STJØRDALENS SPAREANK

—oprettet 1847—

Telefon nr. 20

Telegramadr. SPAREBANKEN

Stjørdal den 2. Mai 1938

Herr John Holm,

Jasper Minn, Boxt 16 U.S.A.

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

Vi hører gjerne fra Dem og tegner

Ærbødigst

STJØRDALENS SPAREBANK (Stempel)

STJØRDALENS SPAREBANK

—established 1847—

Telephone No. 20

Telegram adr.  SPAREBANKEN

Stjørdal the 2^nd of May 1938

Mr. John Holm

Jasper Minn, Boxt 16 U.S.A.

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

We would be pleased to hear from You and sign

Sincerely

STJØRDALENS SPAREBANK (stamp)

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

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

Trondhjem 25/3-25

Kjæreste Broder.

Du kan tro det blev glæde og surprise, over dit “brev” og “check”  Jeg var saa modløs og tungsint den morgen før dette kom, men naar nøden er størst saa er hjælpen nærmest.  Ja jeg vet ikke hvordan jeg skal takke dig, men jeg maa si som saa mange siger, Gud velsigne dig John, for din snilhet, og jeg haaper du maa ha lykke og held med dig til gjengæld fordi du ikke lukker dit hjerte for en som trænger en haandsrækning og hjælp.  Nu skal jeg betale dig renter paa disse penger, og sette det paa bok paa dit navn, og jeg skal faa Banken til og sende dig kvitering for renten pr aar lig et andet laan.  Jeg har nu leiet mig et litet rum og skal til og indstallere mig, men det er mange ting som skal være og alt er saa dyrt her, men det skal nok gaa.  Du kan være sikker paa at jeg gjør hvad jeg kan for og faa noget ut af det.

Jeg skal samtidig hilse fra kona og sige at hvis hun hadde vist at det kom penger, saa havde hun ikke skrevet det sidste brevet til dig,  men nu er det for sent  hun ber dig undskylde, for kvinder skulde man aldrig ha noget med og gjøre.

Ja vi har faaet en hel del læsestof det er inresant, og faa, det er som et pust fra en anden verden, og jeg liker saa godt og læse Engelsk for ikke og glemme sproget.

Det er inet nyt her, bare bra med vores folk.  Vi har hat en meget fin vinter iaar.  Faar da slutte for denne gang, med et mange mange tak foreløbig.  Pengene er ikke kommet enda, men dem kommer vist en af første dagene.  Ja jeg skal da hilse saa meget fra kona, og alle pikerne, og mig selv.

Jeg skal snart skrive igjen.

Broderligst

Olav

Rosenborgsgt 14

Tr.hjem

Trondhjem 25/3-25

Kjæreste Broder.

What joy and surpirse, to get your “letter” and “check”  I was so down and miserable that morning before it arrived, but the greater the need the nearer the help.  I don’t know how to thank you, but will say the same as so many do, God bless you John, for your kindness, and I hope you’ll have a lot of happiness and luck on your side in return for not closing your heart to someone who needs a helping hand.  I want to pay you interest on this money, and put it in an account in your name, and I’ll get the Bank to send you receipts for the interest per year like any other loan.  I have now rented a small room and am getting ready to settle myself in, but there are several things that are needed and everything is so expensive here, but it will work out.  You can be sure I’ll do what I can to get something out of it.

My regards also from the wife who says that if she had known there was money on the way, she wouldn’t have written that last letter to you, but now it’s too late  she apologizes, for one should never have anything to do with women.

Well we have received a lot of reading materials, that’s interesting to get, it’s like a breath from another world, and I so much enjoy reading English so that I wont forget the language.

There’s no news here, everything is fine with our folk.  We’ve had a very fine winter this year.  Will end this for now, saying thank you very very much for the time being.  The money hasn’t arrived yet, but will probably be here in the next few days.  My wife sends her best regards, and all the girls, and myself.

I’ll write again soon.

Most Brotherly

Olav

Rosenborgstgt. 14

Tr.hjem

Stjørdal den 16-3-1948

Kjære Alma og derre alle.

Takk for brev jeg fikk idag fra dig.  Det er bare bra med oss alle her.  Alle er frisk og har lit å gjøre, så livet ruller videre.  Jeg tar det med ro, skal nu snart begynne og pusle i haven, skal iår prøve og selge litt blomster.

Her er meget spente tider, du ved vi bor så nære exisersplassen, der er det spent på vad som sjer neste dag eller natt.

