Trondheim 2-9-47.

Kjære kusine!

Tusen takk for ditt brev fra onkel og dig tilsammen.

Du må hilse ham så meget, og si at jeg skal skrive snart.  Sender til Grace og dig samtidig.  Jeg skulde har skrevet for lenge siden til henne, men jeg har vært på ferie.  Det var et helt nydelig lommetørklæ jeg fikk av henne.  Jeg skal nok bruke det brullypsdagen min.  Det må nu vel bli snart.  Vi kommer vel til å gifte oss før vi får hus antagelig.  Det nytter ikke og vente på det.  Vi kommer ikke i betraktning før vi er gifte.

Jeg bad far om å oversette mitt brev til Grace, så hun skulde slippe å sende det for å forstå det.  Det er så sørgelig at jeg ikke har lært mig engelsk.

Jeg vet nu godt av dem du sendte billedet av.  Hans far har en stor slakterbutikk straks nedenfor der vi bor.

Det var virkelig morsomt og se en U.bil med N. i en amerikansk avis (U på nummerskiltet betydde at bilen var fra Sør Trøndelag).  Han var jo so ivrig under krigen Herbert Helgesen.  Synd at hans første kone omkom på grensen mellem Norge og Sverige.  Hun skulde flykte over.  Tyskerne var efter henne, på grund av at hennes mann var rømt fra Norge.  Nu er han gift igjen med en fra Bergen.  Jeg har hørt at de var reist til Amerika.

Far er nu hjemkommet fra sin ferietur.  Han har hatt det fint.  Vært i Nord-Norge i Narvik også å hilst på tante Helga (hun mener sikkert Hanna).

Ser at du blir 60 år i november.  Håber at jeg finner en ting som passer og sende dig til da.  Det er bra onkel og tante har dig så nær, nu når de begge er så dårlig.  Vi pikerne tenkte og få oss fotografert i sommer sammen, så vi skulde sende dere.  Men enten var nogen der og nogen hjemme, så vi blev ikke samlet.  Agnes min halvsøster har vært bortreist i hele sommer, så vi håper og få det til i julen nu.

Det er nogen kjekke gutter du har.  Skulde har vært morsomt og hilst på dem.  Jeg har sagt til mine søstre at dem skulde skrive til onkel, så han får vel brev tenker jeg.  Skal hilse så meget fra mor og far  dem er begge bra friske.

Hjertlig hilsen Evelyn!

Trondheim 2-9-47.

Dear cousin!

Thank you so much for your letter from uncle and you together.

Greet him lots from me, and tell him I’ll write soon.  I’m sending one to Grace and you at the same time.  I should have written her a long time ago, but I’ve been on vacation.  That was a gorgeous hankerchief I got from her.  I’ll be sure to use it for my wedding day.  I imagine it wont be long now.  I guess we’ll probably get married before we get a home.  It’s pointless waiting for that.  We’re not considered until we’re married.

I asked father to translate my letter to Grace, so that she wont have to send it to understand it.  It’s too bad I haven’t learnt English.

I know very well who those people are on the picture you sent.  His father has a large butcher shop just down from where we live.

It was real fun to see a U.car with an N. on it in an American newspaper (a U on the car tag in those days meant the car was registered in Sør [South) Trøndelag, the N on the car stands for Norway). He was very involved during the war Herbert Helgesen you know.  Too bad his first wife died on the border between Norway and Sweden.  She was trying to escape across.  The Germans were after her, because her husband had escaped from Norway.  He’s remarried now to someone from Bergen.  I’ve heard that they had gone to America.

Father has returned from his vacation trip now.  He’s had a nice one.  Has been to the North of Norway in Narvik and saw aunt Helga (I think she means Hanna).

I see you’ll be turning 60 years old in Nov.  Hope I can find a suitable thing to send you by then.  It’s nice that uncle and auntie have you so close, now that they’re both so unwell.  We girls planned to have a picture taken of us all together this summer, to send you.  But one would be there and another at home, so we couldn’t get together.  Agnes my half sister has been away all summer, so we hope to get it done this Christmas.

You have some nice looking boys.  It would be fun to meet them.  I’ve told my sisters to write to uncle, so I imagine he’ll get some letters.  Mother and father send their best wishes  they are both well.

Best wishes Evelyn!

Narvik 9/4-1947

Hallo Svoger og familie.

Vill i aften senne Dere noen ord, Da jeg netop er kommet hjem fra Arbeide.  Vi Veier nu Malm, som går til Amerika og England.  De ligger nu 20 Malmbåter på havnen, så De er en svær trafikk her nu igjen.  Bare at Malmen hadde blit brukt til De som tjener oss Mennesker til De gode, og ikke til kanoner og krigsmatriel  Ja Gud alene vet hvad ende Dette vil ta.  Vi har De som almindelig her hjemme.  Hanna har nokså mye smerter i benene.  Hun går lidt inne i huset, men smerten er nokså stor, så hun liker best å ligge, for Da er smerten borte.  Ja nu har vi feiret Påske ijen.  Livets store Seiersfest.  Seiren over døden med all sin gru og velde.  Seierherren Jesus Kristus stod op av sin Grav, medens Di Romerske Soldater som skulle holle Vagt falt til Jorden som døde.  Men De er sørgeligt å se på hvorledes folket feirer Påskehøitiden.  Det er nu bare utflukter, hytteliv og sport som er tidens løsen.  Kirkerne og Bedehusene er tynt besat, og Evangeliet har Di fleste ingen interesse av.  De er vel en smitte som går over hele Verden.  Ja Svoger, Du må ha hjertelig takk for alle Di brevene Du sender oss.  Ligeså for alt De øvrige vi har modtatt.  Di bøkerne Du sendte oss, er gode gamle skrifter, skrevet av vor tids berømte Mend, hvad kristendom angår.  Ja nu får vi snart sol og full sommer her.  Trækfuglene er nu her ijen, og De er vakkert her i Norden i Guds sjønne og herlige Natur.

Om Hanna hadde vært frisk, så er De ikke umuligt at jeg hadde tatt mig en tur over havet ved leilighed.  Siden jeg er malmveier, så får jeg være med en av Båtene som går til Amerika med malm.  Reisen er fri, men de koster kr 5 pr Døgn for kosten, og De er jo intet å snakke om.  Jeg kunne Da ha vert Der en 2 a 3 måneder, så jeg kunde ha fått hilst på vores kjære, og så vært med en båt hjem ijen. Men når Hanna er slik som hun nu er, så vill jeg selvfølgelig ikke reise fra hende.  Men de hadde vært en morsom tur.  Jeg har nylig fått brev fra Din bror Olav.  Ligeså fra Axel og Laura.  Olav er lidt Dårlig av og til.  De er særlig hodepine  Men Axel og Laura har De bra.  Du må hilse Alma fra oss, å si at hun skal også få brev snart.  Ligeså Florence Winters.  Du snakker om en flaske som du la ijen Der oppe på Fagernestoppen Da Du var Der oppe.  Vi skal se om vi finder den nu til våren.  Tyskerne hadde et stort flagg stående Der på toppen ved Krigens begyndelse.  Men de blev skudt ned flere gange av Engelsmennene fra Sjøen.  Du må ta Dig en tur til Narvik ijen, Så skal vi besoke Den toppen en gang til.  Jeg håper at Dem nu har fundet sig et andet Vandbaseng Der i Dell Rapids, så Du slipper å ha Vandtanken på hodet.  Ja Du er en nyttig Mand å ha,  De skal være både vist og sant.

