The Strand Family Home

Just as is written on the photo:  Per, Knut, Anne-Berit and Inger-Mari (or Lillemor) Strand in1938

Gamle Mau'ern, as Mauritz-Hansensgate was fondly called, was the Strand family's home for over 70 years.

My Uncles Per and Knut were adorable, don't you think?  My mother, Anne-Berit and her sister, Lillemor, were too.   The above photo was taken before World War II would ravage their country.

Here is what "gamle Mau'ern" looks like today:

The family in front of of #4 Mauritz Hansensgate in 2013
Anders, Jeff, Christian, Kirsti, Nils and Linnea

Visiting in 1963

My mom, Anne-Berit, with me and my little brother Jay visiting with Bestemor and Bestefar

Where were you in 1963?  I'm betting a bunch of you weren't born yet!

In 1963, my mom took my brother and me to visit her family in Norway.  We stayed with my grandmother (Bestemor) and grandfather (Bestefar).

My grandmother was a wonderful cook. She would hold court in her kitchen, as you see her in this photo, making meals and entertaining guests. My grandfather was (in my humble and truly biased opinion ) the nicest man on the planet.

It was a lovely summer.

Jay and I with a kitten who came to visit

Jay was three years old that summer, and I was 11.  Jay loved my grandmother's waffles and spent a lot of time enjoying them.

Eating Grandmother's heart-shaped waffles!

Jay had gotten his "Flight Wings" pin from the Pan Am stewardess.  That was really cool for a three year-old!  He wore that cowboy hat (below) everywhere.  It was a little too big for him and often sat sideways.

He was adorable.

In the kitchen with Bestemor

Norwegians can't pronounce the English "J" sound.  It comes out as a "Sh" or Yah" sound instead.
My grandfather lamented that he had one grandson and that grandson had a name he couldn't pronounce.  My brother Jay was therefore given an easily pronounceable Norwegian nickname:  Knotten.

Translation?  Well, the Peanuts comic strip, when translated into Norwegian, is called "Knottene".

Knotten and I had a great summer together.

Hiking in the Forest

Lillemor, Anne-Berit, Willy and Annemor

The Strand family were all nature enthusiasts, as are all Norwegians to this day.  Here are Aunt Lillemor (Inger-Mari) Strand, my mom Anne-Berit Strand, my 'Uncle' Willy (actually their cousin, Uncle Erling's son) and his daughter Annemor on a backpacking trip.

I'm guessing this was taken just after World War II.

Willy served as one of the guys in white, on skis, who fought the Germans - sometimes in hand-to-hand combat - during that terrible war.  He didn't like to talk of his experiences during that time.
I remember him as a truly good guy, and a terrific soccer player!

I love this photo!

Bestemor in Salt Lake City

My grandmother, Sigrid Sophie Olsen, is standing on the left
The lady in the center has been identified as Lagertha Larsen Kristiansen, Bente Bakken Karlsson's great aunt.
I have no idea who these other women are, but they look like a Relief Society Presidency!

My grandmother, Sigrid Sophie Olsen, was born and raised in the country of Norway.  In the early 1900s she joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

She, like many others, felt the urge to "come to Zion", or emigrate to Salt Lake City, USA.  Many Norwegian Mormons had already made the trip - by the thousands.  In those days there was an entire Norwegian-speaking branch (congregation) of the Church in the Salt Lake area.

I know these photos were taken of my grandmother when she was visiting Salt Lake.  I have no idea who the other ladies in these photos are.

I love the styles!  This was during World War I.

Following the war, Miss Olsen returned to her native Norway.  She wasn't happy in Utah and had been homesick for the fjords and mountains of her native land.

Miss Sigrid Olsen is on the far left.

Grandmother was a tiny woman, maybe 4 foot 9 inches or 5 feet tall.  I love the hats, don't you?

I thought you might enjoy these photos.  She was a beautiful woman, don't you think?

The New Swedish Temple President

President Jan K. Evensen and Marit, my cousin

My cousin Marit, on my Norwegian Mother’s side of the family, strangely enough, is married to an Evensen – no relation to me.  For the last three years he has served as a counselor to President Paul K. Oscarson (2009-2012) of the LDS Swedish Temple.  Just recently he was called to be the President of the Swedish Temple, following President Oscarson’s release.  At the same time, Marit, his wife, was called to be Temple Matron.

I felt the need to blog this, since I got two telephone calls, both from out of state, when the announcement was made, with people wondering if this new president was related to me.  "Well, his wife is," I had explain, laughing.  Then, I'd invariably have to launch into the story of how I'm related to Marit - our mother's were first cousins - and how I'm NOT related to Jan.

Oh, yes, it's a wacky world sometimes.  

But, seriously, I can't think of a more wonderful calling than anything related to temple worship.  What a wonderful place to spend your days!  And I know that Marit and Jan are two really terrific, gracious and kind people who are suited perfectly to this type of church calling.  

