What's Inside

December 2011

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WHAT’S INSIDE President’s message ...... 2 Scandinavian Heritage: Cotter’s Son . . 10-11 From the office; calendar ...... 3 Memorial bricks/Heritage Path ...... 12 Visit the SHA Gift Shop ...... 4 Scandinavian Society reports ...... 13-15 Picture this: Winter wonderland ...... 5 Tracing Your Scandinavian Roots: Gift memorials/membership form . . . . . 6 The gift of song ...... 16 Ho, ho, ho! Santa riddles ...... 7 Merry Christmas Scandinavian artist creates & Happy New Year! Coca-Cola Santas ...... 8-9 Page 2 • December 2011 • SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS

President’s MESSAGE Scandinavian Heritage News Vol. 24, Issue 57 • December 2011 Published quarterly by Mother Nature has spared The Scandinavian Heritage Assn . 1020 South Broadway us so far this fall! 701/852-9161 • P.O. Box 862 by Gail Peterson, president decorating our Minot, ND 58702 Scandinavian Heritage Association park. I think as e-mail: [email protected] usual, the park Website: scandinavianheritage.org e were lucky enough to enjoy a will be a beautiful Gail Peterson Newsletter Committee beautiful fall this year. As many and festive sight Lois Matson, Chair Wother parts of the country experienced this holiday season, and I hope every - Al Larson, Carroll Erickson ice storms and snowfall, we kept dodg - one will visit the park with their fami - Jo Ann Winistorfer, Editor ing the inevitable: winter. No matter lies. how long we managed to go without, We did get a nice crowd for Høstfest 701/487-3312 snow always seems to come too early. this year, including our Canadian [email protected] Especially as many of us try to rebuild friends and many out-of-state visitors. Al Larson, Publisher – 701/852-5552 flood-damaged homes. Thank you to all of our volunteers who Although we experienced an help make the event possible. unimaginable devastation this year Our annual meeting will take place SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE with the flood, with many unable to re - on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2012, in the base - ASSOCIATION turn home, we are blessed that we did ment of the SHA headquarters build - 1020 South Broadway • P.O. Box 862 not lose any loved ones. I hope every - ing. Our next event will be our annual Minot, North Dakota 58702 one had a happy Thanksgiving with banquet and silent auction. It is a fun- Phone 701/852-9161 their family and friends. filled evening for the whole family, 2011 O FFICERS Since Minot’s Oak Park was also with entertainment and good food. Gail Peterson President flooded, it will not host the Christmas This year it will be held at the Grand Peder Rice Vice President in the Park this year. Sertoma, sponsors International Inn, on Saturday, April Marion Anderson Secretary Sue Weston Treasurer of Christmas in the Park, has offered 28, 2012. We’ll have more details in the some of the displays for us to use in next newsletter. I look forward to see - BOARD OF DIRECTORS our park, which will be a wonderful ing you all there. Three-year terms ending January 2014 addition to our decorations. I would I would like to wish everyone a safe Jerome Jorgenson Jim Maragos like to thank Bob Sando, Bob Whetter and happy Christmas. God bless you Lois Matson Peder Rice Bob Sando Ernie Selland and John Sinn for working so hard at and your families this holiday season. • Joan Varty Neil Zimmerman Three-year terms ending January 2013 Marion Anderson Ron Bieri Liz Gjellstad Jana Hennix Gail Peterson Virgil Rude Three-year terms ending January 2012 ALL MEMBERS ARE INVITED... Myron Anderson Eva Goodman Erv Johnson John Sinn Doris Slaaten Robert Whetter to the SHA annual meeting Jo Ann Winistorfer One-year appointees to January 2012 SATURDAY, JAN. 28, 2012 • 10 A.M. Adelaide Johnson Everett Olson Les Strege Sue Weston SHA Headquarters Building, Minot, ND Bob Wheeler Verla Rostad, Office Manager Ex-Officio Members Carroll Erickson , Past President Bruce Christenson , Past President he Scandinavian Heritage Association annual Allen O. Larson, Past President Roald Mattson, Past President meeting is set for Saturday, Jan. 28, at 10 a.m. George Officer, Past President at the SHA headquarters building at the inter - Mark Anderson, Past President T Directors Emeritus section of 11th Ave. S.W. and Broadway in Minot. Marian Bergan, Director Emeritus Doralyn Brown, Director Emeritus All members are welcome to attend. Jeanne McNea, Director Emeritus Helen Haaland, Director Emeritus SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS • December 2011 • Page 3

