Since 1911 February, 2006 Volume 26, Issue 1 Sigdalslag Saga

Serving Norwegian-Americans of , Eggedal & Krødsherad ancestry

Inside this issue: ’s Princess Martha-Louise Turns Author by Dianne Snell Fra Presidenten 2 Princess Martha-Louise, daughter of could be traced back to Norway. His father To Norway this Summer! 3 King Harald and Queen Sonja of Norway, was then the Danish crown prince and his has become well-known in her native coun- mother was from Swedish royalty. Carl 2006 Stevne update 4 try for her talent as a storyteller. She has himself was married to Maud, the daughter done readings for children throughout of King Edward VII of England and Dan- Norway and has hosted television shows ish-born Queen Alexandra. On November Anton Aasand - past lag 5 Historian & Saga Editor reading fairy tales. Now she has turned 18, 1905, Prince Carl was elected as King author, by writing a fairy ta le of her New Member Spotlight 6-7 own. Princess Martha recently completed Saskatoon to Sigdal 8 a tour United States tour and promoting her new book, “Why Kings and Queens Ibsen 2006 11 Don’t Wear Crowns.” The book gained acclaim in Norway in 2004 and the first English edition was printed in Members Surveys 11 2005 by Skandisk, Inc. Princess Mar- tha began her 10-day promotional tour in the United States on October 8 and Velkommen, nye made stops in New York City, Minot, lag medlemmer! ND Hostfest, Seattle and Poulsbo, x PAUL BRAATELIEN Washington, and Los Angeles. West Chicago, IL The book is fictional but based on x ERVIN ROKKE Bethlehem, PA fact, and tells the story of her grandfa- ther, King Olav, who was only two x JOHN D. CYRUS years old in 1905 when his parents, Chaska, MN King Haakon and Queen Maud were P hotos by Dia nne S nel l x ERIC VICTOR FORMO chosen to become the first reigning Princess Märtha Louise Seattle, WA royalty of Norway in over 500 years. x PHILIP PAYNTER of Norway and changed his name to Haa- Labelle, FL Previous to 1905, Norway had been ruled by Danish kings for 400 years fol- kon. He also changed his son’s name from lowed by 100 years of Swedish rule. After Alexander Edward Christian Frederick, to gaining independence from Sweden the Olav, a royal name from old Norway. On June 22, 1906 the coronation of King Haa- Gifts and Memoria ls Norwegians decided that a monarchy would be good for Norway and set out to kon VII and Queen Maude took place. $50 Memorial for Knute find a new king. Their wise choice was Olsen from grandson Philip (C o nti nue d on page 3 ) Paynter Prince Carl of Denmark as his ancestry Page 2 Sigdalslag Saga V olume 26, Issue 1

2004-2005 Sigdalslag Fra Presidenten: Officers EARL O. KNUTSON President 722 Second Street SW Willmar, MN 56201 (320) 222-1613 [email protected] - GARTH ULRICH Here we are in mid-January. Days are short, nights VP 1/Membership are long. I sometimes wonder what it would be like to Box 130, Spalding SK live in northern Norway at this time of year, with 24 SOK 4CO, CANADA hour nights. (306) 633-2274 This is my sixth year as president, and it is shaping [email protected] up as a momentous year. For one thing, our new Sigdalslag JUDY SOSTED VP 2/Heritage book, the seventh in the series, should go to the printer 1118 Lia Court sometime this year. Many people have contributed to this Northfield, MN 55057 project, none more than Lee Rokke and Judy Sosted who are [email protected] editing and organizing the material. When this book rolls off the press, there will be a celebration! Like the RODNEY PLETAN first six books, this one will be a great resource for VP 3/Technology future generations. 7414 W Broadway Another momentous event this year will be our tour of Forest Lake, MN 55025-8474 – if it comes to pass. We need 25 reservations by (651) 464-6636 Norway [email protected] April 15 in order to carry on with the planning. If we cross that threshold, we can accept some additional res- DR. DEAN SKADELAND ervations over the next 6 weeks. I think it is a good Treasurer trip at a good price – see the information elsewhere in 7315 NW Barry Road this issue. Give it careful thought, and join us if you Kansas City, MO 64153 can. Remember to get those reservations in before tax 816-741-9449 day, April 15th. [email protected] By the time you read this, the Executive Board will AMY MICHELSEN Secretary have had its winter meeting, which is our main board 18730 Roanoke St. NW meeting of the year. We'll be discussing the book, the Anoka, MN 55303-8971 trip, our finances, and some changes including making the (763) 753-5484 Saga available to members via the internet. [email protected] Ha det bra, LEE ROKKE Genealogist Earl O. Knutson 13465 Garden View Drive President, Sigdalslag Apple Valley, MN 55124 (952) 432-9767 [email protected] DIANNE SNELL Historian 31646 110th Pl. SE Editor’s Corner... Auburn, WA 98092 253-351-0926 are printed in Norwegian. If you are will- [email protected] Greetings from the editors desk! Thanks to all who submitted articles for the past ing to assist her with this important offer- MARILYN MOEN Co-Editor year and to our new members for sharing ing please call or email her at her address 32557 Clay Bank Road Erhard, MN 56534 their own family history with us. Without listed on the left side of this page. [email protected] you we would not be able to maintain this As usual, I invite you to submit your own CINDY PETERSON Co-Editor valuable link to our heritage! articles of interest for publication. In few 3520 Banyan Street Thanks to Dianne Snell for her wonder- decades your grandchild might be enlight- Santa Rosa, CA 95403 ened by your stories just as Philip Paynter 707-573-1504 ful contributions as our lag Historian! To [email protected] continue her work, Dianne is in need of has! (see his letter in the Mailbag on pg. 5) translators for our archival materials that Regards, Cindy Peterson Sigdalslag Saga V olume 26, Issue 1 Page 3

