VOL XX NO 3 OCTOBER 2CXXJ Serving Norwegian-Americans of Sigda!, Eggeda! and Kradsherad Ancestry

Lee Rokke Presents Emigrant Research to - Museum in Prestfoss

by BirgerMoen,Bygdeposten journalist

LeeRokke, (lag genealogist), Apple , Minnesota, has done a fantastic job cataloging the names of 5000 people who emigrated from Kmdsherad and Sigdal. Several archive boxes were delivered to the SigdaI og Eggedal Museum as a gift which will be a great advantage for people of the district. Those who seek information about their families who emigrated can obtain information in an effective manner, thanks to the comprehensive and prolonged work back of the archive material. The excellent work Lee Rokke has produced consists of an index full of names of Norwegians who emigrated from Sigdal and Kredsherad, beginning with the first who left in 1839. You can look for your relatives by first name and patronymic, followed by the place they lived. It could, for example, be Ole Olsen Ovnan. In Lee is shown ageinst the houses and River at the index there is also information about where the Prestfos8, Norway_ Photo by Sigrid Kvisle. Sigdal·Eggedal individual is found in the bygdebok and in sources in Museum director. America, together with other valuable information. Lee Rokke had ancestors from Kredsherad and her husband had ancestors from Sigdal, so for many years Need to arrange vacation time to include she has had a great interest in the genealogy and the Black Hills? Join Sigdal Lag at the 7 LAG history of the emigrants. A few years ago she had the STEVNEinRapidCity, SO, JULY 12-14, 2001. opportunity to meet Andreas Merch in America. Her NSIrepresentatives for each lag meet October wish was to have copies of the bygdeboker he wrote. 28 to make final plans. Her happiness was great when she was given those as IN THIS ISSUE look for more pictures and a gift. This was the germination of the work she has highlights of the lag's summer tour. Members will celebrate 2001 as the 90th continued for (20) years and has resulted in the Sigdal Lag anniversary year. It's your excellent gift to the museum. newsletter, so send items of interest about Besidesthe ring binder containing the index, there are your family or Norwegian activities in your several archive boxes where the names can be found area. We'll use as many as space allows. each in its own envelope. These envelopes contain Deadlinesare Jan 10, Apr 10 and Sept 10. more information about the people who emigrated, their About 115 householdshaveyear2000 after descendants, and what happened in America. Often nameson address labels,so RENEWNOW; it's they are thick envelopes with very detailed information. the last issue of 2000. NB!: Those with ANY Lee Rokke has also corrected many mistakes in the addresschanges must notify the editor Ie-mail Sigdal and Kredsherad bygdebeker. That says much or POcardl to keep getting what you paid for! about her knowledge and insight about the Norwegian (Write/clip the return addressandtape it in your emigration to America. addressbook). The PO likes 'good' house and apartment numbers. We will mail just one (Reprinted from Bygdeposten, June 22, 2000, published SA GA to relatives you request get one. Send in Vikersund, Norway.) names with membershipform, p. 12. FRA PRESIDENTEN : Greetings to my fellow members of Sigdalslaget! As president, my appraisal of the Lag is that it is generally in good shape. It was reported at the business meeting July 15 that we had members in 306 households, up 18 from a year earlier. (It could be more--about a third still have time to renew membership to get future information or to re-join if membership has lapsed.) Good news from the treasurer was a balance on hand of $9,217 (portions of which are earmarked for future SA GA newsletters, and for the Book Publishing Fund.) This is remarkable because the main income is the membership from one year or three year member- households. Memorials and interest have been used for publishing books. Therefore, I'd like to say tusen takk to the presidents and officers of recent years for taking such good care of the Lag. Betty .!lind Earl O. Knutson enjoyed Sigdal Sigdal Lag has developed a nice set of member services. This events in June. (eW Photo) newsletter is one example--it is classy now and gets better every year. Another is the genealogy library that has been assembled by Lee Rokke. Then there are special projects such as the recent re-publication of the Lag's history books in English and the recent Norway tour, designed and led by Larry and Linda Rolfstad. These set a high standard for future projects. - Grateful that the Lag is in good shape, I pledge to work with my predecessor, Carol Meade, who will continue as NSI representative, and with the other officers to keep it so. At the same time, we will be looking for ways to modernize and improve our services. sl Earl O. Knutson, president she was two, pictured on her mother's arm. ABOUT OUR OFFICERS - - - EARL O. KNUTSON, a former VP, was GARTH ULRICH, Vice President: elected Sigdalslag president in July. Living in Our newest officer joining the Sigdal Board is New Jersey, he and his wife Betty (Elizabeth Garth Ulrich, who was also elected July 15. He Barnes) not only participated in the Norway was among the first Canadian members to join tour, but also drove to the 7 Lag Stevne July the lag-and-has-been an active, young member 13-15 at Wahpeton. In January he attended a since the 1980s. Minneapolis board meeting at (then president) He was born June 3, 1973, in Spalding, Carol Meade's home, despite a heavy snowfall. Saskatchewan, Canada. His father, Garry, is of Born in 1936, he hails from Sunburg, MN, Austrian-Norwegian descent and his mother, and can boast of four paternal great- Lena (Halvorson) Ulrich, was of Norwegian- grandparents that were pure Sigdeler! They Swedish descent. His emigrant ancestors from came from the Hovland, Storebraten, and Sigdal were Jens Olsen Flaganeie and Turi Stevern farms, all south of Lake Soneren in Stenersdatter Halvorset who lived at Skavridalen Sigdal. His mother's ancestors were also under Gren Sere. Norwegian. After grade school in Earl attended country schools in Kandiyohi Spalding, he attended and County, MN, and New London (MN) High graduated from high school in School. He earned a BA degree, majoring in 1991 in nearby Naicam, SK. physics and mathematics, at Concordia College, He earned a Bachelor of Moorhead, MN. He enrolled in graduate school Education degree in 1966 from at the University of Minnesota, eventually University of Saskatchewan at earning a PH.D. in mechanical engineering. In Saskatoon. terms of career, Earl worked as an engineer- Teaching elementary special scientist in Minneapolis, Chicago, and New York education classes at Wollaston City. Lake, SK, an isolated Dene Since he retired in 1995, Earl has worked community far north in the province, has been with his sister researching family history. They his work since. This fall he returns to the U for wrote one book, Our Reigstad Family. Another a post-graduate (Special Ed) Diploma. Besides to be called Our Sigdal Families is in the Sigdalslag, Garth is .a member of Totenlag, working stages yet. He became a member in Valdres Samband, Romerikslag and Solerlag and 1997 and several relatives are members. of several genealogical societies in Canada and Earl has two daughters and two grandchildren the United Statets. In Spalding, he maintains from an earlier marriage. His father's sister is strong ties at Dovre Lutheran Church and serves Alice Mensing, who has been at stevner since as secretary of the looal museum. ILR Pharo)

