VOL XXI NO 3 OCTOBER 2001Serving Norwegian-Americans of Sigdal-Eggedal & Kwdsherad ancestry since 1911,

SigdaI Registers 63At Rapid City Stevne

Shirley Augustine, MN'Gunhild Bergan, NorwayDavid & Jane Chell, CADuane Ellingson, SOBonnie Fingerhut, SOOlaug Skalland Finsrud, Norway.. 'LeRoy & Val borg Flagstad, SOEllen Kringstad Glood, SOWayne & Shirley Gunderson, MNTwila & Arvin Halvorson, MNWalt & Joanie Jellum, CACorrine Lesteberg Johnson, MNCalvin & DeVon Jokstad, NOLincoln and Marlene Klabo, VAEarl and Betty Knutson, NJGladys Kringstad, NO'Gloria Kringstad, NO• Darrel & Donna Kutenkamp, MNPaul Larson, IAEric & Charlotte Linden, IADan & Ruth Manning, NECarol Meade, MN• Erik Meade, MN•• Alexis & Roger Meade, MNAmy & Michael Michelsen, MN"infant Maren Michelsen, MNDr. Harry & Irene Navarre, NMArt & Sue Ann Peterson, CACliff & Cyndy Peterson, CADr. Sidney Rand, MNDavid & Lee Rokke, MNDon & Lynn Skadeland, NE'Torstein & Bj"rg Skalland, Norway•• Per Helge Skalland, NorwayMarilyn Somdahl, MNDiane & Dale Snell, WA'Robert & Sandra Towne, TXFrancis & Linda Turmo, NYGarth Ulrich, SK, CanadaLisa Wagner, WYHazel Wennerberg, MNAddie Williams, MN

PLUS multi-lag members

*" *" *" Exhibitor.. *" Children• Attending 1st US stevne

Lag Celebrates 90th AnniversaryLincoln Klabo, Fairfax. VA, presented a video featuringhighlights of the Norway 2000 trip for Sigdalslag's 90thanniversary program, following the business meeting.Besides other tourist destinations, the Sigdal, Kr"dsherad,

and Eggedal ancestral areas providedspecial cultural activities. A photo of tripparticipants appears in this issue.

A four-generation emigration skit waspresented by Erik Meade, his children,Alexis and Roger, and his mother, CarolMeade, who organized the program.(pictured, next page) Garth Ulrich took acameo role of ship's captain. Songsheets were provided and taped patrioticanthems and Norwegian folk songs weresung.

Line Klabo

As a special 90th anniversary tie to ourSigdalslag history, Dr. Sidney A. Rand, a third generation lagmember, urged member support for the Norwegian-AmericanHistorical Association at St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN,(which he once served as president). He is a grandson ofthe founding lag president, A. B. Pederson of Rothsay, MN.Rand, also former US Ambassador to Norway, was a co-presenter of a keynote forum along with Acting ConsulGeneral Ole 0veraas of Minneapolis.

President Earl O. Knutson called the business meeting toorder 9:30 AM. Francis Turmo presented the incumbents asnominees for re-election to one-year terms. All were electedwithout opposition (see page 12). Appointed positions arethe editor, genealogist, and historian.

Proposed changes to the by-laws (published in May) werediscussed, but a motion for postponement was secondedand passed before any action was taken. Action was taken,however, changing dues in standing rule # 1. Member duesincreased slightly for the first timE! since 1987. US andforeign postal rates and higher production costs go up atleast annually. NEW RATES become effective January 1,2002.

Encourage interested relatives to join before the end of theyear, and please check YOUR mailing label to be sure to sendin your renewals. Birthday and Christmas gift membershipsmay please someone interested in our Norwegian origins.

FRA PRESIDENTEN:

PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE

The 2001 Stevne, held at Rapid City, SD, isnow a thing of the past. I was glad to see thatover 60 Sigdalslag members attended, including

five from Norway. And 24,including Betty and myself, tookpart in the Black Hills bus tourFriday. Saturday morning therewere 50 who attended ourbusiness meeting, for which Iam grateful. We had a livelydiscussion of lag business,including possible changes inthe by-laws. Members werealso entertained by LincolnKlabo's videotaped highlightsof the 2000 Norway trip and bythe Meade family's emigrationskit. We closed by singing

several Norwegian songs.Turning to the present, our new web site--

www.sigdalslag.org -- is now in operation. Checkit out! It features a number of beautiful picturesand quite a lot of information about Sigdalslag andabout our home districts in Norway.

The web site was put together by our memberEd Espe, Bemidji, MN, and it will be expanded andupdated from time to time throughout the year.If you have any suggestions, please send them tothe webmaster, using the link provided at thebottom of the first screen.

