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Subject: Diary of Elisabeth Koren - 184-192
Date: Tue, 26 Aug 2003 11:04:33 -0700
Acknowledgment
The following selection is taken from "The Diary of Elisabeth Koren"
translated and edited by David T. Nelson and published by the
Norwegian-American Historical Association (NAHA) in 1955. The Volume is
still in print and available from NAHA at http://www.naha.stolaf.edu
where you will also find the first 33 volumes of Studies and Records
online as well as Theodore C. Blegen's 2 volumes on Norwegian Migration
to America. This chapter is published with the kind permission of NAHA.
The book this selection is drawn from is under copyright and permission
has been granted for educational purposes and it is not to be used in any
way for commercial purposes.
12 From Egges' to Sørlands
Tuesday, March 7. Just after I had taken out my work and we had lit the
light last evening, Per cried, "There comes the pastor!" and sure enough,
it was Vilhelm who stopped at the door. So I was not disappointed in my
expectations after all, although his coming was a surprise. I had every
reason not to expect him --- but so much the better. The wagon, it seems,
had held together, and Charlie, or whatever the horse is called, had
brought it safely through the deep mire. Vilhelm surprised me by bringing
out one gift after another. First a cheese, which is to be kept in the
cellar until it is sufficiently aged --- it was from Gunhild Ederklep in
the Norway settlement; then a big box of eggs, also from the same worthy
Gunhild Ederklep; and finally a pretty fan. {1} It was the tail of bird,
just as nature had formed it. That was from a young girl, Anna Gunderson
by name. {2} It would have made a sensation at a ball back in Norway and
would have given the gentlemen something to talk about.
Last night had an unexpected ending in other ways, too. The family had
gone to bed some time earlier, and Vilhelm was reading my diary, which is
one of the first things he does when he gets home, when we heard Helene
begin to complain about not feeling well. Erik got up; and at last it
came out that they could not very well house us any longer, for Helene
was not well and found it too burdensome. This was very sudden and
unexpected. Helene had not been very well for a couple of days, I knew;
but it had not occurred to me that for this reason we should have to
move. I do not believe she is ill because of increased work while we have
been here, but rather because of carrying water and all the care of the
cattle, which are too much for her now. {3} On the other hand, I find it
very reasonable that she wants us to leave. But it will not be easy to
get other lodging. Decorah will be the only solution, to begin with; but
it will not be satisfactory to stay there all the time until our house is
ready, and it will be very inconvenient, too, for Vilhelm. I have no
desire to move there, but what are we to do? Oh, to have one's own home
and do one's own housekeeping! Helene is feeling poorly today, too. I
took a long walk with Vilhelm early this morning; it was well we went
then, for the weather has suddenly turned bad, with snow and sleet.
Wednesday, March 8. Vilhelm rode to Decorah this morning to inquire about
lodgings. This time he will probably be back early, although he will not
be able to ride fast in the heavy snow which fell last night --- more
than I have seen at one time here. But it is melting very fast and the
south wind has started to blow, so no doubt this wintry prospect will
soon disappear.
We have lived here for some time now, but I have not yet described how
our first home in America was arranged. The whole house is fifteen feet
wide and sixteen feet long and consists of one room and the loft. About a
third of the room is partitioned off by a shining chintz curtain with
large, variegated flowers, which win universal admiration from those who
visit Helene; they think they are "frightfully fine flowers." This
curtained space is again divided by another, which thus forms the two
sleeping chambers, with half a window for each; actually each has just
room for a bed. {4}
One wall of our chamber is full of nails; on one of these hang a dusty
little bottle and a big pair of sheep shears; above the head of the bed
hangs the towel. Under the ceiling there is a shelf; Erik keeps his
writing case on it and there, too, Vilhelm's clay pipes have their place,
from which I should prefer they never descended, for there is a horrid
smell from that molasses tobacco, with whose aroma Erik blissfully fills
the room when he is home. On this shelf there is also a large box of
cigars, from which I daily bring down a supply by crawling up on the bed.
On this bed lie Vilhelm's dressing gown, toilet case, a cigar box which
at present serves me for a sewing case, and such other articles as we
have no place for.
