VOL fIX NO 1 FEBRUARY 1999Serving Norwegian-Americans of Sigdal - Eggedal & Kredsherad Ancestry

SIGDAL LAG WILL PARTICIPATE IN BYGDELAG CENTENNIAL JULY 29-31A larger-than-usual stevne is planned this reservations by JULV 1, sent directly to Luther.summer since all 32 bygdeJag are invited. The And expect banquet tickets to sell out before the7 Lag Stevne meets in 2000. Sigdal like many new JUNE 1 deadline. (Keep cancelled checksothers, will hold its only 1999 meeting as your receipt)Saturday during .the Norwegian-AmericanBygdelag Centennial at Luther College,Decorah, lA, July 29-31.

BygdeJag played the vital roles in observing the1914 Centennial of the Norwegian Constitutionand the 1925 Norse American Centennial,celebrating Norwegian immigration. As hosts,the Stavanger Lag invited other lag to raisefunds to offset expenses since the sloop,Restauration, left Norway from Stavanger.Badges were sold, and perhaps 100,000 at thefairgrounds heard a speech by President CalvinCoolidge, crediting Leif Eriksson's discovery ofAmerica.

Saluting all of the bygdeJag 74 years later, the1999 festival recognizes the beginning of thesubsequent bygdelag movtmlent, which followedthat first Valdres gathering of ~everal hundred inMinnehaha Park, Minneapolis, 100 years ago thisJune! Norwegian language newspapers ran thenotices, obviously bringing good results.

The NABC celebration begins July 29, the day ofSt. Olav the martyr (O(sok). Those registeredmay pick up badges, programs and tickets at 8AM Thursday in the Centennial Union. The bustour leaves at 9:30 and by lOAM folk artistsand craftsmen as well as genealogy vendors willopen for business. Craft demos and Norwegianrelated resource demonstrations and thepresence of various Norwegian-Americanorganizations will occur at mutu'ally agreed-upontimes. The latter will share the focus andbenefits of each group.

First, register using the NABC form; then chooselodging. The forms on pages 9 and 11 will notbe re-printed in May. III you registerodearlier, erecent maUing asked for information: V..............lind MrivIII .y. Are address •• atil current? The NARCform goes to Cennon•. l Saga suggests you read,copy, send, or save the forms. "If capacity isreached sooner, registering at-the-door may notbe an option," according to Jan Frye, registrationchairperson. Plans are for 1,000; however,Luther wishes pre-paid meal and lodging

Where else might one expect major entertainersto share the same opening night? Both theLeikarring Noreg, folk dancers from Drammen,Norway, and Leroy Larsen's ScandinavianEnsemble, Minneapolis, perform Thursdayevening along with Paul Ulvilden, lurist, andKaren Brunssen, mezzo-soprano.

Friday and Saturday morning one may choose atotal of 'six from 50 multiple choice forums oractivities with distinguished guest presenters.Drammen dancers will, for example, teach folkdance in small group settings. Lag meetings areafter lunch July 31, adjourning in time to getready for the banquet.

Friday evening is the historical heart of theCentennial. Valdres Samband will lead theparade of lag in an evening promising the displayof lag banners--including some originals--· andauthentic bunader. (Facilities are air conditioned.Some may bring a sweater to cover bare arms).

Entertainers Saturday evening are: the LostNorwegians, Northfield, MN, who mix folksongs, good humor, and more serious music notreadily heard; Decorah's traditional LurenSingers, the oldest Norwegian male chorus stillperforming; and the Foot-Notes, an instrumentalquartet who SiAg, research area fiddle music,and whose 1998 CD is selling well.

Present day Norway will be represented bypresenters living there. Tom Vraalsen,Norwegian Ambassador to the US, has beeninvited and the Consulate General will attend.Norway is among the most technologicallyadvanced nations, a distinct contrast to the lastcentury when so many emigrated due toAmerika feber and hope for better opportunities.

Come and participate. Meet and welcome withour newest members. There will surely bediscussion of the trip to SigdaI. After all, theSigdal motto means, "There is strength innumbers.· Anyone interested in the Norwegianheritage may register.

SEEK EMIGRANT PHOTOGRAPHSFOR SIGDAL-EGGEDAL MUSEUM

\

Sigdalslag has been asked to help set up aphotographic exhibit of emigrant life at theSigdal og Eggedal Museum in the year 2000.

The museum staff is primarily interested inphotographs that show the work life of thepeople that left, and their circumstances in thenew land. Photos of farming, lumbering,household chores, homes, schools, churches,stores or businesses.would be appropriate.

At this time the size of the picture is not afactor. It is probable that most pictures willhave to be reproduced in some way, so weneed to collect good prints, not Xerox copies.

The goal is to make the exhibit asinteresting and attractive as possible; howeverthat can happen only if the lag members arewilling to share their treasured photos with thepeople in Norway.

Identification of each picture should give theowner's name and address and then a carefulidentification of names and places in thephoto. An actual or estimated year is a plus.

If you have photographs of emigrants fromSigdal, Eggdal and Krllldsherad that you arewilling to share, please send them to LeeRokke, 13465 Garden View Drive, AppleValley,MN 55124.

GENEALOGY NEWS

Lee Rokke, Sigdalslag genealogist, reportsreceiving the following gifts and documentssince the October SAGA was published.