(Continued from page 1) had multiple copies for her to sign, and she graciously com- This is precisely where Princess Martha’s book begins, plied, greeting each person that passed by. when the new Royal Family takes up residence in the palace Princess Martha Louise was born in 1971 and has one in Kristiania, () and begins the process of changing brother, now Crown Prince Haakon. themselves into Norwegians and learning Norwegian ways Martha Louise gave up her royal title such as skiing. Little Olav comes to the because she wanted to become a part of palace all excited about the thought of sitting “normal society.” She is married to Ari on his throne wearing his crown, but soon Behn, a writer, and is the mother of two finds out that those activities were not nearly daughters, Maud and Leah. Martha Louise as much fun as he had imagined they would studied English literature at Oxford and is be. certified as a Physical Therapist. She is an The Princess turned author wowed the advocate for disabled children and manages audiences with her narrations of some Nor- her own business as a cultural mediator. wegian fairy tales and by telling the children She recently released a CD with the Oslo what it is really like to grow up as a princess. Gospel Choir, and as an avid horse lover She “accidently” lost a shoe on the way out she produced a television series about on stage, and then asked, “Is there a Prince horses. Charming in the crowd.” She told about “Why Kings and Queens Don’t Wear getting in trouble as a child for trying on Crowns,” is delightful reading for all ages Queen Elizabeth’s fur coat and boots while and the whimsical illustrations by Svein England’s monarch was attending a State Nyhus add much to its charm. The book is available in Dinner in the dining room with her parents. The highlight book stores and through Vesterheim. of her presentation was a partial reading of the book, and then the signing began. Many people in the packed house (Sources: Viking Magazine, October 2005; Why Kings and Queens Don’t Wear Crowns, book jacket; Nordic Heritage Museum, Seattle, WA)

TO NORWAY THIS SUMMER!

Consider going on our planned trip to Norway, August 8-18, 2006. The main stop will be Sigdal-Eggedal- Krødsherad, where we will have four days and nights to meet distant relatives and walk the trails our ancestors walked. We will a lso vis it Oslo, L illehammer, Trondheim and Røros. The cost of about $2150 includes airfare, motor coach, 5 nights in hotels, 5 breakfasts, and 2 dinners. For the four nights in Sigdal-Eggedal-Krødsherad, travelers may make their own arrangements to stay with relatives or we can help in booking hotels. Linda McCormick of Borton Overseas Travel in Minnea- polis, who will be happy to answer questions, is arranging the trip or us. She can be reached at 612-822-4640, ext. 12, or [email protected]. Linda will be happy to send you a brochure and a reservation form. You can also contact Earl Knutson at [email protected] or 320-222-2613. For those with internet access a pictorial preview of the (C o nti nue d on page 9 ) Sigdalslag tour group in 2000. Oh boy, did we have Fun! Page 4 Sigdalslag Saga V olume 26, Issue 1

