Since 1911 February, 2005 Volume 25, Issue 1 Sigdalslag Saga

Serving Norwegian-Americans of , Eggedal & Krødsherad ancestry A personal link to renowned Norwegian artist Inside this issue: - Christian Skredsvig (1854-1924)

Pioneer Log House 3 On January 2, 2004, stamps were issued honoring three Given new Life Norwegian artists, one the 150th birthday of Christian Our Founding Father 4 Skredsvig who was born March 12, 1854. This 6 kr. stamp Anders Bratalien Pedersen shows his painting Idyll (1888) that now resides in the Endowment Fund & 6 Lillehammer Art Museum. Skredsvig had a home in Egge- Gift from Congress dal, , and many of his paintings are from Norway’s Centennial 7 that area. This painting is of special interest to me because Anniversary & Schedule my great grandfather’s farm, Jellum, was nearby. The Toten Lag to Host 8 the 2005 Stevne Sigdalslag Book Update 9 painting, Idyll, was of a farm- hand, Ole Olsen Omnan, on the Jellum farm, most likely employed Velkommen, nye by Gunnar Evensen Jellum (1819- lag medlemmer! 1911), my great grandfather. On a x JOHN & JUDY JO URDAN Stillwater MN visit there in 1976, I stood in about the same spot as Christian x JOHN T. MOSBY Plymouth, MN must have painted that scene and those buildings on the Jellum x HOWARD & RUTH B ERG Minnetonka, MN farm looked much the same. Of course, all my relatives in Norway x NANCY & LEE EWALD Central Lake, Michigan are very proud of this painting and most display a reproduction of it somewhere in their home. Idyll is frequently used in ads in Gifts and Memoria ls such magazines as the Viking. $25 from Nancy & Lee Skredsvig has been previously Ewa ld, “to defra y co s ts fo r honored on stamp NK#872, postage, research, print- ing, etc.” issued 11/14/1980, of painting Seljefløyten (1889). In 1897 Chris- $25 from Ca l Joks ta d, fo r the “nice work of Art and tian Skredsvig made a sketch of He ritage on father Carl my great grandfather. Joks tad ." By Walt Jellum Page 2 Sigdalslag Saga V olume 25, Issue 1

2004-2005 Sigdalslag Fra Presidenten: Officers EARL O. KNUTSON President 722 Second Street SW Willmar, MN 56201 (320) 222-1613 [email protected] We've just come through a cold spell here in Minnesota, with Willmar's over- night readings reaching minus 20 several nights in a row. The Sigdalslag Ex- GARTH ULRICH VP 1/ ecutive Board met in Apple Valley, Saturday January 15, in the midst of this Membership cold snap. In spite of the weather, four of the 10 board members participated Box 28, Spalding SK in person. Others sent in reports to be read. SOK 4CO, CANADA (306) 633-2274 The reports showed that our finances improved slightly in the past year. On [email protected] the other hand, our membership decreased slightly, which is a matter of con- cern for the board. Our editors and our new historian reported some interest- JUDY SOSTED VP 2/Heritage ing initiatives that you will be seeing and hearing about. 1118 Lia Court Contributions from Northfield, MN 55057 The main item on our agenda was the new Sigdalslag book, the last having [email protected] We need your help on this ! been published in 1949. we need your contribution RODNEY PLETAN VP 3/ members have been trickling in, but we need them to come in much faster. In order to meet our publicationin other goal ofwords late 2006,by July 13, 2005. Technology by stevne-time this year, 7414 W Broadway Forest Lake, MN 55025-8474 Most of the pieces published in the existing books are mini-biographies, writ- (651) 464-6636 [email protected] ten either by the person himself, or by a descendant or a friend. They are typi- cally 150 to 1000 words long (1/4 page upAn to obituary about 2 w pages). ould be A a similarver y good pieces DON SKADELAND Treasurer about your ancestor would be very suitable for the new book, especially if that ancestor hasn't already been written up. 10642 “O” Street , in fact if you send that in, we might be able to take it from starting point Omaha, NE 68127 there. Of course, it is more fun for contemporary readers if it is written by you! (402) 331-5906 -1980, we'd [email protected] , making sure to mention your immigrant ancestor. If Or write about yourself AMY MICHELSEN Secretary you or your parents were active in Sigdalslag in the period 1950 trip to 18730 Roanoke St. NW like to hear about it. We lack information about this period. Anoka, MN 55303-8971 . Our last trip, in 2000, was a wonderful e x- (763) 753-5484 The other main topic discussed at the board meeting was a possible [email protected] Norway in this summer of 2006 perience for all tha t went - a trip o f a life time. (Even i f we can't match tha t trip, LEE ROKKE Genealogist it can be fun and educational.) If you are interested in such a trip, please let us 13465 Garden View Drive know. Tell us what areas of Norway or Europe you would like to see, in addi- Apple Valley, MN 55124 tion to Sigdal, Eggedal and Krødsherad. (952) 432-9767 [email protected] Ha det bra! Earl O. Knu tson DIANNE SNELL Historian 31646 110th Pl. SE Auburn, WA 98092 253-351-0926 [email protected] Editor’s Corner... MARILYN MOEN Co-Editor Thanks to all who submitted wonderful of Kunstnerdalen (artists valley) where you 32557 Clay Bank Road can learn more about the famous artists, Erhard, MN 56534 articles for this issue of Saga! their works, and their homes which are now [email protected] Thank you Walt Jellum, for sharing your public museums. These famous artists story and family treasure with the rest of CINDY PETERSON Co-Editor chose the beautiful Eggedal to live and 3520 Banyan Street us; the sketch of your great grandfather by paint, and they contributed much to the Santa Rosa, CA 95403 Christian Skredsvig! 707-573-1504 world. [email protected] I encourage all who are unfamiliar with Skredsvig or Kittelsen, to visit the website Keep those stories coming! CP Sigdalslag Saga V olume 25, Issue 1 Page 3

