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  

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  

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)

Stjørdal den 3-12-45  Komunevalgdag

Kjære broder Johan mf.

Tusin tak for pakken jeg fik idag, den innholdt 1 teppe 2 par vite hansker 2 par strømper 2 kniver. har delt med Eilif, du skal ha hjertelig tak fra ham.  Det som jeg nu ønsker er en jakke en som Olav fik, den var så god og varm og passet mig udmerket, den er yperlig for mig når jeg sidder på pleiehjemmet hos min kone, for der er det hute tu kalt.  Du må unskylde min frekhed men her fins ikke sådanne, men er det vanskelig for dig så lad det vere, jeg gredde mig i fjor vinter så må det vel gå i år.

Min kone er nogså dårlig, jeg vil ønske at hun snart må få flytte hjem til Herren eller om han vil reise hende op fra sykdommen  det har han makt til vis han vil gjøre dette for os, men hans vilje sje.

med Olava Konrad si kone er det bra  hun har ingen pakke foet, venter nu Odd hjem snart.  Alle di øvrige 8 barn har det fint  dem er gjft mange av dem.

Ola er det greit med  han er lit sur siger Laura  hun liker ham ikke.

Laura fik pakke fra dig idag Teppe, hansker, kniver m.m.

Hanna i Narvik var uheldig og datt og brekte den gode fot i lårhalsen så dem er uheldig  hun er og nesten blind, stakar Hanna.

Gjertine Markus sin kone har det godt, staute barn di fleste gjift.  I Hegra er det vel bare en mann du vet om, Nils Holm elste søn til far sin husvert Gunder Holm og Sigrid  dem husker du nok, har nu lenge lagt i si grav på Hegra kirkegård, vorhen efter døden?  Nils driver gården  fler barn, han er gift med Anne Hegre, datter til John Hegra der veien går igjennem gården da du kommer fra sme Hans.  med vores er det bra  Einar har et maveonde som han neppe blir fri for, han hadde en stor og stygg operation ifjord som ikke han var heldig med  han har nu nervøs mave av det så det er ikke så greit for dem  dem bor nu fremdeles hjemme hos mei, gutten deres Helge er snild og kos.  Arne sin gutt er nu lit syk kjikhoste, meslinger, bronkitt, så det er ikke grett at vere liten.

Hadde jeg fot min kone hjem frisk så har vi havdt det utmerket, men det serut som at vi skal ha dette kors  Herrens vilje skje.  Så får di ha en velsignet julefest og Godt og velsignet Nyt år.

Samtidig hjertelig tak for alt di gjør for os.  Pakken Alma skriv om en jakket til Herborg, og skuldersjal til mor har vi ikke foet.

Beste hilsen Helga og Axel. Hilsen Rom 8.1.

Laura var nu netop inne her skal hilse fra dem.

Stjørdal 3-12-45  Local election day

Dear brother Johan and all

Thank you very much for the package I received today, it contained 1 blanket 2 pairs white gloves 2 pairs socks 2 knives  I have shared with Eilif, he says thank you very much.  What I would like now is a jacket (cardigan?)  one like Olav got, it was so nice and warm and fit me perfectly, it’s excellent for me when I’m sitting at the nursing home with my wife, because it’s terribly cold there.  Please excuse my forwardness but those are not to be found here, but if it’s difficult for you then let it be, I managed last winter and will manage again this year.

My wife is quite sick, I wish she would be allowed to move home to the Lord or that he’ll set her free from her illness  he has the power if he wants to do this for us, but his will be done.

with Olava Konrad’s wife things are fine  she hasn’t received any package, is expecting Odd home soon.  All her other 8 children are fine  several of them are married. Ola is doing fine  he’s a little surly says Laura  she does not like him.

Laura got a package from you today  blanket, gloves, knives and more.  Hanna in Narvik was unlucky and fell and broke her good leg so they are unlucky  she’s also almost blind, poor Hanna.  Gjertine Markus’ wife is doing well, fine children  most of them married.  In Hegra there’s probably only one man you know of, Nils Holm the oldest son of our father’s landlord Gunder Holm (he must have been the owner of Holmstrø where the Holm brothers were born) and Sigrid  I’m sure you remember them, have been in their graves at Hegra cemetery for a long time, where after death?  Nils runs the farm  several children, he’s married to Anne Hegre, daughter of John Hegra where the road goes through the farm when you come from sme Hans (“sme Hans” means “blacksmith Hans”, and he was actually the fellow who taught John blacksmithing as a very young lad).  My family is doing ok  Einar has a stomach ailment which he probably wont get rid of, he had a big and nasty operation last year which wasn’t very successful  he now has a nervous stomach from it so it’s not easy for them  they are still living with me, their boy Helge is good and pleasant.  Arne’s boy is a little sick  whooping cough, measles, bronchitis, so it’s not easy being little.

If I could get my wife home healthy things would be excellent, but it looks like we’ll carry this cross  The Lord’s will be done.  Have a blessed Christmas and a Happy and blessed New Year.  At the same time thank you so much for everything you’re doing for us.  The package Alma writes about  a jacket for Herborg, and a shoulder shawl for mother we have not received.

Best wishes Helga and Axel.  Greetings with Rom. 8.1.

Laura was just here  greetings from them.