STJØRDALENS SPAREANK

—oprettet 1847—

Telefon nr. 20

Telegramadr. SPAREBANKEN

Stjørdal den 2. Mai 1938

Herr John Holm,

Jasper Minn, Boxt 16 U.S.A.

I anledning Deres forespørgsel i brev av 14. April d.a. meddeles at vor bank f.t. forrenter innskudd på opsigelse (6mdr.) med 3 1/2 % pr. år.  Dette er den høieste rente De f.t. kan opnå i Norske banker.  Det er intet til hinder for at innskudsbevis (kontrabok) kan opbevares uten omkostninger her i banken og De vil da i tilfelle De senner penger hit få tilsent kvittering for mottakelsen av beløpet samt for opbevaringen av kontraboken.

Vi hører gjerne fra Dem og tegner

Ærbødigst

STJØRDALENS SPAREBANK (Stempel)

STJØRDALENS SPAREBANK

—established 1847—

Telephone No. 20

Telegram adr.  SPAREBANKEN

Stjørdal the 2^nd of May 1938

Mr. John Holm

Jasper Minn, Boxt 16 U.S.A.

With reference to Your inquiry in a letter of April 14 this year we can inform you that our bank at this time pays an interest of 3 1/2 % per year on deposits in a fixed term account (6 months).  This is the highest interest You can presently achieve in Norwegian banks.  There is nothing to prevent You from keeping the proof of deposit (the bankbook) here at the bank without cost and in case You send money here You’ll receive a receipt for the amount as well as for the bankbook.

We would be pleased to hear from You and sign

Sincerely

STJØRDALENS SPAREBANK (stamp)

The signature is illegible — looks like S S, or H Hegstet, or Hugstad (?)

The reason why the Y’s are capitalised in the text above is that a polite and formal form of “You”(singular and plural) was used in those days when speaking/writing to someone unknown to you, or in a higher position than you (the “du” would be changed to De, so the word for “you” changed completely.  This is common in many languages; it’s used in Spanish and French for instance.  This form is disappearing from the Norwegian language now.  

29-10-38

Goddag min kjære kusine.

Tusen tak for dit længe ventende brev, du skal tro jeg har syntes det var rart at jeg ingenting hørte og jeg har sent dig en 3-4 billeder av min datter Gerds konfirmasjon, men jeg hører du ikke har fåt dem jeg kan ikke forstå det.  Her er alt omtrent som paa det gamle  jeg stræver hver dag for mine barn.  Jeg har tænkt meget på dig og snakket om dig til barna at du må være syk for det glær mig frygtelig og faa brev fra dig saa du ser jeg er stolt over at jeg har faat høre fra dig.  Hvad har du ligget paa sykehuset for?  jeg plages med maven for jeg tåler ikke brunet mat og sterke sauser, men man maa være glad for at jeg faar være oppe hver dag.  Jeg skal hilse fra mor  hun holder på og vasker på skolen enda, det blir 24 aar nu siden hun begynte saa det er mangen dag og vri kluten.  Igaar var jeg hos en nabo i selskap  de er saa hyggelig mot mig for det er saa trist om aftenen naar jeg er alene endskjønt det er sjelden.  Du maa hilse onkel Jon og tante fra mig det er morsomt og se at de er bra friske.  Min bror Olaf har vært på langreise og er begynt paa en annen baat, vi fik en liten ting hver naar han kom igjen.  Onkel Ole er det længe siden jeg snakket  min datter har snakket med en av hans døtre  det er bare bra der  alle hans døtre har gode poster.   Erling min ælste bror fiffer op stuen til mor kjøper nye stoler og ny Radio  han er en slik mamma gut.  Jeg maa nu slutte mit rot for denne gang håper paa svar snarest mulig.

Hils dine fra os

Hjertelig Hilsner

Klara og barna

29-10-38

Goodday my dear cousin.

Thank you so much for your long awaited letter, I can’t tell you how strange I thought it was that I didn’t hear anything and I’ve sent you 3-4 pictures of my daughter Gerd’s confirmation, but I hear you haven’t received them  I can’t understand that.  Everything is more or less as usual here  I toil every day for my children.  I’ve thought about you a lot and talked about you to the children that you must be sick because it pleases me terribly to get a letter from you so you see I’m proud to have heard from you.  What have you been in the hospital for?  I have problems with my stomach because I can’t handle fried foods and spicy gravies, but must be happy that I can stay up every day.  My mother says hello  she still cleans at the school, it will be 24 years now since she started so that’s many a day wringing that rag.  Yesterday I was at a neighbour’s at a party  they are so nice to me because it’s so miserable in the evening when I’m alone though that’s not often.  Say hello to uncle John and auntie from me  it’s fun to see that they’re quite healthy.  My brother Olaf has been overseas and has started on another ship, we got a little thing each when he returned.  I haven’t talked to uncle Ole for a long time  my daughter has spoken with one of his daughters  they’re all fine there  all his daughters have good jobs.  Erling my oldest brother is fixing up mother’s living room  is buying new chairs and a new Radio  he’s such a mama’s boy.  I must end this mess for this time  hope for a reply as soon as possible.

Greet yours from us

Hearty Greetings

Klara and the children   

Tr.heim 12-12-38

Kjære broder

Vil nu skrive nogle ord som en Julehilsen til dere.  Jeg har ventet og høre fra dig i hele sommer, helt siden jeg fik denne “Bibel” sendt.  Jeg ventet nemlig og faa høre dødsbudskabet, da det var klæbet fast en papirlap på første blad, sålydende

Når jeg er død skal denne bibel sendes til O. Holm osv.  Jeg synes det var en nokså raa spøg.  Jeg blev nemlig siden underrettet derbortefra at du og din kone befinder dere i bedste velgående, og at du iblant hamrer på din Ambolt (envil) (han har føyd til det engelske ordet for amboldt) Kl. 6 om morgenen så det synger i nabolaget, ja dette er bra, men det kan være grænse for spøg.  Herhjemme er alt som vanlig  vi er frisk alle vi søsken, skal hilse fra alle  Alle stræver på hver sit vis  Axel & Conrad var her forleden søndag, for Conrad er det noksaa troublesome (han slenger inn noen engelske ord her og der).  Laura er nede ved Oslo, og Hanna er oppe i Narvik.  Jeg har ikke været i Hegra på 2 aar, har intet og gjøre der, og nesten alle gamle kjendinger er død.  slig er livets lov  de gamle forsvinder og en ny slægt opstaar.

Fik du Aviserne jeg sendte dig ivår.  Her i Tr.heim har vi ikke hat “sne” enda og knap kuldegrader, rigtig vaarveir  Skal hilse fra kona og alle døtre  alle fem er busy working  den yngste er nu 17 aar  Vi hadde sølvbryllup nu Nov 11^th  tiden gaar.

Et lite foto af en flok af os på tur oppe på “Gråkallens” høieste top near Tr.heim  myself to the left.

Du skal vel på “New York fair” til sommeren?  Da kommer du vel en tur hjem.

Ser du, hvordan Djævelen og hans engle regerer i Europa, i “Tyskland” og “Italia”  Tyskerne & the digos er galne, og Englands og Frankriges Statsmen er nogen feige uslinger  Verden gaar sin opløsning imøte, Vi lever i en Babels forvirringstid no. 2.  Jeg er glad for at jeg er saa gammel at min tid er snart forbi, det er godt og tænke paa at vi har et bedre sted og flytte til, hvor ingen nød eller sorger er.

Ja jeg haaper du og kona er fremdeles i bedste velgaaende.  Saa maa du hilse Alma saa meget fra os  haaper alt er bra med hende.  Jeg maa tilstaa at jeg er svært sløv har blet naar det angaar og skrive men nu skal jeg ta fat  jeg skal nu skrive til “Florence Winters”  har ikke hørt fra hende paa længe.  Mine jenter har det saa travelt med og stelle til Jul nu  stor stas  mange besøkende for vi saa jeg har det ikke ensomt nei, mange møter og Fester uafladelig.

Ja saa haaper vi og faa et langt brev fra dig  fortel alt du vet.

Hils Halvor Oien saa meget fra mig.

Jeg sender dig kanske et Foto af hele dameflokken min efter Jul.  Maa da slutte for denne gang med de allerbedste “Julehilsener” fra os alle alle.

