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

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.

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)

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.

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

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

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

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   

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. 

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

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   

Sluppen den 31-12-37

Min gode kusine!

Godt Nytaar ønsker jeg og mine, dig og dine.

Tusen tak for det kjære brev, jeg fik fra dig, du aner ikke hvor jeg har ventet og høre fra dig, for jeg har sent dig foto og brev efter konfirmasjon, men jeg ser du har ikke faat det og det forbauser, for jeg skrev samme adresse som sist.  Vi er frisk og stræver hver dag med hver vort, jeg er meget borte og vasker nu for jeg er optat bestandig, men jeg blir så klar og trøt.  det er tussi og være baade far og mor synes du det?  Og enda en ting Alma, synes du ikke at Gud var haard mot os som kunde la os bli alene med barna?  Jeg har vært i Minnegudstjeneste i dag, det er saa høitidelig, men trist for det vækkes op saa meget om ham som er borte for mig for bestandig, jeg synes livet er saa tungt nu Alma.  Julemorgen var jeg i kirken, nu ser jeg i avisen at det er en i Amerika som takker for sangen der  han har hørt det gjennem radio, end du hørte du den  jeg var ogsaa og sang i kirken.  Jeg har faat mig radio i julegave hos min svoger for han kjøpte sig en ny, du må komme og høre den.  Du tænker og begynne med noget ser jeg  bare prøv lykken  jeg haaber du har hell med dig.  Jeg har søkt vask paa en skole fra sommeren av, for det er forlite det jeg har, for alt er saa dyrt nu.  Du maa bare senne det du tænkte, for jeg er taknemmelig for hvad det er maa du forstaa.  Min datter som er 15 aar er begynt paa en skofabrik  hun har 13 kr pr. uke, jeg er saa glad for det, og hun som er 18 er i huspost, for hun vil lære matlavning for hun er saa flink til det.  Onkel Ole har arbeidet her paa værket som jeg vasker  nu har han sluttet, hans døtre er i forretning  de er flinke barn.  Min mor har været frygtelig elendig i vinter, nu har min bror som er sjømann reist paa langfart vi fik julekort fra London i fra ham.  Du maa hilse onkel John og tante fra mig, og dine barn fra mig og mine som slekter dig her i Norge.  Du maa skrive snart til mig saa jeg faar høre om du har faat brevet fra mig.  Jeg senner dig sangen vi fik i dag.

Hjertelig hilset fra os.

din kusine Klara

Sluppen 31-12-37

My good cousin!

I and mine wish you and yours a Happy New Year.

Thank you so much for the dear letter, I received from you, you can’t imagine how I’ve been waiting to hear from you, because I’ve sent you pictures and a letter after the confirmation, but I see you haven’t received it and that surprises me, as I used the same address as last time,  We are healthy and struggle every day each with our own, I’m away a lot cleaning now for I’m busy all the time, but I get so tired.  it’s hard being both a father and mother don’t you think?  And one more thing Alma, don’t you think God was hard on us when he left us alone with the children?  I’ve been to a Memorial Service today, it’s so solemn, but sad because it brings back so many memories of him who is gone from me forever, I feel life is so hard now Alma. Christmas morning I went to church, now I see in the newspaper that an American is saying thank you for the singing there  he has heard it through the radio, what about you  did you hear it  I too sang in the church.    I got a radio for Christmas from my brother in law because he bought himself a new one, you must come and hear it.  I see you are thinking about starting with something  go ahead and try your luck  I hope you succeed.  I have applied for a cleaning job at a school as from this summer, because what I have is too little, because everything is so expensive now.  Go ahead and send what you thought, I’m of course thankful for anything.  My daughter who is 15 has started at a shoe factory  she gets 13 kr. per week, I’m so glad of that, and the one who is 18 has a domestic post, because she wants to learn how to cook because she’s so good at that.  Uncle Ole has been working here at the works where I clean  he has quit now, his daughters are in shops  they are clever children.  My mother has been sick a lot this winter, now my brother who’s a sailor has gone overseas  we received a Christmas card from London from him.  Say hello to uncle John and auntie from me, and you children from me and mine who are related to you here in Norway.  Please write soon so that I’ll know if you received this letter from me.  I’m sending you the song we received today. (There is no song included among the latters I received  that fits this statement).

