VOL XIX NO 2 MAY 1999Serving Norwegian-Americans of Sigdal, Eggedal and Kredsherad Ancestry

NORWEGIAN EVENTS OFFER MANY WA YS AND PLACES TO CELEBRA TE1999 CALENDAR

May 17 Constitution Day (Norway)June 3 The first official royal tour byHis RoyalHighness, the Crown Princeof Norway, begins in Los Angeles,CA, followed by Salt Lake City, UT,Houston, TX, Minneapolis,MN, GrandForks, ND, and Sioux Falls, SD.June 10 the Crown Prince arrives inDecorah, lA, for its 150th yearfestivities as a city, and winds uphis visits in New York and inWashington, D.C., June 15.

The trip will be the finale of theCrown Prince's three years as astudent at Berkeley, CA, which HRHhas previously written were veryenjoyable.June 24-27 Hjemkomst Fest, Fargo,ND and Moorhead,MN, the twin citiesbordering the Red River of the North.July 11 Norway Day, MinnehahaPark, Minneapolis, MNJuly 23-25 Nordic Fest, DecorahJuly 29-31 Bygdelag Centennial,

Luther.College, Decorah, IANABC Registration Hours:

Thursday & Friday: 8 AM - 5 PMSaturday: 8 AM - noonAir conditioned residence hall roomswill be availableby 2 PM Thursday

October 13-16 Norsk H0stfest,Minot, NO

Among people to meet at theCentennialare membersof LappmarkLag (pictured last August at a MtHoreb, WI, Scandinavian Festival),left to right: Anja Kitti, a Sami leaderfrom Toronto, Canada, who willpresent a forum; Marilyn DahlenSomdahl, Bygdelagenes Fellesraadpresident,sponsors of the Centennial;Mel Olsen, Superior, WI, whodesigned the NABC logo; one ofseveral reindeer coming to Decorahwith owners, Liisa Mayo, (and herhusband Tom Schieb of DancingReindeerFarm)Milltown, WI, and hermother, Cari Mayo, Pengilly, MN.

Many activities are planned in small towns and in larger cities tocelebrate Monday, May 17. Do you have both public and privateways to share the heritage? This year the editor's husband willneither raise the Norwegian flag at his office nor treat co-workers toherring and crackers; he has retired. Your Syttende Mai celebrationsmight start Sunday with Norwegian church services in Minneapolis,Chicago, or led by pastors from five Norwegian Seamen's Churches.Surely a parade, games, concert or special meal is planned. TomVraalsen, Norway's Ambassador to the US, and his wife Viebeckewill visit the Little Norway Festival in Petersburg, Alaska, as part ofa longer statewide tour. Perhaps the Medalens, Sigdal membersliving there, will be among the hosts.

COMING TO DECORAH FOR THE CENTENNIAL?People interested in ethnic ancestries are welcome to attend theNorwegian-American Bygdelag Centennial at Luther College July29, 30, 31, 1999. Lag membership is not a requirement, but pre-registration is-- before June 1. (Forms p. 12) About 750 haveregistered; the banquet is sold out. (Pp. 5-7) Meals (and lodging)at Luther are available until July 1 with refunds available until July19. (Volunteers& early arrivals must be cleared by C. Womeldorf 319-387-1538 so space is available). Arrive via Pole Line Rd, off US 52.

FRA PRESIDENT ENSpring is here and summer is coming fast.

I hope to see many of you at the BygdelagCentennial in Decorah at the end of July.Many exciting things are planned. We havea short Sigdalslag meeting on Saturday July 31for elections, business, and discussion of plansfor the Emigrant Jubilee 2000 trip to Norway.There are about 50 signed up as of late April.Remember you must be a member of SigdalLag to participate in the trip. (See page 12)

In the last newsletter I described my searchfor information about Norwegian J0rgen Moeand his poem about the oak, "Den GamleMester", after member Ellen Grabau inquiredabout an English translation. A relative of herhusband living in Hamar, Norway, collaboratedon translating the poem about this historictree which we look forward to visiting inKr0dsherad next year on our 2000 trip. Thetranslation bears a 1998 copyright and is usedwith permission to re-print in Sigdalslag SAGA.s/Carol Meade -

Presenting VIPs in Sigdal-If you have visited -Sigdal previousIYryou-may-know one or more of these friends; if not, youwill want to visit with them next year.

At Lauvlia (I-r): Ole Strand, the editor: Kjell Finnerud andNina Fossen. ,idm.nn & kulturkotJ&ultent i Sigd.6 bunMler.

The Old Master

There stands one Oak in the minister's yard.He sees it anew every day.The Oak Tree rises above valley and fjordend stretches its strong branches.It is many hundred yeers of ageproducing abundant leaves every springand becoming more beautiful with every sunrise.

The icy winter yeer after yeerhas past over its crown,with little daylight and very long nightsand without a bird end its song.When the thicket wes bent beside its footand the weight of the snow made it stooped,It would stretch up its arms es straight end tall8S it did in the summertime.

In spring when the earth is waking upand the storms from the mountains wreck havoc.Even then the tops of young trees will bendend the wind could break a strong spruce.It is then .that myoid, my "Deer Old Oak"stands straight and free in that blustery dey.with its knotty arms against the sky.So far it is winning triumphantly.

The Oak prevails because of two things.At first, its roots go deep within the rockto catch its power and courageso it can withstand natures grim assault.After that, agliinsi the glory of the'igi1(it joyfully raises its wreaths of branchesand drinks from above:The Light, The Life and The Power.

a God, let every minister who is comingbe stending thet still and mighty.My God, let me 1Q0kat you with devotion.Y85. teach me because of the burdensome snowto rise toward the heeven day after daywith open hands end prayingso that the wintersleeping will end.