Descendants Restore great-grandparents’ pioneer log house By David Little Staff Writer, West Central Tribute, Willmar, MN, original story Nov. 20, 2004

small kid out there. It was a lot of fun : It was just fun for a kid," said Reese, a his- torical association member. But Reese said he didn't know anything about the log structure. "I questioned family members many, many times about the house, about what happened out there, and nobody knew anything about it. None of the aunts or uncles knew anything at all," he said. Knutson said the house was in good, Ole Knutson, standing far left, with relatives, probably in 1897. View is from the South shape, considering it had sat vacant for more than 30 years. The outer shell pre- SUNBURG - One of Earl Knutson's interpretive center in 2003. served the log parts, he said. The roof was favorite photographs is a picture, believed "We knew of the Knudson cabin over largely intact, but failed in some places, taken in 1897, of great--grandfather Ole there," said Njus. "We didn't have any sparing most of the interior from the ele- Knudson and relatives standing in front of reason to know we could ever acquire it. ments. the Knudson two-story farmhouse, near the We talked about it as a possible dream. southeast corner of Knutsons Lake in "It's really kind of amazing to me that the Things worked out. The owners were northwest Kandiyohi County. house wasn't torn down 50 years ago. It's willing to donate it to us. not a modern house. I The picture was taken a year after Earl's We think to restore it sort think a lot of the old great-grandmother, Aase, died and shortly of like the original pioneer houses were burned down. before Ole returned to Norway for a visit. cabin is our aim. It's just a happy confluence Ole and Aase were pioneer farmers in Knowledge of the log of events, I think, that it's Arctander Township. still there to be preserved," house was forgotten Earl Knutson remembers his grandpar- he said. ents living there and eating grandma's Earl Knutson, one of fresh bread. more than 40 living great- House was believed grandchildren, spent much built in early 1860s "Although I visited there often as a child, of his career as an engineer it seems I didn't know much about the Family members believe on the East Coast. He the log house was built in house," said Knutson, who grew up west retired in 1995, moved to of Knutsons Lake. "It's only in the past six the early 1860s, based on Willmar in 2002 with his church and 1and transfer to seven years that I knew there was a log wife, Betty, and is assisting building inside of the wall there." records. Ole Knudson the restoration project. Ole Knudson and his wife Aase, Storebraten and Aase emigrated from Norway in 1860. Now, the Norway Lake Lutheran His- "It's really meaningful for Harvesdatter Hektoen torical Association hopes to restore the log me because great--grandpa and great- were born in Sigdal, Norway: he in 1835 house to the way it probably looked in the grandma came here in 1860 as far as we and she in 1836. They were married in early 1860s, complete with period furni- know, and over the next few years they Lafayette County, Wis., in 1857. ture and family artifacts, and open it by built the house - the log house. And as They came to Minnesota in the spring of appoint-ment as a museum to adults and their lives went on with the family, they school chil-dren. 1860 with two young sons. They settled added on to the house," said Knutson. "My near Knutsons Lake where the younger son The association's purpose is to preserve grandfa-ther was born in the house, dad died in 1860. "Their first daughter, Nilje, some of the Norway Lake community's was born there, and the story goes my was born in 1861, the first white child born cultural heritage, said the Rev. Joel Njus, older brother was born there, too. It's in Arctander Township. association president. The associa-tion's meaningful to me to see this project go first project was construction - com- forward." "Can you imagine a guy coming from Wisconsin?" Reese asks. "They walked, pleted in 1999 - of a replica of a log Great-grandson Marc Reese of Spicer they didn't have animals. You've got a wife church originally built on land donated by said he and his mother lived there while and two kids; and he's standing on a piece Ole Knudson. The site includes an original his father served during World War II. log granary, which was turned into an "I remember many, many things as a (C o nti nue d on page 5 ) Page 4 Sigdalslag Saga V olume 25, Issue 1

