A proof number of a lag newspaper was distributed.  The Hadeland Lag board thought it would be great support to the lag and also a connection with Norway Hadeland people.  President Walby had arranged to have correspondents in Hadeland, Norway to provide information in the publication.

The proof copy looked good and carried the name BRUA under a bridge span over a rippling ribbon on the top side of the first page.  It was proposed to be issued 4 times a year and sent to all who had paid their dues.  It seemed as though the proposal was possible and was received favorably by those present if it only could be realized.

Prof. Lokensgaard, president of Hallinlaget, honored the meeting with his presence.  In a glowing talk he told of the great bygdelag development and encouraged the people to uphold and support their lag.

During President Walby's visit to Hadeland with the tour group from US during the summer he was hosted (and the tour group also) by a number of Hadeland people from the districts in Hadeland.  He was sure they would not object to being made honorary members of Hadeland Lag and recommended the following:  Stortingsman Chr. Daehlin; Orderforers Eole Egge, Helge Kaestad, Ole Berger and Halvor Lunner (from Gran, Brandbu, Jevnaker and Lunner - not necessarily in that order); Gaardbruger Lars Bleken, Mayor Jorgen Jahren; Superior Court barrister Halvdan Gulden; Editor Finn Lee; and teachers A.G.A. Tvindesaeter, A. E. Volla, Iver and John Prestkvaern.  The meeting unanimously agreed to make them honorary members of the Hadeland Lag in America.

At the evening meeting President Walby gave an interesting report about the trip to Hadeland and other places in Norway.

The nominating gave its report that all officers and directors be reelected and it was agreed unanimously.

The president called all the officers to the platform and with a few well chosen words delivered to the secretary a large silk flag on a staff with the following engraved on a silver plate fastened to the pole "To Hadelandslaget in America from the home district."

    From "History of the Hadeland Lag in America, 1910-1989"                

It was suggested that the Hadelands Lag participate in the 1925 Norse Centennial festival in Minneapolis, reported President Walby.  The complete board was re-elected.

Iver Larson of Montevideo MN suggested that the next convention be held there but, in consideration of the people in eastern and central North Dakota, it was decided to have the Stevne in Fargo ND.

On the second day, the members heard from Congressman James Fredy, and the Wisconsin Governor John H. Blaine.  The governor said his mother was from Hadeland and he appreciated the efforts towards the elderly in Norway by the Mindegaven Fund.

Judge T. O. Gilbert, a Hadeland native and Sons of Norway president, gave one of the best speeches ever heard by the group.  The banquet on Saturday was served at 6 PM in the "Synodkirkes Parlor" by the women of the Ladies Aid.  The menu included fresh salmon swimming in melted butter, meatballs, and rømmegrøt, the likes of which had not been tasted by the governor since he was a guest at a saetre in the Hadeland woods.

Sunday the Lag attended church in the forenoon and an open air meeting in the afternoon on Liberty Hill.  The special attraction was singing by the Rush River church choir.

 From "History of the Hadeland Lag in America, 1910-1989"                    

The president and the mayor of Fargo welcomed everyone to the Stevne.  Mrs. Martha Ulvik was appointed temporary secretary.

The first order of business was to continue the Brua which began in 1921.  A praise to Mr. Bleken in Hadeland for what the Lag has done for the worthy and poor through the Mindegavn fund.  Many were glad they could contribute with a gift to the poor which was distributed just before Christmas every year.  This very worthy cause moved many to tears.

Several well known residents and business people of Fargo gave talks and welcomed the group.  A report of the first 13 years of the Lag history was given by President Walby.

The Hadelands Lag was entertained by movies of Hadeland and other sections of Norway by S. O. Olstad of Minneapolis.  Many attended.  All members departed with a good feeling of unity and renewed acquaintance with the North Dakota lag members.

No permanent record of attendance is found but it was assumed that well over 100 Hadelendings were there.