The future can be considered in two parts _near term and far term. In the near termSigdalslag faces a big challenge; to find a neweditor/publisher. Marilyn Somdahl has served inthis position since October 1987 and would liketo step down as of the 2002 stevne. What a jobshe has done for Sigdal Lagl She served as lagpresident for 13 years, with an overlap of eightyears in both positions. It may not be easy tofind someone with the skill and energy. thatMarilyn has shown, but we are going to try! Oneof our talented members who likes to write mayfind stimulation in this way. (See the Want Ad).

In the long term we must start planning ourlag's centennial in 2011. Surely we have to thinkof something substantial to mark that occasion.What will it be? A plaque? A monument? Astatue? Where should it be placed? What will itcost and how shall we raise the money? Withina year I hope to form a committee that wouldidentify worthy possibilities along with costs.

Ha det bra,Earl O. Knutson. President of Sigdalslag

--m

Faith of Our FathersIn the Rugland skit presented Saturday morning, CarolMeade fits the old-style Norwegian white "ruff" or

priest's collar (ahoneycombedlook)to the black robeworn by grandson,Roger Meade.

Both belonged toCarol'sgrandfather.Pastor JacobRugland,who beganhis lutheran parishministry In 1899 atBarnesville, MN.Besides one parishin Iowa, he servedat Robinson, Carpio,and Belfield, all inNO, and inMoorhead,MN. Hedied in 1947.

The three-generation skit depicted leaving Norway and theimmigrant experience in America. Roger's father,Erik, his sister Alexis, and Garth Ulrich also hadroles.

The wood-carved door of Rapid City's stavkirke was open.

Thebuildingwaspatternedafter theone nearLaerdal,Norway,akaBorgundChurch. Itheldeveningvespers inthe summeraswell asservices onSunday.

Rev.LeRoyFlagstad,a member,serves asits pastorand led aforum.

Called the "Chapel in the Hills", this worship areais in great demand for weddings. Besides thestabbur which houses a gift shop, there is amuseum which holds donated objects used bypioneers. (MDS photos!

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Act now if you wish to be included:

LAG SOLICITS DATA TO PUBLISH MEMBER DIRECTORYSuggestions for a pictorial membership directory were heard at the July 2000 stevne at Wahpeton,NO. The executive board applauded the concept in January and selected Garth Ulrich to spearheadthe project. Walt Jellum and Dianne Snell have offered to assist. Details on content and desiredlength will be determined in coming months. Pictures and information from all members is the focusas the project begins. More about articles, length, and subject matter will be in future newsletters.

Faith for the Future

Youngmemberfamiliesattendthestevne:

Maren Michelsenwaves hello.as parentsAmyandMichael smile.

Paul Larsonshows his Kvisle-Maakestad genealogicalchart, held by tall Cal Jokstad.

Resume normal activity

PrayandPraise

What is requested now will verify eXisting informationfrom the membership application form (or correct it, if younow have data that was unknown when you joined thelag).

Garth will forward an e-mail version of this form uponrequest to gulrich@sk.sympatico.ca

MAIL completed form with picture to Garth Ulrich,Sigdalslag VP, Box 28, Spalding, SK SOK 4CO, CANADA

DIRECTORYFORM

Member's Name(inclu·";d;<e;;--:;m;;a;;]ifAd';;en;;.-:;n;';a;;m;;eri',-'-··•.liif--;.a:;;p:;;p"lir;;c;;;ahbr.;le:'-)~-~~

Year of Birth __ ~=_City & State of Birth ~------,----_

StatelProvince

Year First Emigrant Ancestor/s left Norway __ ~~----,-_

1) ( )

2) ,

(Where from? S - Sigdal E - Eggedal K· Krodsherad)

PHOTO

"If available, please include a picture for publication inthe directory . (Head/shoulders; light backgrounds. preferred)

IlWe hereby authorize any information on this formto be. included in the Sigdalslag Membership Directory.

(signature/sf

3

Almost 100 years agoTorvtaking

by AndreasMarch

Illustrated by Havard Stevern and translated by MarilynSomdahl from an article appearing in Under Norefjell,No.1, 2001. which Stevern edits. It describes a way oflife and conditions long ago in Sigdal-Eggedal.

Turf has been taken for peat moss in variousplaces in our home area. Individual farmowners or a couple as partners have foundthemselves a suitable peat supply in the field.They have piled up rocks on which it can bedried and shelters in which the dried peat canbe stored until it could be driven home duringwinter driving conditions.

Such set apart places to gather peat are to befound on Grl1mset and in Hiaasen in Rustand,along with several places in Sigdal. Peopletook and used from the earth 30-40 years ago(now almost 100 years ago) but now it liesunused.

A business, Haugan Torvstmselskap, started upin 1905 with about 15 shareowners buyinginto a swamp on Haugan. Only shareholderswere to cut peat. They directed folks to cut,dry, and set the peat in sheltered forms calledtarvhittur with peat for two shareholders. Eachhad a dividing wall lengthwise under the roof.