Our Founding Father - ANDERS BRATALIEN PEDERSEN

The founder of Sigdalslag, Anders station. A town had been planned had to Bratalien Pedersen, was born October there so Pedersen opened a store and answer in 8, 1838, at Braatalien in Sigdal. His was the first to bring building materi- the nega- parents, Peder Erickson Solumsmoen als to what is now Rothsay. He was tive, he and Berte Kristoffersdatter Ostby, appointed the first postmaster and thought, were tenants with nine children and worked under both Republican and “If we didn’t have the money to provide the Democratic administrations from had a higher education that Anders desired, 1879-1892. Later he went into manu- Sigdalslag stevne I would have met so after confirmation he became a tai- facturing in Fergus Falls and Duluth many of them." His dream became a lor’s apprentice and then went on to where several bankers had shares in his reality on June 24, 1911 with the Christiania () to be trained in his company. Because of the panic of founding of Sigdalslag in Fergus Falls craft. 1891-92 the business went bankrupt. on June 24, 1911. He was the first Pedersen sold out at a loss and went president and came up with the idea of Pedersen later enlisted in the artil- back to Rothsay. He eventually sold publishing a yearbook of stories about lery with the promise that he could his business there to engage in farm- the members. This came to pass with attend non-commissioned officer’s ing. the 1914 edition of Sigdalslaget which school but, alas, his commanding offi- contains a number of writings by Pedersen and his wife were the par- cer did not live up to that promise as Pedersen, including a reflection of his ents of five children. Three died at a he had apparently promised more trip back to Sigdal in 1895. enlistees that he could accommodate. young age. Their oldest daughter, Pedersen later said that it was the big- Selina, who was married to Dr. Serk- Anders B. Pedersen died December gest disappointment of his life. land, died on Christmas Eve in 1912 27, 1919 after suffering a stroke in leaving three children. Their youngest 1916. Subsequent lameness on his left After his military service he went daughter, Alice, married C. W. Rand. side caused him to stay in bed for over back to Sigdal, bought the farm (Note: They were the parents of the three years. During this time he read Kvislebraaten and worked at his tailor- late Sidney Anders Rand, former St. and wrote a lot and went about estab- ing craft on the side. In 1870 Pedersen Olaf president , Ambassador to Nor- lishing a fund for the “old people’s immigrated to America to Pierce way and a member of Sigdalslag.) home” in Sigdal. He had the satisfac- County, Wisconsin. After having tried tion of seeing that fund grow to a sig- Pedersen like to write and even most of the “worst jobs to be had” in nificant amount. He was laid to rest on wrote a book which he called “Mother the country, he went to St. Paul and January 3, 1920, but his legacy lives Hanson.” He was also very involved began tailoring. In 1873 he married on in his beloved Sigdalslag which still in local offices. In 1890 he was the Miss Joran Oldsdatter Våtnas. His thrives 94 years after its founding. bride had come from Norway as census taker for the district. He was planned as they had been engaged in county commissioner for Wilkin County for 12 years. Compiled by the old country. She was born in 1843 Dianne Enger Snell, Lag Historian on the Våtnaas farm in Sigdal to Ole Pedersen’s inspiration to organize a Sources:: Gulsen Våtnas & Sigrid Olsdatter bygdelag came after he had visited Brandsrud. x www.geocities.com/Heartland Prairie/ 1999. Sigdal in 1895. On his return people x A Compendium of History and Biography of In 1879 the couple moved to Wilkin would ask him he had met any of their Central and Northern Minnesota, 1904, p. 450. County in Minnesota where the Great relatives or acquaintances while in x Sigdalslaget 1914. Northern Railroad had laid out a new Norway. When, in most instances he Sigdalslag Saga V olume 25, Issue 1 Page 5

(C ontinu ed f r om Tribune photo by Bill Zimmer sawmill lumber - was page 3) added next because the of land and saying boards were spliced at the 'Here we go.' What do corner where the kitchen you do?" meets the pantry; "That Their first dwelling says the kitchen was put on was said to be a sod at a later date after the hut, dug into the first addition," he said. ground. The location is For the third addition, the unknown. family raised the roof for In a 1913 interview, second-floor bedrooms. Ole Knudson talked It's believed the upper about the first day of level was added last the 1862 Indian upris- because newer wire nails ing, saying he came in were used, compared with from haying and found older square nails on the his house empty. The lower leve l. Earl and Rev. Joel Njus near the doorway bet ween the log house and a newer bedroom addition use of the word Huseby bought the prop- "house" sug-gests the erty in 1991 and split off the house and log house was built before August 1862. the logs served as a pattern for the log some land to his sister from the twin Cities. Between 1860 and 1890, the family church replica, said Ed Huseby of rural She and her family considered remodeling added a bedroom, pantry, a kitchen and Pennock, association vice president the house for a summer place. But after removing some of the siding and seeing the upstairs bed-rooms. Thoughts of the log "We didn't do it as well, and they did it logs, they decided against it. structure were apparently forgotten, how- with fewer tools," he said. "The more I ever, as the house was expanded. Aase look at how cabins were built way back in Since then, the house and a small piece died in 1896 and Ole died in 1919. Descen- the middle 1800s, the more I realize just of land have been deeded to the historical dants lived in the house until about 1960. how competent those builders were, how associ-ation. Members say the project will bright those people were and take sever-al years to complete. how they built things." "It will be for people who are interested Reese is a retired bricklayer. in what happened in the past in that area," said Huseby "There is something to be said "It just fascinates me that for her heritage. It does provide some somebody could walk out positive aspects to our society." there with an axe and build some-thing like that," he said. The bedroom, constructed of rough-cut posts and beams, Just For Fun… was added first. The posts were notched into the bottom Ole bought a mule and took it home. beam and the top beam was When he tried to put it into the barn, The house in 1994. The original log portion exposed on the left side held with diagonal members the mule's ears hit the top of the The properly was sold and the house was doorway and the mule refused to enter fas-tened with wooden pegs. "It isn't going rented until the late 1960s, after which it the barn. any-where," said Reese. sat empty. The log house stayed hidden Sven stopped by, and he and Ole until the early 1990s when a new property Association members might save the started discussing ways to get the mule owner removed some of the faded narrow bed-room because the construction method into the barn. Ole said, "Vell, I'll yust siding, revealing a portion of the original is interesting. Knutson calls it an economi- have to yack up da barn and add a walls. cal use of lumber. Huseby said the pegs little to the valls to make it taller." were a sur-prise. Early construction methods were Sven thought for a minute and offered, "Vell, you haf a dirt floor, impressive "We don't know if that was the common way to do it," he said. vhy don't you yust dig out a little." Knutson, Reese and other association It's not known when the interior was mem-bers are dismantling the additions to "Nah, dat von't help get to the 21-foot by 17-foot log structure. fin-ished, but a newspaper dated 1880 was any!" s aid Ole, "It's his They're impressed with early construction found behind the plaster. ears that's too long, not his legs!" methods. The dovetail corners connecting Huseby believes the kitchen - built of Page 6 Sigdalslag Saga V olume 25, Issue 1