The Stockholm Sweden Temple actually sits on a beautiful site about 20 miles south of Stockholm, called Västerhaninge.  The stake center of the Stockholm Sweden South Stake and a patron housing facility stand nearby.  From what I can tell from the photos, and the testimonies of people who have actually visited there, it is a truly lovely site.

 "I have hallowed this house, which thou hast built, to put my name there for ever; and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually."—I Kings 9:3

This is the first temple built in Scandinavia, and it was dedicated in 1985 by LDS Church President Gordon B. Hinckley, who was acting under the direction of then LDS Church President Spencer W. Kimball as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

The cultural diversity of the Stockholm Sweden Temple District was evidenced in the translation of the dedicatory sessions—four of which were translated into Swedish, three into Finnish, two into Norwegian, and two into Danish.

At the first dedicatory session of the Stockholm Sweden Temple, President Gordon B. Hinckley stated, "This is the most significant day in the history of the Church in Scandinavia."

This marker on the grounds says, if I can make it out correctly, 

"In remembrance of King Carl (the 16^th) Gustaf’s and Queen Silvia’s visit the 23^rd of August, 1995"

Since its dedication in the 1980s, the Stockholm Sweden Temple has been joined by two other temples in Scandinavia:  The Copenhagen Denmark Temple, and the Helsinki Finland Temple.

Here are the currently operating LDS temples of Europe:

The Norsk side of the family

We still have Strand family cousins in the old country.  Here are our Cousin Gro's kids:

Marte

This is my cousin Gro's daughter Marte.  Marte is married to Morten Werner Nielsen.  They just had their first child, a boy, on July 23rd.  They live in Oslo.

Theodore

This handsome fellow is Theodore.  He's Gro's son.

These pictures were taken at the family's summer home in Kragerø, which is an island south of Oslo.  Cousin Gro's mom's family has roots in this area.

Cousin Gro!

Gro Lene posing amid the veggies

I'm happy to report we recently found our Norwegian cousin Gro Lene alive and well and still living in the Oslo area.

Tante Esther Strand

Esther Strand
1923-2012

My Aunt Esther passed away early on Monday, the 6th of August.  She became a great grandmother only two weeks before she passed away.

I found a lovely article on-line that was written by a journalist for the Søndre Aker Historielag.

Here's my translation (I'll post the Norwegian version below):

Esther Strand  - Looking Back on 50 years as a Training Instructor

By Kari Sunde

We are sitting in a quiet corner at Poppelstien Senior Center together with the 84 year-old gymnastics instructor, Esther Strand.  Outside it is a blustery autumn day, but inside it is comfortable and cosy.  The conversation is lively and the laughter comes easily.  This life-affirming and spry Esther is, as usual, in great form.  Perhaps not everyone knows who Esther Strand is, but she is a person that has meant a great deal for the aerobics and gymnastics community, especially in the Nordstrand neighborhood.

Now we want to hear more about her life and work as an instructor throughout 50 years.  We know that she has trained more children, youth and elderly people than you can count throughout all of these years and many of these have assuredly found a better life with the right training.  We are curious about her plans and methods, particularly how it is possible for her to have continued teaching for so long and how she keeps on doing it.

Esther was born in Kragerø, but when she was five, she moved with her parents to Oslo.  In the early 1950s she married and moved with her husband to the new subdivision at Lambertseter, which was the first planned suburb [of Oslo] in Norway.  OBOS [a government agency] began construction of this suburb in 1951,

She remembers well that life at Lambertseter was filled with play and fun for children large and small.  Of course there was a lot of dirt and mess around the new construction to begin with, but luckily there were also woodlands and open meadows around as well, something the children held dear and knew to make use of.  Outside activities were always popular, and the children ran around freely.  Many of these children were later caught up in athletics, both organized and unorganized.  For example, the older boys arranged a ski jump on Bekkelagsbakkene (the Bekkelags hills) and ski runs in the “forest”.  After a while a handball court was added by the area called “Høgda”.  Esther says it was actually a fairly rough, but real milieu at Lambertseter during this “pioneering” time.

Esther watched the children’s development with joy.  These were activities and motivations of a very basic sort, but many of the children came out of them as pure athletes.  Esther herself was already clear about wanting to do gymnastics herself.  As an 18 year-old she had joined the Oslo Turnforening (Oslo Gymnastics Association).  Early on, she made a name for herself in this environment, and was able to take part in many diverse and relevant courses both in Norway and in other countries.  In particular, she mentions the ballet pedagogue Egon Weng, meant a lot to her.  Esther did not have any formal athletic training, but she learned by doing and achieved a meaningful competence in this field.

Esther was trained as a barber.  After having completed her certification courses, she found work in various salons in Oslo, among others, the Carl Christiansen Salon in Karl Johans street. For 40 years she plied her trade as a barber, but during all these years she also worked as a training instructor for various athletic groups.  She says that as a beautician she became a pretty good judge of people, something that came in handy in her work as an instructor.

