•~i9b~lsla1\~~ja• VOL XIII NO 1 MARCH, 1993 Serving Norwegian-Americans of Sigda! - Eggeda! & Krodsherad Ancestry Book "Passage To The .Prairie" July 8-10

PASSAGE TO THE PRAIRIE was selected as the 1993 theme for the 7 Lag Stevne to be held this July 8, 9 and 10 at the North Dakota State College of Science, Wahpeton, NO, at a planning session held February 20 at the Park Inn, Alexandria, MN.

Leaders attending were 7 Lag Coordinator will not refund checks for rooms after July 1, Dean Sorum and his wife Carol, Carol Nelson, also the deadline for accepting reservations. assistant coordinator; Marilyn Somdahl, Dorm rates remain unchanged--for a single secretary & exhibits chairperson; treasurer room, $8.50 per night and for a double room, Allard Stevens and his wife Ann, Marilyn $14 per night. Sorensen, genealogy coordinator; Linda Christiansen, Joel Lund, Oscar Lund, ticket- Marilyn Sorensen reported that seven decorations chairperson; and Carol Toso, genealogy classes have already been planned publicity chairperson. with various presentors. Stevne genealogy hours will be Thursday 10 am to 10 pm and The secretary will request information which Friday from 8 am until noon. the lag presidents and genealogy coordinator can investigate as possible 1994 and 1995 Attempts are being made to continue to stevne sites. Questionaires given to 298 who support the popular program emphasis begun registered at last year's 7 Lag Stevne had 140 last year about the immigrants. The focus on responding with comments and opinions. Sites the journey itself from to America will in other locations were suggested, but 107 influence choices for inclusion in programming. were willing to go to Wahpeton every year. Banquet tickets will be available by advance The treasurer distributed the financial report sale only at $13 per person. It is scheduled to lag presidents or treasurers, showing a Saturday at 5:30 pm at the Student Center. positive balance and one account receivable. Exhibitors will not be asked for door prizes.

Food service costs remain reasonable and the Registration at $12 per person admits NDSCS staff will ask each lag to survey how members or visitors to all events except many will eat each specific meal at the meals! The fee covers costs of three days or Student Center. just one day of facility use and program expense. This includes meeting rooms, Unlike the Cultural Center auditorium and auditorium and custodial fees, renting & meeting rooms at the Student Center which transporting of special equipment--especially are air conditioned, the dorms are not. Dorms microfilm readers-- for genealogy research, and offer elevators and showers along with performers who will entertain, helping pillows, towels, and bed linen. Bring a everyone enjoy being a Norwegian-American. washcloth and an electric fan. The college Tickets for programs Friday or Saturday evening will be available to the general public 1993 LAG DUES include 3 issues of the SAGA. at $3 each, available at the door. Labels bear the paid year following the name. SAGA is sent FIRST CLASS TO ONE ADDRESS to 1 or 2 adults & Sorum will look into the booking agreement includes minor children at $8 annually or 3 yr/$20 in US with NDSCS which spells out the obligations & Canada. US currency, please. SEND TO of the individual lag and their leaders to MURIEL HOFF, Treas, 3512 White Bear Av, White Bear NDSCS. Audio-visual requests from every lag Lake, MN 55110. Checks payable to Sigdal Lag. need to be made 7 days in advance and no Membership cards will be sent. Total enclosed food/beverages are to be brought in. Coffee $ . (Use separate sheet for gift subscriptions) & goodies are sold in the Student Center near Name/s registration and exhibitors who have been ------invited Friday and Saturday to display and sell St/RFD------ and crafts. City/St Zip _ VELKOMMEN TIL 1993 STEVNERf

MARILYN SOMDAHL, Pres/Editor 612-831-4409 10129 Goodrich Circle AGDER: Call for date & place 7-LAG STEVNE: July 8-10 Bloomington, MN 55437 Rosa T. Johnson, 507-283-4205 Wahpeton, ND Dean Sorum, 218-233-1617 DON SKADELAND, 1st VP GUDBRANDSDAL: 402-331-5906 Brookings, SD; Aug 12-14 HADELAND: 10642 "0" Street Evelyn Finnes, 507-925-4485 E. P. Rockswold, 612-452-6029 Omaha, NB 68127 GUDBRANDSDAL-NW: LAND: CORRINE L JOHNSON, 2nd VP Tioga, ND; June 18-20 Oscar Lund, 612-874-7071 612-831-8637 Tillie Overlee, 701-546-4111 4575 - 80th St Circle #202 NUMEDAL: Bloomingron, MN 55437 HALlINGLAG: Chet Habberstad, 218-826-6268 Moorhead, MN; June 17-20 LEE ROKKE, VP/Genealogist Peter Gandrud, 218-751-4803 RINGERIKE--EIKER: 612-432-9767 Allard Stevens, 507-768-3424 13465 Garden View Drive MJ0SEN-OPPLAND: Apple VaUey, MN 55124 Call for date & place SIGDAL: Alvin Helgestad, 608-764-5995 Muriel Hoff, 612-777-7395 NANCY NELSON, Secretary 612-430-3134 NORDFJORD: TELELAG: 6120 Oxboro Avenue N #309 Call for date & place Arnold Ness, 507-645-4086 Stillwater, MN 55082 Elmer Rodi, 612-366-3778 TOTEN: MURIEL HOFF, Treasurer NORDFJORD-WI: Borg Hanson, 612-835-3795 612-777-7395 Ferryville, WI; July 31 3512 White Bear Avenue Arvalene Vedvik 608-734-3192 White Bear Lake, MN 55110 NORDLAND: Call for date & place VESTLANDSLAG: June 10-13 Harold E. Hanson, 701-232-9222 Sioux Falls, SD Bob Skogman, 612-824-5028 ROMERIKE: Eau Claire, WI; Sept 23-25 HARDANGER: Priscilla Sorknes, 612-721-2702 Gladys Svobodny, 612-235-1590 Bygdelagenes Fellesrad meets the first Saturday of May (May 1). See SETESDAL: Oklee, MN; July 10 M0RE og ROMSDAL: page 12. Geline B. Nelson, 218-563-4212 Erling Weiburg, 612-789-2769 NORDHORDLAND: Norway's Constitution Day - May 17 SOGNEFJORD: will be observed in many localities Decorah, IA; July 23-25 Irene Naeseth, 608-831-8714 and cities. Plan to take in one in Judy K. Gates, 608-637-3805 your area. Minneapolis and Spring ROGALAND: Grove, MN, or Stoughton and SOL0R: Willmar, MN; Sept 16-18 Mike Miller, 612-856-2870 Westby, WI, are worth looking into. Earl Grefsrud, 612-722-9527 SOGN: Lee Grippen, 507-724-3281 Scandinavian Hjemkomst Festival in SUNNFJORD: Fargo, ND, and Moorhead, MN, is Wahpeton, ND; July 16-17 June 25-28. There are 20 program Lorraine Grimsbo, 515-568-3314 SUNNHORDLAND: and activity sites and many events Berta T. Aasby, 605-859-2907 are free. Phone numbers to call: TR0NDERLAG: 1-800-235-7654 or in ND 701-237- Call for date & place VOSS: 6134 or in MN 218-238-8484. Yvonne Marts, 218-739-2011 Dean Gesme, 319-362-6910