Heartily greeted from us.

your cousin Klara

Sluppen den 14-4

Gode kusine Alma!

Tusen tak for brevet jeg fik fra dig, for længe siden.  Jeg har tænkt jeg skulde  ha  skrevet for længe siden men jeg har hat saa meget og gjort for vi har konfirmant i mai saa har vi malt og tapetsert stuen vor og kjøpt os nye spisestumøbler saa nu må du kom og besøk mig faar du se hvor fint jeg har faat det.  Jeg ser av dit brev at det er daarlige tider i Amerika  det er likedan her ogsaa saa  vi forstaar det vist ikke vi som har arbeide hvor godt vi har det.  Du har været litt uheldig med barna at dem er daarlig ser jeg, men haaber det retter fort paa sig, men slik er det Alma, endel skal ha bare motgang  jeg synes synd baade paa dig og barna for jeg saa hvordan mor plagdes naar min bror var syk og laa i 2 aar og 3 mnd.  Men vi som var konfirmert hadde da arbeide og tjente penger saa vi hadde det godt i den veien, nu begynder mor (Gjertine) og blir træt og klar  hun fyller 60 aar den 18. Juni, vi var hos henne i gaar  vi hørte konsert fra Chikago for min bror Erling kjøpte sig Radio ifjor til 400 kr  han arbeider der min mand arbeider det er bare om sommeren han skifter i ferien, det er så stødig en gut  han er støtten hennes mor nu.  Du skal få et billed av os og hele konfirmasjonselskapet naar vi er færdig med det styre og saa skal vi fotografere min bestemor altsaa oldemor til konfirmanten og mor og jeg, det blir 4 ledd  du skal faa et, saa snart som mulig.  Vor datter er nu 15 og et halvt aar er stor og lang og saa flink paa skolen, men hun kunne ikke fortsette for naar jeg fik lillegut saa trængte jeg henne, nu er han 2 aar.  Vore barn heter Mary er 15 og et halvt aar og Gerd er 13 aar og Kjell er 8 aar og Svein Alfred er 2 aar.  Du tror min svigermor lever men hun døde den sommeren  jeg sørget saa på henne  hun var verdens snilleste dame tror jeg.  Men hun var klar for hun har hat det trasig og tungt, hun har hat 13 barn og en liten gaard som dem hadde hus-dyr saa dem skulle greie sig  manden hennes var skrædder han er frisk og kjæk ennu, det er en datter som steller for faren nu, min mand senner dig sine hilsninger og ber dig komme til os den 12 mai  hvad sier du til det.  Hils dine barn saa hjertelig fra os, hvordan er det med onkel John  jeg skrev sist men intet svar faat, du maa skrive til mig, for du aner ikke hvor glad jeg blev naar det kom amerikabrev for det er en stor glæde.  Jeg har mer og skrive om næste gang.

Hilsen saa hjertelig fra os, deres Klara.

