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VOL XX NO 1 FEBRUARY 2CXXJ Serving Norwegian-Americans of Sigdal, Eggedal and Kredsherad Ancestry
COMING EVENTS Festivals Honor Vikings, Emigrants Two special anniversaries will be celebrated throughout the year Feb 27 - Concert: Soprano Anne- 2000. Many communities, especially in Norway and the United lise Berntzen, born in Eggedal, States, will celebrate the Viking discovery of America by Leif presents "Engleskyts", sacred Norse Erikson 1,000 years ago and the second series of events mark the folk songs, with organist Nils Henrik 175th year since the first emigrant ship, Restauration, from Asheim at St. Marks Episcopal Norway docked in the harbor at New York. Cathedral. Tickets $15 (center and gallery) and $10 (sides). Send a Norwegian emigration 2000 festivals are being held in Hadeland, return address with a check, Visa Hallingdal, Land, Rogaland, and Sigdal, among other places. In the or Mastercard number (plus United States there will be announcements for several major expiration date and your signature) immigration celebrations, including those at Ellis Island and New to St. Mark's Cathedral Tickets, 519 York where many ancestors were admitted as US immigrants. Oak Grove St, Minneapolis, MN 55403. Phone: 612-870-7800 for The international exhibition, "Vikings: The North Atlantic Saga." availablity. Open seating at 3:30 opens April 29, 2000, at the Smithsonian Institution's Museum of for concert beginning at 4:30 pm. Natural History in Washington, D.C. where it will remain for four months. It explores the impact of new archaeological finds that April 22 - Nordic Brunch, a day-long have re-defined the world's knowledge of early North American event sponsored by Minneapolis and Scandinavian life. Friends of Vesterheim Museum. Call. linda Mona, 612-944-3110. The exhibit occupies 5,500 square feet of exhibition space with more than 200 artifacts. It is produced by the the Museum of April 29 - Vikings Exhibiton opens, Natural History in partnership with the White House Millennium Washington, D.C. Council and the Nordic Council of Ministers. After its premier, "Vikings" will tour for two years, taking it to New York, Ottawa, May 6 - Annual meeting of Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago and other US Cities. Bygdelagenes Fellesraad for delegates and guests. Leif Erikson (whose name is spelled a dozen ways) celebrations celebrating the 1,000th year of the Vikings in North America owe May 14 & 17 Syttende Mai events a huge debt of gratitude to a Norwegian archaeologist couple, Helge and Anne Stine Ingstad. They unearthed Viking finds in June- Emigration festivals (Norway) Newfoundland, showing a Viking settlement ca. 1000. (see p. 3)
June - last weekend is Hjemkomst Icelandic and Norwegian sagas had long ago recorded episodes of Festival in Fargo, NO, and Viking voyages and forays, including Vinland (Greenland) which Moorhead, MN had been passed in oral tradition as well. These tales were known by Norwegians immigrating to America because Rasmus Anderson July 13-15 - 7 LAG STEVNE at NO in 1867 delivered a Viking discovery lecture at Albion Academy in State College of Science, Wahpeton, Wisconsin. He suggested a day to commemorate the Vikings, and NO, for lags representing Norwegian Leif Erikson in particular, and campaigned and supported this origins from Land, Hadeland, position for the next 60 years. Funds were raised for a Leif Numedal, Ringerike Drammens Erikson statue in Boston in 1887 with the help of violinist Ole Bull, Districts, Sigdal, Telemark and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and other notable Americans. Toten. Professor Anderson promoted a bill in Wisconsin's legislature July 28-30 - Decorah, lA, hosts its which was passed in 1929, stating that the Governor should issue 34th Nordic Fest. Call for housing an annual proclamation designating that October 9 be Leif Erikson suggestions 1-800-382-FEST. Day. October 9, 1825, was the anniversary of the Restauration arriving in New York, a company known as the Sioopers. (continued, page 3)
~ ...... - Calendars Arrive From Kredsherad FRA PRESIDENTEN
Sigdalslag again thanks Inge Thorud, ordferer of Kredsherad Kommune, for the calendars which We Norwegians first set foot in America 1000 arrived recently, according to Carol Meade, years ago when Leif Erickson and his crew president. landed in what is now Canada. Adventure is part of the Norwegian heritage. This is the 13th year a calendar has utilized historic pictures from the community and sent A visit to Alexandria, Minnesota, to see the greetings for Christmas and the New Year. Kensington Rune Stone and examine its history is an interesting and educational trip. Olaf Extra copies of the year 2000 calendar are Ohman, an immigrant farmer, unearthed a rock available to members for a donation to the lag's covered with strange markings on his homestead