Hardanger Fiddle Association of VALDRES SAM BAND: America meets in River Falls, WI, Wahpeton, ND; June 18-19 Call for ticket & registration June 25-26 also. Alf Tveit will Leland Pederson, 612-239-2356 deadlines 3-4 weeks prior to teach hardingfele in the Telemark each "stevne". tradition and dancers will be Olav Sem and his daughter Mari.

Registration and housing forms for the Wahpeton stevne July 8-1 0 will Sponsor appear in the May issue. Bygdelagenes Fellesraad, the national bygdelag council The ever popular Nordic Fest is held Meets May 1, 1993 - Mindekirken, Minneapolis annually the last weekend of July at Marilyn Somdahl, 612-831-4409 Decorah, IA. 2 GENEALOGY NEWS & VIEWS

Lag members who volunteered to work on translating the old Sigdalslag publications The Winter Reindeer Festival, sponsored by have been hard at work. Sam Haugland and Sons of Norway, was once again held at the Sig Bergrud have been working on the 1914 Minnesota Zoo. There was singing and Sigdalslaget (yearbook). Rosella dancing, Sami exhibits, Vikings in costume Goettelman's winter project has been the and special showings of reindeer (naturally) 1949 Sigdalslaget (the last of the old series. and fjord horses. See pp 5-6). We hope that some day we will be able to provide those translations for There was also a genealogy table to guide you. Then our children who do not read people who might be interested in tracing Norwegian will have access to our history, their Norwegian roots, and I volunteered to and perhaps get a little understanding of the help. As I went off to work, my husband life and times of our immigrant ancestors. said, "I know that you can trace our families a long way back, but when you set up at the Zoo, it's going too far!"

The traffic of people asking for help with RISBRUDT FAMILY HISTORY Sigdal genealogy has picked up again. It ENLARGES SIGDALSLAG'S LIBRARY seems to come in spurts. It is more than a month since I got the last request, and this Rodney and Audrey Pletan, Forest Lake, MN, week I had three. Fortunately, I was able to have given the Sigdalslag a copy of the find information for all of them. This is history of the Risbrudt family. It was partly because the members of SigdaIslag compiled in 1985 by Gail Olson and Becky have done such a good job of helping me Hensch. with information. I have gotten responses almost eery time I have asked if some one The book lists descendants of Engebret can identify a person. So... 1'II try again. Torkildsen and Kari Ellifsdtr Risbrudt, and it Does anyone know anything about these includes a translation of the biography of people? _ Torkel Engebretsen Risbrudt that was printed 1. Ellev Ellevsen Grimeli (b 1797) and wife on pages 132-138 of the 1914 Sigdalslaget. Gunhild Torsdtr Foslien (b 1808); came to Audrey is a descendant of Ellef Engebretsen the US in 1848 with three children: Berit Risbrudt who came to America with his (1831); Ingeborg (1836) who married Ole parents in 1861 , and Christine Knudsdtr HAkonsen Tangen; and Ragne (1839). Skorta whose parents came from Eggedal in 1859. 2. The four children of Haldor Korneliusen Vad. They may have used the name Vad, Vadshaugen, Sundbakken or Korneliusen. Lag genealogists & stevne assistants are Beret Haldorsdtr (1866); Ingeborg Haldorsdtr invited to a FellesrAd workshop April 30 at (1868); Gunhild Haldorsdtr (1870); Kornelius Transfiguration Church, 11000 France Ave Haldorsen (1875). All four came to the US; S, Bloomington, MN, which is accessible for immigration years unknown. all. Hours are 12:30-8:45 pm and cost will be about $9. Call Lee Rokke, (see p 2). * Norway Day in Minneapolis' Minnehaha Park 4. Asle Trulsen RAen (1834) and wife is Sunday, July 11, following the Wahpeton Gunhild Olsdtr Skinnes. Immigration 7 Lag Stevne July 8-10. It's organized by unknown. the Norwegian Nat'l League of MN. * 5. Kristian Olausen Tidemann (1851) and Kjell Aasum, Tvarrvegen 9, 2150 ARNES, wife Sl1Jnnl1JvAndersdtr Haugen, two sons: Nes pA Romerike, Norway-- wants pre-1955 August Kristiansen and Olaf Kristiansen. postcards from any area of Norway. He'd They are on the exit list - May 2, also like "Hilsen fran and Brevkort. 1884 - on the ship Angelo. Destination listed as Sacred Heart. LAG LIBRARY RECEIVES Subscriptions Go Up REDALEN FAMIL Y HISTORY WITH APPRECIA TION * 0kning av Arsabbonementet og Lessalgspriser *