Sluppen 14-4

Good cousin Alma

Thank you so much for the letter I received from you a long time ago.  I should have written a long time ago but I’ve had so much to do because we’re going to have a confirmation in May and then we have painted and wall papered our living room and bought new dining room furniture so now you’ll have to come and visit me so that you can see how nice it is.  I see from your letter that times are bad in America and it’s the same here too  I guess those of us who have jobs don’t understand how lucky we are.  You’ve been a bit unlucky with the children in that they’re sick I see, but hope that will be sorted out soon, but that’s how it is Alma some have only hardships  I feel bad for you as well as for the children because I saw how hard it was for mother (Gjertine) when my brother was sick and bedridden for 2 years and 3 months.  But those of us who were confirmed were working then and earned money so we were fine as far as that, mother is starting to get tired now she’ll be 60 years old on June 18, we went to see her yesterday  we heard a concert from Chikago (her own spelling) because my brother Erling bought himself a Radio last year for 400 kr. he works where my husband works  it’s only in the summer time that he changes jobs during his vacation, he’s such a good boy  he’s mother’s support now.  You’ll get a picture of us and all the confirmation guests when we’re done with all that hubbub and we’re also going to take a picture of my grandmother, that is the great grandmother of the confirmee and mother and me, that’s 4 generations  you’ll get one as soon as possible.  Our daughter is now 15 and a half  is big and tall and so good in school, but she couldn’t continue because when I had my little boy I needed her, he is now 2 years old.  Our children are Mary  is15 and a half and Gerd is 13 years old and Kjell is 8 years old and Svein Alfred is 2 years old.  You think my mother in law is alive but she died that summer  I grieved so for her  she was the world’s kindest lady I think.  But she was tired because she’s had a tough life, she has had 13 children and a little farm with some animals so that they could manage  her husband was a tailor  he’s still healthy and doing fine, a daughter looks after her father now,  my husband sends you his regards and asks you to come and see us for May 12  what do you say to that.  Give our best wishes to your children, how is uncle John  I wrote him last but have received no reply, you must write to me, because you can’t imagine how happy I was when the America letter arrived because that is a great joy.  I’ll have more to write about next time.

Heartfelt greetings from us, yours Klara

Trondhjem 3-3-1935

Kjære Grace.

Hvordan er det med dig.  Håber du er frisk og kjekk nu.  Det kune ikke være nå morsomt og ligge på sykehuset hele sommeren jeg vet om jeg har klart, for sommeren er den bedste årstid jeg vet.  Da reiser familien på landet, mor min yngste søster Effie og jeg bor der hele tiden mens far og de andre søskene mine som har plasser kommer opover hver helg.  Min yngste søster går på folkeskolen ennu.  Hun har ett og et halvt år igjen.

Du spurte om jeg vilde skrive på engelsk, men det kan jeg desverre ikke.  Jeg kunde vell alltids har lært mig engelsk, men det har nu engang ikke blitt.  Sonja min nest eldste søster går nu et kursus engelsk.  Sudentere på Høiskolen (her i byen) har en slik aftenskole her i byen.  Jeg skulle selvfølgelig kunde litt engelsk, men det blir nu aldri med mig.  Det er jo det sproget som er det mest brukt uti verden.

Du kan tror jeg har hatt lyst til å komme en tur til dig.  For jeg har hatt lyst til å sett mig om rundt omkring i verden.  Jeg går bare hjemme i huset.  Går ikke på nogen skole skjønner nu.  Vi er nødt til å gå 7 år på folkeskolen som vi kaller det.  Deretter går man til Middelskoler som vi går i tre år.  Har jeg begynt der har jeg gått det siste året.  Hvis man da vil forstette begynner man på gymnasie hvis en vil ta (artium) college-eksamen (dette er feil, college-eksamen er det samme som universitets-eksamen, gymnasie tilsvarer high school) som de kaller det.  Vi kaller det for artium.  Eller mange går fra middelskolen til handels gymnasie.  Hvor man tar handelsbrev.  Der kan dem gå to eller tre år som dem selv vil.  Går dem tre tar dem college-eksamen der også.  Når dem har gått de skolene blir dem russ, blå på Handelsgymnasie, rød på gymnasie.  I russetiden altså i eksamentiden turer dem og drikker dem kan du tro.  Tar dem eksamen blir dem sudenter og får duskelue da føler dem sig kan du tro.  Når dem har gått ut folkeskolen kan dem også gå i 8. kl.  Der lærer dem engelsk.  Jeg gikk bare de 7 årene.  For i den tiden var så svimmel blodfattig og litt dårlig i den tid.  Derfor forsatt jeg ikke, ennu jeg kunde ha god lyst.

Er du meget ut og morer dig da.  Eller leser du og strever bare med skolen.  Det er vel mange forlystels steder der, og du som har så mange brødre har vel my  morro.  Her går vi på kino, og ut og forskjellige steder mest private dansemorroer og sånt noget.

Skal hilse fra far & mor og alle her.

Lev vel

Hilsen din venninde Evelyn.

