Shop discount! • R E F R O T S I N I W N N A O J Y B S O T O H P SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS • December 2007 • Page 9 R E F R O T S I N I W N N A O J Y B S O T O H P He ritage House ...ready for 2008 hanks to gifts of time, money and Scandi- navian-related items, the SHA Heritage THouse, located on the southwest corner of SHA Park, is turning into a sanctuary for treasured relics, displayed museum-style Above, left, two sisters from Kansas visit the Saani costume display. At right, one cor - ner of the living room contains an antique pump organ along with a lamp, Norwegian “bunad” folk costume and old-fashioned rocking chair. Each section of the house-turned-museum contains something to interest Scandinavia- philes, including a Viking ship replica, hardanger fiddles, and several immigrant trunks. At right, what was once a bedroom now holds bunad-clad figurines, including a child, standing guard over a spinning wheel. The Heritage House is used as a meeting place, and come spring 2008, it will again be open for visits. Donations are welcome! • Thank you REMEMBER TO SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS! NTexht etimye yhoeulnpeedmtheaskeervictehs iosfferendebwy asnly etter possible! to our of our advertisers, check with them first. It’s a The Scandinavian great way to show your appreciation for their Advertisers! support of this newsletter as well as our Heritage Assn.  Scandinavian Heritage Association. Page 10 • December 2007 • SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS

The Scandinavian Heritage • 9 ‘Snowshoe’ Thompson carried the mail—on skis! by Arland Fiske Snowshoe read about the difficulty of getting mail across the Sierras and volunteered for the efore the Pony Express carried mail over job. His skis, made from oak trees on his farm, the Sierra Nevadas, a young Norwegian were over 10 feet long and weighed 25 Bfrom Telemark sailed on skis across 90 miles pounds. People laughed at them and said of stormy heights from Placerville, they wouldn’t work. Today they are in a (scene of the Gold Rush) to Sacramento museum. Carson Valley, . For 20 years, John A. Thompson, known as “Snowshoe” Hardships along the trail Thompson, carried the mail over the Snowshoe skied up to 45 miles a day mountains to isolated camps, rescued lost over snowdrifts 50 feet deep with a load people and helped those in need. He was of 60 to 100 pounds on his back. Traveling a legend in his own time. light, he carried only some crackers and Born April 30, 1827, he emigrated to dried meats to eat. He did not use liquor, America with his mother when he was 10. but scooped up snow to drink if no moun - After living in Illinois, Missouri and Iowa, tain stream was nearby. Wearing just a he joined the gold-seekers in California Mackinaw, he had no blanket to keep warm. when he was 21. He was lonesome for the More than once Thompson jigged until mountains. Anyone who has been to Telemark morning to keep from freezing to death. Nor knows how much mountains are a part of the did he carry a weapon for protection against people’s lives. wolves or grizzlies. Once eight wolves blocked his Having moved to California, Thompson bought a path. When he didn’t flinch, they let him pass. The ranch in the . He didn’t care for a stars and his wits were his compass. miner’s life. His is believed to be the first farm owned by a Snow in the Sierras was deep, sometimes higher than the Norwegian in California. trees. Many mornings Snowshoe had to dig himself out of a

