America Letter the danish immigrant museum
® An internAtionAl CulturAl Center Summer 2012 • Vol. XXIV, No. 2 2212 WASHINGTON STREET • ELk HORN, IOWA 51531 • 712-764-7001 • www.danishmuseum.org
INSIDE: Across Oceans, Across Time, Across Generations: The Ravenholts Jens Jensen Prairie Landscape Park Update Borglum Sculpture Comes to the Museum Director’s Corner by John Mark Nielsen On April 25, the trustees of the Albert Victor Ravenholt Fund of Seattle, Washington signed papers pledging support to endow the Albert Ravenholt Curator of Danish-American Culture at The Danish Immigrant Museum.
Albert Ravenholt’s story, indeed the Danish-American experience. One of my many dreams story of the entire Ravenholt family, is for our museum is that, in addition to the Albert Ravenholt a fascinating one. I am pleased that in Curator of Danish-American Culture, we can also endow this America Letter we can share just a the positions of curator of collections, registrar, and our little of their story. It captures in many Family History Center genealogist. ways our mission of celebrating “Danish Endowment growth will help provide security for the future roots and American dreams.” While of our museum. I invite you to consider one of four ways Albert was a noted journalist, serving you might contribute to securing the future of The Danish as the Asian correspondent for the Immigrant Museum and thereby leave a legacy to future Chicago Daily News and United Press generations. International, his letters written in Danish to family in Luck, Wisconsin when he One. Create a gift by naming the museum as a was a student at Grand View College benefi ciary in your will or living trust. Known as a bequest, reveal his appreciation for their Danish this allows you to leave a legacy to our museum without heritage. This is a feeling evident among parting with any assets today. family members today. Two. Name the museum as a benefi ciary of your IRA. I am so grateful that his siblings who As a tax-exempt institution, you can avoid heirs being serve as the Fund’s trustees, Eiler exposed to income taxes and possible estate taxes. Ravnholt (who died suddenly on March Three. Leave our museum all or a portion of your life 8, 2012), Reimert Ravenholt, and insurance policy. This is an option many people overlook Agnes Nussle, responded favorably to and yet may enable you to leave a legacy and make a my proposal to endow a professional difference. position. The task of the Albert Four. Provide income for yourself now at attractive Ravenholt Curator of Danish-American returns and a gift to the museum later through investing in Culture will be to study and interpret our charitable remainder trust. through exhibits and programming the unfolding story of Danish Americans. I and members of the development staff welcome the opportunity to discuss with you any or all of these Establishing endowed positions is ways whereby you might help us build our endowment an important way we can build our and secure the future of our museum. This was the endowment. Endowed positions opportunity I had with members of the Ravenholt family. also guarantee that The Danish The result of our discussions is the Albert Ravenholt Immigrant Museum will have Curator of Danish-American Culture – a result for which the resources to attract and all supporters of The Danish Immigrant Museum can be employ a professional staff with grateful. the knowledge and training to preserve the artifacts of the As this issue went to press, we learned of the sudden and untimely death of Kay Esbeck North, vice president of the museum’s board of directors. All associated with the museum offer sincere condolences to her family.
COVER PHOTO: Ansgar and Kristine Ravnholt Family in West Denmark, Wisconsin, July 4, 1935. Back row from left to right: Johanne, Kristine, Ansgar, Albert, Halvor. Front row from left to right: Gerda, Astrid, Agnes, Eiler, Reimert, Otto. “Across Oceans, Across Time, 2 • America Letter Across Generations: The Ravenholts” begins on page 4. Albert Victor Ravenholt Fund of Seattle Endows Museum Position
The Danish Immigrant Museum is pleased to announce a gift and pledge of $750,000 from the Albert Victor Ravenholt Fund of Seattle, Washington to endow the position of Curator of Danish-American Culture.
Albert Ravenholt (1919-2010).
The endowment of the position March 8, 2012), Reimert Ravenholt, – named the Albert Ravenholt and Agnes Nussle, responded Curator of Danish-American Culture favorably to my proposal to endow – ensures that there will be a a professional position at The permanent, professional staff person Danish Immigrant Museum,” said Dr. with the knowledge and training to John Mark Nielsen, the museum’s study and interpret through exhibits executive director. “We have a very and programming the unfolding strong staff, and this is the first step story of Danish Americans. Creating in my dream of endowing each of our such an endowed position reflects professional positions.” The Danish Immigrant Museum’s Current Curator of Exhibitions Tova commitment to preserving and Brandt will now assume the title interpreting this story for future Albert Ravenholt Curator of Danish- generations. American Culture. Prior to joining Albert Ravenholt, born in 1919, The Danish Immigrant Museum staff grew up in the Danish American in 2009, Brandt served as curator Tova Brandt, Albert Ravenholt community around Luck, Wisconsin. of non-textile artifacts at Vesterheim Curator of Danish-American Culture Despite enduring the loss of the Norwegian-American Museum family farm in the Great Depression, in Decorah, Iowa. A native of he and his eight siblings all went on Minneapolis, Minnesota, she received to have interesting careers. Albert her degree cum laude from Bryn became a noted journalist and an Mawr College in 1997 and her Master expert on Asian affairs, serving as of Early American Culture from The correspondent and Asian bureau Winterthur Program of the University chief for United Press International of Delaware in 2001. Brandt has as well as a writer for the Chicago been active professionally, curating Daily News and ultimately a fellow of over thirty exhibits, presenting at the Institute of Current World Affairs numerous conferences, and most at Harvard University. recently serving on the board “I am so grateful that Albert’s siblings of directors of the Midwest Art who serve as the Fund’s trustees, Conservation Center in Minneapolis. Eiler Ravnholt (who died suddenly on America Letter • 3 Across Oceans, Across Time, Across Generations: The Ravenholts By Eva Nielsen “Our family’s current situation is far from what we would wish and that troubles me greatly, but we must work together and help make life fortunate for us all.” Albert Ravenholt was 20 years old when he wrote this line (translated from Danish) in a letter to his younger brother, Reimert. This was March of 1939. Albert was studying at Grand View College in Des Moines, Iowa, while 14-year-old Reimert was back at home in the Luck, Wisconsin area. In 1939, it was home itself that was part of the troubling situation that Albert alluded to in his letter. Like so many in that decade, the Ravnholts (many family members later changed the spelling to “Ravenholt”) suffered deep financial challenges, losing their farm to foreclosure in 1935. Yet, despite facing real hardship (or, arguably, because of it), Albert, Reimert and their siblings would all go on to make remarkable lives for themselves – lives rich in both public service and in support for one another. There were ten children born to Danish-American parents Ansgar and Kristine Ravnholt. Their first-born, Thora, died as an infant, but the remaining nine grew to healthy, productive adulthood. A look at some of the highlights from the nine siblings’ biographies (boxed on page 5) gives a sense of their professional experiences. Given how well these nine Ravenholts Ansgar Ravnholt navigated life’s eccentricities, it seems fair and Kristine Petersen
All photos used courtesy of the Ravenholt family.
