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.
Olson was born in Drammen Norway, in 1882. As an infant he came to the U.S. with his family who settled on a homestead near Litchville, North Dakota.
Although interested in woodcarving since childhood, Olson did not think of himself an artist, but a farmer. Leaving his farm in 1942 the recently widowed Ole moved to Valley City where he focused on his woodcarving. His comical figures were highly animated characters inspired by the Norwegian immigrants of his youth. Olson was dubbed, “Ole the Hermit.” Contrary to the epithet, Olson did not spend his life in isolation. His skills as a woodcarver brought visitors from across the country and around the world to see his workshop.
Litchville Bulletin, April 27, 1966