We've Got The County Covered
We've Got The County Covered
Our ancestral roots run deep in Norway. Three of our grandparents immigrated to the United States from Norway at the turn of the century. Two of the grandparents came as children with their entire family. In 1906, our paternal grandfather, Sivert Munson, came at the age of 21 with no other family members. We were always intrigued with his story and his family in Norway. It was always exciting at Christmas, as his family would send cards and letters to him. They even sent him a painting by a local artist that showed the sea and his childhood home. This painting was hung in his bedroom so he could look at it every night. As children, we always thought it was sad that Grandpa Munson never went back to his home in Selje, Norway, nor did any of his family come to see him. He did have a nephew, Trygve, who came in the early 1960's to settle in Vancouver, BC. They were able to visit a few times.
My sister and I always wanted to go back to Norway and meet his family. We made this adventure happen in 2018. We went to meet Trygve's daughters in 2013 and continued to stay connected. We asked them who we should contact in Norway. They gave us a contact through Facebook. My sister messaged this woman and explained who we were and that we would like to connect with family. Her response was quite disappointing as she said, "Maybe we can have coffee." She lived in Alesund and she would be the only one we would see. Well she must have thought about it and connected us with Jan Eric, our 1st cousin, twice removed. He and his family live in Bergen, Norway. He was quite the organizer with all the family and was quite excited that we were coming. We did much corresponding by email prior to the trip. We knew that our dream was finally going to happen.
We flew into Copenhagen and stayed a few days with the crazy Dane, Lars, and his family. From there we flew to Oslo and spent a couple of days exploring. Then we took the scenic route to Bergen by train, boat, and bus. It is called Norway in a Nutshell and it is beautiful. When we arrived by train to Bergen, Jan Eric, picked us up. There was an immediate connection that started out with big smiles and hugs. My daughter, Cassie, flew in the next day so she could be part of the adventure. That day we met more family. Marta, our dad's first cousin said she must meet these women from Montana. Her daughter and son-in-law drove her and her husband from Oslo to Bergen which is about an 8 hour drive. Marta and Rostien are both 90 and are in very good health.
We brought pictures of our family and also the cards, letters, and pictures the family had sent so many years ago to Grandpa. Marta was quite taken with them and found a handwritten note from her mother. Again we talked like we were long lost relatives. Marta never met our grandpa but she heard stories about him. It was such a joyous time. That day we had lunch and dinner together along with a boat ride in the harbor. We knew we were with family.
Finally we were going to Grandpa's home in Selje, Norway. The quickest way to get there was by high speed ferry and even that took 5 hours. We were greeted their by Bjarne, Svein, and Atle, again more smiles and hugs. It was quite a feeling as we were the first of Sivert's family to set foot on this ground since 1906. From there we went to Bjarne and Anita home and had a fabulous lunch. From there we went to West Cape, the farthest western point of Europe. The next day we went to see our Grandpa's home, his family church, and to other families homes. Of course being Norwegian, each home had food for us to eat and of course coffee. Hilde proudly hung out the Norwegian flag in our honor. That night, our Selje family had a dinner in our honor at the only café in town which happened to be owned by one of our relatives. The café is opened for breakfast and lunch so we had the whole café to ourselves. Our dinner was fabulous, fish soup, bread, and traditional Norwegian desserts. Again we met more relatives and shared the cards and letters that were written to Grandpa. One of the family members found a picture of himself and the letter written by his mother. Then it was time to say goodbye and exchange addresses. It was bitter sweet.
Now we finally understood why Sivert Rikheim left Selje and came to America where he changed his name to Munson. There were 6 children in his family and he was the second oldest boy. The oldest boy was given the land. Although the area is beautiful, the land is not very fertile. Each family had a small amount of land running from the ocean up to the mountain. The families were starving. They basically had fish to eat. Even though Selje, is small, 2700 people, two of people came to homestead in our area. Both the Listou's and Hellebust's came from Selje. When we told Bjarne, he took us to the Listou place. We met one of their family and she said she had lived in Brady with family one school year. It is a small world as I know one of her family members in Brady.
It was amazing as how we felt so connected and now understood why we are the way we are. I could say it was a once in a life time trip but I know we will be going back to Norway again. This summer Marta, her husband, daughter and son-in-law will be coming to see us. Marta said she must see this place Uncle Sivert went to live and meet the rest of his family. Now the story will continue.