HELP WANTED: AUDITORSigdalslag seeks a person to audit 2001 financialrecords. Non-paying position. Main duties to cross-checkthe treasurer's records against the bank statements andto examine grouping of transactions into categories (ca.250 last year). Person to report at 2002 stavne.CONTACT: Earl Knutson. if you have experience keepingbusiness books or exposure to auditing procedures.

I

The "huts" had first a plank roof, since they layon corrugated iron. (The company operatedfour to five years before M<Jrch, the author,used an undated newspaper clipping as hissource, so it is uncertain when operationsceased.)

There was a reason and need for laborers thatcontinued until they were finished with the peatharvest.

They cut off the uppermost layer, heather andhillocks, partly grooved earth, and came downon the suitable peat. They had sharp edgedcutting spades with which they cut through thepeatbog and made chunks that were layersabout 30 x 18 x 10 cm. (about 12 x 7 x 4inchesl. The earthblocks were set up on theborder or edge of the swamp on end, two andtwo stacked against each other like a littleshock of grain. Otherwise blocks were placedon drying racks, on poles or stakes with pinsthrough, or placed on long sticks to dry.

The peat was driven down to the ruralcommunity, a distance of about 3.5 kilometers,by sleigh during the winter. The farmers'organization had a peat rake with a seedcleaner. There the peat was shredded up small.

When it became necessary, peat was bought inbales in the store. There is peat from peat mossfactories in 0stfold and Vestfold.

Building your vocabularytory = 11sod, turf; 2}peat11torve, (verb)torY myr = peat bogtorvtak = sod roof, gathering peat, where peat isstoredtorvstr<! = peat moss, dried and used for bedding

HELP WANTED: NEW SAGA EDITORSigdalslaQ seeks an editor/publisher for the SA GAl aspre'sent editor is retiring. Person/s sought to have abilityto meet deadlines. to get information and write news,collect member stories and pictures, check sources; editand produce camera·ready lay-out for a printer. Afterpick-up at printer, mailing involves affixing postage,prepared labels. and tape or envelopes (foreign) for up to400 per issue. SAG.4 publishes in February. May,October. Dues cover printing & postage costs. Somefacility to use or learn Norwegian helpful. CONTACT: EarlKnutson, president, if interested in a long termcommitment. Non-paving appointed position.

Also CONTACT the president if interested in one or moreof the supportive tasks, i.e. writing, translating,proofreading, or mailing.

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Visitors and News from NorwayAn e-mail inquiry from Lier, Norway, came to LeeRokke about May 17 in Minneapolis. Later e-mailexchanges were with the SAGA editor, who servesthe Syttende Mai MN committee and met them atthe banquet. Kjell Magne Bondevik, former prime

Alf Rolfstad, son Ivar. a junior at UC, Berkeley, the ednor,and Unni Rotfstad look pleased before the food arrives.Eyvind Skeie, Norsk musician. passes in back.

minister, was the speaker. (As a ChristianDemocrat, he ran for PM again in Septemberelectionsl. Rolfstads were guests at the VernTukua home and celebrated May 17 after spendinga few days with their son in California.Surprisingly, both Sigdal bunad shirts wereidentical in the "fixed" color embroidery and thesame embroidery pattern had been chosen for thenavy wool stakk or skirt as well!

In California, Michael Block was also heavilypromoting Syttende Mai festivities there, accordingto his web site.

Note for lag editors and authors of family historybooks: the Norwegian American Collection is nowhoused at the National Library, not the Universityof Oslo. The web site is www.nb.no/htmllnorwegian-american_collection.html Address mail toDinaTolfsby, Subject Librarian, Norwegian-AmericanCollection, National Library, Oslo Division, Postboks2674 Solli, N-0203 Oslo, Norway.

An Aftenposten poll says 80% of the Norwegiansare positive about the August 25 marriage ofCrown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit, both 28, in Oslo Cathedral. In May 2000only 24 % felt the monarchy would benefit fromthe match. Mette-Marit and her son, Marius, age4, have clearly won the hearts of the people aswell as the reigning monarchs.

,

GENEALOGY NEWS & VIEWSby LeeRokke

Dianne Snell, Auburn, WA, has donated a copy ofUnionsperioden og Norges Gjenreisning, Overblikover Norges Politiske Historie samt forholdet tilSverige fra 1814 til 1906. Published in 1906, thebook details the establishment and growth of thenew Norwegian state. This is the second historicalwork that Dianne has contributed to our library.She does a good job of searching in antique storesfor old Norwegian books.

Ellen Glood, Rapid City, SD, gave a stevneoverpayment of $15 as a gift to the lag genealogyfund in July.

Sigdalslag Surveys have been received from:

"Willis Beaver Bergan, Evergreen, CO, and AileenBergan Wold, Fargo, ND, on the family of AseOlsdtr Bergan and Mentz Christian Grasvik Bergan.