publishing fund on a first come, first served basis. over 100 years ago. The markings are ancient Postage and envelope will take the first $1.50, so Norse runes. They document a journey of please keep that in mind when you make out your exploration to this area in 1362 A.D. by a group check to Sigdal lag with "KK kalender" on the of eight Goths (Swedes) and 22 Norsemen. memo line. Send your check to treasurer Don Skadeland and Carol Meade will send your Controversy of the stone's authenticity persists. calendar. Some believe it is a hoax, but I like to believe it is authentic, as do some researchers. Even two The cover picture includes one of three Norwegian visitors to the Mall of America transportation centers for horse and cart, the recently told my son they were convinced the taxi of its day, at Olberg skyss-stasjon. stone was inscribed by early Vikings. Now januar- Ten top leaders of Kmdsherad since January 1, doesn't that make you proud? 1901, when the kommune received its authority to be independent: Truls A. Strand 1901-1904; Ole A Plans for the summer of 2000 were discussed at Schinnress1904-1907; HansWang 1908-1922; Wilhelm W. Sorterberg,1923-1926; EivindDybendal,1929-1931, a Sigdalslag board meeting at my home January 1935-1940, 1946-1955; Torsten Heslien 1932-1934; 19, one of the snowiest days we have had. We Invald Granum 1956-1982; Gudbrand Halmrast 1982- were pleased that Earl O. Knutson from New 1991; Truls Levli 1992-1995; and Inge Thorud since Jersey made the trip to be present while taking 1995. care of some research stops along the way. februar-1) Olympic games 1952 Gold Medalist slal~m winner, Stein Eriksen and other athletes; 2) 1993 Genealogy at the 7 Lag Stevne July 13 to 15th Olympic torchbearer Monica Granum mars- 1960 KrederenSchool & teacher Bjern Skagestad should be better than ever this year. The 7 Lag april- 1954 K~re Skogstad w/mother Margit Skogly, group has purchased the Rowberg File microfisch grandmother, Kristi K I1ldegard& dtr Helen Margrethe and arranged to purchase a reader for each lag mai- Scenic Noresund picture with dwellings identified from the 7 Lag treasury. Sigdal Lag had the juni 11ThorleifRudolf Akselsen; 210lav Hess, Ragnvald option to purchase the dual lens microfisch reader Torstenrud, (not identified), and Kristian Kjemperud instead for an extra $90 and the board decided juli- 1916 first open air sporting event at Skinnesmoen to do that. august- 1920 funeral procession of Erik O. Lesteberg september- Idyllic view of Krederfjord from Noresund october- Ingvald Granum invited industries to kommune Newer members may not be aware of the november 1)1880s emigrants to Albert Lea, MN: 3 extensive data base maintained by our children of EvenGunderseng.m. Kristi Andersdtr Raaen, genealogist Lee Rokke for the Sigdal-Eggedal and 1878. 210le Kittilsen, f. Kvernplassen em.1902 to Kredsherad areas. Just key in your ancestor's America name for information on your ancestral lines. desember-Pastorsliving at Bjertnes:J. Moe, O.P.Monrad, A. Hovden, J.P.Kjelstad, Theo. Dahl, C.F. Falkenberg, J. Einarsen,G.B.Thoresen,Olav Bjartli, Tarjei Nordgaren, Excitement for the 2000 Sigdal Tour appears to KjartanAlm~s, and l1lyvindMreland, pastor since 1993. be building as the waiting time for departure in next page Lists party affiliations of (5) leaders in June decreases. We thank the local committee business, industry, sports and government followed by in Norway for all the work they are doing to help an overview of 2001. us appreciate "our" areas of Norway.
Besides the mayor's greetings on the back cover Hilsen, are those of the working committee, Helga lIldegArd, Ragne Hansen and Bodil Granum. slCarol Rugland Meade Notable holidays are listed for 2000 and 2001. 2 HELGE INGSTAD TURNS 100 a small Newfoundland fishing village. Radiocarbon dating of charcoal from the site indicated it was Few reach a 100th birthday, but December 30, occupied and in use about year 1000. 1999, Helge Ingstad, the anthropologist and archealogist, reached that mark. Besides the news Testimony about the Ingstad findings was given on radio, TV, and in the papers, Oslo had a torch before the US House Judiciary Committee in March light parade from Oslo to Ingstad's house to honor 1964. Helge Ingstad came from Norway and his efforts. Even though he spans three centuries, Senators Henry M. Jackson and Warren G. Ingstad still lives at home in Vettakollen, high above Magnuson from the state of Washington were the city of Oslo. among the 17 called to testify. Petitions from Scandinavian organizations and individuals added . He became a living legend by proving that Nordic support which was assisted through Congress by Vikings arrived in North America 500 years before former Minnesota Senator and then Vice President, Columbus, thereby rewriting world history. Hubert H. Humphrey. The US Congress passed the bill which settled on the spelling, Leif Erikson Some