Gymnastics thrived in the area around Nordstrand and Ekeberg.  It was one of the gymnastics association leaders, Arne S. Horn, that began Munkerud Gym in 1963.  He was the spark that started more than one school in the gyms in this area.  After a while, Munkerud Gym broke off from the “mother” association of the Oslo Gymnastics Association and, naturally, Esther took her place in the leadership at Munkerud.  She became responsible for the administration and helped run things, but also led her own gym classes for 30 years!  There were plenty of girls and boys who were wild about gymnastics, and it was important to keep discipline and order.  Esther managed this easily.  She was strict, but fair, plain and simple.  In between all the athletics, Esther gave birth to a daughter, Gro Lene.  Gro grew up in Lambertseter and followed in her mother’s footsteps.  As a small girl, Gro was an enthusiastic participant and later also an instructor at Munkerud school.  She is still a part of Norstrand Gym, as it is now called.

Strong willed and result-oriented, Esther has also taken care of her own health for many years.  She has led gym classes that are too numerous to count for all kinds of groups around the city, from Nordstrand to Lofthus and beyond.  In addition, she has undertaken meaningful special classes for the elderly in care centers in our neighborhood.  In weight loss classes, as in every other class she teaches, there have been great strides.  “Everyone wants to get into shape”, and generally speaking, people are getting in better shape.  Nearly 20 years ago, the “over 50” crowd also begain streaming into her classes.  Esther has kept up with the times and uses modern trainings methods, with motivational musical accompaniment.  It is a fact that at 84 this lady is a powerhouse teacher.  She pays attention to details and can always tell exactly how to help someone.  Esther is not a fan of big gyms with a huge amount of training apparatus and no follow-through.

In the last 10 years, Esther has led gym classes for ladies over 50 at “Niffen”, where the oldest participant is 86 years old!  Three times a week and for approximately an hour and a half at a time, is a normal schedule for Esther.  She gets great joy from this and says she would gladly keep going for many more years, but adds that she also takes one semester at a time.  This trim and spry 84 year-old instructor is living proof how important it is to keep yourself in good shape!  Esther Strand is a local “patriot” and has always been faithful to Lamberseter, where she continues to live and thrive.  Throughout the years she has lived through many big changes in the neighborhood.  Now Lamberseter center is again facing a large rehabilitation and new construction period.  Let us hope that it will bring joy to al those who have a good and close relationship to this part of the city.

Esther was a trainer for over 50 years
Photo: Eva Nordaas

Esther was still active and teaching gymnastics in 2007 when the article was written

 and the above photo was taken.

Here is the original article:

Søndre Aker Historielag

http://sondreaker.no/

Article from 2007

Esther Strand Tilbakeblikk på 50 år som treningsinstruktør
Av Kari Sunde

Vi sitter i et rolig hjørne på Poppelstien eldresenter sammen med den 84 årige treningsinstruktøren, Esther Strand. Ute er det hustrig høstvær, men inne er det lunt og hyggelig. Praten går livlig og latteren sitter løst. Den livsbejaende og spreke Esther er som vanlig i storform! Det er kanskje ikke alle som vet hvem Esther Strand er, men hun er en person som har betydd svært mye for turn- og gymnastikkmiljøet, blant annet her i bydel Nordstrand. Nå vil vi gjerne høre litt om hennes liv og virke som treningsinstruktør gjennom 50 år. Vi vet at hun har trent utallige barn, ungdom og eldre opp gjennom alle disse årene og mange har utvilsomt fått et bedre liv med riktig trening. Vi er nysgjerrige på hennes opplegg og metoder, og ikke minst på hvordan det har vært mulig for henne å holde på så lenge, og at hun stadig fortsetter.

Esther er født i Kragerø, men 5 år gammel flyttet hun med sine foreldre til Oslo. I begynnelsen av 50-årene giftet hun seg og flyttet med sin mann til det nye boligfeltet på Lambertseter, som for øvrig var den første drabantbyen i Norge. OBOS hadde startet byggearbeidene for sine borettslag i 1951.

Hun husker godt at livet på Lambertseter var fullt av lek og moro for små og store barn. Riktignok var det mye søle og gjørme rundt blokkene i begynnelsen, men heldigvis var det også skog og åpne arealer rundt omkring, noe barna satte stor pris på og visste å utnytte. Utendørs aktiviteter var det mye av til enhver tid, og barna boltret seg fritt. Mange barn ble etter hvert også fanget av idretten, både den organiserte og uorganiserte. De større guttene arrangerte for eksempel hopprenn i Bekkelagsbakkene og skirenn i ”skauen”. Etter hvert ble det også anlagt en enkel håndballbane ved ”Høgda”. Esther sier at det nok var et røft, men realt miljø på Lambertseter i denne pionertiden.

