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Selma Sofie Vinje lived 12 days. Selma died three days after the death of her father Sivert and on the day of her fathers funeral/burial.
Selma and her father Sivert share the same obelisk headstone with each name engraved on one of the four sides.
Selma's Lutheran church funeral record is attached to this memorial.
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Selma Vinje's oldest brother Edward Vinje FAG# 128049761 traveled to Norway with Serine their mother in 1920. The first part of his diary is on Edward's memorial and is continued here on his sister Selma's.
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TRANSCRIPTION IS COPYRIGHTED
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Selma Sofie Vinje lived 12 days. Selma died three days after the death of her father Sivert and on the day of her fathers funeral/burial.
Selma and her father Sivert share the same obelisk headstone with each name engraved on one of the four sides.
Selma's Lutheran church funeral record is attached to this memorial.
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Selma Vinje's oldest brother Edward Vinje FAG# 128049761 traveled to Norway with Serine their mother in 1920. The first part of his diary is on Edward's memorial and is continued here on his sister Selma's.
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TRANSCRIPTION IS COPYRIGHTED
EDWARD LEANDER VINJE NORWAY TRAVEL DIARY CONTINUED FROM FAG# 128049761
July 3 Went to the saetern in company with uncle Bruvold. his wife, Marie and Lelsny (Sp???) . We had to go thru swamps over creeks and mountains. When we got to the mountain where we could see the saeter building the women folks hollered and the call was answered from the saeter girl. The sound certainly carried (#49) far. At the saeter the first one to meet us was the dog and when we got to the building there was a gudei and a young girl that herded the cattle. When we first got there they treated us to milk. In a short time we had coffee and cookies. But the real feast was romme grot about 1 o'clock and three o'clock. We had coffee before we started for home.
Got a bicycle and started for Sem took a tumble, went a little further and had (#50) a blow out. Went in to Pet Eggen and he tried to help me fix it but we had no patches or cement so I had to walk part way. Got two letters for mother and uncle Lorents Vinje his wife gave me a ride on their motor boat to where I had to climb the mountain. I enjoyed the boat ride very much. In no place in Norway have I seen any broom like we used to sweep the floors in the states. To sweep the floors here they use a hair brush and (#51) they stoop over to use it on the floor. It gave me a pain in my back to see them use it. Bought a dozen oranges to treat at Brunvolds and some were so old they were getting dry on the inside, The fruit looked on the outside, July 4 Today is a big day in the states but being it is sunday there I imagine it is no celebrations until Monday. Went to a youngs people gathering and (#52) the Bonden on the Snaasa lake made a special trip for the occasion. The gathering was held at a farm place and we drove there by land. When we first got there we were treated to coffee and cookies. We walked into a room where the coffee was sitting on the table and we had to help ourselves to cream and eats. It was practically all women in the room and I was so excited amongst them (#53) that I dropped my cookies on the floor. But I was brave enough to pick up all of the crumbs. There was no seat for me but some girls took a pity on me and gave me a seat. After all had lunched running games were played outside. Then they assembled in a room and two humorous stories were told. The rest of the evening was spent in dancing until 1 o'clock. Before leaving all were treated to a lunch. Before leaving the place (#54) the men were formed in one line and the girls in a line behind. All gave 9 rahs for the people who gave the place for the gathering. The music played and couple for couple followed the music in a column to the boat. July 5 Lornts Bruvold gave us a ride to Lornts Vinje and in the afternoon mother and Mrs Vinje went to Anna Haugan. I loaned a bicycle and went taking a few pictures. (#55) I went and stayed with Ole Klev last nite. July 6 We went to Gurine (Granamo) Viem the youngest daughter of Lars Viem. They have a nice place with white clover on the lawn the first that I have seen in Norway. At this place we found the oldest woman in Snaasen. She is going on 99 years and carries her own wood upstairs. She talks very much and has her senses very (#56) for her age. The barley at this place was headed out and was the finest barley I have seen with the exception of a few smithy heads. There was considerable sand in the soil and the hay crop was not as good as in many places. About five o'clock we walked to E. Viem and after that mother took a run over to Jon Viem to get him to make her some spools for the spinning wheel. (#57) July 7 Today I experienced my first day of haying in Norway. Here the clover and timothy hay has to be hung up to dry outside. Stakes are driven into the ground that have short side stakes and four or five poles are laid from one stake to the other. Wire is also used to hang the hay on. The hay