life remembrances leading up to the birthday Day; it has been proclaimed October 9 by the were shared with a reporter. Growing up in Bergen, President of the United States since 1964. Ingstad knew the man who owned the first automobile there in 1909 because he lived on the Many states issue proclamations requested by same street. He remembered Bjorstjerne Bjernson's residents. To date at least 36 states--often those body being brought back from Paris in 1910 aboard with significant numbers of Scandinavian heritage the panzer ship, Norway. Or the Swedish pilot --have issued Leif Erikson proclamations. Cedarstrem who arrived in Bergen by plane in the same era. In his lifetime there were many others. Last year Martin Olav Sabo (D/MN) and the Friends of Norway Caucus sent a letter to the Postmaster Ingstad and his wife spent much time between General to request a Leif Erikson stamp. A bill has 1960 and 1968 performing archeological research passed in the House of Representatives to allow a at the L'Anse aux Meadows site on the northern joint minting of coins by the US and Iceland to tip of Newfoundland. This followed from living in commemorate Leif's voyage. Readers can write the wilderness previously--in Arctic areas of Svalbard their Senator to urge support this bill. and Greenland as well as South America --and being involved in the resistance movement in Wor'ld War BYGDELAGENES FELLESRAAD TO MEET II. Many scientific articles have been published MA Y 6 A T WYNDHAM GARDEN HOTEL world wide. Carol Meade and Amy Michelsen are Sigdal Lag Among his published books are The Norse Discovery delegates to the 84th annual meeting of of America in 1985 and The Viking Discovery of Bygdelagenes Fellesraad May 6 from 8:30 AM to America in 1991. Helge Ingstad is decorated with 12:30 PM at Wyndham Garden Hotel, 4460 West the St. Olav Medal, is an honorary member of the 78th St Circle, Bloomington, MN. (612-831-3131) Norwegian Scientific Academy, and holds several Snapshots may be seen and ordered from the honorary doctoral degrees. He is currently working Bygdelag Centennial at Decorah last July. on his twelfth book and is still playing chess with his friends. ' Guests may also attend and the cost for the breakfast meeting of the national council of Sources this page: Norway Times, Jan 13, 2000 bygdelag is $11 if postmarked by April 15 or $13 per person if postmarked by April 30. Make checks payable to Fellesraad. Secretary R. Lee Festivals - - (continued from page 1) Brown will receive advance reservations by mail In 1893 Norwegian Captain Magnus Anderson only. His address is 2210 Spruce Trail, Golden made headlines by sailing a replica Viking ship from Valley, MN 55422. Norway across the Atlantic to the Chicago Columbian Exposition. Anderson sought to prove Each lag is asked to submit current officer to a doubting world that Erikson's voyage was information with phone numbers and e-mail for a possible about year 1000. lag directory. Contact Carol Meade by March 1 with changes in information. Lag presidents are Renewed interest for Leif Erikson gained strength also asked to survey members and officers for the again in the 1950s, but during the early 1960s the number of directories each lag wishes to order. proof came with the Ingstad finds. They had Her phone number and e-mail appear on page 12 discovered and excavated traces of nine structures if you wish to order/buy a copy of the directory. and a primitive smithy near L'Anse aux Meadows,
3 Genealogy Views and News by LeeRokke
A big TUSEN TAKK! to all members who took GIFTS & MEMORIALS the time and effort to collect, copy and donate $'00 to the Genealogy Fund old photographs. given by Larry & Linda Rolfstad
Photographs. depicting the life and work of In memory of Lawrence Solum: emigrants from Sigdal and their families. were $5 to the Publishing Fund - Elaine Schulstad donated by Sigdalslag members and they now have been forwarded to Norway. A Sigdalslag Family History Survey Life member Havard Stilvern reported that the has been received from each of the following: pictures had arrived in Prestfoss and that they *Diane Rostvold on the family of Gunder were very pleased with the number. variety, Johnsen Bergetre and Kari Fingardsdtr Evju. and quality of the pictures. *Elaine Helgeson Hasleton, Centerville. UT, on the family of Helge Olsen and Kjersti Aslesdatter Subjects in the photographs appear first, Skaalia. followed by the member who sent them: * Joann Ronningen. West Concord, MN, on Gore Olsdtr Endeberg. Anders Gulliksen by Judith Sosted, Northfield, *Kirsten Peterson, London, England, on the MN; the Ansten family by Rosella Goettelman, family of Christian Olsen Rustand. *Ed Espe. Bemedji, MN, on the descndants of Decorah. IA; Carl Olsen Bjorndalen & family by Anne Andersdtr Grensbratan. Sonja Minchau, Calgary, AB, Canada; Christen *Sigrid and Harald Medalen. Petersburg, Alaska. Bergerud family by Esther