2 MAKE PLANS EARLY FOR 2001 STEVNE IN RAPID CITY

(Information about the Rapid City Stevne arrived as this issue was enroute to the printer. Many will want to respond before the next SA GA arrives. PffJasfJfJ-mail mfJ or sfJnd writtfJn addrfJssfJs of family (non- mfJmbfJrs) nfJfJding rfJgistration/housing forms bfJforfJ thfJ FfJbruary issufJ carrifJs thfJm. - Editor)

It's time to begin planning your "Norwegian Heritage in the Old West." That's the theme of the exciting 7 Lag Stevne to be held at Rapid City, South Dakota, at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology JULY 12-14, 2001. Early registrations are encouraged to assist overseas guest participation and planning. Home stay requests in Rapid City to accommodate Norwegian dignitaries and visitors for this event are needed by JANUARY 31. The registration fee is $30 or $25 per person, if received by JANUARY 31, 2001.

Banquet and bunad parade follow each lag's daytime meetings Saturday: Norwegian salmon OR Buffalo prime rib at $25 per person.

Thursday and Friday offer a choice of three daytime activity options: algenealogy research and workshops, b)forums on the immigrant experience or c) a scenic Black Hills day tour at additional cost. The evening program Friday will include the lighting ceremony of the 60-foot faces of four US presidents at Mt. Rushmore. Sunday services at 9 AM will be at the Borgund-style stave church, Chapel in the Hills.

Campus food service and housing will be available directly from the School of MineslTechnology. . . . Residence hall fees are' double room @ $21 47 ner N.orway tour 2000 le.aders. Linda and L~rryRolfstad. dressed In their . . ~ Slgdal bun.de, for dinner. Ruth Manmng photo person, per night; single room @ $25.62 pp/pn. (Bring an electric fan; rooms are not air conditioned). The daily 3-meal plan (not banquet) is $17.64 for adults and $8.82 for children age 6 or younger. An outstanding geological museum is found at the SDSMT which attracts a considerable number of students from Norway.

Youth activities are being planned for families attending the stevne. The SD state tourism number is 1-800-732-5682 and you may want to check out other states enroute as well.

You'll also find vacation planning help from the Rapid City Convention & Visitors Bureau, 444 Mt. Rushmore Road, Rapid City SD 57709. Ask for Wendy Krank or call 1-800-487-3223 or 1- 605-343-1744 or FAX 1-605-348-9217. PLEASE identify your interest in the 7 Lag Stevne to get directed to hotels that have blocks of rooms reserved at special rates or to get maps, camping and RV information.

Several members live in the Rapid City area we look forward to seeing. Anyone is welcome to register and come--especially people with Norwegian ancestry or residence in , Land, , - , Sigdal, Telemark and Toten.

Oscar Lund, Minneapolis, and Larry Rolfstad, Rapid City, share coordination duties for the event.

Details on reservations for the "day tours" and perhaps a charter bus

VP Earl O. Knutson and President Carol from the Twin Cities (or Fargo) will be forthcoming. If you have an Meade pose in Prestfoss before the interest in taking a bus with others to Rapid City, please let Carol Meade farewell dinner. C.Meade photo know soon, so she can notify the person working on this .... or that option definitely won't exist without are enough riders!

