Published in the interest of North Americans of Scandinavian descent Sc andina vian HeritageNews September 2007

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Floral flags deck lawn of Heritage House Flags of the five Scandinavian countries are represented in flowers on the front lawn of the Heritage House (pictured in background). Checking them out are two of the fellows who keep them weeded and watered: SHA board members John Sinn and Bob Whetter. (Photo courtesy of Arnie Braaten)

. President’s report ...... 2 SHA Park delights visitors ...... 9 .

. From the office ...... 3 Edvard Grieg: Norway’s S ’

E Velkommen to Norsk Høstfest ...... 4 greatest musician ...... 10-11

T (See inset photo at left) Mojakka, lefse or vinarterta? ...... 12 D A I Stop by Book Store at Høstfest ...... 6 Scandinavian Society reports . . . . 13-15 Shop and save at SHA Gift Shop . . . . 7 Tracing Your Scandinavian Roots . . . 16 S H SHA time capsule burial ...... 8 N W I Page 2 • September 2007 • SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS

President’s MESSAGE Scandinavian Heritage News Vol. 20, Issue 41 • September 2007 It’s time to consider leaving Published quarterly by The Scandinavian Heritage Assn . a legacy of heritage 1020 South Broadway 701/852-9161 • P.O. Box 862 by Mark Anderson, president as important to us Minot, ND 58702 Scandinavian Heritage Association today as it ever e-mail: [email protected] was and ever shall Website: scandinavianheritage.org s we move forward into the be. As human Mark Anderson autumn of the year, we have beings, we yearn Newsletter Committee Amuch to look forward to. When I think to understand where we came from. Lois Matson, Chair of autumn, I think of cool mornings The Scandinavian Heritage Al Larson, Carroll Erickson and warm afternoons, sunshine, foot - Association is doing much to preserve Marian Bergen ball, and raking leaves. Autumn is a the history of our forefathers for our season of change, a passing of the old children and our children’s children. Jo Ann Winistorfer and an anticipation of the new. It One example of this is the time cap - Jo Ann Winistorfer, Editor won’t be long and the land will be sule that will be dedicated in enveloped once again in a coat of Scandinavian Heritage Park on Oct. 9, 701/487-3312 white. There will be good times spent 2007. Children from area schools will [email protected] with friends over a cup of hot cider, be invited to participate in this dedica - Al Larson, Publisher – 701/852-5552 holiday shopping and the eternal opti - tion ceremony, in hopes that some of mism that comes with the New Year. them will be present in 2057 when the As we age, we view autumn as a capsule is opened once again. SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE season of change. Like the seasons, There are many ways in which you ASSOCIATION our finances and spirit of philanthropy can help to preserve your history and 1020 South Broadway • P.O. Box 862 grow and change throughout our the history of this region. The easiest Minot, North Dakota 58702 lives, until, in the end, we look to pass way is through your membership, Phone 701/852-9161 on those things that we have accumu - support and donations for the good 2007 O FFICERS works of SHA. Whether your gift lated, as well as those ideals that have Mark Anderson ...... President grown within us. comes by way of life insurance, gift Luther Hanson ...... Vice President Philanthropy, or giving back a por - annuity, charitable remainder trust, Marion Anderson ...... Secretary tion of what we have been blessed donation of property or cash donation, Jerome Jorgenson ...... Treasurer with, is always in season. As parents you may rest easy in the knowledge and grandparents, we want to make that you have done your part to BOARD OF DIRECTORS the road a bit smoother for our chil - ensure the continuance of this impor - Three-year terms ending January 2010 dren and grandchildren than it was tant mission. And you just may save Marion Anderson Virgil Rude for us. We leave them our money, our some taxes in the process! Helen Haaland Luther Hanson Ron Bieri Jerry Jorgensen possessions, and our shared experi - As a Boy Scout, I was taught to Gail Peterson ences. always leave a campsite in better con - But what about the story of our dition than I found it. The same ideal Three-year terms ending January 2009 Duane Aase Doralyn Brown applies to preserving our heritage and heritage and those that came before Robert Whetter Eva Goodman us? Knowing where we came from is the history of our region. Please, con - Doris Slaaten John Sinn sider making a donation today. Jo Ann Winistorfer To learn more about the various Three-year terms ending January 2008 ways you can contribute to Mark Anderson Marian Bergan THE HEART of a Scandinavian Heritage Association, Ernie Selland Joan Varty call Bruce Christenson at (701) 837- Lorna Van de Streek James Maragos community is 9226, then, enjoy the season; you have Lois Matson reflected much to look forward to. • One-year appointees to January 2008 Peder Rice Bruce Nelson in the Verla Rostad Erv Johnson quality Bob Sando Ex-Officio Members of its Carroll Erickson , Past President parks. Bruce Christenson , Past President HHaappppyy Arnie Braaten, Past President MINOT PARK DISTRICT Allen O. Larson, Past President Roald Mattson, Past President 420 Third Avenue SW • 857-4136 TThhaannkkssggiivviinngg !! George Officer, Past President Jeanne McNea, Office Manager SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS • September 2007 • Page 3