"Christine Spaulding, Barrett, MN, on the familyof Ase Helgesdtr Blegeberg.

** Linda Payne, White Rock, BC, Canada, on thefamily of Lars Olsen Sundvollen and Live PalmesdtrSkinneseie.

"Barbara Hurst, Fredrick, OK, on the families ofHans Halvorsen Anfinrud, Kristoffer HansenAnfinrud, and Hans Andersen Skatvedtfossen.

"Walter Jellum, Sun City, CA, on thedescendants of Anne Kristine GuttormsdtrKringstad Jellum and her sister Anna MariaGuttormsdtr Kringstad Peterson.

"DeVon Jokstad, Fargo, ND, obituaries of thefamily of Gunder Olsen Evje.

"Lee Sundet, Eden Prairie, MN, on the family ofAsle Kristiansen Olbergsundet.

**Julian K. Dyrhovd, Fort Smith, AR, on the familyof Nils Nilsen Dyrhovd, Andreas Nilsen Dyrhovdand Erik Hansen Sortebergeie.

**Jonathan Nelson, Marquette, MI, on the familyof Mikkel Knudsen Haµgerud.

"Bruce Glesne, Elk Grove Village, IL, on thefamily of Truls Gulsen Glesne.

Sigdalslag accepts the gifts and surveys withthanks.

5

Moments from The Old West Stevne in SD"Discovering Norwegian Heritage in the Old West" was the theme of the 2001 stevne, coordinated byOscar Lund, Jr. Members willing to share pictures were Shirley Augustine, Sandra Hendrickson, RuthManning, Sandra Towne, and your editor who have "something to show" for a wonderful reunion withour own lag members as well as those in the wider 7 Lag family of bygdelag.

Four additional members led forums:LeRoy Flagstad about the local stavechurch, David Rokke about theVikings, and Narv and MarilynSomdahl about publishing newsletters.She also introduced a video about SOethnic settlements. Scenic tours in theBlack Hills were popular bothThursday and Friday as well.

New this year was a completechildren's program featuringstorytelling, Hardanger fiddle,friendship pins, Scandinavian folkinstruments, folk dancing, wheatweaving, Christmas crafts, besides theskit by the Meades of Sigdalslag.

Friday evening Dr. Sidney Rand wasthe genial emcee at Mt. RushmoreMemorial Ampitheater. Skalmusik, enensemble of five players of ethnicmusic, performed and also providedmusic for the Borgund Sons ofNorway Lodge dancers of Rapid City.Among the notables greeting everyonewere the state's Lt. Gov. CaroleHillard, and Mayor Jerry Munson ofRapid City.

The instrumentalists of Skalmusik,Brainerd, MN, were Paul Wilson(fiddle, button accordion); MaryAbendroth (guitar, pump organ);Harold Herboldt (piano accordion);

LEFT: Shown admiring member DOROTHYELLINGSON's hardanger embroidery are (L-RILinda Turmo, NJ; Ruth Manning, NE; KathleenLorz. and De-Lores Foss, MN. Since Dorothywas ill, Rapid City friends Carol Peterson and ValFlagstad filled her presenter role for the forum.

Surbeck Center held vendor tables ofrosemaled objects, another of rosemaledgarments, hardanger work, assortedScandinavian items and books, aVesterheim display table, and Tom S.Lynaas of Emigration Web from Norwaydemonstrated how his site works and healso led a forum.

Arne Anderson (fiddle, piano accordion); and Bob Anderson(string bass). (Paul and Mary sing and invite audienceparticipation of some folksongs. Chuck Suchy was theheadliner Saturday evening. He is a NO rancher from theJames River country and a popular singer/entertainer).

An intermission between the 7 Lag program and that of theNational Park Service allowed a visit to see a short film andview park exhibits. The spendid lighting ceremony beganwhen there was sufficient darkness after sundown.

With a wall of the Rushmore Visitor Center in back, a part of theSigdalslag group posed Friday evening. In front, left-right: Earl & BettyKnutson, NJ; Jerry Munson, Rapid City Mayor; Sue Ann and ArtPeterson, CA; Robert and Sandra Towne, TX; in back were MarleneKlabo, VA: Wayne & Shirley Gunderson, MN; and Ellen Glood, SO.

6I

Sigdalslag Celebrated Saturday

Back, left - right: FrancisTurmo (barely visible), DavidRokke, Art & Sue Peterson,Dale Snell, Dan Manning, EricLinden, Cyndy and CliffPeterson, Betty and EarlKnutson; middle, standing:Linda Turmo, Corrine Johnson,Dianne Snell, Lynn Skadeland,Shirley Augustine, CharlotteLinden, Hazel Wennerberg,Wayne and Shirley Gunderson;front, seated: Irene Navarre.Lee Rokke. Ruth Manning DonSkadeland, Addie Williams,Marlene Klabo, Carol Meade,Lincoln Klabo.