‘Snowshoe’ Thompson: Norwegian-American hero he story of John A. “Snowshoe” Thompson is the stuff of legends. In the fall of 1855, the Sacramento Union Tnewspaper carried this ad: “People lost to the world. needs a mail carrier.” Norwegian emigrant John Thompson, a new California resident, answered the ad, and from 1856 to 1876 he carried the mail across the Mountains between the Gold Fields of California and Carson Valley, Nevada—a 90-mile trip one way. The book “Astri My Astri: Norwegian Heritage Stories” by author/publisher Deb Nelson Gourley contains details on Snowshoe Thompson as well as 15 other fascinating, true tales, in both English and Norsk. Nelson writes that Thompson’s actual name was Jon Torsteinsson Rue, youngest son of Torstein Olsson Gollo and Gro Jonsdatter Einungbrekke (Håkaland/Rue), from Tinn, Telemark. In 1837, the widow Gro and her children, including 10-year- With his mailbag on his back, Snowshoe Thompson skied old Jon, immigrated to America. In 1843, the sons in the family changed their surname to “Thompson.” across the Sierra Nevada Mountains separating California For more on “Astri My Astri” and other heritage-histo - Gold Country and Carson Valley, Nevada. Although he ry books, including “History of the Norwegian Settle- used skis, his fellow miners called them “snowshoes.” ments” and “Kings of Norway” (a bilingual book-CD set), (Illustration and photo from “Astri My Astri: Norwegian visit the following website: www.astrimyastri.com . • Heritage Stories,” courtesy of Deb Nelson Gourley) SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS • December 2007 • Page 11 snowbank to continue his journey. Our reputation When traveling to Washington, D.C., in MARCO’S RESTAURANT shines as brightly 1874, Snowshoe’s train became stuck in as our diamonds. snow so that four locomotives could not Just across the street from Scandinavian Park Town & Country Center • 1015 South Broadway pull it through. He took to his skies and Fred, Jr. & Sheri Lien 107 South Main Street in two days had traveled the 56 miles to For a “Fast Lunch” or “To Go” call ahead 839-4433 701-838-5151 Minot, ND 58701 Cheyenne Wyoming. He beat the train. What was his pay for 20 years of work? Many promises, but the govern - ment’s response was, “We’re sorry, Caring for you through all but...” A later investigation into the the stages of your life. Postmaster General’s records indicate they had not even noted his name— T-L only his route and the dates.

Snowshoe leaves a proud heritage THOMPSON-LARSON For all his fame, he was a modest man, never boasting or sitting on his FUNERAL HOME haunches. He is regarded today as the Full Service Pharmacy most remarkable man to have ever Phone: 701-858-6700 “Caring Friends… Toll Free: 1-800-841-7321 buckled on ski straps in America. One Caring For Families” postmaster claimed he saw Thompson www.centerforfamilymedicine.net jump 180 feet without a break. 1201 11th Ave. SW • Minot, ND 58701 When just 49, John A. Thompson died of a liver ailment on his California ranch. He is buried in Diamond Valley, 30 miles south of Carson City, beside his only son, who died at age 11. Snowshoe Thompson is still remem - bered by family in America. Janet Erdman of Willow City, N.D., wrote me that her grandfather, John Sanderson, • 176 Spacious Rooms • Beauty Salon • Minot’s Finest Corporate was Snowshoe’s nephew. Like so many • Indoor Heated Pool • Pavilion Restaurant Club children of immigrants, they’re proud • Two Whirlpools • Ground Round Bar & Grill • Oasis Lounge & Casino of their Scandinavian heritage and glad • Sauna • Minot’s Largest Convention Center • Gift Shop • Game Room 2200 Burdick Expressway East, Box 2228, Minot, ND 58702 to be Americans. • Phone (701) 852-2504 • Fax (701) 852-2630 — — — Toll Free 1-800-468-9968 Editor’s note: This column is the ninth in a Velkommen Til series by former Minot pastor, Arland Fiske Norsk Høstfest! (now living in Moorhead, Minn.), retired from ministry in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Fiske has written nine books on Scandinavian heritage. The chap - ter reprinted here is from his book, “The g Scandinavian World.” in at NVESTORSNVESTORS EALEAL br s II RR le ar Ce Ye STATE RUST 367 EESTATE TTRUST 3 “creating value for shareholders”

Bradley Thomas • Bryan Thomas 12 South Main Street • Minot, ND 58701 We are proud of our Swedish Heritage 701-837-4738 • [email protected] • www.iret.com via the Quist and Chelgren (Johnson) lineages. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! PPageage 1122 • DMarch,ecemb 2007er 20 •07 SCANDINAVIAN• SCANDINAVIA HERITAGEN HERITAG NEWSE NEW S