Skal hilse fra Jertine broder Markus’ enke  hun har det bra  voksne kjække barn har hun.

Good bye

Olav Holm

Rosenborgsgt. 14, Trondheim

Tr.heim 12-12-38

Dear brother

I’ll write a few words as a Christmas greeting to you all.  I’ve been waiting to hear from you all summer, ever since I received that “Bible”.  You see I expected to get a notification of your death, because a note was glued to the first page, saying

When I am dead this bible is to be sent to O. Holm etc.  I think that was a rather crude joke, since I was later informed from over there that you and your wife are in the best of health, and that you sometimes hammer on your envil at 6 in the morning so that it echoes in the neighbourhood, which is good, but there ought to be a limit for joking.  Here at home everything is as usual  all your sisters and brothers are well, they all say hello.  They’re all struggling each in his own way  Axel and Conrad were here last Sunday, for Conrad things are rather troublesome. Laura is down by Oslo, and Hanna is up by Narvik.  I haven’t been to Hegra for 2 years, have no business there, and almost all old aquaintances are dead.  such is the law of life  the old folk disappear and a new generation comes into being.

Did you get the newspapers I sent you this spring.  Here in Tr.heim we haven’t had any “snow” yet and hardly below freezing, almost springlike.  My wife and all my daughters say hello  all five of them are busy working  the youngest is 17 years old now  We celebrated our Silver Wedding Anniversary this Nov 11th  time flies.

A little photo of a group of us on a trip up to the highest point of “Gråkallen” near Tr.heim  myself to the left. 

I guess you’re going to the “New York fair” this summer?  If you do you might as well come home for a while.  Do you see, how the Devil and his angels are ruling in Europe, in “Germany” and “Italy”  the Germans & the digos are crazy, and England’s and France’s Statesmen are just cowardly wretches  The world is heading towards dissolution,  We are living in a Babylonian confusion era no. 2.  I’m glad that I’m so old that my time is almost over, it makes me feel good to think that we have a better place to move to, where there is no distress or sorrow.

Well I hope you and the wife are still in the best of health.  Say hello to Alma from us  hope everything is well with her.  I must admit I’ve become very slow with regard to writing but now I’ll get going  I’m now going to write to “Florence Winters”  haven’t heard from her for a long time.  My girls are so busy preparing for Christmas right now  great fun  we’re getting a lot of visitors so you can say I’m not at all lonely, many meetings and Parties constantly.

Well we hope to get a long letter from you  tell us all you know.  Say hello to Halvor Oien from me.  I might send you a Photo of all my ladies after Christmas.  Will end this for now with the best of wishes for Christmas from us all. Jertine Markus’ widow says hello  she’s doing well  has good grown up children.

Good bye 

Olav Holm, Rosenborgsgt. 14, Trondheim

Stjørdal den 31 Mars 1940

Kjære Alma og dere alle sammen.

Tusin tak for julhilsningen som jeg fik nu  Brukte lang tid.

Det glæder os at se og høre at vores lever bra og har det godt.  For et år siden trodde vi at broder Johan var død for Olav fik tilsent hans bibel og i den var det en skrivelse med bøn om at bibelen måtte sendes Olav når Johan var død og bibelen kom, og vi trodde det var dødsbud men ved undersøkelse fik vi høre at han var i full vigør, og vi glæder os over det.  Her lever vi vel og holder på i forretningen ver dag og baker brød, jeg har mine 2 sønner med  Eilif og Arne.  Eilif er nu syk han har sår på tolv finger tarmen men det går bra, tror at han skal slippe operation.  Arne er forlovet med en pige fra Aasen, en flink pige.  Vår minste gut Einar skal konfirmeres iår på September.  Du og Johan kan komme hit en tur da og deltage met os  di er velkommen  Vår datter Herborg er på Levanger en liten by ca. 4 mil herfra  er på en fruktforretning.  Var i Trondheim igår men hilste ikke på Olav men det er bare bra med Dem alle.  Laura vor søster er i Heggedal ved Oslo  Dem har det bra.  Min hustru er sykelig, lider av sukkersyke og dårlig blod trykk.  Forøvrikt har vi det bare bra.  Det største av alt er at en for tro sine synders forlatelse i Jesu blod, tror du dette Alma.  Vi har en spent tid her nu  Krigens gru er os så nært for stakars Finlann og de kan bli os om en kort tid  vi som for blø og død.  Vi som bor slik in på millitære øvelses plas må nok i en fart forlate hus og hjem men vi lever enda i håbet om at ulykken må gå over, men bibelens ord taler tydelig om at tiderne skal bli verre og verre før han kommer  De siges at vi nu er i bibelens 4 ve i Aabenbar. der fjerdedelen av jordens befolkning skal late sit liv i krig, Jorskjelv, Pest, Hungersnød, ulykker.  og dette har vi nok av idag, det opfyldes for vore øine.  Men dette må først skje da kommer han Jesus vor frelser.  Tiderne blir vist ikke bedre for os på denne sorgens og syndens jord.  Måtte vi ver voken og ventende på ham som skal fri os utt ifra all trengsel. 

Du må hilse John og vor slekt ifra os  Konrad har det bra  han er på forretningen hos Lindgård i Hegra, flere av barna er nu gift og reire er tomt  en datter hjemme.  Brage den elste av barna har mavesår  skal nu oppereres.  Lev vel i Herren 

Hilsen med Rom 8. -1

Ax. Holm m familie

Jeg er nu 53 år  tiden ruller og går.  Vi har hat en kold og snerik vinter, enda ligger snen dyp og det er kolt så det ser trist ut, idag er her søndenvinn.

Stjørdal March 31-1940

Dear Alma and all of you.

Thanks a lot for the Christmas greetings which I just received  Took a long time.

It pleases us to see and hear that ours are doing well.  A year ago we thought brother Johan was dead because Olav received a bible and inside it was a note saying that the bible was to be sent to Olav when Johan was dead and the bible came, and we thought it meant he had died but upon further investigation we found out he was still going strong, and we are glad of that.  Here we are doing well and are at the store baking bread every day, I have my 2 sons with me Eilif and Arne.  Eilif is sick now  he has a duodenal ulcer but doing ok, we think he can get by without an operation.  Arne is engaged to a girl from Aasen, a clever girl.  Our youngest boy Einar will be confirmed this year in September.  You and Johan can come then and celebrate with us  you are welcome.  Our daughter Herborg is at Levanger a little town about 4 miles (Norwegian miles) from here  is at a shop that sells fruit.  I was in Trondheim yesterday but didn’t go by Olav’s but they’re all ok.  Laura our sister is in Heggedal near Oslo  They’re doing ok.  My wife is sickly, suffers from diabetes and bad blood pressure.  Apart from that we’re doing fine.  The greatest of all is that we can believe in the forgiveness of our sins in the blood of Jesus, do you believe this Alma.  We have a tense time here now  the horror of War is so close to us and poor Finland and it can be us shortly  our turn to bleed and die.  Those of us who live so close to a military exercise area will probably have to leave our homes in a hurry but we’re still hoping that it will all blow over, but the words of the bible speak clearly of the times getting worse and worse before he comes  It is being said that we are now in the bible’s 4^th ve of the Revel. where a fourth of the earth’s population shall die in war, Earthquakes, plagues, Famine, accidents.  and this we have enough of today, it’s coming true in front of our eyes.  But this has to happen first then he will come Jesus our saviour.  The times will not get any better for us on this earth of grief and sin.  May we be awale and waiting for him who will free us out from all troubles.  Say hello to John and our kin from us  Konrad is doing fine  he’s at Lindgård’s shop in Hegra, many of his children are married now and the nest empty  a daughter at home.  Brage the oldest of the children has a stomach ulcer  is soon to be operated on.  Live well in the Lord

Greetings with Rom 8. –1

Ax. Holm w family

I’m 53 years old now  time rolls on.  We have had a cold and snowfilled winter, the snow is still deep and it’s cold so it looks miserable, today there’s a southerly wind. 

Trondheim 28/2-41

Kjære onkel Jon!