HAvard Stevern. Under Norefjell editor. writes from Prestfoss. Norway. in the latest issue (Vol Sigdal Lag gratefully acknowledges the gift 8. No 2. 1992): earlier this month of Then And Now (Vol 1), a history of the families of Ingebor Thoresdatter Harder times have been coming also for the Roisen & Ole Tollefson Tollefsrud, given by the local governments under Norefjell. Sigdal Elton R. Redalen family, Fountain, MN. The Kommune has voted to cut down support for author, Elton's wife Joyce, has generously the magazine in the 1993 budget. This documented the last few generations with community support was. in its time. fixed pictures in 208 pages. approximately according to the census in these two kommuner. With that we must also count Members will recognize the Kredsherad name, on reduced support from Kredsherad. Redalen, but there are major roots in Hallingdal with a few ancestral lines meeting in Eggedal Under Norefjell has now been published for 8 that a number of members share. years and the expenses have been held more or less at the same level all these years. It had, Well known Norwegians supplying data include therefore, not been necessary to have price Knut Am. Gulsvig of Flii, now age 97. (pictured increases earlier. in the Oct 1989 SAGA at the Collegeville stevne); Torgrim & Inger Redalen (who lived in The editorial staff has moved that we shall Kongsberg at the time they visited the 1985 continue putting out two numbers (issues) per Moorhead stevne); and Terje Ostro of Gol. year and with the same number of pages. It is therefore definite that the subscription rates Besides farming, Elton R. Redalen had served increase from 60 to 70 Nkr annually, and that six terms in the state House of Representatives single copy prices likewise increase to 40 Nkr prior to becoming the current Commissioner of each. It is worth mention that if we don't lose the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. readers in this price increase. we will reach about the same revenue that we have had these He is the fourth of five children of Theodore and last years. Ida Redalen (pictured below). Theodore's father We hope that the was Tollef Olson subscribers find Redalen, the son the price increase of the couple on reasonable and the title page, continue .to have who was born in the magazine 1850 in Rock Co, sent. Wisconsin. Tollef - MDS translation married Mari Olsdatter Solie who was born in CHECK IS Ringerike in 1851 . IN MAIL! Everyone who is registered at the 7 An international Lag Stevne at money order will Wahpeton may be sent by Sigdal examine this book Lag to continue along with many receiving this other genealogical valuable resource. res 0 u r c e s Idamarie (left front), Ida, Theodore & Elton Postage of 11 Thursday and Marvel (left rear), Gordon & Helen Nkr. appears on Friday morning, the envelope for July 8-9. each mailing. gladly accepts gifts of family Under Norefjell is published twice annually by an Sigdal Lag people from Sigdal-Eggedal & editorial board headed by Stevern. Current histories of members are loge Thorrud, Hiikon Frevold, Krodsherad. Ragne Hansen and Nina Fossen, representing both Kredsherad and Sigdal-Eggedal. Eggedal's Face Before and Today - Part I

American born Eva Aasand (1909-1978) wrote many articles and poetry in Sigdalslaget, 1949. From age two, she was raised in Norway by her aunt Gunhild Teige and her husband Truls. (SAGA - Feb, 1987) Rosella Goettelman has translated the yearbook article, "Eggedals Ansigt for og idag," which continues in future issues.