Dette billedet er tatt på en påsketuren 1934 på fjellet.  Det er tatt tidlig om morgenen så du må ikke se på hvordan vi er.  Der hvor to xx står er mig et x nå ta av mine søsken.

Trondhjem 3-3-1935

Dear Grace.

How are you doing.  Hope you are well now.  Being in hospital all through the summer is not much fun I don’t know if I could handle that ‘cause the summer is my favorite time of the year.  Then the family travels to the coutry, mother my youngest sister Effie and I live there all the time while father and my other sisters who have positions come up every weekend.  My youngest sister is still in elementary school.  She has a year and a half to go.  You asked me if I would write in English, but unfortunately I don’t know how.  I guess I could learn English, but just haven’t gotten around to it.  Sonja my next oldest sister is now taking English classes.  The students at the University (here in town) run an evening school here in town. I should of course know some English but I just never get around to it.  It’s the language that is used the most around the world.

You can’t imagine how much I would like to come visit you.  Because I’d like to be able to see the world.  I’m just at home.  Don’t go to any school you see.  We are obliged to go for 7 years at folkeskolen as we call it (elementary school).  After that we can go to Middleschool for three years.  If I had started there I would have been in my last year.  Then if you want to continue you start gymnasie if you want to take (artium) college axams as you call it. (* This is not correct, see below for an explanation).  We call it artium.  Or many go from the middleschool to commercial college.  Where you get a business license.  They can go there for two or three years as they choose.  If they go for three years they get college exams there too (again, not correct).  When they are done with those schools they become russ (** eplanation below), blue for Commerical School, red for High School.  In russetiden, that is during exams you can’t imagine how they drink and carry on.  If they pass the exams they become students and receive a graduation cap (see ** below) and feel really big and important.  When they have finished elementary school they can also go to an 8^th grade.  There they learn English.  I only went for those 7 years.  Because during that time I was dizzy and anemic and feeling a little bad at that time.  Therefore I didn’t continue, even though I wanted to.

Are you going out a lot to have fun.  Or are you just studying and struggling with school.  I bet there are many places there for amusement, and you who have so many brothers probably have a lot of fun.  Here we go to the movies, and out to various places mostly private dances and such.

Mother and father say hello and everone here.

Live well

Regards your friend Evelyn.

This picture was taken on an Easter trip to the mountains in 1934.  It is taken early in the morning so you mustn’t look at how we are.  Where it has two xx it’s me one x some of my sisters.

·      She mistakenly equates our “gymnas” education to your college education, but gymnas is the same as your high school.  So our “artium axams’ would be the same as your high school exams.

**  “Russ” is a senior high student.  “Russetiden”(the Russ period) is an old tradition where the senior high school students wear nothing but red clothes (or blue for commercial school students) from the time they have sat their exams until they know whether they’ve passed or not.  It’s a wild and crazy time, lots of partying and playing tricks on the townspeople, teachers etc.  In my time the red cap would be replaced by a black cap once we got the results from the exams and found that we had passed. Our graduation cap is different from yours in that it‘s round and soft. This cap would be given to us in a special ceremony, and the red ones would all be thrown into the center of the floor or plaza, depending on where the ceremony was held. The black caps are no longer in use, and I believe the “russ” tradition was also stopped a couple of years ago (too many drunk youths and too much vandalism no doubt!).