Takker dig så meget for brevet som vi mottok idag.  Først må jeg kansje fortelle hvem jeg er.  Jeg er altså Olas ynste datter.  Her er alt bra, og det håper jeg det er hos dere.  Far arbeider hver dag med sitt vanlig arbeide, og ellers har vi arbeide alle sammen.  Som du sikkert vet er Sonja gift, og vi andre står på kolonialforretninger.  Evelyn den næst yngste av oss, er nu søster på Trondhjem Sykehus.  Her er full vinter enda, og vi driver både ski og skøytesporten.  Det har været kaldt her i lang tid, men, det blir vel bedre nu når våren står for døren.  Det blir så en ser så lyst på livet, når det går mot våren.  Håper alt retter på sig snart.  Far sitter nu borte ved radioen og venter på nyhetene.  Man må jo følge med dagens begivenheter.  Jeg håper du forstår dette jeg skriver, men jeg kan desverre ikke engelsk, så jeg skriver bare norsk.  Jeg skal hilse fra alle slekninger her.  Som du vet har Conrad været syk, men begynner nu å være oppe.  Skal ellers hilse fra alle Conrads døtre her.  De er gifte og bor her i byen.  Skal nu hilse så meget fra far, mor, Agnes, Sonja, Gerd og Evelyn.  Lev vel,

Beste hilsninger Effi.

Husk og skrive snart.

Kjære Broder

Tak for brev, det er morsomt og se du har det bra  Jeg læste brev fra Alma til Konrad idag, ser det er bare bra med alle.

Du vet det er rationering på alle varer her, også på clothing (klær).  Jeg skulle ønske du kunne sende mig 1 par sjorter (shirts, helst brugte skitne og krøllet (long sleeves)  Vi er alle friske både Store og små, og bra med arbeide, men det er mangel på dvs.  Kan ikke skrive mere, bare så du ser vi lever  Vi har hat en hård vinter men nu stunder det mot lysere tider, så vi har det bra hittil.

Du må hilse alle slægt og venner og skrive snart igjen  Overalls bukser er så dyre også her.

Må slutte, med hilsen fra kona og alle jenterne

Lev så inderlig vel da begge to og husk også os i deres bønner, så treffes vi til slut, hvor alt er godt.

Din broder Olav

Trondheim 28/2-41

Dear uncle Jon!

Thank you so much for the letter we received today.  Maybe I should start by telling you who I am.  I’m Ola’s youngest daughter.  Everything is fine here, and I hope the same goes for all of you.  Father works every day at his usual job, and all the rest of us also have jobs. As you probably know Sonja is married, and the rest of us work in grocery stores.  Evelyn the next youngest of us, is now a nurse at Trondhjem Hospital.  We still have winter here, and we ski as well as skate.  It has been cold here for a long time, but, I guess it’ll get better now that spring is around the corner.  Life looks so much brighter when spring approaches.  Hope everything gets better soon.  Right now father is sitting over by the radio waiting for the news.  We have to keep up with the happenings of the day you know.  I hope you understand what I’m writing, but unfortunately I don’t know English, so I’m writing in Norwegian.  All relatives here send their greetings.  As you know Conrad has been sick, but is now starting to be up out of bed some.  Conrad’s daughters here also send greetings.  They are married and live here in town.  Father, mother, Agnes, Sonja, Gerd and Evelyn send their best wishes.  Live well,

Best wishes Effi.

Remember to write soon.

Dear Brother

Thank you for your letter, it’s fun to see that you’re doing well  I read the letter from Alma to Konrad today, I see everyone is doing fine.

You know there’s rationing of all goods here, on clothing too.  I wish you would send me a couple of shirts (preferably used dirty and wrinkled, long sleeves)  We are all healthy the Big ones as well as the little ones, and enough work, but shortage of various things.  Can’t write any more, enough to let you see that we’re alive.  We’ve had a rough winter but now brighter days are approaching, so we’re fine sofar.

Give our regards to all relatives and friends and write soon again  Overalls are also so expensive here.

Have to quit, with greetings from the wife and all the girls.

Keep well then both of you and remember us too in your prayers, and we’ll meet in the end, where everything is good.

Your brother Olav   

Casalanca den 9-3-1941

Gode onkel Johan.

Jeg vill nu benytte adledningen til og skrive noen ord til dig.  Jeg heter Odd Conrad Holm, og er sønn hans Conrad, jeg er født den 16-12-1918 og er tvilling.  Du har kansje sett mig da jeg syntes og huske far fortalte at du var hjeme på denne tid.  Jeg har nu vært ute til sjøss siden 1936 og har ikke vært i Hegra siden.  Jeg har i denne tid vært runt åveralt i værden  har også vært en del i Amerika, vor jeg likte mig godt,  Jeg skulle ønske jeg var der igjen.  Siden jeg reiste heimant ifra har jeg vært i Heggedal og besøkt tante Laura.  Jeg har ikke hørt noe fra Norge siden krigen begynte.  Vill du vær så snill og sende mig et brev og samtidi gi mig noen adresser til vore slektninger derover.  Viss jeg kommer mig åver til Amerika får jeg kanskje anledning til og besøke dere.  Har du adledning så skriv snarest noen ord og helst send med Flyvepost,  min dresse

Odd Conrad Holm

S/S Ringul

Konsulat de Norwege

Casablanca Fransk Morrokko

Afrika

Casablanca 9-3-1941

Good uncle Johan.

I will now take the opportunity to write a few words to you.  My name is Odd Conrad Holm, and I’m the son of Conrad, I’m born 16-12-1918 and am a twin.  You may have seen me as I seem to remember father telling me you were home at that time.  I have now been out at sea since 1936 and haven’t been to Hegra since.  During this time I have been travelling about the world  have also been to America a few times, which I really liked,  I wish I were there again.  Since I left home I have been to Heggedal to visit aunt Laura.  I haven’t heard anything from Norway since the war started.  Would you please send me a letter and at the same time give me some addresses of our relatives over there.  If I ever come to America I may get an opportunity to visit you.  If you get a chance please write a few words as soon as you can and preferably send by Air mail, my address

Odd Conrad Holm

S/S Ringul

Konsulat de Norwege

Casablanca Fransk Morrokko

Afrika

Safi – Afrika den 5 mai

Kjære onkel John.

Jeg har for nogen dager siden mottat dit brev, som jeg sier så mange takk for.  Det var hyggeli og høre ifra dig og se at dere har det bra.  Du tror at jeg er sønn til onkel Aksel, men jeg er ikke det.  Jeg er født på Holmstrø, vor også du er født, og jeg er sønn hans Conrad.  Vi er 3 brødre og jeg er den yngste.  Jeg har 6 søstre den elste er 30 år, og den yngste er 16 år.  Jeg er tvilling og er 22 år  som du kansje vet har onkel Aksel 2 sønner og 1 datter som fremderles lever.  Jeg har siden jul fått 10 brever fra Norge og ser av disse at alle vores lever fremdeles, og det var mere en vad jeg ventet, efter alt det som har hent.  Min far Conrad har i den senere tid vært endel syk, men er bedre nu  Han skriver at han har fått brev fra onkel John.  Din søster Laura bor i Heggedal  hun har som du sikkert vet en sønn.  Siden jeg reiste heimantifra har jeg besøkt dem, og de hadde det bra.  Det er mange i Hegra som er falt i krigen og derav mange av mine Kamerater.  det er nu 4 år siden jeg var i Hegra, og har siden fartet om i den vide verden, og har sett og oplevd mye, da særli de siste 2 år.  Det er nu åver et år siden jeg har vært i staterne.  Jeg har vært i flere byer både på øst og vest kysten og liker staterne godt.  Jeg skulle ønske jeg hadde vært der, men jeg har ikke inreiselsestilatelse  Du sier at Alma Wilson skriver til mig  Jeg kjenner vistnok ikke hende, men kjender hennes slekninger i Trondheim.  De var heime hoss oss da jeg var hjeme (her tror jeg han tar feil av Alma og noen andre.  Kunne det være Florence Winters’ slekt som var fra Tr.heim?).  Jeg håper jeg får brevet hendes.  Viss jeg skulde sende noen penger deråver vil du onkel ta vare på disse, for viss jeg får leve skal jeg, kansje ikke før efter krigen komme og besøke dere.

Jeg må nu slutte for denne gang, og håper dere alle for ha det bra..