** $30 gift for genealogy work from JanetPoff, St. Paul, MN.

Genealogical Survey Forms Completed

"Cynthia Omoth Peterson, Santa Rosa,California, on the family of Helge HalversenAamodt (Omoth)USonja Minchau, Calgary, Alberta, Canada,on the family of Arne Olsen Bjlllrndalen. Sonjaalso 'sent additional information that givesclues to several SigdaI people who were inCanada, particularly Magnus l2lverby.uDavid Ellingson, Waskish, MN, on the familyof Elling Nilsen Tostenrude.

HAVARD STQJVERN GETS AWARDHavard St0vern, whose artistry appears in

the above sketch of Andersnatten, has longbeen associated with Sigdal-Eggedal Museum,with Under Norefje(l, and with folk musicthroughout Buskerud fylke.

Now another distinction comes.1998 recipient of the BuskerudCultural Award.

Having retired as museum director, Havardnow chooses his own schedule. He no doubtcontinues to do family history research ors(ektsgransking in the new location in the lowerlevel of the museum.

During the editor'svisit in Sigdal last June,he smiled as heattested to theusefulness of LeeRokke's ongoing FirstName Index of peopleemigrating from our lagareas. Lee hasperiodically sent himsupplemental data.

Christmas wishes,too, came to several .from Stlllverns which CongretulatlOns, HAverdl

we share with lagmembers. His e-mail is:

havard.stovern@eunet.no

He is the(County)

Among Christmas greetings to the editor wasone from Spalding, Sask: Garth Ulrich's noteand the current revison of the CanadianNationalAnthem. He appreciated hearing it and praisedthe organizing commitees that plan the 7 LAGSTEVNE.This includes Sigdal Lag as well as sixother lag.

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Sigdal Trip in 2000 Needs Deposit and "Homework" NowLarry & Linda Rolfstad, Sigdalslag trip coordinators, investigated options for Sigdal Lag's "Norway 2000"tour and chose Brekke Tours, Grand Forks, ND. Last May Sigdal and Kmdsherad municipalities invitedlag members to an Emigration Festival June 19-24, 2000. A proposal was published in the Octoberissue.

A $50 per person DEPOSIT is asked if you plan ANY travel with Brekke/Sigdal 2000 TOUR. The depositis REFUNDABLE if one is unable to go (by the time additional payments are due). It applies to ALL (touror airfare only) participants. Rolfstads also need people to respond to their recent mailing soon. It is alsoessential that the lag/norsk host committee know IF you think you have relatives there! Investigate.Three plans were mailed lor those interested at the stevne last July: (A) June 11-26; (8) June 17·25;(Bl1 June June 17-July 2. Prices based on at least 35 participants in either plan at current rates, which aresubject to change. NOTE pertaining to all plans: evening of June 19 - 24 in Sigdal area. Lag/hostarrangements made'with Kari Ask, coordinator in Norway. Costs are not in tour package prices. BUSESserve for entire tour.

(A) Leave Minneapolis SUNDAY, June 11; depart Oslo MONDAY, June 26.(BI Leave Mpls SATURDAY, June 17; tour ends 25th. Independent travel til July 2 departure an option,(B1) June 17-July 2 = (B) + Tour extension

You may wish to thank Rolfstads, 11D GlendaleLane, Rapid City, SD 57702, for all the workthey have put into planning thus far. They choseneat places and activities (some you have missed,no doubt, next):

TOURS use the new IGardermoenl OSLO airportand include hotel and city tour at the beginning orending. Included are L1LLEHAMMER: Lake Mj0sa,Olympic sites, Hedmark Museum and the EmigrantMuseum (Hamar), Henning woodcarving factory(Gj0vikl, ELVESETERHotel, Lom, Geiranger, Loen,horse cart to Briksdal Glacier, ferry acrossSognefjord, VOSS to Flam/Myrdal ra.i1trip, EdvardGrieg home & Bergen city tour. Aurland to BorgundStave Church at LJERDAL. Travel via Hemsedal &Hallingdal'to Sigdal for overnight there June 19.

APPROXIMATE TOUR COST about $2300, basedon double occupancy. (Tour IB) about $13001. Doesnot include taxes, landing fees, etc. Rates subject tochange with currency rates and prices in 2000.

You may get (Sigdal-2000l information even ifyou are reading this for the first time. Call 1-800-437-5302 or <tours@brekke tours.com> bye-mailfor specific data planned for travel to Sigdal.'

SIGDAL AREA DAYS will enable members tomeet relatives, research emigrant history I and visitseveral venues in each "home" community-- SigdalDay (Sigdal-Eggedal Museum), Eggedal Day(Skredsvig's Hagan orland old mill), and Kr0dsheradDay (Villa Fridheim, Norefjell). Perhaps visits maybe made to see: Theodor Kittelsen's Lauvlia; Vatnh(oldest church), Blaafarververket Iblue cobaltmine/museum). What do you want to see or do?

• • •Gifts & Memorials

In memory of O'Dell Ruud

$5 given by Marilyn & Narv Somdahlto the Publishing Fund

HOMESTAYS or PAID LODGING in Sigdal? MEALSare a/so not included in tour prices. IF you haverelatives, homestays are an option, but please LISTNAMES for the local committea to verify.

(N8f) First come, first served basis.Sendpayment to lag treasurer, Don Skadeland.