Heggedal

Anden Juledag

Kjere Alma og alle sammen

Tusen tak for dit brev, det er moro og høre fra dere.  Jeg tenker paa Anna, hun har vist bestandig, havt det vont, det er godt at hun har fodd jemt(?) sig ifra alle sorger, og det vonne her i verden, dette livet har ikke meget godt og byde en paa, det er mange gange en ønsker og vere jemt, ifra det hele, men det lakker mod Slutten, jeg er glad for at jeg har bare den ene Gutten, og han er orntlig, ikke drikker. Som liten var han meget syg han fikk, saan ond Ørebetennelse, efter Meslingerne da han var 3 aar, og har lagt paa Sygehus 2 gange, og blevet operert og var Døden ner, og vi frygtet mest for han skulle miste forstannet og faa  leve, han blev helt vanskapt i ansigtet, og Lam paa den ene siden, for det er udtat et Ben lige ind til Gjernen saa det er et under, at han er kjek, men som de ser saa er han lit Sjev i ansigtet. han Vever i Fabrikken, og er meget Musikalsk. dette spillet koster 600 kr., men paa dette kort er han svert uheldig.  du ligner meget, var Søster Hannas eldste datter Karen, som bor i Narvik.  og saa var det denne Dragten.  Tolden kan jeg ikke faa greie paa her, det blir fortollet, i Amerika, det blir kanske dyrt, for dette bryststykket, og Luen, og paa beltet, og saa skal det vere lomme paa Forkledet, som er av Perlebroderi, og Brystet og Luen, må en kjøpe ferdig, aldt de andre kan en sy selv, det er bare enkelt  er det saa du vil, saa kan jeg besørge det, som skal vere til, det Sorte og røde Stoffet vever vi paa Fabrikken her, den borden, som er paa Vesten, det er ikke av perler.  det er en anden slag,  Luen og Brystet, og de perlerne som skal til, det kan kanske komme sig paa, en serka kr. 15.  det til Sjørt  og vest blir ikke meget, og Sjørten (mener hun skjorten?), den faar de der men i tilfelde, saa maatte du sende maal av Hode for Luens sjyld, jeg spurte paa Husfliden, i Oslo hvad den kostet ferdig, en serka kr. 80.  Jeg haaber at du forstaar, min daarlige skrivt, du skriver meget, bedre Norsk en jeg, jeg orker ikke arbeide mer i Fabriken. jeg er saa av Jigt i armer og Ryggen, foresten, saa er det de samme som og lage ris til sin egen Rumpe, som vi siger paa Norsk, det er ingen som takker en for hvad en jør.

Jeg maa nu slutte mit brev.  Tusen tak for brev og bilder.  hils alle dine barn, og de andre som har intresse av os.

Jeg ønsker dere alle et godt Nytaar.  Tusen Kjere hilsen fra Mindor Laura Arvid.

Havde jeg havd god raad saa Skulle jeg sent dig en brugt(?) men desverre en er for fattig.

Heggedal

Second Christmas day

Dear Alma and all

Thank you so much for your letter, it’s fun to hear from you.  I’m thinking about Anna, it seems she has always, suffered, it’s good that she has been allowed to hide herself from all sorrows, and the bad of this world, this life doesn’t have much good to offer a person, many a time one would wish to be hidden, from it all, but the End is drawing near, I’m glad I only have the one Boy, and he’s decent, doesn’t drink.  As a little boy he was very ill he got, such a bad Ear infection, after the Measles when he was 3 years old, and has been in the hospital twice, and was operated on and was near Death, and we feared most of all that he would lose his mind and live, his face became completely malformed, and Paralyzed on one side, because a Bone was taken out all the way to the Brain so it’s a miracle, that he’s ok, but as you see his face is a little crooked.  he weaves at the Factory, and is very Musical.  this instrument costs 600 kr., but on this card he was very unlucky  (in other words, he doesn’t look like himself; I think that’s what she means. There must have been a photo enclosed in this letter).  you look a lot, like our Sister Hanna’s oldest daughter Karen, who lives in Narvik.  and now to the Costume (I think she’s talking about a Norwegian National Costume).  I can’t find out about the duty on it here, it will be cleared, in America, it may get expensive, for the chest piece, and the Hat, and the belt, and then there’s supposed to be a pocket on the Apron, which is made of beaded embroidery, and the Chest piece and the Hat, must be bought ready made, all the other things can be hand sewn, it’s simple  if you want me to, I can see to the things that go with it, the Black and the Red fabric we weave at the Factory here, the border, which is on the Vest, that is not made of pearls.  that’s another kind, the Hat and the Chest piece, and the beads to go with it, could perhaps come to, ca. 15 kr. what’s needed for the skirt (shirt?) and vest wont come to much, and the shirt (skirt?), you can get there but in case (I think she means to say: in case you want me to get this for you) you must send the Head measurements for the sake of the Hat, I asked at Husfliden, in Oslo what it costs ready made, about 80 kr.  I hope you understand, my bad writing, you write much, better Norwegian than I do, I can’t work anymore at the Factory.  I am so bothered with Arthritis in my arms and Back, besides, it’s like making a whip for your own Behind (Norwegian expression), as we say in Norwegian, nobody thanks you for what you do.