Jeg er frisk og har det efter omstediheterne bra.  Jeg er ombord i en Norsk båt.

Hjerteli hilsen Odd Conrad Holm

Konsulet De Norwege

Casablanca Fransk Morrokko

Afrika.

Safi-Africa May 5

Dear uncle John.

I received your letter a few days ago, which I thank you very much for.  It was pleasant to hear from you and to see that you all are doing well. You think I’m a son of uncle Aksel’s, but I’m not.  I’m born at Holmstrø, where you were born too, and I’m Conrad’s son.  We are 3 brothers and I’m the youngest.  I have 6 sisters  the oldest is 30 years old, and the youngest is 16 years old.  I’m a twin and am 22 years old  as you may know uncle Aksel has 2 sons and 1 daughter who are still living.  I have received 10 letters from Norway since Christmas and from those I see that all of ours are still living, and that’s more than I expected, after what has happened.  My father Conrad has lately been sick, but is better now.  He writes that he has had a letter from uncle John.  Your sister Laura lives in Heggedal  she has as you probably know a son.  Since I left home I’ve visited them, and they were doing well.  There are many in Hegra who have fallen in the war and among them many of my Friends.  it has now been 4 years since I was in Hegra, and since then I have travelled around in the wide world, and have seen and experienced a lot, especially the last 2 years.  It has now been over a year since I was in the States.  I’ve been to several cities both on the east and the west coast and like the States very much.  I wish I was there, but I don’t have an entry visa.  You say that Alma Wilson is writing to me  I don’t think I know her, but I know her relatives in Trondheim.  They visited us when I was at home (I think he mistakes Alma for somebody else, could it possibly be Florence Winters whose kin lived in Trondheim?).  I hope I receive her letter.  If I were to send some money over there would you uncle take care of them, because if I get to live I’ll, maybe not until after the war come and visit you.  I’ll have to end this for now, and hope you all will keep well..

I’m healthy and am doing well under the circumstances.  I’m on board a Norwegian ship.

Hearty greetings Odd Conrad Holm

Konsulet De Norwege

Casablanca French Morocco

Africa

Casablanca den 28-mai 1941

My dear Grace

Det var en stor åveraskelse og glede for mig da jeg mottok ditt brev datert Dell Rapids den 6 april.  Det var snilt av dig og skrive til mig, og mange takk for det flotte bilede du sente med av dig og 2 av dine brødre  Jeg har for en tid siden fått brev fra onkel John, og svarte med det samme derpå.  Jeg er født den 16-12-1918 sammen med min søster Anna  jeg og Anna er vad vi kaller på Norsk for tvillinger.  Jeg har to brødre  den elste er 30 år og den andre 27.  Desuten har jeg 6 søstre  Den yngste er 16 år og den elste 29.  Vi er altså 9 søsken tilsammen.  Jeg har nu ikke vert heime på 4 år, og da krigen begynte i Norge var jeg på vei heim men måtte gå tilbake igjen, og det er jeg glad får.  Det var et helt år at jeg ikke hørte noe heimant ifra, men nu i den senere tid har jeg fått 15 brever.  Jeg ser av disse at vor familie lever.  Jeg vet ikke om du kan læse Norsk men du kan jo få din mor til og åversette det for dig.  I det første år av krigen seilet jeg bare i krigssonen  det var mye stygt og se der.  Vi lå foresten i 2 måneder under stadi bombeild  Men vi gjir aldri opp.  Vi vinner til slutt.

I de årene jeg har vært til-sjøss har jeg vært i mange byer på både øst og westkysten, og jeg liker Amerika meget godt.  Amerika er det beste land i hele verden.  Du kan gjerne være stolt av landet ditt.

Jeg ser av ditt brev, at du sitter på et bilotek, da har du mye lesestoff  Vi her ombord har ingen ting, du forstår vi ligger enternert her.  Men om ikke lenge kommer vi antageli fri.

Her er mesteparten av befolkningen arabere, de er noen ubehagelie folk og ha med og gjøre.  Wiss jeg tidligere hadde hatt rede på deres adresse, skulle jeg had besøgt dere før, men så snart jeg får adledning skal jeg ta en tur.  Sender samtidi med et bilede som er tatt i en Norsk kirke i en utenlansk havn. 

Jeg håper du vill skrive noen ord igjen, gjerne på ditt eget språg.  Jeg har også skrevet til din mor.

Wery. Truly. yours

Odd conrad Holm    

My dear Grace.

 It was agreat surprise and pleasure for me to receive aletter from you dated Dell Rapids 6 of april-41  It was very kind of you to write me and Thanks alot for the lovely picture of you and 2 brothers.

I received aletter from uncle John some time ago, and I answered imediately 

I was born 16-12-1918 together with sister Anna, we are twins in good old Norwegian language.  I have 2 brothers the oldest 30 – the other 27, also 6 sisters the youngest 16 the oldest 29, 9 altogether  I have not been home for 4 years.  When the war started in norway, I was on my way home.  But had to turn back, wich I was glad of.  It was afull year I heard nothing from home  But now I received 15 letters in ashort while.  I see there by all our family is living.  I don’t know if you read norwegien.  Your mother can read it for you

the first year of the war I sailed in the war zone then.  There were many nasty things to be seen there  we laid for 2 months under steady bombing.  But we wont give up  we will win in the end. the years I have been at sea I have been in many citys both on the east and west coast.  I like America very much.  It is the best land in the whole world. You can very well be very proud of your land there.

I see by your letter you are workin in alibrary.  There you have access to much good reading.  vi have here aboard many things (the original actually says “nothing”, not many things).  you understand we are laying here interned.  But in time we will be freed.  The greatest part of the people are Arabian, and very unpleasent to deal with  If I had had your address sooner, I should have visited you.  But will now at the first oppertunity. one picture is of anorwegien church at foreign port.  Hope you write soon in your language.  I have also wrote your mother

THIS ADDRESS, INCLUDED WITH THE ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF ODD’S LETTER, IS A LATER ONE, FOR 1944, AND DOES NOT BELONG WITH THIS PARTICULAR LETTER.

Odd Conrad Holm, M/T Thorshov, 80 Broad St.

The Norwegian Shipping and Trade Mission

New York, NY

My Dear Grace.

Thank you very much for your very interesting letter which I received from you when I was in Africa.

It was very kind of you to write me.  Your letter were dated 6/4-41.  I wrote you at once, but I don’t think you have got my letter because it was very difficult to get any letter through the censor that time.  I was interned a long time, had little and bad food.  The last three months before the American came, I was in a consentration camp 350 miles south of Oran.  It was a terrible place in the desert, sun and sand and of course very hot, so I was very glad to get out of it.  I was working for the American Navy for some time, but later as a Norwegian I had to join a Norwegian ship, and since then I have been sailing all about.  I am now onboard a Norwegian oil tanker.  We use to have 14 days in the Atlantic and two-three days in port, so we are almost always at sea.  But it is all the same to me.  I hope the war soon is over, so I can be able to send a letter home and get an answer without any German interference. 

You told me you were working in a Carnegie Public Library, but I suppose you had to quit the job for the benefit of war production, if so I think you will be able to get your job back again as soon as the war is over if you wish to.

I should like to visit you in Dell Rapids and uncle John too, but I have not got time enough to do so, I am probably going to pay off in an American port some time after Christmas, and then I will be glad to visit my friends (it would be another year and a half before he could finally go home).

My twin sister and I was born in 1918.  My sister is married and live in Norway.  My other sisters are older than I, except one.  She is 19 year old.  I have two brothers, both past thirty.

As you may know, my father passed away in February 1942, 62 year old (I think he’s mistaken here, Conrad died January 6-1943 as far as I know).  I have not been home since 1937.  I feel a little lonesome occasionally, but having plenty of work and much to learn, I am too much occupied to feel homesick, and find the life and my job very interesting.

I wrote your mother when I was in Philadelphia for some days ago, I hope she has got my letter.

We are now laying in New York only for a night.  When I get more time, I will write you a longer letter.  I would appreciate hearing from you and your family.  Wishing you the best of health, and complete happiness.

Very truly yours,

Odd Conrad Holm

M/T Thorshov. The Norwegian Shipping and Trade Mission. New York. N.Y.