Catered coffee and pastriesalong with conversationwere enjoyed Saturday AMbefore the video began.

Officers for 2001-2002:{L-R} Garth Ulrich, TwilaHalvorson, Earl Knutson, LeeRokke, Ruth Manning, MarilynSomdahl, Carol Meade, DonSkadeland. (Deb Shortino wasnot present. Offices, p.12.}

Guests: Sigda' drew fiveguests from Norway, and100 others came fromHadeland and Land. Manywere resplendent inbunader at the banquet.

- a reunion of members on the Norway 2000 trip

Waiting in the Surbeck lobby before a salmon or buffalobanquet are Gunhild Bergan (Numedal bunad), Kongsberg,Norway; Corrine Johnson; Olaug Skalland Finsrud, Magnor,Norway; and Marilyn Somdahl, (all Sigdal bunader}.

Parading across the stage to fiddle music are anunidentified guest, then Sandra Hendrickson, wearing herLand bunad for the first time, followed by president Earl,whose bunad is from western Norway.

I7

Ernst Josephson Paints In Eggedalby Ole O. Bakken

First printed May 6, 1959 in Drammens Tidende ogBuskerudsBlad, this article appearedin the first 2001issue of Under Norefjell published in our homecommunities in Norway. (Translated by MDS)

The main reason for the mid-March visit inEggedal of the Swedish art historian, Karl AxelArvidson, was that the approaching summermarks the 75th year since Ernst Josephson,Sweden's renowned painter, created his mostrecognized work. The picture Stromkarlen tookits motif from a little waterfall in the Jellum Riverin Eggedal with the (then) 16 year old GunnarHansorgard as the nokken or water sprite.

Karl Axel Arvidson, currently a radio reporter anda former art historian, wandered aroundEggedal with impressions from this rural districtwhere Josephson had worked, conversing withpeople who had something to relate concerningthe Swedish painter's stay here. He created theprogram as advertised in Swedish radiopublications under the title, "Nacken kommer franNorge" and it was transmitted Thursday evening.

Torstein, the son of Gunnar Hansongard, told abit of the remembrances his father had ofJosephson. That someone painted a nude modelout in nature was a sensation at that time, andthe young people in Eggedal, perhaps the girlsespecially, were very curious and took delight inhiding and peeking at the naked boy who satthere in the gushing froth of spraying water. Thenfrom Josephson came the shriek again, "You getfive kroner, Gunnar, for each girl you throw in theriver." Gunnar, happy about the interruption,dashed off to chase and catch the fleeing. victim.

It was the second time Josephson was in Eggedalin 1884 when he painted Stromkarlen. He.madehis first tour there 12 years earlier, in 1872. (Aradio magazine used 1882 as the date, but thiswas obviously a printing error because Arvidsonhas not been mistaken about this).

Josephson traveled that time together with hiscomrade, Norwegian Wilhelm Peters, who studiedwith him at the Swedish Art Academy. In Kristiania(OsloI the academy pupil lived with Peters' parentswhere he also met Christian Skredsvig. The trip toEggedal began by boat from Oslo to Drammenand further by train to Amot in Modum. Theywent on foot up through Sigdal to Eggedal andonward to the church community.

...

Josephson lived at first on the I2lvre Berg farmwhere Skredsvig also came to make his ownhome through part of the year. Wilhelm Petersthought it was too lonely in Eggedal and traveleddown to Dr. Thaulow at Modum Bad (a spa).

Josephson really worked during the time inEggedal, painting (among others) an interior pictureof the old church which was torn down someyears later. This picture is the one which formedthe basis of Carsten Lien's restoration plans.

Josephson used the strongest praise aboutEggedal's rich nature. One day as he stood onthe mountain top and looked out over thecountryside, he thought he had never seenanything so breathtaking and panoramic. Petersnow returned from Modum, full of enthusiasmover that which he had experienced, and theartist-friends went on foot over the mountain toNumedal.

Josephson never forgot Eggedal. After manyyears sojourn, out in the world, with light andpainful moments about each other, Josephsoncame once again in 1884. (continued)This time to paint his "mlkk", the one that hadplayed in his mind ever since the June days of1872. He had already completed many studiestoward this work. The final study he had thoughtto do with Trollhatten, but he forgot this thought;he chose Eggedal instead. In a letter to his sisterhe expressed his feelings of joy to be in Eggedaland there meet old friends.

He now lived with "klokker" H. Knudson onHaugen, where he also had stayed in 1872.

Near Jellumbakken he found the place where the"nokk" should sit, and then 18 year old GunnarHansongard was the model for this customaryfairy tale.

Josephson built himself a cabin near the waterfalland there he painted Gunnar nude with a floralwreath around the head. In the one hand he hadthe fiddle and in the other a juniper bow. Evenif there were light days and nights in Eggedal,allowing the work to progress well, Josephsonhad many moments when dejection passed overhim, and he asked himself: What is the realmeaning with this life?

