Books
Norway documents the history of it's towns and villages through the publication of books that provide for each farm and family, the genealogical histories of those who lived there. In addition to the genealogy, the books contain stories about the families, what they did for a living, how many animals were at the farm, how many crops were harvested, and also in many cases, include photographs of the families and farms. In 2005, I purchased all 4 of the "Singsasboka" and all 3 of the "Bygdefolk og Bygdeliv I Storen" books and I consider them a family treasure in addition to providing my direct genealogical lineage. While I wish I understood more of the Norwegian language, it is fantastic that while I am researching one family, it seems that every family name becomes familiar and I realize that over time, my ancestors married into every family in the area. Truly, I am related to, or my ancestors were close friends of, everyone in these books!
If you ask a question about your family, you probably will receive a scanned image from one of these books as well as a detailed family tree document! Give us a try! If you are from Singsaas or Storen lineage, we can find your ancestors!
Rolvaag's book Giants In The Earth is 530 pages of a real-life story about Norwegian Immigrants settling in SE South Dakota at precisely the same time that those from Singsaas/Storen settled Hendricks. It tells of the trip by covered wagon, and the struggle to simply survive. It should be required reading of all who descended from Norwegian Immigrants!
Rolvaag's book Peder Victorious, is the sequel to the book Giants in the Earth and it "continues the saga of the Norwegian settlers in the Dakotas. The great struggle against the land itself has been won. Now there is a second struggle, a struggle to adapt, to become Americans." It gives insight to the conflicting emotions of Norwegian parents seeing their children take on American ways. 324 pages.
In Their Own Words, Letters from Norwegian Immigrants, by Solveig Zempel. Translated letters written by 8 immigrants. I found it interesting to hear them discuss conditions here in the US. One of those writing the letters is so unhappy here that he goes home. I have not finished the book yet - it is interesting but not as riveting as Rolvaag's books at this point.
Norway to America, A History of the Migration, by Ingrid Semmingsen. The book tells the story of the migration of as many as 35 million people. I have not started it yet - will give my opinion later but it is recommended by friends in Norway!
The Promise of America. Author: Odd Sverre Lovoll - I have ordered this book and will add more information when I receive the book. It also was recommended by friends in Norway!
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