It has often been said about the little woods and has his shop there. After a few years he bought the mountain community, Eggedal, that this is a Kodalen farm and since that day has called himself community in a backwater, a blind community where Sjur Kodalen. Knut Aasen had his shop at the Aasen there is neither a road through or a train. Community farm at his brother Ole's place. Among the peddlers in a backwater--I wonder, can one call it that? With from Sigdal, one can name Elling Fossplassen and Ole a look far back in time one can see that development Strandeplassen and from Kr0dsherad the so called has gone forward slowly but surely. The oldest living long Eivind, who was a character in himself. inhabitants of 80-96 years in age can remember stories told by their parents and from their own Then there were the cattle grazers who walked from childhood about how the people of the community valley to valley and bought up slaughter cattle and got their first connection with the outside world. No breeding animals. And when the herdsman had one knows where the old community was or what enough, about 100 or more, he took the straightest happened to it. But the legend says that when the way over the mountain. But it often took a long Black Death ravaged in the land, some young people time, almost the whole summer, before they got to came to these regions and settled here and cleared a the market place. The grazing was good in the home for themselves. mountain so there was no hurry to drive the cattle on. The drovers got shelter at the nearest seter. One thing is sure, that it was the peddler and There was a party at the seter when they came. cattlegrazer who gave the community its first They were active men, as a rule, with a gleam in connection to the world around it. The peddler at their eyes and with funny stories to tell. And there that time was a young and willing adventurous farm was fun and laughter when they came. boy from Telemark or the Bergen area who took the bag on his back and went, like "Askelad", out in the One active drover was Eivind Kleiverud from Rollag in big wide world. (Askelad was a male Cinderella in Numedal. He was a vigorous, well-built man. One Norwegian folk lore.) He didn't go because he was fall when he drove his cattle over the mountains, he poor or had to go. No, he went because he wanted was attacked by robbers who wanted to steal his to see his country and the customs and practices of herd. It is told that it was tough going for Eivind that other people. The peddler was a popular guest in night. He fought for himself and for the herd. When each home because he had many strange things in it ended, he had thrashed the whole gypsy band and his bag, especially silver things that he wanted to sell rescued his cattle. But he took a blow that night or trade. He would tell about his home and the that he didn't fully get over, and he died as a people there and about the strange experiences he relatively young man. He was married to the pretty had in his wandering from valley to valley. Maybe Sigdal girl, Gunhild Sjursdatter Skatvedt. Eivind was the best was when the Telemark man came. The the ancestor of a large family which was spread out girls and young wives thought that no one had such over Numedal, Eggedal, Sigdal and Kr0dsherad and pretty breast pins as he did. some also went to America. His widow Gunhild bought the Jellum farm in Eggedal and moved there. The peddler had plenty of time and could spend They had two sons, the forementioned Sjur Kodalen, several days at one place. He took part in funerals, who was one of the ancestors of the big Baasen weddings and coffee parties if it suited him. Several family. He had two sons and one daughter who people caught the desire for adventure., There were went to America. The other son, Gunnar Jellum, had not just a few Egged01er who also trudged around as several descendants in Seattle, on America's west peddlers, and it was not seldom that the "Askelad" coast, as well as in the homeland. His daughter, found the princess and a little kingdom at a place in Gunhild Teige, is still living. She is 96 years old, but the unknown. Some settled there, others took her in full vigor and mentally alert. She is the oldest back to their own community. The days came and person in the community today. went, but life in the community didn't go exactly its usual way. As time went by, more traveling people came to the community both by foot and on horseback. The More and more traveling people came-- horse traders desire for adventure ran in the blood. The young and peddlers with a bag on their backs. One who people of the community made trips to the market stood out from the others was Sugar Mikkel, a long, places to buy and sell and to meet other young slim man in a frockcoat and hat. He came from the people. Time went by and many things changed. town and carried both a bag and a basket, filled with The peddler and drover were guests less often, the most delicious candy--oblong and thick as a because now they met people at the market and finger! The drops were called brystnodder, which could shop there. The community had also gotten a really melted in the mouth. The others were caramel- couple of shops. Off and on, tramps and big groups like bars which he counted out in small bags for so of gypsies came. They had many strange things to and so many skilling. Sugar Mikkel came several sell. But they weren't satisfied with just cheating. times a year and was eagerly awaited by the young. They also threatened and stole. So they were not popular guests. The last regular peddlers we remember from this community were Sjur Jellum, Knut Aasen and Bjorn One day two strange men came to the community Enger. The first two took only a couple of long trips. and made a big stir. They called themselves art Then they settled down for good as merchants in the painters. People in the community couldn't community. Sjur Jellum rented the Pletan farm and understand that there was any value in going around Aasand/Goettelman - "Eggedal's Face ... " Part I

and painting on a piece of canvas. One was 19 year various ways. But Ole let on as if nothing had old Ernst Josephson, who later became one of happened and ignored the teasing. At last one bully Sweden's biggest portrait artists, along with his came and hit him in the head with a rock so hard fellow student, Vilhelm Pettersen. Some years later, that it rang. After that they let Ole go free. He was in 1872, Josephson came again, along with a miller quite young at the time, but he was more than boy from Modum, Christian Skredsvig, who later normally strong. It was good that Ole was so kind became world famous, both as a painter and an and genial, otherwise it certainly could have been bad author. It must be mentioned that Ernst Josephson for many. People can remember that he took a 100 painted his most famous painting, Stromkallen, by the kilo sack of flour in each hand and carried them Jellum River in Eggedal. under his arms into the storehouse as if it was nothing. Skredsvig's painting, Idyll, (1888) is an Chr. Skredsvig married an Eggedal girl and bought excellent depiction of Ole as he stands in the some land at Hagan which he put together to make a farmyard beside the storehouse, muscular and broad- farm and where he built his artist's studio. His family shouldered, with one long and one short pants leg, still lives in the home that now is a tourist attraction. and a cat which rubs itself caressingly against him. Through Skredsvig's paintings and friends, the By the way, Ole Ovnan's life is a whole chapter in community became more well known so that many itself and can't be written here. more artists visited the valley. To begin with, people looked askance at all these artists who settled in and were here for weeks. Artists who sniffed around all over and wanted to know about everything, especially everything from the olden days. They soon learned to recognize them as festive and genial people who wouldn't want to do them harm. The people were happy to see them and thought it was wonderful that they came. Skredsvig was an impressive man and created life and happiness about him wherever he went. He was the most kind and unegotistical person they knew. One can simply say that the people loved him.

There were bears in the woods and mountains, but they avoided people and usually stayed away from where people traveled. But they soon took to the roads in the more wild and desolate regions when they understood. they were being pursued by hunters. The best known bear hunters her in the community was Lars Fagerli.