Ugstad. Mesa, AZ; Harald emigrated from Eggedal in '950. Edward Enger by Vivian Enger Erbes. Worthington, MN; Ellef Anderson by Elvera Bisbee, Tracy, MN; Elling Enger family by Irene GENEALOGY QUERIES Navarre, Albuquerque. NM; Gotfred Gulliksen Earl Knutson (mail address p. , 2) and Colleen by Anita Welsh, Vancouver, WA; the Gronseth Cameron are seeking information and contact family by Marilyn G. Moen, Erhard, MN; with descendants of the Golackson family of Franklin County, IA. Listed in '900 census was Gullik Thorstensen Lindbo and Thea Larsdtr Nels Golackson, b. Norway, April' 852. age 48; Dahlen by Roy and Carol Sund, Maple Plain. m. 26 years & imm '857. naturalized citizen, MN; Gunnar Johnsen Bergetre and Karl owns farm (no mortgage. Wife, Carrie, b. Fingarsdtr Evju by Diane Hatlevig Rostvold, Wisconsin of Norwegian parents August '852. Lakeside Park, KY; Halvor and Mari Gronseth age 47; 9 children. 6 of whom still living: by Gunhild Gronseth Lundquist, Rose Prairie, dtr lena B.• b. Iowa, January , 883, age '5 BC, Canada; Helge Skadeland by Don dtr Cora R., b. Iowa. March , 887, age '3 Skadeland, Omaha, NB; Kristi Hansdtr dtr Gina R.• b. Iowa, February' 888, age" Liubriiten and Kristen Narveson Hiaasen by son lewis A., b. Iowa. June' 890, age' 0 David Rokke, Apple Valley, MN; Carrie is the daughter of Christian Narveson Hektoa 1'824-'890) and Anne Ellefsdatter, both Jakob Pedersen Leegard by Elaine Schulstad, from Sigda!. Mesa, AZ; the Medalen family by June Barrett, A second query: Seeking contact with Colorado Springs, CO; Ole Knudsen Bakken by decendants of Gunhild & John Johnson, and Mary Lee Rokke, Apple Valley. MN; Ole Knudsen & Sven Johnson. The wives were daughters of family by Earl O. Knutson, Budd Lake, NJ; Knud Narveson Hektoa (1826-1873), born at Peter Johnson Organvika by Enid Johnson Hovland, Sigda!. Mary was born 23 Jan 1867. Ringdahl, Fergus Falls, MN; Mathilda Anderson Green Co, WI and baptized Torine Marie. Gunhild, by Norma Wangsness, Decorah, IA; Narve also known as Cornelia. was 4 years older. Both Olson Lesteberg and Ingeborg Gulbrandsdtr Johnson families are believed to have lived in SW Kvernplassen by Corrine Lesteberg Johnson, Wisconsin. Replies also bye-mail: Bloomington, MN; Torger Torkilsen and Ingerid < [email protected]> or Ellingsdtr by Larry Rolfstad. Rapid City. SD. < [email protected]>
4 Three of the seven lag--Hadeland, Land. and Sigdal-- will be in Norway in June. This means that many of the details, including registration, need to be done well in advance since so many members and officers will be away from home. Each group has a financial stake in making the stevne a good one. Last year's income is being invested in new microfisch readers. See page 2.
LAG BOUND FOR NORWAY TOUR
Larry and Linda Rolfstad, our tour coordinators, report 49 current lag members bound for the Emigrant 2000 Celebration in Sigdal, Eggedal and Krl1ldsheradin June. This excellent response Volunteer hosts at Olin Hall last July 29 in Decorah are constitutes a fully subscribed motorcoach. Carol Meade. leg president, and AI Stevens, treasurer of Valdres Samband and of NSI. A.HansonlFellearaad photo Therefore, a first come, first served waiting list will begin to fill any cancellations. Before contacting the tour leaders, they will want to know: are you a current Sigdalslag member? NSI Plans 7 Lag Stevne and is your passport is valid? Please contact Rolfstads as soon as possible, July 13-15 at Wahpeton, ND 11-0 Glendale Lane, Rapid City, SO 57702, by e-mail
Residence hall housing and registration blanks will be in Sigdalslag SAGA in May along with details about the entire event to be held at the NO State College of Science, Wahpeton, NO. Banquet tickets will be ordered on the registration blank as well.
Volunteers for Sigdal's genealogy needs may contact Lee Rokke. Needed: volunteers at genealogy registration, helpers at machines, and assistants with resource materials and translation. Or offer Don Skadeland help at Sigdal's registration table.
Everyone needs to be registered with a badge to be admitted to any part of the program: NABC genealogy volunteers at Decorah July 29. 1999: Dick genealogy research & classes, entertainment, Holter. lseated. right to left), Lee Rokke. Rosella Goettelman. and l ?}. Gordon StrandlB.Fellesraad photo and Saturday daytime lag meetings.
5 ..
The Christmas Tree in Sigdal by Andreas Msrch
Published in Norway in Under Noref"j8/J,No 2, 7999, a magazine of local history for Krsdsherad and Sigdal for the past 15 years. this article. translated by Marilyn Somdahl, looks back over a custom taken for granted now. Illustrations are by H6vard Stsvern. Prestfoss. During his lifetime, Msrch was a teacher as well as Sigdal's historian, genealogist, and author. If one has ever watched burning candles on a fragrant, freshly cut tree at Christmas. one may consider this living light as a fitting thought also for Epiphany.
