2019 New Year Greetings

New Year Greetings to all Olsen cousins! I am sharing here a little about my recent experiences          in learning more about our common Norwegian heritage.

I have joined the Sons of Norway organization and attended my first meeting, where I learned about the Norwegian Resistance during World War II.  Some fantastic videos on YouTube can be found here for your information: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3jSWSa6aBM
or website: https://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/world-war-two/resistance-movements/the-norwegian-resistance/  or 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norwegian_resistance_movement

I also went to their Christmas Bazaar where I heard the local "SCANDI BANDI" playing Norwegian music, visited their many craft booths, and enjoyed Norwegian foods of all kinds.

Alpaca booth

Rosemaling booth

Woodcarving booth

I learned about  hats that the Norwegian women made during WWII.  I had to buy one ..not only because I love the look, but because of the history behind it. This 100% wool hat called "LUE" originated in Norway during the cold hard winters of WWII when everything was re-used two or three times.  The original "LUE" was lined with flannel often from an farmer's old shirt.  The decorations were made from scraps and represented Hope, Peace and Spring. The ideas was to support the hope for Peace in the coming spring. These new handmade hats are made from wool,       but lined with fleece.

Handmade gnomes, slippers, jewelry and hats

AND THE GNOME I BOUGHT

This is the hat I bought

Rosemaling candlestick ...

and wooden apple I bought

Rosemaling artist from Norway

Also at the Sons of Norway meeting I met Ingre...she is a native of Norway and can speak and read Norwegian.  She graciously translated for me a letter from the Olsen Round Robin Letter Series. This letter was written in Norwegian from great grandmother Mina Olsen on February 20, 1932.  I've looked for years for some way to translate it and Ingre was willing.  She said some
of the wording sounds strange, but it is the best she could figure out.  I am including both the Norwegian and the English transcription here for you.

Ingre

Ingre and friends 

ForestHome Farm February 20, 1932

Dear Bessie and all yours and a heartfelt greeting. 

It is strange sometimes with thoughts that come and go as I have come aware of since Gustav’s death.  I think it is so hard to think about him being gone.  But we must keep in mind that God

sends us to our rest. I have been thinking about the thick forest that was at our place when you and Gustav came to see us the first time, and so these thoughts come—have they made the forest such—you then have the sense that the forest has green on.   Also, I have sound again by the house, of the old trees.  Also, I have the new trees that were planted when we were together.

These things are such happy memories for me, so it came to me that I should call my place SKOGHEIM.(ForestHome)  It was Gustav and his father who did the first heavy work in the forest here that first winter. When I am reminded of those who are now gone, who struggled to make a home, it is impossible to leave the home before God calls me to my heavenly home.  I will try to

hold on if I must pay all expenditures that go with having my place. I cannot tolerate seeing my

home destroyed.

Under God’s service, I have a blessed life and health, and I will live and die in the forest. I am in good health and have God to thank for nearing the 80’s.  As such I cannot likely expect much hereafter. Though when spring comes, I shall be stronger, so I can work a little outside. 

Clara has moved back to her place since her husband has returned.  I hope they have found themselves a home that is good.  In the world the best that God has given us is nicely a home.

So, greetings to all from mother, Mrs. Christ Olson

This letter  might also explains these photos passed down from the Alvin Olsen family.

Gus in back with hand on hat Bessie is in the center holding Alvin
I'm guessing it's Christ on the far left and Clara on the  far right
Also guessing the man holding the saw is Elmer and the girl way back could be Mary.
Mina is probably taking the photo!

These children (also in the photo above) are the last 4 children of Mina and Christ Olsen plus their first grandchild, Alvin

The writing on the photo may set the date for the above photos and letter

 For some of the details of Mina and Christ Olsen's life and ancestry, search the OLDER POSTS at the end of this blogpost.  Go to 8/14 called "2014 Olsen Review" on this blogpost. Since 2014, I have been gathering photos and facts about their children's families which I will begin to share on future blogposts.

Please feel free to make comments, additions/corrections to facts or send photos/family stories to me at lana.rankin@yahoo.com and I will use them in the next blog updates. Many THANKS to the Olsen cousins who have contributed photos and information to this blog post so we can ALL enjoy
our heritage.