Esther så med glede på barnas utfoldelser. Det var aktivitet og pågangsmot over en lav sko, og mange utviklet seg til rene atleter. Selv var Esther allerede klar over at hun ville gå inn for målrettet å drive med turn og gymnastikk. Som 18 åring meldte hun seg inn i Oslo Turnforening. Hun ble tidlig lagt merke til i turn- og gymnastikkmiljøet, og hun fikk delta på diverse relevante kurs både i inn- og utland. Spesielt nevner hun at ballettpedagogen Egon Weng, har betydd svært mye for henne. Noen formell idrettsutdanning har Esther ikke, men hun fikk etter hvert betydelig kompetanse på området.

Det var herrefrisør Esther utdannet seg til. Etter å ha tatt svenneprøven jobbet hun i forskjellige salonger i Oslo. bl.a. hos Carl Christiansen i Karl Johans gate. Hele 40 år var hun i frisørfaget, men i alle disse årene jobbet hun også som treningsinstruktør i forskjellige sammenhenger. Hun sier selv at hun som frisør ble en rimelig god menneskekjenner, noe hun har hatt fordel av i sitt arbeid som instruktør.

Turnsporten trivdes i området rundt Nordstrand og Ekeberg. Det var en av Turnforeningens ledere, Arne S. Horn, som i 1963 startet Munkerud Turn. Han var en ildsjel som fikk i gang flere ”skolepartier” rundt om i gymnastikksalene. Etter hvert løsrev Munkerud Turn seg fra ”moderforeningen” Oslo Turnforening. og Esther kom naturlig nok inn i ledelsen på Munkerud. Hun ble ansvarlig for administrasjon og drift, men ledet også egne gymnastikkpartier i 30 år! Det myldret av treningsvillige jenter og gutter, og her gjaldt det å holde disiplin og orden. Dette klarte Esther med glans. Hun var nok streng, men rettferdig, klar og tydelig. – I mellom all trening osv hadde Esther født en datter, Gro Lene. Hun vokste opp på Lambertseter og fulgte etter hvert i sin mors fotspor. Som liten var Gro Lene en ivrig deltager og senere også tidvis instruktør på Munkerud skole. Hun er fortsatt med i Nordstrand Turn, som det nå heter.

Viljesterke og resultatorienterte Esther har altså stått på for sin idrett gjennom svært mange år. Utallige er de gympartier hun har ledet for ulike grupper rundt omkring i byen, fra Nordstrand til Lofthus osv. I tillegg har hun gjennomført meningsfylte spesialopplegg for gamle på sykehjem i vår bydel. I trimbransjen, som overalt ellers, har det vært en rasende utvikling. ”Alle vil komme i form”, og folk blir generelt stadig sprekere. For ca 20 år siden strømmet også de ”over 50” til treningstimene. Esther følger med i tiden og bruker moderne treningsmetoder med fengende musikk ved siden av. Det er et faktum at damen på 84 år er en svært dyktig instruktør. Hun er til fingerspissene nøyaktig med den enkelte øvelse og vet akkurat hvor ”skoen trykker”. Esther er for så vidt ingen tilhenger av store treningshaller med diverse apparater og lite oppfølgning.

I de siste ca 10 år har Esther ledet gympartier for damer over 50 på ”Niffen”, der eldste deltager er 86 år! Tre ganger i uken og ca 1,5 time per gang er det full innsats fra Esther. Hun har selv stor glede av opplegget og sier at hun gjerne vil fortsette i mange år til, men sier også at hun nå tar ett semester av gangen. Den nette og spreke 84-årige instruktøren er et levende bevis på hvor viktig det er å holde seg i god form gjennom hele livet. Og ikke nok med det; Esther går jevnlig på egen trening for å holde seg oppdatert og i form! Esther Strand er lokalpatriot og har hele tiden vært tro mot Lambertseter, der hun fremdeles bor og trives. Gjennom årene har hun opplevd mange og til dels store endringer i området. Nå står Lambertseter senter igjen foran en omfattende rehabilitering og byggeperiode. La oss håpe det blir til glede for alle som har et godt og nært forhold til bydelen.

Bilder fra Lambertseterområdet finnes på nettsidene til Søndre Aker Historielag: www. sondreaker.com under f eks søkeord Lambertseter.

Rest In Peace

Reed Roholt and his Sister in Law, Colleen Strand Hansen at the gravesite

My Cousin Colleen just sent these photos of Ellen's funeral.  It was held on a cold, blustery, January day in Southern Utah. 

You can tell by all the flowers how well-regarded Ellen was.  It all looked just beautiful.

Tante Aase is now 90 years old.  I just can't believe it.  She is so spry and sharp and beautiful as ever.  It can't be easy to bury a child, no matter what the circumstances. 