4 • America Letter to suppose they had parents who did something right. And, indeed, the children give great credit to their mother, Kristine. “We really did have the ultimate mother in Kristine Petersen,” says Reimert Raveholt, speaking from his home in Seattle, Washington. “She really was such an example for us of endless, cheerful work.” Work is clearly something Kristine knew well. The eldest of eleven children born to Danish immigrant The siblings and some of their spouses in 1986, celebrating the life of parents, Kristine grew up caring for Kristine Petersen Ravnholt, November 6, 1892-September 23, 1986. children. And, then, as a mother with From left: Otto and Barbara Ravenholt, Paul and Agnes Nussle, Albert nine children – including two sets Ravenholt, Johanne and Ernest Fremont, Astrid Ravenholt, Eiler and Edna of twins – Reimert says she was “at Ravnholt, Reimert and Betty Ravenholt, Gerda and Bob Bune, and Halvor work long before daylight and long Ravenholt. after dusk.” Each of the nine Ravenholt siblings has a story that would Reimert also credits his father, take pages to tell. Listed here are just a few highlights from Ansgar, describing him as a “brilliant their biographies. person,” a person with “his mind on lots of big matters.” Ansgar attended Albert became a war correspondent for the United Press International in Grand View College for college China, Burma and India, interviewing the likes of Mao Tse-tung and Ho preparatory work and spent a couple Chi Minh. He was a writer for the Chicago Daily News and a Fellow of the winters at the University of Wisconsin Institute of Current World Affairs at Harvard University. studying horticulture. Reimert adds, Halvor arrived for divers’ training at Pearl Harbor on December 1, 1941, “He [Ansgar] should have gone in to experienced the Japanese bombing and was part of the clean-up effort. He one of the professions, but his father later joined the Underwater Demolition Unit of the Navy, which took him to died in 1913 and he got trapped in the war in the Pacific – to Iwo Jima and the Philippines. Halvor worked for taking care of the farm in order to the U.S. Soil Conservation Service. take care of his mother.” Johanne had a long, distinguished career as a nurse, including serving as This farm near Milltown, Wisconsin director of operating rooms at The Research Medical Center in Kansas City, was a homestead farm. Ansgar’s Missouri. parents settled the land in 1884 when they arrived there from Denmark by Eiler, Johanne’s twin, served in the U.S. Army, 104th Infantry Division in way of Ashland, Michigan and then the European theater. He became a teacher and served as Assistant to the Elk Horn, Iowa area. Creating Vice President to Hubert H. Humphrey and as the Chief of Staff to Senator farmland from Wisconsin forests was Daniel K. Inouye of Hawaii, participating in the Watergate hearings. a hard job. According to memories Reimert went to medical school and became an epidemiologist and a written by Ansgar himself, in those researcher, directing the Office of Population for the U.S. Agency for days area farmers cleared the timber International Development. from the land by hand, leaving the Otto joined the U.S. Army Counter-Intelligence Corps in Japan. He became stumps to rot out for four to six years a physician, directing the Clark County Health District in Las Vegas, before it was possible to dig them out Nevada and concurrently served as coroner for the county. of the soil. In the meantime, farmers planted oats, clover and timothy Gerda taught home economics for over thirty years in schools in California, between the stumps. Ansgar’s father Minnesota and Washington. cleared away timber and the couple Agnes served as a pastor’s wife and worked in schools for many years as a was part of establishing one of speech therapist. Wisconsin’s first cooperative dairies. Astrid, twin to Agnes, became a Foreign Service nurse in embassies Ansgar collected cream from farms; around the world, giving care in American embassies from Brazil to South – Continued on page 6 Korea, from Italy to Laos. America Letter • 5 Ravenholts continued from page 5
Ansgar’s mother, Hanne, made butter. (Hanne had learned butter making in Denmark, practicing her craft on an estate on Fyn before she married.) When Ansgar’s father died, the farm fell to him, and that is where the Ravnholt children grew up, speaking Danish before they spoke English, taking part in the nonstop responsibilities of running a dairy farm, going to school, and attending the Danish Lutheran Church, a Grundtvigian congregation in nearby West Denmark, Wisconsin. Reimert describes this upbringing as “quite ideal.” He continues, “We were in many ways fortunate. Most of Kristine’s family [the Petersen family] lived around West Denmark so it was an excellent social gathering place.” Growing up as one of nine siblings, written remembrances by the Ravnholt siblings are full of growing-up stories – of hunting with slingshots, carving boats from wood logs, riding home from fetching the cows on the backs of heifers, Reimert (8 years old) and Albert (14 years old), 1933. sleeping in the woods, getting into manure fights when they were dairy farm and, Reimert says, “That a mental breakdown and spent the supposed to be spreading it on the first summer, we loved it. We could next two years in a state hospital. field. Eiler Ravnholt, writing about fish and swim all day.” This time period, Reimert calls “the this particular game, mentions a time bottom of our family economy.” that he got into one of these fights In the fall, the family moved to a Reimert recalls January of 1941, with both Reimert and Otto at the one-room school house, a building “I can remember I had a nickel I same time. “That proved to be more with no insulation, in West Denmark had gotten for Christmas and I was than I could handle,” he wrote, “and where they stayed through a determined to nourish that nickel from that time on I honed my political Wisconsin winter. Eiler said in his as long as I could. And I waited till skills to avoid displeasing both of writing about the experience: “The the middle of the month and then I them simultaneously.” (Of course, winter of 1935-36 proved to be the bought that Snickers candy bar.” these political skills would serve Eiler coldest on record with twenty days in well later in Washington, D.C. as he January when the temperature never And here again, Reimert reiterates advised Vice President Hubert H. got above zero and one day it fell to the strength of Kristine. He says, Humphrey and later Hawaii’s Sentor 47 degrees below zero.” “Our mother was so talented at Daniel K. Inouye.) After a year, the family moved to making the best of whatever. We had our dairy cows, chickens, geese This must have been an anxious time a rental farm near Milltown and in and a few hogs and a vegetable for Ansgar and Kristine – “shattering” 1939 to a small subsistence farm garden and our mother canned 200 was the word Eiler used in a written near Luck. In 1940, with World War quarts of tomatoes. We were living recollection of the experience. But the II looming, Ansgar’s WPA program better with our mother under those kids were free from the chores of the ended and he found himself not knowing what to do; he experienced circumstances than many other 6 • America Letter As a Japanese invasion of Shanghai loomed, Albert headed off again, taking an appointment from the International Red Cross, trucking medical supplies (and some non- medical essentials) to mission hospitals and first aid centers on the Burma Road, which ran from Burma to the Chinese interior. While recuperating from a severe intestinal illness in Delhi, India, one of Albert’s acquaintances offered him the job as a war correspondent for the United Press International in the China- Burma-India theatre during World War II. Albert’s memories of those years, recorded by Reimert, give a personal angle to the history books’ telling of that front in the war, as well as the concurrent conflict between Albert interviewing General Claire Chennault, then commander of the U.S. the Chinese Communists and 14th Air Force at Kunming, China. Nationalists. As he grew through his career, Albert had extensive experience in the region as well as people with better circumstances.” high school, he went to Minneapolis professional contact with many of the The younger siblings also give credit where he joined the hotel and well-known individuals of the time, for the tenacity and subsequent restaurant workers union, talked his such as General Joseph Stilwell, successes of the Ravnholt siblings to way into an apprentice chef position Mao Tse-tung, Chiang Kai-Shek, Ho the older brothers, Albert and Halvor for the summer at the Radisson Chi Minh. Both Albert and his wife, who provided financial help as soon Hotel, and learned to cook. Upon his Marjorie Sevryns, who was working as they were able to do so. “Albert,” return to Luck in the fall, he learned for the Office of Strategic Services says Reimert, “was exceptionally he had won an essay competition, a (the forerunner to the Central capable and the leader by example cash prize of $300 and a scholarship Intelligence Agency) when she met to all of us that if you wanted to do to several Big Ten universities. Albert Albert, became leading experts on something you just pick up and go do chose to attend the Danish Grand Asian affairs. it.” View College that winter before heading out during the summer of During the war years, when possible, Albert certainly did “pick up and 1939 to work at the New York World’s Albert and Halvor sent money back go do” some remarkable things. Fair. home to Wisconsin. This points to (Reimert would later write down and another source of these siblings’ publish many of Albert’s experiences Albert then hitchhiked his way across successes: their support for one in a book, West Over the Sea to the the country to San Pedro, California. another. Meg Ravnholt-Hankin, Orient: Life Adventures and Asian Using those culinary skills, he Eiler’s daughter and Albert’s niece, Writings of Albert Ravenholt, Writer, signed on as a cook on a Swedish says, “They all felt the need to help Correspondent, Agriculturist.) ship sailing for Asia, then to the the next one behind. Hands were Mediterranean Sea and Marseilles, always extended to the next sibling In 1935, Albert and Halvor had been France, before returning around sent off to work for their board and to help with tuition and that sort of Africa to Shanghai. And in Shanghai thing.” room with family friends. This is when he remained, writing articles, doing Albert decided he would be a foreign occasional radio broadcasts for an As the Ravnholt siblings came of correspondent. So, off he went to do English radio station and studying age, some were helped along by it. Here’s how he did it, in brief. Chinese, French, Russian. opportunities that arose around World Albert figured learning