has to hang in the neighborhood of 5 days to dry. Considerable of the hay is cut with the scythe where the ground is too (#58) steep and where there is rock in the road. The green hay is pulled together in the windrows with a one horse backing pole. Most of the hay is cut with American mowers. Women do considerable work in the hay fields here and they are needed very much for all the work there is with the hay. There is now a limit set for the allowance of wheat flour thru this country. When a person dies in this country the (#59) corpse is kept at home for eight or ten days. The custom they have here it seems as though they really celebrate at ones funeral. Before the funeral they bake and prepare a lot of food. For the funeral the closest relatives and friends are invited. Sometimes the funeral lasts two or three days. For much fuss over a dead person. There is no box to set the coffin into when it is lowered into the ground like it is in the states. There are not many that (#60) spend much for grave stones in this country. Mostly a wooden cross is put over the graves. Since we came to Snaasa there have been many deaths and mostly old people dying. In the first half year that has gone by there has been as many deaths as all of last year. July 8 Helped hay today and in the afternoon we went to a neighbor where we had lunch and coffee witha kaar kjaring. (sp???) In about 15 minutes we (#61) had cocoa and lunch with the housewife of the place. Of all the coffee that I have drank on Snaasen it is funny i havent turned black in the face. One custom I don't like is where strangers come to a place and they get a separate table to eat at with the best of everything they have to eat. The people of the house sit at a different table with poorer grub. What they generally use for everyday. I like the good American custom (#62) where everybody sits up to one table eating of the same food. When the sun shines during the day the horse flies are so bad that the farmer cant mow so they cut the hay in the morning and early evening, In this country a laboring man and woman has to pay a tax. What it takes for them to live on they they have to pay a tax. It is generally figured that it cost 500 kroner to live on. I have been told they have to pay (#63) 10 ore on every krone they make and live on. July 9 The weather was nice and I helped hay all day. Haying here is certainly slow to the way we hay in America. I ought to mention something about the meals as to the time of day. About 6 clock in the morning or the time they get up there is coffee and a light lunch Then they go out in the field and work until 8:30 when they come in (#64) for breakfast. After breakfast they work till 11 o'clock when lunch is brought out in the hayfield. At 12:30 they go in for dinner and before they go out in the field to work again which is 2 or 2:30 they have coffee. About 5 oclck they go in and have coffee and bread with butter. After the meal they rest for an hour and then they go out and work until 8:30. About 9 o'clock they have graut for supper and that hardly never fails. I believe if I was a woman ...(#65) in this country and had to serve all that extra coffee I would go on a strike to have some of that extra coffee served with the meals and be done with it. Mother has now finished knitting the sweater from the yarn she got from Martine Dahl. July 10 Went to the Lensmond (Sheriff) and had him stamp our passports that we were ready to go from Snaasen. Stopped in the village and while there I thought I was (#66) treated to some soft drinks but I realized I was weak in the legs and dizzy in the head. Uncle Vinje gave us a ride to Aldenes on his motor boat. Just after we pulled from Sem Erik Viems tire punctured. That meant that we had to walk from Aldenes to his place. Went out and helped put up some hay in the evening. While I was up in the village I told the postmistress to forward our mail to Bottineau. The Norwegians are (#67) very kind and treat the animals very good. I don't know of seeing any horse being misused. They had small loads and if they come to a hill that is fairly steep and heavy the Norwegian gets off and walks to lighten the load. A horses work here is equal in pay to a mans pay. But there is something wrong there with that system. One interesting thing that has taken place since grandfather and grandmother started on Klev or what is now (#68) called Viem. When first started they carried the water out of a river up to the time when Lars Viem their oldest son took the place and during his time on the place he dug a well not far from the house that they used to get the water from (for?). After Erik the oldest son of Lars got the place he in turn fixed up a reservoir near a spring and the water is piped to the house and barn. To have running water saves considerable labor. (#69) July 11 Today has been Sunday all day and I took advantage of the day by resting part of the day. Also packing the grips for the day tomorrow. Mother and uncle Lars took a trip to the saetern. Erik Viem hunted up an old time music box that Sivert Strindmo left in Norway. The instrument was many years old but at that it had some music to it. I was told the instrument was in the neighborhood of 50 years old (#70) We left Snaasen today and Mrs B???? followed part ways on the boat. The