But it wasn't only peddlers, drovers or bears who took trips over the mountain. Every summer and towards fall the young people used to gather to dance up on the mountain. There was a particular plain east of Ranten called Raumyran, which was the dancing place. The road to Hogevarde Tourist Cabin now goes right past it. A flat stone, as big as a convenient footstool, stands there yet and gives evidence that it once was called the musicians' stone. Here at the high mountain dance, the young people gathered--not only from Eggedal, but also from Sigdal, Knlldsherad, Flaa and Hallingdal. Here everyone could see what they could do in violin playing and dancing. And here they would settle which community had the strongest men. The bully who won had his name told in many parishes. They always had brandy kegs along and the fights often ended with death. One time they were surprised by a snow storm and then the fun ended. This happened in the fall of 1859. Bad weather had Wahpeton & Breckenridge Motels ended some of the previous dances, too, and for that reason it became the last dance at Raumyran. Three Comfort Inn - 701-642-11 J 5 perished and many got hurt for life. So there never was a meeting held there since. Scotwood Motel - 218-643-9201 or 1-800-341-8000 Ole Ovnan was the strongest man in the community at that time. He was peaceful and didn't like to Starlite Motel - 701-642-6627 fight. He never drank so much that he didn't know what he was doing. Ole was widely known for his Travel Host - 701-642-8731 strength, so at the last Raumyran dance, bullies from or 1-800-346-4974 other communities tried to pick a quarrel with him in NEWSBITS The lag extends its sympathy to the Skugrud family of Rothsay, MN. Early this year Sigdalslag received a memorial from Hjordis Skugrud, 0 f Rothsay in memory of her late husband ERLING SKUGRUD who passed away last November. Erling had ancestral ties to VatnAsstua or Sigdal House which was transported from Norway and erected again at Minot's Heritage Park and illness prevented his attendance at the opening ceremonies in October, 1991. (The check was made out to Scandinavian Heritage Association and a sheet of genealogy was sent, so it was sent on to Minot). Lag members brought in gifts and three-year pledges of over $4,000! But since Dec, 1991 Sigdal Lag encourages members to send gifts of support (write 'Sigdal House' on the check memo) directly to the Scandinavian Heritage Association, PO Box 862, Minot, ND 58702. Minneord

Sympathy is also extended to Mildred Rued of Fargo, ND on the Rolf H. Erickson Norgesvennen Rolf H. Erick- sudden death of her sister Verna Pederson this month. They were son gikk bort altfor tidlig 2. planning to travel together to see daughters of each in Houston and the november, 52 Ar gammel. Pacific Northwest. Mildred and daughter· Karen had a grand tour of Hans tippoldemor, enken Norway last summer and spent the last three days in Sigda!. med 8 barn, Ingeborg N~vra,! utvandret til USA i 1867 fra Corrine Johnson will participate in the bunad parade during the Twin N~vra, mellom Sigdal og Bin- City Friends of Vesterheim Brunch to be held in Minneapolis April 24. gen. Han var 6. generasjon i She will wear her Kr"dsherad bunad which has been among the USA. A reise veien Skotselv- Bingen betydde mye for ham. bunader seen in recent years. Som slektshistoriker kjente han gArds- og slektsnavn som Kmdsherad's new sokneprest or pastor is 0yvind Mreland. He fAi Bingen, Hovengen, Kl~g- previously served for a time (kapellan) i Manglerud i Oslo". The corner stad, Bergan, Thorrud, 0de- of the church paper carrying the information was torn off in the mail, gArden og S~nju. Fra 1958 har but it appears he is single and about 40 years old. han samlet stoff til bok om N~vraslekten med mange Other church news is that the Lutheran state church in Norway has its hundre navn. . first female bishop. Rosmarie K"hn was chosen to be the next Bishop Jeg husker ham spesielt fra et bes~k i mitt hjem i 1989, og of Hamar, "making her the first woman bishop of a major Christian et foredrag pA Lillehammer. demonination in the Nordic countries and the third in the world," Rolf var en stor personUghet according to NEWS OF NORWAY Feb 1993. du ikke glemte. Per Sivles vi- se var: «Noreg». Rolfs ord var: The same sou'rce reported a re-vamping of the telephone system in «Hvem kan glemme gamle Norway. It is changing to an eight-digit national system so that local Norge". Rolf var et levende area codes there will change. For more information call the Norwegian eksempel pA den dritt som er i Telecom Information Service: 011-47-22-48 82 50. (The international ass helt fra skapelsen, Aeie og country code for Norway is 47). tinne feste for ~tter. Han samlet norske minner i det norsk-amerikanske museet i Following his retirement from the ministry, Marion & John Matson have Vesterheim. settled into a home in Bloomington, MN, where her sister Phyllis Han gjestet Norge og fami- Marquardt is just a few minutes away. lien utallige ganger, senest 1 juIen 1991. Han deltok da i Also retired last June from a long career with the Bloomington School nyttArsgudstjenesten i Vatn- District, Orville Ruud has been keeping in shape running marathons. As kirke, som betydde mye for Among events he has entered in the past year were the New York ham. Marathon, Grandma's Marathon, Duluth, and several in the Midwest. Vi ~r bevare minner 80m Fitness is definitely part of the Norwegian spirit, and it's obvious he yAre frender i USA har r~tter i, og er knyttet til med varme has good genes. kjensler, og sterke bAnd. For Rolf var Bingen hjembygdas TUSEN TAKK to Daniel lie, Hokksund, Norway, for sending his tribute bakker blide, og mange her to Rolf H. Erickson. It appeared November 18, 1992 in DRAMMENS har hatt bes~k av denne ven- TIDENDE & BLAD. The family and Evelyn Evenson also nes~le mannen sent notices to the editor. Hopefully, members will continue to send Jeg er glad jeg ble kjent items of interest as well as family information to the editor. The SAGA med Rolf. Rolf var en brobyg- is your newsletter! ger USA-Norge. Hans navn og det han skapte og utrettet viI leve lenge. Han var hedret av Though he visited Norway a countless number of times, Rolf most kong Olav med St. Olavs recently had visited the Bingen-Sigdal area during Christmas of 1991 orden. and he attended New Years worship services at VatnAs church which was very meaningful to him. Lie calls him a USA - Norway bridge builder. His name and all he created and achieved will live a long time. ~cr IN MEMORY ~ Sincere Sympathy to Family & Friends of:

MARTHA OLSON WARD, 58, died Nov 17, 1992. A memorial service was held November 20 at Calvary Lutheran Church, Golden Valley, MN. Marti was a Minnesota educator for 36 years. Since 1977 she was the principal of the ROLF H. ERICKSON (Nov 18, 1940 - Nov 2, Rush City 1992) A memorial service was held November Elementary 21 at a Northwestern University chapel, School. Evanston, IL, with interment at Our Savior's Cemetery, Lesser Twp, Shawano Co, WI. Since She is survived by 1966 he was employed by NWU Library where her husband, Brian his interests in history and in writing grew. Ward, St Paul; stepchildren Survivors include a sister, Janet (Mrs Allan) Michele and David Keup, Springfield, IL; nephew Paul A Keup, also Ward; mother of Springfield; nieces Jennifer L Keup, Oak Grace Livdahl Creek, WI, and Erika A Keup, Evanston, IL; and Olson, Golden a cousin, Kjersti Usler, Drammen, Norway. Valley; brother James Olson, Recognized as a spokesman for the Norwegian- Morris, MN. American community, Rolf was awarded the Medal of St Olav by the late King Olav V of Two years ago Marti challenged her school Norway in 1985. His interest and membership children to read 2,000 books. If they did, she in SigdaI Lag were due to having great-great said she'd milk a cow. The pupils exceeded grandparents, Ingeborg & Erick Olsen Naevra their goal. Expectantly, they watched the from Sigdal. He also submitted articles for principal, milk pail in hand, approach the cow publication in the SAGA. tied up in the school playground to make good on the promise. Born to Herbert & Ethel Ramseth Erickson at Green Bay, WI, he graduated from St Olaf "She was a great reader and she wanted her College in 1962. Following two years in Lae, kids to learn," her mother explained to a staffer Papua-New Guinea, he returned to the US to of the Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE. "Reading is teach at Random Lake (WI) High School. By where it started. She was very talented." 1966 he completed a masters degree in Library Science at University of Wisconsin, Madison. Marti was a Minnesotan her whole life, beginning with her birth in Bagley. She Northwestern University Library offered him graduated from high school in Robbinsdale and many career challenges as a reference librarian, later from Concordia College, Moorhead. She then administrative assistant to the Librarian, taught at Gilbert, Duluth and Virginia. In 1973 and in 1970 as Director of Circulation Services. and 1975 she earned masters degrees at UM- Duluth. She was president of the state AAUW Rolf's legacy lives on in his committment to from 1976-78. A year ago February the serve the Norwegian-American community and Minnesota Elementary School Principals in the scholarship of three co-edited books: Association gave her the School of Excellence From Fjord to Prairie (1976), Our Norwegian award. Immigrants (1978), and Bridges to Norway (1984). In addition were many articles During 1990 she completed a Bush Fellowship illuminating the lives and culture of Norwegian at the Carlson School of Management (U of M). immigrants in the United States. She spent time pursuing family history research and was a freelance writer. Rolf held executive board positions for Vesterheim Museum, the· Norwegian-American Having just completed a book utilizing research Historical Association, and the Swedish- begun by her late father, Morgan Olson, she American Historical Society. He actively attended the 1991 River Falls (WI) 7 Lag supported several other heritage-related groups. Stevne. In the 1980s her father had coordinated the stevne while serving Vesterheim, Decorah, IA 52101 or Norwegian- presidencies of Hadeland Lag and Bygdelagenes American Historical Ass'n, c/o St Olaf College, Fellesr~d, with Grace ably and graciously Northfield, MN 55057 have been suggested by assisting. Grace's ancestry includes Kredsherad the family to receive memorial gifts. and Sigdal, so Marti and she have been BOOK FEEDBA CK BRINGS POSITIVE REVIEWS

Letters received since the December a bit on the postage and envelopes. Book distribution of the new book, Sigdalslaget orders, outright gifts, and memorial gifts all Album 1991-1992, have come to several help build this "earmarked" account. Those officers though most are "good reviews" along amounts of $3 or more appear below over and with checks for dues sent to Muriel Hoff, lag above what was given in postage. treasurer. Luckily, they are full of compliments and praise. Here is one A number of books were also hand delivered representative of others received by the by the editor during the Christmas holidays, president: thereby saving postage for gift books sent to libraries and research centers.