to cook might War II (three went to college on the This was 1941. Japan and China GI Bill) and all were well-served by be a way to work his way around the had already been actively at war world. So, when he graduated from with each other for several years. – Continued on page 8 America Letter • 7 Ravenholts continued from page 7 the work ethic that was part of their upbringing. Reimert talks about studying at the University of Minnesota and working simultaneously as the business manager of the Students’ Cooperative, collecting the dues of the young men who lived and boarded there, hiring the cook, paying all the bills and keeping profit- loss statements good to the penny. Reimert says years later when heading up the global population program of U.S. AID and making decisions about millions of dollars, “The money thing was so ingrained in me that I didn’t feel handicapped in the discussions Reimert (left) and Albert in 1973 in the Philippines. Reimert was the director with these economists from eastern of the Office of Population for U.S. AID in those years and Albert was a universities.” correspondent. Albert and Marjorie made their home in Seattle, Washington As the Ravnholt siblings traveled and in the Philippines. their career paths from jobs like cleaning barns and working the vacation; they went Dakota harvest fields to professions to visit family… like nursing, teaching, medicine, They maintained politics, they made lives of service. their roots. They Meg comments, “Nobody was out kept going back to for themselves; it was about giving Luck and most of back.” them are or will be As the siblings left home and moved buried there.” to various locations around the Nine of the country – around the world – they Ravnholt siblings kept in touch through letters and lived into their visits, sometimes even living in the eighties. Five have same cities for spells of time. Over passed away – the years, too, Kristine stood at the Eiler and Otto hub of the family, keeping the nine in March 2012. connected. “She was the matriarch,” “As they pass says Meg. away it is truly Eiler (seated, front third from left) during Senate And the siblings would regularly sad because they Watergate Committee hearings. As an advisor to Senator return to Luck – eventually are losing a best Inouye of Hawaii, a committee member, Eiler worked on with children of their own. Meg friend and a part developing questions and strategy for the hearings. remembers catching rides back of themselves; their lives are truly intertwined,” says to Minnesota on Vice President generation will continue to stay Meg. “They were a family that came Humphrey’s plane during the summer in relationship – they will keep through adversity with their humor to spend a few weeks with Kristine returning to Luck. Before his death and their family relationships intact.” and the extended Petersen family. at age 90 in 2010, Albert set up a Meg says, “The Ravnholts did not And, thanks in part to some trust for his twenty-five nieces and encouragement from Albert, Meg’s nephews. Here’s the deal: if the 8 • America Letter Reimert shaking hands (on the left) during the swearing-in ceremony to Albert with Deng Xiaoping in China his position as director of the Office of Population for the U.S.Agency for in 1985. Albert and seven others who International Development at the State Department. Astrid is standing beside served as U.S. war correspondents Reimert and next to her is Eiler. in China during World War II were invited to return and tour the country. nieces and nephews hold a family The first reunion was held in It was like a salute to their roots, reunion somewhere in Polk County, September of 2011 – all of the a salute to Kristine. We’re looking Wisconsin every two years and if surviving Ravnholt grandchildren forward to doing it again. It was a they attend, they will receive a small were there. Meg says, “People were wonderful thing to do.” dispersal from Uncle Albert’s trust. surprised at how much it meant.
The twenty-five surviving grandchildren of Kristine and Ansgar.
America Letter • 9 Collection
The CConnection By Angela Stanford, curator of collections
This spring The Metropolitan and began plans New York Synod donated a for a new church. significant piece to The Danish After nearly two years of Immigrant Museum’s permanent worshipping in collection: a sculpture, entitled a Masonic Hall, Jesus the Light of the World, by Salem was able Gutzon Borglum. to move into the new building. Borglum’s most recognizable work is Groundbreaking Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. The was in May son of Danish immigrants, Jens and 1941, and the Ida Borglum, Gutzon was educated in new church both the United States and France and was dedicated had a studio in New York City for a time. on March 15, This sculpture is likely one of his earlier 1942, with C.M. works. Videbeck, who Borglum’s sculpture came into the designed the possession of the synod from Salem building, as Evangelical Lutheran Church in New pastor. On that York City. Salem Evangelical Lutheran day, in honor of Church was organized on April 21, the dedication, Jesus the Light of the World by 1895 in a home at 152 Eleventh Street The Danish- Gutzon Borglum in Brooklyn, New York by a group of American fourteen Danes. A year later, Salem Women’s was accepted as a member of the Association donated the Borglum sculpture to the church. United Danish Evangelical Lutheran The Women’s Association appears to have been one Church in America. The church dedicated to the arts in the 1940s and 1950s in New York purchased property at 128 Prospect City. Avenue, and called its first pastor, After many changes within the larger Lutheran J.J. Kildsig, the same year. Salem community, Salem began holding two services in 1994 – also organized a home next to the one in English and one in Arabic. In the end, the church church so that new immigrants became the Salam Arabic Lutheran Church, the Danish would have a place to live while congregation closed, and a few important items from the they found permanent homes and congregation were given to the Metropolitan New York jobs. Synod. Because the synod is primarily archive-based, In 1940, the church was required they contacted the museum about donating the sculpture. to vacate its building to make way Borglum’s Jesus the Light of the World is a wonderful for a freeway, so they purchased addition to a growing art collection here at The Danish a site at 345 Ovington Avenue Immigrant Museum. We look forward to sharing this beautiful sculpture with the public.
10 • America Letter Jens Jensen Prairie Landscape Park update “Planting a Prairie” Watch volunteers and How to Plant a Praire landscapers plant 10,000 native flowers and grasses in You will need: a single day – condensed into a five-minute video! Visit the • Experts from Country Landscapes museum’s YouTube channel, (Ames, Iowa) to prepare the ground “DanishMuseum,” to watch and seed native grasses this and other videos. • 10,000 young plants from Midwest Groundcovers (St. Charles, Illinois) who have supported the park, whether with their muscles or their • Over 50 volunteers from Nebraska checkbooks! and Iowa with gardening gloves Throughout this year, the Jens • One nice sunny day (not too hot) Jensen legacy is on view in the followed by a good soaking rain museum galleries as well as in the growing outdoor park. The exhibit Jens Jensen: Celebrating the Native Prairie remains on view at the museum through March Voila! A Jens Jensen Prairie thanks to the dedication and 3, 2013; a traveling version is Landscape Park becomes another generosity of many companies, also available to share with your step closer to reality! foundations, and individuals. community. Special speakers It’s been a busy spring as the Major in-kind contributions from are also scheduled throughout museum grounds continue to Country Landscapes and Midwest 2012 who will address different transform into the Jens Jensen Groundcovers have provided the topics related to Jens Jensen and Prairie Landscape Park. New trees plant materials and the expertise to landscape development. One of are planted, a new stone council ring make them flourish. Grants from the those speakers is Rich Patterson, offers a place to sit and enjoy views Iowa Great Places Program, the Iowa director of the Indian Creek Nature of the landscape, thousands of small West Foundation, Prairie Meadows, Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; as native flowers and grasses are taking and the Shelby County Community part of the museum’s cooperation root, and even more thousands of Foundation have supported the with the Nature Center, all Danish seeds are underground to make their planning, implementation and Immigrant Museum members may appearance later. In addition, the maintenance of the park. And a enjoy member benefits at the Nature walking path from the museum to special mange tak to the individuals Center’s gift shop through 2012! Bedstemor’s House is being paved to be accessible to pedestrian traffic of all sorts – strollers, joggers, bicyclers, walkers – as part of the Danish Villages’ Little Mermaid Trail. The completed park will offer walking trails through restored prairie areas, a wetland featuring water-friendly native plants, and a chance to see what the landscape around Elk Horn looked like when European settlers – Danes and others – first arrived. Each season will bring a different perspective on the plants and surrounding landscape, and we welcome you to enjoy the park and the museum at any time of the year. The Jens Jensen Prairie Landscape Park is made possible America Letter • 11 Treasures from the Lauritz Melchior Collection Come to the Museum
One of the most famous tenors in the world of opera was Lauritz Melchior. Born in Denmark in 1890, where he debuted with the Royal Danish Opera in 1913, Melchior went on to perform with all the leading opera companies in the western world. When the Nazis came to power, he refused to sing in Germany and ultimately immigrated to the United States where he later became a citizen. He is best remembered for being a member of the Metropolitan Opera, appearing in more performances of Wagnerian operas than any other artist. Melchior in the opera Pagliacci. Following Melchior’s death in 1973, his son, Ib, lent a collection of artifacts and archival materials from his father’s life to Dana College. With the close of Dana College, The Danish Immigrant Museum has received important artifacts, including costumes, musical scores, and photographs from Ib Melchior that help to tell the story of his father’s life. Among the items are forty-nine scrapbooks containing reviews and articles on Lauritz Melchior’s career. These are being digitized and will be made available online at the museum’s website. Museum staff members continue to work with Ib Melchior to ensure that the music collection goes to an appropriate music archive.