From the OFFICE CALENDAR 100th marriage ceremony held FALL 2007 Oct.6, 7:30 p.m. • Minot Symphony in Gol Stave Church Museum Orchestra performs Edvard Grieg’s “Piano Concerto in A Minor,” fea - by Jeanne McNea to get materials turing accompllished Norwegian SHA office manager and labor dis - piano soloist Knut Erik Jensen. counted or Ann Nicole Nelson Hall, MSU ince May 17, 2002, The Gol Stave donated from Church Museum has been a popu - businesses. He Oct. 8, 7:30 p.m. • Suoni Wind Slar place to have a wedding, and on recruited volun - Orchestra concert (50-piece July 7, 2007, orchestra from Skien, Norway), teers to work on Ann Nicole Nelson Hall, MSU. Cora Corzette projects. When and Rick Also hear them at noon, Oct. 10, we had tickets Great Hall of Vikings, Høstfest Douglas to sell for a ban - (pictured) quet, he sold Oct. 9 • SHA time capsule ceremo - were the four times as ny, afternoon, SHA Park. 100th cou - Jeanne McNea many as anyone OCT. 10-13 ple to be else. He also vis - married NORSK HØSTFEST ited friends and organizations to celebrates its 30th year! there. Julie spread the word about SHA park. Hiatt and Billy On March 13, 1992, the Scandi- Oct 9, 7 p.m. –Opening night Bonebrake were concert starring Tony Orlando navian Heritage Association was and Ann-Margret first, on May 17, 2002. asked if it would like to have the Over the years, there have been Danish Windmill in SHA Park. The Oct. 10-13, 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m. formal weddings and casual wed - windmill had been in Roosevelt Park Entertainment: dings. Ministers and lay pastors from and was in need of restoring. • Oct. 10—Bill Cosby, 1 & 7p.m. many denominations, and judges too, • Oct. 11—Charley Pride 1 p.m., Laurence made contact with the chil - Lorrie Morgan & Ronnie have performed the ceremonies. The dren of the original builder to make weddings have ranged from very Milsap, 7 p.m. sure he would agree to the move. He • Oct. 12—Ronnie Milsap & small, private ceremonies to a full arranged for rocks to be hauled in for Lorrie Morgan, 1 p.m.; church and overflowing crowds. We the base, got volunteers to help build Charley Pride, 7 p.m. have had people from as far away as it before the top could be put in • Oct. 13—Norwegian singing Texas come here to be married sensation Sissel, 1 & 7 p.m. place, and then helped finish it. Call (701) 852-2368 for information because they thought the church was The Danish Windmill was dedicat - so unique. Our hope is that all will ed in October 1992, on the eve of that NOTE: TOURS OF SHA PARK have long and happy marriages. year’s Norsk Høstfest. During the SHA Park will be open for tours all ceremony, the SHA board commend - the days of Høstfest, as well as the ed Laurence for all the work he per - weekend before and after Høstfest. Check for times. Salute to SHA pioneer, sonally did on this project. Laurence Thompson The Waterfall, the other “big” proj- FUTURE HØSTFEST DATES My last article gave a little history ect Laurence took on in August of 2008—Oct. 1-4 of when and how the park was start - 1993, required a lot of pre-planning. Opening night concert Sept. 30 ed. Now I would like to acknowledge He was able to get the plastic lining 2009—Sept. 30-Oct. 3 one of the early volunteers who did for the ponds donated. The high Opening night concert Sept. 29 so much and gave so much to get school welding class made the rail - 2010—Sept. 29-Oct. 2 things started. ings for the bridges.After lining up Opening night concert Sept. 28 Laurence Thompson, a retired volunteers, the real work began. The farmer, joined the board of directors average age of the volunteers was 74. NEXT NEWSLETTER DEADLINE: of the SHA organization early in its Laurence worked on the Copy and pictures—Nov. 15, 2007 existence, on June 28, 1991. He Christmas light project by donating Printing date—Dec. 1, 2007 worked on almost every project as money for the electric outlet ped- well as acting as chairman for the estals, getting many lights donated, Danish Mill, the Waterfall, Wall of and then putting them up. He has We don’t see Laurence as much Honor, Golden Book of Memory and made donations for placing names on anymore, but we are always glad to other smaller projects. the Wall of Honor. He made a stand - see him when he comes around. His I would call him a salesman, too, ing frame for a mirror which he gave wife, Opal, must be given credit, too, as he collected many cash donations to the Gift Shop in memory of his for furnishing many cookies when for projects in the park: He was able grandson, who died in a car crash. the men were working. • Page 4 • September 2007 • SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS VNVEELLoKKOOrMMsMMk EENN Hto tøhe s30thfanenusalt...

to become North America’s largest Scandinavian festival, which regularly appears on the American Bus Associa- tion’s “Top 100 Destinations” list. Yet despite its phenomenal growth, Høstfest still retains a down-home, friendly atmosphere that makes folks feel “velkommen.” According to Chester Reiten, president of Norsk Høstfest, “It’s like a small town on a Ann-Margret and Tony Orlando will Saturday night, where neighbors can get entertain you on the Great Hall of the together over a cup of coffee and some Vikings Stage on Oct. 9, Høstfest Eve. Stars of Høstfest ’07 include, from top, warm-hearted camaraderie.” left to right: Bill Cosby, Charley Pride, Lorrie Morgan, Ronnie Milsap, Sissel, Norsk Høstfest 2007 celebrates 30 Wholesome entertainment Bjøro Haaland, The Oak Ridge Boys, years of fun, festivities, food, arts Each year, Høstfest brings interna - and Willams & Ree. and crafts, education and entertainment, tionally acclaimed performers to Minot, Scandinavian style. The gala ethnic providing wholesome, family-friendly dinaire Tony Orlando. Performers extravaganza takes place in Minot’s All entertainment for show-goers of all Wednesday, Oct. 10, through Friday, Seasons Arena—a 265,000-square-foot, ages. Oct. 12, include popular comedian Bill seven-building complex, all under one This year the festival has booked Cosby, and country music favorites roof. This year’s dates are Wednesday, seven superstars for the Great Hall of Charley Pride, Lorrie Morgan and Oct. 10, through Saturday, Oct. 13, with the Vikings arena and numerous enter - Ronnie Milsap. On Saturday, Oct. 13, an opening night concert set for tainers on the side stages. Opening international singing sensation “Sissel” Tuesday, Oct. 9. night (Tuesday, Oct. 9) acts feature ver - of Norway entertains. All but the From humble beginnings three satile Swedish-American actress Ann- Tuesday night show will be staged decades ago, Norsk Høstfest has grown Margret and singer/entertainer extraor - twice. (See calendar, page 3, for details.) Daily acts on multiple stages include Norwegian country singer Bjøro Haa- land, the comedy duo of Williams & Sissel’s so HO T she sizzles! Ree, and musical tributes to Johnny he’s sung for queens and princes and shared stages Cash, Patsy Cline and the Beatles. with superstars of every musical genre ranging from Visit Høstfest’s many halls (named Sopera tenors to pop idols and rappers. She’s performed at for Scandinavia’s great cities) for stage the Winter Olympics, sung at Carnegie Hall and acts ranging from bluegrass, country appeared on the Dave Letterman talk show. And she’s on and gospel bands to bunads (ethnic cos - the biggest-selling film soundtrack of all time. tumes from Scandinavia) and Norwe- This 30th anniversary year of Høstfest, internationally gian folk dancers. Be on the lookout for acclaimed vocalist Sissel brings her unique voice to roving musicians, interactive characters, Høstfest audiences—appearing on the Great Hall of the Vikings Stage on and a stray troll or two. Saturday, Oct. 13, at 1 and 7 p.m. Disguised in the crowd are a handful Born in 1969 in Bergen, Norway, Sissel has been a child star since age 11, of Mystery Vikings, each with a $100 making her television debut at 14. At 17, she released her first album, which bill to give away to anyone who asks catapulted her into stardom. Today, Sissel is a national institution in Norway them, “Hi, where are you from?” and has sung all over the world, selling six million solo albums and featured on the 30-million-selling soundtrack of the 1996 movie, Titanic. Distinguished visitors, guests Sissel’s new album “Into Paradise,” recorded In Norway, has appeal for A royal visitor will be among classical, pop and “crossover” fans alike. Høstfest’s honored guests this year. Her Yet despite her success, Sissel hasn’t forgotten her roots. “The Norwegian Highness Princess Astrid of Norway countryside is my inspiration,” she says, noting, “I am very proud of Norway (sister of King Harald V) will visit and its fantastic nature.” • Minot to join in celebrating the event’s 30th year of preserving Scandinavian SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS • September 2007 • Page 5 P H O T O S O F G I R L W I T H D O L L A N D D A N C I N G C O U P L E B Y B A S I N E L E C T R I C T O U C H S T O N E E N E R G Y