“From the Fjords to the Falls” List of 2006 Stevne/Events 7 Lag Stevne July 12-15, 2006, Sioux Falls SD From the Norwegian-American Bygdelagenes Fellesraad homepage. For the most current information and contacts, please visit www.fellesraad.com MAY Annual Meeting always 1st Saturday in May, May 6, 2006 (Times and cost to be determined by April 1.) JUNE Hallinglag - June 8-11 , Bigwood Plan ahead for the stevne this year in South Dakota to be held at the Holi- Event Center, Fergus Falls, MN day Inn Centre - 100 W. 8th Street in Sioux Falls. Vestlandslag - June 8-10 , Luther Below is a tentative schedule, as the Hadeland Lag coordinators are busy College, Decorah, IA Also see individual lag sites: Nordhordland at work planning an exciting event! Final details will be published in the & Sunnhordland, Hardanger, Møre May issue of the Saga. Until then, you may also access the Hadeland Lag og Romsdal, Rogaland, Sognalag, website for event updates at www.hadelandlag.org and Vosselag Nordlandslag & Lappmark Lag - WEDNESDAY, JULY 12TH June 16-17, Isle, MN Tour - leave Holiday Inn at 1:00pm Valdres Samband - June 22-23 , St. 1. Butterfly House Olaf College, Northfield, MN 2. Pioneer Buildings at Augustana College Campus. 3. East Nidaros Lutheran Church, rural Baltic Sunnfjordlag - June 29-July 1, 4. Remer Lutheran Church - light supper. Luther College, Decorah, IA Registration - will begin at 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm JULY Seven Lag - July 13-15, 2006 Hospitality Room - 2nd floor, Holiday Inn. 6 pm-10 pm Holiday Inn Convention Center in There will be coffee, c ookies, bars & snac ks to enjoy while you Sioux Falls SD http:// are visiting with other Lag members. stevne.hadelandlag.org/news.ht m THURSDAY, JULY 13TH AUGUST Tre-Lag Stevne - August 2-5, 2006 Opening Session, 10th Floor Holiday Inn. - 9:00 am the Plaza Hotel and Suites in Eau Claire, WI Registration, Classes, Lectures, Genealogy - 10:30 am - Contact people: 5:00 pm Dixie Hansen - Nord Hedmark og Vendors - 10:30 am - 5:00 pm Hedemarken 651.690.0872 Betty Strand - Gudbrandsdal Optional Tour to EROS - 2:00 pm free admission 763.571.1831 The U.S. Geological Survey "Earth Resources Observation Sys- Linda Schwartz - Trøndelag tems (EROS) Data Center. It holds one of the world's largest 734.769.2877 collections of images of the Earth's land surface. EROS staff Sognefjordlag Stevne - August 4- manage and distribute these data, ac quired by c ivilian satel- 5th in Westby and Coon Valley lites and airc raft, to scientists, policy makers, and educators Wisc onsin. Contact person is worldwide. These data are used to study a wide range of Kathy Johnson, at 608-238-1785 natural hazards, global environmental change and economic or [email protected] development and conservation issues. SEPTEMBER "The Vikings Film" 5:30 - 6:30 pm Nordfjordlag - Sept 16, 2006 at $5.00. Washington Pavilion Cinedome, 3 1/2 blocks south of Green Lake Bible Camp, Spicer, MN the Holiday Inn.