But when spring comes egainbeside the silent shores of Kraderenand the omen is coming like a gust of windand churning the flowing water.Teech me to be standing with e calm steady spirit8S you did during many storms in the spring andHelp me to use words to split what makes evil act.

Glorious, Holy and Almighty MasterlPleese teech me to meke roots in the rockwho gives the only unique foundationand who never will let me go.And eternally give to me, as you gave to the Oak,the top of Your Crown that I may every daybe yearning and seeking up, to drink from above.The Light. The Life and the Power.

Written in Norwegian by Jergen MoeThln.lated &. adapted by Inger La,..n and Tow S.nsteng

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The Norwegian Fjordin gThe Norwegian Fjord Pony, also known as the fjording or fjordhest, especially in Western

Norway, is claimed to be the oldest selectively-bred equine on the earth today. It is estimated thatthis breed migrated to Norway andthe Scandinavian peninsula over 4,000years ago. The dun color and darkdorsal stripe (black on the mane andtail, brown along the back) indicate itsrelationship to early Przewalskji-typehorses, which can be seen at theMinnesota Zoo. Norwegian FjordPonies have been domesticated andbred in Norway for over 2,000 years.It is held in such high regard there thatthe Norwegian people chose it as theirnational symbol.

The coat is a soft dun color withan occasional grey horse seen. Thehair in the forelock and tail exhibitthe dark dorsal stripe and aresurrounded by silver or white hair.One of the breed's trademarks is thetradition of trimming the maine in acrescent shape to emphasize thegraceful curve of the neck. The maneis generally cut short so it standserect; the Y'(hite outer hair is cut

shorter than the dark center hair of the mane to accenturate the contrasting colors. Fjords generallyrange in size at maturity from 13.2 to 14.2hands and weigh about 900-1200 pounds. Afew exceed these measurements, for example,those bred for draft work reach 15 hands and1500 pounds.

Because they can live well on a simple andinexpensive diet of hay and grass, fjords aredescribed as "easy keepers". They do have aproblem with gaining weight if allowed to eatas much as they want. My horse Abel iscurrently 150 pounds overweight from winterinactivity but is slimming down now that he canbe worked more.

Fjords are sure footed, conditioned by steepmountain conditions, and almost never becomelame. Becauseof their gentle nature, fjords arewell suited to use in mental health programsand in programs for the handicapped, such astherapeutic riding. A fjording is used in theOriving for the Disabled program west of theTwin Cities.

The breed enjoys and seeks out humancompanionship--really, a "people" horse. Infact, it is hard to get a "head-on" photo of aFjord as they tend to approach the photographerout of curiosity and all you get is a picture ofnostrils. Calm and even tempered, willing toVl(ork,excellent with children and handicapped,

The author's daughter, Marguerite, is shown driving Abel at the Villa LouisCarriage Classic in Prairie du Chien. Wisconsin. The cart is custom· made inGolden, CO. to frt the dimensions of both horse and driver.

the Fjord adapts easily to new situations. Thebreed is said to reflect traits of the Norwegiancharacter--quiet, intelligent, good natured,willing to work hard, but having a touch ofstubbornness.

Fjords make great saddle horses witheither English or Western tack. They can bedriven in harness to pull either a buggy orsleigh. They have characteristics of drafthorses and are very strong. Traditionally, theywere used 'for plowing, farm work, hauling andlogging. It is wonderful to see these fineanimals pulling huge logs out of the woods overthe snow in winter.

After World War II there were only about6,500 Fjord horses in Norway. The Norwegiangovernment has a controlled breeding program.Only the finest horses are exported. There arecurrently about 2,000 in North America.

The fjording is an ideal all-around equine;its beauty, great variety of uses, its size andhardiness, -gentle, even mannered anddependable temperment are among well knownassets.

Perhaps there will be one or morefjordings at the Decorah gathering in July.

- submitted by Carol Rugland Meede

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,

Genealogy Views and Newsby lee Rokke

We need your help!The Sigdalslag has been asked by the Sigda I

og Eggedal Museum to collect pictures of theemigrants life in the new land for a museumexhibit in the year 2000.

They requested photosthat depict work life andcircumstances of Sigd01ingson this continent. Especiallysought are pictures that showdaily life, such as farming,lumbering, schools. churches.household chores, homeinteriors, fisheries, stores orbusinesses.

So far, only two peoplehave respondedto our requestfor photos. The museum can

Lee Rokke not construct an exhibitunless we have a better

response.We hope that you will share your treasured

photos. We do not expect you to send theoriginals, but a good print reproduction (not aXerox copy) is necessary. Each photo should becarefully identified with names, places, and, ifpossible, also dates. .

Because it takes some time to design and I:luilda good display, we need to send the pictures toNorway months ahead. This means that we needto know rather soon if such a display is possible.

Therefore we ask that you search all of youralbums. and your attics and basement if necessaryand send your pictures in before October 15, 1999.

If you have photos of emigrants from Sigdal,Eggedal and Kt0dsherad that you are willing toshare, please send them to Lee Rokke, 13465Garden View Orive, Apple Valley, MN 55124.