® heritage and culture. The Princess will city of Skien (pronounced “Shee-en”) in at the Scandinavian kitchen located in ;

R receive a special honor during the Telemark, Norway—led by Skien city assorted Høstfest halls. Taste fare with a E

S Scandinavian-American Hall of Fame council member Knut Einar Aas. Aas Nordic flair! Eat at the long rows of pic - T Banquet, taking place at 6 p.m. and his party are among a large number nic-style tables, or choose a cafe-side B

Y Wednesday, Oct. 10, at Minot’s Grand of Scandinavian visitors, authors and table in Touchstone Energy® Heritage J O International Inn. She will be presented artisans you’ll meet at Høstfest 2007. Center’s Copenhagen Hall. Or, dine A

N with the International Scandinavian Members of the Suoni Wind Orchestra, first-class at En To Tre, a sit-down N Cultural Award, commending her for a 50-piece Norwegian brass band, are restaurant serving gourmet cuisine from W

I her contribution to international good - among the guests from Skien who will “land, air and sea”—your choice. An N I S will between Norway and America and double as entertainers. (See calendar, page elegant Smørgåsbord is also part of En T

O for promoting cultural ties between the 3, for details.) To Tre this year. R

F two countries. North Dakota First Lady E

R Mikey Hoeven will present the award. Lots to see, lots to do, lots to eat Don’t miss the party! Others being honored that night for When you visit Høstfest,you’ll find Among the reasons for Norsk their achievements in business, sports, music ranging from accordion tunes to Høstfest’s long-running success are its entertainment or other accomplishments vocalists singing everything from coun - friendly volunteers. More than 7,000 include Sister Thomas Welder, Univer- try to gospel. You’ll see people dressed people offer their time and talents at sity of Mary president, Bismarck; in colorful costumes called bunads. Norsk Høstfest. That number includes Johann Olav Koss, Norwegian champi - You’ll find exhibitors from two conti - many SHA members! on skater; and North Dakota Attorney nents promoting hardanger, rosemaling, Don’t miss Høstfest’s 30th anniver - General Wayne Stenehjem. sølje jewelry, sweaters, and many other sary. Join in the world-class entertain - This will be the Princess’s second Scandinavian items in Høstfest’s many ment, traditional Scandinavian foods, visit to North Dakota. Reiten credits her shops. Check out the artisans demon - shopping, demonstrations, displays, first visit, in 1983, with boosting strating their crafts. Browse through the camaraderie and fun. Come early, stay Høstfest’s reputation from that of a Book Store, where SHA will be among for the duration—and enjoy the party! • small but growing annual fall gathering the vendors. — — — into a festival with global appeal. You won’t go hungry at Høstfest! For further information or to purchase Other international visitors will Diners will find foods prepared at mul - tickets, contact the following Website: include a delegation from Minot’s sister tiple booths, at the Swedish bakery, and www.hostfest. com, or call (701) 852-2368. Page 6 • September 2007 • SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS

Heading for Høstfest? Then stop by the SHA Book Store! hile you’re strolling the halls of Høstfest, wander over to the Book Store in Trondheim Hall. The store is operated by the WScandinavian Heritage Association and staffed by volunteer-mem - bers of SHA. You’ll find books on all five Scandinavian countries, as well as cookbooks, children’s books, history and how-to books, novels, genealogy books, books written by and about North Dakotans, and many more. There are books for all ages and interests. You’ll also find colorful calendars with scenes from Scandinavia. Stock up on books for Christmas giving. Visit with the friendly volunteers; considering signing up for a membership to SHA, or giving a gift membership to a friend or family member. Proceeds earned from book sales go to Scandinavian Heritage Park, an oasis of heritage and beauty in Minot’s heart. While you’re in town for Høstfest, drop by the park. The park will be open for guided tours the weekends before and after Høstfest, as well as during the event. For hours, call the office. •

Right: SHA board member Doralyn Brown holds up a book titled “Iceland,” one of the many books on sale at the SHA Book Store in Høstfest’s Trondheim Hall. Doralyn, who’s a member of the Icelandic Heritage Society in Minot, wears an Icelandic costume.

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Shop and save at SHA Gift Shop he holiday season is just around the corner. That means it’s time to Tthink about Christmas shopping! For any of those Scandinavians on your “Santa” list, may we recommend a gift from the Scandinavian Heritage Association Gift Shop. Jeanne McNea, who runs the SHA office andorders items for the Gift Shop, invites you to stop in to browse around. You’ll find books, calendars, ceramic items, plates, tiles, aprons, jewelry, figurines and more—all with a touch of Scandinavia. Another ideal gift for folks with Scandinavian roots: Give them a mem- bership to the Scandinavian Heritage Association. It’s a gift that keeps giv- Jeanne McNea displays a few of the many ing all year—to the recipient, andto SHA Gift Shop items! preserving the heritage of the early pioneers. Members receive a 10-per- cent discount on SHA items purchased in the Gift Shop, four issues of the Scandinavian Heritage News, anda gift packet containing a membership pin anda windowsticker. For details, see page 12. Don’t forget—as a member, you, too, get that 10 percent SHA Gift Shop discount! •