From the Permanent endowment fund established to support Saga Norwegian-American initiatives for future generations Mail Bag: (Seattle, Wash.) - The Norwegian American that the next generation of Norwegian- Foundation will establish a permanent en- Americans can appreciate and participate in From California… dowment fund of $100 million as the main their heritage. Having resources available “Dear Friends, Sue Ann focus of its 2005 Norway Centennial Cele- through the Foundation and using it as a and I are leav ing o n bration gift program. The objective of the liaison for cross-cultural activities is an ex- January 15 to Laos for a citing gift from Norwegian-Americans for six-mo nth stint he lping a endowment fund is to enable the Norwe- missionary in his English gian American Foundation to promote, the Centennial Celebration, said Kim Nes- language school. inspire and develop new activities, cultural selquist, Executive Director of the Norwe- Our current e-mail gian American Foundation.” address will become exchange programs and ongoing interac- deactivated at that time. tion between Norway and Norwegian- The endowment fund will serve as a cata- We hope to be ab le to American organizations, cultural institu- lyst and support to approximately 900 Nor- communicate with you by tions and individuals to secure and advance a different e-mail address wegian-American organizations and institu- from that distant place Norwegian American heritage into the fu- tions across the country and their members during our absence from ture. The organization plans to raise $10 in their work to enhance ties between the here. million for the fund by December 2005 as He re 's w ish ing you United States and Norway. The Foundation adieu until we return. its initial fundraising effort. All Norwegian- envisions offering scholarships, grants and Warm regards, American organizations and individuals are stipends to support the projects and activi- invited to contribute to the national en- ties of these organizations. Sue Ann & Art Pete rson dowment fund. Source: Norwegian American Foundation, (Editors expect a story about story by Judith Dern your trip upon your return!) “We want to ensure ongoing activities so

From Michigan…

Thank you so much for introducing us to Lee Norwegian American Community honored with gift Rokke. I believe that she is from U.S. Congress another "God-send" as well as you and LaVonne promote, inspire and develop ongoing co- (Rognlie) Johnson A $1 million grant to honor the 2005 Nor- (Trondelag). It is amazing way Centennial Celebration was recently operation, cultural exchanges, partnerships how much information the designated to the Norwegian American and activities that will strengthen ties be- "lags" can provide . Foundation as a representative of the Nor- tween Norway and the United States to Nancy and I appreciate advance and secure Norwegian-American the time that you took to wegian-American community. The grant write back to our initial was part of an omnibus spending bill ap- heritage for the future. contact just by see ing your proved in December 2004 by the U.S. Con- website. “We are very pleased and grateful for this ...We are proud to be gress. The award continues a long-standing grant that acknowledges the strong ties be- members o f the Sigdalslag tradition of gifts from the United States to tween Norway and the United States, and and wish th at we would mark significant events and anniversaries of a significant event in Norway’s history,” have found you years ago. with countries that are historic allies and ...Also, thank Amy for her said Kim Nesselquist, CEO and Executive ve ry kind introducto ry with which it has close ties. In a reciprocal Director of the Norwegian American letter to us and correspon- gesture, Norway gave the United States a Foundation. “It is a public commitment to dence. We are already similar gift in 1976 to mark this country’s talking about a trip in July our heritage and the future we share to- to the stevne to mee t our bicentennial. gether, represented by over 900 Norwegian new "family"! Beginning in 2005, the Foundation plans to American institutions and organizations in Thanks, Lee and Nancy award $100 thousand in grants to Norwe- the United States.” Ewald gian-Americans organizations and institu- Source: Norway.com, story by Judith Dern tions. These grants will serve as catalysts to Sigdalslag Saga V olume 25, Issue 1 Page 7