He worked hard--often eight hours of the 24. Buthe liked being in Eggedal and Gunnar, who satstark naked in the waterfall, was kind to sit still.Together with his host, H. Knudson, and some ofhis family, (continued)

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Otto Knudson was the model for this 1884 painting. The artistlived at Haugen. Otto, the young son on the farm then, becamethe grandfather of Bjerg Guttormsen, who obtained a picture ofthe painting from Geteborg Art Museum. Spangen is not so wellknown as some others painted by Ernst Josephson.

Josephson did a tour way up on Norefjell and this tourhe portrayed with inspiration.

But the fall came too fast for him and then came coldrains and pain. One day when the artist came to thecabin, the water had risen so it stood over the floor. Ina hurry he found two men and therefore rescued thepainting to a more secure place. By mid-SeptemberJosephson left with horses to Arnot and by train toDrammen. From Oslo he went directly to Paris.

Bought by Prince Eugen in 1893, the painting wasinstalled in the wall of Valdemarsudde in Stockholm.There King Olav certainly greeted the Eggedalsn0kkenwhen he walked through the castle some time later.

Ernst Josephson was happy in Eggedal and, through thisfamous work of art, he was ultimately more closely knitto this rural district, Eggeda!.

During his residence in the valley in 1884 Josephsonpainted several pictures, in the manner of Spangen,which the five year old Otto Knutson stood model for.Arvidson had a conversation also with Knutson when hevisited Eggedal in the spring. In a letter from EggedalJosephson wrote, "How I love the waterfall! Withoutinterruption its tones make the most beautiful music; Iconstantly hear new melodies and unusual harmonies."

As he stood on the mountaintop and looked at the valleybelow, it was like standing out in front of the wholeworld, so near the eternal, as if only a bird's wing wasbeating. It is a moment before creation.

9

...

All Oct

NSf Holds Fall Meeting

Carol Meade represented Sigdalslagat a meeting held at the home ofMarie and Lee Brown September 15to evaluate the Rapid City event andto plan for the 2002 7 Lag Stevnewhich will be held at St. OlafCollege, Northfield, MN, July 11-13,2002.

New officers are Sandy Hendrickson,chairperson, and Carol Meade,secretary. Chet Habberstad is vicechairperson and Norma Gilbertsonserves as treasurer.

Coming Autumn Events

Leiv Eriksson International Fest #14SASEto POBox 7320, Mpls, MN 55407TUESDAYS Mindekirken Open House11 AM Waffles/Speakers {address

Oct 9-13 Norsk Hllstfest, Minot, NDwww.hostfest.com

Oct 12 - Berlevag Male Choir (from N. Norway),$10 - 7 PM, Mindekirken, Mpls.

Oct 14 - Erlend Tveite, Norwegian actorSlide Show, free, 3 PMSt Olaf College, Northfield

Oct 14 - Hanne Krogh Concert, Sunday, 7 PM$12 - 952-469-1772Lakeville IMN) Sr High

Oct 15 - Hanne Krogh Concert, Monday, 7 PM$15 at door, Mindekirken, Mpls.

Oct 25 - Kari Tikka's musical "Luther" 7:30 PM333 S.12 St, Central Lutheran,Minneapolis; call 612-870-4416

Nov 3 Scandinavian Treasure Chest, 10-3 PMLunch, Ethnic handwork, foodssilent auction, Mindekirken,E Franklin & 10 Ave, Minneapolis,612-874-0716

Thru Nov 11 - Norwegian Textile ExhibitsNordic Heritage Museum3014 I\lW 67th St, Seattle, WAkaylarson@hotmail.com

Thru. OCT 7- Exhibition (below) concludes atVancouver Maritime Museum. www.vrnm.bc.ca

NOV - MARCH 2002 - Exhibition "Vikings: TheNorth Atlantic Saga" at Los Angeles (CAlCounty Museum. Jewelry, carvings, medievalchurch carvings. Call 202-357-2700

IN MEMORYLEVA AMALIA HAUGLAND (Sept 6, 1913-July23, 2001) died at Tweeten Health Services,Spring Grove, MN, where she had been a lifelongresident. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran

where services and burial wereheld July 26.

Born to Hans and lnga (Muller)Solum, she grew up in the areaand graduated from Spring GroveHigh School. She married Selmer"Sam" Haugland March 5, 1938and together they farmed there.

He died in 1994.

She was also preceded in death by son Donaldand daughters Lorraine Houdek and IngridArdinger. Ingrid visited relatives in Norway whileher parents participated in the 1986 stevnethere. Survivors include her son John ILynn)Haugland, Winona, MN; .eight grandchildren andfive great-grandchildren.

As Sigdalslag members, Sam and Leva knewmany Norwegian folk songs and brought livelymusic to lag meetings for over a dozen years.In Spring Grove they performed with a musicgroup, Valheimers, and were active in thecommunity and in Sons of Norway.