   From "History of the Hadeland Lag in America, 1910-1989"             

The first days meeting was held in the Northwood City Hall with a full house of 400 people.  The second day's meeting was at the Fair grounds with 2,000 attending.  At the business meeting it was agreed to pledge a share to the 1925 Norse Centennial organization.  Approximately 125 members were registered for this stevne.

Photo

(opens in a new window)

  From "History of the Hadeland Lag in America, 1910-1989"             

The 1925 Norse Centennial celebration, June 6-9, 1925, celebrated the 100th anniversary of the first Norwegian immigrant ship, Restoration, that sailed from Norway to America.  It is reported that over 80,000 Norwegians gathered in the Twin Cities for the centennial festivities, with over 40,000 attending Lag meetings on Saturday, June 6th.

President Calvin Coolidge was the main attraction, giving the keynote speech on June 9th.  The choirs, bands and other musical organizations from Norwegian Lutheran colleges and schools participated.

The Hadeland Lag held a one day meeting 16 May 1925. It was attended by 350 people (119 members registered).  A. G. Sorlie, governor of North Dakota and of Hadeland ancestry gave a talk "in good Norwegian" and received great applause.                                              

The usual business was conducted and officers re-elected.  It was agreed and voted to join the Bygdelagenes Fellesraad, the national council of bygdelags which was organized following the Norse Centennial Celebration of 1925.  Overnight accommodations were provided in homes and food services by the women of St. John's Lutheran Church.

A report was read from Memorial Gift Fund treasurer, Otto Kammerud, Blanchardville WI, which included a report from Lars Bleken, Brandbu Norway, on the status of the Memorial Gift Fund and its distribution.  H. P. Haakenstad, Montevideo MN replaced Otto Kammerud as the Memorial Gift Fund treasurer.

Only 16 members were registered for this stevne but many local people attended the functions.  North Dakota Governor Sorlie, the Hadelending, was present and gave a good 90 minute talk.  The Opera House was so completely filled that many people could not enter.  The program featured songs by a lively 86 year old "youngster," Erick Lageson, Montevideo MN.

   From "History of the Hadeland Lag in America, 1910-1989"             

Forty-one members were registered.  The meeting followed the usual pattern of a business meeting, entertainment and banquet. A standing vote of appreciation was given Iver Larson, Montevideo MN, after the Mindegaven report was given.  Larson was one of the lag's oldest members and an untiring worker for the Memorial Gift Fund.  Otto Kammerud was elected treasurer of the Memorial Gift Fund.

A report was given by missionary Daehlin who, with his family, had recently returned from the China mission field.           

From "History of the Hadeland Lag in America, 1910-1989" 

Fargo Forum News Clipping  

Distance here was a factor and only 5 members were registered.  Many others were present as visitors, entertainers, and many fellow Totenings.

It was reported that there was over 17,000 kroner in the Memorial Gift Fund.

   From "History of the Hadeland Lag in America, 1910-1989"             

Discussion centered on helping restore the Lunner Church in Hadeland, Norway.  A committee was appointed: J. H. Lynner, G. G. Dokken and Pastor Daehlin; they were to begin taking up a collection.  A letter was read from the wife of the Gran sogneprest in Hadeland Norway, asking for financial help to pay for an automobile for use in transporting nursing home people.  There is no record of any action taken.

The Canton meeting included an auto tour around the city and to the Beloit Children's Home.  A collection was taken: $17.65 was collected.  $2.65 was used to buy candy for the children and $15.00 was given to the Children's Home.

Norlie estimated that at this point in time there were 35,000 people in America of Toten and Hadeland ancestry.  The next day a museum festival was held and identified as "Hadeland Day."  It was pointed out that Hadeland was the first Norway bygd district to send objects brought from Norway to the museum.  There was an expression of appreciation to Hadelendings for the antiques they had contributed to the Norwegian-American Museum (Vesterheim) at Decorah.

   From "History of the Hadeland Lag in America, 1910-1989"