Sale to Support Care of Collections When Dana College closed, that any items that were not historically relevant or lacked The Danish Immigrant Museum provenance would be sold and the proceeds would be was offered the opportunity to divided between the two institutions and would be used for the care of the collections. purchase for $30,000 items that the museum and the On the afternoon of Saturday, October 6, 2012, the museum and the Danish-American Archive and Library Danish-American Archive will host a sale in Blair, Nebraska of items not deemed and Library in Blair were appropriate for either collection. These items include holding for care and security. porcelain, glass, brass and bronzeware and some framed Past Dana College donors art. The sale is being held in conjunction with the 2012 were approached to pay Homecoming activities planned by the Dana College Alumni and Friends Association. for this purchase, and they responded generously. Details of time and location as well as items being offered for sale will be available by late August. Museum (Some of the artifacts members who subscribe to our ENews will receive further the museum received information about the sale in August and September. appeared in the last Information is also available by contacting the museum America Letter.) at 712.764.7001 or [email protected] or the Danish-American Archive and Library at 402.426.7910 or At the time donations were [email protected]. solicited, it was made clear 12 • America Letter Victor Borge Legacy Awards Celebrate the Career of a Great Musician and the Achievements of Piano Students! The halls of the museum solo works in front of a judge, and day a little bit better, because everyone rang with the sounds of Victor winners have also prepared a written can relate to a smile, no matter their essay about the legacy of Victor background. It breaks down walls, makes Borge’s piano this spring. At friends, and comforts. Throughout his Borge. two different recitals, talented life, and even after, Victor Borge inspired so many people by bringing a moment high school students performed All four prize winners are involved in many musical activities in addition of laughter to their life. His ultimate classical piano music for an to studying classical piano music. paycheck was making someone smile.” appreciative audience of family, Mallory Huggins (Council Bluffs, --Justine Petersen, winner of the essay friends, and museum visitors. Iowa) is a junior in high school; in prize These performers were the addition to studying piano, she plays “Borge’s true gift was not merely making people laugh. It was making them laugh first four winners of the Victor the flute in her high school band and in the Iowa Western Community one moment and cry the next. His humor Borge Legacy Awards, a College Flute Choir. Justine Petersen was instantly communicable, which made new project organized by the people listen all the more carefully to (Omaha, Nebraska) is also a junior what he played. His love for the music museum and supported by a and participates in her school’s was also clear; it rewarded audiences for generous gift from R. James marching band and show choir. their attention with unexpected moments and Janet Borge Crowle of St. Michelle Sargent (Pacific Junction, of pure beauty. What Victor Borge showed us and future audiences is that Michaels, Maryland. Additional Iowa) plays the violin and sings with a choir; a high school senior, she serious music is worth nothing if it’s not support was provided by plans to pursue a college degree taken with a dose of humor.” the Eric and Joan Norgaard in music so that she can teach --Harry Simmons Charitable Trust. piano and violin. Harry Simmons “I admire Victor Borge because he was (Omaha, Nebraska) is also a high able to introduce classical music to school senior and people who probably would not have already applies heard it otherwise. Many came to his show simply to be entertained (and they his piano skills to certainly were), but they also got to hear accompanying quality performances of music classics. church services and They might not have realized it, but they school musicals; were starting to grasp the significance he plans to major and joy of classical music through in music in college Borge’s show. Victor Borge had a way of with an emphasis on endearing his audience by poking fun at himself. He never appeared conceited or piano performance haughty.” or musicology. --Michelle Sargent Entry information Janet Borge Crowle, daughter of Victor Borge (left), and John “I don’t aspire to perform piano as Mark Nielsen, director of The Danish Immigrant Museum for next year’s my career, as Victor Borge did. I do, (right), with recipients of the Victor Borge Legacy Awards, competitions will however, wish to play piano as long as Harry Simmons and Michelle Sargent. be available on the he did. The knowledge that it is possible museum’s website to continue playing for one’s entire life Named in honor of the beloved by the end of this summer. makes other things seem trivial. I can’t be certain about much in life. I can’t say for comedian and musician, the Victor Excerpts from prize winners’ essays, sure what job I will end up with or when Borge Legacy Award is designed writing in response to the question, I will meet the person I will spend the to encourage young pianists in the “What part of Victor Borge’s life and rest of my days with. But I can be certain Omaha and Southwest Iowa regions. career do you find most inspiring?” that the piano will always be a part of Four talented piano students have my life…I dream of one day inspiring “Victor Borge was an inspirational my grandchildren to play an instrument earned cash prizes of $1000 or $500 person during his life, and his legacy dollars. The winners were selected as long as they are able, just as Victor continues to inspire me today to live my Borge inspired me.” in piano competitions organized life for others and bring joy to their lives. by the Southwest Iowa Music Victor Borge understood something that --Mallory Huggins Teachers Association and the Omaha not many do. Laughter brings people Music Teachers Association. Each together. No matter how bad a day seems to be, a smile or joke makes the competitor performed multiple piano America Letter • 13 Masthead of the Danish newspaper, Den Danske Pioneer. Project to Digitize Danish-American Newspapers Moving Forward
On December 3, 2011 the Immigrant Archive Grand View University, the Danish- museum received a letter from American Heritage Society, and the Library and Archive The A.P. Møller and Chastine of the Church of Latter Day Saints. The newspapers Mc-Kinney Møller Foundation of being digitized are: Den Danske Pioneer and Bien (both secular), Dannevirke and Danskeren (both Lutheran), and Copenhagen announcing that Bikuben (LDS). The Danish Immigrant Museum In addition to these newspapers, forty-nine scrapbooks had been awarded a major created by Lauritz Melchior are also a part of the project. grant of $158,000 to digitize and Melchior, the Danish-born, world-famous tenor who provide global, online access to performed more Wagnerian roles at the Metropolitan historic Danish-American archival Opera in New York City than any other artist, began newspaper collections. This is creating these scrapbooks in 1925. They contain articles the foundation for the Mærsk and reviews spanning his career. Company, the world’s largest, Northern Micrographics, Inc. of La Crosse, Wisconsin privately held shipping company. is providing the digitizing services. The project, which involves the filming and digitizing of over 260,000 pages The project, organized and of text, will be completed by early 2013. At that point, administered by the museum, is a researchers and visitors to our website will be able to partnership with the Danish-American globally search the different newspaper titles and to Archive and Library, the Danish discover a wealth of information online.
Vacation in Denmark and Support The Danish Immigrant Museum Benedikte Ehlers Olesen, a member of The Danish Immigrant Museum’s Board of Directors, and her husband Poul Olesen are offering their Danish summer home for rent at a reduced price–and all proceeds will be donated to the museum. • Located in the middle of Jutland, a 45-minute drive to Arhus and 40-minute drive to Aalborg. • Three bedrooms–two with queen-sized beds and one with two bunk beds. It sleeps six adults comfortably, but can sleep a total of eight. • Two bathrooms with showers and one has a hot tub • Kitchen with refrigerator, oven, and microwave.
Interested individuals should contact the museum at 1-800-759-9192.
14 • America Letter From the Development Department A major Danish-American event takes place on July 4, 2012 as the Rebild Society celebrates its 100th anniversary. Rebild, the Danish-American friendship society, annually holds the largest American Independence Day celebration outside the U.S. at its park in the Jutland hills near Aalborg. This year will likely bring a substantially larger crowd than usual in Denmark with visitors from both countries, including Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II for the first time in several years.