GLADYS B. NEELS (Nov 22, 1907 - July 5,2001), a longtime member of Sigdalslag, died atSt. Catherine's living Center which was herhome since January. Funeral services were July

10 at Bethel Lutheran Church,where she was a member, andburial was at FairviewMemorial Gardens, all inWahpeton, NO.

She was born to Andrew andChristine (Burtness) Veum inElbow Lake Township, Grant

County, Minnesota. Gladys' mother died whenshe was three years old and her grandmotherraised her.

After attending Ashby grade schools, shegraduated from Ashby (MN) High School in1924. She took business training at InterstateBusiness College in Fargo and began employmentwith the Pierce Printing Company.

She married Leonard A. Neels August 17, 1946,moving to Fergus Falls two years later, and in1950 they moved to Wahpeton. Together they

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operated a massage therapy practice, specializingin Swedish massage. After his death February15, 1960, she continued the practice and wasa member of the North Dakota MassageAssociation.

With one exception, she had attended the 7 LagStevner at Wahpeton since 1988, including lastyear. She was a member of Henrik Ibsen Sonsof Norway, Wahpeton. Participating in churchand community activities, she entertained welland enjoyed good conversation with her guests.

Along with many cousins, including member IreneHansen, she is survived by step-daughter Evelyn(Dave) Wilson of Washington. She was alsopreceded in death by an infant brother, and step-daughter Jane Gerke.

JUNE AMBJOR KJOME (Feb 22, 1920 -June 27,2001) lived in Minneapolis, MN. A mass ofChristian burial was read July 2, 2001 at St OlafCatholic Church, 215 S. 8th Street, Minneapolis,with internment the following day in herhometown at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, SpringGrove, MN.

Following a 1941 graduation from FairviewSchool of Nursing in Minneapolis, June was adedicated nurse at metropolitian hospitalsnAbbottand Mount Sinai--and Spring Grove, MN.

Preceding her in death was herhusband Thor in 1967. Survivingare two sons, Norman (Peny),Sundance, WY, and Donald(Darcy), Victoria, MN;grandchildren Peter, Kristin(Jonathan) Fischer, Karl(Crystalline). Jacob (Kirsten).Catherine and Samuel; two step-grandchildren,three step-great grandchildren, two brothers,Elling Solum and Alden (Lorraine) Solum; twosisters, Alvina (Oren) Ellingson and EthelThoresen, Bloomington, MN.

June held active Sigdalslag membership from1983-1991 and participated in several stevner,including the Sigdalsl1l9 trip to Norway for its75th anniversary stevne.

(Source; June 29 Minneapolis Star Tribune)

Thanks to Ethel Thoresen for the Hauglandinformation. Lag by-laws state that our departedmembers will be honored in this way in the SAGA.

10

IN MEMORY continued - - -NORMAN ROKKE (Aug 27, 1910 - Aug 31, 20011was born to Eleseus and Kristi (Lind) Rokke inNewfolden, MN, where he grew up and attendeda rural school in West Valley Township. Hismother was Kristi Hansdatter from Liubnhan inSigdal. He died at MeritCare Hospital in Fargo.

Three years before his marriage, Norman movedto Helena, MT, to work for a large commercialdairy farm. Alma Kjos and he were married thereJune 1, 1935. They purchased the Kjos familyhomestead in Lessor Twp, Mcintosh, MN, and in1936 they returned there to farm. Together theyraised their family and Norman continued farmingthat land for 44 years until retirement in 1980.

Norman and Alma traveled to Norway in 1983 tovisit relatives. Alma passed away in 1993. Forthe past six winters, Norman visited nieces inFlorida and California, and he had trips to Norwayin 1997 when he traced his family roots nearTrondheim and again in 2000.

With an endearing smile, Norman was usually upfor any task, even in the last few months of life.He made his home in Mcintosh, MN, where hewas buried. A member of Our Savior's LutheranChurch, he previously served on the boards ofFarmers' Co-op Elevator and of Lessor Twp, all inMcintosh. He belonged to Solbakken Sons ofNorway Lodge, Anaheim, CA.

Surviving are two sons, Norval (Kay) Rokke,Moorhead, MN, and Orlan (Joan1 Rokke, Fargo,NO; brother Milford, Newfolden; six grandchildren,Susan, Cheryl, Carmen, Vincent, Eric, and Thomas"TJ"; 10 great-grandchildren; and nephew David,among others. Preceding him in death besides hiswife and parents were five sisters, Nella, Ottine,Inga (Norman's twin sister), Edna, and Doris; andfive brothers, lngvald, Helmer, Edwin, Oscar, andReynold.

RUBY MARCIA JANET ULRICH (Apr 22, 1923-June 4, 2001), the grandmother of Garth Ulrichand a granddaughter of Sigdal emigrant JorginaJensdtr Green, died in the Melfort Hospital.Services were held June 8 at Dovre LutheranChurch with burial in the church cemetery, east ofSpalding, Saskatchewan.