The Christmas tree is usual now. There aren't spruce, but it reached from floor to ceiling many homes where it is missing. but this those first years trees were used. Little by custom came her to Krildsherad and Sigdal little the trees became smaller so that they about 1900. didn't take up so much space in the room. It was the schools that Now they stand willingly upon a table, or when introduced Christmas they must, reach to the roof. Otherwise it can trees and it was usual only be a little pip of a tree with a few candles to have parties around on it, especially if no children are in the house. the tree everywhere after the turn of the century. Fewer paper decorations are used now than 25 For those first fests the years ago. and glitter and fake snow have tree was decorated with increased. Rows of colored glass balls were korger og prestesekker usual previously, but they are almost "out" (heart baskets and cone- now. There shaped receptacles) of are always colored, shiny paper. candles,but candles in holders clipped some aren't to the branch, and burned, oranges or apples hanging up with twine which is against the tree's trunk. In additon. there were preferable "gifts" on the trees. where one is alore with There were small things such as combs. a tiny tree. capguns, pocketbooks, mirrors and trifles down In later years to a thoroughly cheap price of about 25 ilre, electric (about three cents today; 100 me = 1 kroner). Christmas The children had. before the party, each lights have chipped in 25 ilre. During the juletrefest it come into was possible to claim the numbered "gifts" by the homes. ~ pulling a paper chance out of a hat. Afterward but not there could be reasons for a little fun of trading everybody or swapping these gifts. likes "cold" lights. They want living, flickering candles. From the schools the Christmas tree came into the homes, but 60-70 years ago it was not Who should decorate the tree? That changed customary to have them, even if some had from home to home and from grownups at first taken up this custom. There were many and then to the children in most homes. There elderly that looked at the Christmas tree with were few places where the children were kept glitter, baskets, and finery (or trash, depending away from the room where the tree stood until on one's view). as an unnecessary expense. all the candles had been lighted. That might have been done in the homes of the doctor or The chosen tree was often a bushy little the priest. (continued to the next page)
6 Christmas Tree in Sigdal - - Jacob Fjelde's Ibsen Returns It was usual that the candles be lighted during Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve. and when the To Como Park in S1. Paul decorations came off and the goodies were to be harvested from the tree. It was certainly A festive second dedication was held for about 100 not usual to witnesses (including the editor and her husband) honor day 13 October 3D, 1999, to welcome the return of a of Christmas bronze bust stolen from an eight foot pedestal in with a lighted Como Park, St. Paul, MN, in 1982. tree, as far as I can verify Both the sculptor, Jacob Fjelde, and the subject, Henrik Ibsen, were born in Norway. A young Fjelde now. had visited the famous dramatist and poet in 1885. He modelled a plaster bust from life, and three Where people bronze Fjelde busts of Ibsen were cast. The others sang a little stand in Tacoma, WA, and Wahpeton, ND, on the and had NDSCS campus (where the 7 Lag meet in July). children in the house, they Knowledge of Fjelde's work and a bit of luck helped walked around rescue the Minnesota Ibsen. While Karen Daniels the tree on was an Augsburg College student, she believed a prop in a metro area video store was the missing Christmas Eve Ibsen. She wisely notified her art history professor, and sang the Kristin Anderson, to take a look. The bust, in most loved Now the custom of putting edibles in heart Other Fjelde commISSIons include the Minnesota shaped baskets or hanging cookies or fruit on Soldiers Memorial at Gettysburg (PA) National the tree has ended. Military Cemetery and Minnehaha and Hiawatha statue in Minnehaha Park, Minneapolis, the site of Norway Day. the second Sunday of July. 7 THEY WILL NEVER GET THROUGH HAVERSTING by Elling M. Solheim This article appeared in RingtHike, No. 65. 1993-94 and is used here with the permission of translator, Liesel Kessler. It was first published in Ringerike Orammen Districts .BREV in October 1999. This account from the 1920s gives the flavor of made huge, even tracks in the snow. the challenges faced by both the people and the railroad of that time. Brekkebygda in Ringerike It was late when we got there. The name of would. not be far from fjrgenvika in the upper the place was Braaten and was at the foot of reaches of Kredsherad, and people would share the Haversting Mountain. When we reached the same kinds of mountain terrain. - Editor's note farm yard, a train rushed out of the mountain and headed southward with sparks flying. It was already very dark when the train "That was the eastbound Bergen train," said stopped at Rallerud station. Not much traffic, Father. "The tunnel is right up there. You will only two persons got off--an older man and his hear more about it, I think. But now we have son. The station master accepted a few to go in." packages, before giving the all-clear signal. With a cloud of smoke after it, the train Two elkhounds flashed their teeth at us at the disappeared up over the valley. The man and entrance. A man hushed them. Then the door his son stood a while and watched it; then opened and an old woman came out. It was they took the road northward. Aunt Rilnnaug, mother's sister, whom we therefore called "Moster". Let us follow