Så må Di leve vel ijen, og vær venlig hilset fra oss alle.  Hils Din hustru og alle som vil ha en hilsen fra oss.  Tusen takk for Den vakre Kalenderen vi fikk.

E. Eidum  Box 68.  Narvik

Narvik 9/4-1947

Hallo Brother in law and family.

This evening I’ll send You a few words, As I’ve just come home from Work.  We’re Weighing Ore now, which goes to America and England.  There are 20 Ore ships in the harbor, so There’s huge traffic here again now.  If only the Ore had been used for What serves us Humans for The good, and not for cannons and war materials  Yes God alone knows how This will end.  We’re doing as usual here at home.  Hanna has quite a lot of pain in her legs.  She walks a little in the house, but the pain is quite bad, so she prefers to be lying down, because Then the pain is gone.  Well now we’ve celebrated Easter again. Life’s great Victory feast.  The victory over death with all its horror and power.  The Conqueror Jesus Christ rose from his Grave, while The Roman Soldiers who were Guarding it fell dead to the Ground.  But It’s sad to see how people celebrate The Easter festival.  Now the order of the day is nothing but outings, trips to cabins and sports. The Churches and the Chapels are sparsely visited, and the Gospel is of little interest to most.  I guess it’s an infection which is going around the whole World.  Well Brother in law, thank you so much for all The letters You’re sending us.  Likewise for all The other things we’ve received.  Those books You sent us, are good old writings, written by the famous Men of our time, as far as Religion goes.  Well now we’ll soon have sun and full summer here.  The migrating birds are here again now, and It’s beautiful here in the North in God’s lovely and wonderful Nature.

If Hanna had been well, It’s not impossible that I would have taken a trip across the ocean when convenient.  Since I’m an ore weigher, I can get passage on one of the Ships that go to America with ore.  The trip is free, but it costs kr 5 per day for the food, and That’s nothing to speak of. Then I could have stayed There 2 or 3 months, so I could see our loved ones, and then return home on a ship again.  But when Hanna is like she is now, I don’t want to leave her of course.  But it would have been a fun trip.  I’ve recently received a letter from Your brother Olav.  Likewise from Axel and Laura.  Olav is a little unwell now and then.  It’s mostly headaches  But Axel and Laura are fine.  Give Alma our regards and tell her she too will get a letter soon.  Likewise Florence Winters.  You mention a bottle that you left up There at Fagernestoppen When You were up There.  We’re going to see if we can find it now this spring.  The Germans had a big flag up There on the top at the beginning of the War.  But it was shot down several times by the English from the Sea.  You must come and visit Narvik again, Then we’ll visit That top once more.  I hope They have found another Water reservoir There in Dell Rapids now, so that You wont have to keep the Water tank on your head.  Yes You’re a useful Man to have around, That’s for sure.

So keep well again, and consider yourself kindly greeted by us all.  Say hello to Your wife and everyone who wants a greeting from us.  Thank you very much for The beautiful Calendar we received.

E. Eidum  Box 68.  Narvik

Kjære svigerinne og svoger og Alma Vilsen!

Mor har idag mottatt en pakke fra dere med den største glede.  Hun er helt rørt over og få noe så uventet, sier enda en gang hjertelig takk.  Jeg er nu hjemme hos mor en tur og er altså hennes yngste datter.  Mor synes hun er så skral til å skrive selv så hun vil helst jeg skal gjøre det for henne.  Hun har skrevet et brev selv som nu er underveis til dere.  Det er for galt at dere skal sende pakker, det er jo vanskelig der borte også, vi har jo ingen nød nu, men bra på alle måter.  Mor sier det er jo ting som ikke vi her i Norge har fått kjøpt på flere år.  Pakken har brukt over 3 måneder hit og det er jo lenge.  Vår kjære Odd har enda ikke kommet hjem, men mor har gjemt det dere sendte så han får det når han kommer.  Mor har fått mange brev fra ham og billeder av ham selv og fra den tid han satt i fangenskap.  Han er pen og kjekk og ser gått ut.  I Afrika hadde han malariafeber og tok av 10 kilo i vekt, men trods det har han klart seg utmerket.  Han er nu telegrafist på en tankbåt fra Sandefjord og er nu i sydishavet med olje til hvalfangerne, og etter denne turen skal båten til Oslo med hvalolje  og da kommer Odd hjem.  Han beregner han er her hjemme først i mai og da er det 8 og et halvt år siden han reiste ut.  Jeg for min del gikk i 4de klasse på folkeskolen da han reiste så jeg var bare liten pike den gangen.  Men når Odd kommer hjem nu er det meningen jeg skal gifte meg, så tiden går fort.  Odd skal være forlover så det er han vi venter på.  Bare så synd at far ikke kan være med, når hele familien blir samlet igjen.  Det er en sorg for mor og oss som aldri glemmes, men det er jo ingen som lever evindelig.  Det gikk så alt for fort med ham, han fikk ikke en gang overleve krigen.  Han var så innteresert, men han sa det alerede i 940 hvordan alt ville komme til og gå, og akkurat slik gikk det, selv om tyskerne gikk frem og okkuperte land etter land.  Han var optimist og det var vi jo alle.

Mor er så spent på hvordan det er om Alma er datteren til onkel Johan (Alma Wilson var datter til Olaf Holm.  Han døde i en influensaepedemi i Alexandria , Minnesota i 1888 da Alma  var et år gammel. Johan Magnus (John), som emigrerte i mai, 1889, giftet seg med enken (Karoline) etter broren Olaf i Iowa  i 1899 og ble dermed både onkel og stefar til Alma. John døde i januar, 1948.  Markus var også gift, kona het Gjertine, og de hadde flere barn i Trondheim.)  Odd sier at Alma er datteren til Markus, men det kan da vel ikke være riktig for onkel Markus omkom da under en tog ulykke i Trondheim.  Dere må skrive og fortelle det for vi diskuterer, men blir ikke enige.  Hadde far levd så, men mor  er ikke sikker på hvordan det er.  Jeg sendte brev til Alma for en tid siden, det er jo hyggelig og korrespondere sånn.

Her på Hegra er det masse sne og kaldt.  Det var mars dag siste søndag så Solveig, Svanhild og meg var her da.  Jeg blev igjen noen dager hos mor for hun er jo alene.  Mine søstre har jo familie i Trondheim så dem måtte inn til byen igjen.