Then we have the living room, which takes up somewhat more than a third
of these sixteen feet. It has two windows, with white curtains, directly
opposite each other. Beneath the one to the north is a large black walnut
table, where Helene is usually busy. Beneath the other are Vilhelm's
table and chair. Here I have my writing case and my work while Vilhelm is
away; when he is home, on the other hand, I have to vacate the place and
take my case away, for then the table is full of papers, certificates,
and records. Near this window is the door that leads outside. Above the
window Vilhelm has nailed a shelf for our books, which before lay on the
bed. There is a similar shelf above the other window, where the library
of the house is found in beautiful confusion next to candlesticks, an
iron heater, a lamp, etc. {5}
In the little space between the curtain and the window hangs a mirror
above which, among many other beautiful things, Helene's comb is
displayed on weekdays; it is used only on Sundays and state occasions.
Here, too, are found Erik's tobacco pouch and the unlucky clock, in it
green case with large round gilded feet, which has now probably stopped
for good. It amazed us a couple of times by moving forward an hour or
two, until at last we discovered Master Per had climbed on the table and
brought about that marvel. Directly in front of the curtain there is a
chair; the rest of the furniture consists of three stools, also of black
walnut, which are moved about as they are needed. That is the picture
here since we got our table and two chairs; before that there was a chest
which was pulled here and there for a seat.
The last strip of the room is the kitchen. Here is the stove; its
appurtenances are distributed round about. On the walls hang all the pans
and the coffee roaster; under the ceiling a row of kettles, coffee cans,
a flatiron, a tin funnel with matches, and our candle snuffers; in
addition there is a crosspiece where all their belongings hang, together
with rags and I know not what else. Under the steps which lead to the
loft (which also is hung with kitchen utensils) is a bench for dishes,
with two small cabinets beneath. Right by our bed is the cellar trap
door, very inconveniently located. The whole room is papered with all
sorts of newspapers and prints, chiefly Maanedstidende, of which some are
upside down and others sideways. The lowest part of the wall (it is of
logs, as usual, with plaster in between) is not yet papered; but Helene
is tireless in covering it with Emigranten whenever she manages to get
hold of copies, although they are constantly being torn to pieces by some
little meddler or other, of whom Burman is one.
The door leading to the loft is next to the door to the outside. {6} In
the loft, which is not plastered, the wind has free play. It is full of
all sorts of things: a large wheat bin, pork barrels, large and small
chests, our valises, a bed, meal sacks, some clothes, and a great many
tools; Per's greatest delight is to get hold of these and then drive
nails into the floor. In short here are found all the countless things
usually found in a loft, and a great many more. There are two windows,
too, one to the east and one to the west, where I have often stood and
watched the sunset or been on the lookout for Vilhelm. When we can no
longer bear the smell of pork or of roasting coffee, we leave the door to
the loft open.
The house has a poor location. There is a dreary view toward the road to
Decorah with a few scattered trees; but on the other side, where there is
no window, there is a very pretty wood. Such is the place where we have
lived more than three months.
I wish I knew what news Vilhelm is going to bring from Decorah. There he
is now. I scarcely recognized him in that hat he has acquired.
Thursday, March 9. God be praised for letters and good news from home,
even though they are old! How good it was, nevertheless, to hear
something at last from all our dear ones at homel But this is really
extraordinary; this letter was sent from Larvik November 17, came to
Boston December 10, left Preus's December 28, and then we do not get it
until March 8. It must surely have lain a long time in that stupid
Decorah post office. In this same mail Erik received a letter sent from
Christiania January 24, so we know letters can come quickly.
I was so unprepared for these letters. When Vilhelm got home, I looked at
him to see if I could read expression on his face; but no, it was the
same as usual. I did not like to ask because I did not want the same
disconsolate answer again, especially since I knew no mail had come these
last days. "Have you Erik's letter?" I merely asked. "Yes," he answered
quietly and went up and took off his things, came down again, and gave
Helene her letter. I went over and closed my writing case, thinking,
"Some time you will get something, too; you will have to wait patiently
till then," and suspected nothing until Vilhelm said, "Eleis, come here;
I, too, have received something." And then the joy and surprise when I
saw the letter and recognized my dear father's handwriting! I am sure I
could not have contained myself and kept from betraying such joyful news.