From the OFFICE Christmas traditions, Scandinavian-style by Verla Rostad pleasant, with - Shared traditions SHA office manager out harsh words All of the Scandinavian countries or needless bick - have traditions that involve a special hen I think of my childhood ering. meal and attending church services on Christmases, I don’t remember The children Christmas Eve. Wfancy gifts, an elaborate tree and deco - are careful to do It is common throughout Scandi - rations or trips to exotic places. Our their share, too, navia to serve rice pudding, with the gifts were usually practical—something and every batch containing one whole almond. we needed. We always had a tree, but a Christmas Eve The finder of the almond wins a prize, modest one. The house was decorated they remember which is usually chocolate or marzipan, with a few other decorations, and the the little man in Denmark. In Finland the finder has to farthest we ever traveled on Christmas with a bowl of sing a song. In Sweden the person find - was 11 miles to church in town; the ex - Verla Rostad “risengrynsgrøt” ing it gets to make a wish, or is believed tended family always came to our (rice porridge), to get married the coming year (this house for Christmas dinner! which surely is appreciated, because by varies from family to family). But what I remember most about morning it always is gone. Did you know that the Christmas Christmas as a child is family and food. tree at Union Station, Washington, D.C., My dad was the son of Norwegian im - Swedish traditions migrants. Mom was “Norwegian After a festive Christmas Eve dinner through marriage.” Her wedding vows in Sweden, someone dresses up as must have included, “I will learn to Tomte (Christmas gnome) who accord - make all the traditional Norwegian ing to Swedish myth, lives on a farm or CALENDAR treats Johnny has grown accustomed to in the forest. Tomte looks a little like WINTER 2011-12 for Christmas.” Santa Claus and hands out the presents Mom and my Norwegian aunts al - while doing funny rhymes. ways filled the table with sweets con - sisting of rosettes, krumkake, lefse, Danish traditions fattigman, sandbakkels, julekake, spritz, In Denmark, as a good elf, Nisse gen - sugar cookies, gingersnaps—making erally helps people on the farms and is sure each person’s favorite cookie or bar good with children but plays jokes dur - was included. My aunt Gertie made the ing the holiday season. On Christmas best divinity! Mom made the best lefse. Eve, many families leave a bowl of rice I know now that the tradition of a table pudding or porridge for him so that he full of sweets had its roots in Norway, is friendly to them and keeps his jokes where there is a tradition of having at least within limits. seven Christmas cookies or biscuits. Finnish traditions Norwegian traditions The Christmas presents in Finland A tradition in Scandinavia for cen - are usually given out in the evening turies, the straw Julebukk or “Yule during a personal visit from the local • Scandinavian Heritage Asso- Goat” was the bringer of gifts to the Santa Claus. ciation Annual Meeting, household. Having a Julebukk in your 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, 2012, home is a symbol of “Jul” and a time of Icelandic traditions lower level, Scandinavian good cheer. Icelandic children have it the best! Heritage Center headquarters Nowadays, each of the Scandinavian Expect no fewer than 13 Icelandic Santa building, Minot countries has a Christmas gnome or elf. Clauses, or jólasveinar; each has his • SHA Annual Banquet, Norway has the Julenisse. Traditionally, own name, character and role. Saturday, April 28, 2012 the little man dwells in the attic or barn A special Icelandic custom for chil - International Inn, Minot and is guardian of the family's welfare. dren is to put a shoe in the window (Watch for details in next It is wise to please the Jule nisse be - from Dec. 12 until Christmas Eve, as the SHA Newsletter) cause he is apt to mix up the milk tins, jólasveinar make their rounds, one each NEXT NEWSLETTER DEADLINE: tangle the horse's manes, and even day. If the children have been good, one Copy and pictures—Feb. 15, 2011 make the cows sick, if he doesn't like of the “Santas” leaves a gift; bad chil - Printing date—March 1, 2011 your household. Consequently, every dren receive a potato. family tries to keep things orderly and Page 4 • December 2011 • SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS is a gift from Norway to the people of Square in London has become an an - Washington and a symbol of the friend - nual tradition. God Jul! ship between the United States and Each of us has holiday traditions. Norway? Each year the tree is lit by the Some go back generations to our grand - Hyvää Joulua! Ambassador of Norway. In 1947 the parents’ homelands. Other traditions British authorities received a Christmas have evolved in more recent times. Tra - Glædelig jul! tree from Oslo as special thanks for the ditions of food, decorations, music, cel - help and support Britain gave to Nor - ebrations of faith, gifts and travel all Gleðileg jól! way and Norwegians during the occu - vary from family to family. pation years from 1940 to 1945. Since Whatever your traditions are, I hope Merry Christmas! • then, the Christmas tree at Trafalgar the season is filled with joy!

Straw replicas of (from left) the Julebukk, angels and Julenisse make attractive ornaments for the home at Yuletide. All are available at the Gift Shop in the Scandinavian Heritage Association’s headquarters building.

your holiday party with Ole & Lena fortune cookies. For a warm holiday drink, make your Visit the Gift Shop! Glögg with our spice mix and add your own port by Verla Rostad wine or fruit juice. For non-food gifts, consider our mugs, Uff da! e sure to check out the SHA Gift Shop! We k e ychains or t-shirts, magnets, Viking figurines, haBve several collectible plates, figurines and Dala horses, or large selection of books with Christmas ornaments featuring Julenisse, Julebukk Scandinavian themes. We have Lauraine Snelling’s and many other straw ornaments shaped as historical fiction about the Bjorklund family who angels, snowmen, wreaths and stars. We also have immigrated to North Dakota from Norway. We have rosemaled tree ornaments and other decorations with Scandi - several books by contemporary Scandinavian authors, and navian flair, including garlands of the flags of Norway, Swe - books about the Vikings. We also have a large selection of den, Finland and Denmark. maps, dictionaries and self-guided audio language lessons for If you are substituting for Julenisse, Tomte or one of the someone planning a trip to Scandinavia. jólasveinar this year, how about some stocking stuffer treats Our children’s books include the Mummins (a popular from our Gift Shop? We have Norway’s Freia chocolate bars Swedish-Finnish cartoon family), color and activity books, (with or without hazelnuts), Finnska licorice bites (black and many others. We have several Scandinavian cookbooks licorice from Finland) or Nordic Gummi Fish from Sweden. and recipe books with old favorites. You’ll also find several We also have Norway’s Toro rømmegrøt mix and Vestland’s books filled with Nordic traditions. flour lefse, lingonberry preserves and Ballerina cookies (short - To read more about the Norwegian resistance to the Occu - bread cookies with hazelnut cream filling) from Sweden, and pation during World War II, check out some of the books in for the person who has everything, fish balls! Add some fun to the Gift Shop! • SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS • December 2011 • Page 5