farmers were out busy haying and we saw two men walking behind a mower each man driving one horse. the horses were a pulling the same machine and one of the horses was a colt. On the boat and train there was a woman near 70 years that was badly burned in the satern and she was a pitiful sight to look at. She bore her pains (#71) bravely and complained very little under her suffering. There were a lot of people on the train and a place to sit was at a premium. July 13 Got some films that I had developed in Trondjheim and they turned out good. Went and had a hair cut but I think the barber saw I was an American so he charged me 2 kroner and 50 ore. No trunk yet (#72) and more grief for mother. A man came up to me and claimed that he was broke. He wanted to sell his razor so that he could buy some liquor. The razor cut good and I told him I would like to buy his razor but for him not to spend the money that way. He said it was wrong but he could not help it. If I had not bought his razor he would of sold it to somebody else so I gave him 5 kroner and 80 ore. What is bothering (#73) conscience now is was I justified in buying the razor from a man that could not take care of his money and a man that liquor had the best of? Today we had ice cream in coons (cones). The coons were larger and doubled up more than the ones I have seen in the states. The ice cream cones were put on a dish and spoon was put on the dish. The two ice cream cones cost us 80 ore or about 16 cents (#74) and the ice cream tasted very good. Had to go to the police department and the chief of police inspected our passports and turned the tickets over to us. Took the train from Trondjheim to Hamar 8:00 PM. The train was a fast one but she rocked so that I very nearly got sea sick on land. There was a woman on the train that smoked cigarettes. It looked odd but it is not any worse for a woman to smoke than a man. (#75) July 14 We rode on the train all nite and got a wink once in awhile.. Got to the station at Hamar 9:30 and left our baggage there. Went and found H. Odegaard. He was at his jewelry shop and from there we walked to his home. I will have to discontinue my story in this volume but if God will I will continue in another volume.
3. E.L. Vinje Travel Diary Volume III
Edward L Vinje was the oldest son of
Ellen Serine Eriksdastter Klev and Sivert Bendik Larsen Vinje
Sivert died in 1901 and in 1903 Ellen Serine married Anders Odegaard
Edward graduated from The North Dakota Agricultural College with a degree in Husbandry
Edward homesteaded near Havre Montana and was a sergeant in the US Army In WWI
In 1920 Edward took his mother Serine Odegaard to Norway where she was born
Thrine Bergithe Skjei (FAG# 153063124) accompanied them to Norway returning separately in 1923.
This is the detailed diary he wrote of their journey
From where Haaken Odegaard had his jewelry shop to his residence which was just on the outskirts of the city took us 15 minutes to walk. Odegaard had been at the station to meet us when the train came in but we didn't know him and he didnt know us so we missed each other. By that you can understand it is pretty hard to tell americans from Norwegians when one comes to the cities. (#2) In the afternoon Odegaard took us and his family to a high hill where we could overlook the city of Hamar and the surrounding territory. The city of Hamar is spread over quite a long distance along a lake shore. The landscape is rolly but at that it is fairly level so it is easy to work to what the mountainous country of Snaasen. We went to the ruins of the Dom Kirken. The building had been destroyed many ages back and the magnificent (#3) structure at Trondjheim of the Domkirken was built later. We also saw a museum. There were old buildings and homes. In an old preachers home from the kitchen to the dining room and bedroom every room had its fixtures as close as they could have it to the olden days. We spent in the neighborhood of an hour in the museum but if we had taken a day there would of been many things of interest to study to (#4) see how civilization had advanced from the olden days. July 15 We left Hamar on a wide track train and got to Kristiana after dinner. Kristiana is the largest city in Norway and it has the noise of the large cities. We are staying at the City Hotel and we walked around for some time to find the place. At the Norwegian Line Office we were examined by a doctor. That took about 10 seconds and it cost (#5) us 50 ore a piece. Took a nap in the afternoon and then went out to do some business. On going around the corner I met Selma Ness and her friend that were a going with a party to a station. I was induced to go with them and mother and I were invited to have supper with them. After supper went to a park and looked over that place. About ten we followed mother home and then I had to take the girl home. (#6) July 16 I know the good Lord is with us for today we found our trunk with the custom officials. The trunk had been there for a month. There was nothing that could do mother any better than to get the trunk. I was also glad to see the clothes, The White Star Agent done all he could for to help us find the trunk. I just couldn't help but give him 10 kroner when he found the trunk for us. (#7) Took the trunk to the pier and I think he will see