The Ager Newsletter The Waldemar T. Ager Association November 2011- January 2012 ADVENT AT THE AGER OPEN HOUSE 12 Noon until 3 p.m. Sunday, December 11th Current Events Board Meeting November 14, 2011 -- 9:30 a.m. Ager House Advent at the Ager Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011-- 12-3 p.m. Santa Lucia Procession Refreshments No Board Meeting in December Board Meeting January 16, 2012 -- 9:30 a.m. Ager House The Waldemar T. Ager Association 514 W. Madison St. P.O. Box 1742 Eau Claire, WI 54702-1742 715.834.3985 www.agerhouse.org You are cordially invited to Advent at the Ager on Sunday, December 11, 2011, from 12 o clock noon until 3 p.m. Santa Lucia Day, the Scandinavian Holiday of Light, which occurs on December 13 th each year, will be celebrated during the afternoon. Girls and boys will be able to construct either their own Santa Lucia crowns of candles or their own hats of stars and wear them throughout the festivities. Everyone will be able to enjoy making other holiday crafts, singing Christmas carols, meeting the Julenisse, decorating the Christmas tree, eating wonderful Scandinavian baking, and celebrating the season together. We look forward to seeing you. Remember, your children, grandchildren, friends, and neighbors are welcome to come with you! It s Open House at the Ager House! A Swedish Class for Children A new class is being offered at the Ager House for young people, ages 6-14, from January 14, 2012, through February 11, 2012. A great activity on winter Saturday mornings, the class will be about Swedish culture and language. Eric and Erin Anderson will teach the class from 10 a.m. until11:30 a.m. Parents and grandparents are welcome!
Page 2 A Journey from Thailand to Wisconsin Caitlin Lee s Immigration Story Caitlin Lee was the guest speaker at the Annual Meeting of the Ager Association on October 7, 2011. Ms. Lee spoke about her experiences as an immigrant child growing up in Eau Claire and the difficulties of finding a place to live in addition to learning a new language and different customs while retaining her original language and heritage. She also discussed making new friends and finding a place in the local community. Based on the history of many of the immigrants in the Eau Claire area, it appears that these things have not really changed over the last one hundred years. Most of our ancestors share this story. Caitlin is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, and she works as an equal employment opportunity specialist in the Affirmative Action Office at UWEC. A brief business meeting preceded Caitlin s talk. Treasurer, Stan Hillestad, presented the financial report, and an election of officers was held. The new officers are listed on page seven, and the annual report, including the financial report, is available on the Ager website: www.agerhouse.org. Pictured at the Ager Association Annual Meeting are: Doug Pearson, program chair; Caitlin Lee, guest speaker; and Ken Ziehr, outgoing Ager President. Photo by Norb Wurtzel
Page 3 What Does a Hardanger Fiddle Played at a Wedding in Nord Aurdal, Where Two Murders Were Committed, Have to Do with Eau Claire? By John Peterson Vicky Finstad gave me her copy of Sound Post, a publication of the Hardanger Fiddle Association of America. It had a story about a fiddle with an interesting history. The fiddle is located in the Valdres Folkemuseum in Fagernes, Norway. This fiddle was reported to have been played at the legendary Blood Wedding at Øvre Dahle on December 6, 1823. Along with the fiddle at the museum, there is a photocopy of a newspaper article in Norwegian on which someone has written August 1931. It tells of a woman named Carrie Gran on Chippewa Street who had recently bought the fiddle in Mt. Horeb. The name of the newspaper, from which the article was taken, was unknown. Vicky thought that since there was a Chippewa Street in Eau Claire, it might have been the Reform that had printed it, and she asked me to look into it. Checking the Eau Claire City Directory for1930, I discovered there was, indeed, a Carrie Gran living at 608 Chippewa Street. (A check of previous directories revealed her husband had been Anton Gran.) She was also on Chippewa Street in Eau Claire s 1930 census. Looking through the Reform newspapers in the Ager House Library for August 1931, I located the notice in the August 27, 1931 issue of the newspaper. Here is the translated article: Fiddle from Famous Historic Wedding Mrs. Carrie Gran on Chippewa Street has just returned from a several days visit in Mt. Horeb and area. The visit was a reunion of people who came from Nordre Aurdal in Valdres and their descendents here. She relates that there were many people and it was very festive. During the visit she bought the fiddle that fiddler Henrik Fuglei used at the wedding on Dahle on December 6, 1823. At this wedding the bridegroom s brother Ole Erikson Kjørstad killed two brothers, Tollef and Haldor Revling, who threatened his life. What was the reason for this bloody episode? Ole Erikson Dahle and Tollef Revling were married to the daughters of Erik Tronson Kjørstad. Ole bought the farm from his father-in-law. With this transaction Tollef thought he was cheated and felt animosity towards his fatherin-law and brother-in-law. The three Revling brothers, Tollef, Knut and Haldor, were not invited to the wedding, but barged in on the first evening while people were dancing, like mad berserkers. First the old man Erik was struck but was saved when someone hid him in the cellar. Then Ole was struck. Then others intervened, among them the bridegroom, the bride and the bride s mother, but to no use. During the battle in the half-dark room, Ole got his big sheath knife up in self-defense. Tollef and Haldor were stabbed and beaten badly. Haldor died instantly, Tollef the day after. The knife Ole used hangs on the wall with honor in the kitchen at Kjørstad to this day. Ole Erikson Dahle was acquitted of all charges. The motif for Welhaven s poem Aasgardsreien is taken from the wedding on Dahle. Ole Erikson Dahle has a number of descendents in Eau Claire who will hear this story with interest. The fiddle is at least 200 years old. Continued on page 5