(C o nti nue d on page 1 0 ) Sigdalslag Saga V olume 26, Issue 1 Page 5

Anton Aasand by Dianne Snell, Lag Historian

treasurer of the Ladies Aid. Anton Aasand and his wife Emma were part of the glue which kept the In 1925 Anton and Emma sold out their two remaining Sigdalslaget together during the pe- Manfred businesses and Anton started working at Harvey riod from the 1940’s to the early where he later moved the family home using two steam 1970’s. Anton was Lag historian engine tractors. During the tough years of The Great De- and Saga editor during the writing pression in the 1930’s business was bad, so Emma encour- of the 1949 Sigdalslaget annual, and aged Anton to try farming. They moved from Harvey to a wrote several of the articles in that publication. Anton farm one miles west of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. served as Lag secretary from 1953 to 1971 and continued After ten years of farming the family moved to as “Sagaskriver” and historian during those years. McHenry, ND in 1944 where Anton purchased a mercan- Anton Aasand (Åsand, Aasen) was born August 20, tile store and two quarters of land. He and Emma lived at 1888 in Eggedal Parish to Stener Stenersen Aasen and McHenry for the remainder of their lives. Anton enjoyed wife Anne Pedersdatter. The Aasand farm sits on a high being at his store every day until the day he died, July 15, plateau far above the valley and is still owned by the 1975, at McHenry. The building is now serving as the Aasand family, the current farmer being Steiner L. McHenry Senior Citizens Center. Aasand. Anton and Emma were parents of six children: Ar- Anton’s parents had 13 children, 4 of whom eventu- nold, Anna, Palmer and Charles, all born in Manfred; ally emigrated to America. When Anton arrived in 1908 Marilyn (Sa int) born in Harvey, and Richard, born in De- his first destination was to Grafton, ND, where he had troit Lakes. relatives. During the early years he worked for the Con- Anton kept up his ties with Norway, and visited there crete Cement Mine at Concrete, ND and attended the agri- three times. He also wrote many articles for the local Nor- cultural school in Crookston, MN and the Bruflat Acad- wegian newspapers about life in America and the events of emy in Portland, ND. He also proved up a quarter of land Sigdalslag. near Arnegard, ND in McKenzie County. In 1912 Anton moved to Manfred, ND and stayed at From the Saga the home of his older brother Steiner. He worked at the hardware and millinery store owned by Jacob Klev, and in Mail Bag: 1916 Anton purchased the store and continued it as a hard- ware store. One of his first projects was to install a 32- From Florida… volt Delco electric plant in his store and he strung a wire “I am Philip Paynter grandson of Knute Olson. across the road to the church so its kerosene lamps could My mother Helen M. Olson, Paynter, Lattmann was be replaced with electric bulbs. Anton took to business, the first born daughter of Knute and Minnie. My aunt Jane Olson-Carlstrom se nt me a copy o f and in 1917 he purchased another store in Manfred which the Sigdalslag (Oct. 2005). I knew some of the Olson sold groceries, dry goods and other items. family h isto ry but was amazed at the info rmation that was in the Saga. In 1919 Anton was married in Manfred to Emma Op- Please find enclosed check for $75 - fifty for me- dahl, the daughter of immigrants from Valdres and Hurdal morial to Knute Olson. I loved my Grandfather and Norway, who were pioneers of Manfred. In 1920 Anton Grandmother Olson so ve ry m uch, and think o f them and Emma purchased a third business where they sold often. hardware and erected a new cream station along the west Thank you. Philip Paynte r side of the building. Anton joined Vang Lutheran Church in 1917, serving as Trustee for two terms and always ring- P.S. I was bo rn in Hudson, Wisconsin 16 Oct 1937.” ing the church bell. Emma served as the president and Page 6 Sigdalslag Saga V olume 26, Issue 1

New Member Spotlight!

I appreciate the welcoming letters from w here my hus band w as s tationed w ith Minnesota and Illinois. I was born in St the various people who have contacted the US Air Force in 1959 and we drove to Louis Park, Minnesota and lived in Ply- me and will be happy to furnish the infor- one of the English ports, crossed to Ber- moth until I was five. I lived in Blooming- mation you requested. gen and were met by my dad's brother, ton, Illinois next until I was 15. Since Olaf. We drove together to Oslo and then, I have lived in Chaska, Minnesota My maiden name is Jane Marie Olson visited various relatives. As far as I (9 years ). I know, I know I 'm yo ung. I n and I was born in Hudson, Wisconsin know, only my cousin Olaug is still liv- fact from what my family tells me, I am Aug. 6, 1927, the third of 3 children born ing, someplace near where her mother the youngest person they know interested to Knute Olson and Minnie Regina and my father grew us, as far as I know. in genealogy. I have been researching my Skresvig. My eldest sister, Helen Mar- She visited America sometime around family for 3 years with much success. guerite Olson preceded me in death in 1963. We correspond at Christmas. August 16, 2005. She died in Hudson, I was given the link to the Sigdalslag never having left her birthplace. My next Jane Carlstrom website by a volunteer at rootsweb doing sister, Orlain Carol Olson died July 10, [email protected] lookups for the Sigdal-Eggedal area. I 2005 in Tucson , AZ. She had lived in ______joined to learn more about the area and Waukesha, WI., South Bend, Indiana, my ancestors. Manhattan, Kansas and finally in Tuc- My name is Paul T Braatelien. I grew My emigrant ancestors names were s o n, AZ. Helen Olson Paynter Latt- up in Moline, I llinios. Svend Ellefson (Ellefsen) of probably man had 1 son, Philip w ho still lives in I originally heard about your website Humlegaarden. His parents were Ellef LaBelle, Florida. Orlain had an adopted from my father (Newell T Braatelien) Halvorsen and Aase Svendsdatter of daughter Penny Porter Blume who who grew up in North Dakota and has Humlegaarden. Svend was from Krød- lives in Edwardsburg, Michigan. My done a lot of research on the Braatelien sherred as were Ellef Halvorsen and Aase husband, Donald Carlstrom (of 55 name (he was, in fact, the first Braatelien Svendsdatter. Ellef was born in Krød- years) and I have 3 children, Mary, to return to the Braatelia Farm since we sherred and Aase was born in Sigdal. Marty and Matthew. Mary and Marty emigrated). He suggested that I join the Svend registered for immigration March and 2 children each live in Denver and Sigdalslag. I am also going to Norway at 7, 1872. He departed on the ship, Ganger Erie, CO and Mathew and son in Sacra- the end of this month. I have taken a job Rolf on April 7, 1872 from Kristiania. mento, CA. Marty and Matthew are with a Norwegian firm (Tandberg) for Ellef Halvorsen and Aase registered and adopted children. work and am going to visit the farm departed on March 17, 1876 also from My membership in Sigdalslag was a gift w hile there for training. Kristiania w ith their tw o youngest chil- from Diane Snell, which I appreciate. dren, Dorte and Gunder. My emigrant ancestors name was Tollef She called me "cold" from what I assume Pedersen Braatelien who emigrated Svend, Ellef, and Aase all had destina- was the Denver telephone directory. in the spring of 1885 to Rothsay, Minne- tions of Willmar, Minnesota. The oldest I think my father first came to North Da- sota. Tollef was married to Hanna daughter of Ellef and Aase, Ragne, im- kota to visit relatives, then met my Olava Wagre from Ringerike. Tollef & migrated through Kristiania in 187 3 with mother on a train going I know not Hanna had 13 children. a destination of Willmar, as well. By where. They settled in Hudson, WI where 1882, Svend was in the Grafton, Walsh Paul T Braatelien my father worked as a carpenter and County, North Dakota area, as that is the 2989 Braemore Dr later as a welder on the Omaha railroad. year he was married. Ellef Halvorsen Wes t Chicago, I l 601 85 and Aase were in Grafton Township, My parents came to visit us in England [email protected] Walsh County, North Dakota by 1892. My name is John Cyrus, I grew up in Ellef was listed on an old Grafton Town- We are thrilled to have received information to share from our new ship map showing landowners. He was me mbers to Sigdalslag. If you have not shared your information as a living on the neighboring farm of Svend. me mber we encourage you to contact Marilyn Moen (see sidebar, pg. 2) In the 1900 Walsh County census, Ellef Page 7 Sigdalslag Saga V olume 26, Issue 1