these two as they tramp away in the misty February evening. The older man "Well, so this is the new schoolmaster! He is was my father and I am the young boy who not very big, either." A workworn hand took followed him. This all happened back in the mine and a wonderful smile lit up her wrinkled beginning of the 1920s. Much has taken face. place since then, but that evening is very clear in my memory. We were on an unusual What my first day as teacher was like does not errand; at the age of sixteen I was to start as belong to this story, but I can say it went quite school teacher in Brekkebygda and we were well. I did not get beat up by my pupils as my now on the way to the place where I was to older brother had teased me would happen. live. I will not deny I was unsure and anxious. The children sat quietly in their places and were so shy I could hardly get a word out of "Well, here you see the community," said them. We became the best friends in the Father as he pointed up over the valley. I did world. not see anything but black forest which blended into the dark evening sky. When I I started to orient myself in the community and asked where people lived, Father said I would surroundings. Homes were far apart with find out later. forests in every direction, and this had its influence on the people who lived there. They "You will have to remember they do not have were curious, hospitable, and helpful. What electricity up here. They use paraffin lamps really intrigued me was the Haversting tunnel. yet." I winced at the thought and mumbled It had such a mystical attraction for me. One something about hopefully not growing old day I took a trip up there. here. A train had just gone west so it would be "What foolishness," said Father and his some time before another could be expected. expression was indignant. "You will have to I carefully crawled up the steep incline and start being an adult here. People in these then forward to the tunnel opening. There was parts do not give up because the road gets a a pungent smell of coal smoke and a gust of little crooked now and then. You will see how ice cold mountain. I carefully worked myself beautiful it is when spring comes." into the chill, forbidding darkness. Every step I took made a hollow sound. The trapped The last part was supposed to comfort a little smoke closed in around me, shutting out the boy who was afraid of the dark. I felt shame opening and light. I was alone in a primeval burn within me and clenched my teeth. It darkness (continued on the next page) would be all right. Father's leather boots 8 Getting Through Haversting - - What was this foolishness the young which had been there since the time of whippersnapper tried to get people to believe? creation. A paralyzing fear gripped me. Moster had lived in Brekkebygda all her life and Unseen hands moved everywhere, wanting to worked harder than many. And now this keep me there forever. Mysterious figures young squirt was telling them there would be yawned and laughed. Now the whole flock a hole right through the mountain. It was came to throw themselves on me. I started to shameful to listen to such nonsense--almost run --run for my life to the tunnel opening, like making fun of God. Moster felt she had ,stumbling, drawing blood from my falls on the every reason to be upset. crushed stone, then running again. Plunged almost unconscious into daylight. Remarkably enough, when people were on their way home from the meeting and gazed up at The mountain night had broken my spirit. majestic Haversting, they also felt Moster was Shamefully, I walked down to the Braaten right. It probably would be difficult to break houses again. What a pitiful creature I was! right through it. But they did not worry about it as they knew time would tell. The next time I spoke with Moster I asked her if it had not been hard for them up here And it did. without the railroad. She replied that they got along all right but back and legs suffered--also A road was made along the ridge and strange the nag. She added they had always had people wearing funny clothes came with all kinds of weird instruments for sighting, excellent horses at Braaten. measuring and climbing. Then the dynamiting When I asked her if she remembered the began and the people knew this was serious. building of the tunnel, she said there was quite an uproar when the idea was first mentioned A new life began in the town and Moster said this was good and bad--with snus, brandy, and and some people were angry. awful fighting. And then there was girl The first public discussion was held in the chasing on Saturday night, too. She thought schoolhouse where I am now teaching. some of the men quite interesting, even if they Newspapers were rare at that time; news were dark. travelled from person to person. There had long been talk about construction of a railroad "Did you think it was strange when the train to Bergen straight through the mountain went through Haversting, Moster?" Haversting. But no one took the rumors seriously. Only the schoolmaster kept himself "You know, I thought the whole thing was informed. At the proper time he called people amazing but I had to adjust to it. One dreary in the community together for a meeting at the November day the king's train raced through. school to explain the undertaking. And people We stood up by the tunnel to watch the cameo-from homes far into the forest and on show." poor roads. The old people wore their burial clothes as this was, of course, a solemn Moster straightened up and smiled. The development had won, but she was in some occasion. miraculous way not conquered. I could not The little school house was soon packed and quite explain it. But there was no doubt; the people listened