The annual Rebild celebration is anniversary will celebrate the close reach tens of thousands of people one of the greatest examples of the Danish-American ties as The Danish every year who might otherwise find longstanding friendly relationship Immigrant Museum celebrates its it difficult to “visit” the museum. But between Denmark and the U.S. 30th anniversary. It’s hard to believe I also find that so many people from In fact, one could easily make an that the museum has already existed all parts of the country make the argument that the ties America has thirty years. Many of us remember pilgrimage to Elk Horn at some point. had with Denmark have consistently well when the museum was created With that in mind, please consider been stronger than with just about and we are proud to see it today as this your first invitation to participate any other country. Denmark looked one of the leading Danish-American in celebrating our 30th anniversary in to America with hope and gratitude institutions. As I travel across the 2013. In the coming months, we will through two world wars and through country to visit Danes and Danish- be announcing exhibits and activities desperate European economic times American clubs and organizations, to mark the anniversary. Most of in the late 1800s and early 1900s. so many people tell me how pleased all, thank you for your ongoing This history was the basis for the they are with what the museum has support which makes the museum’s fondness with which Danes looked accomplished in preserving our existence possible. We are honored to the U.S. America, too, has always heritage. that so many of you support our been able to count on Denmark Elk Horn has proven to be a mission of “celebrating Danish roots as a strong ally. It still does today phenomenal location for the museum, and American dreams.” And, with as Americans admire Denmark’s as we have the space to house the your support, our descendants will example as innovators in areas like approximately 30,000 artifacts, three someday observe the museum’s green energy, technology and social ongoing exhibits and now a beautiful 100th anniversary with another great programs. As a Danish American I’m park surrounding the museum Danish-American celebration! very proud of the strong, positive ties honoring Danish-American naturalist between the two countries. Bruce Bro and park-builder, Jens Jensen. [email protected] Next year, another landmark Electronic media have allowed us to Opportunity to Celebrate Danish Heritage $ Gift Memberships are now: 25 for “NEW” museum members Free Admission to the Museum All members Free Admission to Family History & Genealogy Center and receive: Bedstemor’s House Our Mission – The Danish Reduced translation and research fees from the Family History Immigrant Museum & Genealogy Center celebrates Danish roots 10% Discount on most Museum Shop purchases and American dreams. Free America Letter newsletter Free Annual Report Free E-Newsletter Free or Discounted prices to museum-sponsored events A new member is defined as any individual or household who has not been a member in the past three years. Your active membership helps support and fund activities sponsored by the museum. America Letter • 15 New Additions to the Wall of Honor February 18, 2012 - May 28, 2012 The Danish Immigrant Museum’s Wall of Honor provides families and friends with a means of preserving the memory of or honoring those who emigrated from Denmark to America. Over 4,500 immigrants are currently recognized on the Wall. Their stories and the stories of their families contribute to the growing repository of family histories at the museum’s Family History and Genealogy Center. ERHARD SUHR SORENSEN and Susan Fox, Racine, WI; Michael & Ann Kassenbrock, Phoenix, ESTHER HELENE (MADSEN) AZ; Denny & Nancy Kerr, Plano, TX; Arthur & Joan Sorensen, SORENSEN (1913 & 1905) Des Moines, Rohnert Park, CA; Conrad Sorensen, Peoria, AZ; Mark & Tonya Iowa – Gary Christensen, Minnestrista, Sorensen, Glendale, AZ; Paul & Carol Sorensen, Glendale, AZ; MN; Jon & Patti Christensen, Franklin, WI; Peter & Mary Jo Sorensen, Mill Valley, CA; Philip Sorensen, Forrest & Jane Dockery, Simi Valley, CA; Petaluma, CA; Robert & Cathy Sorensen, Windsor Heights, IA; David & Carol Stewart, Des Moines, IA
New Members February 18, 2012 - May 28, 2012 The Danish Immigrant Museum is pleased to identify the following individuals and organizations as its newest members.
Paul & Dianne Anderson, Seattle, WA Tom & Teri Masters, Littleton, CO Jack & Lois Beal, Bothell, WA James & Nicola Maxwell, Eugene, OR Preben & Anne Dorte Brandenhoff, Frances McGee, San Leandro, CA San Francisco, CA Larry & Wendy Neppl, Gretna, NE Dawn Breining, Des Moines, IA Terry Nisson, West Jordan, UT Frank & Edith Christensen, Shoreline, WA Allan Nyegaard, Eugene, OR Jon & Patti Christensen, Franklin, WI Lynne & Karen Olesen, Redwood City, CA Nancy Christensen, Madrid, IA Arlyce Olsen, Missouri Valley, IA Jeff & Cherisse Croll, Castle Rock, CO Scott & P.J. Owens, Indianapolis, IN Danish Sisterhood Lodge #21, Lakewood, CO William & Margaret Petersen, Mazeppa, MN Robert & IllaMae Hansen, West Bend, WI Dennis & Linda Robertson, Manchester, IA Julie Houser, Santa Ana, CA Douglas & Barbara Rossbach, Humboldt, IA Suzanne Jebe, Minneapolis, MN Leroy & Norma Schafersman, Arlington, NE George & Dorothy Jensen, West Des John & Connie Scott, Sidney, IA Moines, IA Carl & Carol Sexton, Junction City, OR Clarice Jeppesen, Eugene, OR L.A. Forest & Winnie Sherman, Grinnell, IA Barbara Kadlec, Guthrie Center, IA David Stickrod, Glenwood, IA Bryan & Brenda Kite, Atlantic, IA Mark & Amy Werner, Pekin, IL John & Patty Lentfer, Geneva, NE Søren & Sue Wolff, Holland, MI Bing & Ann Nielsen Yen, Laguna Beach, CA
Memorials February 18, 2012 - May 28, 2012 Memorials have been received in loving memory of the following individuals: Peder E. Buck Byron Jensen Edwin S. Pedersen Burton Esbeck Paul C. Jessen Karen K. Petersen Roland H. Eskov Charles B. Larsen Erhard and Esther Sorensen Hans & Mathilde Farstrup Herman and Anna Larsen Norma Jean Sothman Vernon (Bob) Hansen Louis Lauritsen Elie Steffensen Hans P. and Florence Hansen Arlene Leisted Bonnie Christensen Testa Reverend Fred and Betty Hedberg Beulah Nielsen Gay D. Terkelsen Mary Ann Hopkins Richard and Mary Nielsen Burton Wittrup Gudrun Jacobsen
16 • America Letter Thank You Businesses and Organizations February 18, 2012 - May 28, 2012 These businesses and organizations have contributed annual memberships of $100 or more. We recognize their generosity and support in each newsletter during their membership. A & A Framing (Annette Andersen), Kimballton, IA Hall Hudson, P.C., Attorneys at Law (Robert Hall), Harlan, IA Andersen Windows (Sarah Andersen), Bayport, MN Harlan Newspapers (Steve Mores & Alan Mores), Harlan, IA Answers (Frank R. Tighe), Atlantic, IA Heartland District of the Danish Sisterhood of America, Audubon Family Chiropractic (Douglas & Nichole Olsen), Des Moines area, IA Audubon, IA Heartland District of the Danish Brotherhood in America, Carroll Control Systems, Inc. (Todd Wanninger), Carroll, IA Des Moines area, IA Cedar Valley Danes, Cedar Falls area, IA Henningsen Construction, Inc. (Michael Henningsen), Atlantic, IA Country Landscapes, Inc. (Rhett Faaborg), Ames, IA House of Denmark, San Diego, CA Danish American Club in Orange County, Huntington King of Kings Fishing Guide Service & Lodge (Richard & Beach, CA Bonnie Andersen), Anchor Point, AK Danish Brotherhood Lodge #14, Kenosha, WI Knudsen Old Timers, Glendale, CA Danish Brotherhood Lodge #144, Dike, IA Los Angeles Naver Club, Monrovia, CA Danish Brotherhood Lodge #15, Des Moines, IA LPB, Inc. (Lars Boerre), Earlham, IA Danish Brotherhood Lodge #16, Minden, NE Marge’s Hair Hut (Kent & Marge Ingerslev), Elk Horn, IA Danish Brotherhood Lodge #161, Superior, NE Marne & Elk Horn Telephone Co., Elk Horn, IA Danish Brotherhood Lodge #186, Luck, WI NE Gen Comm Danish Brotherhood, Omaha, NE Danish Brotherhood Lodge #211, Cairo, NE Nelsen and Nelsen, Attorneys at Law, Cozad, NE Danish Brotherhood Lodge #268, Junction City, OR O & H Danish Bakery (Eric Olesen), Racine, WI Danish Brotherhood Lodge #283, Dagmar, MT Olsen, Muhlbauer & Co., L.L.P., Carroll, IA Danish Brotherhood Lodge #35, Homewood, IL Pacific NW District Lodges D.B.I.A., Eugene, OR Danish Brotherhood Lodge #56, Lenexa, KS Proongily (Cynthia McKeen), St. Paul, MN Danish Lutheran Church & Cultural Center, Yorba Linda, CA Rebild National Park Society, Southern California, Los Danish Mutual Insurance Association, Elk Horn, IA Angeles area, CA Danish Sisterhood Dagmar Lodge #4, Chicago, IL Red River Danes, Fargo, ND Danish Sisterhood Ellen Lodge #21, Denver, CO Ringsted Danish American Fellowship, Ringsted, IA Danish Sisterhood Lodge #102, Des Moines, IA scan|design foundation BY INGER & JENS BRUUN, Danish Sisterhood Lodge #176, Dike, IA Seattle, WA Danish Vennelyst Park, Omaha, NE Shelby County State Bank, Elk Horn, IA DBIA, Centennial Lodge #348, Eugene, OR Symra Literary Society, Decorah, IA Den Danske Pioneer, Hoffman Estates, IL The Danish American Archive and Library, Blair, NE Denver Danes, Denver area, CO The Danish Inn, Elk Horn, IA Exira-Elk Horn-Kimballton Community School District, Elk Horn, IA The Rasmussen Group, Inc., Des Moines, IA Elk Horn-Kimballton Optimist Club, Elk Horn, IA The Vault Antiques (David & Rashelle Thompson), Walnut, IA Elverhoj Museum of History and Art, Solvang, CA Wayne Hansen Real Estate, LLC, Elk Horn, IA Eric & Joan Norgaard Charitable Trust, Crystal Lake, IL Yah-Whooo Organic Garden (Kurt Rasmussen), Faith, Family, Freedom Foundation (Kenneth & Marlene Vacaville, CA Larsen), Calistoga, CA