I must end my letter now.  Thank you very much for your letter and photographs.  say hello to all your children, and the others who are interested in us.

I wish you all a happy New year.  A thousand Loving greetings from Mindor Laura Arvid.

If I could afford it I would Send you a used one but unfortunately I’m too poor.

Trondhjem 12/2-1934

Kjære Svoger & Frue.

tak for brevet og tusende tak for den prektig brodkniven, den kom akurat i ellefte time for den som jeg har holder paa og løstner fra skaftet.  Ja de maa nu vel lade sig jore og faa de fas ijen da.  Men de var gjilt at faa.  og Pikene var begeistret over sine kniver og kalendere saa tak skal du have.

Jeg skuld havet noget nyt og mor=somt at fortalt dig men vad skal de ver  du har kanske set af avisene, at her far et spøkelsesfly  de sees i nor og sid ost og vest men ingen finder ut vad de er  nogen finder de er en sten, folk har set, andre en liten balong og en tredie en stjerne og atter andre paastar at de er et virkeligt Fly.  ingen komer tilbuns i misteriumet.  ja jeg har verken set eller hørt noget og tenker ikke at foretage nogen opdagelsesreise og utforsk de heller  kan ver hvad de vil  men avisene har jo stof, kanske de kan vere en stjerne og saa er de ikke saa at de skal sje tengn i Sol og Maane og stjerner, og mange af Gusfolk tror at Jesus hjenkoms er ner, men de er nu ingen som vet her paa jorden, kan hende dem som studre bibelen vet og ser lit mere en vi som er Enfoldige, men jeg takker min gud og Frelser at jeg forstaar nok til min Frelse, jeg kan got skrive saadant til dig?  jeg har forstaat dig saa at du er en medvandrer, jeg er glad over at har fundet fred med gud  Kan hilse dig fra Chondrad og Aksel og hans son Eilef  du kan tro han er stor og sver.  En meget pen ung mand  du vet vel at han gjiftet sig i Julen med en tiltalende søt pige.  Hjertine besøkte vi for 3 uker siden, og der var de alt bra  Laura hade vi brev fra hun har veret i Sverige i julen og har havet en hyggelig tur og vi alle her har det bra  vi er friske og strever saa godt vi kan.  Lev saa inderlig vel og hils din Fru fra os.

Hjerteligs

Berith

(Navnene på Gjertine, Axel og Eilif er feilskrevet)

Trondhjem 12/2-1934

Dear brother in law & wife.

Thank you for your letter and thank you so much for the splendid bread knive, it came right at the eleventh hour (Norwegian expression) because the one I have is about to come lose from the handle.  I guess it would be possible to get it fixed.  But it was nice to get.  And the Girls were thrilled with their knives and calendars so thank you so much.

I ought to tell you something new and fun but what would that be  maybe you’ve seen in the newspapers, that a ghost plane is flying around here  it can be seen in the north and south east and west but nobody can figure out what it is  some figure it’s a rock, people have seen, others a small ballon and a third a star and others again claim it’s a real Plane.  nobody can get to the bottom of the mystery.  well I have neither seen nor heard anything and am not about to go on an expedition to investigate either  can be what it will  but the newspaper have something to write about, maybe it could be a star and then isn’t it true that a sign will occur in the Sun and the Moon and stars, and many of the religious people think Jesus’ return is near, but nobody here on earth knows, maybe those who study the bible know and see a little more than us Simpletons, but I thank my god and Saviour that I understand enough for my deliverance, can I write such a thing to you? I have understood you to be a fellow wanderer, I’m glad you have found peace with god  I have greetings from Chonrad and Aksel and his son Eilef  he is such a big man.  A very handsome young man  I guess you know he got married this Christmas to a pleasant pretty girl.  We visited Hjertine 3 weeks ago, and everything was fine there  we had a letter from Laura  she was in Sweden over christmas and has had a pleasant trip and all of us here are fine  we are healthy and struggle on as best we can.  Live very well and say hello to your Wife from us.