FORM - JUNE 19-25, 2000

OATE _are

Names of my/our living relatives

Circle where: in (SigdiII) (EggedalJ (~)

IS it LlKELY NOT LIKELY that Norsk relatives exist?

Passport Name 1

Passport name 2

Others :_ u 1_ :1 ..... 1.._.11 ... y 'Gil"" _IIU may make the trip

My address _

City/Stete/Zip, _

{Devl (Evening) PH (

,--- '1, -:-:=,- __'FAX - e-mail

Yes NO Sigdal memberls through 2000 (No? See p. 12)

Hold reserY8tions for which: CA) tB) (81)

Here's 8 $ check paY8ble to SIGDAL LAG; writeTOUR DEPOSIT on memo line. MAIL ASAP with this form to:

Don Skadeland, Treasurer10642 "0" StreetOmaha, NE 68127

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ON A MISSION: My Search for Jergen MoeBy Caroi RuglandMeade

As president of Sigdalslag, Carol is receiving requests scholarly value of folklore. Their passion was toand messages from members. Here is one adventure collect hundreds of traditional (oral) tales as theyin attempting to satisfy such an inquiry. . took fishing or walking tours in the mountains

I received an e-mail message from Ellen Mane and pastures of their native Norway. They beganOlson Grabau, a descendent of immigrants who to publish these tales which were widely popular.originally came from Kmdsherad. Ellen hoped to Eventually the collection became the book-length,find a translation of the poem, "Den Gamle Norwegian Folk and Fairy Tales. OtherMester," (The Old Master), written by Jllrgen Moe publications followed.about an oak tree on the pastor's farm near Among the first collection of tales was oneOlberg Church at Noresund. After a few phone called "East of the Sun and West of the Moon,"calls, my mission led me to the Unive~sity. of which' has given its name to many subsequentMinnesota Library where a reference librarian translations and is among the most popular ofhelped me find a biography of Moe and a the stories. Another famous story is "The Threecollection of his works, Sam(ede Skrifter, Billy Goats." The main elements of their talesincluding the requested poem with a picture of are rarely gauzy-winged fairies; they featurethe tree. There was D.Q English translation. The rough-humored giants, trolls, witches, hags,librarian said she'd keep looking and call me if she animals (usually talking ones), and magicalfound one. objects.

My grandfather, in his writings, related .th?t Moe graduated from the University ofMoe had married my great-grandparents, Slgnd Christiania (Oslo) with a degree in theology. FromPletenhagen and Gulbran Gulbranson, the latter 1844 to 1853 he served as teacher in that city.of Rugland farm in Eggedal. So I knew He went through a religious crisis and wasMoe was both a pastor and a poet. appointed pastor for Sigdal parish (which included

The biography indicated that JlIJrgenMoe was Kmdsherad and Eggedal) for 10 years. He wasborn in the district of Ringerike in 1813. During credited with the planning and construction ofhis school years he formed a close and life-long Olberg Church. In 1875 he became Bishop offriendship with Peter Christian Asbj0rnsen. They Christiansand where he died in 1882. Moe wrotehad a mutual interest in folklore, songs, legends, lyrical poems throughout his life and alsoand tales, published a collection of religious songs.

From the Brothers Grimm they learned the What next? From my own bookshelves I lookedat the English translation of Sigdalslaget- 1932 by our own Rosella Goettelman.

Wow! Here was a treasure trove ofinformation about Moe's years as apastor in Kmdsherad and a translationof the first verse of "Den GamleMester. "

An oak stands on the pastor's yard,his eye to daily notice.It lifts itself over valley and fjordAnd stretches its branches so strong.

Poetry is especially difficult to translateinto another language, so perhaps nofull, complete translation exists.

..

Den Gemle Mester overlooksOlbergChurchandKrederfjord(left) from itspasturepiace. A waysideon Highway7 allowsyou to stop andsaeit.

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Two articles from the publication,Buskeruds Blad, filled in the rest of thestory, the first from August 10, 1929Ire-printed, next):

About 11 kilometers from KmderenStation on the east side of the fjord,stands a thousand year old oak. It wasnamed "the old master" by JlIJrgenMoein his poem. It stands on the (Bjertnes)parsonage grounds. What a grandsight! (continued)

OnA Mission.It stretches its knotty branches up toward bad

weather and cold north winds, but nothing is ableto break it because its roots are "stuck deep inKlipperen's crack." That oak has been thepriceless possession of all the pastors, and theplace around it is carried in many memories.Under that oak Moe sat and worked on hissermons. Many of his fairy tales were writtenthere.

The oak was designated for protection as anational landmark December 3, 1914. To get animpression of the size of the oak tree, one canmention that it takes five confirmation boys toreach around the trunk when they hold hands.(By 1986 when Sigdal Lag visited, themeasurement needed eight adults joining hands.)

A spring trickles near the oak. This is supposedto have been a place of sacrifice in ancient days.Farther down on the parsonage grounds standsa large weeping birch. It gave Moe the inspirationfor his resounding poem, "The Young Birch." Itleans out over the water and reflects itself in thedead calm fjord.

A young birch stands by the fjordmirrored in the water quite near.How large and pretty it has becomethe year that I have lived here.