In Honor February 18, 2012 - May 28, 2012 Through various funds, gifts have been received in honor of people or special events:
Anna Margrethe Nielsen Janet M. Thuesen
America Letter • 17 Stamtræ – Danish Roots, American Branches News from the Museum’s Family History & Genealogy Center By Michele McNabb, librarian [email protected]; [email protected] Joining the A’s to the B’s: A Tale of Two Siblings In the fall of 2009 Mogens Abildgaard Around the same time he either inherited through marriage of Aarhus, Denmark contacted the or acquired a farm in the hamlet of Bæk in Nustrup parish. museum’s Family History and Genealogy It is here that his extended household – which included a Center about his great-grandfather’s daughter born to Mette out of wedlock in 1834, Mathias’s twin sister, Ane Mathiesen Bojsen, who brother and a grandmother – was enumerated early in 1845. had emigrated from Denmark in the latter Four months later, on June 12, Mette gave birth to twins who part of the nineteenth century. His family were given the names Ane Mathisen Boisen and Hans previously had had frequent contact with Mathisen Boisen upon their baptism two days later. This their American relatives up to the German was apparently the fi rst time that the Boisen/Boysen name, occupation of Denmark in April, 1940. which was the patronymic of Mathias Simonsen’s mother, Nearly seventy years had passed since was used as the family surname; it is still in use today. the last exchange of letters, however, and The family was joined by another daughter, Anna Cathrine the Danish branch of the family, now few Mathiesen Boisen, on September 15, 1848, when Mette in number, wondered if we might help was 45. Life probably proceeded fairly predictably for nearly them fi nd out what had happened to their a decade, but then the family fabric was torn. Mathias American kinfolks. Simonsen died of unknown causes in June of 1857 at the All they had at age of 41; Mette Hansdatter followed him in death a mere 18 this point was a months later, age 54. Who took responsibility for the couple’s photograph of an three children is not known, but Ane and Hans both remained elderly woman in Bæk until their confi rmation on the fi rst Sunday after Easter with “Our dear in 1861. More turmoil was yet to come, however: the Dano- mother, 1845- Prussian War of 1864 saw their home county in north Slesvig 1924” inscribed become part of Prussia and later, the German Empire. The on the back resulting cultural upheaval may have precipitated Ane’s that had been decision to emigrate in 1870. sent back to Hans Mathiesen Bojsen remained a lifelong resident of Denmark. They Nustrup parish. He married and had four children, three of also had an whom died in young adulthood, one while fi ghting in the emigration German Army during WWI. Their fourth child, Peter, was record of Ane The only clue family in reported missing during that confl ict, but fortunately was Mathiesen Denmark had was this captured and survived to return home and marry. When Hans Boysen, photo with “Our dear died on July 4,1937 at the age of 92 he was the oldest living age 25, who Mother, 1845-1924” parishioner in Nustrup and left fi ve grandchildren, two of registered written on the back. which were Mogens Abildgaard’s mother, Marie Bojesen, 81 her passage years of age in 2009, and her brother Hans Gunner Bojsen, to New York age 85. Both remembered Christmas letters coming from with the Danish police authorities on America when they were quite young, but neither had any July 8, 1870, indicating that her last idea who had sent them or where in the United States they place of residence in Denmark was had originated. Slesvig. A closer look at Ane’s emigration record did not indicate But let’s wind the story back to an that she traveled with friends or other relatives. She came earlier date. On October 15, 1843, to America “indirectly,” – in other words, via a third country, a 26-year-old bachelor named likely either England or Germany. Since she purchased her Mathias Simonsen Stadager from ticket only as far as New York, no indication was given of her Tyrstrup parish in Haderslev ultimate destination. County married 40-year-old spinster Mette Hansdatter FHGC assistant Wanda Sornson took on the task of in nearby Nustrup parish. discovering Ane Mathiesen Boisen’s subsequent fate. The 18 • America Letter search involved looking at a wide variety of sources, both attorney in Estherville. He was listed in the 1940 edition of Who’s Who in Iowa, which gave particulars about his family, including sons, William George Bale (b. 1934), John Thomas Bale (b. 1935), and daughter Marilyn Hope Bale (b. 1939). George W. Bale was the proprietor of a drug store in Estherville, where he married Doris Lorene Shirley, and had one son, Lawrence Bale. This branch of the Bale family later moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado. Finding living individuals can at times be frustrating due to privacy restrictions on The family left behind: Ane’s twin brother, Hans Mathiesen Boisen and his family. many public records and the frequent Hans was the oldest person in Nustrup parish when he died in 1937. use of unlisted telephone numbers, but there seemed a good chance that at online and in print, which in some cases pharmacist George W. Bale, Jr. (1871- least some of the younger Bales were had to be reviewed repeatedly as new 1927) in Estherville on July 16, 1902. still alive and locatable. A stray posting pieces of evidence came to light. But They had two children, both of whom on www.boards.ancestry.com about a the end result was successful. were lifelong residents of Emmet Bale family prompted a 2000 response County: “Anna Borson” married Charles from a John Thomas Bale, who Johnson in Lee County, Iowa, on June 1. William Maurice Bale (1905-1947) mentioned that he had a brother named 11, 1878. (Also a Danish immigrant 2. George W. Bale (1907-1972) William and a cousin named Larry, and from Slesvig, Charles was born Anton that they were from Iowa. Eureka! A Peter Jørgensen, but determining this In 1907 Matilda Johnson (1881-1949) likely candidate for living Bale relatives is a story by itself.) The couple was was employed as a stenographer in an unexpected place! Subsequent found residing in Keokuk in that county in Emmetsville. She married Dr. searching found an address for William in the 1880 census, where Charles was Herbert B. Troyer on June 20, 1918 in G. Bale in Minneapolis, divorced from employed as a diver on the Mississippi Greencastle, Putnam County, Indiana. Margaret E. Bale in 1977. Telephone River canal locks. Their first child, Lucia The couple was living in that city in listings were also found for William G. “Lucy” Elizabeth Johnson, was born 1920, but by 1925 Matilda had returned and also for a John T. Bale the right age there in 1878 or ‘79, followed by Matilda to Emmet County and was enumerated in Ridgecrest, California. Our fingers in 1881, Christian A. in 1883, and an in the Iowa census that year in her did a bit of walking and contact with infant son who died unnamed in 1885. sister Lucy’s household. No record living descendants of the family was of any children has been found