and Aase are the household above Svend and his family.

John Cyrus [email protected] or [email protected]. I can send my home address if you would like by con- tacting me through email. ______

My name is Cindy (Hampton) Sar- miento. I grew up in San Leandro, California, about 30 miles east of San Francisco. I married, Alexander, in 1989. My daughter, Sara, was born in 1994. did of my great-great grandmother, Berthe My late dad had told me that we were Karine Nilsdatter, and somehow related to the famous artist, ggg grandmother, Anne Iversdatter lowing that, some of the family moved Christian Skredsvig. He showed me a and a sketch of the family farm, Tomta. to Minnesota. In the late 1920's her hus- postcard, picture, and a newspaper arti- Since then, I have been in contact with band Jorgen Sonsteby, returned to cle of him in his mother's scrapbook. Hege Skredsvig at Hagan, welcoming Norway. Regine moved to Oregon with me to the family. Also, numerous cous- her daughter's, Sigrid and Ingrid (Sarah I recently started to research this. In ins, including Adw ina, from Woodville, and Joyce). My grandmother married doing so I have found out that Christian Wisconsin, w ho is a niece of Christian my grandfatherAaron Hampton in Skredsvig is my Great, Great Uncle! Skredsvig. 1922 in Montana and settled in Idaho, until they separated, where Borghild In doing a Google search on the internet, My great grandmother, Regine, emi- moved to Oregon. Their son, Frank I came across the Sigdalslag website, grated to the US in 1902 with her family. Sherman Hampton was my father. and Marilyn Moen. Which I am very The ship manifest lists their final desti- thankful for and have since joined my nation with her Regine's brother, Elling Cindy Sarmiento new family of Norwegians. I also put a Skredsvig (Who came to US in 1880), My Family Ties @com ca st.n et query in at Rootsweb.com seeking info in Baldwin, Wisconsin. In the years fol- on my Grandmother, Borghild Caro- line BYE. I received a reply that showed me a whole new world. He for- warded a copy of the 1900 census with her and her family there in Norway. I had made the continental jump!. He also sent me the naming practices of the Nor- wegians. Through this, I found her true name, Borghild Eriksdatter. I then located her family in the 1865 census in Tomta, , , Norway. Her mother w as know n as Regine Skreds- vig. There she was with all but one of her sisters and brothers. And there was Christian. I was excited, maybe that was him. I then did some research through Familysearch.org and found his Parish records. I ordered a book about him Tomta 1869. Barnetegning, 16x21.5 cm. Barndomshjemmet på Modum, tidligere husmannslplass which had a picture of my great-great under Skredsvig-gården. Her bode far, mor, bestimore og ni barn. Idag er husene forlengst revet. grandfather, Erik Hansen, a sketch he (Hand written below this text reads “Here lived father, mother, grandma and nine children”) Page 8 Sigdalslag Saga V olume 26, Issue 1