PICTURE THIS! SHA Park: Winter wonderland

RIGHT: Bob Sando (left) and Bob Whetter were among the elves—er, crew—putting Christmas lights on trees and other objects in the park. Other helpers in - cluded Dave Gowan and John Sinn. This year’s Christ - mas display includes decorations normally appearing in Minot’s Oak Park, which was impacted by last summer’s flood. The holiday Lights in the Park event was switched to SHA Park, resulting in a winter wonder - land. (The cover photo of the park’s lighting display was snapped by Al Larson, Minot.)

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Page 12 • March, 2007 • SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS ters building. It’s a good idea, too, for each of us to sit down with our families to dis - SHA memorials: cuss where we would like our own ComingSHA soon:me mAudioori atoursls: of SHAmemorials tPark!o go someday. We should lans to have an audio tour system in place in Scandina v- Already, the text for thewr isoundtrackte down ou hasr w ibeenshes writtenso that oandthe isr ian Heritage Park by this summer are progressing nicely. in the editing process. family members have the information PGThe systemif twills involve th thea uset ofk aroundee a halfp dozen on giviStilln to g be decidedand is c awhethern follow the th raudioough player’swith our recording will be coordinated with a circle tour of MP3 players,by J oeach Ann containing Winistorfe rrecorded descrip-a loved one’s memory. For example, wishes. Remember, too, that placing a tions of the park’s features. the park, or whether different stations along the you can choose to support a specific notice in an obituary indicating where “Each system will look like a small route would have numbers, enabling the user hen a friend or loved one has just project, such as our Heritage House memorials are to be sent helps others Walkman, complete with headphones and to simply push a number to synchronize the passed away, it’s often a struggle museum. Or, you can choose an ethnic neck band,” says Mark Anderson, SHA pres- tract tow hdescribeo wish tthato h oparticularnor the d eparkceas high-ed. to come up with a fitting tribute to that Wident. “There will be five or six available, group’s project within the park (such light—orA both!nd finally, the ultimate gift is to panders peopleon’s m ecanmo rentry. M themakin gfor a ga inominalft dona - as the Danish windmill, Swedish Dala Thebe nextcom estep a b eisn toefa raisector ofundsf SH Ato t hoffsetrough tchargeion in toth acarryt per swithon’s them hono onr t oa tself-guidedhe Scan - horse, Gol Stave Church, etc.). You canthe costyou ofr ethesta tproe. I jt ect,’s a which way f oisr expectedyou to le toave dtour.”inavian Heritage Association is one also give a donation directly to the as -run betweena lastin g$2,000 legac yand to $2,500.your S candinavian waAy tjointo ac kprojectnowle betweendge how the mu Scandinavianch the sociation to be used where needed. Presidentheritag Marke as w ise lbusyl as a these mem daysorial send-to you dHeritageeceased Association meant to y oandu. I thet’s a Northlso a w Dakotaay Contributions of $1,000 or more aingre lettersor a to fa friends,mily me fraternalmber. organizations tCentero keep for th ePersons heritag withe of oDisabilitiesur immigr a(NDCPD),nt ackowledged with a plaque on the and businessesWe h toop seee y whetherou will c theyonsi dwoulder the likeScan - athenc eplayersstors a lareive designedand well especiallythrough o forur visuallyScandinavian Heritage Associatioton help sponsordinav ithean Hproject.eritag e Association when bimpairedeautiful parkpark visitors.in Mino t’s heart. Wall of Honor. Lesser amounts ofHow $25 abouty you?ou dIfis cyou,uss myourem obusiness,rial don ayourtion sorga- or es - ButThe ranyonee are m canany use wa themys to gtoi venhancee a me - theiro tourr mo experi-re are recognized innization the Gol dore n anyoneta youte g iknowfting. wouldFor inf olikerm atoti giveon, c ao ndona-tact mence,oria accordingl to Scand toin aPresidentvia Heri tMark,age Pa noting,”It’srk in Bo oak positive of Memory in ttion,he S HpleaseA he acalldq uthear -SHAth Officee SHA at o f(701)fice a 852-9161.t (701) 85 2-9161. • 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 2011 • Page 7

15. What would you get if you crossed one of Santa’s helpers with the Ho, ho, ho!!!! King of Rock 'n' Roll? Santa riddles 1. Why does Santa have three gardens? 2. What do you get when you cross a snowman with a vampire? 3. Why was Santa's little helper depressed? OFFICE EQUIPMENT,INC. 4. What do you get when you cross an SUPPLYING THE TOOLS FOR YOUR archer with a gift-wrapper? BUSINESS FOR OVER 60 YEARS 5. What do you call people who are 10. What do you call a man who claps 17 East Central Ave. •838-8624 afraid of Santa Claus? at Christmas? 6. What do snowmen eat for breakfast? 11. Who delivers presents to baby sharks 7. What do you get if you cross Father at Christmas? Christmas with a detective? 12. What's red and white and full of holes? THE HEART of a 8. What do the reindeer sing to Father 13. What happens when two Christmas community is Christmas on his birthday? angels meet? 9. Where does Santa Claus keep his red suit? 14. Why is a cat on a beach like Christmas? reﬂected in the Answers: quality of its 1. So he can ho-ho-ho! 6. Snowflakes 11. Santa Jaws! 2. Frostbite 7. Santa Clues! 12. Swiss Kringle parks. 3. He had low elf esteem 8. Freeze a jolly good fellow! 13. They both say “Halo!” 4. Ribbon hood 9. In his Santa Clauset 14. Both have Sandy claws MINOT PARK DISTRICT 5. Claus-trophobic 10. Santapplause 15. Elfis Presley! 420 Third Avenue SW • 857-4136