My Aunt Aase Strand, Ellen's mother

The Family

My cousin Colleen writes:

From left to right: My daughter Brooke,my husband Steve,then my daughter Stefanie, Me, my daughter Amanda, Tante Aase, behind her is my son, Kyle and next to him is his wife Adrienne. Ellen's grandson Ren and his wife are next, then another grandson, Trevor holding his little boy and in the yellow coat is his wife, holding their other little boy. Next to her is another grandson, Kaden (all three grandsons are from Shane, Ellen's son). Next to Kaden is Jeanette, Ellen's new daughter-in-law who is married to Shane who is next to her. Next to Shane is Ellen's husband Reed. Down in front of Reed is Shawna, my sister Inger's daughter. Next to Shawna is Jane's daughter Sabrina with her little boy, Jax standing in front of her.In the back, behind Sabrina is her brother Jake.Then the last couple on the right is Ellen's granddaughter Kiri (with husband) holding Ellen's great-granddaughter. sorry, I can't remember the baby's name.

Whew! That's a big group!

I believe it's a psalmist who wrote something like, "Children are an inheritance from the Lord.  Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them."  My Uncle Knut would have loved to have been a part of this growing, beautiful, family.  I'm sure he's watching over them now, with his daughter Ellen.

Another Angel in Heaven

Ellen Strand Roholt

July 31, 1945  ~  January 10, 2012

Ellen Strand Roholt, age 66, passed away January 10, 2012 in Hinckley, Utah. Ellen was born in Drammen, Norway to Knut and Aase Strand. She came to Salt Lake City, Utah at age 2, when her family left Norway to join other family members. Ellen was an excellent student in school and carried a near perfect grade point for her entire school years. She then went on passing many different college classes and specialized courses for her career.

She was married to Reed B. Roholt on September 16, 1967 in Elko, Nevada where they eloped. On June 30, 2000, she and her husband were married for time and eternity in the Manti LDS Temple.

Ellen worked for the State of Utah in several positions. All were in helping other people get jobs, education, and benefits from being deserted by their spouse. She helped others on and off the job and was never too busy to help someone in need.

Ellen had a talent for writing, art and music. She sang at many weddings and funerals and performed in several plays. She ran her own rutabaga-gram business and brought laughter to many birthday parties. Ellen was a lover of animals and had horses and dogs throughout her life. She was a member of the Silver Spurs and traveled to many rodeos throughout her youth. Ellen was a member of the LDS church; and after going through the temple, she and her husband taught a class for those who wanted to get back to church.

The greatest joy came to Ellen from her family. She loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and bragged about them always. She is survived by her husband: Reed B. Roholt, Hinckley; mother: Aase Strand, Salt Lake City; daughters: Starlyn Roholt, Provo; Robyn (Steve) Sciuto, Salt Lake City; son: Shane (Jannette) Roholt, Logan; daughter: Kodi Schoppmann, Cedar City; 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Monday January 16, at 11 AM in the Hinckley LDS Ward Chapel,

188 North Main St.

Viewings will be held Sunday evening, 7-8 PM, at Nickle Mortuary,

190 S. Center St

, Delta; and Monday morning at the church, 9:30-10:40 AM. Burial will be in the Hinckley Cemetery.

This is my cousin Ellen, the oldest of Uncle Knut's daughters, and the first of the Strand cousins to pass from this life. 

The obituary posted by the funeral home (above) doesn't mention her sisters: Inger, Colleen and Jane, nieces and nephews, and cousins, who also loved her and will miss her.

Ellen had a larger than life personality and was so fun to be around.  She was blessed with many talents and was never shy about sharing them with others.  She was a joy to all those who knew her.

She will be sorely missed.

Anne Berit Arrives in America



The Stavangerfjord of the Norwegian-American Line

My mother, Anne-Berit Strand, immigrated to the United States in December of 1950.  She came aboard the Stavangerfjord, a ship she was to return to Norway for a visit on a couple of years later with a 6 month-old me.


Passenger List from December 4, 1950

  The passenger list from the Stavangerfjord shows an arrival date of 12/04/1950.

Detail of List shows Anne-Berit

Mom's Uncle Marthinius Strand had already established himself in the New World.  By 1950 he had also established his own company and made his fortune.  He was happy to be Anne's sponsor.  I believe that is his address below her name.


Anne-Berit's cousin Elin and family were on the same ship

 Accompanying Anne-Berit were her cousin Elin, Elin's husband Kaare, and their children Marit and Kjersti. 

Detail shows Kaare, Elin and their daughters, Marit and Kjersti

Elin and Kaare stayed for 10 years in America, before they returned home to Norway.

Anne-Berit married Glenn Evensen a couple of weeks later, on December 20th, in Salt Lake City.

Bestemor's Trip to America

S.S.Bergensfjord
Photo: Anders Beer Wilse/Norwegian Museum of Cultural History

My grandmother, Sigrid Sophie Olsen, came to America in 1915 and spent a few years in Salt Lake before returning to her native Norway.  She traveled on the S.S. Bergensfjord.

The passenger manifest shows her leaving Kristiania (Oslo) on May 23rd, 1915.  The trip would have taken about a week.