Mor går jo og pusler og steller og er frisk og kjekk.  Hun holder seg likedan, jeg har aldri sett henne anderledes.  Mor spør hvordan det er med tante Karoline om hun er frisk?

Jeg sender dere adressen til Odd om dere vil skrive til ham.

Så atter hjertelig takk og kjærlig hilsen til dere alle fra Olava Holm.

Hjertelig hilsen til dere alle fra Jorun, Hegra.

Odds adresse er:

Telegrafist

Odd Conrad Holm

M/T “Thorshov”

A/S Tor Dahl

Sandefjord

Dear sister in law and brother in law and Alma Vilsen!

Mother has received a package from you today with the greatest pleasure.  She’s quite touched by receiving something so unexpectedly, once again many thanks.  I am now at mother’s house for a visit and am by the way her youngest daughter.  Mother thinks she’s so bad at writing so she’d rather I do it for her.  She has written a letter herself which is presently on its way to you.  It’s too much that you should be sending packages, it’s difficult over there too, we’re not in any need now, but are doing fine in every way.  Mother says there are things we haven’t been able to buy here in Norway for several years.  The package has taken 3 months to get here and that’s a long time.  Our dear Odd has still not come home, but mother has put aside what you sent so he’ll get it when he arrives.  Mother has received several letters from him and pictures of himself and from the time he was in captivity.  He’s a handsome and nice boy and looks well.  In Africa he had malaria and lost 10 kg’s, but in spite of that he has coped well.  He’s now a radio officer on a tanker from Sandefjord and is presently in the Antarctic Ocean with oil for the whalers, and after this trip the ship is going to Oslo with whale oil and then Odd is coming home.  He estimates he’ll be home in the beginning of May and then it’ll be 8 and a half years since he left.  I was in 4^th grade in elementary school when he left so I was only a little girl at the time.  But when Odd comes home I’m planning to get married, so time passes quickly.  Odd is going to be best man, so it’s him we’re waiting for.  Just too bad that father can’t be with us, when the whole family is gathered again.  That’s a sorrow for mother and us which will never be forgotten, but nobody lives forever.  He went much too soon, he didn’t even get to survive the war.  He was so interested, but he said already in 1940 how everything would end, and he was right, even though the Germans went forth and occupied country after country.  He was an optimist like we all were.

Mother can’t wait to find out if Alma is the daughter of uncle Johan.  Odd says that Alma is the daughter of Markus, but that can’t be right because uncle Markus was killed in a train accident in Trondheim.  You must write and tell us because we are discussing it, but can’t reach an agreement.  If only father had been alive, but mother isn’t sure how it is.  I sent a letter to Alma a while back, it’s nice to correspond like this.

Here in Hegra there’s lots of snow and cold.  Last Sunday was march day so Solveig, Svanhild and I were here then (not sure what she means, whether it’s a local celebration in connection with the month of March, or a day when everybody gets together for a marathon type “march”).  I stayed behind for a few days with mother as she’s alone now.  My sisters have their families in Trondheim so they had to get back to town again.

Mother goes around doing this and that and is well and doing ok.  She stays the same, I’ve never seen her any different.  Mother asks how things are with aunt Karoline if she’s well?

I’m giving you Odd’s address in case you want to write to him.

Once again thank you so much and loving greetings to you all from Olava Holm.

Best wishes to you all from Jorun, Hegra.

Odd’s address is:

Telegrafist (Radio Officer)

Odd Conrad Holm

M/T “Throshov”

A/S Tor Dahl

Sandefjord

Narvik 6/2-1946

Kjære Svoger Holm

Jeg vil idag skrive noen ord, og takke så hjertelig for Di to pakkerne, som vi fik idag.  Ja Gud velsigne Dere for Disse velsignede klær vi fik.  Vi forstår at Alma har også vert med Der, og du må hilse hende tusen takk fra oss alle.  Hun skal få brev snart.  Du kan tro at De kom godt med.  Den fine Kjeledressen fik vor sønn Baltzer.  Han er Smed på Jernbanen, og var helt fri for Arbeidsklær.  Han hoppet av glæde over Dressen.  Og alt kom som om De var sendt fra Gud.  Gusta senner også brev til Alma idag.  Jeg sender Dere idag et blad, Et billedhefte av Krigen.  Fra Oslo og hele Nord Norge.  Der vil Di se krigen i Trondheim, Stjørdalen og Hegra.  Og ikke minst fra Narvik.  Men de må Di vente en stund på, før De kommer, for De går ikke med flypost.  Jeg tror at De vil bli morsomt for Dere og se.  Ja forresten så har vi De som vanlig.  Hanna min hustru er nu hjemme ijen.  Hun går oppe hver dag, og De er næsten et under at hun kan gå så bra.  Begge hoftene er jo naglet.  Om hun for leve nu til Den 20de Mai i Aar, så blir hun Da 70 Aar.  Og hun har vert kraftig og stærk hele tiden.  Tænk bare på 10 barn.  Og Dertil Arbeidet og strævet fra barns ben av.  Ja De er en stor Nåde fra Gud.  Hanna undres på hvor gammel Du er nu?  Hun undres på om Du ikke skal være runt 80 år nu?  Du må si oss De i et brev senere.  Ja nu er Julen gått.  Og et Nytt år er kommet.  Men Julens budskap for vi beholde hver Dag.  Frelserens komme til Jord.  Og De er De bedste av alt for oss, enten De er Jul eller Påske.  Måtte De nye Aaret bli et godt og velsignet Aar, både (klarer ikke tyde neste ord, ser ut som “triveligt” men det stemmer liksom ikke med teksten) og Aandeligt.  Men De ser ut som at folket haster mot fordærvelsen, i al slags elendighed.  Vi har også fått breve fra mine søsken Der i Amerika.  Min Søster Marie lever i Ortley Syd Dakota.  Og Di andre 2 Anna og Bergljot er i Calefornia.  Og Dem har De bare vell alle.  Du kommer vell ikke til Norge og besøker oss mere nu?  Jeg husker godt, Da Du var her i Narvik og gjik op til Fagernestoppen en nat.  Nu i krigens tid så hadde Tyskerne et Hakekorsflag Der oppe på Toppen.  Men De blev nedskudt fra Sjøen av Engelskmannen 3 Gange.  Vor sønn Sverre som er Gullsmed han fikk Den brune Arbeidssjorten, og et sætt av undertøiet.  Han ber mig hilse Dere tusen takk.  Vi har nylig fått brev fra bror Olav i Trondheim.  Han har De også bra.  Aksel har vi også fått brev fra.  Han har De bare bra.  Men hans hustru Helga ligger fremdeles på Pleiehjemmet i Hegra.  Og De tegner alt til at hun for snart flytte.  Ja ja kjære Svoger.  De kunde ha meget å skrive om.  Men vi får ta lidt for hver gang.  Jeg tror at jeg for ta mig en tur til Stjørdal snart.  Og Da skal jeg hilse alle Der fra Dere.  Så snart jeg får tak i noen billeder fra oss, så skal vi sende til Dere også.  Så må Di ha De godt ijen, å Gud velsigne eder alle.  Lad oss hver dag møtes for Nådens trone, indtil vi får reisebud og sier Verden farvel.  En av mine Søstre fortalte mig, at et ord som jeg hadde sagt til hende for omkring 36 år siden hadde i alle Disse Aar fulgt henne.  Og nu først måtte hun bøie sig for Gud, og takke ham for ordet.  Ja hermed tusen hilsener i Jesu Navn.  Skal snart skrive ijen.  Eders Hanna og E. Eidum  box 68  Narvik

LETTER FROM EDVARD EIDUM DATED NARVIK  FEBRUARY 6-1946, TO  HERR (MR.) JOHN HOLM, 108 WEST 5^TH STREET, DELL RAPIDS, SYD DAKOTA, U.S.A.  SENT BY AIR MAIL.  THE STAMPS HAVE BEEN TORN OFF.