Tr.heim, June 4, 1945

Mrs. Wilson.  Dear Niece

Keep cold, I am no a Ghost.  I am the same gay fellow your uncle Ole, still going strong.

I thought I must write you first because I were sure of your adrs.  Certainly I,ll write to you all over there, have something to ask for to anyone.  I been thinking so much of John, been wondering wheter he lives or not, because his geting old, 77 years the 30^th of June.  I be now 67 the 10^th of June still a boy, and I am sick for to take a trip over there.  As you know, so are also we relief from the German Demons that pretty near have starved us to death and punished and murdered a whole lot of our folks for nothing.  I have been runned down so badly.  My nerves been bad before of & on, but the last 2 years I been terrible many times, but I hope it will be little better after awhile with food but not much better yet, because its such a lots of Soldiers yet, from many land.  400.000 Germans yet, and all must have something to eat.  We are in need of everything, but its the worst about clothing.  I wonder how it is about geting anything from there.  I am in such need of an overcoat, soon have we winter again, and nothing to were.  Would you do me the favor and send me a “measure blank” and state price of an good solid “overcoat” this is something that could be sent by mail, also shirts and Suits even shoes we are lack of (nr. 8) even if it was worn some wouldnt make any diferent.  It will take a long time yet before we get anything, by ordinary way.  Well, my wife is fairly well, but tired and geting old.  My 5 daughters all well the 3 oldest are married the 2 youngest are engaged with some very fine fellows, so all of mine is well off and happy.  We have had much of work to those enimies, and made some money too, but the money isnt worth much and nothing to buy, and now after the capitulation, its all stoped up and no materials to get.  I been running my little “Electrical workshop” all by my self, and no one of mine, have had any trouble with them.  I attend to send this by airmail so I can not write to much at once.  Do please send Florence Winters adrs. soon.  Greet John & mother so very very much and don’t forget your whole bunch of your own, also Halvor, Gertie & Betsy, and all good timers, tell’em I am the same “enfant terrible”, only I had some new cloths on my atlatick body.  Well Alma come and se us, and the daylight summernights, is delightful.  While I remember, a young “Dressmaker” (Sydame) wished for an “Fashion Plate(?)” (latest style) (Mote Journal) this for Lady clothings, hope you understand, I commence to forget all your names, but I love to write English but very seldom I have a chance.

Must close for this time with

My hearty greetings to you all.

Write soon please.  Your uncle O. Holm, Nonnegt. 4, Tr.heim.

Stjørdal den 29-Juli-1945

Kjære broder Johan m.fl.

Tak for kortet som jeg har modtat fra dig, det glæder os og se at di lever enda da så mange millioner har mistet sit liv.  I vår slekt har det godt bare bra.  Eilif vor elste søn har veret uti stygt veir.  Han blev aristeret den 23 desember kl 4 om morgen 1943 av ca 20 gestapo (Tyske) bakbundet og sendt til det berykted Vollan, derefter til Falstad, derefra til Grini, og den 6te juli 44 til Oraneburg Tyskland  Ble så frigit av det Svenske røde kors og hentet av dem  var i Sverge en to måneder.  Kom så hjem efter krigens slutt, da var det musik og stor modtagelse her.  Han fik mye juling og utslått 2 tender og spent på leggen så han har store merker efter herre folkes moral.  Nu har han overtat forretningen, jeg er med et gammelt norsk navn (kårkal) men driver på som før.  Jeg blev den 21 juni kl 3 nat aristeret av 7 Tyske gestapo med maskinpistoler og sendt på Vernes flyplass  blev innesperet der sammen med ca 50 andre.  så blev vi sent til Falstad og der var vi innesperret en 14 dage bak piggtråd, til forhøret var over, da blev vi satt i arbeide, jeg blei med i vaskejengen, og du må tru vi ryddet op og fik det fint.  Vi hadde straf exis en nat  da jorde vi 50 knæbøininger for Hitlers kultur aldels naken og så hoppet vi og krøip både over og under bord og benker, det var en sadist av en Tysker, vi kalte ham for kaukasus.  Arne og Einar vore to andre sønner rømte til Sverge efter at jeg var fri på Falstad 1 August 44.  så blev jeg allene i bakeriet med en fremmen gut.  Dem var i Sverge til krigens slutt.  Einar den yngst hadde med sig kjeresten og dem har nu giftet sig der, han blev tatt til baker i militær og er nu i Narvik.  Er meget hos søster Hanna Eidums sine.  Dem har ikke veret i nogen knipe.  Eilif er Gift og har 3 barn.  Arne er gift og 1 barn.  Einar er gift og 1 barn, hans fru er i sverge enda men kommer første dage på August, og da skal vi ha et lite brulup for dem den 11 August.  Men det verste som er hent os under krigen er at min kone er blet syk av Tuberkolose og har nu ligget på Hegra pleiehjem i 15 måneder nu 2 August.  Sukkersyke har hun havdt i 8 år og nu kom det verste Tuberkolosen  hun ligger i feber 38 Temp. og er meget avkreftet, så det blir hendes dødsrom, vis Herren ikke vil reise hende op, for han har makt dertil.  Vort folk har lid forferdeligt.  Nu graver dem op lik skutt av Tyskerne på Falsta  i 42 var det fryktelig derinne.  Ja så får di leve alle og ha det fint.  Intil idag har Herren veret god

Helga & Ax Holm

Herborg vår datter er nu hjemme og steller for far  Konrad er død av Tuberkolose på Meraker sykehjem 1943

Laura bor her, hun er enke for 2 gang  hendes søn Mindor er dårlig og ligger på Levanger sykehus.

Stjørdal July 29-1945

Dear brother Johan and all.

Thank you for the card I have received from you, it pleases us to see you’re still alive as so many millions have lost their lives.  Everything went fine with our relatives.  Eilif our oldest son has been in stormy weather.  He was arrested on December 23 at 4 in the morning 1943 by about 20 gestapo (German) hands tied behind his back and sent to the notorious Vollan, after that to Falstad, from there to Grini (all concentration camps), and on July 6 44 to Oraneburg Germany.  Was then freed by the Swedish red cross and fetched by them  was in Sweden for about two months.  He came home after the war had ended, and then there was music and a grand reception here.  He was beaten up a lot and 2 teeth knocked out and kicked on the leg so he has big marks of the morals of the masters.  He has now taken over the shop, I am (kårkal) to use an old Norwegian name but carry on as before (“kårkal”means “kår-man” and is a term used to describe an old farmer who has handed  his house and the farm over to his heir while he himself has moved to the “kår”, which are separate quarters built for that purpose.  He could then live there the rest of his life and be supported and fed by his son and family).  I was arrested on June 21 at 3 in the morning by 7 German gestapo with machine guns and sent to Vernes airport  was locked up there along with about 50 others.  we were then sent to Falstad where we were confined behind barbed wire for about 14 days, until the interrogation was over, then we were put to work, I was in the cleaning gang, and you better believe we tidied up and made things nice.  We a had a punishment exercise one night  we did 50 knee bends for Hitler’s culture completely naked and then we jumped and crawled on top of as well as underneath tables and benches, that was a Sadist of a German, we called him kaukasus (this is a play with words as the word “kauk” in the Trøndelag dialect means yell).  Arne and Einar our other two sons escaped to Sweden after I was freed from Falstad August 1 44.  That left me alone in the bakery with a boy I didn’t know.  They were in Sweden until the end of the war.  Einar the youngest had his girlfriend with him and they got married there, he was given duty as a baker in the military and is in Narvik now.  Visits sister Hanna Eidum’s quite a bit.  They haven’t been in any difficulties.  Eilif is Married and has 3 children.  Arne is married and 1 child.  Einar is married and 1 child, his wife is still in Sweden but is coming early in August, and then we’ll have a small wedding for them on Aug. 11.  But the worst thing that has happened to us during the war is that my wife has come down with Tuberculosis and has been at Hegra Nursing Home for 15 months on August 2.  She has had diabetes for 8 years and now even worse the Tuberculosis  she has a 38 degr. Temp. and is very weak, so it will be her death room, unless the Lord heals her which he has the power to do.  Our people has suffered terribly.  Now they are digging up corpses shot by the Germans at Falsta  it was terrible there in 42.  Well keep well all of you.  Up until today the Lord has been good.