reverently to what the teacher person within had not been defeated. had to say. He showed them on a chart where the railroad would go and drew a sketch with chalk on the blackboard. It was a real Program Books for Sale adventure! But when he finally asked the gathering to give three cheers for the blasting FROMTHE 1999 .. of Haversting, Moster could no longer hide her Norwegian-American Bygdelag Centennial anger and stood up to say in a loud voice, AT DECORAH. IOWA "They will never get through Haversting!" One book $5.50 llostpaid to US al!dresS\lS There was both surprise and laughter in the extra copies $4 each schoolhouse about Moster's outburst and the teacher was unable to pick up the thread of Checks in US funds to .. .. his talk again. NABC BOOK. 10129 Goodrich Cir,MpIB,MN5S4:n 9 booksbooksbooksbooksbooks Americans? It is suggested in the back of the book that, although life could not have been A BOOK REVIEW by Earl O. Knutson so sharply black-and-white as depicted by Foss, there is probably enough truth in the The Cotter's Son, A Story from Sigdal by story that readers could readily identify with. it, H.A.Foss, 1884, English translation by cheering for the success of someone from the J.G.Winkjer, 1962. Re-published by Smoky lowest class in Norwegian society, the cotter's Waters Press,Bismarck,ND, 1998 son. The opening lines of this book were enough to hook me. "In the innermost parish of Sigdal IN MEMORY Valley, Norway, (is) nestled the well known farm of Hovland. Its beautiful location upon a SIGMUND BENJAMIN BERGRUD (Aug 18, gentle slope by a mountain stream, with a 1911-Dec 21, 1999), a lifelong resident of large white home and red barns, surrounded Spring Grove, MN, was baptized, confirmed, by birches and fruit trees, made an appearance and bidden farewell December 24 at Trinity so impressive that it was considered the most Lutheran Church there with burial in the beautiful farm in the whole valley." church cemetery. He graduated from Spring Grove High Hovland! Great-great-grandfather Narve School in 1930 and married Inga C. Peterson Knutsen was born on a farm called Hovland! June 11, 1942, at Winona, MN. Like his This farm still exists and, as it says in the parents, Peder S. and Hannah (Henderson) book, it is very impressive. Bergrud, he farmed but also ran the movie theatre several years. For the past three years The coincidences continue. In the book, the he lived at Tweeten Health Center. parish church is called Holum, while the real· Survivors include two sons, Steven and life church in Prestfoss is Holmen. The time wife Joyce, Spring Grove; and Dennis and frame of the story is also of great interest. wife Karen, Stewartville, MN; grandchildren, From information on the last pages, we can Katie, Andy, Angela, and Peter. His wife, a judge that all the action in the book takes granddaughter, and sisters, Ruth and Minerva, place from about 1830 to 1853. Narve preceded him in death. Knutsen emigrated in 1850, so the book fits in "Sig" was named a Houston County nicely with his time in Sigdal. Outstanding Citizen of the Year, a member of the historical society in the county and an The book's plot line is rather thin, much like owner of a centennial farm. He served several an old western movie. Ole Haugen, son of the ASDS county (agricultural) committees and the dirt-poor cotter or husmann who lived at DFL State Central Committee. Mayor Hubert Hovland, is the main hero. After a deprived H. Humphrey and Minnesota Governor Orville childhood (described in detail), Ole emigrated Freeman were guests in his home. to America. He worked on construction in He was a member of the Farmers Illinois and was a farmhand in Wisconsin. Union, Vesterheim Norwegian-American Later he started a business in Chicago. Museum, Sons of Norway, Flying Farmer Association, Spring Grove Commercial Club, Ole was big, strong, industrious, handsome, FHA board member and Tweeten Hospital and had a good head on his shoulders. He Board. He was awarded "King of Trolls" became wealthy after just a few years in designation and he was a cast member of Ye America, then returned to Sigdal where he aide Opera House. bought Hovland. Then he married his During his years as a Sigdalslag childhood sweetheart, the daughter of the member, he translated Norwegian writings and former owner. performed in an ala og Per skit at the 1991 stevne in River Falls, WI. For me, the best-written part of the book is the episode where Ole got caught in a blizzard THE YEAR AFTER YOUR NAME ON THE LABEL SHOULD BE while walking from town back to the farm. I 2000 UP TO 2006 lOR lIFEl. THIS IS THE CASE FOR498 ADULT MEMBERSLIVING IN 283 PAID HOUSEHOLDS. ABOUT was greatly relieved when he survived that 35 HOUSEHOLDS/LIBRARIES FAILED TO RENEW AFTER 1999. one! SAGA WOULD LIKE HEAD/SHOULDER PICTURES OF 1 OR 2 ADULTS (may include minor children) WHO ARE NOW The book was a most popular one of its time. MEMBERS. CURRENTLY 133 HH PAID THROUGH 2000; 63 HH PAID THROUGH 2001; 69 HH PAID THROUGH 2002; AND 11 But, with its white-hat, black-hat characters, it HH ARE 2003-04-05 AND LIFE. REMINDER CARDS WERE SENT surely is not great literature. So why was it IN NOVEMBER, BUT JOINING FOR 3 YEARS SAVES MONEY so widely read by Norwegians and Norwegian- AND HASSLE. REQUEST 1 FREESAGA TO INTEREST KINFOLK. 