When Moe came to Kredsherad in 1853 andtook over the misterial position, he was a 40 yearold man, grown in mind and body. He went righton, never moved aside for those who would dohim harm. He was masterful when it wasnecessary and patient when it was needed. Hewas a farmer's son from Ringerike, so heunderstood the farmers' work well. He spokeabout farming and everything that interested hisparishioners. Thus he was loved and honored bymany. It is known that the kryllinger have,muchto thank him for. The parish has become wellknown because of him, and when many strangersspeak about it, they also mention J0rgen Moe.

As a pastor, Moe was both comforter andchastiser. The elderly who are still living inKredsherad, who were in contact with him orwere witness to his conduct, remember him assuch. The stern, harsh chastiser especiallyscolded them concerning the parish's wildlifestyle. We think first about his rebuke of thenighttime events which were rampant at thattime, and also about his struggle against thegathering at Raumyr on Norefjell's plateau. Thishe managed to give the death blow. The lastdance was held during the time of his ministry.

To all appearances, Moe was a great speaker.The old people say that when he stepped intothe pulpit, it became deathly quiet in that large

church. He gave one of. his greatest sermonsjust after the dance at Raumyr. When the partywas over, the sun shone on three bodies out onthe moor. (They had frozen to death after theparty due to an unexpected snow storm).

With thesorrowfuloccasion freshin people'sconsciousness,he gave hissermon on thateventn"themountainsermon." Alegend stillsurrounds Moeand kryllingerseldom talk ofhim withoutmentioning thatchurch service.

As thezealousministerhe was, he alsocalled the peopleto accou1t whenthey camedriving to churchin large flockson Christmas Jorgen Moe. pastor end poet

morning. Thenhe could use the classic words he wrote himself,"They don't come to hear the minister but todrive on the icel" These words, said by anauthoritative man, stung.

Generally better as a comforter, he was aromantic and a good man at heart; therefore, hesuffered when others suffered. Many stories arestill told among the parish's older citizens abouthis relationship to the sick and injured. It wastold that a man lay dying on one of the farms.It was winter. It was a starlit and biting-cold.night when most people wanted to sit indoors,but when the farm's, owner gazed out throughthe frosty window, he saw a dark form comingon skis across the fjord. When the form camenearer, he saw it was J0rgen Moe.

#

Thanks, Ellen, your e-mail led me on an interestingquest into Moe's life. Asbjernsen and Moe transferredto us a preserved oral tradition by writing down thetold stories. Much in our own families that is toldmay be lost as well, if it is not written down bysomebody. Come to Norway and see the tree withthe group traveling there in 2000!

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Kredsherad Sends Gift Calendars

Sigdalslag returns a collective Tusen Takk to IngeThorud, Ordfmer of Kredsherad Kommune, andhis Calendar Committee: Helga r2ldegard,RagneHansen, and Bodil Granum! A gift package of"Kredsheradkalenderen 1999" arrived at the homeof Carol Meade, lag president, several weeks ago.This project has been coming to SigdaI Lag nowfor 12 years with traditional Christmas and NewYear's greetings.. We enjoy the calendars andwish all our Norwegians a prosperous 1999.

Broad, handsome pictures of yesteryear appeareach month with two extra ones-- Hamremoen inwinter (front cover) and the 1923 ConfirmationClass of 50 follows December. The lag librarykeeps a copy, but members may send a donationto Sigdal Lag's treasury to have their own copy.It costs to send across the Atlantic, and USpostagejust increased, adding another $1 .25 to re-send. Consider that in writing checks ($6 and up),along with a note that says "calendars." Moneyorders are best from Canada, according to the lagtreasurer. Mail to Carol Meade, 4133 LyndaleAveSouth, Minneapolis, MN 55409.

Subjects by monthjanuar - a 1956 pensonat which burned in 1970februar - about 50 children at Haakonsrud School,

1933. Teacher: Vikerslundmars- Reidar BrAten at a rubboard outdoors 119511april - Klara Sorteberg lb. 19081 & Kjersti Fretland

on motorcycles, possibly after WWII.mai - 1936-39 Teacher Eirik Humlegard lb. t8941

spoke at Syttende Mai celebration;his parents: Halvor Stenersen Glesneie, b.1864

m. Randi Eriksdtr Herringrudmoen, b. 1867juni . Krederen/1872 mail comes by train, boatjuli - Kalager's Istore 1891 becomes) Hotel, 1894august - Erik Finnevolden family: wife Kari ISkasetl,

Anton, Gunhild & Einar at 13rgenviken,ca 1913september1955: Ferryman Halgrim Kleven b. 1888oktober- Homes near Noresund bridgenovember- 1947 home of Eliasbeth & Thorvald Heia.

Son Rolf Heia's family live in a newer home here.desember- Bratterud seter in the late t930s

#Starred .. names appear in both 1923 and 1933grouppictures. Starrednames + 1933 are last.