Saskatoon to Sigdal Story and photos by Garth Ulrich

My late grandmother’s cousin and fellow Sigdalslag Charlotte joined us for cof- fee and lefse. We then member, Harvey Voldeng, and I had been discussing taking drove with them to the Hol- a trip to Norway for some time and during the winter that it men church where several should take place during the upcoming summer of 2005.Our of our Green relatives are plans were to visit Oslo, Sigdal, Toten and Valdres. My buried and stopped at Rei- great-great-grandmother (and Harvey’s grandmother), Jor- dar’s home for coffee and gina Jensdatter Gren, emigrated from Sigdal with several cake. (Reidar’s grandfather siblings and her parents, Jens Olsen Gren and Turi Steners- was the only one of Jor- datter Halvorset, in 1882. They went first to Dakota County, gina’s siblings that re- Minnesota but the following year moved to Marsh Grove mained in Norway). township in Marshall County, Minnesota. Our roots in Valdres and Toten are from one generation further back as The next morning Rei- they are the places where Jorgina’s husband’s parents were dar, Charlotte, and her par- from. ents, Svein Helge and Ran- veig, picked us up. Our first I flew out of Saskatoon on June 10 and met up with stop was for a tour of the Harvey at the airport in Toronto from where we continued artist Th. Kittelsen’s home Lauvlia and next we drove on to on our journey. We arrived in Oslo the following day and our ancestral farms. We visited Skavredalen on Gren søre made our way to our place of accommodation, the Rainbow which was the husmannsplass that our Green ancestors were Hotel Munch. We had an easy first day and just did some living at the time of walking and found our bearings. The next day we first their emigration. toured the National Art Gallery and, it being Sunday, at- The house that tended services the Domkirke, where a special mass was stands there today held in honor of the 100th anniversary of the dissolution of is too new to have the union between Norway and Sweden. We were pleased been lived in by our with the unexpected surprise of also having several mem- ancestors but it is bers of the royal family attend the same service. A busy af- probable that some ternoon followed with a visit to the Akershus Castle and the of the outbuildings Norwegian Resistance Museum, The Oslo Harbour, and the are from their time. Viking Ship Museum. In the evening we met with a relative We then went on to and his girlfriend who took see Grensplassen av us to see the Holmenkollen Gren Mellom, the ski jump and the Vigeland home of Jens Ol- statue park. sen’s parents. This The next morning we house was older rented a car and drove to and inside we found Sigdal. We stopped in Nore- some of the furnish- sund to buy the Krødsherad ings still intact. At Vatnås Church bygdeboker and also toured Vest Halvorset, the Villa Fridheim before con- home of the parents tinuing on to Prestfoss of Jens’ wife Turi, the old house was now being used as a where our accommodation storage shed but it was interesting to note the very old was at the Folk- framed picture of Martin Luther that hung on the wall in- musikksenter. We toured the side. We also toured Vatnås church where Jorgina had been museum that afternoon and baptized. later our relatives, Ivar Rav- Following our tour we returned to the home of Reidar nås, Reidar Green, and (C o nti nue d on page 9 ) Reidar’s granddaughter Charlotte and Reidar Sigdalslag Saga V olume 26, Issue 1 Page 9

Just For Fun… On a dark night in the middle of a terrible thunderstorm an out-of-state traveler was on the side of the road, hitchhiking. Time passed slowly and no cars went by. It was raining so hard he could hardly see his hand in front of his face. Suddenly he saw a car moving slowly, ap- proaching and appearing ghostlike in the rain. It slowly and silently crept toward him and stopped. Wanting a ride real bad, he jumped in the car and closed the door. Only then did he realize that there was nobody behind the wheel, and Reidar and Harvey leaving Grensplassen no sound of an engine to be heard over the rain. Again the car crept slowly forward and (Continued from page 8) one dollar bill that I had enclosed the guy was terrified, too scared to think of and his wife Anne Elise to enjoy for postage. jumping out and running. the delicious meal of reindeer that The next morning we left she had prepared while we were He saw that the car was approaching a sharp Prestfoss and followed Reidar and away. Later in the afternoon we curve, and still too scared to jump, he began to Anne Elise to see the church in were joined by Reidar’s sister and pray and begged for his life. He was sure the Eggedal and to tour the home of brother in-law, Orlaug and Bjarne ghost car would run off the road into the ditch the artist Christian Skredsvig. Af- Koppergård, and Reidar and Or- filled with water, and he would surely drown! ter saying goodbye Harvey and I laug’s nephew, Ivar Ravnås and continued on to Valdres, and then But just before the curve a shadowy figure his wife. We all had a good laugh to Toten. I left Norway on June 21 appeared at the driver's window and a hand when Ivar brought out a letter that to visit my relatives in Austria and reached in and turned the steering wheel, I had wrote to him when I was thir- Harvey returned to Canada from guiding the car safely around the bend. Then, teen years old. He then apologized Oslo the following day. just as silently, the hand disappeared through for never replying and returned the the window and the hitchhiker was alone again!