Helga & Ax Holm

Herborg our daughter is at home now looking after her father  Konrad has died of Tuberculosis at Meraker Hospital 1943

Laura is living here, she’s a widow for the 2^nd time  her son Mindor is ill and at Levanger Hospital.

Tr.heim Juli 8th-45

My dearest brother John.

I been waiting to hear from you because its at last open passage for the mail.  I hear that they are a few that allready has received letters for over there I hope that you & wife are still well, so are all of us too, even it has been a hard time, but it commence to get better, but still we have eat dark bread.  Well many thing has change in the Worlds situation since we wrote its others.  I wonder so how it is with you, because you are geting old hope you are alive.  I wrote Alma awhile ago.  I dont like to beg for anything, but you know we are in need of so many things especially in clothing.  I am in such need of Overcoat, tell me the price of such as clothings &  clothes.  Do you think it is any possibility of geting an Radio (Broad-caster) from there and what prices, or “Typewriter” or Sawingmachin, all secondhanded of course but useable.  We have a whole lot of British soliers here now, and some Norwegians too those that was escape to Swiden and England.  The Germans are prisineers nothing to say anymore.  But we are all tired of all this soliers, we hope we soon be left alone, so we can start to build up by our self all the damaged property, until now the been mostly keept on with Feasting and Dancing on the “Marketplaces” besides all the horror by aresting and digging up graves of the poor offers for those Nazist terribles, of course I cant write about all the horrible things.  I am thanking my “God” that all of mine are saved, but we been anzease many time.  Will you please great Florence Winters and send me her Adrs.

Well this is just a few words so as you see we are all well and healthy, hope the same to you & the Mrs.  I write in English for its easier for the Censure “Controll” of the letters yet.  Hope to hear from you very soon, and tell me if you can help me with any thing.  Is there anything you wish for form here, so let me know, if I can. Shall great you from all of mine, and from the rest of our relation.  As you know Conrad is dead a year and a half ago.  All well with the rest of us.  My hearty love and greatings

Yours Ole

Nonnegt. 4. Tr.heim, Norway

Dearest Grace:

Thank you very much for your letter dated Dell Rapids May the 7^th  Sorry to hear that you have not got my letter.  I got your letter (dated nov 7^th last year) just before we started on a voyage to the Mediterranean.  We where in some different places in Italy and North Africa.  I wrote you, your mother and uncle John from the Italian town Brindizi.  The letters may have been taken by the censore, since you have not got them.

We left Mediterranean the 23^rd of December, so we had Christmas at sea.  Have not had any real Christmas since 1936 together with my parents.  Hope to have the next one at home (it would be almost another year before he could go home).

V-E day we were in the Atlantic in convoy as usual, so the day passed by very quiete, exept some depth-charges.  It is the best way to celebrate such a great day, quiete and in thankfulness to those who losed their lives in the terrific struggle for freedom..  I’m very thankfull that we got our country back, without total destruction as we feared.  Among all others, the Norwegian people are very thankfull indeed.  The country is of course much ruined, but it will soon be what it was before the war, and still better I hope.  It may seams difficult, but it is not if the people do their very best.

Have not heard anything from home since I got twentyfive words through Red Cross for about a year ago.  Hope they all are getting along allright.

Thank you a lot for the pictures you sent me. I should like to visit you.  Haven’t time to do so yet.  I suppose it is very lovely in Dell Rapids, especially in sommertime.  I will call you long distance tomorrow night.  It is difficult to get through I guess.  Will write your mother soon.

I better sign of and go to bed, it is late.  Hoping you are in the best of health, and to have the pleasure to hear from you soon.

Your affectionate friend

Odd Conrad

Sluppen den 23 Juli.

Min godeste kusine.

Jeg er saa full av jubel over at jeg fik brev fra dig i for gaars, en hjertelig tak for brevet skal du ha, jeg var saa kry saa jeg fortalte det til hele slekten dem jeg traff.  Ser av det at du og dine har det bra  du maa tro jeg har snakket meget om dig og vi har set paa de bilder vi har og undres om dine gutter var ute i krigen.  Ja Alma det har været nogen tussie aar for os, men Guds ske lov vi har da faat beholdt livet, og hjemmet vores.  Om end vi har været sulten for vi har ikke hat smør og ikke sukker og ikke paalæg men heldigvis vi har da hat brød for min datter er paa brødforretning.  Nu er det over og ingen flyalarm men du aner ikke hvor rædd jeg har været flyalarmen for vi bor under et veldig stort apparat som hører tyskerne til det sies og være Nordens største kanoner oppå der.  Du skal tro det var jubel den dagen, flaggene tiltops og graat og glæde og sang vekselvis i flere uker og dager.  Nu er det rolig, men meget frygtelig og se og høre om alt som er foregaat paa denne tid.  Her hos mig er det bra nu, Svenn min minste gut som var 12 aar 12 juli har nettop lagt syk i knut-ros en kjedelig sykdom, men er nu bra, men han ligger og hviler i 3 timer midt paa dagen enda for det er saa farlig for eftersykdom. (Knut-ros er en sykdom som gir smertefulle sår på kroppen, med feber og leddsmerter).  Min største gutt skal bli mekaniker  gaar nu i lære i 4 aar  det er tussi saa dyrt som alting er men faar det vel igjen det vet jeg.  Han er saa sparsom, har arbeidet paa fabrik i ferien sin.  Mary min ældste datter er paa ferie.

Jeg har nu hatt 50 aars dag like før jul 18 december  da hadde jeg min family hos os  23 mennesker var vi  skal senne dig sangen min, det var en koselig kvell  fik en 500 kr og presanger.  Nu har nettop mor (Gjertine) hat 70 aars dag, vi var samlet hele slekten  skal ogsaa sende dig hennes sang, hun er bare bra.  Onkel Aksel er det stor forandring  hans frue er syk og paa hjem i 2 aar snart og den ælste søn arrestert (han var i konsentrasjonsleir en tid) men nu har han tat over forretningen til onkel for han har git i fra sig den og andre 2 guttene rømte til Sverige men er nu kommet hit.

Det er saa meget rart nu at jeg husker ikke halvparten for øieblikket.  Laura er flyttet til Stjørdal, hennes søn er på sykehus.  Vet du at onkel Konrad er død, jeg var i begravelsen, skal senne dig begravelses sangen som han diktet selv i sammen med de andre sangene saa fort jeg vinner det.  Det er stygt og spørge, men har du nogen gamle klær efter dere saa send mig for vi er helt opraad  vi faar ikke kjøpt en traad for her finnes ikke en bite tøi, jeg for min del kan ikke gaa ut og ikke min ælste gut heller snart. Skal snart skrive igjen, hils dine barn saa hjertelig fra os, ha det bra alle sammen.

Deres Klara.

På baksiden av arket:

Jeg har satt huset dit i ramme jeg hadde, du er heldig som har et hjem  det ser koslig ut, det skulde ha været morsomt og besøkt dig, hjertelig tak for bildene, de var festlige.  Mary min datter skal sende dig bilde av sig sier hun.

Idag skal jeg vaske klær for en engelskmann som heter Jackson  jeg har vasket mange ganger men faar bare en liten kjøtboks for alle klærne, de er svært skitten, men det er no engelskmann saa jeg gjør det gjerne.

Sluppen July 23.

My best cousin.

I’m so full of jubilation at having receved a letter from you the day before yesterday, thank you so much for the letter, I was so proud I told all the relatives I met.  I see from it that you and yours are doing well  I have talked about you so often and we’ve looked at the pictures we have and wondered if your boys were out in the war.  Yes Alma we’ve had some rough years, but thank God we’ve kept our lives, and our home. Though we’ve been hungry because we haven’t had butter and not sugar and no sandwich meats but fortunately we’ve had bread ‘cause my daughter works at a bakery.  Now it’s over and no air raid sirens but you can’t imagine how scared I’ve been of the air raid sirens because we live below a very large apparatus which belongs to the Germans  it’s been said that the largest cannons of the Northern countries are up there.  Imagine the jubilation that day, the flags were raised and crying and joy and singing for several weeks and days.  It’s calm now, but horrible to see and hear about everything that has been going on during this time.  With us everything is fine now, Svenn my youngest boy who turned 12 on July 12 has just been sick with “knut-ros” a tiresome disease, but is well now, but he still lies down for a 3 hour’s rest in the middle of the day because there’s a risk of contracting other diseases.  (Knut-ros is a disease that causes painful sores over the body, along with fever and joint pain).  My oldest boy is going to be a mechanic  is in an apprenticeship for 4 years  that’s hard now that everything is so expensive but I know it will be rewarded.  He’s so thrifty, has been working at a factory during his vacation.  Mary my oldest daughter is on vacation.