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852-1354 SM garden A Touchstone Energ y center Partner Cooperative and Floral The power of human connections MARCO’S RESTAURANT Just across the street from Scandinavian Park Town & Country Center • 1015 South Broadway 1640 4th Avenue NE • Box 216 • Minot, North Dakota 58702 Telephone 838-2868 For a “Fast Lunch” or “To Go” call ahead 839-4433 www.lowesfloral.com • 1-800-546-4995 701.85 2.0406 & 1. 80 0.47 2.214 1 Page 8 • December 2011 • SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS Scandinavian-American artist Haddon Sundblom created Coca-Cola’s Santa 2011 marks the 80th anniversary of the ﬁrst Coca-Cola Santa illustration crafted by a clever artist with Scandinavian roots. His images continue to inﬂuence our impressions of Santa today!

by Jo Ann Winistorfer digestive power and the moral fabric.” The company needed a positive image ver wonder where our modern- to advertise Coke as a refreshing drink Eday version of Santa Claus comes with no harmful effects. Their motive was from? In part, we can thank the son of to increase sales. Scandinavian emigrants who settled in In 1931, the Coca-Cola Company hired Muskegon, Michigan. Sundblom (described as a “hard drinking” Haddon Hubbard “Sunny” Sundblom man standing at 6 foot 3 inches) to paint was born on June 22, 1899, to Karl Wil - Santa Claus as part of an annual advertis - helm Sundblom, from the farm Norrgårds ing campaign. After all, if Santa enjoyed in the village of Sonboda in Föglö in the Coca-Cola, it had to be wholesome! Swedish-speaking Åland Islands (at that Sundblom’s assignment was to depict For more than three decades, time a part of the Russian Grand Duchy of Santa as a real man, not just a man dressed famed illustrator Haddon Finland, now Finland), and Karin Anders - as Santa. A neighbor was his ﬁrst model, Sundblom was the creative son of Sweden. and after the man died, he himself became genius behind the Coca-Cola A talented illustrator, Sundblom stud - the model, painting while looking into a Santa campaign. Today, his ied at the American Academy of Art in mirror. work is on display in gal - Chicago. He was a partner in several To come up with the “ideal” Santa, leries and sought after by Chicago-based advertising agencies over Sundblom did considerable research. He collectors. the years. patterned his Santa after Clement Clark In the 1920s, the Coca-Cola Company Moore’s “A Visit From St. Nicholas” (more was under attack by the Women’s Chris - commonly known as’ “ ’Twas the Night tian Temperance Union and others who Before Christmas”). The resulting Santa were critical of its formula, claiming it evolved from a “jolly old elf” to a full- was addic tive and harmful to one’s sized grandfatherly fellow dressed in red health. In 1921, one U.S. senator went so and white. By coincidence, those just hap - far as to claim it caused “sterility in pened to be Coca-Cola’s logo colors. women and dissolved brain power, the Santa is descended from St. Nicholas (also called Nikolaos), Bishop of Myra in modern-dayTurkey in the 4th cen - tury (also known as Nikolaos the Won - derworker because of his many miracles). He had a reputation for se -

Old-time Santas were not necessarily chubby, dressed in red—or jolly! The Santa at near left, created by Thomas Nast in the latter 1800s, wore a tan - nish-brown outfit. SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS • December 2011 • Page 9

cret gift-giving, and thus became the model for Santa Scandinavian-American artist Haddon Claus, whose modern name comes from the Dutch Sin - terklaas. Sundblom created Coca-Cola’s Santa Through the centuries, Santa Claus has been depicted from tall to elf-sized, and depending on the country, wearing a bishop’s red robe or a Norse huntsman’s ani - mal skin. A 1653 woodcut of the English Father Christ - mas depicts him wearing a red-and-white outfit. As early as 1841, Santa was used as an advertising de - vice by merchants promoting their stores as “Santa’s headquarters.” By the 1870s, Santas were appearing in department stores in the U.S. and Canada. The first Christmas cards, designed by Louis Prang of Boston, were published in 1874. The Civil War cartoonist Thomas Nast drew Santa Claus for Harper’s Weekly in 1862; Santa was shown as a small elf-like figure who supported the Union. Nast con - tinued to draw Santa for 30 years and along the way changed the color of his coat from tan to red, the color Sundblom used for all his Santa paintings. Prior to Sundblom’s rendition of Santa, Norman Rockwell had painted saintly Santas, but without consis - tent features. Sundblom’s designs standardized the char - acter of Santa. His work appeared in magazines and on posters and billboards. In 1949, Sundblom created the Sprite Boy” (right) character, who appeared with Santa on Coke ads in the 1940s and 1950s. By that time he was living in Tucson, Arizona. His last work with Coca-Cola was done in 1964. Besides his work for Coca-Cola (which he did for 33 years), Sundblom designed the Quaker Oats man and the Aunt Jemima “mammy,” and was a well-known pin- up artist, painting pieces for calendars, posters and mag - azine covers. In 1972, his work—a buxom beauty clad in a low-cut Santa suit—appeared on the cover of Playboy . Haddon Sundblom passed away on March 10, 1976. Through his many paintings, he left behind a version of a mischievous, roly-poly, likable Santa that changed the world’s perception of the North Pole’s most-famous resi - dent forever. •