American soil again. Today I saw a man that only had one eye and to his face it looked to me as though he was born that way. Were into a drug store and we asked the price of some Sen Sen gum the first we have seen in this country. They asked 2 kroner and 50 ore for the package - we pay 5 cents in the states. (#8) Went and found my friend from the night before. Took a stroll to a high point overlooking the city. The city of Kristiana lays kind of like in a kettle. Overlooking the city we were on a high scaffold built for ski tournaments. The state also had some sanitoriums built up thru the timber. We didn't get back before it was too late to take the street car down town but I needed the walk. (#9) July 17 Got up early and went to the dock. About 8:30 in the morning passengers were let on the ship. After we got inside of the ship we had to show our passport and turn over part of the ticket. Then a waiter helped us find the berth that our ticket called for. About 11:30 AM the boat was ready to go as we were pulling from the pier the band played the Norwegian National song also the American. Many (#10) people were at the dock waving good bye to their beloved ones going to the land of the stars and stripes. I was so sleepy after ????? that I had to take a nap and I came very near missing supper. One of my roommates came in and woke me just in time to get a bite. This is the fourth time I am crossing the Atlantic and this boat looks the best I have been in yet. I have been told by others that have gone (#11) by this line that as third class on the Stavangerfjord of the Norwegian American line is as good as most second class passage on many other lines. The newly wed couple that we were in company with from London to Bergen are on this boat on their way to Brooklyn. There are three others that we were in company with on our trip to Norway. To me Norway looked to be a high tossed (sp?) land (#12) and now during the war money has been so plentiful there that the idea of saving for a rainy day is not ??? by many. It looked to me that a great change is coming over the economic world there. July 18 Sunday all day and trimmed one of my room mates hair for him. There was meeting aboard the ship but at that time I was interested in a whist game as I didn't go . (#13) The report has been out today that a mine was seen in the ocean. I am afraid rumors travel here like they did in the army. In the evening some were a dancing and seemed to be a having a very good time. We sailed along the coast of Scotland and the scenery was beautiful. There seemed to be a strong current in the ocean along the coast. I feel very much at home on this ship and the time (#14) goes very fast. July 19 When we woke up we could see a few islands but this evening we are in the world wide ocean. In the forenoon it rained some and it was somewhat cold on deck. In one amusement room there was guitar and violin music. Others were a singing with the music and I enjoyed it very much. Got acquainted with a young lad going to Buenos Aires Argentina. (#15) This evening a church meeting was held in one of the dinning rooms. While dancing was going on both with the 2nd and 3rd class passengers. As a rule all the passengers look happy and contented with the exception of one girl that seems to be down hearted over something. She sits around with a sad look and doesn't hardly associate with any one. July 20 The first thing we hear in the morning (#16) is a bell to get up for the first sitting at the table which starts at 7:00 o'clock. We get about 15 minutes to dress and wash till the second bell rings when we go to the table. The wind was up so that the ship rocked some and there were quite a few that were sea sick. The first 24 hours that we sailed we made 385 miles , the next day 370 miles, The last 24 hours we made 364 miles. (#17) July 21 For sometime we have been a sailing against a stiff breeze and we only made 340 miles the last 24 hours. Today I played more whist than before on the boat. In the forward part of the boat where the men's smoking room is there is considerable gambling going on. While in the Aft smoking room whist is the only card game. Today there hasn't been so many sea sick and practically all the men at our (#18) table shower up for the meals. This evening I went to a prayer meeting and the gathering consisted of mostly aged men and women. Though both young and old were found there. It was interesting listening to the different men telling of their experiences realizing that Jesus Christ their only God and salvation. Thru him they claimed they had no fear of death on land or sea. About 10 o'clock this evening a fog came up (#19) so now the whistle of the ship is blowing every 3 minutes for a warning to other ships that may be near by. July 22 The wind calmed down considerably and we made 357 miles the last 24 hours. Met a man by the name of Lars Austness that used to work with Alfred Hansen at Carbury and is planning on going to Bottineau County. (#20) This evening I took in the prayer meeting and afterwards I went on deck and the stars were out with the weather warmer. Many of the girls that were sea sick were now on deck dancing and all seemed to be having a good time. July 23 I will now try and give a description of our room 384 . section III on the port side