Norway’s Centennial Anniversary 1905-2005

The following information is provided by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and they welcome all to access Event Schedule their website, set up specifically for the JANUARY FEBRUARY Queen Sonja of Norway. special events planned for the Centennial. Scandinavia House, NYC Feb. 1st For more information, visit their site at Jan. 6 Magne Vangsnes Exhibi- Grieg Concert in Houston Mar. 3, 9 and 17 www.norway.org/fo/2005.htm tion Rice University, Houston, Film series at Scandinavia Atrium Gallery and Court- TX House A presentation of of In 2005 it will be one hundred years recently released Norwe- yard, Feb. 11 - 12 gian films. since the union between Norway and San Francisco, CA Nobel Peace Prize Forum Scandinavia House, NYC Sweden was dissolved peacefully. For Jan. 6 - 23 Augsburg College, MN Mar. 6 - 12 Norway it thus also marks one hun- Tomas Ramberg: Feb. 17 - Mar. 12 Oslo Philarmonic Orchestra Convergation The Workroom - A Play dred years of close ties with key Touring the U.S. The artist work includes Features Norwegian ac- partner countries and of participation photographic wall prints tress Anna Guttormsgaard. March 12 - May 30 in the international community. and paintings. New York NYC The Centennial Exhibition of the Nobel Prize 1901- Jan. 8 - May 1 Feb. 18-19 2001 New York Hall of The centennial anniversary will be Nico Widerberg sculpture Nordic Spirit Symposium Science, Queens, NY celebrated in Norway, Sweden and a exhibition at Grounds for at the California Lutheran Sculpture New Jersey number of other countries. Activities University. California Lu- Mar. 24 - 26 theran University, Thou- Dance Salad - with the in Norway are being coordinated by Jan.11- Feb.19 Knut Åsdam Solo Exhibi- sand Oaks, CA Norwegian National Ballet. Houston Norge 2005, a company established tion. NY February 28 specifically for this purpose. The Jan. 12 The Oslo Cathedral Choir Opens Mar. 24 Ministry of Foreign Affairs is respon- The New York Jewish Film in Concert Andre von Morisse at St.Thomas Church, NYC McKenzie Fine Art sible for the centennial anniversary Festival presents "The Man Who Loved Haugesund" New York programme abroad. The Walter Reade Theater Mar. at Lincoln Center, NYC MARCH The purpose of the programme abroad exhibit Jan. 12-14 Mar. 2 - 3 Houston Museum of is to commemorate Norway’s centen- "Pathways to Peace. Nor- INTSOK - week Contemporay Art nial anniversary and enhance Nor- way’s Approach to Devel- Houston way’s visibility. We wish to update opment and Democracy" Mar 2 Tacoma, Washington APRIL Norway’s image and create a percep- Exhibit of Norwegian chil- Jan. 20 dren's drawings, and "C Apr. 7 tion of Norway as a deeply committed Leif Ov e A ndsnes for Courage". Trio Mediaeval's U.S. Tour and responsible participant in the Carnegie Hall, NYC The Children's Museum of Merkin Concert Hall, NYC Houston international community, in 2005 and Jan. 23 April 7 - 10 beyond. Oslo String Quartet Mar. 3 Wergeland's Children at Carnegie Hall, NYC Concert with Jan Garbarek UC Berkeley More than 500 concerts, festivals, San Francisco Townsend Center for the Jan. 27 Humanities, UC Berkeley, Mar. 3 exhibitions, exchange programmes and Lecture: Norway, 1905 - CA Trio Mediæval in San Fran- seminars will be held in 2005. A Dissolution of the Union- Portal to the 20th Century cisco Herbst Theatre, San Apr. 8 - June 26 calendar of events is posted on this Scandinavia House, Francisco, CA Centennial events in Seat- tle website, so that visitors can see which New York March 3 - May 25 Nordic Heritage Museum, NORGE - Contemporary activities are taking place when and Jan. 30 Seattle, WA Landscapes from the Col- where. The website will be closely Voci Nobili at Merkin Hall - a female choir affiliated lection of H.M. Queen Apr. 22 - May 1 coordinated with Norway – the official with Bergen University Sonja of Norway All of the Houston International Film site, the website of the embassies, College in Norway. works in the exhibition are Festival - tribute to Norwe- drawn from the extensive gian film Houston which will provide more detailed art collection of H.M. information about events in particular (C o nti nue d on page 1 0 ) countries. Page 8 Sigdalslag Saga V olume 25, Issue 1

Toten Lag cordially invites you attend this year's stevne

This year's 7-Lag Stevne will be held changed from Sat. to Fri. night) Lag Stevne". Rates valid until June 13. from Wednesday, July 13 through * Residence hall rooms - $17 per night * AmeriHost Inn & Suites Saturday, July 16 at the University of for single room & $11 per person per (262-472-9400) $69 per night.w/ Wisconsin - Whitewater in Whitewater, night for double room. Linens are not continental breakfast Wisconsin. Located approx. 30 miles included in the room cost. Linen pack- * Super 8 Motel - Whitewater SE of Madison, 40 West of Milwaukee. ages are available for a one-time charge (262-473-8818) $79 + tax Highlights include a Wed. tour of early of $9.50 per packet. Pillows and blan- * Super 8 Motel - (no rate listed) Fort Norwegian settlement in Koshkanong. kets are available for $0.50 each. Atkinson (920-563-8444) Genealogy room will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, and 8 a.m. to HOUSING - There will be space avail- CAMPGROUNDS - noon on Friday. Classes will be offered able in the college dormitories. They are * Snug Harbor Campground 10 minutes on Thurs. and Fri. including new classes not air-conditioned so bring a fan. The south of Whitewater (608-883-6999) on Norwegian Silver and Preserving rooms at the residence hall will be open * Scenic Ridge Campground, Whitewa- photos/papers/etc. Wednesday. ter (608-883-2920 or FAX: 262-472- 0281) FEES - MOTELS - The following motels are * Jellystone Park of Fort Atkinson * Registration fee - $ 23 holding rooms at the listed rates. To get (920-568-4100) * Friday evening Banquet fee - $21 the rates listed you must tell them that * Pilgrim's Campground on Cty C, (note that this year, the banquet has you want a room reserved for the "7 Ft. Atkinson (1-800-742-1697) Rustand family Reunion