Heartiest

Berith

(The names of Gjertine, Axel and Eilif are spelt wrong in this letter)

Kjære kusine Alma!

Mangle tak for brevet jeg fik fra dig, du maa tro jeg har ventet og tænkt hvorfor du slapp op og skrive, jeg synes det er en hel begivenhet og høre fra Amerika i fra folket hans far saa du forstaar jeg er dig inderlig taknemlig for brevene.

Siden sist du fik fra mig har jeg faat en søn som nu er 6 mnd en søt liten kubbe, han heter Svenn Alfred er opkalt efter svigermor hun het Sofie og efter min bror som er død han het Alfred.  Du skulle ha bodd saa nær at jeg kunde ha besøkt dig og du mig tænk saa morsomt det har vært Alma, jeg fik sent en kalender fra onkel John og den kom uventende saa det var morsomt å faa.  Her i Trondhjem er det en daarlig vinter det blaaser og sner og regner om hverandre saa det er sykdomsvær.  Sykehusene er overfylt sier dem, du maa hilse din datter at hun maa bare skrive paa engelsk til mig det bor en ungdom som læser og skriver engelsk i huset ved siden av vort.  Her i byen er det megen arbeidsledighet og fattigdom vi forstaar det vist ikke vi som har arbeide hvor godt vi har det, mor har ogsaa to gutter som er ledige det er nu litt en gang i blant til den ene men det er tussi og være mor hun skal være baade forsørger far og mor og du føler vel det samme som henne men jeg forstaar du har snille og flinke barn og det er mor svært heldig med ogsaa og det er jo en lettelse i ensomheten.  Hils onkel John fra mig og tante Anna tror du jeg kan skrive til henne bor hun langt fra dig eller er de nære hverandre.  Jeg ser av dit brev at hun har det ikke godt jeg kan ikke forstå dem som faar til å være slik mot sin mor jeg synes dem maa faa samvittighetsnag naar det kommer den stunn dem skal sie henne farvell det har ikke blit mig som har kunne tænkt paa det.

Nu vaagner lillegut og da maa jeg slutte for denne gang, med en hjertelig hilsen fra mig til dere alle fra deres Klara.  Skriv til mig Alma det er saa morsomt å faa brev fra dig.  1000 hilsen Klara og hennes alle.

Dear cousin Alma!

Many thanks for the letter I received from you, I have really been waiting for it and wondering why you had stopped writing, hearing from America from my father’s people is such a big event for me so you understand I’m deeply grateful to you for your letters.

Since you last heard from me I’ve had a son who’s now 6 months old  a sweet little thing, his name is Svenn Alfred  he’s named for my mother in law  her name was Sofie  and for my brother who is dead  his name was Alfred.  I wish you lived so close that I could visit you and you me  what fun that would be Alma, I received a calendar from uncle John and it came unexpectedly so that was fun to get.  Here in Trondhjem we’re having a bad winter  it’s blowing and snowing or raining so it’s sickness weather.  They say the hospitals are overcrowded, tell your daughter she can write to me in English there’s a youth living in the house next door who can read and write English.  In this town there’s a lot of unemployment and poverty  those of us who have work probably don’t understand how lucky we are, mother also has two boys who have no work  there’s some now and again for one of them but being mother is hard  she has to be the provider as well as mother and father and you probably feel the same way as she does but I understand you have good and kind children and mother is very lucky in that respect too which eases the loneliness.  Say hello to uncle John from me and aunt Anna  do you think I can write to her  does she live far away from you or are you close to eachother.  I see from your letter that things are not good there  I cannot understand those who can treat their mother like that  it seems to me they would get a guilty conscience when the time comes for them to tell her goodbye  I wouldn’t have been able to handle that.

The little one is waking up now so I must stop for now, with a warm greeting from me to you all from your Klara.  Write to me Alma it’s so much fun to get a letter from you.  1000 greetings Klara and all hers.