I have now had my 50^th birthday just before Christmas Dec. 18  I had my family here  there were 23 of us  I’ll send you my song, it was a pleasant evening  got about 500 kr and gifts.  Mother (Gjertine) has recently had her 70^th birthday, all the relatives were gathered  I’ll send you her song too, she’s doing fine.  At Aksel’s there are a lot of changes  his wife is sick and in a home for close to 2 years and the oldest boy arrested (he was in a concentration camp for a while) but now he has taken over uncle’s shop because he has given it up and the other 2 boys escaped to Sweden but are here now.

There are so many things now that I can’t remember half of them at the moment.  Laura has moved to Stjørdal, her son is in the hospital.  Did you know that uncle Konrad is dead, I was at the funeral, will send you the funeral song which he wrote himself along with the other songs as soon as I have time.  It’s not nice to ask, but if you have some old clothes please send me some because we are in such a bind  We can’t buy as much as a thread (of clothing) because there isn’t even a piece of fabric to be had,  as for me I can’t go out and not my oldest boy either soon. Will write again soon, give our warmest regards to your children, keep well all of you.

Yours Klara.

On the back of the last page:

I’ve put your house in a frame I had, you are lucky to have a home  it looks cosy, it would be fun to visit you, thanks a lot for the pictures, they were fun.  Mary my daughter will send you a picture of herself she says.

Today I’m going to wash clothes for an Englishman called Jackson  I have washed many times but only get a small tin of meat for all the clothes, they are very dirty, but he’s an Englishman so I do it gladly.    

Dear Alma.

A 1000 thanks for the wellcom letter.  Are glad to see that you are all well.  How nice it is that John & Mother moved so as you live so close by each other.  It was nice to hear all the news about friends and relations.  How could Halvor happen to go west?  and stay?  I thougth Betsina & husband started farming?  Tell Betsina with greetings from me, thats she must remember me with something  I am in very need off f.ex. Shirts, Night shirts, Pyjamas, Neckties etc.  I hope she remember the size (15 and a half shirts)  tell I am just as high, tall and alittle heavier then when I was there, but still going, strong, and just as sporty as ever, hope the same with herself.  Inregard to our relation here they are all fairly well.  Sis Laura is at Stjørdalen and her Son.  she is the same irritated, and unsatisfied as she always been, she has alittle Pension after her Swedish husband, så shes alright off.  her Son is not good for any work (lacy) and pretty folish.  Axel has sold the “Bakery” to his oldest son, so Axel is taken it easy now  his wife is still at the Hospital  never gets well anymore, but she is well satisfied.  Sis Hanna up in Narvik is fairly well too.  no news about’em.  Mrs Krogstad (Klara, Markus’ daughter), and their folks are keeping on as usual, all well with ‘em too,  So I have no real news of intrest.  We have a good deal Enlish soildeirs her now  supose to help geting free of the Germans but it takes time.  We don’t like us real well (he means: we don’t like it the way things are. His English is just translated directly from Norwegian, word by word, with the result that Norwegian expressions don’t come out right in English), before we get ready of all strangers so we are all by ourselves again.  I can’t hardly write you because I hav’nt a decent Pen and none to buy.  wish I had a Fountain.  Thanks for the pictures  they are fine houses you have.  Ill certainly try the best I can to get a “National custom” for your daughter, but at present is impossible, because it is’nt a pieace of cloth to get her now.  I am glad that Mother and John is so healthy yet they are geting pretty old now.  I am waiting so much to hear from John, if he possible can do anything for me, it will take along time before we can get to buy any clothing or lots other things, we comenes to get more food after while.  Ill certainly pay you for what ever you could send, as soon as aur money is established.  What I am in worst need off is Stoff for Overcoat, & Suits, and same as dress(?not sure what it says here) stoff for the Women folks.  Hope you excuse my asking, but what is to do any else.

I got letter from Florence, Iam glad of that  she says she is going visiting you soon.  This paper is from your letter, we have not such thin paper here yet, for the Airmail

I can’t think of anything else of intrest.  Hope this letter too will reach you healthy and well.  And I thanks the God that we are saved, with good heath all of us, which is the greatest Blessing we ever have.

Wish you then, dear Alma, happines and wellfare, and so you must greet my dear brother and wife from everyone of mine, and ours relation.

Yours whit love

Olav

Nonnegt. 4

(It is’nt no need telling you I am awaiting to hear very soon)

Tr.heim 13-8-45

Kjære broder

Tusind tak for det intresante brev, jeg fik igår.  Du er sandelig gutten i røiken enda.  Det er virkelig hyggelig og se at du og fruen er så rask og rørig enda.  Her er deilig og varm sommer nu, og Tyskerne som tramper og går herifra svetter også særlig de feite officerer som har gjødd sig op, ja good=bye med dem, håper vi er helt fri alle innen oktober måned, foresten de andre Soldater også, så vi for bli for os sjøl igjen.  Du kan tro jeg er intresert i og få pakker, mange her får pakker derfra nu, fra sine slægt og venner og det trænges men hvordan skal vi kunne få betale det, håper at også vores penger for sin værdi snart igjen også, men da blir det mindre av dem.  Vi har ingen pakker fået enda men det tar sin tid de som sendes med Baater ser du, vi for nok alt som blir sent, vær ikke rædd for det.  Jeg nævnte til kona mi at du skulle sende henne noget, så du kan tro hun er spent.  Hun er lit sliten og træt, men arbeider, og passer sine saker enda.  Jeg håper Alma og du har fået mine brev og hvor jeg skrev om vores søsken, dem har det rigtig bra, Hanna i Narvik, Laura på Stjørdalen, og Axel har det rigtig bra mangler vist ingen ting.  Han har nu solgt Bakeriet til sin elste søn, så nu kan han (Axel) ta det med ro.  Hans kone er syk og blir nok ikke bra mere.  Håper du ikke blev fornærmet over alt jeg nævnte som vi trænger, så du må ikke tro at jeg vil være patrængende heller, men vi har jo ikke hat anledning til og få kjøpe såpas som en tøy bit eller sko eller undertøy plagg, hverken for Mand eller kvinne.  Silkestrømper for Middelstore damer, er det frygtelig spørgsmål, samt Silke blussetøyer, for damer.  Håper det må bli noget og få kjøpe her også igjen.  Ser at krigen snart er slut med “Japan”, og da blir det vel bedre med vært, men det tar lang tid til vi får klæder og sko.  Spør Alma om hun kan sende mig en “Dame Journal” “Mote Blad for Damer”.  Du kan skjønne jeg kommer til og skrive strax jeg får nogen pakker fra dig.  Jeg forstår at dere er spent på og se om vi for dem.  Axel fikk kort (card) fra dig, samtidig som jeg.  Jeg har hilset alle vores Slægt her fra dere og forteller at du er “still going just as strong as ever”, and that you are the same “infant terrible”.  Ja alt er bra, og vi skylder og takke Gud for det gode vi har.  Husker ikke mere denne gang, skal snart skrive igjen.  Ha det så inderlig bra da.  Hils alle og tak på forhånd, for at du er så snill.