And those payments can never be reduced, no matter what happens to the economy or interest rates. You can Coming soon: Audio tours of SHAchoose to hav ePark! payments made in annu - Glans toi havef ant audio a tour nsystemn in placeu in iScandinaty v- : Already, the text foral ,the se msoundtracki-annual o rhas qu abeenrterl ywritten install -and is ian Heritage Park by this summer are progressing nicely. in the editing process.m ents. The payments can be deferred, PThe system will involve the use of around a half dozen Still to be decidedand g riso wwhether tax-fre ethe. audio player’s AMP3 players, gi eachf tcontaining th recordedat descrip-gives back recording willA bet tcoordinatedax time, you withrece iav ecircle an in tourcom eof tions of theb ypark’s Bruce features.Christens on the SHA, an organization you belietheve park,t aorx cwhetherharitabl edifferent deducti ostationsn in the along year othef “Each system will look like a small in, and the chance to improve your caroutesh wouldyour g haveift. A nnumbers,d for yea renablings after, a thepor usertion Walkman,his is th completee time of ywithear wheadphonese think of and flow at the same time. to simplyof yo pushur pa yam numberents w itoll bsynchronizee tax-free. In the neckgi vband,”ing gi fsaysts. It ’Marks also Anderson,nearing th eSHA end pres- With a gift annuity, you simultane - tractc toer tdescribeain circu mthatsta particularnces, you mparkay ahigh-lso be Toident.f a ta x“There year— willthe tbeim fivee to orw esixigh available, income ously make a charitable gift and provide light—orable t oboth! reduce gift taxes and the size of aandnd epeoplexpens ecans fo rentr tax thempurp oforse sa. nominal guaranteed payments for life to yourself Theyou nextr tax astepble eiss ttoat eraise. funds to offset chargeDid ytoo ucarry kno wwith tha themt you oncan a mself-guidedake a and/or another person. These payments the cost of the pro j ect, which is expected to stour.”ubstantial gift to the SHA and provide will be made for the rest of your life. Orrun, Qbetweenuestio $2,000ns? C andont $2,500.act SH A President Mark is busy these days send- for Ay ojointurse lprojectf and y betweenour fami lthey a tScandinavian the same you may choose an annuity that will SHA will be glad to give you infor - ing letters to friends, fraternal organizations tHeritageime? Wh Associationat’s more, y oandur g theift cNorthan he lDakotap continue as long as a spouse or other mation about current annuity rates and and businesses to see whether they would like yCenterou red foruce Persons your ta xwith liab iDisabilitieslity at inco m(NDCPD),e beneficiary lives. explain how a gift annuity can work for to help sponsor the project. ttheax tplayersime. are designed especially for visuallyThe size of the payments depends on you. For information, contact the SHA How about you? If you, your business, your orga- impairedOur gi fparkt ann visitors.uity pro gram offers you your age and the amount of your contri - office at (701) 852-9161. nization or anyone you know would like to give a dona- theBut gift anyone that giv canes b useack .them A gif tto a nenhancenuity theirbu tourtion .experi- The older you are when the Merry Christmas, everyone! • oence,ffers accordingyou the sa totis Presidentfaction of Mark,suppo rnoting,”It’sting ann ua ipositivety starts, the largtion,er th pleasee paym callent sthe. SHA Office at (701) 852-9161. thing on a number of different levels.” Thank you!• Join Us In Preserving the Traditions of Our Proud Heritage THE SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE PARK, the only park in the world representing all five Nordic countries, hosts thousands of visitors each year from around the world; as well as providing a picturesque setting for weddings and family gatherings. As a member of the Scandinavian Heritage Association, You help support: • Interpretative Tours of the Park • The Heritage House Museum MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES • Local School Field Trips • The Annual “Midsommar Natt” SUSTAINING MEMBER • Membership Pin (initial membership) • “Arts in the Park” $35.00 per year • The Scandinavian Heritage News, offi- • Seminars on Heritage and Culture Will receive the SHA Membership cial newsletter of the Association • The on-going preservation and pro- Package, which includes: • Invitation to Annual Banquet and other motion of Scandinavian traditions, • Membership Card good for 10% off SHA events positive values and ethics Scandinavian Gift Shop items • And much, much more! • Annual SHA Gift Packet • Logo window Sticker SPONSOR MEMBER M EMBERSHIP A PPLICATION $100.00 - $499.00 per year Name (please print)______Phone ______Receives the SHA Membership Package, Address______E-mail______plus: City______State______Zip______• Recognition in Newsletter (one issue) I/We wish to support the Scandinavian Heritage Association at the level checked below: • One (1) Complimentary Ticket to the  Sustaining Member  Sponsor Member  Benefactor Member Annual Banquet  Yes, I/We give permission to print our name in the SHA publications BENEFACTOR MEMBER  Please contact us.  I/We would like to become Volunteer(s) at SHA. $500.00 and above per year  Check enclosed $______ Credit Card:  MasterCard  Visa  Discover  Am. Exp. Receives the SHA Membership Package, Card Number ______Exp. Date______plus: Name on Card (please print) ______Signature______• Recognition in Newsletter (one issue) Please mail to Scandinavian Heritage Assn., P.O. Box 862, Minot, ND 58702. Thank You! • Two (2) Complimentary Tickets to the Annual Banquet SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS • December 2007 • Page 13