3 MEMBERS ON TOUR It) or Sigdal's Year 2000 -- A Most Eventful One AT 7 LAG STEVNE Is) After 59 members had participated in the Utvandringsjubil68t 2000 tour tlShirley Augustine, AZ slJune & Don Barrett, CO in Norway, the Sigda I Lag also registered 40 at the stevne July 13-15 s)BiII Larson Bekkestad, MN in Wahpeton, ND, and 28 attended the Saturday evening banquet. slHenry Berg, CA tlElvera Bisbee, MN Lag leadership tlEinar/Luelia Bjorndalen,SK, CAN changed hands at the tlMichael & Unda Block, CA annual meeting s"IAndrew & Carol Brevig, MN Saturday when tlMary Carnes, CA outgoing president s'lJean Cornelison, WY Carol Meade became t)Bonnie Fingerhut, SD a vice president and slRoselia Goettelman, IA tlJune Green, AR Earl O. Knutson tlGloria Glaser and Kendra, AZ advanced to the t}Wayne/Shirley Gunderson, MN presidency. New to slTwila & Arvin Halvorson, MN the board is Garth s'lHarland/Darlene Hanson, MN Ulrich, vice president. 'Sandra Hendrickson, MN Other incumbents t)Joyce Jernburg, NH continue elective or t)Corrine Lesteberg Johnson, MN appointive offices. L·R: Rokke. Knutson, Meade: back: Skadeland. Manning, tlRobert J. Johnson, CA Ulrich. Helvorson. Somdehl. Shortino. See listing on page 12. slCalvin & DeVon Jokstad, ND IMDS phorol slRussell Kastelle, MN President Meade t}Lincoln & Marlene Klabo, VA shared a trip video, t/slEarl O. & Betty Knutson, NJ taken by her daughter, Marguerite Meade, for the Wahpeton program s'}Donald & Elaine Lange, MN Saturday. Norwegian gifts of wood and copies of Under were tlCharlotte & Eric Linden, IA displayed and explained. The engraved wooden serving pedestal, a gift tlCarol McCall, MN to the lag from both kommuner, was given a place of prominence next t)BettyAnn & William Mamel, NC to the lecturn. Brief reports were shared, telling about old pictures t/s}Dan & Ruth Hoff Manning, NE featured in the exhibit at the museum in Prestfoss, especially of David t/s)Carol Rugland Meade, MN t)Mauguerite Meade, MN Rokke's ancestors, and pride in hearing of Lee Rokke's generous gift siAl ice & Fred Mensing, MN in eight archive boxes of her indexed first emigrants from Sigda 1- slAmy Michelsen, MN Eggedal and Kredsherad to the museum. Debbie Shortino read t)Sonja & Elmer Minchau, CAN portions of the book, Sigdalslaget-1949, in English translation which tHrene Navarre, NM she is getting ready for the lag to re-publish. Bus transportation slGladys Neels, ND interest sheets were circulated for the 2001 stevne. t)Arthur & SueAnn Peterson, CA tlClifford & Cynthia Peterson, CA t)Larry & Linda Rolfstad, SD Many of the 40 present volunteered in some way at this stevne. t/s}David and Lee Rokke, MN Twila Halvorson chaired the recruitment of at least a dozen Sigdal Lag slShirley & Bob Sampson, MN ushers for the three 7 Lag programs in Stern Cultural Center where we slEleanor Schultz, IA were entertained, and several assisted in the genealogy research room. t)Jean & Everett Shogren, CA Both David and Lee Rokke were presenters for classes Thursday, and slDebbie Shortino, NE Robert and Shirley Sampson provided music at the banquet. t)Dean & Unda Skadeland, MO and Glori Lyn t/slDon & Lynn Skadeland, NE tlNorma Skadeland, NH An E-mail from Prestfoss. Norway, to Sigdalslag Members t}Shirley Skadeland, IA In Tribute to Lee Rokke -- Before the Receipt of the Gift tlDiane & Dale Snell, WA s)Marilyn & 'Narv Somdahl, MN Hello! slJudith Sosted, MN As the former museum director, I have had the pleasure of working s)Janice Steffen, ND s)Roy Sund, MN together with Lee for many years. It is an acquaintance I really slRussell & Gladys Sund, MN appreciate. Whenever I have questions about relationships and people tlTeigen, Connie, MO in America, I soon get a reply! She also sends me corrections t)Francis & Unda Turmo, NY regarding bygdebekene, which will be invaluable when these books shall s)Garth Ulrich, SK, CAN be revised. t)Lisa Wagner, WY Lee is my firm source when clarification, among other things, about tlAnita M. Welsh, WA people is needed, especially those who originally come from Kredsherad tlAddie Williams, MN and Sigdal-Eggedal! tlHazel Wennerberg, MN s") members at th9ir 1st stevne She deserves all the attention and honor which she can take part in; *Have officBS in other of 7 Lag; newspapers and radio, among others, shall be advised as well. there may be others, 8S well Hilsen, Havard Stllvern (Sent May 27 to the editor I