Vilhelm has ridden over to McKay's to inquire about quarters. {7} He had
gone to every house in Decorah without being able to find anything. There
is not much housing in these new, small, straggling towns. We shall have
to hear what McKay finally says; perhaps I shall yet have an opportunity
to practice my English, if we are to live with Americans. It is really
comical that our stay here should end thus; we are just like two prairie
chickens, as Vilhelm says. Meanwhile I hope there will be a decision soon
so that we may get away from here.
Saturday, March 11. The chickens did find a roost, just the same, and it
is a very good one. We are now living at Sorland's, where there is plenty
of room, neat housekeeping, and a very tidy housewife, who excels at
setting a table with cakes and pies.
Vilhelm did not go to McKay's Thursday, as his intention had been, but
went to the Skaarlias instead. They wanted to move out of their own house
and into the old cabin, so that we might have the neat little new one;
they would not hear of our living in the old one. After all, they
generally move over there with their stoves in the summer. But I am still
afraid that it is too cold for the old people, and so I would really
rather remain here until it gets a little warmer, and as soon as possible
get a cabin for ourselves. We have been invited to stay here until we get
a stove and such other things as we need; how long that may be, I do not
know. {8}
I came here yesterday forenoon, Vilhelm had been at the meeting of the
congregation and did not get home until after supper. The meeting went
well enough, but no final decision has yet been made about the parsonage,
for the men who have that in hand were negligent and did not appear. Nils
Katterud is really in a dilemma over the twenty acres, and has to listen
to unpleasant things about it on all sides; he does not know what to do
and has resigned as a member of the committee. {9} Erik Egge was elected,
and that is well, for he is a good carpenter and knows more about
building than the others. I hope now that they will not argue and talk
too much, but just begin something, so that we may have a house by winter
at least; it will certainly not be sooner.
Services are to be held tomorrow at Rognald's, and on Monday and Tuesday
west of here. It is too bad Vilhelm has so much to do next week, for he
surely will not find time to write home, and I want so much to get a
letter off soon.
It is attractive here; it is good to have something pretty to look at
again. Then there is so much life with all the cattle, and we have a view
of the stable and all the sheds and the haystacks from the window. Eli
spends most of her time there when she is not busy baking one of the many
cakes which are so common here, all of which taste much the same.
Sunday, March 12. Today services were held at Rognald's. Sundays are far
more pleasant when Vilhelm is home and preaches in the neighborhood.
There was a large gathering; people came from far and near. We did not
get home until after three. The service took a long time, for today there
was catechizing of candidates for confirmation.
We did not stay for dinner as usual, but drove directly home, and
afterward took a walk to the parsonage land, where we wandered about and
pictured our future home. There is perfect spring weather today --- a
fresh smell of buds and that delightfully hazy air that throws a lovely
blue tinge over all distant objects. At such times it is especially
pleasant on the parsonage land.
Monday, March 13. Vilhelm has started at last for Whisky Grove, where he
is to be today. He wanted to get away early of course; but it was
impossible to get him awake this morning. It is not more than half past
eight, it is true, but he will hardly go faster than a walk in this mud
and with that miserable wagon. When I came down this morning Thore
Skotland was sitting here; he went with him. {10} It is raining
pleasantly and is as mild as a summer's day. Vilhelm lost his sou'wester
on his last trip. He will miss that today, I imagine. I really should go
to Suckow's on an errand for Vilhelm, but the way the rain is pouring
down, I had better wait and begin a letter home.
We are indeed comfortably settled here; everything is pleasant and
attractive, and in addition we have a room to ourselves in the loft,
where Vilhelm can have peace. He will certainly not be disturbed by the
people here; they are very quiet and always speak in a low voice when he
is studying. One really learns to appreciate that. Here, too, I shall not
become moody in gray and rainy weather because of the melancholy view, as
I sometimes did at Egge's when Vilhelm was away. It is always beautiful
here. But I am really afraid Vilhelm will be spoiled by both the food and
roomy quarters, so that it will not be so good when we move to Skaarlia's
and have our own ménage. Oh, well, it is good to get used to a little of
everything, I believe.
It will soon be pitch dark and it is still raining as hard as ever. I
wonder how Vilhelm got along today; he must have been soaked, for he had
nothing to cover him. He really must get a raincoat soon. I have kept
busy writing home today. Now I can no longer see and I am getting very
tired of writing.