Trondhjem den 8-1-34

Kjære onkel

Tusen takk for kniven (John har sikkert laget den selv) & brevet som jeg fikk.  Det var riktig morsomt å få.  Alle her i Norge bruker kniver nu når man går på tur & sport så jeg ønsket mig riktig en sådan kniv.

Endelig har vi fått norsk vinter, men hvor lenge det varer vet vi ikke.  Om det har snedd og vært vinter en dag så har det regnet neste dag.  Men nu får vi håbe sneen vil vare en stund så vi får nogen skidager i år også.

Jeg går fremdeles hjemme og har det godt.  Onkel Conrad var nettop i byen og (gjorde) kjøpte inn en del varer til forretningen sin, som han fremdeles driver med.  Elste sønnen er nu i byen og går på en skole.

Tante Laura & onkel Arvid var i Sverige i julen.  Foreldrene til onkel Arvid lever ennu, så dem var og besøkte dem.  Hun fortalte at hun hadde en fin tur.

Du skriver og sier vi må komme over på den andre siden av havet, men jeg er nok for ung og uerfaren, men far har lyst til å reise tilbake vist jeg forstår han rett, men han synes selv han er for gammel og det har han vel rett i.  Jeg skal hilse dig så meget ifra ham.  Han driver fremdeles med og reparere eletriske kokeplater, og lave nye.  Jeg skal takke så meget for magasinene og alt det andre han fikk.

Du tenker ikke på å komme tilbake til Norge?  Det er meget som har forandret sig siden du reiste herfra.  Her går den ene dag og si likedan som den andre, mens der hender vel det noget nytt for hver dag som går.

Men nu blir det vel krig og andre tider.  Ja nu får jeg vel slutte for denne gang.  Lev vel og hils tante fra mig.

Kjærligst

hilsen

Evelyn

Trondhjem 8-1-34 (in Norway the date comes before the month)

Dear uncle

Thank you so much for the knife (probably one John has made himself, he seems to have sent one to several people) & the letter I received.  It was really fun to get.  Everybody here in Norway is using knives now when going for walks & for sports so I’ve really been wanting such a knife.

We have finally gotten a Norwegian winter, but how long it will last we don’t know.  If it has snowed and been wintery one day it has rained the next day.  But now we hope the snow will stay a while so that we can get som skiing days this years too.

I’m still living in comfort at home.  Uncle Conrad was just in town and (did) bought some supplies for his store, which he still runs.  His oldest son is in the city now going to a school.

Aunt Laura and uncle Arvid were in Sweden at Christmas.  Uncle Arvid’s parents are still living, so they were visiting them.  She said she had a nice trip.

You write and say that we must come to the other side of the ocean, but I’m too young and inexperienced, but father would like to go back if I understand him correctly, but he himself thinks he’s too old and I guess he’s right.  I am to give you his best regards.  He still repairs electric burners (hot plates?), and makes new ones.  He says thank you very much for the magazines and all the other things he received.

Aren’t you ever thinking of coming back to Norway?  A lot has changed since you left here.  Here one day is just like the last one, while I suppose over there something new happens every day.

But I guess now there will be war and other times.  I’ll end this for now.  Live well and say hello to auntie from me.

With love

regards

Evelyn

Heggedal 3/12-1933

Kjære Alma, tak for dit brev, jeg skal snart skriv  Jeg haaber at dere lever bare bra  det jør og så vi  her har vi et pent veir.  hils alle mine

Tusen kjere hilsen fra os alle.

På framsiden av kortet står det:  Jeg vil ønske dere en Gledelig Jul og et godt Nytaar, hils alle dine barn fra os  Mindor  Laura  Arvid

Over huset med kryss på står det:  de huset med kryset bor vi

Heggedal 3/12-1933

Dear Alma, thank you for your letter, I’ll write soon  I hope you’re all fine  so are we  we’re having nice weather here.  say hello to all of mine

A thousand dear wishes from us all

On the picture side of the card it says:  I want to wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year, greet all you children from us  Mindor  Laura  Arvid

Above the house with the x it says:  the house with the x on it is where we live