Narvik 6/2-1946

Dear Brother in law Holm

Today I’ll write a few words, and heartily thank you for The two packages, which we received today.  God bless You for These blessed clothes we received.  We understand that Alma was also part of That, and you must tell her a thousand thanks from us all.  She’ll get a letter soon. You can be sure It came in really handy.  The nice Coveralls our son Baltzer got.  He’s a Blacksmith with the Railroads, and was completely out of Work Clothes.  He jumped with joy for the Coveralls.  And everything came as if It had been sent from God.  Gusta will also send a letter to Alma today.  I’m sending You a magazine today, A picture magazine of the War.  From Oslo and all of Northern Norway.  There You will see the war in Trondheim,, Stjørdalen and Hegra. (Hegra Fortress is well known in Norway for it’s brave stand against the German attack, with only a few local men)  And not to mention Narvik.  But You’ll have to wait a while for that, before It gets there, because It wont go by air mail.  I think It’ll be fun for You to see.  Otherwise we are as usual.  Hanna my wife is at home again.  She’s up every day, and It’s almost a miracle that she can walk so well.  Both her hips have been fused you know (he says “riveted”, I assume that means they’ve been fused).  If she gets to live until May The 20^th of this Year, she’ll turn 70 Years old.  And she has been strong the whole time.  Just imagine 10 children.  And in Addition the Work and struggle from the time she was a child.  Yes It’s a great Grace of God.  Hanna wonders how old You are now?  She wonders whether You should be around 80 years old now?  You must tell us in a letter later.  Well Christmas has now passed.  And a New year has arrived.  But the message of Christmas we get to keep every Day.  The arrival of the Saviour to Earth.  And That’s The best of all for us, whether It be Christmas or Easter.  May The new Year be a good and blessed Year, both (can’t read the next word) and Spiritually.  But It looks like the people are rushing towards destruction, in all kinds of wretchedness.  We have also had letters from my siblings There in America.  My Sister Marie lives in Ortley South Dakota  And the other 2 Anna and Bergljot are in California.  And They are all well.  I guess you’re not coming to Norway to visit us anymore now?  I remember well, When You were here in Narvik and walked up to Fagernestoppen one night.  During this war the Germans had a Swastika flag up There on the Top.  But It was shot down from the Sea by the English 3 times.  Our son Sverre who’s a Goldsmith got The brown Workshirt, and a set of the underwear.  He asks me to tell You a thousand thanks.  We have recently had a letter from brother Olav in Trondheim.  He’s also doing well.  We’ve also had a letter from Aksel.  He’s doing fine.  But his wife Helga is still at the Nursing Home in Hegra.  And It looks like she’ll soon get to move (die).  Well, dear Brother in law.  There’s a lot I could write about.  But we’ll cover a little each time.  I think I’ll have to take a trip to Stjørdal soon.  And Then I’ll greet all of them There from You all.  As soon as I can get some pictures from us, we’ll send You some too.  So keep well again, and God bless you all.  Let us each Day meet at the throne of Grace (Mercy?), until we’re told to travel and say goodbye to the World.  One of my Sisters told me, that a text I told her about around 36 years ago had followed her all These Years.  And not until now did she submit to God, and thank him for that text.  With this a thousand greetings in the Name of Jesus.  Will write again soon.  Yours Hanna and E. Eidum  box 68  Narvik   

Narvik 23/11-1945

Kjære svoger John Holm.

På egen og min hustrus vegne vil jeg herved rette Dere en hjertelig takk, for Den pakke vi fik igår.  De var godt å se at Di ikke har glemt oss her oppe i Norden.  Og Denne gave kom helt uventenes.  Teppet var veldig vakkert.  Hanskerne og Strømperne kom godt med.  Ligeså knivene og Sæpen.  Hjertelig takk for alt.  Hanna min hustru ligger for tiden på Sykehuset.  Hun brak De Venstre ben i fjor på Denne tid.  Og nu iår brak hun De høire ijen.  Så hun har vært svært uheldig.  Men alle ting tjener Dem tilgode, som elsker Gud.  Ja vi har nu hadt en hår tid over Den hele verden i Di siste 5 Aar.  Den 9de April 1940 kom Tyskerne hid til Narvik klokken 4 og en halv morgen.  Og Da var De i 6 uker som vi ikke hadde klærne av os.  38 Skip blev sænket på havnen her inden 3 dage.  Og Dertil blev De sænket 15 Tyske Krigsskip.  Vi lå i kjelleren nat som dag, medens husene runt om oss blev beskudt både fra Sjøen og fra luften.  Alle hus omkring oss blev beskudt, og stod i brand flere av Dem.  Men Gud sje lov, vort hjem blev spart.  Men flere bomber falt bare 6 a 7 meter fra Væggen hvor vi sat.  Den 2den Juni måtte vi flytte fra byen.  Da stod halve byen i brand.  Flere Seville personer blev Dræpt.  Vi kom da 40 Norske mil længere Nordover.  Til en øi som hedte Vandøia.  Der var vi i 3 og en halv Måned.  Da vi kom tilbake Derfra var al maten borte, og en masse andre ting.  Deriblant Symaskinen til Hanna.  Og siden har De gått slag i slag.  Men vi klager ikke.  Gud har vært god.  Vi har ofte hadt lite, men sultet har vi ikke.  Klærne har vi Delt mellem oss så langt vi har formåd.  Alle vare 10 barn lever.  En del er her i byen, og en del er flyttet fra byen.  Alle er gifte, så nær som en datter Gusta.  Hun er nu hjemme.  De er lenge nu siden Du var her i Narvik.  De var i 1914 tror jeg.  Du har vel fått brev fra broder Olav og Laura, så Du ved hvorledes Dem har De.  Ja nu er krigen slut.  Men alikevel fortsetter ufreden.  Nu vet Dem ikke hvorledes Dem skal få hevne sig, på alt og alle.  Aa nei.  Fred blir De aldrig tale om før Fredsfyrsten selv kommer, og tar roret i sin hånd.  Og Den tid er nu nermere end vi aner.  Jeg har nylig fått 3 brev fra Amerika fra mine Søsken.  Min bror Iver Døde for et Aar siden.  Han levet i Galesburg N. Dakota.  Mine 3 søstre lever, 2 er i Calefornia og en i S. Dak.  Men Gud sje lov, Iver døde i troen på sin frelser.  Og to av mine søstre er Omvent til Gud, og har De godt.  Ja min kjære Svoger.  Håber at Du også lever med Din herre og frelser.