TO NORWAY THIS SUMMER! Paralyzed with fear, the guy watched the hand reappear every time they reached a curve. (Continued from page 3) page, there are links to an elec- Finally the guy, scared to near death, had all trip can be seen at our website, tronic brochure describing the trip he could take and jumped out of the car and www.sigdalslag.org. A complete and a reservation form that can be ran to town. itinerary can be seen at printed out. www.sigdalslag.org/2006trip.asp. Wet and in shock, he went into a bar and with Please pass this message along his voice quavering, he ordered two shots of At the bottom of that to others, including non-members, whiskey. He then told everybody about his who might like to travel supernatural experience. A silence enveloped along with us. We the room and everybody got goose bumps need 25 reserva- when they realized the guy was serious and not just some drunk. tions, $400 each, by April 15th to However, within about half an hour, two guys make this trip a walked into the bar and one said to the other, success! "Look Lars, ders dat idiot dat rode in our car when we wuz pushin it in da rain."

Ringness Farm stubburs, Cindy Peterson Page 10 Sigdalslag Saga V olume 26, Issue 1

In Memory

ORLANDER BERNARD lived in Willmar. He retired in Hospital in Willmar. Surviving STOVERN 1970 after spending over 30 are his daughter, Lonnetta years, as a Postal Railroad Schroeder of Willmar; six Orlander Bernard was born on Clerk. After retiring, he drove grandchildren, Jolene Sobottka, August 14, 1905, in Crawford, bus for 13 years and also um- Brenda Schroeder, Jeff (and SD, the son of Nels and Anna pired home baseball games. Brenda) Schroeder, Bonnie (and Dravland) Stovern. His family Hildi died on September 26, Mark) DeZeeuw, Jay Schroeder lived in Rosholt, SD, Ratcliff, 1997. and Bobbie (and Mike) Saskatchewan, Canada and later Schmidt; 14 great grandchil- He was baptized and confirmed dren; six great-great grandchil- Duluth where he graduated in Rosholt, SD and was a mem- from Duluth Central High dren; step-children, Harold (and ber of Tripolis Evangelical Lorraine) Hydeen of Kandiyohi; School in 1926. He lettered in Lutheran Church where he had four sports, basketball, baseball, Violet Bricher of Coral Springs, served as the church secretary - FL; Kelly (and Irene) Lindblad football and track. On October treasurer. 12, 1929, he was united in mar- of Benson; five st ep- grandchildren and 9 step-great riage to Grace Fuller in the O.B. was a Mason for over 70 Little Brown Church in Iowa. grandchildren. Also surviving is years, a member of the Amateur his sister-in-law, Linnea Nord Following their marriage, they Trapshooting Association and lived in New Effington, SD, of Angwin, CA and special the Willmar Rifle and Pistol friend, Mae Grieve of Will mar. where he was a meat cutter and League. He received the All had a hatchery and they lived American Trapshooting Award Besides his wives, Grace and for a short time in St. Paul be- in 1972 from the AT A. He was Hildi, he was preceded in death fore moving to Willmar in inducted into the Minnesota by his parents, infant daughter, 1946. Grace died on April 19, Hall of Fame in 1990. Besides Kathrine and brother, Lloyd. 1963. On September 26, 1964, trapshooting, O.B.'s other pas- he was united in marriage to sion was the Minnesota Twins. (source: Earl Knutson) Hildur Hydeen at Tripolis If you have information on a Evangelical Lutheran Church. O.B. died Monday, November departed member, please contact Following their marriage, they 14, 2005 at Rice Memorial the editor.

(Continued from page 4) erty ownership; type of home you would provide, crops, etc.” Located 2 blocks north of the Holiday Genealogy evening hours- 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Inn

FRIDAY, JULY 14 x Power Point pictures - 2005 Norway scenes will be shown in the Hospitality Room. Registration, Classes, Vendors, Genealogy - 9:00 am - 3:00 pm (closed noon - 1 pm) x Trolley Rides thru downtown area and Falls Park. Hospitality Room open til 5:00 pm. 10:00am - 9:00pm Banquet 10th floor Holiday Inn - 6:00 pm x Light & Sound Show at dusk at Falls Park Dinner, Program & Bunad Parade. This will be a sit x Sc ulpture Walk on Phillips Ave downtown S.F. down, served meal. (Final meal price pending. Possi- x Several city parks and golf courses. bly $21.00) Music by Minnehaha Mandskor. SATURDAY, JULY 15 x Center for Western Studies - Fantle Bldg, Augus- tana College has a display of a Norwegian pioneer Lag meetings and lag scheduled activities - 9:00 house. All the furnishings were bought in Norway am at Holiday Inn by the Fantle family and donated to the College.