The detail below shows Miss Sigrid Olsen on line 16.  Her age is listed as 27.  Her occupation: Clerk.  Her place of origin, Norway; her nationality, Scandinavian.  Her Mother is listed as Oleane Olsen, with the address of Mauritz Hansensgate 4, Kristiania - as the person to contact in case of emergency.

[Note: I'm not sure when Oleane moved to Maurtiz Hansen's street, or whether she moved there originally with her husband or after his death.  It appears from the note on the ship manifest that Oleane lived at #4 by herself after her husband passed away.  After Sigrid married Einar Strand, they lived in Drammen for a while.  They moved to Oslo, and into the ground floor apartment at #4 sometime after my mother, Anne-Berit, was born.  At that time, Oleane was already living upstairs in a smaller apartment.  She eventually moved in with the Strand family and stayed there until her death.]

There was a large Scandinavian population in Salt Lake at the time that Sigrid visited, and Sigrid was caught up in a whirl of social events.  However, Sigrid wasn't happy in Salt Lake and eventually came home to Oslo again after World War I was over.  There she met Einar Strand.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Einar Strand's "Church" Biography

"Under the Northern Light's Sky"

In the late 1960s, Hilmar Freidel undertook a daunting task -  he wrote a history of the Norwegian Mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from the year 1851 through 1966.

Brother Freidel was a wonderful man who loved kids and billed himself as "Santa Claus's Brother" to me when I was a little girl.  He even visited me my freshman year at BYU, so I remember him warmly.

In this book are all kinds of references to my various family members, on both my mother's and father's side of the family, but in this post I will only address his biography of my grandfather, Einar Strand.

I have taken it upon myself to translate this from pages 150-152.  (Please feel free to write me to correct anything I may have gotten wrong.  I did this quickly and may have translated a few things poorly. I will be grateful for any corrections.)

Einar Strand

35.  Einar Strand was born on the 22nd of July in 1893 in the Frogner Parish of Lier.  He was baptized [a member of the LDS church] the 15th of May 1920 in Oslo and was ordained as an Elder the 2nd of June, 1921.  He was for a while the President of the Drammen Branch Sunday School, and was a member of the Drammen Branch Presidency from 1922 until he moved to Oslo in September of 1927.  In 1929 he became a member of the Oslo Branch Presidency, and on the 2nd of November, 1930, was called as the Branch President.  He had this calling until the 14th of January, 1934, - and he was so popular and held in such high esteem that the Oslo Branch Relief Society honored him, and the immediate members of the Branch presidency, with a special party in their honor which was held on the 23rd of January, 1934. 

A report tells:

“The party started with a hymn and prayer, after which Sister Kristofa Sønsteby read a prolog (poem) in honor for the old Branch Presidency.  Sister Ljungberg, the President of the Relief Society, thanked these good, dear brothers for the good support they had had from them, and for their good fellowship in working together.  – The New Branch Presidency was also wished welcome. – After that she gave the former Branch President and his two counselors each a beautiful flower.”

(A large part of this honor fell also on the two active Brothers Ramm Arveseter and Gustav Fernsjo as Brother Strand’s counsellors, and Brother Oscar R. Lindbo as Branch Secretary.)

In August 1937, Einar Strand was once again called as Branch President, and he held this position until September, 1946.  Other data we can note: [He served as] Teacher in Oslo’s Sunday School Adult class (Gospel Doctrine) for a total of 25 years.  19 Years straight as a teacher in the Genealogical Class, not to mention many years of teaching in the Young Men’s organization, together with teaching in his Priesthood Quorum for 30 years.  Under Mission President Jospeh A. Gundersen, he was called as President of the Elder’s Quorum in the Oslo and Drammen District, and was in that capacity until the Fall of 1964.  Afterwards, he was called as Secretary to the Elder’s Quorum in Oslo 2 Branch, and as District’s Council member in Oslo District.  For many years under Mission Presidents Axel J. Andresen’s and Joseph A. Gundersen’s time, he was called to preside over regular meetings in Odalen, together with the missionaries that from time to time worked there.

Brother Einar Strand’s talents in the gospel belong to the most gifted, his courage was eminent.  His courageous comments and leadership in difficult times have awakened notice, thought and discussions amongst the Church membership, but his will and abilities to defend his ideas has also created fruitful afterthoughts.  There is not enough said how he, as a member of the Church, has fought a marvelous spiritual battle and has been a strong and solid pillar in the Gospel framework – as well as when the opposition came from outside the church.

Those who had the opportunity to seek his unwavering optimism and enjoy a feeling of safety and cheer in those days when the land was under the ruling government’s watchful and vengeful eye [i.e. World War II occupation by Nazi Germany], will never forget him.  His unbelievable ability to uncover so-called ‘illegal’ news, he used to give hope and faith to all who despaired.  This showed a fearless joy of giving the worth of which can not be measured.