For Gud so loved the World, that he gave his only begotten Son, that Whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  Joh. Ev. 3-16.

Så må Dere ha De bare godt og vell.  Hanna ba mig hilse Dig og alle i hjemmet så hjertelig.  Hun minnes sine kjære søsken alle fra far og mors hjem.  Lad oss alle møtes hos Gud i Himlen tilslut.

Mange hilsener

E. Eidum, box 68 Narvik Norge

Narvik 23/11-1945

Dear brother in law John Holm.

On behalf of myself and my wife I hereby want to thank You very much, for The package we received yesterday.  It’s nice to see that you haven’t forgotten us up here in the North.  And This gift was completely unexpected.  The blanket was very beautiful.  The gloves and Socks were very welcome.  So also the knives and the Soap.  Thank you so much for everything.  Hanna my wife is presently in the Hospital.  She broke her Left leg this time last year.  And now this year she broke The right one.  So she has been very unlucky.  But all things will benefit those, who love God.  Well The whole world has had a hard time These past 5 Years.  On the 9^th of April 1940 the Germans came here to Narvik at half past 4 morning.  And Then for 6 weeks we didn’t undress.  38 Ships were sunk in the harbor here within 3 days.  And in Addition 15 German War Ships were sunk.  We were in the basement night and day, while the houses around us were shot at from the Sea as well as from the air.  All the houses around us were shot at, and several of Them were ablaze.  But thank God, our home was saved.  But several bombs fell only 6 to 7 meters from the Wall where we sat.  One June 2^nd we had to move out of town.  Half of the town was on fire then.  Several Civilians were Killed.  We went 40 Norwegian miles further North.  To an island called Vandøia.  We were there 3 and a half Months.  When we returned from There all our food was gone, and lots of other things.  Among other things Hanna’s Sewing machine.  And since then it’s been one thing after another.  But we’re not complaining.  God has been good.  We’ve often had little, but have not starved.  We’ve shared the clothes between us as far as we’ve been able.  All our 10 children are alive.  Some are here in town, and some have moved away from town.  All of them are married, except our daughter Gusta.  She’s at home now.  It’s been a long time now since You were here in Narvik.  I believe it was in 1914.  I assume you’ve had letters from brother Olav and Laura, so that You know how They are.  Yes the war is over now.  But still the unrest continues.  Now they don’t know how to get revenge, on everything and everybody.  Oh no.  There will be no peace until the King of peace himself arrives, and takes over the helm.  And that time is closer now than we can imagine.  I have recently had 3 letters from America from my siblings.  My brother Iver Died a Year ago.  He lived in Galesburg N. Dakota.  My 3 sisters are alive, 2 are in Calefornia and one in S. Dak.  But thank God, Iver died believing in his Savior.  And two of my sisters have been Saved. And are Doing well.  Yes my dear Brother in law.  Hope that You too are living with Your lord and savior.

For God so loved the World, that he gave his only begotten Son, that Whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  Joh Ev. 3-16.

So keep well and healthy.  Hanna asked me to give You and everybody in your home her warmest greetings.  She remembers all her dear siblings from father and mother’s home.  Let us all meet with God in Heaven in the end.

Many good wishes

E. Eidum, box 68 Narvik Norway  

Stjørdal 25-10-45

Kjære Alma og dere alle i hopa.

Tak for brevet jeg fik 23 denes.  Tak og for di to pakkene jeg fik nu netop  Tusin tak for alt  Vi har nu foet 4 pakker fra Dere.  Du siger at jeg må si fra vad jeg ønsker men vi må prøve og greie os selv så di slipper alt dette strev for os, det var fint med et par sko  jeg bruker nr 44 norsk mål  de sko jeg fik fra Johan var fin men for små men dem skal blir benyttet av di som trenger dem.

Min kone ligger fremdeles på Hegra pleiehjem med 38 i feber.  Jeg har nu snart kjørt 250 mil og besøkt hende så du forstår at den Norske kjerlighed er sterk og varm  den trodser både regn og varm, kulde og storm.  Vi har nu lite Tyskere her og snart så drager Engelsmennerne og så er vi fri alt dette militære foreløbig  her er nu stille  det er en periode med lite arbeide og ingen arbeids glæde, for det vi for av vor myndigheder er nye skatter og avgifter.

Så for di lev vel alle og ver hilset fra os alle.  Skal hilse fra Laura  hun sidder nu her på stuen og strikker.  Mindor har veret i Oslo nu. med Ola er de bra  Olava likeså.  Hun venter nu Odd hjem til jul (han kunne ikke komme hjem før våren 1946).  Her er et fint veir  jeg arbeider ute hele eftermiddagen.

14 November blir jeg 60 år lils bane hendes mor, du må tag med dig Johan og kom så skal di få Får i Kål.

Einar vor yngste søn er i militære  er nu sykepermiteret  han skal til Oslo og bli oppereret for et maveonde.

Helga  Axel

Stjørdal 25-10-45

Dear Alma and you all.

Thank you for the letter I received on the 23^rd of this month.  Thank you for the two packages I received just now  A thousand thanks for everything  We have now received 4 packages from You.  You say I must let you know what I want but we must try and manage on our own so that you wont have all this hassle for our sake, a pair of shoes would be nice  I use Norwegian size 44  the shoes I received from Johan were nice but too small but they will be used by someone who needs them.

My wife is still at Hegra Nursing Home with a fever of 38 (Centigrades).  I have now driven almost 250 miles (Norwegian miles) to see her so you see that Norwegian love is strong and warm  it braves rain and heat, cold and storms.  We have few Germans here now and soon the English will leave and then we’ll be rid of all this military stuff for a while  it’s quiet here now  we have a period of little work and no pleasure in work, because what we receive from our authorities are new taxes and fees.

Keep well all of you and be greeted from us all.  Laura says hello  she’s sitting here in the living room knitting.  Mindor has been to Oslo now.  Ola is fine  so is Olava.  She’s expecting Odd home for Christmas (he didn’t come home until the spring of 1946).  We’re having  nice weather  I work outside all afternoon.

On November 14 I turn 60 mom’s little boy, get Johan and come and I’ll give you “Får i Kål” (Norwegian dish which means “lamb in cabbage” – consists of slow boiled layers of lamb and cabbage, sprinkled with peppercorns and a little flour for thickening).

Einar our youngest son is in the military  he’s now on sick leave  he’s going to Oslo for an operation because of a stomach ailment.