4 IN MEMORY Genealogy News & Views

SPENCER N. INGVALSON, age 14, was hit by a by Lee Rokke car while riding his yellow bicycle in a designated crosswalk en route to soccer We received a lot of positive feedback from practice at Apple Valley High School Friday, Sigdalslag members who appreciated Garth August 18. He died at Regions Hospital, St. Ulrich's article on the Rollo. In the list of people Paul, MN, and services were held Tuesday who traveled aboard her, I missed a couple of evening at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in people and have been clued in by relatives, so Burnsville. here are their names: He was preceded in death by grandparents, John Pedersen Frovolleie, March 15, 1892, Orville Marzolf, Byron and Margie Ingvalson, and destination Belgrade, MN; two cousins. Surviving are his mother Neena Peder Jonsen f2lrgenvika, May 23, 1890, Ingvalson (Mike Battonl; brother Nathan (Sarah) destination New York; Ingvalson, grandparents Carol Hanson and Cal Turi Stenersdtr Gren, May 5, 1882, and DeVon Jokstad, lag members of Fargo, ND; destination Northfield. and many relatives and friends. Spencer was entering ninth grade at Apple Special thanks to donors of family history Valley Senior High. Besides being actively books to the Sigdalslag: involved at his church, he competed in soccer E1lef E1lefsen, Honefoss, Norway, has and wrestling. (Mpls Star Tribune, Aug 20-22J given two of his works: Halgrim Andersen Finnevolden og Gunhild Palmesdatter Aure, Deres forfedre of etterkommere, and Asle INGVALD GRANUM, (September 28, 1915-July Gulbrandsen Brekka og Berit Torjusdatter 28, 2000), a life member and supporter of Ormerud Deres forfedre og etterkommere. Sigdalslag since the mid-1980s, died at his Jule Craig Tukua, Santa Ana, CA, who home near Krederen, Norway. Services and gave us the Tukua History Book, on the family burial were August 4 at Glesne Chapel on the of Ole and Gunhild Tukua. Krederfjord. See page 9. Harald Kastelle, Sun City, AZ, who sent an updated copy of his book, Hans Hanson Kastel/et 1817-1890, His family and MARION NELSON, 76, former 27-year director descendants. In the new edition some families of Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum in have been added, recent deaths are included Decorah, lA, and professor emeritus of art history and pictures have been added. at the University of Minnesota, died September 6 Debbie Shortino and Arlene Gunderson after a brief struggle with pancreatic cancer. Seydel, have donated a copy of Pioneers! 0 In Chuck Haga's September 13 article for the Pioneers!, a History of Early Settlers in Roseau Minneapolis Star Tribune, Nelson was credited by County, 1885-1910, published by the Roseau Janet Pultz, the current Vesterheim Museum County Historical Society. director, as taking a "nice collection of stuff (and) Delphin Johnson, Superior, WI, sent his he turned it into a world-class museum." family trees that tie into these farms: His loss will be shared by the entire Grimsgaard and Devegge (Nes, ); and Norwegian-American community and by other Ringnes (Kredsherad). nationalities he led to an interest in Norwegian art Esther Ugstad, The Bergeruds 1816- and traditions. Last year he and his wife Lila 2000, a History of the Bergerud Family from were both presenters at the Norwegian-American Norway to America: of the Bergeruds, by the Bygdelag Centennial at Luther College in Decorah. Bergeruds, for the Bergeruds 2000. Written by This year he was curator and wrote the catalog Esther Ugstad, Clarice Rund, Sylvia Bergerud for a showing of early Norwegian-American and Hilding Tjaden. artists which continues through October 14 at the James J. Hill mansion in St. Paul. A book Sigdalslag Family Surveys Received from: and videotape was made of his 1995 exhibition, Marlene Engstrom, Edina, MN, on the family of "Norwegian Folk Art: Migration of a Tradition." which came to St Paul in November 1996 after Kristian Olsen Rustand (Many apologies to opening at the Museum of American Folk Art, Marlene for the May listing) New York City, and before going to the Folk Patricia Saletore, Saugus, CA, the family of Kari Museum in , Norway. Gulliksdatter Porten. Born at Fergus Falls, MN, he is surviv6d by his Dale Holter, Guntersville, AL, the descendants wife, two brothers and two sisters. of Edvard Helgesen Braaten. Memorials are suggested to Vesterheim, PO Carol Evenson, Austin, MN, the family of Box 379, Decorah, IA 52101. Steinar Eivindsen Haugen of f2lrpen.