forward. There are four clean beds, one small bench, wash (#21) stand and a mirror, a pitcher of water and two glasses. The wash stand is mostly only used by women that have children in the room. The men have a big toilet room on the deck above us and there we have running soft water. On the Finland that we went over with we had to be contented with salt water to wash in. After breakfast every morning the chambermaid comes around and fixes our (#22) room and beds. The accommodations on this boat are good. My roommates are two N. Dakotans and a new comer to the states for the first time. His name is Alf Aslakson and has traveled considerable in the European countries as he has been a seaman. A.P. Holland is from Grand Forks and used to be a photographer there for many years. He only made a short stay in Norway and it was over 35 years (#23) since he left there. Nils Fladsmark is a farmer bachelor from McGregor N. Dakota but now has his place rented out there. I couldn't wish for a better class of men to be in company with being that we were all strangers to each other before we started on this trip. I forgot to mention that with each bunk there is a small shelf and a box on the bunk for to vomit into in case one gets seasick. (#24) There is electric lights all over the ship and a good ventilation system. The last 24 hours we made the same mileage as yesterday 357 miles. The weather is getting warmer all the time. Every afternoon between 4 and 5 there is a concert in the Aft dining room. The boat has a small library and two hours of the day one can get something to read. There is always something to pass the (#25) time with In the forward part of the ship there is a smoking room for men with tables where they can play cards or sit and drink beer which they can buy at a commissary joining the room. The commissary also has soft drinks fruits and candies. About the middle of the ship for third class there is a sitting room for the women having tables cushion chairs and benches, many nice pictures (#26) on the wall and a piano. In the aft part of the boat there is another smoking room for the men and the women and children also stay there at times. July 24 Last night there was such a fog that the ship only went at half speed and in the forenoon the fog went away. The sun came out for awhile and many of the people came on deck (#27) When the sun was out I snapped a few pictures of the people on deck and the ocean was very calm at the time. In the afternoon all the third class passengers were called together in the dinning room and given inspection cards for to go on land within New York, In the afternoon the wind picked up considerable, the water began splashing in thru the open port holes and some of the men got splashed (#28) with sea water on deck. This evening the waves on the ocean have been larger than ever and the boat rocks considerable but I have not seen any one sea sick yet. So the people are getting pretty much used to the sea by this time. Many of the men are sitting around in the smoking room in their shirt sleeves indicating that we are getting into a warmer climate (#29) all the time. The last 24 hours we made 331 miles the least we have made since we started. We are now along the Newfoundland banks. All the people traveling on this boat are well clothed and clean with the exception of a Finnish family. They are dirty, their clothes are poor and hang on their bodies in a shabby way. There is also (#30) a Finn girl on the boat that is as clean and good looking as any of the girls. July 25 At 10:30 AM there was Norwegian service held in the dinning room. Now we are having the hardest storm since we started on the journey and the ship is tossing considerably. Today we made 344 miles and we will be glad to see land again. Saw a freight ship heading in the same direction we are (#31) going. For breakfast we generally get bread, two kinds of wheat flour and rye flour - butter and jam for those that get at the jam dish. Cold meat and baloney. Oatmeal and coffee also potatoes and some kind of warmed meat or baloney. For dinner we always get some kind of soup bread butter potatoes meat or fish and some kind of pudding or an apple. Three o'clock in the (#32) afternoon we have coffee, lump sugar. and a couple cakes. Supper we have at six and then we generally get tea, bread/butter sometimes jam, cheese pickles, cold meats , potatoes, fish or warmed meats. The grub on the boat is good enough for anybody but when one is at sea and doesn't do anything but eat and sleep there is nothing that tastes as it should. What puzzles me is how men can be (#33) pouring the beer down their throats day in and day out. Tonight for the first time I saw a man that was drunk of something. There is a doctor aboard the ship and any one can get medicine free of charge. With the crew and officers aboard the ship there is 320 in all and they are a good class of men and women. Everything works as smooth as a clock from the ships captain down (#34) to the small guard that keeps the different class of passengers apart. They all seem to be a trying to accommodate the passengers the best they know how. And there are no tips to speak of in any way or direction. There seems to be plenty of help for to do the work. July 26 Today we are having the finest weather of the trip, the