from confirmed. In 1886 the family relocated to this union, which must have ended in Estherville in Emmet County, Iowa, divorce. Mathilda Troyer next married Although officially no longer part of where their lives played out over the clothier Charles Holmquist in Jackson, the Bale family, it turned out that ensuing decades. A second son, John Minnesota, on July 9, 1926. They Margaret “Meg” Bale was the family Maurice Johnson, was born in 1886, resided in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, but genealogist. Since our initial contact and son Christian died in 1890 at apparently had no children. Following with Bill and Tom Bale, Meg has visited the age of seven. In 1917 “Charley Charles’s death, Mathilda moved back Elk Horn from Minneapolis, sharing Anton Johnson” died in Estherville of to Emmet County to live with her sister. photographs, copies of correspondence appendicitis and was buried in Oak Both are buried in the same cemetery and additional family records. In return, Hill Cemetery; Anna “Boisen” Johnson as their brothers and parents. we were able to join A to B, putting the passed away from heart failure in Abildgaard family in touch with their The whereabouts of members of later November of 1924 and was buried long-lost Bale relatives, now living in alongside her husband. Her lengthy generations were ascertained using a several states. obituary in The Northern Vindicator and combination of standard genealogical As a postscript to this connection, Republican verified that she was indeed sources such as censuses and online emails went back and forth between the Ane M. Boisen born in Nustrup vital records, as well as telephone Denmark and the U.S. In April 2011, parish. directories, “people-finding” sites, and local researchers, aided by the happy Peter Abildgaard, the son of the man Subsequent generations: Three fact that “Bale” is a relatively uncommon whose inquiry started the above search, Johnson children lived to adulthood. name and that the family stayed in came to the U.S. as part of an around- The surviving son, John M., died one place over a long period of time. the-world trip and had the opportunity unmarried of typhoid fever and William Maurice Bale married Marian to meet many of his recently-found subsequent spinal meningitis in Stebbins in Cook County, Illinois, on cousins. November, 1913. Lucy Elizabeth June 3, 1931, and was a practicing Johnson (1878/79-1950) married America Letter • 19 Stamtræ Activities and News
The FHGC is now on summer We will be welcoming a new Danish notices from the Audubon County hours. Through the end of October intern, Kathrine Lia Winkler from Journal from 1969-1993. When we are open Tuesdays through Aarhus University, in August. She completed these indexes will be Fridays, 9 to 5, and Saturdays 10 will spend a couple of months in added to those from 1893-1968 to 5. If you plan to visit from out- the FHGC before rotating to the currently on fi le in the FHGC. The of-town, please call in advance Exhibitions Department. She will ACJ was published in Exira, Iowa. (712) 764-7008 to ensure there is be followed by a second intern, We also have copies of obituaries adequate staffi ng to assist you. Amel Rahba, from Copenhagen from the Audubon County Journal- A big thank-you to all those University, who will also be working Advocate from 2011. individuals who sent in information in the Collections Department. As of February 15, 2012 the cost and photographs about the location At long last, a new foldable map of of borrowing microfi lms and of various rural Danish-American present-day Denmark is available microfi che from the FHL in Salt cemeteries. FHGC staff has for $10.95 (prior to member Lake City has gone up. Charges compiled a list by state and county. discount). Contact the Museum range from $7.50 for a short-term We don’t have all cemeteries, so Shop or FHGC for ordering details. loan to $18.75 for an extended would be interested in knowing of We are currently copying and loan. For further information on other ones, particularly those no indexing obituaries, weddings, ordering fi lm – which is sent to the longer in use. anniversaries and round birthday Family History Center or affi liate library of one’s choice – go to www. familysearch.org/fi lms.
the 2012 summer FHGC photo exhibit is “Long-term Lovers” This exhibit features images and accounts of Danish immigrants who were married for at least 50 years and immigrant descendants married at least 60 years. The longest-term pair of lovers featured is Iowa-born Hans Nielsen and his Danish-born wife, Karen Jacobine Twenstrup, who were married and lived in western Iowa for 75 years! The exhibit also features love poems, songs written for golden anniversaries, a wedding dress pattern, and pictures of wedding parties. The wedding dress pattern used Viola Johnson wearing her wedding by Viola Johnson when she gown. married Immanuel Nielsen in 1935.
20 • America Letter Preserve Your Family History
Are you thinking of compiling a Denmark to Nebraska is fine, but will know when the material was family history for posterity? If so, there should also be a subtitle with written or compiled. regardless of whether your target more specificity, such as Ancestors Family histories come in all group is grandchildren, relatives and Descendants of Peder Nielsen shapes and sizes, so it’s helpful for coming to a family reunion or a wider and Maren Jacobsen of Hundborg researchers to have this information audience, please bear in mind that parish, Thisted County. Other explicitly in print in the work. If you your history should have one key information to be included on the are having difficulties finding where in element: a title page! title page are the name, address and Denmark your ancestors came from, The title of your work should clearly contact information of the compiler, we may be able to help you. state the focus or scope of your and, most importantly, the year of compilation. A title such as From ‘publication,’ so future researchers
FHGC Wish List
Books we’d like to add to the FHGC Collection Danish language: English-language: Straffelejren. Fårhus, landssvigerne og retsopgøret (Fårhus, traitors and their judicial reckoning), by Henrik Skov Lars’ and Dorthe’s Kith and Kin, by Sylvia D. Neilson. North Kristensen. Available from Landsarkivet for Sønderjylland. Conway, NH: The Reporter Press, 1977. Out of print. Titanic – De danske fortællinger (Titanic – the Danish Stories), Dressed for the Photographer: Ordinary Americans and by Jesper Hjermind and Mette Hjermind McCall, 2012. Fashion, 1840-1900 ($48.27 on amazon.com) Ordbog for slægtsforskere, by Heini Madsen. 2nd ed. Hartland to Capitol Hills: A Danish Immigrant Story, by I centrum ved grænsen - portræt af Sønderborg Kommune Ernie Gunderson, 2011. ($24 on amazon.com) (In the Middle at the Border - Portrait of Sønderborg Birgitte’s War, by Elsebeth Schoenberger, 2011. ($18.96 on Municipality), by Peter Dragsbo. (2006; available from Amazon.com) Historisk Samfund for Als og Sundeved). Dana College yearbooks: anything before 1927, 1928-1930, Danske børnehjem i billeder og tekst (Danish Orphanages in 1932-1944, 1946-1954, 1957-1963, 1968 to 2010 Picture and Text; 1900), by various authors. Grand View College/University yearbooks: anything before Nyboder: et københavnsk miljø, med en gennemgang af dets 1920, 1928-1929, 1933, 1935, 1940, 1944, 1947, 1950, afspejling i litteratur, by Hanne Andersen (1981). 1953, 1958, 1960, 1962, 1972, 1977 to the present Nyboder og dets beboere især i ældre tid, by Hans D. Lind (1882). Out of print.
Admission & Hours
Admission Business Hours Family History & (Includes Bedstemor’s House) Monday-Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Genealogy Center Hours Current Museum Members: May-October: FREE with Membership Card All facilities are closed on New Year’s Tuesday-Friday, 9:00 am-5:00 pm Non-Members: Adults, $5 Day; Easter Sunday; Thanksgiving; Saturday, 10:00 am-5:00 pm Children (ages 8-17), $2 Christmas November-April: (Local weather conditions may cause Tuesday-Friday, Museum Hours: occasional closures.) 9:00 am-5:00 pm Monday-Friday, 9:00 am-5:00 pm Saturday, 10:00 am-5:00 pm 712-764-7001 www.danishmuseum.org Sunday, 12:00 noon-5:00 pm America Letter • 21 Of Genealogical Interest See the Library & Genealogy section of the museum webpage for a listing of websites that are particularly useful for Danish and Danish-American research.