5 PICTURES TELL THE STORY!

Above, L-R: Actresses, Hilde PAlsrud and daughter, Hanna; Ruth and Dan Manning, Omaha, NE. Kroderen RR Station IRM) Be/ow: Shirley Augustine. Mesa, AZ. and Irene Navarre, Albuquerque, NM IEOK) Bottom L·R: Hazel Wennerberg. Willmar, MN; Vidar & Arne Lesteberg, June Green. Lenoke, AR; Jean Shogren, San Diego. CA and Corrine L. Johnson, .Bloomington, MN ICW)

Topleft: HAvard Stovern and Sigrid Kvisle. former and current directors of Sigdal-Eggedal Museum. share a very happy moment. (LR) Above: Francis Turmo, West Hurley, NY, shows 's granddaughter which picture had been painted for one Turmo family by the renowned artist in Eggedal. (CRM) Be/ow: The lag gift. Utvandringsjubs7eet 2000 - til Sigda/slaget, from the home districts (LR)

6 REMEMBER EMIGRANT DAY?

by CorrineLestebergJohnson

The celebrations and re-enactments for Emigration Day were spectacular! The day began on the mountain farm, {Spelhaug in Kredsheradl. used by a cotter's family before they left for the United States. Our , "emigrant family for the day" met us, dressed for work in hverdagsbunader, along with two children aged 5 and 2. Their dress was also distinctively Norwegian. The large chest stood ready to be loaded onto the horse-drawn wagon. But first, we were served a husmann's daily food--water and rye flour porridge with sour milk and a spoonful of sugar topping--in a hand-turned wooden bowl called a glesle, which was a gift for each of us to keep. It had a ridge with a Passing by familv and friends, fence and fjord, the young parents who are goatskin tied on top so the contents leaving Norway wave farewell. as the horse whisks them down the road. wouldn't spill out in the herdman's EOK photo backpack. The porridge was like cream of wheat. There was also home brewed beer, salted herring and a potato on a small engraved board which was also to be a keepsake. Next, the family took only this chest with necessary belongings and drove off down the group was strenuous with early risings-- and late road. We stood waving as though we were the night coffee and cake after returning to the home family and friends left behind. That was tear stay. Hazel and I enjoyed six nights at second jerking. It reminded us how much the emigrants cousins on our grandmother's side. left behind. In lieu of another book, I presented my Everyone boarded a boat for a ride--over an Norwegian relatives land five Americans on the hour in the rain, getting wet while feasting on tour) with a 36" six-generation chart, showing coffee and lefse (on the Krlilderfjordl. This how all of us are related. It was well received by symbolized the boat trip to America. all, including the mayors, Inger Thune at We came ashore and were given a meal in the and Knut Tore Eidal at Prestfoss. "fairy tale castle" called Villa Fridheim. This soup On behalf of was made of reconstituted dried meat and the lag, I made vegetables with egg dumplings. It simulated the the presentation stopover at Castle Garden or Ellis Island. Next in Norwegian of we were to board a train inland, but the wait was our gift, a a long time to stand. We listened to an carving by accordion group play gammeldans music at the Harvey Refsal, to station--four were my Lesteberg relatives. Kredsherad. Reaching our destination at "Deadwood City, President Carol SD," we were welcomed by a brass band! We Meade (who took in the wild west show there. It had a row shot this picture) of buildings: a livery stable, saloon, bank, an inn presented a with women of questionable reputation, an out similar piece in house and a tack shop. There was good acting Sigda!. in various episodes: a bank robbery, a runaway horse, shooting and dying men, to name a few. The day culminated with coffee and cakes at Accompanied by the local visitor center before we took the train her sister. Hazel and bus back to our overnight destinations. Most Wennerberg, the author and former lag president. visted 70 relatives in of the 60 participants stayed at homes of Norway and during a 3-week stay. including relatives in the area. All had relatives in either the Norway 2000 tour. ·Waiting for my return were Sigdal-Eggedal or Kredsherad kommuner so we my son and family from West Africa, whom I had not called each other cousins, having the same roots seen for two years. Theyhope my next big trip will be

back in time. to visit them, If" Corrine said. Two weeks in Norway with the Sigdal tour

7 Intergenerational Travel Experiences Prove Rewarding At Any Age NORWAY 2000: A Granddaughter's View NORWAY 2000: A Grandmother's View by Glori lyn Skadeland bylynn Skadeland