(1923) Bjertnes, Breivik (2), Bottolfs, Dybendal, Flaglien,Flata, Forsberg, Fyrand, Glasrud, Glesne (4), Grimeli,Golberg, Hervig, Kittilsen. Leer, Maribraten. Maude.Medrud, Moen. Norli, Rann. Rishovd, Runningen. Skatvedt,Skinnes, Skola, Snersrud (2), Snippen. Steinseth, Svensen,Sundhaugen, Torsteinsen, Tryterud, Ula, Veikaker (2Lf21degarden(2). Falkenberg is the pastor serving in 1923. III(1933) Anderson, Berg, - *80e (2), - *Elvebraten (3),Enersen(2), Evensted181, Fuhre(2l, Hellerud(21. Hervik,Huken,UKalager (2). Lindum(31. Nilsen(41, Nygard.* -Nyhus (2), Slevikmoen, Solberg (2), Svceri, Thoresen (3J,ThorvaJdsen. Trangen. C2ldegard(4). Can you find your kin?GOOD LUCKI

WELCOME, NEW MEMBERSJoining since October 1998

Donna Anderson, Lawrenceville, GADoug/Shirley Augustine. Mesa, AZLois Brenden, Eagle, COLorene Tysver Determan, lynnville, TNDavid Ellingson, Waskish, MNOlaug Skalland Finsrud, Magnor, NORWAYKevin/Laurann Gilbertson, Decorah, IAEllen Grabau, Boulder, COBonnie/Jon Hanson, Beloit, WIMary AgneslNelder Medrud, Jr, Boulder, COOrville/Martha Nelson, Webster, MNWalter Omoth, Regina, Sask, CANADAClifford/Cynthia Peterson, Santa Rosa, CAWendy Piano, Fort Wayne, INTorstein Skalland, Eggedal, NORWAYDale W/Dianna S Snell, Auburn, WAJudith A Sosted, Northfield, MNVerna Uselman, Wadena, MN

The woodcut (above) is a Snorre drawing by HalfdanEgedius from the Icelandic SII911 period. Copper alsodecorates the Ringnes horn midway to the very tip.

Drinking hom from Ringnesgird. ca 1300. The Ringnesfamily has had a continuoushistory from 1325 til today.The bison horn was gildedwith copper. The mouth-piece fitting has an engravedwreath with "help Ghat •help Maria" inscribed on it.

Museum for Nordic Antiquities.Copenhagen

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Reaching Christmas "Position" on the Calendar StickWhen it gets close to Christmas, during

Advent, the thoughts always come to mindabout theolder times.Thoughts rushin to me,rememberingthings thatwere told andthings I'vebeen along ind 0 i n g .Luckily, I hada grandfatheruntil I was 10years old. Hewas born in1848 and had

incredibly much to relate from changing times. Ican still perceive the cozy security when we satirTfront of the stove. How the flames "played"through . the damper--and the play furthercontinued into the shadows, shifting into thedarkened walls and floor. We had only kerosenelamps and tallow candles until 1924. That wasa time made-to-order back then.

We grandchildren could listen and learn thestrange and marvelous (things) grandfatherrattled on about from ancient times: oldtraditions and exciting histories from actualevents. No noisy TV or radio racket of artificialamusements to disrupt the mood. We candiedapples on the stove with home-cooked or brownsugar lumps alongside.

We preferred listening to everything abouthow Christmas was celebrated. There was somuch of interest and mystery that set thefantasy in motion. Already during the autumn,preparations began for Christmas. Much needednot only to be done, but also done correctly andat the right time.

The wooden calendar stick iprimstavenl andold symbol (v;ermerke) were a good pinpoint forthe different tasks to be done. The "marked"days developed because of experiences throughthe years, and they were commonly acceptedand known. One had to pay attention to theweather predictions, as storms could delay,work.

The calendar stick had Fyrebod.Said the snow:

You must wait for me, Winternight,Certainly I come for He/gemessbut not before Mortensmess (November 11),So I bend evergreen branches and sprigs.

The moon aiso played an important role. It wasunwise to set big projects in motion in a waningof the moon. Butchering was unlucky then.Meat would be a watery color and would notkeep well. Baking likewise. The leavening

The drinking horn is the mark forChristmas Day on most of the calendarsticks (primst.veneJ.

would shrink under the rolling pin. Dough andbeer would not ferment.

And Christmas beer was just as important asthe food. In an old pension contract (for theformer farm owner), malting barley and hops forbrewing are listed by line with the farm's otherproduce needed for living. Everyone had a fieldof hops--for use and for decoration.

One gets the impression that Christmas itselfturned much on food, but that's not so strange.Daily bread was never taken for granted.

Even if the recipe was not much talked about,everything was marked by thankf\llness andrespect for God's gifts.' This was "in force" allyear, but the message of Christmas came withthe year's certain remembrance that effort andwork were not enough. One also had to ask theFather's blessing so that it would really turn outhappily. Such reminders lie behind each crossand other Christian symbol that was carved orburned into the tools and equipment. It was notonly for decoration! And the tar cross over thedoors of stabbur or barnwere prayers for shelterand protection.

It is with a kind of noblejoy I now enter the oldstorehouse which holdsthe same things that havebeen used for 300 years.The timber walls aresaturated by a strong odorfrom meat containers,smelling of juniper, spices,and dried foods year afteryear for many generations.It reminds us that we haveroots:Let us not forget ourancestors wherever we run orturn, for they gave us aninheritance to preserve: the ancestor is greater thanmany will believe.

Yes, let us take forth enlighteningremembrances and joys of those going before us'when we wish each other Merry Christmas.

(signed) Ingeborg

Such 8 symbol marksLucia Day (DEC 131 onpnmst.vene in Sigdal.

This article, "Lyse minner ved Juleleite",translated by Mafl'lyn Somdahl, appeared inUnder Norefjell, No.2, 1998. Drawings are byHAvard Stevern.

Sigda/slag saga wants to retain its members andreaders. Kindly renew membership if 1999 or ayear beyond that does not follow your name onthe address label.