• Researching ancestors from Slesvig-Holstein presents a number of problems, including lack of access to many church records and a paucity of census records, particularly after 1864. Once again, a FamilySearch wiki provides a useful introduction to the area: https:// familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Prussia_-_Schleswig- Holstein. The LDS library catalog has a listing of microfilmed parish records for military parishes in S-H and Oldenburg. For those who know German there is a blog posted by the Archives for the Danish Minority in Slesvig (Archiv der dänischen Minderheit in Schleswig) The newly-released 1940 census allows us to see ancestors at http://archiv/twoday.net/stories. The site looks most recovering from the Great Depression and about to enter WWII. interesting and references a collection of over 50,000 photographs, so hopefully there will be an English- language interface soon to make the resources more • The 1940 census was released on April 2, 2012. As of accessible. early June over fifty percent of the census has been indexed by hundreds of volunteer indexers. You can • Church records from a number of parishes in Slesvig see what the progress is on each state and search the are now accessible on microcards at the Danish eighteen states that have been completed by going to national and regional archives. However, there is https://familysearch.org/1940census/. a stipulation that only Danish citizens and German nationals may have access to them. Some of these • 1940 enumeration districts, a census street finder and records may also be part of the FHL collection, so other information may be found at http://stevemorse. check there first for your parish of interest before org/, where you can also find one-step searches running down a Danish cousin who might be able to go of passenger lists and New York City deaths and look at the records. marriages. • 2012 is the 150th anniversary of The Homestead Act, • Many Danish church records are dated using the signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1862, which ecclesiastical calendar or reference “movable allowed many of our immigrant ancestors to own land feast days.” If you wish to know what secular date for the first time in their lives. As a beginning www. Quasimodogeniti Sunday (the first Sunday after Easter) fold3.com, a subscription website now owned by fell on in 1749 or 1802, you can find the answer at Ancestry.com, has digitized the homestead records https://familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Moveable_Feast_ for Nebraska. Information is also available at the Day_Calendar_for:_Denmark. Homestead National Monument near Beatrice, * If your ancestors were in the Danish Navy or worked Nebraska: http://www.nps.gov/home/historyculture/ in associated occupations at Holmen, the Naval landrecordsproject.htm. Dockyard, they may have resided in Nyboder, housing • Obituary look-up volunteers arranged by state and set aside for such personnel by King Christian IV in county or by country may be found at http://freepages. 1631. An interesting overview in English may be found genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~obitl/ovlist. at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nyboder. Some streets in html#states. this neighborhood, as well as elsewhere in the capital, changed names in the 18th and 19th centuries. The • Browse the Illinois Digital Archives at www.idaillinois. FHGC has bookmarked several Copenhagen sites org/cdm for accessible collections at the Illinois State which assist with street name changes and parish Library in Springfield. Many other states have similar locations. projects.
22 • America Letter Volunteer Spotlight: Jimmie P. Kelgor One of the longest-serving several years. Jimmie then attended event notices volunteers at the museum’s electronics school in Omaha and from local Family History and Genealogy worked in California and several newspapers. places in Nebraska and Iowa with These Center is Jim Kelgor of Atlantic, the telephone company before projects, later Iowa. Jim, or Jimmie, as he the couple settled in Atlantic, Iowa transferred to prefers to be called, has been where they raised two children and computerized volunteering since 1996, when Jimmie worked for seventeen years databases, the museum library was created in various capacities for the Walnut form the groundwork for some of the Grove Company. Thirty years ago his FHGC’s unique and most valuable and housed under the roof on arthritis became so bad that he had resources on Danish immigrants. the mezzanine level of the main to take medical retirement. Additionally, he always keeps his museum building. For many years Jimmie and Dorothy eyes out for materials pertaining Of Danish descent – his paternal were members of the Atlantic Friends to the Danish settlements in ancestors were originally named of The Danish Immigrant Museum. southwestern Iowa. “Kjeldgaard” – and an Elk Horn, Casting around for something to To keep his hands fl exible, Jimmie Iowa native, when he was 10 years do in his spare time and interested has worked on a number of craft old Jimmie and his family moved up in history, he decided to volunteer projects. To celebrate the move of the road to Kimballton, where his in the newly-formed Family History the FHGC to Main Street nearly a father ran a café in the early 1940s. & Genealogy department of the decade ago he crocheted the large Jimmie spent much of his youth in museum. Over the years he has Dannebrog fl ag which hangs on the the downtown area of what was then taken upon himself several tasks south wall of the library reading room a thriving small Iowa town and has that require the patience of Job: and which many FHGC visitors have many memories from that time. transcribing most of some 85,000 admired over the years. We certainly After high school, he trained and names of Danish Brotherhood appreciate his past and current worked as a barber for several lodge members from microfi lm, efforts. years and then married a local girl putting together information about Thanks, Jimmie! named Dorothy Mendenhall. They the various DB lodges, copying and lived in Audubon and Hawaii for indexing obituaries and other vital
America Letter Published three times annually by kristi Planck Johnson, Bethesda, MD Development Offi cer: Bruce Bro, Cynthia Mckeen, St. Paul, MN the danish immigrant museum [email protected] Carol Jensen Mills, Dubuque, IA Wall of Honor, Donations, 2212 Washington Street Benedikte Ehlers Olesen, Eugene, OR / Bryup, Memorial Gifts & Memberships: Elk Horn, Iowa 51531 Denmark Debra Christensen Larsen, Marian “Mittie” Ostergaard, Mission Viejo, CA 712-764-7001 800-759-9192 [email protected] Henrik Fogh Rasmussen, Springfi eld, IL Bookkeeping & Financial FAX 712-764-7002 Consul Lynette Skow Rasmussen, Johnston, IA Inquiries: Jennifer Winters, Eva Nielsen, editor Jerry Schrader, Elk Horn, IA [email protected] www.danishmuseum.org Mark Strandskov, Mt. Pleasant, MI Exhibit Questions: Tova Brandt, Janet M. Thuesen, Sausalito, CA email: [email protected] [email protected] Ex-Offi cio Artifact Donations & Museum Loans: Harriet Albertsen Spanel, Bellingham, WA Angela Stanford, Board of Directors Marc Petersen, Omaha, NE [email protected] President – Mark Frederiksen, Falcon, CO kai Nyby, LaPorte, IN Museum Shop: Joni Soe-Butts, Vice President – kay Esbeck North, Ames, IA Vern Hunter, Fargo, ND [email protected] Secretary – Flemming “Eric” Smitsdorff, Nils Jensen, Portland, OR Donation of Books & Library Racine, WI Dennis Larson, Decorah, IA Questions: Michele McNabb, Treasurer – kenneth Larsen, Calistoga, [email protected] CA / Harlan, IA Genealogical & Translation Inquiries: Dennis Andersen, Atlanta, GA Staff [email protected] Erik Andersen, Croton-on-Hudson, NY Executive Director: FHGC Data Entry: Wanda Sornson, [email protected] Jon Borgman, Harlan, IA Dr. John Mark Nielsen, Administrative Assistant: kathy Pellegrini, dkasst@ Ronald Bro, Cedar Falls, IA [email protected] metc.net Lone Christensen, Brown Deer, WI General Information, Group Tours, Custodian: Tim Fredericksen kurt Hansen, Rosemount, MN Volunteering Opportunities: Weekend Staff: Beth rasmussen Stewart Hansen, West Des Moines, IA Terri Johnson, [email protected] Rodger Rasmussen kenneth “Jake” Jacobsen, Seattle, WA America Letter • 23 The Danish Immigrant Museum Non-Profit 2212 Washington Street US Postage Elk Horn Ia 51531 PAID SP&D change service requested
New to the shop from Denmark!
Salt & Pepper Sets in Lime & Black Cutting Board The Museum Shop Set of 3 with Bamboo Stand Waiter’s Tool & Wine Finer Set Hoptimist Bumbles by Hans Gustav Ehrenreich
Spear Vase & Bowl Trays Cushions Towels
For information on these and all of our unique gifts visit The Museum Shop or online at www.danishmuseum.org