Sundblom’s Santa was portly and grandfatherly, with a fluffy white beard and dressed in a red suit with lush fur trim. So popular and prolific were these ads that people around the world grew to accept the artist’s rendition as the “official” portrait of Santa Claus. Page 10 • December 2011 • SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS

The Scandinavian Heritage • 24 The Cotter’s Son: A story of courage and love here are many cotter’s sons who tage on the edge of the main farm. It The story is about Ole Haugen, left the Old World for the New. was often on a hillside and had to first born in the Sigdal area west of Oslo. Their departure did not mean a lack of be reclaimed by removing rocks. But (A “haug” is a hill or hillside, account - love for parents or native land. They this was the only way that a young ing for his last name.) His parents, left because they had a desperate man could have a home. He could not, Torkil and Randi, were cotters on the dream for a better life. of course, expect to accumulate sav - land of the wealthiest farmer in the A “cotter” (husmann) was a share- ings. Most of his time was spent work - valley. The bønde ws a hard man, but cropper who had a cot - ing for the landowner, called a his wife was known for her kindness. “bønde.” I have seen these hillside The custom in those days was that huts. They may look pretty, but they when there was a baptism or confir - are humble shelters. mation, the request to the pastor had Hans Andersen Foss wrote a story to be accompanied by a gift of money. called “Husmannsgutten,” or “The It was not unlike the Levitical laws of Cotter’s Son.” It was first serialized by the Old Testament, which prescribed the Decorah-Posten in 1884 and was sacrifices. Like Joseph and Mary, who claimed to be the most-read book writ - could give only a poor family’s offer - ten by a Norwegian-American. ing when their son was brought to the

HaBOnRNs 1 8A51 nIN dVIKeErRsSUeNnD I N( HMOD.UAM, .N)O RFWAoYs s DIED 1929 IN MINOT, N.D., BURIED IN ROSEHILL CEMETERY

“The Cotter’s two Norwegian-language newspapers, Dakota-Bladet (The Son,” a fictional Dakota Newspaper) from 1886 to 1887, and Normanden (The story of a Norwe - Norseman), based in Grand Forks, from 1888 to 1893. A life - gian emigrant to America, has been long advocate of the temperance movement and the Populist called one of Norwegian literature’s greatest successes, one Party, Foss quit the newspaper business, becoming a grain of the most important books in Norway’s emigration litera - dealer and in 1906 settling in Minot. In 1962, the book was ture, and the most popular Norwegian-American novel. Its translated into English by Joel G. Winkjer and published. His author, Hans Andersen Foss (himself a cotter’s son) left Nor - great-niece, Andrea Winkjer way for America in 1877, at the age of 26. By the time he Collin and her husband, Rick died, he had written six novels and several poems and short Collin, co-owners of Smoky stories. During his early years in America, Foss worked on Water Press, republished the farms, railroads and as a teacher in Minnesota and Wiscon - book in 1998, thus bringing sin. He settled in Portland, Dakota Territory (now North the story to new generations Dakota), in 1884. That winter, he completed his first novel, of readers. (Andrea is editor called “Husmannsgutten,” written in Norwegian. That same of North Dakota Horizons year, the Iowa-based Norwegian-language Decorah-Posten magazine.) The book can be began publishing the book in serial form. The newspaper, in ordered at www.Dakota - dire straits financially, had a surge of new subscriptions from BookNet.com or by send - Norwegian-American readers not wanting to miss out on the ing $16.95 ($12.95 plus $4 next installments. Thus, “The Cotter’s Son” (its title in Eng - shipping and handling) to: H.A. Foss, auth lish) is credited with saving the newspaper. The Decorah- DakotaBookNet.com, P.O. or of “The Cot- ter’s Son,” w Posten later went on to publish the story in book format. Foss Box 2322, Bismarck, ND ritten in 1884. himself got into the newspaper business, serving as editor of 58502-2322. • SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS • December 2011 • Page 11

Temple, Ole’s parents also struggled to business advice. provide the prescribed gift. The bønde It was Ole’s intention to send refused to give Torkil a loan for the money back to his family and then re - baptism, so his wife secretly sent some turn for Marie. In his ﬁrst job, west of of her own silver coins to them. The Chicago, he was cheated out of wages bønde’s rule was: “The more you give for the whole summer. So he set out on them, the more they want and the less foot to look for work in Wisconsin, as

they will work.” winter approached. On the way, he G A

Ole amazed everyone at his conﬁr - was mistaken for a bank robber and O H -

mation with his sincere and quick an - was arrested. After his innocence was N N I

swers during the catechization. This proved, he was released and nearly F

T was a custom where children publicly lost his life in a snow storm north of A P

recited their knowledge of the Bible Madison. He found refuge with an Y R and their faith. Some people thought American family, who also gave him a A M