FREE DAILY ACTIVITIES: LODGING is available at the host hotel 605-339-2000 ($79) or contact the Sioux Falls Convention and Visi- x Old Courthouse Museum - open daily 9:00 am to tors Bureau at 1-800-333-2072, or 605-336-1620, or 5:00 pm; Thursday evening til 9:00 pm. They visit their website at www.siouxfallscvb.com. The have an interesting display, "If you were a Pioneer Hadeland lag website also has campground informa- Immigrant - what would be your choice of: Prop- tion. Sigdalslag Saga V olume 26, Issue 1 Page 11

Schedule of Events Photographer : Johannes Elbert Copyright : The Ibsen Museum x January 27 - March 5, 2006 In Oslo “THE MASTER BUILDER” Date : 1891 Henrik Ibsen Aurora Theater, Berkeley, CA 510-843-4822 Ibsen Year 2006 Place : Munich, Germany www.auroratheatre.org The year 2006 will mark the 100th anniversary of x February 7 - April 2, 2006 with are still relevant - the death of the Norwe- “REVISITED” Photos from very much so. Even today, Norway by Helene Sobol gian playwright Henrik some of his texts are cen- Nordic Heritage Museum, Seattle, Ibsen. The Norwegian sured and some of his WA www.nordicmuseum.org Ministry of Cultural Af- plays prohibited in parts of x February 17 & 18, 2006 fairs has decided that this the world by authorities Nordic Spirit Symposium is to be commemorated who consider them too controversial and "On the Cutting Edge: Leading as the Ibsen Year all over the world. Scientific, Technological, Envi- too much of a threat to the establishment. ronmental and Cultural Devel- Throughout the year, a wide range of The program for the year will be extensive. opments in the Nordic Coun- events will be arranged both in Norway and tries". CA Lutheran University, The Norwegian program will be developed abroad, which will highlight the impor- Thousand Oaks, Ca 818-788-4552 and coordinated by the National Ibsen tance of Ibsen's legacy and provide oppor- Committee. The international program will x February 19 - May 8, 2006 tunities for fresh interpretations of his EDVARD MUNCH: The be coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign work. At least one of his plays will be per- Modern Life of the Soul Affairs in cooperation with the National formed on a stage somewhere in the world Museum of Modern Art, NYC Committee, the foreign service missions every single day. 212-708-9400 and Ibsen societies in Norway and other x March 9 - April 19, 2006 Ibsen proclaims the freedom of the individ- countries. SENSUALITY & SURVIVAL: ual in his work, but his humanistic ideals We are looking forward to presenting a New Nordic Designs art & are too rich and varied to be categorized in wide range of events that will take place all sculpture. Atrium Gallery & Court- a single philosophy. What he does is to over the world in 2006. The Ibsen Year yard, 600 Townsend St., San Fran- show paths we can follow in our own will be a tribute to the playwright's promi- cisco www.nordic5arts.org search for personal freedom, shaking life nent position in the world of drama. We x March 10 & 11, 2006 and forcing it to reveal its secrets, to bor- hope that these events will be a source of 18th Annual NOBEL PEACE row James Joyce's imagery. enrichment and inspiration for a new gen- PRIZE FORUM Luther College, eration of world citizens. Decorah, IA 563-387-1001 More than any other writer, he has forced x March 11, 2006 us to reflect on our fundamental rights and Author: Bentein Baardson, Director Ibsen 2006 Source: Norway.org SNOWSHOE THOMPSON values. The social conflicts he confronts us Anniversary Celebration Genoa, NV 530-694-2266 x May 6 & 7, 2006 Sigdalslag Members Send in Surveys NORWAY DAY FESTIVAL Sigdalslag Surveys have been received from: Fort Mason, Herbst Pavilion, San Francisco www.norwayday.org x John Cyrus, Chaska, MN on the descendants of SVEND ELLEFSEN from Råeneie in Krødsherad. x July 13-15, 2006 x Pauline Felelon, Janesville, MN, on the descendants of EMBERT 7 LAG STEVNE BERNHARDT LYTH ORUMSEN HARTZ 2006 Holiday Inn Convention Cen- ter, Sioux Falls SD . x Cheryl Nousaine, Sutter Creek, CA. On the descendants of FINGAR KRISTOFFERSEN FRØVOLLFLATIN. Sigdalslag Saga FIRST CLASS MAIL

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