I enjoyed many things on my trip to Norway, Finding myself with some extra time one but I'd like to mention some of the most Sunday afternoon, I began thinking about the memorable. As a 12 year old, meeting my trip to Norway that we had just taken with the Norwegian relatives was a great experience. Sigdalslag. I remembered our first planning It was fun staying in the seter up in the meeting at Wahpeton, ND, in 1998. At that mountains. I learned time I never dreamed our son Dean and family that it had been in the would be going with us. family for 300 years! What would make a mother and grandmother While there, I got to happy? For me it was having three generations see the land where my making memories on a trip to Norway. Our ancestors came from journey began with the five of us leaving from and the farm where I the Kansas City Airport together in June. got my last name. What impressions and expectations did our I really liked the three trip leave with us? I found it somewhat ferry rides and the profound and amusing that several people on scenery we saw. I the trip discovered that they were actually took a lot of pictures of related, (including Glori Lyn and her friend, waterfalls while riding Kendra Glaser, who lives in Arizona). Many in the fjords. were finding great satisfaction in discovering Having Kendra (who just which family line they were related on. is close to my age) My second thought was that all the Sigdal, along to play cards Eggedal and Kredsherad people we met as well Glori and Kendra Gla.er with made the longer as our relatives seemed to be enjoying our stay lright) in at bus rides a little bit as much as we were. Troldhaugen. Grieg'. home. shorter for the both of Our days were well filled: waking up on the us. mountain seter in Eggedal with sheep bells I had a fun time in Norway and I can't wait to dinging, enjoying wonderful food and happy go back again' faces, being graciously entertained by relatives, having great bus drivers and tour directors, and touring places that our ancestors wrote about in letters. Time seemed to stand still with daylight almost the entire day. When we said our goodbyes, it was with the hope we would soon meet again. •• Congratulations to Kristine (Sandsbraaten) and her husband, Dave Cool, on the birth of their second child, Katherine Alexandria, who is one of the newest Sigdalslag members! IThe lag acknowledges two adults and minor children in the same household as members.) She was born in Saskatoon, SK, June 2, 2000, and is a sister of Tristan. (Source: The Naicam NewsJ

Congratulations also go to the mother of an earlier "three generation family" on a lag tour in Norway. Sandra Hendrickson was elected president of Landingslag in Dokka, Norway, during their 90th anniversary trip! In 1986 she, her three (then young) children, and her parents, Hazel and the late Ole Foss, comprised three generations for the 75th year Sigdal tour and

TOfstein SkaUand. center. welcome. three generations from stevne. the U.S: Don Skadeland, left. his 80n Dean lwho took these photos) and gnlOddaughte, Glori from Kan.a. City.

8 KR8DSHERAD BIDS FAREWELL TO ITS MAN OF ALL SEASONS

"When Ingvald Granum died July '28,2000, a rich Pastor 0yvind Maeland drew a picture of a man life came to a close," wrote Thure Lund, Another, with so many facets, from a childhood without Knut Br~then, described him as "the driving force, the advantages to a life of worth for so many others. strategist and the architect behind the Kr"dsherad Maeland called him a champion who would be community we know today." Both are journalists remembered as one. Another, Arne Torgersen of the whose newspapers carried memorial articles about the firm HTS, called him Kr"dsherad's greatest son. former ordterer (mayor) of 26.5 years, beginning in When the Labor Party nominated Granum as its 1956, candidate for ordf"rer, he had goals of what he Granum, a life member of Sigdalslag, visited the intended to accomplish. Lund writes: It was a lucky 1982 Fargo (NO) stevne, then held jointly with the choice for Kr"dsherad. The community was losing Hallinglag. A chartered plane full of Sigdal-Eggedal work places and people to run them and Granum was dancers and fiddlers, a Halling choir, musicians from dedicated to meet this challenge by bringing in industy , craftsmen and dignitaries made the event and making Kr"dsherad an attractive place to live and very special. Having won several elections himself, move to. One with modern schools at both Noresund Granum seemed more pleased that his second cousin, and Kr"deren, modern sports facilities and finally, more Marilyn Somdahl, was the new Sigdalslag president tourists. When he left office, he had built a modern than she was. In 1986 he was one of the hosts to 80 community culture, strengthened sports and schools, members for the 75th year Sigdalslag tour. and he fought fiercely to save Villa Fridheim from Born September 28, 1914, to Knut and Helga being torched. Today it is a community cultural IFinnerud) Granum, Ingvald grew up in a large family center, restored with a volunteer labor pool. used to working in the forests. He strove in the 1930s Granum was a strong spokesman for rural to complete landbruksskole (offering agricultural kommuner in and for the entire country. His classes), and began work as an accountant in Nes own initiative was also evidenced in bringing the kommune, Buskerud tylke. After World War II ended, slalom events of the 1952 Olympic Gamesto Norefjell. he brought his wife Tara (f. Lie from Nes)to his beloved Local manpower was organized for the ski runs. Kr"dsherad where they have lived since. Clearly a man of talent and Intellect, he had many Surviving are his wife and families of sons, Svein honors. Kongens Fortjenestemeda!je i Gull, the St. Knut jBerit); Arvid (Bodil); Bj"rn, now deceased, Olav service gold medal for outstanding citizens, was (Kirsten); Knut (Torill); and Ole RumohrIAinal, including awarded in 1981 by H.M. King Olav V. He received grandchildren and great-grandkids; sisters, Ragne, top honors from the central organization of Norske Margit, Gunvor and her husband; brothers Helge, Einar Kommuner, Buskerud fylke's Cultural Prize, three and his wife, sister-in- national awards in sports and sports management and law Inger, nieces and life membership in Kr"dsherad's Idrettslag Isports). nephews. In private life his family and sports were Journalist Eivind paramount. He gardened, had an infectious sense of Koplandwrote: "Giesne humor and he wrote poetry long before acquiring a PC kapell was filled to its about age 75. This wartime poem (in five 4 line last seat" for afternoon verses) was selected for inclusion on the funeral card. services August 4 "to remember a great and Himlens Bok important man." The chapel bulged with Ofta 8tOO 80m gutt jeg glad under himlen. stjemerad. mourners, the famiiy, Stod i undring sterld: betatt mang en kveld og stil. natt. and multitudes of floral Hva Ii bak den himmel bll. kunn. jeg ei helt forstl. wreaths and bouquets, Va, det slott med serv, purpur, ellef viR og barsk natur? many of which were Ingvald Granum off ere d wit h Va, det bare 00. lend, der hvor solen sank i brand? commemorative Elle, 5teg det stort og blitt Herrena hey. himmetslott1 speeches by both dignitaries and the family. His wife, Tara, sent a last greeting to her dear husband with Enna stir jeg mang en kveld under himlens stjemeveld. flowers from their own garden, and the children bid Ennl himlen gite, har, jeg ha, spurt, men fir ei svarl farewell with a superb wreat~, Kopland wrote. Skal vir artt i undring sti evig under himlen b&i., Villa Fridheim sent the community flag Skal da ingen bli si klok. at han tyder himlens bok" (kommunevApenl done up in flowers. Ordf"rer Inger Thune likened the thunder and Ingvald Granum, Janusr 1942 lightning before the funeral began to Ingvald when he had some goal! Afterward as agreement· or • achievement was reached, there was the joyful smile, (Tusan takk to lag member Tone NtBss, Drammen, tor just like the peace and quiet outside at the close of the data. Knut BrAthen & Eivind Kopland report for service. He undertook everything for the good of the Tidende/ Blad; Thure Lund is with Bygdepostenl community and explored every avenue to buiid a better society.