Helga Axel

Trondheim 28-9-45

Kjære Grace!

Du blir vel forbauset nu når det kommer brev fra mig.  Det er nu mange ord siden sist.  Du er vel antagelig gift nu, og har en flokk med små-barn.

Da er det andeledes med mig.  Jeg er hverken gift eller har barn, men så har nu alt vært rasjonert her også (ha-ha)

Ring på finger har jeg nu fått for to år siden, men det har blitt med forlovelsen også.  Det har jo ikke vært slike tider her akkurat at man har fått tak i det man trenger for å sette bo.  Min forlovede blev også syk for vel 1 år siden  fikk plauritt og får ennu ikke arbeide. Så det er vel best at vi tok det med når det gjalt ekteskapet.

Jeg er nu 27 år så min ungdoms tid er nu snart forbi.  De siste 5 år vet man i grunnen ikke noget av, dem er bortkastet  I 1940 var jeg i Stockholm og lærte barnepleie, men var dum nok og reise til Norge igjen enda tyskerne var i landet  Jeg har nu arbeidet på sykehus i 5 år, men skal jeg være ærlig er det et slitsomt arbeidet, men intresant.  Måtte nu slutte en tid fordi jeg blev så tynn og var overandstrengt.  Holder nu og strever med å få reise over til Sverige igjen, men det lar seg hvis ikke gjøre  Det er så mangel på sykesøstre her i landet også, så det blir vel så jeg begynner på igjen der jeg slutter.  Hvis jeg ikke tar mig en Amerika-tur.  Jeg har så lyst til å reise.  Det kan vel ha sin grund i dag da.  Du vet vi kvinner er så forfengelig, og her er det jo intet og få tak i, og det blir vel lenge til.  Jeg har så lyst til å pynte mig op fra topp til tå.  Men selvfølge skulde man ikke tenke på luksus.  Vi har jo vært heldige som slapp fra det med livet.  Du vet det er jo ikke så hyggelig når alt i ens garderobe begynner og bli bare fillet og stoppet.  Vi har jo intet fått kjøpt på fem år.  Det skulde være rart å kommet over der og fått gått i forretninger og kjøpt forskjellig.  Men vi får vel smøre oss med tolmodighet.  Nu må du inderlig skrive nogen ord til mig, og fortelle mig hvordan dere lever.  Det er ingen i vår familie som har vært med hverken i det ene eller andre så vi har vært heldige.

Min adr. er Evelyn Holm, Rosenborgsgt 14, Trondheim, Norge.

Trondheim 28-9-45

Dear Grace!

I guess you’re surprised now at getting a letter from me.  It’s been many years since last time.  You’re probably married now, and have a bunch of little children.

Not so with me.  I’m neither married nor do I have children, but then again everything has been rationed here (ha-ha).

I got a ring on my finger two years ago, but the engagement is all there was too. The times here haven’t exactly been such that we’ve been able to get what we needed to establish a home.  Also my fiancee got sick about a year ago  came down with pleuricy and is still not allowed to work.  So I guess taking it slowly as far as the marriage was all for the best.

I’m now 27 years old and my days of youth are almost over.  The last 5 years don’t really count much, they’re wasted  In 1940 I was in Stockholm (Sweden) studying to be a children’s nurse, but was stupid enough to go back to Norway even though the Germans were in the country.  I’ve now been working at a hospital for 5 years, but to be honest it’s a strenuous job, but interesting.  I have had to quit for a while because I became so thin and was overworked.  I’m now trying to get over to Sweden again, but it looks like it wont happen.  There’s a lack of nurses in this country too, so I’ll probably end up starting again where I left off.  Unless I take a trip to Amerca.  I really would like to.  There’s a special reason for that these days though.  You know us women are quite vain, and there’s nothing to be had here, and probably wont be for a long time.  I’d so much like to spruce myself up from top to toe.  But of course, one shouldn’t think about luxuries.  We’ve been very lucky to escape with our lives.  You know it’s not very nice when everything in one’s wardrobe is starting to look like mended rags.  We haven’t been able to buy anything for 5 years.  It would be strange to come over there and be able to go to the stores and buy various things.  But we’ll have to be patient.  Please write a few words to me, and tell me how you are living.  Noone in our family has been involved in anything so we’ve been lucky.

My addr. is Evelyn Holm, Rosenborgsgt. 14, Trondheim, Norway

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  

TRONDHEIM SEPT. 1-1945

Kjære Broder

Ja du kan tro jeg blev glad da jeg fik Pakken “med Frakken” (Overcoat) Så Solid som den er og tænk den passer akurat.  Jeg synes det er for mye og takke for, men hva andet kan jeg gjøre, Så du må ha så mange tusind tak, og jeg ønsker du må bli “lønnet” for dine gode gjerninger, av ham, som ser, og som vet om alt.  Jeg det er herlig og få noget derfra nu, her går det sent med og få orden på noget, men det begynder og blir bedre med mat.  Det er bare bra med vores  Søster Laura var hos os en par dage nu igjen, med sin Søn han er over 30 år, har ikke arbeidet en skikkelig dagsarbeide enda, er bortskjæmt av henne og så er han lit fjollet (Folish) og hun liker best, og løpe i Husene og tøise.  Hun får lit Pension, efter hennes Mand fra Sverige.  Ja det er mye rart men dette må ikke snakkes om.  Krigen har fordrævet Moralen og alt især iblant unge folk.  Det er helst Dans drik, kortspil, dem intreserer sig for.  Jeg er så glad for jeg har mine så vel off.

Jeg fik brev fra Florence Winters forleden.  Hun lover og sende noget, og det er så bra hvadsomhelst.  Det er så ont at jeg ikke kan gjengjælde på noget vis, for hvad jeg får.  Her begynder og bli høstlig nu surt og kalt.  Tyskerne reiser herfra fort væk men mange igjen enda  håper, vi blir fri alle Fremmede Soldater, det blir ikke bra her før alle er reist, ihvertfal blir en del unge damer utskjæmt, bare til forargelse, og mye misnøie, og Politisk split, og strid er det også.

Håper det er fortsat bare bra med alle dere da.  For slutte for denne gang igjen, jeg husker ingen ting av intresse.  Jeg skal se om jeg kan sende dig en par Billeder som du vistnok har intresse av snart se om du kjenner dem igjen.  Så tilslut min hjerteligste tak for “Coaten” igjen, og jeg glær mig til snart og begynde bruke den.  Hils da Alma og hennes folk. samt din kone

Din hengivne Broder Olav

Trondheim Sept. 1-1945

Dear brother

I was so happy to receive the Packet “with the Jacket” (Overcoat) How solid it is and it actually fits perfectly.  I feel it’s too much to have to thank you for, but what else can I do, So many thanks to you, and may you be “rewarded” for your good deeds, by him, who sees, and knows everything.  Yes getting something from there is wonderful now, getting things back to normal is slow going here, but it’s starting to get better as far as food.  Everything is just fine with ours  Sister Laura was here at our place for a couple of days again, with her Son  he’s over 30 years old, hasn’t worked a decent day of work yet, is spoilt by her and is also a little Folish (Ola’s term) and her favourite thing is running around to people.  She gets a little Pension, after her Husband from Sweden.  Yes there’s all kinds but this must not be repeated.  The war has chased away Morals and everything especially among young people.  It’s mostly Dancing drinking, playing cards, they’re interested in.  I’m so glad I’ve got mine so well off (“vel off” are Ola’s own words).