Back row, L-R: Charles Larson, Rodney Horst, Jim Haugen, Mark Rustand, Diane Olson, Judy Anderson, Debra Lewis, Don Hustad. Third row: Alan Lar- son, Dianne Conn, DeeDee Peterson, Gene Larson, Barb Raguse, Joanne Bremer, Carol Richards, Ann Haley, Lorraine Wikholm, Jean Blasing, Leon Rustand. Second row: Don Larson, Idella Sundeen, Florence Horst, Ione Aamoth, Marian Swenson, Ellis Rustand, Kitty Jo Schneeberger, Ralph Larson, Dorothy Hovren, Marlene Engstrom, Patrica Rustand, Blaine Rustand. Front row: Kelsey Larson, Tyler Stone, Kayla Larson, Devin Stone, Wanda Seliski, Linda Dutton, Lauri Rustand, Tim Rustand, Mikaela Rustand, Tom Rustand, Levi Rustand, Steve Rustand, Larry Rustand, Jerry Rustand, Curl Rustand.

Some 50 descendants of Christian and the Wendell area in 1880 from the Sigdal Kari Prestagaardshus, the only living rela- Anna (Tovsrud) Rustand and their spouses area of Prestfoss, Norway with their family tive who, along with her husband, has vis- gathered at the Community Center in Bertha, Ole Christian, Ole Kristian, Martha, ited the Wendell and Elbow Lake area. Wendell, MN on Sunday, August 1, 2004 and Julia. Two other sons -Andrew and Relatives come from Washington, DC; to enjoy a day of visiting, looking at old Mads - were born in the USA. Maryland, North & South Dakota, and Min- pic-tures, and getting acquainted, fol-low- Several descendants have visited their fam- nesota to attend this event. ing a potluck picnic dinner at noon. ily farm at Prestfoss and have been guests Source: Grant County Herald Christian and Anna Rustand immigrated to at Christian’s sister’s great-granddaughter Sigdalslag Saga V olume 25, Issue 1 Page 9

DID YA KNOW? Norwegian- THERE WERE MORE THAN 5000 PEOPLE Americans WHO EMIGRATED FROM SIGDAL... by state

are your immigrant ancestors published/written There are more than 4.5 about yet in a Lag publication? million people of Norwegian ancestry in the U.S. today. Of these, approximately 3 million c laim 'Norwegian' as their sole or primary ances- Book Update from Lee Rokke try.

The next Sigdalslag book is underway. We started with a section of pictures that were contributed by Sigdalslag members for the Exhibition at the Sigdal The 10 states with the most Norwegians: og Eggedal Museum in 2000. Family histories are being added as they come in. Be sure to send your own family story. It seems logical to have a section 1. Minnesota - 851,000 on immigrants who were not in the first books and a section of descendants. 2. Wisconsin - 456,000 Therefore it is possible that you will have two stories to write: one on your 3. California - 436,000 4. Washington state - 368,000 immigrant ancestors and one on your own family. Because of space restric- 5. North Dakota - 193,000 tions, we are asking that you limit your stories to 1000 word or less, which is 6. Illinois - 179,000 about one page. Please send pictures to use with your stories. If you choose to 7. Iowa - 167,000 send pictures by e-mail, please use jpeg format. We will be working on the 8. Oregon - 147,000 book for most of the year, but it would be helpful if you send in your family 9. Texas - 119,000 10. South Dakota - 115,000 histories by July. Tusen takk!

The 10 states with the top percentages of Sigdalslag Members Send in Surveys Norwegians:

Sigdalslag Surveys have been received from: 1. North Dakota - 33% of the x Nancy and Lee Ewald, Central Lake, MI, on descendants of MA RI PE DE RSDT R state's white population is SOLUM who married SIVERT RONGLIE. They also included material about the of Norwegian ancestry Marsh River Congregation in Shelly, Minnesota, a page of history of Traill County 2. Minnesota - 20% North Dakota, and several pages from the Esmond, ND, history book. Mari's son 3. South Dakota - 17% Paul built the first store in Esmond, the P.S. Ronglie Hardware & Furniture. 4. Montana - 12% x Denise Akers, New Castle, IN, on the family of ANDERS OLSEN MEDALEN and 5. Wisconsin - 10% BERET OLSDATER GRONHOVD. 6. Washington state - 8% 7. Iowa - 6% x Marcy Tandberg, Milpitas, CA, on the descendants of ROLF TANDBERG and 8. Alaska - 6% PETRA GREEN. 9. Oregon - 5% Added to the Sigdalslag library: 10. Wyoming - 5% x A gift from Mildred Tyberg, Elbow Lake, MN: The Family History of Kittil and Gun- hild Olsen. Put together by "the dream Team," Judy Christopherson, Donna Paul, Source: Wikipedia, the free Sandy Rund, Sharon Wicklund, Milly Tyberg, Fritz Fiala, Dorothy Fiala, Sheldon encyclopedia. Tyberg and Orris Olson, all descendants of Kittil Olsen (Rolsrudplassen) and Gun- hild Ellingsdatter (Sundseie). The book is full of well-chosen pictures that add in- terest to the text. Page 10 Sigdalslag Saga V olume 25, Issue 1