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REMEMBER TO SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS! Thank you They help make this newsletter possible! to our Next time you need the services offered by any The Scandinavian of our advertisers, check with them first. Itʼs a Advertisers! great way to show your appreciation for their Heritage Assn. support of this newsletter as well as our  Scandinavian Heritage Association. Page 8 • September 2007 • SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS SHA time capsule Burial ceremony set for Tuesday, Oct. 9 n Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 9, SHA board members and friends will Ogather outside the Gol Stave Church Museum for a special “burial ser - vice” designed to preserve the history of the organization. During the ceremony, a two-foot-long, stainless-steel time capsule containing memo - rabilia about SHA will be committed to the ground alongside the church. The capsule will remain buried for 50 years, at which time it will be unearthed for posterity. A number of items have already been collected for placement in the capsule. It’s not too late, however, to add to the collection. Clippings, photos or other small items that represent our heritage and our associa - tion and its accomplishments would be welcome. Students from area schools are being invited to attend the ceremony, as it’s hoped some of them will return to the site in the year 2057, when the capsule will be unearthed and its contents revealed. Young people in attendance at the burial service will receive a gold- colored paper clip along with a card designating them as members of the CLIP (Concerned Leaders In Preservation) Club and bearing the motto: “Holding our heritage together.” The paper clip idea is especially appro - priate, as Johan Vaaler (1866-1910), a Norwegian patent clerk and inven - tor, is credited with inventing the first paper clip. George Officer Although he patented his invention (in 1899 in Germany (above) displays and 1901 in the U.S.), it was never manufactured, as by the time capsule that time a more practical paper clip called the “Gem” scheduled for was already being produced in England. During the Nazi burial Oct. 9. occupation of Norway during World War II, pins or At right: Some of badges bearing national symbols were outlawed. The the items that Norwegians adopted paper clips as their symbol of resis - will be tucked tance, wearing them in their lapels. The clips signified into the capsule solidarity and unity against the Nazis. and unearthed in We invite you to join us at SHA Park for the Oct. 9 cer - emony, which will take place on the afternoon of Norsk the year 2057. Høstfest’s opening night. Mark the date on your calendar; (Photos on this it’s an important milestone for the future. And, oh, yes ... and opposite page if you’re around in 2057, you’re invited to attend the fes - by Jo Ann tivities when the capsule is dug up 50 years from now! • Winistorfer) Artist to attend capsule ceremony

mong those attending the SHA Atime capsule ceremony Oct. 9 will be Phillip Odden, the Baro- net, Wis., artist who carved the bas-relief Last Supper panel for the interior of SHA’s Gol Stave Church Museum. George Officer (right), chairman of the Gol Stave Church committee, invites you to visit the church to view Odden’s art work, which includes the church portals. • SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS • September 2007 • Page 9

SHA Park delights visitors to Minot sk visitors to Scandinavian Heritage Park “Hi, where are you from?” and chances are you’ll learn they’re not from North ADakota. In fact, many are not from the United States! Some come from Canada, while others come from overseas, especially around Norsk Høstfest time when Scandinavians descend on Minot for the annual festival of heritage, which turns 30 this year. The park, a beautiful oasis located in Minot’s heart, is a magnet for tourists, who visited it in droves this summer, assisted by friendly greeters and guides who were on hand to answer their questions. Some of the visitors came alone, some in family groups, some in tour buses, and some with school classmates. We’d like you to meet two families who drove quite a distance and were delighted to discover the park. At right, Phil and Tracy Easton from Macoun, Saskatchewan, and their youngsters, Brenden and Renai, enjoyed their tour of the park grounds in mid- August. The favorable Canadian-U.S. exchange rate makes the trip to Minot more affordable for Canadians these days. Below, two sisters from Kansas inspect the revolving globe atop the park’s observatory. Under construction during their visit, the wood frame surrounding the globe has since been replaced with black marble. •

Bradley Thomas • Bryan Thomas • 176 Spacious Rooms • Beauty Salon • Minot’s Finest Corporate • Indoor Heated Pool • Pavilion Restaurant Club • Two Whirlpools • Ground Round Bar & Grill • Oasis Lounge & Casino We are proud of our • Sauna • Minot’s Largest Convention Center • Gift Shop Swedish Heritage • Game Room 2200 Burdick Expressway East, Box 2228, Minot, ND 58702 Phone (701) 852-2504 • Fax (701) 852-2630 via the Toll Free 1-800-468-9968 Quist and Chelgren (Johnson) Velkommen Til lineages. Norsk Høstfest! Page 10 • September 2007 • SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS

The Scandinavian Heritage • 8 EDVARD GRIEG: Norway’s greatest musician by Arland Fiske talent in such persons as Henrik Ibsen and Bjørstjerne Bjørnson in literature, Iver Aasen in the revival of the o one has done more to popularize the folk music of Norwegian language (Nynorsk), M.B. Landstad and Ludvig Norway than Edvard Hagerup Grieg (1843-1907). No Lindeman in music, Jorgen Moe and P.C. Asbjørnsen in folk- None has written a better book on Grieg than Finn lore, the Sverdrups in politics and theology, and many Benestad and Dag Schjelderup-Ebbe. It was trans - more. lated by William H. Halverson and Leland B. Edvard—small of stature—was not known as Sateren, and published by the University of an especially good student. The rote-learning Nebraska Press in 1988. method of education did not take with his The book itself is a work of art, with 441 creativity. He used a special trick to get out large pages on high-quality paper. There of school. Getting to class late brought pun - are 404 illustrations and many interesting ishment whereby the student had to stand notes printed on the outside columns. outside until the end of the period. Also included are many musical scores. One day Edvard stood under a rain - For anyone who would take music spout (it rains often in Bergen) and got history seriously, or would like to know soaked. When the teacher saw him all all there is to know about the composer wet, he sent him home for dry clothes. and his times, this is the book: Edvard Since it was a long walk, he had the dy Grieg: The Man and the Artist. off. This trick worked well for a time, but The name Grieg comes from the one day he tried it when it was hardly MacGregor clan in Scotland. Originally raining at all. The suspicious teacher had Grig (from MacGregor), it was changed to someone spy on him, and that was the end Grieg. Edvard’s great-grandfather, of that. He also repeated the third grade. Alexander Grieg, immigrated with his wife But Edvard did have an unmistakable to Bergen, where some of the family had set - musical talent. So did several of the other chil - tled as early as 1600. There are some claims that dren in the family. His mother recognized his spe - Alexander was a fugitive from the gallows. cial giftedness at the piano. While hating lifeless Edvard’s paternal grandmother was Danish, the scales and exercises, he loved to daydream at the key - daughter of a violinist from Aalborg. Edvard’s maternal board to create new melodies. He began piano lessons from grandfather, Edvard Hagerup, was deeply involved in his mother at age 6. It was Ole Bull who took hold of him and Norwegian politics and was one of the said: “You are going to Leipzig to become 112 representatives who signed the an artist!” And so began the career of Constitution at Eidsvoll on May 17, 1814. Norway’s greatest musician. Edvard Grieg was also a relative of Ole Bull became famous in America, Ole Bull, the great Norwegian violinist. It was Ole Bull who took but Grieg said he wouldn’t cross the ocean Edvard’s mother was a highly talented hold of him and said, for a million dollars. He got seasick too singer and considered to be the best easily. piano teacher in Bergen. “You are going to Leipzig If you’ve ever been to Bergen on a clear to become an artist!” A maverick in music, politics day and seen the city from the adjoining and religion mountains, you can’t help but be And so began the career In the course of his career and travels, impressed with its beauty. It was the home of Norway’s Grieg met most of the great musicians of of the Hanseatic League, German mer - greatest musician. his time. He loved French and Russian chants who dominated Norway’s west music most of all, although he refused to coast fishing industry for hundreds of perform in Russia because he detested the years during the Middle Ages. Grieg Czar’s government. He said, “They are loved the old houses, narrow streets, the harbor and the sur - the worst criminals of our time.” rounding mountains, but he vigorously disliked its middle- He had a special love affair with Copenhagen. It became class business mentality. He was hungering for more of the his “artistic and spiritual home” rather than Oslo or Bergen. artistic and spiritual values. While the piano was the center of his musical studies, he also conducted symphony orchestras. In 1880 he became A new dawn of change and creativity director of the Bergen Symphony. He saw his task as turning The 19th century saw the awakening of Norway to become the symphony into a first-class organization. When several a part of the modern world. The change of government from members failed to show up for a dress rehearsal, choosing the ruling class in Denmark to Sweden and the new instead to attend a large public dance, he dismissed them. Constitution called forth an unusual amount of energy and Grieg was a very private person. He couldn’t tolerate hav - SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS • September 2007 • Page 11 ing anyone near when he composed, so he built a private hut her husband farmed, she oganized young talent from sur - away from his house for his work. His famous summer home rounding communities into a choir. in “Troldhaugen,” just outside of Bergen, has become a major Her daughter, Sylvia, writing of her mother, said: “She was tourist attraction. While there, you can peak in at the hut near always a ‘lady.’ I might say she was not the kind of a woman the water’s edge where he worked, as well as walk through [who] was expected to ‘help with the dishes,’ though, if nec - the house where he and his wife, Nina, lived. The Bergen resi - essary, she could do menial tasks with her usual aplomb.” dence, however, was too hard on his health, and the couple So Grieg did get to America (through Marta), and I get lived in it only during the summer months. excited every time I hear one of his piano or orchestral com - While Grieg was famous for his music, he was equally seri - positions. The additional story of Marta brings it a little closer ous about politics and religion. He held radical political to home. views, even favoring a republic over a monarchy. However, If you visit Troldhaugen in Bergen, look for Marta’s picture he soundly approved the new monarchy of 1905 with a on a table in Grieg’s home. And if your curiosity leads you to Danish prince and an English princess for the new royalty. explore the full story of Norway’s musical genius, read the He reacted strongly against social injustice, lust for power, book: Edvard Grieg: The Man and the Artist. • and the snobbery that he saw in the ruling classes. Meeting — — — royalty was a painful ordeal to Grieg. He felt the required Editor’s note: This column is the eighth in a series by former Minot protocol was too full of vanity. pastor, Arland Fiske (now living in Moorhead, Minn.), retired from In religion, Grieg was also a maverick. Though brought up ministry in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Fiske has under the influence of “orthodox” Lutheranism, he found that written nine books on Scandinavian heritage. The excerpts reprinted it was too confusing for his doubts. On a trip to England, he here are from his book, “The Norwegian Heritage: Vol. II.” became a Unitarian, which he remained for the rest of his life. His creed was summed up in “love” and the Sermon on the Mount. Yet he kept on good terms with a cousin who was a state church pastor. When buried, his ashes were put in a grotto where visitors may view the site today. Piano virtuoso Knut Erik Jensen, Grieg’s North Dakota connection Norwegian singer Marta Sandal Rortvedt (1878-1930) sang Minot Symphony Orchestra to solos under Grieg’s direction. Unlike Grieg, she crossed the ocean 13 times. She appeared as a soloist with Grieg in his present music of Edvard Grieg last concert, Oct. 17, 1906, in Oslo, before the new royal fami - n this, the 100th anniversary of his death, the world cele - ly. brates the life and the musical legacy of Norwegian com - Grieg wrote a unique introduction for her singing in Oposer and pianist Edvard Grieg. Born in Bergen, Norway, America. She introduced his music at Carnegie Hall in New Grieg is renowned as a nationalist composer, drawing inspira - York City. Grieg wrote: “I have no doubt that she will succeed tion from Norwegian folk music. in winning the hearts of the New World as she did in her own To honor the composer and his works, the Minot Sym- country.” phony Orchestra will perform Grieg’s “Piano Concerto in A She was the only authorized “Grieg singer” before the Minor,” one of his most popular pieces. Norway’s most excit - public, receiving high praise in London, Berlin and Chicago. ing rising young star, pianist Knut Erik Jensen, will be fea - She was also presented at the royal court in Russia, but did tured as the soloist. Jensen will appear in Minot after an not sing there. extensive solo tour of America and Canada. In her last years, during the 1920s, she lived with her hus - The concert takes place at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, at band, Gudmund Rortvedt, in Heimdal, North Dakota. While Minot State University’s Ann Nicole Nelson Hall. •