that Ole should be a minister and job on their farm. Y B

raised money to send him to school. During another sudden winter O T

The bønde, however, put a stop to storm, Ole rescued the family’s two O H that. To complicate matters more, the teen-age daughters at great risk to him - P bønde’s daughter, Marie, was the same self. He carried them to their home in a Author Arland Fiske age as Ole. They played together as blinding blizzard. The farm dog led children and became fast friends. him. One daughter, Nellie, survived. To separate them, Ole was sent up The neighbors, of course, began to to the seter (mountain pasture) early in talk. Ole’s brave deed got into the Editor’s note: This column is the 24th in a the spring. There he stayed with the newspapers and was reprinted in Nor - series by former Minot pastor, Arland farm animals until just before snow - way. It also said that Ole was going to Fiske (now living in Texas), retired from fall, when he returned to school. The marry Nellie! ministry in the Evangelical Lutheran bønde was taking no chances. He did - This was all the bønde needed to Church in America. Fiske has written nine n’t want his money to fall into a cot - see. He showed it to Marie, but she re - books on Scandinavian heritage. The chap - ter’s family. fused to believe it. Then the bønde in - ter reprinted here is from his book, “The Despite the attempts to keep them tercepted the mail so that there was no Scandinavian Heritage.” apart, Ole and Marie came to have a corresponce between Ole and his fam - deep love for each other. They realized ily or with Marie for a year and a half. that the only hope they had for a fu - Money sent home was also stolen by point in the story is when Ole bought ture together was if Ole went to Amer - the bønde. the bønde’s farm at an auction. The ica. So he went. Stories like this were not uncom - mail fraud had caught up with the rich His best friend in the New World mon, and not all of them had happy farmer, and he died a poor man. was Nils, also from Norway. Nils had endings. In this case, the love between The story has more pathos than can a brilliant head for business, but was a Ole and Marie stood the test. With the be retold here. But stories like this constant failure who could not say help of Nils, Ole made a good busi - from the Sigdal-Numedal area have “no” to the bottle. Ole’s friendship ness investment in Chicago that made been preserved as a reminder to the gave Nils the new direction that he it possible to go back to Norway with children of immigrants that courage needed. He later repaid with good lots of money in his pocket. The high and love still have their rewards. •

Caring for you through all the stages of your life.

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Path leads visitors to SHA Heritage House Museum he Heritage Path connects the Heritage House Museum with the Scandinavian THeritage Park. The cement sidewalk leaves the park near the Stabbur and meets up with a newly constructed ramp that leads to the en - trance door of the museum. The goal of the path was to provide easier access to the museum. No longer will visitors have to walk across the lawn and climb the steps to get to the museum. No longer will they question whether the little house across the lawn is a public building or a private home! In addition to providing better access to the museum, the path will offer visitors a pleasant place for a quiet stroll through a park-like set - ting. Plans are coming together for the addi - tion of flower beds, benches and trees along The Heritage Path leading to the Heritage House has been completed. Plans are to line the path. the path with bricks memorializing friends and relatives of the donors. The cement work was completed prior to Høstfest. Some landscaping was done in Octo - ber, and more will be done next spring. The project was successful in increasing the num - to supplement memberships and other gifts for the ongoing ber of visitors to the Heritage House Museum during Høst - expenses of the Scandinavian Heritage Association. fest week. Several visitors asked how long the museum had Bricks are available in two sizes: 4-by-8 inches and 8-by-8 been here. One even commented that he had been to the inches. The smaller bricks will be sold for $100 and will in - Scandinavian Heritage Park several years in a row and had clude up to three lines of engraving with 20 characters per never seen the museum! He was pleasantly surprised when line. The larger bricks will be sold for $225 and will include he looked around. up to seven lines of engraving with 20 characters per line. Custom logos and stock symbols are also available at extra Memorial bricks will line the path cost. Details are available on our web site: www.scandina - Heritage Path bricks are being sold and will line the path vianheritage.org, or by contacting the office at (701) 852- between the park and the Heritage House Museum, provid - 9161 or by e-mail at [email protected]. Stop by the office ing donors a way to honor or memorialize individuals and during business hours to see a sample 4-by-8 brick. publicly proclaim their support of the Scandinavian Her - Orders will be taken this winter, and by next spring we itage Park. Proceeds from the sale of the bricks will be used hope to be ready for installing the first group of bricks. •

CONVENIENT d, d Foo CARE CLINIC “Goo nks” e Dri Health Center – Medical Arts sNic 400 Burdick Expy E. • Minot for Reservations, Bradley Thomas • Bryan Thomas Mon.-Fri. – 9 am-6 pm Sat.-Sun. – Noon-6 pm call 70 1-83 7-1010 We are proud of our For appointments call Walk-Ins Welcome Swedish Heritage 857-7817 (weekdays) 10 North Main St. or 857-7383 (weekends) via the Minot, ND 58703 Quist and Chelgren (Johnson) Open Tuesday–Saturday lineages. 4:00 pm – Close SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS • December 2011 • Page 13