I had a letter from Florence Winters the other day.  She promises to send something, and anything at all is fine.  It feels so bad that I can’t return the favours in any way.  It’s starting to get fall like here now  cold and miserable.  The Germans are continuing to leave but many are still left.  hope, we’ll be rid of all Foreign Soldiers, things wont be right here until they have all gone, also a few young ladies will be spoilt, only a cause of annoyance and a lot of displeasure, and there’s Political discord and conflict too.

Hope everything is still ok with all of you.  Will close for now, I can’t remember anything of interest.  I’ll see if I can send you a couple of Pictures soon which I understand you’d be interested in  see if you recognize them.  In closing I thank you again so much for “Coaten” (this means the coat – Ola has taken the English word for coat and added the Norwegian singular definate ending en, making it coat’en) and I’m looking forward to wearing it soon.  Say hello to Alma and her people. as well as your wife

Your devoted Brother Olav

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 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)

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.    

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.

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.

Trondhjem Oct.19-14

Dear Sis,

Paa forlangende af vor Svigerinde og mig selv tillader jeg mig at meddele den triste nyhed at vor Broder Markus omkom ved et ulykkestilfælde med øieblikkelig død tilfølge han blev overkjørt av et stort Godstog under arbeide i byens nærhed.  Hans legeme blev totalt knust og sønderlæmmet, begge ben afskaaret over laarene samt den ene arm og underlivet og bakhovedet, og alt var gjort paa et øieblik.  Jeg tror ikke han blev opmerksom paa toget før forsent.  Stakkels Markus hvilken ende han fik.  Jeg talte med ham kvelden førud, paa en visit derude.  Han har 6 ukonfirmerte børn med (mener han men?) Hustruen for vist bra pension af Staten samt understøttelse af Foreningen og private som (mener han saa?) hun blir bra forsørget.  Her hjemme er alt bare vel foresten  “Fader” trives godt hos M. Dybvad, og har det bra, forøvrigt bra med alle andre.  Det er stor arbeidsløshed, og dyrtid, her saa det er ikke greit og klare sig.  Jeg har vært arbeidsløs i hele høst, og vær blir det vist her, saa længe Krigen staar paa.  Haaber at alle Tyskere snart maatte Myrdes saa det blev fred.  Haaber alt er bare vel med dere, og at alle har det bra.  Hvordan er tiderne der borte?  Haaber dere skriver og forteller mig hvordan i har det.

Greet all the young generation, hope Hilda or Cleo(?) writes me soon.

I have no other news so I must close for this time

with the heartiest regard

Yours Ola

Adr. Rosenborgsgt. 14

Trondhjem

Norway

Trondhjem Oct. 19-14

Dear Sis

On behalf of our sister in law and myself I take the liberty of informing you of the sad news that our Brother Markus has died in an accident resulting in his immediate demise he was run over by a large freight train while working near the city.  His body was totally crushed and mutilated, both legs severed above the thighs as well as one of his arms and abdomen and the back of his head, and it all happened in the blink of an eye. I do not think he became aware of the train until too late.  Poor Markus what an end he got.  I spoke to him the night before, while visiting out there.  He has 6 unconfirmed children but it seems his Wife will receive a good pension from the State and also support from the Union and privately so she will be well provided for.  Here at home everything is otherwise fine.  “Father” likes being at M. Dybvad’s and is doing well, all the others are also fine.  There’s a lot of unemployment and high prices here, so it’s not easy to keep it going.  I have been unemployed all through this fall, and things will probably get worse here, as long as the War goes on.  Hope that all Germans would be murdered soon so that there could be peace.

Hope everything is fine with you all and that everybody is doing well.  How are the times over there?  Hope you will write and tell me how you all are doing.

Greet all the young generation, hope Hilda or Cleo(?) writes me soon.  I have no other news so I must close for this time

with the heartiest regard

Yours Ole

Adr Rosenborgsgt. 14

Trondhjem

Norway    

Stjørdal den 5-2-1946

Kjær Alma.

Du får unskylde mei at jeg er så sent ute  det er nu længe siden jeg fik pakken med di brune høie sko og dem var aldeles passende og jeg bruker dem på mine Hegra turet når jeg besøker fruen, så var det stromper m m hjertelig tak.  men pakke med jakett som du skriver om har jeg ikke foett. 

Du spør om Olaf Vold hen er i beste velgående og kjører brød hos Nilsen.  jeg hilste ham fra dere og søstra.  han hadde skrevet 3 brev men intet hørt fra sine.  Nu har jeg ikke talt med ham så vil tro at dem har foet forbindelse med hinannen.  Han er formann i frimisjonen og driver stort.  Skal hilse derre alle fra kona  hun har veret så bra nu men er ikke oppe da sukkersyken er så slem

Det går rykte om at Odd Konrad skal komme hjem om ikke så længe.  Her er det bare bra med os.  Eilif har nu planer om at utvie bakeriet.

Arne tenker og få sig plads i langsund.  Herborg er Hjemme hos mig likeså Einar med hustru og barn bor sammen med os.  Idag var Gjertine (Markus’ enke) med to døtre på besøk  hun ønsket brev fra Dere.  Hendes adr. er Gjertine Holm, Møllebakken 23 Trondheim.

De drives nu med auksjoner av tomkesser og gammelt skrott efter Tyskerne, og en del brakke salg er det også  di må tro her ser ut efter dem.  nu aristeres vellig vek Gestapo, di som aristeret Eilif og slo ham både på Vollan, og Falstad Grini sidder nu i det berygtede Misjonshotel.  så det blir vel fler av dem døsdømt som dem har forkjent.  Hos Olav er det ikke verst  kona ver litt dårlig men er nu bar bra.  Olava bor allene i sine huse i Hegra.  Vi har nu feiret fra os julen med mange fester og mye folk og nu holder vi på med Februar  vi blir fort gammel.  Jeg har veret på mange barnefester i jula, en god stemning og mange barn.

Ja så får di leve vel og ønsker eder alle et velsignet og roligt Nyttår.

Beste hilsen Helga og Axel.

Laura har skrevet I margen på første side av arket:  Mange Kjere hilsen fra Laura  har du faat den lille Pakken jeg sente til Jul og brevet.  takk for siste Pakken jeg fik fra dig og Johan.  jeg skal snart skrive

Stjørdal the 5^th of february-1946

Dear Alma

Forgive me for being so slow  it’s been a long time since I received the package with the brown tall shoes and they fit me perfectly and I wear them for my Hegra trips when I visit my wife, then there were socks (stockings?  The Norwegian word for socks and stockings is the same) and more  thank you so much.  but the package with the jacket that you write about I have not received.