Gifts & Memorials$20.00 gift from Judith Sosted, Northfield, MN,for genealogy; also, gifts for the publishing fundfrom Irene O'Connor Navarre, Albuquerque, NM:$15.00 in memory of Alice (Peter) Enger and$25.00 in memory of Hazel Enger Doeden

NAHA Receives Passenger ListsGunhild Lundquist sent the Sigdalslag thepassenger lists from the Stavangerfjord and theOslo fjord, souvenirs of her family's trip back toNorway. Because they were such interesting andimportant historical documents of the Norwegian-American Line, they were donated to theNorwegian-American Historical Association,Northfield, MN.

Volunteer Thursday at Decorah"Open House at Olin" Hall will be Thursday, July29, from 10 AM to 5 PM at Decorah, lA, forthose interested in family history and genealogy.

Invitations for poster exhibits have been sentto 14 libraries with good Norwegian-American orNorwegian collections. The LOS Family HistoryLibrary exhibit will use a classroom, and datawill be collected on Civil War soldiers.

Volunteers for genealogy willing to assist maye-mail <Ieerokke@aol.com>or<gudbrandgen@juno.com>or < mgsdec@mtn.org>. Blocks of about 2-hours will be usedfor 11) Finding your place in Norway (2) Internet access hosts(31 Hosts to help people find exhibits. vendors, brochures etc(41 Problem solving. State what you'd like to do and when.

FAMILY SURVEY FORMS RETURNED

Since the last Saga, the following Sigdal Surveyforms have been received from:+ Judith Sosted, Northfield, MN, on the familyof Anders Gulliksen St0a. She also included afamily narrative history in two parts:

a. Ragnhild Andersdtr and Haldor NarvesonGronhovd family;

b. Gunhild Ellingsdtr and Helge HalvorsonAmot. _

+ Geraldine Flowers, Elk Grove, CA, on the familyof Ole Johannesen Medrud.+ Arlene H. Seydel, Gold Canyon, AZ, on thefamilies of Ole Eriksen Skarhus and his sonGunder Olsen Erickson.+ Avis and Morris Baasen, Wendell, MN, on thefamilies of Anders O. Pikop and Reier GundersenBaasen.+ Gladys Kringstad, Hoople, NO, on the familyof Ingeborg Hansdatter Verket.+ Ada Severson, Chatfield, MN, on the familyof Jacob Olson Tangen+ Howard Overbye, Weyburn, SK, Ca.nada, onthe family of Magnus Hansen Overbye.+ Kristi Adolphson, Gig Harbor, WA, on thefamily of Ole Olson Aas (Skinnesassen) and SigridSyversdatter H0gli.+ Debbie Shortino, Omaha, NE, on the family ofKristoffer Bj0rnsen Teige.+ Myrtle Ellis, Crookston, MN, on Karine Hansdtr0stby.+ Ann Hansen, Alexandria, MN, on the family ofOle Andersen (Moen of Pletan) and IngeborgHakonsdatter Gt0nhovd.+ Gunhild Lundquist, Rose Prairie, BC, Canada,information on Kristoffer Tangen+ Anita Welsh, Vancouver, WA, on the familyof Kristen and Gunhild Gullikson+ Garth Ulrich, Spalding, SK, Canada, on thefamily of Jens Olsen and Turi S.tenersdtr Green

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Velkommen til den 100 ;irs jubileet i Decorah!It i~ ~oon time to congratulate and celebrate with Don't miss a visit to the largest and finest museumValdres Samband, the first and oldest of the dedicated to any ethnic group in the United States.present 32 bygde/ag. The celebration July 29-31 is that group's third event observing their100th anniversary, but it also recognizess everylag as it celebrates the activity of the entirebygdelag movement in America. It is, in effect, aninvitation to celebrate the Norwegian culture andheritage in a slightly different way than annuallyrecurring festivals do. This one happens only once--NOW. Admission to all program events exceptmeals is by wearing a centennial badge.

Luther is the oldest Norwegian-American college,founded in 1861, and many invited Norwegian-American groups will have membership tablesmixed in with the arts and craft vendors.

Centennial Union Vendor HoursJuly 29, Thursday, from 10 AM to 7 PM; July 30,Friday, from 8 AM to 7 PM; July 31, Saturday, 8AM to 3 PM. The art/craft vendor area withmembership tables for bygde/ag and other groupswill lock at these closing times, so transactionsshould be completed 10-15 minutes prior.

VESTERHEIM memberships work well for familieswith minor children. (The NABC is geared foradults). Vesterheim Open-air Division tours willoffer shuttles (or bus) to downtown all days.

THURSDAY CENTENNIAL EVENTSIn the Centennial Union, a central place for manyreasons, REGISTRATION opens at 8 AM.ONEOTA COFFEE SHOP and the food service arehere along with MARTY's. A bookstore and acollege gift shop, may have limited businesshours. Gift shops downtown will be open.

Meal Service for breakfast, 7 AM to 8:30 AM,noon lunch 11 :30 AM - 1 PM, and dinner forTH/FRlonly 4:30 PM - 6 PM. Tickets are neededfor the banquet buffet Saturday. Tickets do notinclude admission to the evening program (needbadge). Banquet buffet seating about 5 PM - serving5:30 PM. Luther's pre-paid (full) meal plans are availableuntil July 1 with changes/refund until July 19.

9AM bus trip to Jacobson farm leaves Union.(Vesterheim will run small shuttles daily)

10-7PM Arts & Craft vendors officially open - Union10-SPM "Open House at Olin" Hall for genealogists11AM PreservingTextiles VH Museum, downtown

led by Lila Nelson & Laurann Gilbertson1PM bus trip to Jacobson farm leaves Union3PM 5t Olav's Day service - CFL Recital Hall7PM EveningProgram- Center for Faith & Life

One person was overheard to say, "I think this might bemy favorite of all the days. I've never even thoughtabout St. Olav's Day before."