9 Three Home District Churches Elvera previously visited Ellef Grimelid Receive American Rosemaling and his wife Liv in Norway, but this Elvera Bisbee was commissioned by the lag to year she was' a decorate by rosemaling three commemorative guest of their son plates. These were lag gifts for "our" main Einar and his wife churches during the recent June tour dealing Marit. with emigration to America. She met more of In each of the churches, someone with an her second cousin ancestral tie assisted her in making the Ellef's siblings and presentations: Don Skadeland at Eggedal returned with Church; Wayne Gunderson at 01berg Church in treasured gifts, one Kr"dsherad, and David Rokke at Holmen Church of which was a in Sigdal. But it was the artist who got the tine, the last compliments. wooden piece Ellef Elvera holds the Holmen plate. had carved before presented in Prestfoss on the Each painted plate depicted the building itself, his death about two first day in Sigda!. (eRM) but Elvera incorporated various symbolic years ago. Her elements into each surrounding background. Tracy, MN, home contains other pieces created She had visited 01berg in 1985 as part of a by Ellef: a carved kubbestol, a Norwegian chair rosemalers' tour in Norway. She incorporated fashioned from a large tree log, and a fireplace the historic oak, "Den Gamle Mester," (the Old bellows. Master) which grew on N. Bjertnes, (farm of Kr"dsherad Prestegard--where the pastor/priest Other SigdaI area attractions she enjoyed were lived, owned by the state church since before visits to "Hagan", the home-studio of painter 1528). Because J"rgen Moe, once a pastor Christian Skredsvig, the Ringnes farm, Haglebu here, also collaborated with Peder Asbj"rnsen to Mountain Church, Blilfarvevaerket cobalt mine, write, illustrate, and publish Norway's fairy tales Eggedal Mill, and a day in Drammen. from the oral storytelling tradition, Elvera has a bit of an eventyr in the landscape as well. If one visits Villa Fridheim, it is possible to see the rosemaled plate given by Elvera in 1986. Background details in the other plates include legend or illustration associated with the area, including those of Theodor Kittlesen, one of Norway's famous illustrators and painters. His home-studio, "Lauvlia,· was visited by the group and a large color photo appeared in a newspaper as well as another one of a group visit to Vatnas Church.

After raising her family, Elvera found more time in the late 1970s to pursue dormant interests, especially Norwegian folk painting. She is the fifth generation to own and display a beautifully rosemaled trunk from 1796 (its picture was in a previous SAGA).

Living with such family pieces also inspired her. Elvera studied with various mentors and sold rosemaled pieces for shows, including 7 Lag Stevne, since she's a Sigdalslag member. In 1999 she demonstrated and showed her not-far-sale treasures at the Norwegian-American Bygdelag Centennial at Decorah, IA. Corrine Johnson, Lee Rokke and Hazel Wennerberg took fjord horse cart rides to Briksdal glacier on the pre-tour. Weather appears to be damp. CLJ purchased photo.

10 REPLICA OF OLD LOG CHURCH DEDICATED AT NORWAY LAKE

Alice Mensing was kind enough to share the dedication day program which took place August 22, 1999. Her interest has been more than casual becauseher ancestors arrived herein 1859 , and donated a corner of the original homestead as a site for a church. The original church was built in 1868, and several relatives lie in the cemetery which was restored in 1974. But we are getting ahead of the story.