10 -- IN MEMORY OLE M. FOSS (Sept 29, 1917-Jan 5, 2000) accompanied him to the Forest City stevne in died at Lake Region Hospital in Fergus Falls, 1996 and to Wahpeton in 1998. Roy kindly MN. Services were held January 10 at Rock telephoned the editor early in January. Prairie Lutheran Church, Elbow Lake, where he Ralph himself called for registration was a lifelong member. His grandchildren information immediately after being in touch were casketbearers and burial was at Ness Cemetery. with relatives working on family history in Norway. And nobody will forget the Canadian Two months earlier, Ole and Hazel Bordson hospitality he brought with him to share with Foss celebrated the 50th anniversary of their the entire group at his first lag meetingn marriage at Ness Church, October 30, 1949. gravlaks (salmon), flatbreads, and a beverage! Besides his wife, he is survived by children: He treasured travels to Norway. Gordon (Beth) Foss, Round Rock, TX; Sandra Ralph's Sigdal ancestor was Ingeborg (Tom) Hendrickson, Lakeville; Harriet (Barret) Aslesdatter Hoffart, a relative to the eight Wicklund, Fergus Falls; Tom (DeLores) Foss, Reistad relatives from Vikersund, Sigdal, and Ramsey; and Betty (Jay) Johnson, Elbow Lake; Eggedal, Norway, who also attended in 1998. 16 grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; Ralph, who had resided in Burnaby, BC, four sisters, Elvira Dahlen, Erdahl; Gudrun Canada, is survived by two sons, Derek, Palm Foss, San Diego, CA; Sue Foss, Chatsworth, Springs, CA, and Roy (Ginny) Surrey, BC, and CA; Barbara Foss, Spring Lake Park, CA; and a daughter, Ruth Ann Walters, St. Petersburg, aunt Myrtle Foss, Fergus Falls. FL, all recent members. Sigdal members He was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Gordon Thompson and Martha and brothers Louis, Kermit, and Nobel. Nelson are also relatives. Ole was born to Oluf and Kjeresti (Sund) Foss at home in Stony Brook Township, Grant ART BROWN (Sept 12, 1896-Nov 1, 1999) County, MN. After completing school and died at age 103 at the Green Lea Manor working for areas farmers, he had employment Nursing Home, Mabel, MN. Services were at at Hammond Redwood Company, Eureka, CA. First Lutheran Church, where he was a Enlisting in the US Coast Guard in 1941, member, with burial in the Lutheran Cemetery he was stationed at Cape Arago lighthouse at Mabel. near Coos Bay, OR and also served as boatswain's mate on a fireboat at Seattle. Art is survived by son Arland, Mabel, and a granddaughter, Michelle K. Brown, St. After their marriage, Ole and Hazel farmed Cloud, MN. Preceding him in death were is near Melby for two years before moving to wife, brothers Elmer and Hjalmer, and his their N. Ottawa Twp. farm which they parents Anton and Christina (Halstenrud) operated until 1968. They then moved to Brown (Broen). Elbow Lake and Ole was employed until his Born at Garvin, MN, Art moved to retirement at Christianson's, Inc. He most Mabel with his parents and attended Riceford recently lived at Broen Home, Fergus Falls. School. Sigdalslag members will remember Ole's He married Ada Knudson at Walnut sister Gudrun from stevner. Also in 1986 three Grove, MN, JUly 9, 1931. He was engaged in young grandkids took the Norway trip-- farming near Revere and Mabel, MN, before Heather, Eric, and Nicholas Hendricksonn and moving to the nearby Tawney area where he mom Sandy, who actively participates in farmed from 1950 until he retired in 1970. several lag as her parents have done. Ole Then they lived in Mabel since. served as Numedalslag treasurer and translator many years. Ada Knutson Brown died Nov 11, 1984. She had ancestry in Nerdalen, Eggedal, He reportedly enjoyed his role of Grandpa, and Art's Halstenrud/Grllnhovd ancestry was tending bonfires, untangling fishing lines and from Sigdal, according to member Paul Larson providing contraband chewing gum as he saw fit. who sent the information to SAGA. Paul's mother was a cousin of Art Brown. In the fall there were other traditions. • Even though he didn't always bag a deer, Ole Readers are invited to share obituary information; eagerly awaited the camaraderie of hunting Sigdal Lag's by-laws specify that this is how the season for more than 50 Novembers near lag will honor those who have passed the Norse Blackduck, MN. cultural legacy ro the next generations. Besides rhose mentioned, the editor thanks friends RALPH JORGENSEN, age 87, died December Rosella Goetrelman. Georgia Rosendahl and 13, 1999, according to his son, Roy, who Henry Berg for sending information. 11 Welcome, New Members T. Gershon Blackmore, Fargo, ND Mary & R.B. Carnes, San Diego, CA Marlenlj Engstrom, Edina, MN Edgar & Charlotte Espe, Bemidji, MN Inga Hammer, Fairdale, ND. Harland & Darlene Hanson, Hoffman, MN David Hardy, Palatine, IL Calvin Jokstad, Fargo, ND Marguerite Meade, Mounds View, MN Kirsten & John Peterson, London, England Tone Nress & Kjell Reistad, 3020 Krogstadelva, Norway Helen Ellefson Roddick, Portage, WI Norma Lien Swanson, Maddock, ND Kjell & Turid Varsla, 1580 Rygge, Norway 1999 - 2000 Sigdalslag Officers CAROL MEADE, President/NSf Rep DON SKADELAND, Treasurer 612-827-6139; [email protected] 402-331-5906; [email protected] 4133 LymJale Ave South 10642 "0" Street Minneapolis, MN 55409 Omaha, NE 68127 RUTH MANNING, Vice President MARILYN SOMDAHL, Editor 402-455-7221 612-831-4409; [email protected] 4816 Ruggles Street 10129 Goodrich Circle Omaha, NE 68104 Bloomington} MN 55437 EARL 0 KNUTSON, V. President LEE ROKKE, Genealogist 973-426-0308 612-432-9767; [email protected] 7N Village Green 13465 Garden View Drive Budd Lake, NJ 07828 Apple VaUey, MN 55124 LARRY ROLFSTAD, V. President DEBBIE SHORT/NO, Historian 605-348-2302 [email protected] 402-293-5498 11-D GlemJale Lane 2804 Jack Pine Street Rapid City, SD 57702 BeUevue, NE 68123 TWlL4. HALVORSON, Secretary CORRINE L. JOHNSON, Past Pres Thelma Johnson end Sigdal member Arvin 218-847-5313 612-831-8637 Halvorson serve as NABC genealogy volunteers last 1005 North Shore Drive 4575 - 80th St Circle #202 July. Aaron HansonlBygdelagenes Fellesraad BWamington, MN 55437 photo ~..rv"J'~.E"--,",- Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 r , ... _, ~. -... _. _.