ocean is quiet and the sun is out with the sky clear. (#35) Today we had a big dinner with meat soup,chicken spuds,bread, apples,oranges and a Norwegian American or Swedish flags were displayed on the fruit. Each man got one or two of the flags. There was also nuts on the table. On this table there was a plate passed from one end to the other where each passenger could give the waiters a tip. Mostly seemed to appreciate the accommodations and considerable coin was (#36) on the plate. I gave 2 kroner, some gave 5 kroner, some a dollar bill and some nothing at all. At 4:30 we had a violin concert and the music was sweet. Today we have passed a great number of sail boats that were out fishing, also a few ??? boats. This evening there is a masquerade dance on both the second and third class decks. The orchestra of the boat plays for both places. The atmosphere is quiet with the stars (#37) out bright. Today we made 333 miles and the record of the miles is taken every afternoon 2 o'clock. Today I met a swede that was in company with Isaac Lindstrom over to Sweden on the Carm???. He remembered when I met Lindstrom at the custom house in New York. He never knew who I was until I began inquiring about Lindstrom. He remembered me as the Sergeant Lindstrom spoke of. (#38) July 27 Today we reached our destination and at sea the weather was nicer than ever. Coming to harbor we saw a large number of battleships also three airplanes and a zeplin. An airplane circled around the ship and amused the people very much. At four oclock a U.S. medical doctor came aboard the ship and every person aboard the ship had to pass the doctor with the head un (#39) covered. In the last 24 hours we made 375 miles and the rest of the distance was 61 miles. The total distance from Kristiana to New York is 3617 miles. If you remember I mentioned something about seeing some dirty Finlanders. A Finn woman had 5 children and one was sick with typhoid fever so now the boat is quarantine We are anchored out in the New York harbor and there we will stay tonite. There are many (#40) on the boat that can say for the first time that they have seen New York. God knows what the day of tomorrow has in store for us. July 28 It was proved there was no contagious sickness on the ship but the Finns had come from Finland where there was contagious disease. A telegram had been sent from Finland to be on the lookout for Finland (#41) passengers. At 8 o'clock a ferry came up to the Stavangerfjord with army medical officers. The third class foreigners went on board but the third class American citizens refused to go on the ferry to the quarantine island unless the second class passengers were taken also. A big stout Norwegian saw the main spokesman and a crazy swede also butted in, The army officers told us we would get 12 days quarantine if we didn't go to the island. (#42) The crazy swede was the first one to get a yellow streak and wouldn't stick with the bunch. When some of the citizens went on the ferry it was no use for the rest to stay back. When we got to the island we turned our money and valuables over to a government man that is the man folks. Got a sack and night dress drawer and shirt. Took off all our clothes and put everything in the sack except hat and shoes. (#43) We took a bath and our clothes went thru a gas disinfectant. In a short time we got our clothes and valuables back. Then the doctor looked at our arm for to see if we had been vaccinated and some that went there had to be vaccinated. For dinner we had to line up in the chow line and we got eggs, bread and pineapple. I got one good egg and one spoiled but the pineapple and bread tasted good. (#44) I forgot to mention that we had some excitement going on the ferry. A child fell in the river but was taken up and was all right. All the women that saw it began to cry. Also while we are going on the boat water came running from the Stavangerfjord into the ferry. At half past one we started from Hoffman Island to (#45) the Norwegian American line dock in Brooklyn and the American citizens were let on the dock. As far as I can find out the Finlanders were left on the island and in another time the line will be pretty careful in taking any Finn passengers. When we got on the dock we had to go aboard the Stavangerfjord for to get checked out. We could now go to land but we could not get our trunk till tomorrow. (#46) and they told us we could stay on the boat until tomorrow. Mother preferred that rather than to spend the night in noisy New York in a hotel. At Hoffman Island i got to see real army red tape. The women folks didn't hardly have to do anything but to eat a little while all the cleaning and examining were done on the men The men were also inspected for to see if they had any lice but I guess women are immune to parasites. (#47) When we got on the Stavangerfjord sulfur was used to disinfect the third class passenger rooms. This has been a day of experience but I hope we wont need to stay very long in this berg. The Hoffman Island certainly was a dirty hole for to be under government medical supervision. The officer doctors all puffed cigarettes and looked to be old timers in the army service. July 29 I was shaving (#48) after breakfast and orders came that every body had to be off the boat at 7 o'clock. I took my