Don't miss the Thursday evening program. leikarringen Noreg, Drammen, Norway, will dance and later leroylarson and the Minnesota Scandinavian Ensemble will play. (Roger Ostby photo) . .

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Forum Sessions Friday and Saturday Morning. showing time and interest strand

Session Friday AM Friday AM Friday PM Friday PM Saturday SaturdayStrands 8:30-9:45 to:15 -11:30 1:15-2:30 3:00-4:15 8:30-9:45 AM 10:15 - 11:30 AM

Cultural I Promise Funilied Immigrants and Norway Today Future of Norway Presenting A Bygde~gEducatlon Polttical~ New Land in Movement

CFl- Cuhural~ etc the Old CountryRec. Hall Odd lovoll Conrad TOOmDson Consul General To be announced Knut DiUDedal Odd S.lovollCultural II Art among Art among Anderson Bibliog & Emigrant Centers Anderson Bibilog & Early Norwegian-

Norwegians Norwegians in Internet Resources Internet Resources AmericanValders inAmerica America Charles Spefland & Charles Spefland & Churches117 Manon Nelson Manon Nelson Dina Tolfsbv Hans stomau. Dina ToWsbv Gracia GrindalCultural III Han O~ og Han Per Skogf"rden Vesterheim--Topic Nrwgn Perception storytelling: Saml Perspectlve

!ba of Norwegian- Drawing on the PowerValders Georgia Rosendahl Americans of Our Hemage168 and Amold Sater Beckv Ash Henstad Janet B. Pultz To be announced Sarah Mevbaum An~ KittiHistory I Why the Emigrants O~ Goes 10 War Early N-Amer Church Old Mytfls Eany Nrwgn lne In Rural

left Norway In St. Ansgar. IA Set1lements Norwy in theValders 1800s264 John Christenson Gerald RosOOh Audrev McKln~v Douo Rossman Forrest Brown Ann GesmeHistory II Norwegian Influence Folklore Fighls Early Norwegian A Vlldng Voyage Nnrway Today: Reminiscing

In the Worid the Na~s Women Is TIlere A legacy? Sports aboutKoren Rolvaag217 To be announced Kathlefn Slokker Joan Bucklev Olivn Krinnstad To be announced Solvein lempelFaml~ Critlcal assmt of finding Nobel families. their Nrwgn Court and Nrwgn Court and Intro to geopolitical StorytellingHistory I N Kings & Vikings In destinies & where to Probate Records Probate Records events leading to withOlin your Fam Tree look for descendnts liberation of Nrwy 1814102 larslnbern lars lobern Gerald Has~m Gerald Has~m larslobero Gordon JacobsonFamily Norwegian Naming < Nrwgn Records Emlgralion & Immig Ethnic Identtty In the Nrwgn RecordsOVeNu Early NorwegiansHistory II Customs Overview Records Capttal of N-Amer In Union CountyOUn Marit lUCy or

Marilvn SorensenMarit lucy or Dakota Terr

112 lee Rokke Elaine H~sleton David Mauk Eimne Hasleton B~ine HedberoCrafts Working with wood Bunad Selectlon and Immigranfs Handwoven Influence of Nrwgn N-Amer

Norweign Style Acquisition Trunk Bedcovers from Craft on Amer Dress ArchttectureJenson Fanns of Norway105 Dick Enstad Sue Sutherland .lennoer Jolvlston 1I~ Nelson Susan Tomtore Darrell Hennin.Art & Psalmodikon: Norweg~n Art Secrets of Nrwgn Seier Jeme Norwegian SongsMusk: music on a string Lne - Song & Fldd~ in Story & Song Sing-a-IongJenson Carol Sers~nd &112-RH Beatrice Ho~ Marv Jo TOOrshelm Karen Soklard Sarah Granskou to be announced MarnaretO'learv

AT THE SAME TIME as the above forums are Nordic skills DEMONSTRATIONS at JENSON HAll by GoldMedal rosemaiers, Sharon Evenstad and lois Mueller; fiddle construction, Ron Poast; kick sleds, Ruth Gibson;rug hooking, Esther Miller; woodturning, Richard Enstad; and Sarah Granskou will participate. Folk danceinstruction and clinics are at Jenson and Marty's in the Union. An outdoor Sami camp exhibit includesreindeer across the road from the entrance, and videos at the Schweitzer Lounge in the Union will also beoffered concurrent with the forums. Participants must choose.

The Centennial Union will open for breakfast at 7AM and close at 10 PM. THREE BUllETINBOARDS will aid stevne communication:1) PERSONAL MESSAGE CENTERnear registration;2) one just for LAG NOTICES (I.e. meetings of theofficers etc) in hallway (near ONEOTA)3) one for VOLUNTEERS only - 1st floor, Union.

Mott-Borlaug rooms will be a hospitality center,close to Oneota Coffee Shop. Since food &beverage are NOT permitted in most carpeted areasand buildings, this will be convenient and a placeto talk or relax.

Residence hall lounges---over 30 of them-- may be

used for lag board meetings (via @g bulletin boardnotices) or as gathering spots.1) FARWEll Hall: Helen Farwell Lounge (8th floor)plus three ·cluster" lounges on 2nd through 7thfloors, and two lounges on the Lobby 11st) level.2) MILLER Hall & 31 DIESETH Hall share BrunsdaleLounge and Brunsdale TV Lounge. EACH hall has 8TV lounges, 1 per floor. If staying at the dorm,remember to bring such items as alarm clocks/radios,lamps, clothes hangers.