But it almost went wrong in the summer of 1943 when he was arrested, beaten and placed in a dark cell in Victoria Terrasse [the police station, which became Nazi headquarters] in Oslo.  That morning he had promised to visit a sick woman who was in the hospital, to give her a blessing.  In that lonely prison, he prayed to be able to fulfill his promise to this woman, and God heard his prayer – because he was released in the same hour.  A second time he was arrested, but was again returned unhurt from those who would have judged him.

As an Elder, as Branch President, as a help to the Mission, and an unshakeable champion of truth, he was among the best; but as a human being, as a never failing friend to children, as a comforter and source of cheer in times of sorrow, and as the rousing force when it was time for a party, as poet and author of more songs and poems than can be counted, he showed another side of his character and gifts that are not any less as well thought of.  It was difficult for while to think of Osterhausgaten 27 (the address of the Oslo Branch chapel until the 1970s) without “Pappa Strand” – as the children usually called him -  But he also placed his mark on other places, not in the least Drammen and Odalen, and other places in Norway and Sweden which he visited.

Brother Einar Strand’s effectiveness within the Church, also consisted of visiting the sick and the conducting of funerals, usually at any time of the day – with the result that he was often away from his home and his own family.  His wife, Sigrid Strand, must therefore also stand among those women who in their own way made huge sacrifices [for the Gospel].  A husband who goes completely in and is willing to sacrifice his time for good deeds, can not be completely successful if he doesn’t have a wife who shares his faith and is willing to share the burdens that surely come along with it.  The activity that in one way or another must come to a home where the husband is strongly needed, insures that the wife must shore up the things that are lacking, and in this regard Sister Sigrid Strand has known the cost of being married to a man who is constantly in demand.

But such it is when a married couple go whole heartedly into a calling – whether it is as Mission Leader, Branch President, Organist, Conductor, or whatever; and when a man is strongly active, so must one understand that at the same time there sits at home someone who in their own way share in that and should also share in the success that follows.

Here are copies of the actual book pages:


Page 150




Page 151




Page 152



Grandmother's Maids - Mina

Mina
I'm sorry this detail is so blurry.  I had trouble finding photos of her.

For many years, (like half a century, I think) a wonderful woman named Mina Mørch was a maid for my Bestemor.  A fixture in the Strand household, I got the impression she loved my Bestemor dearly and looked up to her.  She never called Bestemor Søster Strand or Fru Strand or even Sigrid, it was always “Strand”.  Mina was a diminutive lady with a quiet dignity.  Her wrinkled face had once been quite pretty.  She often asked Bestefar for advice and for priesthood blessings.  I know she worked very hard all her life, yet was faithful in paying her tithes and offerings and attending church.

Mina’s husband was an alcoholic and a ne’er do well kind of guy.  Together they had 16 children – all single births!  Mina kept her 16 children clothed and fed by taking in washing and ironing and working for my grandmother and probably others.  Mina was also one of my grandmother’s best friends.  Bestemor once asked Mina why she had so many children when her husband was such a scoundrel.  “He’s my husband, Strand” was all Mina answered. 

Mina was a woman of great faith in God.  From her 16 children, the Lord raised up the first Stake President of the Oslo, Norway Stake, and it’s first patriarch.

There’s a funny story about Mina’s husband (which may or may not be apocryphal!).  One night he was in charge of getting the children to bed, as Mina was working late.  They had a tiny apartment and the children slept on sofas and pallets all over the place.  When Mina got home, she asked how everything had gone.  “Not bad,” her husband replied.  “Except for this one here.”  He pointed to a youngster sound asleep nearby.  “He gave me a devil of a time.”

“Well, no wonder,” answered Mina, “he’s not one of ours.”

Mina was thrilled when I was born, as I was born on her birthday, the 18^th of October.  She considered it quite an honor that one of Strand’s grandchildren was born on her birthday.

This sweet woman worked her fingers to the bone until she was quite elderly.  Then, her oldest children took over and finally provided her with a better life.  Mina had always longed to see Salt Lake City.  The kids all chipped in when Mina turned 70 years old and sent their mom on a trip to Zion.  She was thrilled beyond speech.

Our whole family drove up to Salt Lake City during her stay to spend some time with her there.  I was so thankful that this wonderful lady got a chance to realize her dream before she passed from this life.  It was the last time I saw her alive.  I loved her a lot.


Mina, Anne-Berit, Marianne and Jay at the "This Is The Place" Monument outside of Salt Lake City, Utah, circa 1967



Grandmother's Maids

Fru Andersen & Me

My grandmother was ill many years, and mostly bed-ridden for the last 20 years of her life.  She had several maids that came to help her keep house, and several young girls who would run errands for her.

One of the steadfast regulars was Fru Andersen, who lived across the hall from my grandparents.  The picture shows me visiting her in her little apartment in the early 90s.  Fru Andersen was a kind lady who was a real blessing in my grandmother's life.