Judy Ritger brings Gudbrandsdal Rosemaling to the Ager House By Jan Etnier Waldemar Ager would have smiled observing the intensity of twelve rosemalers learning the Gudbrandsdal style of rosemaling at the Ager House over the weekend of November 11-13, 2011. Our teacher, Judy Ritger, from River Falls, Wisconsin, was uniquely talented. She is the only person who has earned a Vesterheim Gold Medal in both rosemaling AND wood carving! She brought eye-popping beautiful examples of her work, which combine the carving of leaves on the rim of a bowl with rosemaling in the center. Vesterheim plans a trip to the Gudbrandsdal Valley next summer but can't find a Norwegian to teach that style of rosemaling. Wouldn't it be strange to rely on an American teacher? Perhaps Judy Ritger can reintroduce it to those who developed it. Judy picked up a crisp leaf from outside as an example of the turned leaf style that sets Gudbrandsdal apart from other styles. The class members were all ready with lovely bowls base coated in a dark green. With patience, Judy showed us the steps to make the burnt sienna leaves come alive on wood. She taught both oil and acrylic painters. For the oil painters she introduced an idea of "park and paint, which meant laying down a broken line of paint on a long stroke thus, guaranteeing having enough paint to finish a long line. She also advised "leaving cleavage" (a new term) between parts of the leaves to delineate them. Everyone practiced painting on tag board before tackling our bowls. Starting on the inside of the leaves and building out, we found they took shape. Line work (outlining with paint) not only covers a multitude of sins but makes the work come to life also. By the end of our time together, we had renewed friendships and made new friends. (People came from Ely, MN, three from the Madison area, Hudson, and Stanley in addition to Eau Claire.) Everyone chatted, shared rosemaling tips, drank coffee, laughed, and learned a lot during the weekend. Were the bowls finished? Not one. But based on our excellent instruction, they soon will be. And they will be treasures! Left: Green plate and brushes; a work in progress. Right: Judy Ritger smiles with completed plate. Page 4
Participants in the Ager Rosemaling Workshop Create Beautiful Works of Art Participants at the Rosemaling Workshop, November 11-13, 2011, with Judy Ritger, included Joan Sponsler, Roberts, WI; Fred Evans, Stanley, WI; Edith Kling, Taylor, WI; Lila Gullixson, Madison, WI; Kim Jarrett, Ely, MN; Carolyn Enger, Osseo, WI; Bonnie Selje, Cambridge, WI; Ann Marie Johnson, Madison, WI; Lynanne Holmquist, Lynne Ziehr, Maria Klish, Barb King, and Jan Etnier, all of Eau Claire. Photos are by Norb Wurtzel. For additional photos, please visit The Rosemaling Workshop on the Ager Website. Hardanger Fiddle: Continued from page 3 While there are many Dahls around, I discovered there were also people in the 1930 census named Kjorstad in Eau Claire. The obituaries of Carrie Gran and her husband related that Carrie had come from Nord Aurdal, and her husband was from Søndre Aurdahl. They were members of the Valdres Samband and First Lutheran Church. Anton belonged to the Sons of Norway and Carrie to the Daughters of Norway. Carrie s maiden name was Kleven. She came to America in 1880 while Anton came in 1874 and lived in Minnesota for five years before coming to Eau Claire. Anton worked as a smith for the Shaw Lumber Company before farming for a while, and then as a smith for the city. They took a trip back to Norway after retiring. Anton died in 1927, and Carrie died in 1935. They had an adopted daughter, Mrs. Charles Emery (Mina). I contacted Sound Post and the Valdres Museum in Norway and told them, on behalf of the Waldemar Ager Association, that the notice had appeared in the Reform with the obituaries of the Grans that had appeared in the Reform. The museum in Valdres now has a deepening mystery: How did the Hardanger fiddle find its way from Norway to America? And how did it return? John Peterson s translation of the 1914 history of the Reform will soon be available on our website at www.agerhouse.org. Page 5