time and finished the job. When we got on the dock the US Customs Officers were there to inspect our baggage but where the suit cases and trunks were open for them they only looked into them and put the chalk marks on. After the inspection we had a transfer company take our trunk over to the Grand Central Station. That cost us $1.25 (#49) I and mother took the subway over and that cost us 5 cents a person. We done considerable walking also and the suitcases began to be pretty heavy. Today for the first time to get cashed an America Bankers Association travelers check I was refused. There is a great amount of people traveling now and most of the men are wearing straw hats. As a rule a straw hat doesn't go well on a North (#50) Dakota prairie. One thing that doesn't look very sanitary is where people get into each others face and kiss. That was one thing I didn't see the people of Norway do. Today I visited the New York Public Library and there were many men and women there. Bought a railroad ticket for Chicago going thru Niagara Falls on the New York Central. The fare cost $29.42 and the sleeper cost $2.16. (#51) The train started from New York 6:00 PM. July 30 We didn't sleep very good last night as the train made some awful jerks. Got to Buffalo New York stayed 20 minutes took another train to Niagara Falls and got there 8:50. At the station we were met by many men that wanted to take us on a sight seeing trip but something to eat had to come first. The fall rye had been harvested and seemed to be a (#52) fair crop but in places it looked to have been too much rain for the spring grain and corn. Haying was going on. After lunch we took a stroll over to Goat island and there we went with a sight seeing bus from place to place of interest. That cost us 50 cents. Goat Island has some of the most beautiful sceneries in the US. Considerable of the water fall is harnessed but there are many horse power going to waste (#53) all the time. Went to the arch bridge and that cost 10 cents for to over and back. The city was full of souvenir stores and we left some coin with those places. Went to the bank and cashed a travelers check. Bought a sleeper for Chicago and that cost $3.24 each for upper berths a $1.08 more than last night. From Niagara Falls we are going over the Michigan Central thru Canada to Chicago. (#54) The train left the Falls 1:20 PM. After crossing the line into Canada the Canada custom officers boarded the train and found out where each passenger were a going to. For some time they inspected the baggage. After the train got in good view of the Falls the train stopped to let the passengers have a good look. The train took us to a place called Welland and there we got off to go on another train. That will be the (#55) fourth train we are going on today. We come very near missing this train. On coming to inquire about the car and berth we should of gone 8:30 this evening. Saw the conductor of the train and he had us see the Pullman conductor. I started to explain and the train started. The conductor said get on and I told mother. We got on after the train was a going and we were (#56) allowed berths on this train. Thru the territory we have traveled the farmers are in full swing with harvest and seemed to be about half thru. One thing I noticed that the farmers have not very up to date buildings and there are very few that are painted. At Windsor the train was stopped while the US custom officials went thru the baggage so there would be no known smuggling of liquor (#57) or other articles into US territory. At Detroit the train is stopping for three hours and took a stroll around the city. Tried to find an army friend of mine but coud not get him over the phone. Tonite I will sleep pretty hard. July 31 Got into Chicago 7 0clock this morning to the central station and the last train we have traveled on yet. The train officials and porter were all so (#58) accommodating . From the central station we took a taxi to the union station and this was the first ride we have had in an auto. The taxi cost $1.05. To get our trunk hauled over cost us 75 cents. My ticket to Minneapolis cost $13,35 and the sleeper cost $2.00 the cheapest yet. Had my hat blocked and that cost 45 cents. Went to the art institute of Chicago and I cant began to explain all that I saw there and (#59) and what I didn't see. Its the greatest art institute I was ever in. My slogan from now on will be "See America First" if I do any more traveling after this trip. Saw a woman in the street take her mirror out and with a powder sack powdered her face. If people would take as much interest in keeping their thoughts and mind clean as they wish to appear on the outside we would have a better world. (#60) Adams street in Chicago has the largest traffic I have seen any place. Saw one man get run onto with a truck but the man got away as the truck was slow. Went out and saw where Sears Roebuck and Co. was located. On saturday they have a holiday and most of the office force seemed to be playing tennis or base ball. Took the elevated railway over (#61) and it cost 8 cents to ride The street car fare is also the same here. There are no subways for the transportation of people in this city. After I got back from Sears Roebuck went to the municipal piers. While going to the pier I