Evan and Anders Railson were the first white settlers in the Norway Lake area of Kandiyohi County, MN. They were attracted by the lakes and forests. In 1858 they built log houses on claims and settled near the lake, later named Norway Lake.

In 1859 Ole Knutson was among other settlers in the area, quite a few of which were of Sigdal Officer. pose in Prestfoss, Sigda!. L-R: Treasurer Don, Genealogist ancestry. His etterkommer or descendants also Lee, VP Earl, President Carol. VP Ruth and VP Larry Rolf.tad. (RM include Earl, lag president, Mary Carnesand Addie photo) Williams, great-great grandchildren. In 1877 it was decided to move Old Log Church The first Norwegian pastor to visit this settlement to the parsonagefarm for hay storage or a stable. was B.J. Muus who conducted worship services at the home of Christoffer Engen. The first By 1974 the long-abandoned cemetery was congregation was formed November 19, 1865. restored with labor provided by the Norway Lake This church affiliated with the Norwegian parish. A memorial monument was raised to tell Lutheran Synod which kept ties with the Lutheran about the Old Log Church that had stood there. Church of Norway. By 1996 it was decided to build a replica of the There was concern in Norway that settlers in church on the original sitenusing the old America needed Norwegian pastors; they were construction techniques found in the old Knutson urged to serve new settlements. However, before place. Ed and Rebecca Huseby also donated an this could happen, others tended the flock in the acre of land adjoining the cemetery. The Norway meantime. One was Pastor Johnson from the Lake Lutheran Historical Association incorporated Swedish Church who baptized the first white to make this feasible. Construction with volunteer n - child born at Norway Lake Nilja, the daughter of labor beganin 1998 and was completed before the Mr. and Mrs. Ole Knutson-·August 26, 1861. dedication.

:.. The decision to build on the Knutson site was The evening, August 21, before the dedication made in 1868, and each family was to contribute featured a tree planting ceremony, a flag raising " one log. Completed that year, the church and its ceremony, an ice cream and pie social hour, a congregation called Pastor Lars Markus who was historical program and later a slide show. Sunday installed October 17. He circulated to other events includeda Norwegian service at 10 AM and settlements without a clergyman as well. the dedication at 2 PM followed by hcoffee and lefse, of course. About 10 years later the congregation had grown to such large proportions that two congregations Sincethe dedication, a perpetual care fund is being were formed, each building its own church: WEST established for preservation and improvements. N. Lake'and EAST N. Lake. Later on, four more Contact the Norway Lake Lutheran Historical churches would be formed: First, West Lake, Association, 6338 County Road 40 NW, New Monson Lake and South Lake Johanna and four London, MN 56273 more building projects would be undertaken. Note: Alice's photos & some from Norway in FEB issue.

11

•" Join SigdaILag for its 90th year~ 2001 Welcome, New Members

*Alma & Arne Bakken, .'t!. 3355 Solumsmoen, Norway i' Andrew & Carol Brevig, Herman, MN, Carol Evenson, Austin, MN .- *Trygve Hagen, 3300 , Norway Dale & Carolyn Holter, Guntersville, AL Dilip & Patricia Saletore, Saugus, CA; Dave & Linda Simpkins, Sauk Centre, MN Dale & Janice Steffen, Cooperstown, ND Connie & Merlyn Teigen, Peculiar, Mb Jule Craig Tukua, Santa Ana, CA *Ranveig & Olaf Vatnaas, 3355 Solumsmoen, Norway (. gitts ot Anita Welsh. Gitt memberships are an idea for birthdays and holiday gitts, too.)'

2000-2001 Sigdalslag Officers President EARL 0 KNUTSON, 973-993-1613; DON SKADELAND, Treasurer [email protected] 402-331-5906; [email protected] 7 Woods End Road 10642 "0" Street Morris Plains, NJ 07950 Omaha, NE 68127

RUTH MANNING, Vice President MARILYN SOMDAHL, Editor 402-455-7221; [email protected] 952-831-4409; [email protected] 41316Ruggles Street 10129 Goodrich Circ/e Omaha, NE 68104 Bioomington, MN 55437

CAROL MEADE, Vice Pres/NSI Rep LEE ROKKE, Genealogist 612-827-6139; 12253([email protected] 952-432-9767; [email protected] 4133 Lyndale Ave South 13465 Garden View Drive Minneapolis, MN 55409 Apple Valiey, MN 55124

GARTH ULRICH, V Pres 306-664- DEB SHORTINO, Historian 0062, [email protected] 402-293-5498; [email protected] Box 28, Spalding, 2804 Jack Pine Street Sask SOK 4CO, CANADA Believue, NE 68123

TW1L4. HAL VORSON, Secretary CHANGE OF ADDRESS NOTICES 218-847-5313 10 Ihe editor are 1M responsibility of Ask June Green. Lenoke. AR. or Anita Welsh. ]005 North Shore Drive ellCh member. Keep SAGA's return Vancouver. WA. "What is better than ice cream in Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 address in your own address book. Norway?" (LR Photo) Pencil In 1M "paiJI Ihru" year (on Ihe label tjfter your name beww).