SCANDINAVIAN SOCIETY NEWS ••• Swedish Heritage Society-NWND N EWS SWEDISH SAFFRON Santa Lucia Day BUNS —Submitted by Cheryl by Bev Jensen, secretary Willoughby, Vermont Swedish Heritage Society-NWND Public Radio od Jul! On Dec. 13 we celebrate Santa Lucia Day, a holiday observed in 1 teaspoon saffron (whole threads, GSweden and Finland and other Scandina - not powdered) vian countries. Each year every town 1 cup half and half cream chooses a young girl to be their “Santa ½ cup (1 stick) butter Lucia.” She dresses in a long white gown, 5 cups white flour wears a crown of candles in her hair, and 2 large eggs, beaten 2 walks in a procession, “serving” coffee and saffron buns to sym - /3 cup white sugar bolize the charity and generous spirit that characterized the real- 2 packages active dry yeast life Lucia. (Also see page 16.) 1 teaspoon salt One of the legends about her is that she was sentenced to 1 egg yolk, separated and beaten with death at the stake because of her refusal to marry a man she 1 tablespoon water didn’t love. But her spirit prevailed. And when the pyre was lit, the fire could not be persuaded to take her life; she glowed with 1 egg white inner light of innocence as she died. The white gown and crown ½ cup raisins, dried cherries or cranberries of candles represent this triumph of light over the darkness. (softened with a little water) Santa Lucia Day is celebrated, especially in dark northern Crush saffron threads until fine; combine them with landscapes, to kindle the spirit and offer hope at this time of the the half and half in a small saucepan. Bring to a year leading up to the winter solstice. simmer over medium heat. Remove from heat; stir in The Minot Society presented the Lucia Pageant at its December meeting in 2010, with local girls portraying the story in costume butter until melted. and song. It will be celebrated again next year. Combine flour, sugar, yeast and salt in a large bowl. In observance of our Swedish customs, we chose this recipe to Stir in the milk mixture; add whole eggs and beat honor the legend. well. Knead the dough ball on a floured surface until Our last meeting was held on Dec. 10, at which time we en - it’s springy. Put it in a buttered bowl, cover and let joyed a “Swedish Menu” Potluck. • rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk (about 1½ hours). Best wishes from the Oil 3 baking sheets. Punch dough down; knead again briefly. Divide dough into 6 balls, then divide Scandinavian Heritage Association each ball into 8 pieces. Roll each piece out in a 6-7- inch long bar. Place two bars side by side; pinch the middle to - gether to join them, then curve the four ends out - ward. (The shape should look like back-to-back capital C’s.) Repeat with remaining bars, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Let rise in a warm place until puffy, 30 to 45 minutes. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Brush buns with the egg yolk/water mixture. Bake around 15 minutes until lightly browned. While buns are still hot, use a little egg white to affix the raisins or cherries to each of the curves. Serve warm with butter and enjoy! Page 14 • December 2011 • SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS

Thor Lodge Sons of Norway N EWS Royal visit and Thor Lodge Julfest by Rob Odden, During their time in Minnesota, president King Harald shared a few words of es - Thor Lodge 4-067 teem with his friends in America. Sons of Norway “...and I am grateful to the Sons of Norway and the many other organiza - ecently the Norwegian royals paid tions that preserve Norwegian heritage a visit to Minnesota. King Harald and traditions. Rand Queen Sonja visited the United “Norway looks to its Sons and States, spending Oct 11-18 in Min - Daughters in the United States as a are interested in having more cultural nesota. Among their sight-seeing ad - bridge between our two cultures. ... It’s classes and activities. The weekend of ventures were Nortun Lodge in very important to get to know each Nov 18-19, we had our Autumn Bake Duluth and Mayo Clinic in Rochester. other better, because more people here Sale and Christmas on the Prairie. The In Minneapolis 1,100 were invited are calling themselves Norwegian- annual Julfest with be Monday, Dec. to attend a banquet at the Hilton Hotel American than we have Norwegians in 12. For tickets, please call 839-1308. in their honor. Two of the King and Norway.” We also continue to play cards Queen's last Minnesota stops were the Thor Lodge is busy as usual, but in the SHA lower level meeting room rededication of the Enger Tower still many of us have been impacted by every Tuesday at 1:30 p.m., periodic and welcoming to the Minneapolis challenges locally. S.O.N. International cultural classes and movie nights. Airport the traveling exhibit, Cold Re - Foundation was able to give some Please call Mary Zurcher at 362-7468 if call: Reflections of a Polar Explorer. small help to our Minot community. you would like to know more about Their majesties will have a lasting im - District IV Vice President Martha El - our cultural activities. pression of America from visiting its liott facilitated this Helping Hands I look forward to seeing you at Thor sites, culture and everyday people. project during the Souris flood recov - Lodge soon. Merry Christmas and a One of their last stops will be in New ery. Happy New Year to you all. • York, visiting Ground Zero. Now that cold weather is here, we

Icelandic Heritage Society N EWS main in the pantry all night. In the morning a cross-tree would be placed over the pot to keep the hoarfrost in. Known as the Holidays in Old Iceland “pantry drift,” capturing it in From Icelandic Americans—History, chanting an invita - this way was thought to bring Modern Era, The First in America tion to the elves to prosperity to the household. come, stay, or go. Twelfth Night, celebrated 12 celand’s holidays are typical of At least one light days after Christmas on Jan. 5, those celebrated in other western, would remain is often called the “Great IChristian nations, though with a burning throughout Night of Dreams” in Iceland. whimsical twist. The Christmas sea - the night. This refers to the night when son lasts several days and is tradi - Also on New the Kings of the Orient are tionally celebrated with bonfires, Year’s Eve, the thought to have dreamed of the dancing, and stories of elves and pantry window birth of Jesus. In some parts of trolls. would be left open to Iceland, Twelfth Night was re - On New Year’s Eve, it was the receive the hoarfrost, the ferred to as “The Ole Christmas” or custom to invite the elves into one’s frozen dew that forms a “The Old Christmas Eve.” Twelfth home. Lights or candles would be lit white coating on surfaces. It Day is celebrated on Jan. 6 with bon - throughout the house in order to does not accumulate, and it fades fires and dancing. drive out the shadows. The mistress quickly. A pot would be placed on the To read more, visit: http://www. of the house would walk around the pantry floor in an attempt to capture everyculture.com. Then search for outside of the house three times, it, and the house mistress would re - Icelandic Americans. • SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS • December 2011 • Page 15