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

by Henry Berg

Hringariki (Medlemsblad for RingerikeSlektshistorie-lag, Dec 1996, p. 22-37)contains imother excellent article by ThorleifSolberg entitled, "Slevika i Kt0dsherad". Asthe title implies, it contains an analysis of theowners of Slevika farm from the 1630'sthrough about 1725, using extensive quotesfrom original documents.

Before I discuss the Slevika family, though, Ishould point out a quote from page 22:"Interessant er f01gende sak pa r2lrpen iKr0dsherad, 31 May 1593: KnutHallsteinssen (0rpen) gir ni fulwitige daller ijJamgiftpennig for Verne og alt Borgerud tilElling Rasmussen ... " This document mayhave provided the patronymic for Knut 0rpen(see Kradsherad, Vol I, page 598). I cannotidentify another Knud who was associatedwith r2lrpenat that particular time, and Knut0rpen may well be identical with KnudHallsteinssen.

The name "Hallstein" is not particularlycommon in either Sigdal or Kt0dsherad, andKnut 0rpen did not bestow this name on anyof his surviving sons. However, it should benoted that Eivind Knudsen of Rud, Sigdal,(son of Knut 0rpen) had a son namedHallstein Eivindsen, who settled at Bekjord,Lyngdal. The recurrence of the nameHallstein reinforces the belief that Knut r2lrpenand Knut Hallsteinssen were the same person.At the time of his probate in 1614, Knutr2lrpen owned at least 4 Iispund at S0reStrand, Sigdal. In 1540, HallsteinGudbrandsen is mentioned in a 1540 divisionof property at nordre Strand, Sigdal. He isknown to have had at least two daughters,and he may well have had other children.

Solberg quotes documents proving that thefirst of the family (in the male line) to live atSlevika was Erik Trulsen, who took over thatfarm in 1632. However, he also indicatesthat Erik's father Truls Eriksen (not mentionedin M0rch) was described as being "of Slevika"at the time of his probate on 18 April 1663.It seems certain from quoted testimony thatTruls Eriksen must have moved to Slevika

(probably as an old man) to live with his sonsometime after 1632. There is persuasiveevidence that Truls may be identical with theTruls Eriksen who held property at Verne andTveita in Soknedalen in 1609, and that hemay be identical with a Truls named in a1593 document concerning Veme andBorgerud farms. (Land was sold there byElling Rasmussen, his wife Fria Trulsdatter,and her eldest son Truls, and Tosten Nilssen,to Knud Hallsteinssen. Knud was "odelsbarenmed de andre.")

Truls Eriksen, whose probate was held in1663, was married at least twice, and hadthree known children. This family is notdiscussed in M0rch, thus providing some newlinks for those with Slevika ancestry.

Erik Trulsen, who took over the farm in 1632,was married to Sissel Jonsdatter. She wasnot, as M0rch indicated, from Raen,Kt0dsherad (see part three of this series), butSolberg suggests several other possibleorigins. Erling Bj0rke believed she might havebeen from Glesne or nedre Skinnes. "Sisselsies i 1679 a ha ViErt odelsbaren til Slevika,det gjalt kanskje Hamre, for Erik eier 5 Iispundder omkring 1642, og ikke noe i Slevika.Sissel kan ogsil ViEre datter av den JonSlevika, som skatter av garden 1610-31. I enjordebok for 1615 oppf0res Joenn Sleuighsam eier av en fjerding i Skinnes, et lispund iHamre og 15 settinger i Valde (not identified),derimot ikke noe i Slevika. Jon nevnes iskattemanntallene til og med 1630."

The families of Erik Trulsen and his son TrulsEriksen are also described in this article, asare extensive land transactions of the Slevikafamily concerning property they held inSoknedalen.

For those interested in pursuing the family ofTron Ellingsen Rishovd and Live TrulsdatterSlevika (Kredsherad, Vol. I, p. 616), Solbergprovides two references: "Den GamleRishovdslekta", Hringariki, No.1, 1993, and"Drapet pa Heggen i Soknedalen", Hringariki,No. 1,1994.

8

BYGDELAG CENTENNIALLuther College, Decorah, Iowa

JULY 29, 30, 31, 1999

1899REGISTRATION FO

Full Name(s) .

Address .:J.JL ____ State..l!2

__________ '99 Lag membersbip(s) C;;J::"Q;, j>lJ.L -.._--~---You are invited to this historic ALL-LAG Centennial Festival in Decorab tocelebrate the development oC the bygdelag movemelll in America, 1899 to 1999.Ever since Norwegian immigrants established Luther College in 1861, people keepcoming for important events such as the PARADE OF BYGDELAG, a colorCuipageant with lag banners and bunad-clad participants Friday evening. Otherprograms feature folk dancers from Norway along with a variety of top entertainersand musicians. Registration and craft sales displays open in the Union Thursdaymorning to all wishing to explore 100 years of a transplanted culture in America orthe evolution of today's technologically savvy Mother Norway. Cboose to seedemonstrations by artists or those Cor genealogical support. Attend one st.. neSaturday afternoon oC the 32 individual bygdelag meeting prior to the banquet.

Charles & Mary Cannoffi705 East Burnsville Parkway #117,Burnsville, MN 55337

Yau are welcome to photocopy this form

Visit Vesterheim Museum or Jom inthe bus tours Thursday to JacobsonFann and Washington Prairie Church.