Din Olav

Nonnegt. 4, Trondheim

Hils Alma og alle hennes fra mig

Yours Ole

Tr,heim 13-8-45

Dear brother

Thank you very much (a thousand thanks) for your interesting letter, which I received yesterday.  You are still quite the boy in the smoke (Norwegian expression).  It’s really nice to see that you and the missus are still fit as fiddles.  Here we’re having a wonderful and warm summer now, and the Germans who are stomping away from here are sweating too especially the fat officers who’ve been fattening themselves up, well goodbye to them, hope we’ll be completely free of them all by October, the other Soldiers too by the way, so that we can be by ourselves again.  You can’t imagine how interested I am in getting parcels, many people here are getting packages from there now, from their relatives and friends and it’s needed but how are we going to be able to pay for it, hope that our money too will regain its value soon, but then there will less of it.  We haven’t received any packages yet but those who have been sent by Boat will take their time you see, we’ll get everything that has been sent, don’t worry.  I mentioned to the wife that you were going to send her something, so you can imagine how excited she is.  She’s a little weary and tired, but is working, and sees to her duties still.  I hope you and Alma have received my letters where I wrote about our sisters and brothers, they are doing real well, Hanna in Narvik, Laura at Stjørdalen, and Axel is doing real well seems like he lacks nothing.  He has now sold his Bakery to his oldest son, so now he (Axel) can take it easy.  His wife is sick and will probably not get well again.  Hope you didn’t get offended because of everything I mentioned that we need, so you mustn’t think I’m being pushy either, but we haven’t been able to buy as much as a piece of fabric or shoes or underwear items, neither for Men nor women.  Silk stockings for Medium sized women is terribly hard to find, and silk undershirts, for women.  Hope there will be something available to buy here again too.  I see that the war with “Japan” is over soon, so a lot of things may improve, but it will be a long time before we get clothes and shoes.  Ask Alma if she can send me a “Ladies Journal” “Fashion Journal for Ladies”.  Of course I will write as soon as I get any parcels from you.  I understand you’re anxious to see if we get them.  Axel received a card from you, the same time as I did.  I have said hello to all our relatives here from you and tell them that you are “still going just as strong as ever”, and that you are the same “infant terrible”.  Well all is well, and we owe thanks to God for what we have.  Can’t remember any more this time, will write again soon.  Keep really well then.  Say hello to all and thanks in advance, for being so kind.

Yours Olav

Nonnegt. 4, Trondheim

Say hello to Alma and all of hers from me

Yours 0le

Dear Niece

Rec. your letter today, for which many, many thanks.  You must believe that we were glad (this is kind of cute, translated directly from a typical Trøndelag expression “du må tro vi ble glad”) when we got 2 packages 3 days ago, fine things  It was 1 p. of shoes, a large pair, and 1 that the Mrs. use  little too larged but goes, and slippers, the other p. an over and under shirts, for me real fine.  Gloves & Socks.  Woolenjackets, the smalest will be given to some of aur relations as you say.  I didnt pay any taxes on this, this time.  I am so intrested to se about the “overcoat” which I need worst.  We dont know what to do in exchange for your goodnes to us all.  My girls is so anxius in hope of some “Silk stockings” medium size, here the are not to get however, all the women folks here goes barelegged till late in the falls.  I am sure you are glad that we have full peace all over so you get you boys back again.  Everything will get in shape soon again.  Thank you, for that you sending greetings to me friends, Halvor, and Betsina, how bad about Gertie, please greet’em all.  I dont remember Millie Nelson Lee yet, greet her still.  I se about John, the old gamer, buying houses.  Hope you have rec. the adresses, of our relations here, did you get Conrads wifes?  It is Olava Holm, Hegra, Via Tr.heim, thats all.  Are glad that you all are so healty and well, your Mother also. We are promised to get white bread next month.  We have been eating dark bad bread in 5 years now, we commence to get little more of deferent other things too, in the way of food.  We wish for some Tea, Pepper, and appricots dry fruit, thats something thats to be importet from the south.  We been having a fine aftersommer here but now it soon over so we will have the long cold dark winter  it is so bad for fuel too, not any caol or cox to get yet, and the wood is such awful priced but of course its “lysere tider” og da går det nok bra (it’s brighter times so it will be ok. He also writes the rest of the letter in Norwegian):  Dear, kind you (Norw. way of saying things) Greet John and Mother a lot from us all.  And many, many thanks for being so kind, and “may God reward you for everything”  Will close again for this time.  I’ll write immediately when I receive something again.  My warmest (heartiest) greetings from us all

Yours Olav

Can you send me Hilda, Hattie or Cleos adrses?  (Anna’s barn/Anna’s children)

Trondheim 1/9-45

Kjære Svoger!

Hjertelig takk for jakken, kjolen, skoene og alt sammen.  Du kan tro det var kjærkomment.  Vi blev så glade over, at dere alle er friske og kjekke efter disse fem årene.  Her er alle også friske, og det hele blir vel bra nu, krigen er slutt.  Det har vært noen vanskelige 5 år, men en får være glad, over at alle lever og er friske.  Jeg håper vi slipper å opleve flere kriger, og at det må bli fred over jorden.  Hils alle dine, og ha det riktig bra selv.  Hilsen fra oss alle.

Beste hilsen fra Berith.

4. Sept.

Kjære Broder.

Ja nu må jeg igjen atter takke for 2 pakker, den ene var Jakken til kona.  Du kan tro hun blev glad og begeistret, og det var sandelig også et gott Plagg.  varm og god.  Hun er nu i “Meraker” på en liten Ferie “vacation” en tid, og hviler sig lit.  Hun begynder og bli træt, har mye og gjøre bestandig.  Og så må jeg takke for den 5te Pakke, jeg fik igår, det var mange gode ting, såsom denne deilige “Blanket” og så de herlige Bjørneskin Hansker.  Jeg slipper og fryse på hænderne i vinter.  Ja du er enestående snil.  Det er sa bra alt.  Denne såpen hvor deilig, vi som ikke har sikkelig Såpe enda.  Tak også for tangen og wrenchen alt er så bra, og nyttig.

Tyskerne reiser stadig så vi blir vel fri dem om et par Måneder, ligedan det Engelske, og det er bare bra, det er ikke mors beste børn, alle.  De amerikanske reiser disse dage, men det har ikke vært mange amerikanske Soldater her heller, men dem er mere Gentlemen.  Jeg har lyst til og skrive med Hilda Judd engang (Anna [Holm] Wold’s datter), hvordan har hun det siden Harry døde?  Kan jeg få hennes Adrs.  Alma vet den vel.  Jeg skulle ønske jeg kunne gjøre dig noget igjen for alt du spanderer på os, men vet ikke hvad.  Kona sender en liten takkesedel med, hun er så inderlig glad for at du husker os og hjelper os slig.  Så må jeg slutte denne gang igjen, med min hjerteligste takk til dere alle for alle gode ting.

Hilses fra os alle.  Hils dine fra os

Din bror Olav

Trondheim 1/9-45

Dear Brother in law!

Thank you so much for the jacket, the dress, the shoes and everything.  It was all most welcome.  We were so glad to hear, that you are all healthy and well after these five years.  Everyone here is healthy too, and I guess everything will be ok now, that the war is over.  It has been 5 difficult years, but one has to be glad that everyone is alive and healthy.  I hope we wont have to experience any more wars, and that there will be peace on earth.  Say hello to all yours, and all the best to you too.  Greetings from us all.

Best wishes from Berith.

Sept. 4

Dear Brother.

Once again I must thank you for 2 packages, one of them was the Jacket for the wife.  She was so glad and happy with it, and it was indeed a good piece of Clothing.  nice and warm.  She is in “Meraker” right now on a little “vacation” for a while, resting up a little.  She’s starting to get weary, always has a lot to do.  I must also thank you for the 5^th Package, which I got yesterday, lots of good things, like that wonderful “Blanket” and those great Bearskin Gloves.  I wont get cold hands this winter.  Yes, you’re extremely kind.  Everything is so nice.  This soap how wonderful, for us who don’t have decent soap yet.  Thank you also for the pliers and the wrench everything is so good, and useful.

The Germans are leaving all the time so we might be rid of them in a couple of Months, the English too, and that’s good, they are not mom’s best children (Norwegian expression) all of them.  The American ones are leaving these days, but then there hasn’t been many American Soldiers here, but they are more like Gentlemen.  I would like to write to Hilda Judd some time (Anna [Holm] Wold’s daughter), how is she since Harry’s death.  Could I have her Addrs.  Alma will have it.  I wish I could do something for you in return for everything you’re treating us to, but don’t know what.  The wife encloses a little thank you note, she is so deeply glad that you remember us and help us like you do.  So I’ll close again for now, with my most heartfelt thanks to you all for all good things.

Greeted from us all.  Greet yours from us

Your brother Olav