Souris Valley Danish Society N EWS Flaxton, N.D.: Hotbed for Danes Again in this issue, we are highlighting family histories of our members. The following is the an - cestry of Souris Val - ley Danish Society member, Dennis Jacobsen of Minot. The article has been compiled by Pam Orth.

he town of Flaxton was first called Lars and Kirstine Jacobsen family (shown Postville, named for its first resi - here with baby Berman). Tdent, William Henry Post, who became the first postmaster in 1900. The town name was changed to Flaxton in 1901, they farmed and raised four children: Rudolf and Olga Jacobsen with daughter when most of the townsite was seeded Dwight, Dale, Donna and Dennis. Herdis and son Etlar (father of Dennis Ja - to flax. Etlar’s grandparents, homestead - cobsen). Etlar Jacobsen, father of Souris Val - ers Lars and Kirstine Jensen Jacobsen, ley Danish Society member Dennis Ja - were both born in Moen, Denmark. cobsen, was born in 1925. He was They first came to Alden, Minn., reared in the Danish community of where Etlar’s father was born. When Little Berman and another fellow Flaxton. He spent two and a half years his uncle, Berman Jacobsen, was 8 started out on foot with the cattle and in the Army. Etlar married Elaine An - years old, his father (Lars) had ran into a hailstorm. Lars caught up derson from the Bowbells area, where shipped livestock to Bowbells, N.D. with them, and they got a ride the rest of the way to Richland Township near Flaxton, where Lars had built a home and housing for horses and other livestock. Dakota Finnish Society NEWS Meanwhile, Etlar’s mother, Olga Sorensen Jacobsen, and her parents, Martin and Juline Sorensen, left the Hjorring vicinity in Denmark on No - Finns celebrate ‘Little Christmas’ vember 1909, traveling on a ship by Marion Anderson, president named “United States.” Before they Dakota Finnish Society could get to the Flaxton area, son Frits came down with pneumonia, and he Dakota Finnish Society had a they had to stay on the ship. Frits was very successful Hostfest booth— sent to a hospital in Brooklyn, while Tthanks to the many volunteers who the rest of the family went to Ellis Is - helped make this happen. land. The Sorensens eventually We held our annual Pikkujoulu (Lit - bought their own farm with a loan tle Christmas) celebration on Dec. 11, from First Bank of Flaxton. There 2011, at the SHA Center. A catered meal were already buildings and a well on was served. the property Brad Tengesdal is now at his home in “The Meeting House,” the name Minot and recovering there. He is in preferred for the Danish Evangelilcal good spirits. He is very thankful for all Lutheran Church, was prominent in of the prayers and concerns on behalf of the community. Built in 1907, it stood him and his family. until 1958. Because they did not always The “Friends of Brad Tengesdal” ac - have a resident pastor, many of the count is still active at First Western and be thankful for all that we have. children were confirmed in the Norwe - Bank in Minot, for your consideration Wishing you all a very Merry gian Lutheran Church at Flaxton. Oth - during this season of giving. Christmas and a great 2012. • ers were confirmed at Dagmar, Mont., It is the time of the year to celebrate another hotbed of Dan es. • CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Minot, ND 58701 Permit No. 266 P.O. Box 862 Minot, ND 58702

Page 16 • December 2011 • SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS Tracing your Scandinavian ROOTS • 35

my brother, my dad and me to the living room, gathering around the piano to The gift of song harmonize with Mom’s soprano. David by Jo Ann Winistorfer and I didn’t fare too badly in the harmo - ny department, but Daddy, who was s I write this, I am half watching, several steps above being a monotone, half listening, to a fantastic, hour- would groan off-key bass in the back - long video performance of a Santa ground. How I treasure those days! ALucia pageant televised in a cathedral in Today, I am again looking at that old Sweden. You, too, can enjoy this beauti - song book that brings back so many ful pageant, thanks to Loren Anderson memories. No wonder I didn’t recog - of the Swedish Heritage Society, who nize the tune from my girlhood as a trib - emailed it to friends. I was lucky ute to a religious saint! The subtitle enough to receive it from him. You can “Neapolitan Boat Song” appears near view it on the internet through Jan. 12, the top of the page. The chorus reads: 2012. Here’s the web address: http:// “Hark, how the sailor’s cry, Joyously svtplay.se/t/123386/luciafirande_i_svt. echoes nigh...” The tune to “Santa Lucia” is one I rec - In contrast, the Swedish Festival of ognized from my childhood. My folks Lights lyrics refer to “Sankta Lucia,” a had an old copy of “The Golden Book of Christian martyred in 4th-century Italy Favorite Songs.” That book always during the Diocletian persecution. Her and a “bringer of light.” (For more on perched above the keyboard of our crime? Refusing to marry a pagan. the annual festival, see page 13.) piano. Now and then my mother would When attempts to burn her at the Meanwhile, share your favorite sit down at the piano to play numbers stake miraculously failed, her eyes were musical memories with your family from that book, including the song put out by the guards. Today, she is ven - when you gather for the holidays. After “Santa Lucia.” The music would draw erated as the patron saint of the blind all, they’re part of your heritage •