FRIDAY daytime events appear on this page: demos,exhibits, forums, dance clinics, vendors, andVesterheim Museum's pre-arranged open-air tours.

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FRIDAY IS BUNAD & PAGEANT NIGHTLike other programs at 7 PM, the second of thethree evenings will be devoted to the historical andcultural multi-media program about each lag thatsupplies information, pictures, its lag banner, andinvites members to wear the authentic bunaderthey own (from all parts of Norway). Those fromour Sigdal - Eggedal and Kmdsherad bygder (/ag)areas are especially sought.

SATURDAY MORNING- Daytime activities continueuntil noon lunch at 11:30 AM. Last chance to buyfrom vendors or get NABC logo buttons. Membersmay sell for their own lag who reap the profits.

SA TURDA Y AFTERNOON LAG STEVNERNo events conflict with individual stevner. Sigdalslagmembers and prospective members may come to ourreserved room, beginning at 12:30 PM for a get-acquainted session. The business meeting and electionof officers will be at 1 PM, according to PresidentMeade. Plans for 2000, including the trip to Norway,and a brief program are expected to take place beforeadjournment about 3 or 3:30 PM. That should givemembers a chance to rest, shower and dress for thebanquet buffet.

5 PM banquet buffet seating at the Union; servingfollows grace at 5:30 PM. (Bunader appropriate).

LUTHERCOLLEGEDECORAH.IOWA

N

-

MENU: Boneless pork loin with apricot sauce. Swedishmeatballs. roasted Red Bliss potatoes. mashed rutabagas. wholegreen beans, herring and pickled beets, French rolls. lelse withbUtter pats, fruit salad on bed of greens, rice pudding withraspberry sauce and 8 beverage. No other meal will beserved at Luther Saturday evening.

7 PM SATURDAY - MUSIC FROM THE HEART,the final program at the Center for Faith & Life:

The Lost Norwegians, Northfield, MNLuren Singing Society (men's chorus)and Foot-Notes, both of Decorah

Remember Luther facilities, including residencehalls, auditorium, and classrooms, are comfortableand air conditioned. Help pass the word.

Early arrival may be possible if you come a greatdistance and your reserved residence hall space isnot occupied. Volunteers need to check in withCindy Womeldorf, 319-387-1538, before sendingor modifying payment.

CAMPERS: A huge bicycle tour sponsored by a DesMoines newspaper will be camping overnight in Decorah,so competition will be stiff July 29 until noon Friday.They arrive from the south, so alternate plans may needto be made. State or private MN campgrounds inPreston, Spring Grove or Caledonia may have room.CALL the editor for a postcard listing; its availablethrough May only. (She's gone in Junel.

U1f£ImOIDII'l'I

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---Slim

Ll1THER COLLEGE0000""', IA 62tOl

1. BroncIl HeI2.C~HoU8.3. Cert.on Stedlum4. CENTENNIAL UMQN6. CENTER FOR FAITH. UFEe. DlESETH HALL7. FARWELL HALL8. 0",,..1 Ho.....9. JENSON HALL OF MUSIC10. KOREN11. Ko...rud Annex12. Korwrud HeetIng Plant13. 1II,..,. Hal14. Loyelty l1li.16.MAlN18. M81ntenanOli17. MILLER HAU18. Norby Ho_19. FRANKUN w. OUN20. Oloon l1li.21. Pre .. Llbrery22. Regen. Canter23. Spenrtl G.... t HoUN24. 510rN Thrutre25. SUnnpkle28. Tennit Courts27. TOHS28. VALDERS HAU OF SCIENCE29. Wulbberg Tennis Court.30. Ylvlnk. HIli

Map of Decorah (inset): Take Pole line Road off US Hwy 52 to College Drive: Main streets downtown areWater least-west} and Montgomery off IA Hwy 9.

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FLY TO NORWAY IN 2000 FOR THE EMIGRANT JUBILEEby larry and Linda Rolfstad, Trip Coordinators

Plans are nearing completion for Sigdalslagsponsored trips to our home districts in Norwayin June 2000 during their national celebration ofthe 175th anniversary of the first groupemigration to America.

If you want to be part of these exciting andinteresting trips, ACT NOW. Your prompt actionmeans we will have current information from yourreservation forms with us on our early June tripto Sigdal when we coordinate program plans withthe local 2000 Committee there.

That committee, headed by Kari Ask, willattempt to make possible home stay placementsand/or farm visits for members who have losttheir ties to the region. Dates of the EmigrantWeek are June 19-25, 2000. Those days are notincluded in tour costs (Plan A, 8 or 81). Sigdal's2000 Committee will advise and assist in makinglodging arrangements for members whoserelatives or friends no longer live in Sigdal,Eggedal or Krlildsherad as well.

Preliminary program plans to date call for a SigdalDay, an Eggedal Day, and a Kredsherad Day alongwith trips to Lauvlia (Kittelsen's home/studio).Vatnas Church, Blatarvevaerket (cobalt mines -museum) and Kongsberg's silver mines, as wellas studying emigration history, finding FOotsandmeeting with relatives.