GUEST-LED FORUMS ofTer over SOtopics (9 categories--CulturaJ, FamilyHistory, Folk Skills/Art, History, andMuslemance). N-ABC badgewearersmay attend Friday and Saturday at 8:30and 10:15 AM lind Friday 1:15 and 3PM, six in aU. Amoug the notablespresenting are: Forrest Brown, NAHA;Joan Buckley. Cone College; KnutDjupedal, Norway; Rebecca Fish,Augsburg; Ann Gesme, lA; GraciaGrinda.. Luther Seminary; GeraldHaslam, BYUniv; Blaine Hedberg.VGCtr; Darrell HeDDing, 1A; GordonJacobson. MN; Orlyn Kringstad,Sons/Norway; Odd Lovoll, 5t.Olaf; LarsLeberg, Norway; Marit Lucy. UT; Lila& Marion Nelson. MN; Robert Porish,1A; Janet Blobm Pullz, Vesterheim; LeeRokke. MN; Gerald Rosholt, 1A;Marilyn Sorensen. MN; KathleenStokker. Luther College; HansStorbaug, Norway; Dina Tollsby,Norway; Conrad Thompson & Mary JoThorsbeim. MN.

THOSE REGISTERED will useLUTHER COLLEGE's Corm to pre-paymeals & lodging on campus. AskMOTELS for NABC/CtBtennial room.for tbi, event. Need info about areacampgrounds, lodging, mapa, restaurants?Contact Decorah Chamber of Commerce,300 W. Water St, Decorah, IA 51101 or3111-3lU-3!l9O.

IN MEMORYJESSE FRANCIS KRINGSTAD (July 3, 1915-July 28, 1998) passed away at MissouriSlope Lutheran Home, Bismarck, NO.

Born to Ole and Jennie McDanielsKringstad, Jesse grew up in the Adams-Fairdale .area. He married Gladys MellandJune 20, 1941, in Grafton, but moved toHoople, NO. He worked there 30 years forpotato farms and Hoople Potato Products.

He was preceded in death by parents, adaughter, a son, four brothers, two sistersand a son-in-law. Besides his wife, he issurvived by sons Gene (Alice), Hoople; Roy(Renee),Drayton; Steve, Fargo; Rick and John(Jennie), Bismarck; daughters Gloria, ParkRiver, all in NO; Ellen (Charles) Glood, RapidCity, SO; Pam (Craig) Evert, Casper, WY, andCindi (Mike) Gaylord, Bismarck; 24grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Fellesraad Meets May 1At Wyndham Garden Hotel

Two delegates from each of 32 bygdelagaffiliated with Bygdelagenes Fellesraad,Minneapolis, MN, may attend the annualmeeting Saturday, May 1, at WyndhamGarden Hotel, 4460 W. 78th Street Circle,Bloomington, MN 55435.

Guests may attend as space allows,according to Marilyn Somdahl, president. Lagpresidents will forward checks non-delegatesinterested in attending; so please call CarolMeade of your intentions to come. Presidentsare also responsible to see that delegates areable to attend.

This national lag council's meeting is heldin accord with its constitution the firstSaturday in May. Every lag pays dues of $5which are due February 1. Any changes ininformation for the Fellesraad brochure andstevne information is also due Feb 1.

The program has not yet been arranged,but checks for delegates' meals and dues aresometimes sent together to Fellesraadtreasurer Bob 0' Neil, 6941 N. Jocelyn Lane,Stillwater, MN 55082.

As in recent years, a served breakfast hasbeen arranged for pre-paid reservations.Checks payable to Fellesraad will be $10.50per person if postmarked by April 20 and$11.50 thereafter. Changes or refunds maybe made for pre-paid meals by telephone priorto noon April 25.

JULIA H. SOLUM (Jan 26, 1919 - Jan 10,1999) passed away at her St. Paul, MN,home. Funeral services were held Thursday,January 14, at Beaver Lake Lutheran Church2280 Stillwater Ave, St. Paul. She is buriedat Sunset Memorial Cemetery, Woodville, WI,where she grew up.

She was the youngest of four children bornto John and Helene (Lindelie) Solum, longtimeEau Galle Township farmers near Woodville.Her siblings preceded her in death: sister,Alvina Sjodahl, brothers, Lorentz, and Sigurd.Surviving are a daughter, Anne Frost; agranddaughter, Julie Keller and her husbandJon, all of California; two nieces, Karin Navis,Houlton, Wisconsin, and Rita Hochban,Maplewood, MN.

Julie has been a loyal member of Sigdalslagsince 1984, when she and Muriel Hoffattended the stevne at St. Olaf College.(Muriel Hoff's grandfather, Andrew Solum,and Julie's father were brothers). For severalyears, when the lag held fundraising raffles,Julie donated books or rosemaled objects tothe lag for the raffle.

She enjoyed traveling, counting two trips toNorway as highlights. In 1986 she and Murielattended the 75th anniversary of Sigdalslag inSigdal, Eggedal and Kmdsherad and in 1990she accompanied Muriel, who did the driving,up to North Norway.

She will also be missed by friends whoremember her as a school nurse. She retiredafter 34 years of service as a school nurse inthe St. Paul Public School District.

VOLUNTEERS FOR JULY 29-31

Sandra Hendrickson, NABC chair of thehospitality committee, wishes to thankfellow Sigdal members volunteering to assisther in ushering, directing people to intendedcampus destinations, answering questions,and making people feel welcome. She'll bein touch with you later on.