lcome ng We t! ti Mino ra IINVESTORSNVESTORS RREALEAL to eb rs el ea C 7 Y EESTATESTATE TTRUSTRUST 5 Convenient Locations 336 for all of your Petroleum “creating value for shareholders” and Convenience Items CENEX OF MINOT 12 South Main Street • Minot, ND 58701 Phone 701-852-2501 701-837-4738 • [email protected] • www.iret.com Page 12 • September 2007 • SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS

also served in Reykjavik Hall, includes: Mojakka, lefse or • Mojakka (a Finnish clear-broth stew made with beef, potatoes, carrots, vinarterta, anyone? rutabaga, onion and celery) • Finnish s you probably suspected, lots of • Finnish pudding Minot-area members of the heritage Volunteers from the Souris Valley Asocieties affiliated with the Scandinavian Danish Society will be assisting mem- Heritage Association will again be volun- bers of the Danish American Fellowship teering their time at Norsk Høstfest. of Minneapolis in the Tivoli Cafe in What you may not know is that Copenhagen Hall. They’ll be serving they’re also busy preparing food, which breakfast and lunch plates, and the fol- they’ll be serving at booths in different lowing assortment of foods: areas of the All Seasons Arena complex. You’ll find a variety of ethnic foods at Norsk • Aebleskiver(a round Danish pastry Here’s what’s cooking at the booth in Høstfest, including the ones listed below. served with strawberry preserves) Oslo Hall, sponsored by Sons of • Danish sausage Norway’s Thor Lodge: Reykjavik Hall: • Pastries, cheeses, etc. • Betasuppe (a sweet soup) • Pönnukökur (a pancake served Don’t let the fact that you can’t pro- • Open-face ham and Jarlsberg with strawberries and whipped cream nounce some of the words on the menu cheese sandwiches served on hard rolls or filled with jam fool you; come to Høstfest prepared to • Lefse filled with almond butter • Vinarterta (a seven-layer Icelandic eat the cultural cuisine served by our Icelandic Heritage Society members wedding cake with prune filling) societies. Arrive hungry, eat hearty, will be serving the following goodies in The Dakota Finnish Society menu, leave happy! •

Join Us In Preserving the Traditions of Our Proud Heritage THE SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE PARK, the only park in the world representing all five , hosts thousands of visitors each year from around the world; as well as providing a picturesque setting for weddings and family gatherings. As a member of the Scandinavian Heritage Association, You help support: • Interpretative Tours of the Park • The Heritage House Museum MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES • Local School Field Trips • The Annual “Midsommar Natt” SUSTAINING MEMBER • Membership Pin (initial membership) • “Arts in the Park” $35.00 per year • The Scandinavian Heritage News, offi- • Seminars on Heritage and Culture Will receive the SHA Membership cial newsletter of the Association • The on-going preservation and pro- Package, which includes: • Invitation to Annual Banquet and other motion of Scandinavian traditions, • Membership Card good for 10% off SHA events positive values and ethics Scandinavian Gift Shop items • And much, much more! • Annual SHA Gift Packet • Logo window Sticker SPONSOR MEMBER M EMBERSHIP A PPLICATION $100.00 - $499.00 per year Name (please print)______Phone ______Receives the SHA Membership Package, Address______E-mail______plus: City______State______Zip______• Recognition in Newsletter (one issue) I/We wish to support the Scandinavian Heritage Association at the level checked below: • One (1) Complimentary Ticket to the  Sustaining Member  Sponsor Member  Benefactor Member Annual Banquet  Yes, I/We give permission to print our name in the SHA publications BENEFACTOR MEMBER  Please contact us.  I/We would like to become Volunteer(s) at SHA. $500.00 and above per year  Check enclosed $______ Credit Card:  MasterCard  Visa  Discover  Am. Exp. Receives the SHA Membership Package, Card Number ______Exp. Date______plus: Name on Card (please print) ______Signature______• Recognition in Newsletter (one issue) Please mail to Scandinavian Heritage Assn., P.O. Box 862, Minot, ND 58702. Thank You! • Two (2) Complimentary Tickets to the Annual Banquet SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS • September 2007 • Page 13

SCANDINAVIAN SOCIETY NEWS ••• Thor Lodge Sons of Norway N EWS Scholarship awarded to young Thor Lodge member

Time for Høstfest, cultural classes llison Krause, a 19-year-old by Martha Elliott, president Our cultural classes will begin in from Minot, recently received Thor Lodge 4-067 Sons of Norway September. Are you interested in tak - Aan academic scholarship from Sons ing a rosemaling class? of Norway, District Four. The reetings to all! Thor Contact us. Interested in award is to encourage participation Lodge has had a learning how to knit or in the study of Norwegian lan - Gquiet summer. Then do hardanger? Contact guage, culture or literature at a again, celebrating the us. Folk dance classes college or university in the U.S. 100th anniversary of the will start also, along with or Canada, or at a Norwegian Lodge wasn't quiet. We our choir. We always wel - university or folk school. had a wonderful celebra - come new people to any Krause, a sophomore at the tion on June 24. of these classes. We offer University of North Dakota in We had a unit in the other cultural classes as Grand Forks, will be spending North Dakota State Fair well, so contact Thor spring semester at the American Parade, which was held Lodge members. College of Norway in Moss, on a Saturday when tem - We have had a good Norway, as a part of the Integrated peratures were in the 90s. year with all the activities Studies Program’s study abroad. Many warm days Thor Lodge has offered to She is a member of Sons of Norway followed. We also had a couple of pic - its members. These classes and meet - nics, one at the Elliott cabin at Rice ings and socials continue. We meet for Thor Lodge in Minot. In the past, Lake, and another at the Mahle a business session the first Monday of Krause has taken classes in Norwe- farm. Both were very good potluck each month, and we have our social gian language and rosemaling, and socials. on the third Monday of each participated in Young Vikings, a Now we prepare for the fall. Our month. The other Mondays we have culture program for youth. big event, of course, is Høstfest. Be choir and folk dancing. See you at Her parents are Skip and Ann sure to stop by the Thor Lodge food any of our meetings, socials and at the Krause, also from Minot. • booth while you attend the festival. Høstfest. Have a great autumn. •