SCANDINAVIAN SOCIETY NEWS ••• Icelandic Heritage Society N EWS Icelandic booth a hit at Høstfest by Ken Holand, president Three scholarships were awarded to Icelandic Heritage Society Newsletter students of Icelandic descent. We received 12 applications for the e had a good year with the scholarships. It was a great task to Icelandic food booth at decide who would be the recipi - WNorsk Høstfest. A big thank ents, as they were all very you to everyone, including deserving. Thank you to the daughters of Victoria Colleen Fitchner for handling Torr, for all the hard work the scholarship program. and great job they did for the We had our annual meet - Icelandic Society. ing on Dec. 9 at the home of my wife Evie and me in Icelandic members prepare Pönnukökur, a Kaffee Samkoma Minot. Our meeting involved pancake served with strawberries and The Kaffee Samkoma was where we will go with the whipped cream or filled with jam , for Icelandic Society. At present a great success. We had Norsk Høstfest diners. (Photo by Jo Ann approximately 60 people at the there are only seven members Winistorfer) event. George Freeman gave a who are involved. We need talk on the Mouse River settle - more people to participate so we ment. Plus, there were lots of can do more things. If interested in are included in future projects. Icelandic goodies to go with our coffee becoming involved, call me at (701) We wish you a wonderful holiday and conversation. 838-8538, and I will see to it that you season. •

Souris Valley Danish Society N EWS Ancestry.com available If you would like something looked up on Ancestry.com and you do not have it (the Minot Public Library has Danish chef/cookbook author it) ask Pam Orth, our Danish Society secretary. While she cannot do your Stig Hansen speaks at reception family history, she can track your fami - by Eunice Johnson packed with full-color food pictures ly on the U.S. census if you so wish. Souris Valley Danish Society and delicious Danish-style recipes, Our meeting on Dec. 10 was a came about. He also potluck Christ- uring Høstfest this talked about his life. mas party. year, the Danish Stig and Sue Hansen Please come DSociety had a small recep - sold the cookbook at to our future tion for Stig Hansen and the Norsk Høstfest meetings if you his lovely wife, Sue; the Bookstore. It is also are, or think Danes from Minnea polis available at the you might be, who run the Tivoli Cafe, Scandinavian interested in and others. The Elk Horn Heritage Center Museum people could not Gift Shop. Danish culture. make it this year. We also manned The Souris Stig is a chef from an information Valley Danish Denmark who lives in Utah. booth at Høstfest Society wishes He spoke on how his and met many you all happy “Cooking Danish” cookbook, wonderful people. holiday! • Page 14 • December 2007 • SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS

Swedish Heritage Society N EWS SWEDEN.SE is adminis - tered by the Swedish Institute. It is a cooperative effort by the Swedish govern - Society visits Carbury’s ment offices, the Swedish Trade Council, the Invest in historic Stone Church Sweden Agency, and Visit Sweden. by Loren Anderson, president and fortunes of the Simply go to Swedish Heritage Society-NWND Swedish homestead - www.sweden.se and you will ers. find several tabs to click on. he Swedish Society of NWND The story of This will give you informa - met Sept. 15 at the Swedish Swedish Zion Lutheran tion about current news in TZion Lutheran Church (SZLC), opens with a description of its setting, business, government, education, rural Souris. We invited anyone the rolling prairies of North Dakota research, and many other topics. from the area who had been a generally and the particular place of Another interesting site is member or whose family had been the church. Of the many unique quali - www.sweden.gov.se. This site provides a member of the country stone ties of this vast grassland, wind is a great deal of information regarding church, one of the few stone highlighted as a primal feature. governmental offices and the various churches remaining. Several board Walter Prescott Webb claimed that ministry officials and offices. members from the Bottineau-Souris “nowhere in the world, perhaps, has I have also located four websites to area joined us. the wind done more effective work help you trace your Swedish genealo - Following a meeting and tour of than in the Great Plains.” In “Stone gy: the cemetery and church, we pro - Church,” wind achieves almost mysti - • Swedish Church Records On - ceeded to the Del and Vi Torno cabin cal status. line: www.genline.se at Lake Metigoshe. We met with the Stone is the other pivotal element • House of Genealogy: descendents and members because of the story. Stone becomes counter - www.genhouse-sweden.com one of our members, Gene Wunder- point to the Swedish emigrants. Like • Swedish information Service lich, had written a book, “Stone the Swedes, the granite rocks were New York: www. web - Church: A Prairie Parable,” and migrants, having traveled from the com.com/sis/tracing.htm agreed to donate the proceeds of the north aboard the Ice Age glaci - • Kinship Centre (Karlsd book toward a new roof for the ers. They settled in the soil to compete Emigrantregistret): www.emigrant - church. with the farmer’s plow but then even - registret.se “Stone Church” is a nonfiction tually partnered with the Swedish • Swedish Emigrant Institute: account of constructing a house of builders to become the stone church. www.swemi.nu worship. Details of that construction In addition to profits from “Stone range from shaping and setting the Church” book sales, a lady from near Julbord celebration Dec. 21 foundation to selecting and applying Seattle Washington, Clarise Titterud The annual Swedish American wallpaper. However, the story goes (who was Gene Wunderlich’s sixth Chamber is celebrating Julbord on far beyond building a church to grade teacher), saw the book this past Dec. 21 at the American Swedish building a community, a new life in a summer in the SHA Gift Shop and Institute on 2600 Park Ave. in Minn- new world. donated another $5,000 toward the eapolis. If any of you are interested in Transcending the factual account project. attending, I can call in reservations is the allegorical content of wind and Now it is up to the existing board for you. We have lowered the price stone as guiding forces in the lives of directors of the SZLC to solicit bids this year to $69 per person. and complete the roofing project, Of course, we present a full Sankta hopefully before any further damage Lucia Pageant at this event every e is sustained to the roof. elcom year. This includes glög served from W ot! The book is available in the SHA 11 a.m. to 12 noon, and appetizers, Min Gift Shop. Or, you may contact any of snapps and dinner from noon until 3 to our officers for a copy. The books p.m. Please contact me early if you make excellent gifts, especially now wish to participate in this spectacular 5 Convenient Locations for Christmas, and the proceeds go to event, because I can get you reduced an excellent cause. hotel rates. We may be able to car for all of your Petroleum pool if enough people participate. and Convenience Items News from the Net Contact me, Loren Anderson, at (701) I have been perusing SWEDEN.SE 839-3773 or at loren.anderson@ minot - CENEX OF MINOT in an effort to come up with interest - stateu.edu. Phone 701-852-2501 ing articles for you this season, and I We will meet again the third really recommend using this site for Saturday in January. information about Sweden. God Jul och Gott Nytt År• SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS • December 2007 • Page 15

our social Thor Lodge Sons of Norway N EWS on the third Monday of Thor Lodge making 2008 plans each month. The by Martha Elliott, president knitting, the S/N reading program, other Thor Lodge 4-067 Sons of Norway the S/N music program, folk dancing, Mondays rosemaling and others. If interested in we have reetings to SHA members! Thor taking any of our classes, please con - choir and Lodge celebrated its annual tact me. folk danc - GYulefest on the 17th of December. Thor Lodge now has a membership ing. Many members came out on a win - of about 640, and we are excited about On ter evening and enjoyed a delicious our membership. We see many of the behalf of dinner and a very good program. members at our meetings and socials. myself and all members of Thor We now work toward programs We invite you to join us! We meet Lodge, we wish you a Merry and cultural activities for 2008. We for a business session the first Christmas and a Happy 2008.• will offer programs in hardangersom, Monday of each month, and we have