noticed a man playing a music box on the street and he had a monkey that was dressed in a scarlet uniform. The monkey was dancing to the music. The municipal pier (#62) was built out into the lake. The structure was all of brick and at one end they had a large dancing pavilion. The floor was of marble and seemed to be very slippery. The dancing there was as rank as it could be but the music had lots of jazz. It was colored men that played in the orchestra. A merry go round was kept busy. One place slides for the children were built for amusement. (#63) There were tables and chairs where the public could take their lunches. One could buy soft drinks and meals there. Took the Chicago Burlington Livincy (sp?) Railroad at 6:30 PM and this was the best railroad that we have been on yet. We had an observation car on the rear with fancy cushion seats, the latest standard magazines and some pretty pictures on the wall. (#64) August 1st Woke up during the night and was somewhat cold but at that I had a good nights sleep. When we woke up we were traveling along the Mississippi river and Lake Pepin. The scenery was beautiful and the crops were good. Corn seemed to be the main crop. From the time we left Minneapolis until we got back the first and only silver dollar I saw and got in exchange was at Chicago. (#65) There were no silver dollars used in the East and only paper money is used over a dollar. Men that were traveling in the east practically all used straw hats and the women used lots of powder especially in Chicago. Got to Minneapolis 10 o'clock and stayed there until 2:30 in the afternoon when we took the Minneapolis Northfield and Southern Railway on electric line from Minneapolis (#66) to Northfield Minnesota. The weather was good and the crops good. Chicago Rock Island and Quincy Railroad from Northfield to Faribault. At Northfield we waited about 5 minutes until the train came and went to Faribault. Had supper at Faribault and hired a taxi out to Andrew and Ragnhilds Palrud. To ride the 8 miles cost us $2.25. In the evening went with Andrew to Faribault and met his brother Ole. (#67) August 2 Took a stroll around and looked at the fine corn fields and grain crop. The fields of wheat were not filled very good as the black rust had come on. In the evening we went over to the Rudes and we were entertained with music and treated to lemonade. August 3 Was out and helped Albert Rude stack barley. In the evening Rudes took their Overland car and we went to Faribault. There we (#68) visited with Ole Palerude and his wife and children (who) were going to Wisconsin for to visit in the morning. Stayed with Rudes last night. August 4 Went to Paleruds and helped stack oats and the bundles were certainly heavy. All the Rudes were at Palerudes for dinner. Albert Rude took us to town in company with Ragnhid Palerud and Amanda Rude. We saw the home for the feeble minded (#69) a public institution. There was supposed to be something like 1500 at the institution and we saw some of them. Then we went to the Shattuck Military school thru the city park to the city graveyard. The graveyard was well taken care of and is one of the prettiest that I have seen. The people in Faribault took a great pride in their grave yard with the nice trees and flowers planted all over. (#70) Got to the station about 2 minutes before the train come. Went on the Rock Island and a young girl that was standing on account of no room took sick and fainted. Some good hearted people gave her a seat. Some put cold water on her forehead while another was fanning her. The girl really fainted from the heat. When we got to Minneapolis we had to go to another station and I started (#71) to carry my suitcases but run across a boy with a small coaster wagon that only had one leg. I let the boy take the suit cases over to the other station and he wanted 50 cents for that and I gave it to him. Got to the station I bought a ticket to Bottineau and that cost $16.01. My upper berth cost $2.49 and mothers lower cost $3.24. The agent figured that I had to pay $38.85 but I figured $37.85 and I was right. (#72) Our train left Minneapolis 10:58 in the evening. Many laboring men went on the train. August 5 When we got up we were at Fargo N.Dak. Some Harvest had been done but most of the grain is still green. There seems to be considerable rust thru the valley. Around Larimore the grain had a better color but it wasn't as thick on the ground. At Grand Forks the train stopped (#73) 30 minutes and we were off and had doughnuts and coffee. There was no dinner on this train so the train stopped in order to let the passengers get something to eat. The branch train waited for us at Rugby and on the train to Bottineau I met Hugh Wright and Isabel McIntosh. I had not seen both of them for a number of years. The crop was good all the way until we got (#74) near Bottineau. As soon as we got off the train at Bottineau I recognized many known faces and it seemed nice to be back. This will end my story of the trip and considering everything I consider we have had a very good trip. i think it will be something i can look back on with pleasure.. The trip for mother and myself has cost about $1000 but If I continue having a good health I will soon make up the money. Further more money is not all in life.
Edward L Vinje |