Three Options for Member TripsPLAN A - The trip departs from Minneapolis,Sunday. June 11, for Oslo. An arranged tourincludes a city tour of Lillehammer, Lake Mjlilsa,Olympic sites, Henning woodcarving factoryoutlet, and both the Hedmark and the EmigrantMuseums in and near Hamar. Next comes theElveseter Hotel with visits to lom, Geiranger,Loen, and Sognefjord. The trip includes visits toVoss, a spectacular Flam/Myrdal rail trip, EdvardGrieg's home and city tour in Bergen. The touris filled with other interesting sites and arrival inSigdal June 19 for Emigrant Week. Returndeparture is June 26 from Oslo. Approximatecost is $2265 (double occupancy) plus departuretaxes (about $80-85) and includes round tripairfare from Mpls/St Paul on NW/KLM, 8 nightsaccommodations in double or twin bedded rooms,daily breakfast, 7 dinners including a special farmdinner, 3-hour sightseeing tours of Oslo andBergen, entrance fees to Hedmark & EmigrantMuseums, Borgund Stave Church, horse & buggyexcursion to Bridsdal Glacier, ferry crossing Hella-Vargness for bus and passengers, fjord cruisefrom Geiranger to Hellesylt, train to Voss-Flam,luggage handling and tips for driver/guides in Osloand Bergen and motor coach at our disposal forEmigrant Week in Sigdal.

REQUEST LONGER STAYS AT-REGISTRATION FOR ANADDITIONAL CHARGE OF $30 PER PERSON IF YOU WISH

TO STAY BEYOND THE TOUR DATES.

PLAN 8 - The trip departs Minneapolis Saturday,June 17 and returns July 2 from Oslo. Theapproximate cost is $1295 (double occupancy)plus departure taxes (about $80-85) and includesround trip airfare from Mpls/St Paul on NW/KLM,airport transfer, welcome dinner, overnight stayand breakfast in Oslo, 3 hour Oslo guidedsightseeing tour, including entrance fee tomuseums and tips for driver and guide, motorcoach services to Sigdal and motor coach atgroup disposal for Emigrant Week in Sigdal.Independent travel from June 25 to July 2 is notincluded in tour price.

PLAN 81 - Brekke tour similar to PLAN A, butit is AFTER Emigrant Week in Sigdal. Theapproximate cost is $2280 plus departure taxes($80-85 est) and includes OPTION B (withoutindependent exploration), plus 7 nightsaccommodations in double or twin bedded rooms.Also included are daily breakfast and 6 dinnersincluding a special farm dinner, entrance fees toHedmark and the Emigrant Museums, BorgundStave Church, TroJdhaugen, ferry crossingVargess-Hella for bus and passengers, horse &buggy to 8riksdal Glacier, fjord cruise of Hellesyltto Geiranger, luggage handling and tips for driverand local guides in Bergen.

*Prices quoted are based on minimums of 35reservations per trip. Complete the 2000 Tourform (next page), returning it TODAY to larry &linda Rolfstad, 11 0 Glendale lane, Rapid City,SO 57702. Questions and more information bye-mail <reltd@enetis.net > ,or call 605-348-2302(home) or cellular 605-484-1173.

Sigdal lag asks you to be a member in 2000 (page121 and to mail a $50 deposit IUSscheck or foreignmoney order) per person payable to Sigdal Lag to thelag treasurer, Don Skadeland, 10642 "0" St, Omaha,NE 68127 for costs associated with EmigrantWeek. These funds will be used to purchasegifts for our host committees and the balance willbe sent to the local committee in Norway to helpoffset costs for group admissions and other costsduring our stay. Deposits will be refunded if theperson is unable to go (by the time additionalpayments are due) and this applies to ALLparticipants. We are accepting the $50 depositson. a first come, first served basis for priority forthe trips.

If we do not fill either trip, the earliestregistrations will be given the first opportunity tojoin the other trip. ..' -

8

SEND SIGDAL TRIP FORMTO ROLFSTADS TODAY

HOMESTAYS or PAID LODGING/MEALS a", not included(in tour pJicing) during the days in Sigdal. IF you haverelatives. homestays are an option, but please LISTNAMES for the local committee to verify.First come, first served basis.MAIL TO:ROLFSTA~1' ~10/~I:.ndale Lane. Rapid City. SO 57702

LAUVLIA OPENS IN JUNETheodor Kittelsen, the artist whose years inSigdal developed a significant and lastingpresence, lived in the home called Lauvlia. Italso served as his studio and it has been openfor visitors in recent years.

uring a month long stay last year, Narv andarilyn Somdahl attended the opening day,remonies. The program included a puppetow, and Askeladden played an accordion or'ader (button accordion) before continuing hisJrney. Ole Strand, known to many from the86 tour, was one of the docents who ledlJrsof the interior.

iends of

LAUVLlA's open porch and the studio wing Ueftl overlook lake Soneron. Photo takenopening day 1998 by Somdahls.

9

Lauvlia sold memberships,refreshments, and Kittelsenposters, calendars, andcards. There also wereother mysterioushappenings which onemust experience on site.

The smaller picture (above)shows the young and somevery young budding artists,also facing Lake Soneronfor inspiration, with easelsto hold the pictures, andaprons to minimize thewater colors that find theirway to other surfaces.Soon the wet pictures hangon a line, held byclothespins to dry.

Kommune and fylkeofficers attended (Oct 98SA GAl along with NjalGjennestad, former pastor,of Sandefjord.

IN MEMORYGUNVOR MARGRETHE SANDSBRAATEN (Nov11, 1906-Mar 2, 1999) was born in Tynset,Norway, as the fourth child of Johan andJohanna (Haugen) Hagen. She was the widowof Haakon Haakonsen Sandsbraaten who wasborn in Sigdal in 1898 and emigrated toCanada in 1926. Haakon was mentioned in thebook, Sigdalslaget-1949, p. 272.