You ask about Olav Vold  he’s still going strong and delivers bread for Nilsen.  I greeted him from you and his sister.  he had written 3 letters but hadn’t heard anything back.  I haven’t spoken with him for a while so assume they have gotten in touch with eachother.  He’s the foreman of the independent mission (I’m not sure, but he may be talking about the freemasons here) and is very involved.  My wife greets you all  she has been so well now but is not out of bed as the diabetes is so bad.

It’s rumoured that Odd Konrad is coming home soon.  Things are fine with us.  Eilif is planning to expand the bakery.

Arne is thinking about getting him a place in langsund (this is a place name and is supposed to be capitalised).  Herborg is at Home with me  also Einar with his wife and child are living with us.  Today Gjertine (Markus’ widow) and two of her daughters were here for a visit  she wished for a letter from You all.  Her addr. is Gjertine Holm, Møllebakken 23 Trondheim.

There are now auctions going on of empty crates and other junk left by the Germans, and some barracks are also being sold  you can’t imagine the mess they left.  Gestapo’s are now being arrested all the time, the people who arrested Eilif and beat him at Vollan and Falstad as well as Grini (concentration camps in Norway) are now at the notorious Misjonshotel.  so more of them will probably get a death sentence like they deserve.  At Olav’s it’s not too bad  his wife was a little sick but is fine now.  Olava lives alone in her houses in Hegra.  We are now finished celebrating Christmas with many parties and lots of people and are now into February  we are getting old quickly.  I’ve been to many children’s parties this Christmas, a good atmosphere and many children.

Keep well and wishing you all a blessed and peaceful New Year.

Best wishes Helga and Axel

Laura has written in the margin of the front page: Many dear greetings from Laura  did you receive the little Package I sent for Christmas and the letter.  thank you for the last Package I got from you and Johan  I’ll write soon    

Stjørdal 3-10-45

Kjære Alma

Tusin tak for brevet som jeg har modtatt for flere dage siden og for 2 pakker jeg fik igår.  Det var nyttige ting alt sammen hjertelig tak.  Her er det nu stille og roligt.  Det er da til valgsjau for 8 oktober er her Stortingsvalg og alle vil frem og lover os gode dage, men jeg tror lite på det  vi må nok streve nu som før og vere nøisem og taknemmelig for di goder Herren gjer os ved Jesus Kristus.  Nu går alle folk freds mars her, mens verdens vise frykter krig på nyt.  Nu sprenges alle Tyske fly her og efterpå brennes dem  dette liker vi ikke da det er en masse verdifulle ting i flyet som kunde brukes til sevilt bruk.  I dag blev det fra Værnes flyplads kjørt til Skraphaugen nye motorer motorsykler og mange bra ting det blev heldt Olje over det hele og satt varme på.  Dette synes vi er stykt av di Alierte og ødelegge verdier på denne måte, for vi har set nok av ødelggelse av vore Tyske venner i disse 5 år.  Da dem øddelagde jorden, rev husin  brent de di overkom, og nu fortsetter Engelsmennern den samme ødelæggelse på en annen måte.  Vi er harm, men ubrukan piggtråd som ligger bortover jordet skal vi få gratis  et hån imot os, den kan dem tage med sig hjem.

Vi er alle friske kun mor er fremdeles på Hegra pleiehjem, ligger der og lenges heim til os for at glæde sig sammen med os.  Men Herren ville det ikke så.  men intil idag har han veret god imot Os.  Jeg sykler og besøker hende som regel 3 dage i uken  Søndag er jeg der hele dagen da har jeg med mig spekeflesk og flatbrød  setter mei på en ris dunge unner en stor gran og spiser min mat.  Under Ekorn og maurens undren.  En godt kjent prædikant A. O. Svorkmo som har veret 6 gange i Amerika utget sangboken Verden for Kristus, Den store Krise døde i går  vil tru John husker ham fra sit Norges besøk i 1914.  Det var en Julie Brekken som spurte efter John nu en dag som husket ham fra den tid han var hjemme.  Jeg er nu ferdig med innhøstningen av poteter og gulrøtter og mangt andet.  Vi har fine avlinger her i Trøndelag.  Ja så for di leve vel  hils alle vores over der at vi har det godt og nu nermer vi os den kolde årstid med sne over alle fjeld, men snart er det jul og da kommer våren med fuglesang i lierne  da er Norge vakker og liv fuld med song i skogen.  Atter en hjertelig tak for deres gode hjertelag og kjerlighed mod os alle.

Det beste ønsker med tak for alt

Beste hilsen Axel

Laura var netop her nu  skal hilse  Mindor likeså

Stjørdal 3-10-45

Dear Alma

Thank you so much for the letter I received several days ago and for 2 packages I received yesterday.  They were all useful items many thanks.  It’s quiet and calm here now.  That is until October 8 because that ‘s general election day and everybody promises good days, but I don’t believe it much  we’ll probably have to struggle like before and be thrifty and thankful for the good things the Lord gives us in Jesus Christ. Everybody takes part in peace walks here now, while the wise men of the world fear another war.  They are blowing up all German planes here now and afterwards they are burnt  we don’t like this as there are lots of valuable things in the plane which could be used for civilian use.  Today new motors motor bikes and many good things were driven from Værnes airport to the junk heap  Oil was poured over all of it and ignited.  We think it’s mean of the Allies to destroy valuables in such a manner, because we have seen enough destruction by our German friends these 5 years.  When they destroyed our land, tore down the houses burnt whatever they came across, and now the English are continuing the same destruction in a different way.  We’re angry, but useless barbed wire which is left in the fields is ours for the taking  a mockery towards us, they can take that home with them.

We are all well  only mother (he means his wife) is still at Hegra nursing home, longing to come home to us to rejoyce with us.  But it wasn’t the will of the Lord.  but sofar he has been good to Us.  I usually go and see her on my bike 3 days a week  Sundays I’m there all day  then I bring cured pork and flatbread with me (thin crisp bread) and sit on a pile of branches under a big pine tree and eat my food.  To the astonishment of Squirrels and ants.   A well known preacher A. O. Svorkmo who has been to Amerika 6 times  published the song book The World for Christ, The big Crisis died yesterday  would think John remembers him from his visit to Norway in 1914.  A Julie Brekken asked about John the other day who remembered him from the time he was home.  I have now finished harvesting  potatoes and carrots and lots of other things.  We have fine crops here in Trøndelag.  Well, may you all live well  greet all of ours over there that we’re doing fine and now we are approaching the cold time of year with snow across all the mountains, but soon it will be Christmas and then spring will come with birdsong in the hills  then Norway is beautiful and full of life with singing in the woods.  Again many thanks for your kind heart and love towards us all.

Best wishes with thanks for everything

Best greetings Axel

Laura was just here  greetings from her and Mindor too