Souris Valley Danish Society N EWS trative posi - tion. We wish him only the best and want Farewell to President Tim Burchill him to be hap - py in his new by Pamela Orth, was quite a blow. We have come to position. He secretary depend so very much on Tim’s leader - will be on the Souris Valley ship, friendship, genuineness, and the lookout at all Danish Society knowledge and enthusiasm he has times for more passed on to us about our Danish people of Dan - t has been said Heritage. ish ancestry. that you don’t As a Society, we had a farewell lunch Neil Zim - Iknow what you with many Danish delicacies, not to merman, our have until it is mention a special song in his honor vice president, gone. That was penned by Marion Johnson. We will will now com - most decidedly not carry on, and he isn’t moving across the plete the year as true when we were nation or the world for that matter, but president. He has his own agenda, and told that Tim it does feel that way. We thank him for his passion is to work on getting new Burchill, president all his efforts, all the lovely door prizes members. We will certainly be support - of the Souris Valley and the hugs. ing him in that endeavor. • Danish Society, was Tim will be living in Jamestown, Tim Burchill moving away. It where he will take on his new adminis - Page 14 • September 2007 • SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS

Swedish Heritage Society N EWS “Through a story of an old stone church and the people who built it and worshiped in it, Gene Wunderlich gives us Society planning trip to a glimpse of pioneer life in a small immigrant community. Carbury’s Stone Church By so doing, he has been able to acquaint us with some of by Loren Anderson, president Stone Church the real people who left famil - Swedish Heritage Society-NWND iar ground to strike out into history book the unknown ... and to tell us ark your calendars for We still have the something about how they Saturday, Sept. 15. We have an book “Stone Church; A formed a new community. Mevent planned that promises to be Prairie Parable,” written by Gene “ ... The reader is given insight interesting, educational, exciting Wunderlich, for sale. Proceeds go to into how individuals viewed and and fun for everyone. the restoration of the church, includ - coped with their new lives and ... We will leave from the Scandina- ing repairs to the roof. how their lives were shaped by their vian Heritage Park at 9:30 a.m. and The church fund has received a participation in a new community. drive to the Swedish Zion Lutheran $5,000 donation from Ms. Clarice “Wunderlich provides background Church (the Old Stone Church), three Titterud, formerly Clarice Swenson, of concerning the broader patterns of miles west and one mile south of the Des Moines, Wash., a sub urb of Swedish emigration and settlement in Carbury Port of Entry. We have Seattle. Clarice was Gene Wunderlich’s America. ... In the homeland, the planned a potluck lunch after view - sixth-grade teacher in Carbury. She church had been the most important ing the church, cemetery and Mystic visited the Scandinavian Heritage institution in their lives. The new set - Horizons, the mini Stonehenge that Park this past summer, saw the book tlers saw the church they organized was dedicated a year ago last fall. We for sale there, and was moved to make and built as the foundation for their will then proceed to Tornos’ cabin at the donation. new community. ... Lake Metigoshe, where we will enjoy If you haven’t yet purchased your “The main strength of this book is our potluck and also go boating if the copy, please do so soon. It will make a to me the intimacy that we, the read - weather permits. The Swedish Heri- wonderful Christmas gift for anyone ers, experience with the men and tage Society of Northwest North connected with that church or anyone women who shaped the new commu - Dakota will provide hamburger and who knows someone of Swedish her - nity. We get to know some of them hotdogs, and everyone can bring a itage who may have relatives who and can develop a deeper under - dish to pass. were members there or were interred standing of what it was really like to We are inviting the folks from in the church cemetery. emigrate and settle. We get a glimpse Bottineau whose families were origi - The following introduction to the of their hopes and fears, joys and sor - nal members of the church and book, by Nils Hasselmo, President rows, and of what community meant expect a great turnout. We can car - Emeritus, University of Minnesota, to them as they sought a foothold in a pool from the SHA; we will travel as gives a glimpse of the message of new land.” a caravan, because not everyone Gene’s book and of the immigrants I hope you all had a great summer. knows how to find the church. who built and nurtured the church: Halsningar! •

http://nobelprize.org/alfred_nobel/will/short_ Alfred Nobel: Swedish inventor, testamente.html http://nobelprize.org/nobelpeacecenter/index.html poet, philanthropist (1833-1896) http://nobelprize.org/nomination/ oon we will be hearing the announcement of nomi - http://nobelprize.org/prize_awarders/ nees for the Nobel Prizes. Alfred Nobel (Oct. 21, 1833- http://nobelprize.org/alfred_nobel/biographical/ SDec. 10, 1896) was a Swedish chemist, engineer, innova - http://www.lucidcafe.com/library/95oct/alfnobel.html tor, armaments manufacturer and the inventor of dyna - http://www.chemheritage.org/classroom/chemach/ mite. He was also a philanthropist, poet and inventor, gases/nobel.html holding 355 patents at the time of his death. In his will, http://inventors.about.com/od/dstartinventions/a/ he bequeathed part of his fortune to institute the Nobel Alfred_Nobel.htm Prizes. http://www.britannica.com/nobelprize Here are several Websites for you to explore to learn http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/people/A0835779.html about the history of Alfred Nobel and his interesting life. http://www.hotchkiss.k12.co.us/HHS/nobelnov/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfred_Nobel nobel.htm http://nobelprize.org/alfred_nobel/ Just paste the url's on your web browser and enjoy all http://nobelprize.org/nobelfoundation/index.html the information about Alfred Nobel and the Nobel Prizes. • SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS • September 2007 • Page 15

Dakota Finnish Society NEWS N.D. Finns celebrate their heritage by Marion Anderson, president area. There were many in attendance Dakota Finnish Society from different states also. It was a very enjoyable day, and the Wing Finns did elden had a 100-year celebration on an excellent job of hosting this. Memorial Day weekend. Phyllis Bruce Carlson mastered the bonfire BGordon and Joyce Evans were organiz - at Midsummer Night festivities again. ers of the event. The Finnish Cemetery He also had the sauna heated, but not 100th anniversary was recognized on very many bathers participated. Memorial Day. Belden was a settlement of many Visitor from Rock Lake are also areas where many Finnish immigrants, and there are still Ilona Aalto of Turku, Finland, was Finnish people settled. several Finns in the area. Phyllis a guest at the homes of Virgil and Gordon reported an excellent turnout Geraldine Rude and Myron and Workers needed for Finnish from many different states. From all Marion Anderson. She spent four days food booth at Høstfest reports, this was an excellent and with Rudes and 10 days with the Next on the agenda is Norsk enjoyable celebration. Andersons. Ilona was a Lions Interna- Hostfest. We will again have the food The Finns in the Wing area com - tional Exchange Student and also booth. If interested in working a shift memorated the 100th year anniversary attended a camp in Canada with other on some of the days, please get in of the Ahola Finnish Cemetery there. exchange students. She also spent touch with Phyllis Gordon or me. They had an excellent turnout (approx - another week in Minot with another Pikkujoulu will be observed the imately 200 people). After the cere - host family. Myron and I took her to first Saturday in December, so mark monies at the cemetery, there was a Medora, Tioga, International Peace your calendars. More information will steak fry and auction at the Finn Hall. Gardens, Bismarck and Perth. Robby come out later. Phyllis Gordon, Bruce Lorenz and Vee (Bobby Vee's son) entertained there Happy fall and happy Høstfest- Myron and I attended from the Minot the weekend of July 7. Perth, Rolla and ing!!!•