Dakota Finnish Society NEWS Finns celebrate ‘’ John Halone and Alfred Juntunen of Rolla, and Carl Kanniainen of Stan ley. They also accompanied George and Velma Raasakka of Rolla, who led the group in singing Christmas carols in Finnish. Maila Zitelli, an instructor at Minot State University, recited a Finnish poem. She is from Estonia and attended school in Finland for three years. A silent auction was held and a total of $267 was received for the auction. The auction proceeds were all donated to the Salvation Army. Tasha Swanson, Minot, winner of a $500 by Marion Anderson, president Thank you to all who attended and Icelandic Scholarship. Dakota Finnish Society participated to make this another suc - cessful event. he Finnish Society had another suc - Finland’s Independence Day is Dec. Scholarship awarded cessful year at the Norsk Høstfest. 6. This year Finland celebrated 90 A scholarship of $500 was present - Thank you to all of the workers who years of independence. ed to Tasha Swanson. She is the grand - helped make it a success. We were pre - daughter of Finnish Society members sented with a plaque and $100 from FinnFest, anyone? Don and Sylvia Swanson. Tasha the Norsk Høstfest—thank you, Plans are also under way to attend attends Minot State University and is Høstfest! the FinnFest in Duluth in July of 2008. majoring in addiction counseling. She Anyone interested in attending this wants to remain in North Dakota after Pikkujoulu well attended event, please contact Bruce Carlson at she completes her studies. We had our seventh annual (701) 338-2152 or Marion Anderson at Merry Christmas and Happy New Pikkujoulu (Little Christmas) celebra - 838-8677. Housing and event registra - Year, everyone! • tion on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2007, at the tion should be in by the beginning of Scandinavian Heritage Center. Approx - 2008. imately 65 people attended the affair. One of the highlights of the Finn - The participants came from Velva, Fest in Duluth will be a performance Ruso, Wing, Washburn, Bismarck, by the Minnesota Orchestra; the direc - Tioga, Coleharbor, Stanley, Rolla, Rock tor is from Finland. Many other enter - Lake and Minot. tainers from Finland will also be per - Entertainment was provided by forming. Page 16 • December 2007 • SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS

Tracing your Scandinavian ROOTS • 20 Mapping your genealogy by Jo Ann Winistorfer

here’s just something about maps that fascinates me. And that’s a good Tthing, for someone who’s into genealogy. Indeed, maps can be a valuable aid for fam - ily history seekers. In genealogy, three keys can help you unlock your family’s history: names, dates and places. The places your ancestors At left: A plat map of came from are some of the most valuable Balfour Town ship from an area history book. clues to researching them. You need to Above: Close up map of the area around Gol, know where to look for records! Hallingdal, Nor way, former home of the original The following information on maps Gol Stave Church (relocated in Bygdøy Park near may aid you in your search: Oslo). A replica of this church serves as the crown First, you need to be aware of the many jewel of Scandinavian Heritage Park, Minot. varieties of maps out there! You’ll find antique maps, old railroad maps, topogra - phy maps, plat maps, closeup maps—and owners in each section. If you need the and can give you an in-depth prespective even satellite maps offering images of the legal description of the land of your ances - of your family’s community. When my entire planet via the Internet. tors settled on so you can retrieve your brother and I traveled by car in Norway Antique maps are not only fun to look “homestead packet” papers from the some years ago, we took our maps along at, they can give you a glimpse of the area National Archives, this is one way to get and were able to locate the farms of our where your ancestors once lived! Look for that information—especially if your fami - ancestors, since farm names are listed! a map printed around the time of your ly was living in the area at the time the For details, visit Travel Genie Maps on family’s residence in that area. map was created. the Web at www.travgenie.com. Click on Keep in mind that place names and The North Dakota State Archives and Norway, Sweden and/or Denmark for borders often changed over time. That’s Historical Research Library, located in the available closeup maps. The most detailed another reason you should check a map of Heritage Center in Bismarck has collec - maps are at 1:50 000 scale. You’ll find a map the appropriate time period. An old map tions of early atlases and county plat grid showing section numbers of areas can often help you find locations of what books, with maps showing land owner - depicted on each map. (The Norway maps are now ghost towns, which may no ship by township. Some have been micro - are called Statens Kartverk Series M711 longer be listed on modern-day maps. filmed. Also check area libraries, state maps.) These maps are $14.95 each. To Regional history books (city, county or historical societies, county histories and order, list the appropriate section number . township books) often contain plat maps old atlases for historical maps. Good luck in your quest for maps, and of townships, containing names of land- Closeup maps are especially valuable have a wonderful holiday season! •

P.O. Box 862 Minot, ND 58702