Winter 2012 Language and Folk Art Classes All Classes are held at the Ager House, 514 West Madison Street, Eau Claire, Wisconsin Beginning Norwegian - Robert Fossum, Instructor This is an 8 week class on Thursday evenings from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM beginning on February 9th and continuing through March 29 th. Fee is $70.00 for the 8 week session + cost of book and materials. Estimated cost of the book, Norwegian in 10 Minutes a Day with CD by Kristine Kershul is between $25.00 and $27.00, payable at the first class session or at Scandinavian Imports, 15 South Barstow Street, Eau Claire. Continuing Norwegian - Eldbjorg Tobin, Instructor No winter class sessions are scheduled for Continuing Norwegian, but this class will be offered again in the fall 2012 session. Beginning Level Conversational Spanish Dale Gable, Instructor We look forward to Dale s return to the Ager House to resume teaching this class in the spring of 2012. If you are interested in this spring class, please leave your contact information with Ev Krigsvold and watch for details in the spring of 2012. German I for Beginners - Karen Wilber, Instructor This is a 6 week class on Monday evenings from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM beginning on February 6 th and continuing through March 12 th. The fee for the class is $65.00 for the session + the cost of the book, Your First 100 Words in German: German for Total Beginners through Puzzles & Games, payable at the first class session. Minimum class size is six students Swedish - Leon Salander, Instructor This is a 12 week beginning Swedish class on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM beginning on February 7 th and continuing through April 24 th. The fee for this class is $50.00. A minimum of five students is required. Children s Swedish - Erin and Eric Anderson, Instructors This fun five week beginning Swedish class for young children between the ages of 6 and 14 (parents welcomed and encouraged to attend) will be from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM on Saturday mornings beginning on January 14 th and continuing through February 11 th. Kids will learn Swedish language basics through culture, food, holidays, sports and Pipi Longstocking and other stories. There is a fee for supplies of $20.00 per child and $5.00 for additional children in the same family. Chip carving - Virginia Van Vuren, Instructor This is a five week class on Thursday mornings from 9:00 AM until noon beginning on February 9 th and continuing through March 13 th. Limited to twelve students. The fee is $38.00. Hardanger embroidery - Louise Koxlien, Instructor This is a five-week class on Thursday afternoons, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM beginning on February 9 th and continuing through March 13 th. Limited to twelve students. The fee is $38.00. Fiber Arts (Learning Rug Hooking Techniques with a Small Project) - Dorothy Huse, Instructor Classes will meet from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM for four weeks beginning on Monday, February 6 th and continuing through February 27 th. A new pattern complete kit, not including the background material, will be provided to for your class project. The fee is $38.00. Drop-in Rosemaling Each Friday, from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM, rosemalers get together at the Ager House to work on rosemaling projects and to enjoy the camaraderie of others, from beginners to gold medalists, while they create. There is no formal instruction, but everyone receives help and support from others who are more experienced in this folk art. The suggested donation is $5.00 per day for each time a person attends. Anyone who is interested in rosemaling can call Mary Beth Wold at 715.456.5219 or 715.835.7410 for additional information or stop at the Ager House on any Friday between 10:30 AM and 3:30 PM Call Ev Krigsvold at 715.835.8718 for additional information about the classes. To register for classes, use the Registration Form and mail it with your check to the address on the form. Page 6
Page 7 The Ager Association Board of Directors 2011-2012 Officers Ella Fossum, President ella_fossum@wi.rr.com 262.554.6014 Ellie Paulson, Vice President elliepaulson@citizens-tel.net 715.967.2222 Richard Kozbial, Recording Secretary richardkozbial@yahoo.com 715.855.7837 John Peterson, Corresponding Secretary johnpet@charter.net 715.552.0865 Thank You to the Following People for their Contributions to the Ager Association Dawn Bergstrom for her past and continuing support of the Association The Fred Nicolai Family for a donation in memory of Hildur Ager Tom Tompkins for refurbishing our sign/light post in front of the house. Art and Joyce Faarenfor the donation of five books to the library. Stan Hillestad, Treasurer hill33@charter.net 715.834.3749 Directors Leon Salander, Education le-sal@att.net 715.839.0102 Miriam Hansen, Librarian hansenjm@uwec.edu 715.835.6179 Eric Anderson, Programing eem_anderson@yahoo.com 715.830.0122 Frank Smoot, fsmoot@cvmuseum.info 715.834.8781 Carol Anderson Pcanderson6@yahoo.com 715.834.7891 Immediate Past-President Ken Ziehr kenziehr@charter.net 715.832.0956 Webmaster Steve Loken, bravo@sjloken.com VISIT THE AGER WEBSITE Steve Loken, the Ager Association webmaster, recently completed the reorganization of the Ager House website. Ager Newsletters are now archived in their entirety with color photos. Please visit the website at: www.agerhouse.org. You ll find it easy to access and full of interesting information about Waldemar Ager, the Reform, and history of the Eau Claire area. A Christmas Tradition It is a longstanding Norwegian tradition to set a bowl of porridge outside on Christmas Eve for the Nisse, a little fellow who was said to help around the farm. The modern equivalent is setting out cookies for Santa. Either way, it is a means for children to begin thinking about others at Christmas. Happy Holidays!
The Ager Association 514 West Madison Street P.O. Box 1742 Eau Claire, WI 54702-1742 Advent at the Ager December 11, 2011 Ager Language and Folk Art Class Registration - Winter 2012 Title of Class: Fee enclosed: Name of Student: Street Address: City: State: Zip: Telephone: Email: Make checks payable to: W.T. Ager Association Send completed form and payment to: Ev Krigsvold, Ager Classes, 2830 Thirteenth Street, Eau Claire, WI 54703 Page 8