Me and Solveig Nimmons

I also visited her daughter, Solveig, back in the 90s.  Solveig and her husband live in Jessheim, not far from the new Gardemoen Airport outside of Oslo.  As a little girl, Solveig would run errands for my grandmother and then get fed breakfast before heading off to school.  Solveig came and lived with our family in Phoenix, Arizona, for a year in the 1960s.

A Diplomatic Honor

One day in 1981, a big black American Embassy limousine, sporting Amercian flags, pulled up in front of Mauritz Hansensgate #4. 

The whole street was agog, with people peeking out of their windows at the sight!  Soon the doorbell rang.  Bestefar Einar opened the door, and to his surprise and amazement, there stood newly appointed American Ambassador Mark Evans Austad.  He was no stranger to Bestefar, as he had served as an LDS missonary many years before.  Seeing the surprise on my grandfather's face, Ambassador Austad took his hand and shook it warmly.  As he was ushered into stuen, he said, "I want you to know, Einar, I came to see you before I saw the King." 

Austad had a long and illustrious political career that included serving on presidential inaugural committees both times Richard Nixon was elected.  Next, he was appointed by President Gerald Ford as Ambassador to Finland.  In 1980, Austad served again on an inaugural committee, this time for Ronald Regan's first election, after which he was again appointed as a U.S. Ambassador, this time to his beloved Norway.  He served in Norway until 1984.  He died in Arizona four years later at the age of 71.  Norway's major newspaper, Aftenposten, once praised him as being the best U.S. Ambassador they ever had.

I love his tribute to Einar Strand.  It was an honor that deeply touched my Bestefar.

Lier Bunaden

The Bunads of the Lier Valley, Norway

Bunads [boo-nhads) are the traditional folk costumes of Norway, Sweden and Denmark.  Every valley has its own design and the patterns usually come from the folk traditions of the area.  However, until the mid 70s, there were few bunad traditions to be found in the lower parts of Buskerud.

The Lier Bunad was designed by Ruth Strand, my mother's cousin's wife.  She was married to "Onkel" Willy Strand, my grandfather's nephew and my mother's cousin.   Ruth designed this bunad, and submitted it to an offical Norwegian bunad committee.  The bunad was subsequently formally adopted as the official bunad of the area, and first shown in 1974. 

The bunad was inspired by Lier's bountiful apple orchards.  The bodice, skirt and reticule are covered in embroidered apple blossoms, created from 8 different colors on blue woolen cloth.  The cloth is specially woven by the Gudbrandsdalens Uldvarefabrikk AS, Lillehammer.  The shirt is made in white linen or cotton.  Even the silver shirt buttons are special - engraved with the appleblossom motif.

The men's version of the bunad, as shown above, was developed by the Lier Valley Cultural Arts board in 1980.  The child's version of the bunad was worked out by Sonja Reiersgård in 1994.  She is also the offical producer of the bunad to this day.  She has a website where you can order your own.  But beware!  The real deal is incredibly expensive!

This beautiful bunad has been included in the coffee table book of Norway's bunads that was published in the 1990s.

Marit Strand Evensen

Here is my cousin Marit Evensen wearing her aunt's design.  Okay, the funny thing about Marit, is that she is my third cousin on my Strand family line, and her husband's Evensen family has no connection whatsoever to my American Evensen family (which descended from Even Iversen of Ringsaker, Norway, who emigrated to the U.S. in the late 1800s).  This confuses people a great deal! 

Marit recently posted this beautiful picture of herself in the bunad on Facebook, and I blatantly borrowed it, because I love her, and because I thought she looked lovely, AND because I knew I was going to be doing a piece on Ruth's beautiful bunad creation. 

Marit and her husband Jan are currently serving in the LDS Swedish Temple presidency.  It was her urging that got me to start this family history blog.  You go, girl!  Love you!

Here is a detail of the embroidery on the back of the bodice.  You can imagine how much time goes into this hand embroidery!

Ruth Strand with Lillemor modeling her Lier Bunad in the late 1970s

There were two Ruths in my mother's life, Ruth Ertsaas in Levanger and Ruth Strand in Lier.  Ruth Strand became generally known in the family as 'Ruth-i-Lier' to distinguish her from Aunt Ruth who lived up north in Levanger.  An article I read said that Ruth originally came from Vestre Nøste.  That she was clever with her fingers and had an eye for color and design is apparent from these pictures.

This bunad is officially registered i Landsnemda, which answers questions concerning the authentic use of and wearing of bunads, and controls the bunad industry.  The design became copyrighted (mønsterbeskyttet)  in 1977 by the governing body of industrial rights (Styret for Det Industrielle Rettsvern). 

Since the creation of this bunad in 1974, there have been thousands of them sewn and worn, not only in Lier, but throughout Norway and abroad.

I'm proud that this design that so beautifully represents the area of Norway that my grandfather came from was created by a member of the family.  It's a fitting tribute to my great uncle Erling, and my grandfather Einar - who loved the Lier valley so much.