Tuesday, March 14. After all the rain it was pleasant to wake up to
beautiful, warm sunshine this morning. Vilhelm will have fine weather for
traveling today. As soon as I had eaten breakfast, I went over to
Suckow's. It was fresh and delightful, and I was surprised to find that
it was not muddier. I met Suckow on the road, and afterward went in to
Helene's; she seemed to be well and was washing clothes. Erik had
received a new Emigranten; but it was very dry, containing only the
school laws. From Turkey news of a couple of victories over the Russians.
The emperor is going to cross the Danube, has sent agents to the United
States to buy ships and weapons. This news was from January 14.
Emigranten urges its readers to consider that Europe in all likelihood
will need much wheat from America this year. God knows what the end will
be! If one could only get recent news from Norway! "Well, it is a good
thing we are away from there when it looks like that," say many here,
although under such circumstances most people would be much more
reluctant to be so far distant from those they hold dear.
While I was reading the paper, a girl came in. After she had sat for some
time, she asked if there were not to be services today. She had walked
twelve miles yesterday from up north under that impression, for she, too,
wished to be enrolled for confirmation. She was a grown-up girl and one
of those who have been waiting a long time for the pastor. Now she was at
a loss for a place to stay, being a total stranger here. It occurred to
me that Thorgrim's wife, who is alone so much, might like to have someone
in the house. I asked her to wait at Erik's and went over to Thorgrim's;
but they did not care to have her, for they had no bed. That settled
that. The best plan I could think of was to send the girl to Aarthun's;
he, according to Thorgrim, had promised her father that she could stay
there. At least she can stay until Koren returns.
The first thing I heard as I stepped into Helene's today was "Molasses,
we have got molasses!" from Per and Kari, who came toward me, each
licking a piece of bread, their faces all smeared. Then Per brought paper
and shears and began his "Cut me ships and sleds," although he had found
a new comrade in the cat, which our arrival had driven away. {11}
Now we are to eat dinner; the whole forenoon is gone and I have not yet
written home.
<1> Gunhild Ederklep was probably the wife of Thorkild Ederklep (or
Eiteklep) of Numedal, Norway, who in 1849 moved into the Norway
settlement near St. Olaf, Clayton County, Iowa. See Jacob Tanner, "En
kort beretning over 50 aars kirkelig arbeide 1 Clayton County, Iowa," in
Lutheraneren, vol. 8, no. 45, p. 707 (October 25, 1901); and Bredesen, in
Symra, 101 (1907).
<2> Anna Gunderson might be a daughter of Tallak Gunderson, who in 1849
took land in the Turkey River settlement in Clayton County; Tanner in
Lutheraneren, vol. 8, no. 45, p. 706.
<3> A daughter, Magdalena, was born to Erik and Helene Egge on May 9,
1854. She married Gudbrand E. Sørland (later Soland).
<4> This cabin may be seen on the campus of Luther College in Decorah.
<5> An iron heater was heated and placed in a flatiron or box iron for
pressing and ironing. "The lamp was a dish with melted fat and a piece of
cloth for a wick. We had our first oil lamp given to us within my
memory"; Mrs. C. A. Naeseth, daughter of the Korens, to the editor,
undated.
<6> As one enters the cabin, the stairs to the loft are to the left along
the anything in the wall and lead to a hinged trapdoor in the floor of
the loft.
<7> John McKay had extensive land holdings, especially in Frankville
Township. In 1851 he paid the largest taxes in Winneshiek County; Sparks,
History of Winneshiek County, 117. See also chapter 9, footnote 4.
<8> "Here" is Sørland's, where the Korens moved from Egge's. Later they
accepted the invitation of the Skaarlias, moving to their cabin May 2.
"The old people," that is, Erik and Guri Skaarlia, were then in their
fifties.
<9>After the original eighty acres for the parsonage land had been
purchased, some changes were made. About twenty acres from the north end
of the tract were sold to Nils Katterud and approximately the same amount
of land was added to the eastern portion of the property. The parsonage
was built on the added portion; information received from William
Linnevold.
<10> In 1850 Thore Skotland took land in Sections 22 and 27, Calmar
Township, Winneshiek County. He was one of the incorporators of Luther
College; T. L. Rosholt, Life Histories of the Descendants of Peder and
Gjertrud Sandager, 106 (Decorah, 1954).
<11> Pastor Koren's aversion to cats is said to have been the cause of
the cat's departure.
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