Maria Witham

9/26/2008: In Skien, Norway, in 1855 artist Gustav I. Gulliksen was born. Delighting int the folklore of his native land, many of his paintings were inspired by the fairy tales Hans Christian Anderson and Absbjornsen and Moe. When Gulliksen immigrated in 1903, he brought this imaginative tradition with him to the United States.

9/25/2008: What do Abe Lincoln, “Wierd Al” Yankovic and John Lennon have in common? They all played the accordion. Among the great men who played the accordion, one North Dakota man did it exceptionally well. Carl Mathisen, dubbed Norway’s first accordion player king, was born this day in 1870.

9/24/2008: September marks the anniversary of two journeys made by a Norwegian immigrant to the US. Although different, both are united by danger and hardship.

9/23/2008: From statehood Norwegian immigrants made up a high percentage of North Dakota’s population; and a strong Norwegian-American voice could be heard across the state. Never was this more apparent than in 1905, when after 600 years Norway became an independent nation.

9/22/2008: “Remember this, with a good will you can accomplish anything you wish to do--anything that is good.” These words were spoken by Margaret Fjelde to her chidlren in their childhood on their North Dakota farm. The Fjelde, children, Paul, Margaret, Katherine, and Astrid; must have taken these words to heart, for they all became accomplished adults as artists, scholars, and teachers.

9/21/2008: The name ‘Ole’ may bring to mind the fictional character who champions many a Norwegian joke. However, one North Dakotan named Ole A. Olson was not fictional, although his celebrated wood-carvings certainly had character.

9/7/2008: From the cave drawings of the Sahara to the tombs of the pharaohs, humankind has sought to communicate through the ages. However, never has there been a more deliberate attempt to speak to future generations than the time capsule.

9/1/2008: The grandeur of the plains is more subtle than most landscapes. It appeases the need for simplicity, filled with absences. Quiet, modest, and if one is not accustomed, lonely. However, for a faithful lover of the prairies, it holds not loneliness, but peace. This peace appealed to a group of Franciscan Sisters who made their home in Hankinson, North Dakota, in 1928. On this day in 1926 the location for the Sister’s intended community was selected. The “motherhouse” would be a foundation in the United States where the community of Sisters could receive and train prospective women for future service as educators, seminary leaders, and aids in hospitals and homes across the country.

8/19/2008: From the hay meadows of Painted Woods lake, near present day Mandan, a Mr. “Hay Baler” sent a joyful greeting to the editor of the Bismarck Tribune in 1874. The name of the letter-writer is likely a pseudonym, but the sentiments were authentic, filled with exuberant and thoughtful description. There must be something in the air when the last golden days of summer leisurely languish that makes a person want to wax poetic.

8/15/2008: In 1892 The Daily Argus’ “Fargo Town Talk” section covered small news stories generated from the local rumor mill. Business news, visitors to town, and jokes added light entertainment to the paper. One news-clip featured a tale told by the traveling salesman C.E. Runy.