Current family information on the Sigdalslag Dear Marilyn, . Genealogy forms will be needed for any and I was pleased to receive the Sigdalslaget all future use. Forms are available to all Album ..(It) is wonderful! You did a great job members at the stevne or by mail from Lee of editing. Rokke. They occasionally appear in the SAGA Enclosed is a check to cover cost of the as space allows. Album .. I am ordering for my sister and brother-in-law .. and sending shipping charges. Head and shoulders pictures will be solicited Keep up the good work! when are needs and intended use are defined. New members and others who did not have Sincerely, slGudrun (Foss) a suitable one for the 1992 book should be aware that dark backgrounds do not copy well in publications. Pictures were the reason for the book, but preparation for publication is Two corrections have come to light in family relatively expensive. data to date. This possibility exists in any publication project and later on all the Information for re-ordering is found on the last corrections will be made at one time--hopefully page. in the May issue. Member-information was used, but everyone will now have the same Gifts & Memorials opportunity for corrections of serious errors. May we please hear from you by APRIL 15? $05 given by Telford Ansten All genealogical and survey data should be $05 Rolf H. Erickson memorial gift sent to Lee Rokke who desires updated family given by Doris Campbell information on a regular basi,s for her $10 gift in memory of their parents computer records. Accuracy is essential in given by Duane & Dorothy Ellingson helping members with questions about family $12 book order/gift from Gudrun Foss history of Eggedal, Kr0sherad and Sigda!. $10 Hillie Olsdatter New memorial gift given by Marjorie & Bill Ganzel Current membership is 149 family units, $05 given by Rosella & Virgil Goettelman including several who have joined for the first $05 given by Helen & Deane Mellum time. Will renewals and word-of-mouth break $10 given by Alice & Fred Mensing the 200 mark? It is within reach. "Enighed $03 given by Clara Negaard Gj0r Sterk" - the lag motto - means agreement $08.50 given by Ivonne & Marian Olson brings strength or there is strength in $10 given by Elaine Schulstad numbers! One letter from a member of long $08.50 given by Jean & Everett Shogren standing asks a question probably related to $05 given by Hazel & Oscar Skaim lag growth: "Will a supplement to the book $08.50 given by Julie Solum will be published?" This "if or when" question $05 Rolf H. Erickson & Marti Ward memorial could be discussed Saturday of the stevne given by Marilyn & Narv Somdahl during the business meeting before goals are $12 book order/gift from Rachel Thompson set. $10 Phillip Tweten memorial gift given by his son, Len Tweten In the meantime the coffers of the Lag $1 5 Stella Enger Tufte memorial Publishing Fund need to be built up again. 9 given by Irene & Harry Navarre On behalf of the lag, the president-editor wishes to thank everyone willing to help out Reflections on Edvard Grieg In observation of this year's 150th amine, but to delve more deeply anniversary of Edvard Grieg's birth, into the significance of this not yet this article is one in a series dealing fully understood genius. In our with the Norwegian composer's life. contemporary world, he should be of great interest. His personal life was uneventful, no stories of tem- peramental fits, intrigues or self- In 1858, in a remote comer of destructive behavior. His dyna- Europe, Edvard Grieg - only 15 mism was expressed solely in his years old -- had demonstrated music, his letters and essays. enough multiple talents in music While the debate over whether to attract attention. His piano Grieg is a major minor composer, cian, enlightened colleague or both. playing and serious attempts at or a minor major composer contin- His activities as a composer who composing in particular merited ues, he holds the distinction85 years was published immediately and as sending him off to study at the after his death of maintaining a performer -- both as conductor music conservatory in Leipzig, public interest with his unassailable and piano soloist -- made him a Germany. uniqueness. Further, somewhat like powerful participant on the con- Grieg was not a musical Dvorak, for instance, beyond be- temporary music scene. wunderkind. Up to that time he ing a man of fine, individual mu- For both Ravel and Debussy had actually been more interested sical ideas, his craftsmanship was (hard as it would be for them to in becoming a pastor. His very such that the total number of ex- concede), Grieg was a spirit to be calmness, self-motivation and in- cellent, significant compositions emulated. When we hear Alicia de tellectual curiosity combined to produced is exceptionally high. Larrocha in the sharp Spanish take him far. A poise which belied Clearly, Grieg and his music rhythms of Goyescas, there are his years allowed him to shine de- have not receded. Thus, it falls on nonetheless shining traces of Grieg spite the very demanding atmo- those performing and writing about to be heard not only in the notes, sphere of Leipzig. Grieg's associa- his music to re-explore his canon of but in the very approach to how tion with Leipzig lasted for many works with a heightened degree of they are played. Can we look to the years; he re~med often as conduc- sincerity and insight. Debussy was Lyric Pieces as a possible reason? In tor, pianist and composer. misinterpreted when he spoke of parts of Delius' languid American Leipzig, at that time, was the the "bonbons" of Grieg; he was not tropical suite, Florida, Grieg is at- conservatory and drew the best of minimizing the music, he was ex- tractively and unmistakably faculty and students. In 1862, just pressing his delight in the fresh- present. Can we look to the impres- before graduation exams, the ness of Grieg's ideas. sionistic atmosphere that provided conservatory's director, Dr. M. Norwegians are robust, stoic inspiration here? Hauptmann,mngledoutGrieg,and people, and Grieg's music gives Until now, the possible influence wrote words to this effect: ample expression to this. he was of Grieg has been almost com- far more than a folklorist. His mu- ."Mr. Griegfrom Bergen, student pletely ignored or woefully under- sic goes beyond that; it succeeds in at this conservatory, who distin- stated. In our time, the world of singing of an entire nation -- and its guishes himself as an excellent pia- classical music must have room for geography - extraordinarily well. nist, must also be ranked amongst the soaring, lyrical, often 'outdoors, It reflects the self-assured, modest the best students in composition~ fresh air' voice of Edvard Grieg. temperament of the Norwegians, both in terms of the theoretical and Delving into all the works of other and is in no way ostentatious. This the practical aspects of same." composers such as Mozart, has Hauptmann went on to say that . does not make it less full-blooded, taught us how to ambitiously ex- Grieg was a model student in hard by any means. It is not music in plore a canon of work. May Grieg work and love of study, that he had which to look for pomp and cir- in 1993 derive some benefit from already demonstrated such devel- cumstance, war moods or haughti- this experience; he deserves his opment of his talent as can only ness. He worked through the folk- place in the Pantheon of those who lead to success. idiom and, thereby, attained his have given us moving and endur- This Sesquicentennial obser- exceptionally genuine voice. ingly valid music. vance offers the world of music As yet, no writer has seriously writers, performers and listeners pursued just how influential Grieg RolfStIlng iSllwriterllndsingerwhoMs recently not only the opportunity to reex- may have been either as a musi- trllnsillted 30 of Crieg's songs into English. News of Norway 10 Grieg Enrichment Offered In April