Schedule of Events In Memory

(C ontinu ed f r om RANDI RAMS TAD member with pleasure. Together with this work she is clever page 7) April 3, 1929 - May 2, 2004 in sewing, weaving, embroidering Randi was an entirely unique indi- and lacework at home. And not to be Apr., vidual. We can see that in all of the forgotten is the enormous documen- Minneapolis Interna- qualities, characteristics and inter- tation work she did for the Sigdal tional Film festival. ests she had. We think especially of Museum from early in the 1980s. MN Randi in connection with bunads She traveled around to photograph and folk costumes. And even if it is folk costumes in private ownership Apr.. for that work that she will be re- and has collected 3-400 slides and Azalea Festival membered best, her interests and films. This she had registered as her Norfolk, VA hobbies were wide spread. She was archive in the Sigdal Museum. She for many years engaged in the youth has also filled up binders with pic- clubs, in reviews and plays, summer tures of bunad details, of shirt bor- MAY gatherings, theater courses and ders, skirt edging, laces, breast cov- more. Randi also enjoyed literature, ers, bodices and jackets – which May 4 - 13 and read much. Song, music, folk together with fabrics, border and Leif Ov e A ndsnes history and community questions – band patterns give a very complete Carnegie Hall, NY yes everything that happened in the documentation of folk costumes and community - in past and present - May 2-5 accessories. The crown of this work occupied her. She was an active was the video Folkedrakter og Oil Technology Con- member of several choirs, and led bunader fra Sigdal, Eggedal og ference Houston Randi, on her 75th birthday at the Folk- the Sigdal Children and Youth Choir Krødsherad produced in the fall of May 6-8 music centre. Photo by Tor Kornstad for 12 years together with Laila 2002, together with Photographer The Norway Day Fes- Kornstad Tor Kornstad and editor Steinar Bottegaard. tival 2005 Randi Ramstad – Randi also engaged in Politics, and Crissy Field, San Fran- remembered was one of the first two women who It is rare to meet a person so en- cisco, CA were elected to the Sigdal kommune gaged and genuine, so diligent and By Sigrid Kvisle May 9 - September 9 council, where she sat for four years. industrious - in everything she did - She was a member of the school "NØRWÅY"-Nationality as Randi. But because of that she has With Randi Ramstad's death we board for four years, and its chair- and Identity have lost one of our foremost cul- had great recognition for her work person for 2 years. She was the ex- far beyond our district; From Centennial Anniver- tural promoters. ecutive leader of the kommune Heimen in Oslo – to Folkedraktrådet sary exhibit with Mi- housewives organization/ home help in Fagernes, which are the country's chael O´Donnell, Sig- Randi was 75 years old the 3rd of April, and had a warm relationship service for 8 years, arranged courses professional institutions, has Randi's mund da Silva Lien, with family and friends. In the days for home helpers when the organiza- death been met with great sorrow. Ragnhild Steig Sven- after the last surgery for tumors, her tion was new – and she was also a ningsen and Jan V. health declined completely. She was member of the community commit- The work she has done in this area Sæther. Try gve Lie sent to the hospital and did not come tee for the Sigdal Home in 1970-72, has an impact on future generation Gallery, NYC home again before she died on the and vice chair of the committee. that can hardly understand today, but when we walk in the 17th of May May 21 2nd of May. A relatively weak From 1978 Randi Ramstad was health through many years had ful- parade – in Sigdal, Eggedal or Krød- Norwe gian gala secretary for Bondekvinnelag bunad fulled it's claim. sherad – we see the results of Houston committee, which among other work Randi's work everywhere. Thanks Randi Ramstad was born and grew published a brochure on the Sigdal- to her bunad-sewing classes many May 29 Eggedal bunads. It was the first could sew their own bunads and Concert with A nnar up on Solumsmoen in Sigdal. In her youth she was educated in weaving bunad brochure in Buskerud, and skirts, and with that, interest in the Follesø and Christian and sewing; a weaving course at became the standard for brochures in old traditions was maintained. She Ihle Hadland Drammens Husflidslag, weaving and other regions. After that, Randi had a fantastic ability to bring peo- S candinav ian Liv ing sewing at Sjåstad husmorskole in worked with the husflid shop ple together, and was a great story- Center, Boston, MA 1949, and a year clothing construc- ”Heimen” in Oslo to arrange for the teller. tion at Vestfold fylkes Husflidsskole sale of Sigdal-Eggedal bunads there. May 31 The beautiful May day, Friday the Concert with A nnar in 1953. Later, she operated a sew- In 1983 Randi started a class for ing center for some years at a sew- 7th of May, the smell of newly Follesø and Christian sewing bunads in Krødsherad to- sprouted leaves and green grass ing shop in Ål, before she married gether with Free Instruction Service. Ihle Hadland Steinar Ramstad in 1959 and moved framed the setting for a worthy de- The first group she had there now Mindekirken, Minnea- to Prestfoss, where they built their parture of Randi Ramstad in Holmen polis, MN call themselves ”8-blads rosa” and church. There were many who fol- home on Ramstad. They had two have all these years been active in children, Eli and Stein – who were lowed her to her final resting place, influencing folk clothing with acces- and many more of us will remember privileged to grow up in a home sories, and in presentation of these. June thru December Randi with gratitude and joy. She with safety and harmony. Randi and From 1990 she also held classes in will be continued in Steinar had 45 good years together. gave so much, and meant so much Sigdal and held two classes in Krød- for us, and we will store the good the May issue of Saga Her peaceful and pleasant nature, sherad and two in Sigdal every year memories in our hearts. and her care for both family and until 1998. friends is something we will all re- (translated by Lee Rokke and Earl Knutson) Sigdalslag Saga V olume 25, Issue 1 Page 11