Surviving are her husband of 58 years, LouisUlrich, sons Garry (Karen) and Dennis (Aurel), allof Spalding; grandchildren Garth, Candace,Kristine, Kara, Charity, Bartley, and Karen'schildren: Ken, Michelle and Caley; great-granddaughter Shana; brothers Vernon, Fort St

James, BC; Joe (Cecile), Prince George, BC; andNorman (Glenda! Bowden, AB; sister Peggy(Harvey) Trenaman, also Prince George; andsiblings-in-law Nettie Mortenson, Juliette Tourond,Delbert Hearn; uncle Richard (Alice) Void eng andaunts Lottie Viall and Edna Voldeng.

Ruby was the second of nine children born toPeter and Cora (Voldengl Mortenson of Spalding.Peter preceded her in death (19841 as did Cora(1985), three brothers, Lloyd (1972), Obert(1999), Ken (2000); sister Yvonne Hearn {19971and daughter-in-law Lena Ulrich (1988!.

One of her jobs as a young girl was to walk toher Uncle Jens Voldeng's place Saturdays to bakebread for him--before he married. She was thehired girl for several neighbors and relatives priorto her marriage in 1942.

As an active farming partner, she helped with theanimals and in the fields, cared for a large garden,and after a move to town, she and her motherwere cooks at Spalding Hospital. In recent yearsshe remained active in the operation of the farmher sons took over via recordkeeping, deliveringmeals to the field, and keeping track of thewhereabouts of everyone during busy seasons ofseedtime and harvest.

Daily contact with her family endeared to younggrandkids who credit her with their learning to telltime or to play rummy or cribbage. Sometimesthey "forgot" school lunches at home so theycould visit her, trust her with a secret, or getadvice dealing with a problem. After they lefthome, there were phone requests for tips onmaking gravy, mending a pair of pants, or sewingon buttons.

Her handiwork--quilts, doilies, cushions--has aplace of honor in homes of many loved ones,including a thankful grandson. "Takk for alt,Bestemor," writes Garth.

ALBERT C. BJORNERUD (May 16, 1923-April 4,2001) was featured (photo) in the May SA GA.Services were April 7 at Hope Lutheran Church inFosston, MN. Like Ruby Ulrich, his Sigdal ancestorwas also Jorgina Jensdtr Green. Preceded in deathby siblings Russell, Violet, and an infant sister, heis survived by brothers, Roy (Lillian), Fosston, andJim (Gloria), Appleton, WI, and numerous nieces,nephews, and cousins.

"AI" was born to Albert Sr. and Gena (Haltli)Bjornerud in Brandsvold Twp, near Fosston. Hedied at Innovis Hospital, Fargo, NO.

11

...

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MAIL checks payable toSigdal Lag to

RUTH MANNING, 4816 Ruggles St, Omaha, NE 68104

2001-2002 Sigdalslag Officers

PresidentEARL 0 KNUTSON, 973-993-1613:eoknulson@Compuserve.com

7 Woods End RoadMorri.{ Plains, NJ 07950

RUTH MANNING, VP (Finance)402-455-722]; rmtmning@novia.net

4810Ruggles SlreelOmaha, NE 68104

CAROL MEADE, VP (Heriwge/NSI)612-827-6139; cmeade@bitstream.net

4133 Lyndale Ave SouthMinneapolis, MN 55409

GARTH ULRICH, VP/MembmhipguJrich@sk.sympatico.ca306-633-2274, Box 28.

Spalding,Sask SDK 4CO, CANADA

TWILA HALVORSON, Secretary218-847-5313

JO()5 North Shore DriveDetroit Lakes, MN 56501

RESIDENTS OF CANADA may send checksfor lag dues payable to GARTH ULRICH, Box28, Spalding, SASK SDK 4CO, CANADA (toreduce exchange fees on every transactionl.Write Sigdalslag dues 13 yr or 1 yrl on thememo line of the check. Dues in CanadianDollars will be at applicable rates for US dollarson the date written.

Garth also maintains e-mails. Update yours togu/rich@sk.sympatico.ca

Send all other applications for membership toVP Ruth Manning, as shown (left). SAGA ispublished in February, May and October fortwo adults at the same address.

DON SKADELAND, Treasurer402-331-5906; dlskaJi@aol.com

10642 "0" StreetOmaha, NE 68127

MARILYN SOMDAHL, Editor952-831-4409; nmsomdah/@juno.com

10129 Goodrich CircleBloomington, MN 554~PLS

LEE ROKKE, Genealogist952-432-9767; leerokke@aol.com

J3465 Garden View DriveApple Valley, MN 55124

DEB SHORT/NO, Historian402-293-5498; debrose536@aol.com

2804 Jack Pine StreetBellevue, NE 68123

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