In cooperation with the Norwegian government, All symposium events are free and open to the St. Olaf College will sponsor a symposium April public. For further information, contact the 15-18, 1993, to examine the musical legacy of Office of Music Organizations, St. Olaf College, Edvard Hagerup Grieg. Northfield, MN 55057 or you may call (507) 646-3179. The theme of the sesquicentennial celebration 1843-1993 is Edvard Grieg: A Musician for Today. It will bring Grieg scholars and artists Ivonne Olson "Digs II Horses from Norway to the campus for a series of And Hosts Family Reunion master classes, recitals and concerts along with lectures and panel discussions. News of an Enger family reunion scheduled for Born June 15, 1843, Grieg eventually gained July 11 at the Memorial Building at the city park world prominence along with Jean Sibelius of in Kindred came from Ivonne Olson, 16441 - Finland and Carl Nielsen of Denmark. 52nd St SE, Kindred, ND 58051 . Write for details. Following his studies from 1858-1862 at the Conservatory of Music in Leipzig, Germany, In THE FORUM (Fargo, ND - 11/22/92 issue) Grieg married his cousin Nina Hagerup in Ivonne and her husband Marian were featured in 1867. They returned to Norway for a hobby business that provides an outlet for where his teaching and conducting were sought their creativity. She has been transforming the along with his sophisticated compositions which spring horse--most often Wonder Horse brand-- bear melodic and rhythmic features derived from that children use into a strictly ornamental carousel horse to decorate a special room. Norwegian folk music.

Participants from Norway are authors, Finn Springs and old paint must be removed to Benestad and Dag Schjelderup-Ebbe, also a prepare the surface for acrylic paint. Ivonne composer, who are editing and publishing follows the original design and usually uses Edvard Grieg: Complete Works; two of pastels for the saddle and gold for the mane Norway's prizewinning folk dancers, Karin and tail. Eight to 10 coats of varnish come Brennesvik/Reidar Meinstad; Hardanger fiddler next, allowing for drying time. This is about Hauk Buen; Sigmund Groven, an award winning 50-60 hours per horse. harmonica player; Solveig Kringlebotn, soprano; and noted pianists, Einar Henning Smebye and Marian enlists friends to find horses for his Ivar Anton Waagaard. wife's custom work and he mounts the finished horses on a poles set in floor stands. Americans include Philip Brunelle, Bradley Ellingboe, William Halvorson and music critic Their "first horse" stands in their home on an Octavio Roca. Participating St Olaf faculty iron piece, heavy enough to give you a hernia include David Carter, Reidar Dittmann, Andrea when lifting it, Marian said. He found the poles Een, Charles Gray, Peter Hamlin, Alice Hanson, didn't have to be that sturdy! Janis Hardy and A. DeWayne Wee.

You are invited to enjoy a free public symposium on EDVARD GRIEG: A MUSICIAN FOR TODA Y , a sesquicentennial celebration (1843 - 1993) sponsored by St. Olaf College and the Government of Norway APRIL 15-18, 1993 Among the noted Norwegians and Americans who will participate are: musicologists Dag Schjelderup-Ebbe, Finn Benestad, and William Halverson' musiciaJ.tsBradley Ellingboe, Einar Henning Smebye, Philip Brunelle, Hauk ' Buen, SIgmund Groven, and Ivan Anton Waagaard; dancers Karin Brennesvik and Reidar Meinstad; the St. Olaf Band, St. Olaf Choir, and St. Olaf Orchestra, and members of the St. Olaf music and Norwegian faculty. For a symposium brochure with more information, write to: The Grieg Symposium, The Department of Music, St. Olaf College, 1520 St. Olaf Ave., Northfield, Minnesota 55057-1098 Taking Your Orders: Books? Or Fellesrad Lunch?

Additional books of the Bygdelagenes Fellesrad Sigdalslaget Album are meets May 1 at the available. Prices include Norwegian Memorial postage & envelopes. Church in Minneapolis, beginning at 9 am with Members: coffee. $6.95 EA.POSTPAID Lars Loberg, Vice Non-members & foreign Consul at the $8.50 EA.POSTPAID Norwegian Consulate in (US/CANADA) ,Minneapoliswill address tag delegates and guests $10.20 EA.POSTPAID during the program of (NORWAY) the Fellesrad's annual meeting. Please state how many with a complete name Registration is $8.50 and address for each. per person including fl0tegn!'t lunch for Vou may enclose a which reservations need small gift card with your to be paid and received order, if desired. by April 23. Please pre- register with your lag Send a check payable president or a person so to SIGDAL LAG in US designated by April 20. funds to Muriel Hoff, This makes coffee hour Lag Treasurer, 3512 more conducive to White Bear Avenue, mingling prior to the White Bear Lake, MN business session. 55110. Lag members within Outright or memorial driving distance are gifts in any amount will be appreciated and welcome to attend. Sigdal Lag delegates are will be applied toward rebuilding the Publishing Corrine Johnson and Lee Rokke. Fund. Gifts of $3 or more will be listed in future issues of the SAGA. Thanks go to Make checks payable to Fellesrad and send to quite a few members who have paid postage Marilyn Somdahl, Fellesrad Pres, 10129 on the original mailing or included a gift. Goodrich Circle, Bloomington, MN 55437. Call~c~i11be taken SU1l9ayafternoon April 25 Please write "DUES" on the memo line of a for ari'Y1a~t'RJi,~.~c!,~fj'es at 612-831-4409. separate check, if you are joining or renewing '''''''~Jii! :"5:'> - -' at the same time. (See p. 2) A2'~.."",

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