Icelandic Heritage Society N EWS Icelandic choir opens heart to historic Upham church by Ken Holand, president with Kris Benson and Ted Christianson create a collection to give to the care of Icelandic Heritage Society Newsletter of Upham, who, along with one other Melankton Icelandic Lutheran former member of the Upham church, Church,” Goodman says. n Icelandic choir touring the are the only Icelanders left in the Upper Midwest and Mani- area,”Goodman says. “The Scholarships to be awarded Atoba in mid-June made a spe - acoustics in the old church are Our last meeting was held cial visit to North Dakota. fantastic, and I got goose - Wednesday, Aug. 22, at the Heritage After performing in Winnipeg bumps listening to this beauti - House in SHA Park. We discussed the on June 17, the choir of the ful music rendered by fellow upcoming scholarship program. So far Free Church of Hafnafjordur, Icelanders.” we have had 12 applicants for the two Iceland, sang at the While the music of the scholarships to be given away by our International Peace Gardens choir impressed its listeners, society. The entries will be reviewed on the Canada-U.S. border. choir members were equally on Sept. 6; winners will be announced The choir’s next stop was at impressed with the old in the December 2007 issue of this the historic Melankton church itself. When they got newsletter. Icelandic Lutheran Church in to their motel in Minot that This year, an additional $500 memo - Upham, where the choir of evening, they took up a collec - rial scholarship will be given as a trib - around 20 members performed tion for the care and upkeep of ute to Fred Goodman, Icelandic five Icelandic numbers. the church, presenting the result - Heritage Society member who died Jim Goodman, Icelandic Heritage ing $600 to Goodman the following this past spring. The scholarship is Society member from Minot (and editor day. being donated by Fred’s wife, Eva, of the society’s newsletter), attended “We were awestruck that this travel - along with friends and relatives. the performance. “I met them along ing choir took it upon themselves to Happy Thanksgiving! • Page 16 • September 2007 • SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS

beginning to the end of its members’ lives, Tracing your Scandinavian ROOTS • 19 from christenings to funerals. In between were confirmations, betrothals (including banns, or announcement of the couple’s intention to marry, usually read in church We all had Lutheran ancestors! three separate Sundays) and marriages. by Jo Ann Winistorfer stored in separate buildings. The rule In Norway, the church kept track of applied only through 1820, but many those receiving smallpox vaccinations. omething all of us with Scandinavian klokkers continued to make duplicates. The church also recorded information on roots have in common is that, in the Church registers before 1812 can be dif - incoming and outgoing parishioners. Spast, we had ancestors who were Luther - ficult to decipher, reading like a chrono - Called innflyttede and utflyttede in Norwe - ans. That’s good news for genealogists, as logical log that lumped together funerals, gian church records, they provide former the Lutheran Church kept close tabs on its baptisms and marriages. After 1812, a and future places of residence of anyone parishioners through its parish registers. standardized format required that chris - joining or leaving the parish. For many centuries, Lutheranism has tenings, marriages, funerals, etc. , be listed The bad news is, sometimes the person been the state religion, and the Lutheran according to category. maintaining the registers was careless, Church has been the official recordkeeper Before 1812, the klokker recorded only omitting names, writing down the wrong for the governments of Norway, Sweden, the date of the church rite—the christen - information (especially dates) or using Denmark, Finland and Iceland. In Swe - ing, not the birthdate; the funeral, not the sloppy penmanship. Therefore, check these den, the church even recorded censuses in death date. Earliest registers sometimes records with others to determine accuracy. its parish registers. omitted the mother’s name, but always The good news is, often multiple gener - In 1539, the Lutheran Reformation recorded the father’s name. ations of one family can be tracked through (introduced into Norway by Danish King Until the mid-1700s, a woman who had these church registers, which are consid - Christian III, ruler of Norway and Den - just given birth to a child was considered ered primary records for genealogists. mark), was officially adopted by a Norwe - unclean and was barred from the church. ••• gian church council. Property owned by After about six weeks, the mother would You don’t have to go to Norway to the Catholic Church was confiscated, and be “reintroduced” into the church. This access the church records. If you know the former Catholic priests who wouldn’t cremony was listed as introduceret (or parish and clerical district of your ances - convert were deported. inngang) in the parish books. tors, you can usually obtain the church Norwegian parish registers began in Children born out of wedlock were records. Most of the Norwegian parish reg - 1668. In 1685, the law required the priest indicated in the parish register as uetke. isters have been microfilmed by the LDS or sexton (klokker) to record the church Starting in 1820, the priest listed in a sepa - Church. They are accessible through the rites. However, some parishes began rate column whether the child was legiti - LDS Family History Centers. Go to the cen - keeping records earlier than that. The old - mate or illegitimate. Leiermaal (fornication ter nearest you (there’s one in Minot), check est Norwegian register (for Andebu or adultery) was considered a sin and a the Family History Library Card catalog parish) dates back to 1623. Before 1700, crime. Any unwed folks who had a child (on their computer) for the parish and the only 127 parishes kept registers. had to confess their sin to the congrega - time spans covering your ancestors’ lives in Unfortunately, some of these early reg - tion; this confession was recorded in the that locale. Then order the microfilms that isters were destroyed by fire, floods and parish register. The couple was also fined apply. You’ll be charged a small rental fee. other calamaties. To prevent the loss of for their offense. In 1767, the confession When the film comes, you can view it at the these records, an 1812 law decreed that requirement was abandoned. Center. Or, visit the following Website: duplicate registers be maintained and The church documented data from the www.familysearch.org. •