Gunvor continued her education through twoyears of high school, but then work became ananswer to dwindling funds. She first worked fora sister of Thora Ruten. Looking for adventure,Gunvor came to Canada in 1929 where ThoraRuten and her family had already settled in theSpalding area. She headed for these peopleshe knew. Albert and Agnes Anderson and laterAlfred and Boletta Mohagen hired her. She hadplanned to save enough for passage back toNorway, but the Great Depression upset herfinancial plans like many others. .

She married Haakon Sandsbraaten ofNaicam, Saskatchewan, October 30, 1937.They farmed in that area until 1967 when theymoved into Naicam. After Haakon's death,Gunvor lived at Churchview Lodge from 1992until her death.

Survivors include her daughters, Jean (Jim)Hoover, Calgary, Alberta, and Ruth {EugenelFriesen, Toronto, Ontario; daughter-in-law Helen(John Little), 11 grandchildren and eight greatgrandchildren and many relatives in Norway.

Among those attending the funeral March 5at Churchview Lodge were grandchildren LesSandsbraaten, Kristine Sandsbraaten Cool,husband Dave and Tristan Cool, Davidson, SK;Lynette (Hoover) Tetrault and John Hoover,Calgary, and Bradley Friesan and his fatherEugene, Toronto.

Gunvor was preceded in death by her father(1926), mother (1957l, brother Hjalmer (1964),sisters Signe (1981), Jenny 11987}, Marie andJohanna (1998); husband Haakon (1983) andson Harold (1986).

CHESTER BERGERUD (Nov 25,' 1906-Dec 13,1998) was born in Turtle Lake, ND, the son ofHans and Hilda (Ongstad) Bergerud. He died atLake Region Hospital, Fergus Falls, MN.

Chester grew up and spent most of his 92years in Aastad Township, south of FergusFalls, having moved there as an infant. As ayoung man, he began to learn the electrictrade. '

During World War II he served in the USArmy as a radio operator in Europe until hisdischarge in 1945. Then he returned toMinnesota.

Following marriage Feb 16, 1952, to Vivian

Grotte in Kansas City, MO, the couple lived inAastad Township where Chester had his ownbusiness keeping 'TVs and radios repaired. Hetook a job as an electrician with Hart Press,moving to Long Prairie in 1969. In 1982 thecouple returned once more to Aastad, hishome area. More recently Chester received carea nursing home in Ashby, MN, and at VeteransHospitals in Fargo, ND, and Minneapolis, MN.His sister Esther, a Sigdal member, writes hewas one of the early residents at the newlyconstructed Veterans Home in Fergus Falls.

Chester had served one term as a vicepresident of Sigdalslag and held membershipswith Sons of Norway and Solllriag.

Besides his parents, he was preceded indeath by his wife, Vivian, April 18, 1991, asister, Norma Swendsrud, and a brother andsister, both dying in infancy.

Survivors include two sons, Howard (Lachel)Bergerud, Dalton, MN; Dale Bergerud, FergusFalls; daughter Julia Bergerud, Chicago; threegrandchildren, Nathan, Wade and Jackie;brother Goodwin, Forest City, IA; and sisters,Esther Ugstad, Mesa, AZ and Ruth Bryant,Nevada.

IRENE STEMM (October 4, 1916-July 17,1998) passed away at St. Benedict's Center,St. Cloud, MN. Services were at BethlehemLutheran Church there with burial in Menlo, IA.

Irene is survived by her husband Russell,children, Carl, Brooklyn Center, MN; Cathy,Sauk Rapids, MN; and Mary, San Diego, CA; abrother, Carlyle, Des Moines, IA; and fourgrandchildren.

Born in Lake Mills, Iowa, she was thedaughter of Carl and Inga (Stensrud) Peterson.She graduated from Iowa State University inAmes and taught home economics severalyears.

In 1945 she married Russell Stemm in Ames,and they lived in St. Paul before moving to St.Cloud in 1958. She was a recent Sigdal Lagmember who was also active in her church,Sons of Norway, Minnesota Quilters, andSorosis Book Club. Memorials may be made tothe American Diabetes Association.

Erik J. Friis Dies at' Age 86A distinguished Norwegian-American, Erik J.

Friis, died April 5 at age 86. Nationallyprominent as a writer, editor, critic andtranslator, Friis has enjoyed acclaim for work inScandinavian-American literary and culturalendeavors. He previously served as acontributing editor for Norway Times whichcarried tributes in its April .issues.

10

SHARING GENEALOGICAL LEADS;Resources For Expanding Your Ancestry And Hints For Further Research

by Henry BergThe preceding articles in this series have all been reviews of articles which have appeared in

periodicals or information gleaned from bygdebeker of districts other than Sigda!. .This review is basedon information gleaned from my own research, compiled over the past 20 years.

Kittil Helgesen and his wife, Marte Kristoffersdatter, lived at Hovland, Sigda I (possibly atHovlandsmoenl. To date, nothing has been discovered of their ancestry. Her probate was dated in1699 at Hovland. We also know that Kittil purchased Grefstad farm in Nykirke parish (Modum district)in 1680. Kittil and Marte had four children. Thereafter, the family disappears from Sigdal records.

The second son, Kristoffer Kittilsen, (born ca. 1659, died 1723) settled at Grefstad in Nykirkeparish. He married Siri Toresdatter from Klevjorden, Lyngdal (born ca. 1669, died 1741). Siri's ancestrycan be traced in Flesberg Boka, Volume IV, pp. 183-7. They had a total of 10 children. One of these,Torsten Kristoffersen, died childless. He settled at Gillmme and Hovde in Snarum parish, and hisprobate, -dined 16 Jan 1779, contains a wealth of information on the descendants of Kristoffer and Siri.