• •Janet Frye, NABC chair of the registrationcommittee, would like volunteers for ONE 2-hour SHIFT to help people "check in andpick up BADGES & registration packets."Names & phone numbers to your editor orE-mail her:janfrye@juno.com

10

Lut:lier Coffege o;µrufs a warm wefcome to t:Iie attentfees of t:Iie NPrwegian5lme1Uan '13!f!Jlferog Centennia{ cerebration. In aiaition to t:IiefadJities beingprovUfea for !Jour cerebration, t:Iie coffege is offering air-corufitiond housing oncampus aruf mealS in t:Iie newry renovatea Centennia{ 'Union 'Dining J{afL

• Air conditioned housing is available in one- or two- person sleeping rooms. All beds are single beds. each guest will be\

provided with a linen packet containing bed and bath linens. No beds will be made for you. but each has a pillow andblanket. Some rooms have bunk beds. If you are unable to utilize a bunk bed. please check that box on yourreservation form. Bathroom facilities are located on each floor. Rooms do not have clothes hangers. reading lamps.televisions or radios. Please brtng these items with you if you wish.

• No charge or permit required for parking on campus.

• Meal service is provided in the Centennial Union Dining Hall. The Cacilitywas renovated last summer. and providescafeteria style dining at its best. At breakfast. select a hot entree. make your own wafl]es. select cold cereal and Creshfruit or have it all. Noon and evening meals have even more offerings including soup. a deli counter. salad bar andoften self seIVe ice-cream.

• Full payment is reqUired with your reservation. The nightly cost includes breakfast the next morning. and we will offerhousing for Thursday. Friday and Saturday nights. Meals must be pre-ordered. please order your meals on theaccommodation form below. Cancellations received by July 19th will be refunded in Cull.later cancellations will beprorated. If you have questions about the accommodations. please feel free to call Cindy WomeldorC (319) 387-1538.

• Meal and housing reservation deadline is July 1. 1999. Make checks payable to Luther College. and mail form to:Cindy WomeldorC. Summer Conferences. Luther College. 700 College Drive. Decorah. IA 52101-1045

________ m m. •• • • • Jr . mm • .----------------.Jr ------.. ---- ------ ----

Bygdelag Accommodations - Summer 1999

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Housing Office Use

Date rec'd'If

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Double Room I 2 oersons (includes breakfast)

Breakfast (iCslavina off camous)

Noon Meals

Evenina Meals

·Sign up on your Bygdelag registration form

N-ABC LOGO BUTTONS C ... tIt. O. t. "odal L'ol$2 each by maR 3 for .5

1998-1999 OfficersII CAROL MEADE, President/NS/ Rep

6/2-827-6139; 122530@mm.com4133 Lyndale Ave SouthMinneapolis, MN 55409

~UTH MANNING, Vice President402-455-m1

4816 Ruggles StreetOmaha. NE 68104

jElLEN GLOOD, Vice President605-343-4300

8420 Heather DriveRnpid City, SD 57702

vb,E ROKKE, VP & Genealogist612-432-9767; leeroklte@aOl.com

13465 Garden View DriveApple Valley, MN 55124

)TWILA HALVORSON, Secretary-218-847-5313

1005 North Shore Drive/ Detroit lAkes, MN 56501

ItDON SKADEIAND, Treasurer402-331-5906

10642 -0" StreetOmaha, NE 68127

DEB SHORTINO, Historian402-293-5498

2804 Jack Pine St.Bellevue, NE 68123

MARILYN SOMDAHL, Editor6/2-831-4409

10129 Goodrich CircleBloominston, MN 55437

CORJUNE L. JOHNSON, Past President6/2-831-8637

4575 - 80th St Circle 8202Bloominston. MN 55437

~~c:>\t\N.~~

~~'t'J;iI!:'~~(\i'~1899 BYGDELAG 1999

CENTENNIAL

WELCOME to Decorah, lA, JULY 29-30-31, ~

Decorah Motels Welcome Visitors

Ask· about discounts July 28-Aug 1, 1999, formotel rooms reserved for CENTENNIAL orNABC. The first three listed have nearbyrestaurants. (All Decorah, IA 52101)

*Carlson COUNTRY INN. Highway 9319-382-9646 or 800-456-4000

*HEARTLAND INN, 705 Commerce Drive319-382-2269 or 800-334-3277

*SUPER 8. Highway 9 East319-382-8771 or 800-800-8000

*vtLLAGER LODGE& Restaurant, Hwys 9 & 52319-382-4241 or 800-632-5980

Decorah Campground. 319-382-4158, locatedbetween a trout stream and the Upper IowaRiver. Electricity, showers. dump station. (Feel

River bluffs and scenic overloo.ks.can be enjoyedfrom Luther College and from. Vails in Palisadesor Phelps city parks. Dunoing Spring Park has atumbling waterfall. -

See p. 11 for Luther College's Meal + ResidenceHall form. Note the deadline is July 1. but maybe filled sooner than that. (The same holds truewith Vesterheim activities. banquet tickets andregistration-due June 1 or until space is full.)

Complete maps. food and lodging infonnation.from Decorah Chamber of Commerce, 300 West ~Water Street (521011. Call 319-382-3990 or382-5515. E-mail dsco.ah@8a.amand8 ••com