News from Sigdal Sigrid Kv isle at t he Folkemusikksenteret

Per Helge We are working with the Tribute updating of Sigdal and Eggedal II and III, and we By Lynn Skadeland hope they will be ready with both old and new text Per Helge Skalland, a at the end of 2006. nineteen year old young Krødsherad has just pub- man that enjoyed life, lished their updated books. died instantly on October 11, 2004 in a head on car crash To mention some of other outside of Eggedal. He cultural activities/ was home on leave from exhibitions in Sigdal- the Norwegian Military P ho to by Di a nne S ne ll Service. The funeral took place in the Eggedal Church which Eggedal, I'll inform the holds 300 people and over 400 attended. His casket was following: carried by some of his friends from the Norwegian Army. CHR SKR EDSVIGS HOME Don and I came to know Per Helge on our first trip to Nor- HAGAN: way in 1987, when he was two years old. We became immediate "The chivalry pe- friends, playmates and traveling buddies. He was such a riode" (knight/romantic delightful little boy. Every morning that we awoke in the pictures) upstairs of his home on the Skadeland farm he was standing by our bedside looking into Don's face waiting for him to wake TH KITTELSENS HOME up. Where ever we went Per Helge went, and upon our depar- LAUVLIA: ture we found him sitting in the back seat of our car wanting to "The world of Th. Kittelsen". “go to America” with us. When we turned the rental car in at Sigdal kommune is now the Our intensely loved, priceless son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and Oslo we found a toy car he had lost under the front seat. By our owner of Lauvlia, and will grandchild, next visit to Eggedal in 1995 Per Helge had became quite therefore open more of the Per Helge Skalland proficient in “Jump Skiing” and demonstrated the procedure in house. The exhibition is born 23 May 1985 his full skiing gear. He was now 11 years now. We returned his much related to his life in was suddenly torn from us. The toy car at that time with a special note. He had grown beyond Lauvlia. sun has set in our life, but you will little toy cars, but he proudly placed the car and note at a live in our hearts for all time. prominent place in the ir home. SIGDAL MUSEUM: God picks the best flowers from "Folk Music with focus on the earth. And you were one of In 2001 he and his parents, Torstein and Bjørg Skalland, came them. Rhyme, Rigmarole and to the Sigdalslag Stevne in Rapid City. Many from our Lag Eggedal, 11 October 2004 Play-songs from Buskerud" remember his enthusiasm for cowboy clothing. Some of his Torstein and Bjørg, Anita and This because Buskerud Gisle, Steffen and Simen Ingeborg fondest wishes were to see the real Deadwood, South Dakota the rest of the family where he purchased a hat. We had such a great time while in Bygdekvinnelag (an asso- Buried from the Eggedal Church, the USA taking in a baseball game in Kansas City, touring ciation of women in the Tuesday 10 October 12 o’clock. A museums, riding the roller coaster, at Worlds of Fun in Valleys in Buskerud - origi- gift to the Flying Team, Vidersund Kansas City and shooting handguns with our son, Dean. He nally farmers' women) have will be appreciated just as much as flowers. All who follow are wel- loved my American pancakes covered with strawberries and gathered a lot of these old come to a memorial period at the whipped cream. play-songs in a book that Eggedal village hall after the bur- will be published in April- He was a young man that had great enthusiasm for the out- ial. Condolence book in the May 2005. Our folk-music church. doors. Don and I can still see him running like a deer up the mountain side in the Black Hills and then standing on the top consultant - Veslemøy (source: Lynn Skadeland, translated by Fjerdingstad - is the pro- Earl Knutson) waving to us as we stood below watching him. Per Helge had big dreams and we were fortunate and thankful to share part fessional consultant of the of that life with him. Everyone loved Per Helge. project. If you have information on a departed member, please contact the editor. Sigrid Sigdalslag Saga FIRST CLASS MAIL

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JOIN SIGDALSLAG NOW! Date______Check if Renewal: or Gift: Mail application and check payable to Sigdal Lag to: AMY MICHELSEN Full name/s______18730 Roanoke Street NW Anoka, MN 55303-8971 Street ______City______State______ZIP______Residents of CANADA may mail application and check payable to Garth Ulrich to: E-Mail ______Phone ______GARTH ULRICH Box 28, Spalding SK BUSKERUD Family Origin in (circle one) - SIGDAL EGGEDAL KRØDSHERAD SOK 4CO, CANADA Ancestor’s name ______Write “Sigdalslag dues (3 yr or 1 yr)” on the memo Farm name ______Year Emigrated______line of the check. Dues in Canadian dollars should be made in the amount equivalent to $10 US (1 year) or 2005 Dues: USA and CANADA $10/YR or $25/3 YR, in US dollars ELSEWHERE $12/YR or $30/3 YR, in US dollars $25 US (3 years) on the date written.