One son and six grandchildren of Kristoffer and Siri ultimately settled in Sigdal and raised families there.This brief outline is provided as a guide to their many descendants; hopefully it will encourage furtherancestral research:1. Helge Kristoffersen, of Grefstad (born ca. 1690, died 1742). married Anne Kristoffersdatter ofSaastad, Snarum (born ca. 1690, died 1758). Two of their 10 children came to Sigdal:

a}Kirsten (Kjersti) Helgesdatter, born 1721, married first, Torger Helgesen Skatvedt;married second, Juul Engebretsen Skatvedtbl Ingeborg Helgesdatter, born 1730, married first, Jens Olsen Skyliholt;married second, Sllren Olsen Skyliholt

2. Kittil Kristoffersen, of Grefstad (born ca. 1692, died 1741), married Helge Reiersdatter of Bakke,Nykirke. Three of their nine children came to Sigdal:

a) Guri Kittilsdatter, born 1727, married Knud Torgersen f2lverbyb) Siri Kittilsdatter, born 1729, married Helge Jacobsen Ingebuc) Karen Kittilsdatter, born 1737, married Kittil Olsen Klabo

3. Tore Kristoffersen, Bendixby, Nykirke (born ca. 1697, died 1736). married Kari Torgersdatter ofLinderud, Nykirke (born ca. 1699, died 1763). One of their seven children settled in Sigdal:

a) Ole Toresen of Sandodden av Flaagan, Sigdal, born 1731, died 1802, married 1758, Else Olsdatter,of Skretteberg eie, Heggen (born 1734, died 1790), The first three of their children were born atSkretteberg eie, Heggen; the last six at Sandodden, As Mllrch has missed some details on this family,the entire list has been added here:

1) Karen Olsdatter, born 1760, died young2) Anne Olsdatter, born 1761, married Iver Halvorsen Flaagan eie3} Aase Olsdatter, born 1763, married 1796 Helge Eriksen Flaagan eie4} Tore Olsen, Skinnemoen, born 1765, married Berit Jacobsdatter5) Ole Olsen, Flaagan eie, later Eidalstangen, born 1767, married Berte Andersdatter6) Kari Olsdatter, born 1770, living unmarried 18017} Torger Olsen, born 1773, died 17808) Ragnhild Olsdatter, born 1777, died 1865, married Kristen Gulbrandsen Baasum eie,Ragnhild immigrated with many of her family and died in Military Twp, Winneshiek County, lA,She is buried in Stavanger cemetery,9) Helge Olsdatter, born 1782, died 1789

4. Ole Kristoffersen of Sekoengen and Aaby, Sigdal, born ca. 1700, died 1756, married 1728, KirstenHansdatter of Bergan, Sigda!. They had nine children. Ole and Kirsten lived for almost 20 years atBergan, Sigdal, and most of their children were born there.

The Grefstad connection is a good example of the mobility of families in the early eighteenth century.We tend to think of our Sigdal ancestors as living in the same small area for generations. In fact, peoplemoved around a good deal. Work was not always easy to find, and the search for land and stabilityencouraged people to move to adjoining parishes. If you have "missing ancestors", you should considerexpanding your search beyond our own clerical district.

If anyone wishes further information on the Grefstad clan, they are welcome to contact me directly:Henry Berg, 719 Riverside Place, Apt #1, Palm Springs, CA 92264, or e-mail me:< hankberg@yahoo.com>.

11

1998-1999 Officers·

Welcome, New MembersJeanine A. Cornelison, Powell, WY

Eldora Hanna, Woden, IA

Elvin & D. Ann Hanson, Alexandria, MN

David & Marcia Nelson Hanson, Spicer, MN

Gladys Kringstad, Hoople, ND

Donald A. & Elaine Lange, Brooklyn Park, MN

Gerol McCall, St Cloud, MN

Martha-Pfleger, West Hills, CA

Robert Schulstad, DePere, WI •Leroy & Arlene Seydel, Gold Canyon, AZ

Robert & Christine Spaulding, Barrett, MN

Cindy West, Hopkinton, MA

NEED NABC FORMS FOR DECORAH?Both Luther College's MEAL/LODGING formand the NABC Banquet & Registration form willbe sent if you request in enough time to bereturned to meet the JUNE 1 registration date.Send a self-addressed, stamped envelope toCentennial, 152 Spring Valley Circle,Bloomington, MN 55420.

CAROL MEADE, President/NSI Rep612-827-6139; 12253IJ@msn.com

4133 Lyndale Ave SouthMinneapolis, MN 55409

RUTH MANNING, Vice President402-455-7221

4816 Ruggles StreetOmaha, NE 68104

EUEN GLOOD, Vice President605-343-4300

8420 Heather DriveRapid Oty, SD 57702

LEE ROKKE, VP & Genealogist612-432-9767; leerokke@aol.com

13465 azrden View DriveApple Valley, MN 55124

TW1LA HAL VORSON, Secretary218-847-5313

1005 North Shore DriveDetroit lAkes, MN 56501

WELCOMEto Decorah. IA. JULY 29-30-31. 1999-

DON SKADELAND, Treasurer402-331-5906; dlsktJJ!@aoI.com

10642 "0" StreetOmaha, NE 68127

DEB SHORTlNO, Historian402-293-5498

2804 Jack Pine St.Bellevue, NE 68123

MARILYN SOMDAHL, Editor612-831-4409

10129 Goodrich OrcleBloomington, MN 55437

CORRINE L. JOHNSON, Past President612-831-8637

4575 - BOth St Orcle #202Bloomington, MN 55437

....... 1'11111 I,n