Du undres så på pengene vi har foet oss tilsent fra Johan og frue.  Nu skal du høre, pengene er oppbevaret i Stj sparebank, på Norges banks sine vegne.  Da du melte om Johans død varslet Jeg Ole ved brev strax likeså Eidum.  Gjertine og Olava fik høre det siden, har tullet bort adresen til Gjertine, men har ikke hørt noe om at dem er for nermet om dette, så vitt jeg ved er her et meget godt forhold mellen oss søskende og slekten  du hentyder noe andet, men de er ikke sant så vitt jeg forstår, ingen har knurret til mei.  Jeg kommer tilbake til pengene.  Da Johan var død og vi først da hadde rett til disse penger ifølge brev til mei dateret 6 Julay 1946  pengene skulde deles mellem oss 4 søskende  Da tog jeg med mei boken og gjikk i banken og skule hæve pengene, men så sa banken nei det måtte søkes Norges bank om å få tad dem utt, det bli gjort, men så ville dem ha døds atest og ønsket helst at den Norske legation der over ornet med dette  dem ville ha disse penger inn i dødsboe til broder.  dette synes vi er svært høitidelig for det er jo gaver fra Dem der over til oss så det har jo intet med dødsboe å bestille  Så var Ole her for 10 dage siden, og da var jeg å snakket med banksjefen her, og han syntes det beste måtte ver å få en ærklæring fra dere om at dette var en gave, og at di fraskrev derre retten til desse penger.  Og det skulde Ole skrive om strax til derre for han har nu den beste kjennskap til forholden derover og deres.  Vi trodde dett var den greiste måte og orne saken på utenom konsulat og sjefterrett.  Håber di nu har mottat Oles brev om saken.

Jeg har holdt det for mei selv for det skulde vere en overaskelse for alle  det var Johans øsnke at ingen skulle vite om disse penger.  Jeg har fortalt Herborg om dem om jeg skulle falde bort.  Håber det nu orner sig så ver for sitt, ved deres velvillighed.  Nu forstår jeg av ditt brev at det er en del rykter i omløp omkring disse penger men alt er ennu vel bevaret i banken.

Så for di leve godtt alle.

Hilsen Axel

Skal prøve å få høre hos en slaktar vordan spikepølsen blandes.  Smørform er det leitt å skaffe men skal prøve.  Axel

Einar har fott pakk tak for alt  Herborg har ingen fott fra Florence

Eidum har nu hatt sett Guld prulup så Gaven fra Amerika kunde ikke uttdeles til da som min tanke var

Stjørdal the 16-3-1948

Dear Alma and you all.

Thank you for the letter I got from you today.  We’re all fine here.  Everybody is healthy and have a little to do, so life rolls on.  I’m taking it easy, will soon start to do a little work in the garden, will try to sell some flowers this year.

The times here are very tense, you know we live so close to the drill grounds, where there’s no telling what will happen the next day or night.

You’re wondering so about the money we’ve had sent to us from Johan and wife.  This is how it is, the money is kept in Stj. savings bank, on behalf of Norges bank (Norway Bank).  When you notified me of Johan’s death I immediately told Ole in a letter and likewise Eidum.  Gjertine and Olava were told later, I’ve mislaid Gjertine’s address, but I haven’t heard anything about them being offended about this, as far as I know there’s a very good relationship between us siblings and relatives  you’re hinting differently, but that’s not true as far as I understand, no one has growled to me.  Back to the money.  When Johan had died and as we only then had a right to this money according to a letter to me dated 6 Julay 1946  (the money was to be divided between us 4 siblings) I went to the bank with the book to withdraw the money, but then the bank said no I had to apply to Norges bank to withdraw it, that was done, but then they wanted a death certificate and preferred that the Norwegian legation over there arranged this  they wanted to include this money in brother’s estate.  we feel this is rather formal because it’s a gift from Them over there to us so it has nothing to do with the estate  Then Ole was here 10 days ago, and then I went to talk with the manager of the bank here, and he felt the best thing to do would be to get a statement from you that this was a gift, and that you waive the right to this money.  And Ole was to write to you about it immediately because he’s the one who’s most familiar with the conditions over there and you.  We thought this was the simplest way of sorting out the matter without the consulate and probate courts.  Hope you’ve received Ole’s letter about the matter.

I’ve kept it to myself because it was to be a surprise for everyone  it was Johan’s wish that no one should know about this money.  I’ve told Herborg about it in case I should pass on.  Hope it will be sorted out now so that each gets his share, with your benevolence.  Now I understand from your letter that there are a few rumors going around about this money but everything is still safely in the bank.

Keep well all of you.

Regards Axel Holm

I’ll try to find out from a butcher how the cured sausage is mixed.  A butter mould would be hard to find but I’ll try.  Axel

Einar has received the package  thank you for everything  Herborg has not received any from Florence

Eidums have now had their Golden anniversary so the Gift from America couldn’t be given out by then as I had planned

Stjørdal 15-4-48

Kjære derre alle:

Takk for billedene av Johan, det var lit fremmed for oss, at han lå med dres på i kjisten, det brukes ikke her, Tænk nu er han i herlighed og møtt sin frelser som han her trodde på og mulig han har møtt min Helga og dem har det fint, der ingen smerte eller savn er  bare fryd og glæde, Tenk vilken dag når vi kommer der.  Jeg har net veret i Selbu over en uke  godt i heimene hos folket og samlet bidrag til Bladmisjon  folket er gavmil og god, imot di som lider og har savn.  Jeg spurte flere om smørform men ingen hadde mere end en så jeg fik ikke tak på noen denne gang, Det skal vere en som arbeider disse i Tydal men det er 12 mil (norske) lenger opp i fjeldet så jeg kom ikke dit denne gang, skal prøve siden.

Her våres det nu, det spirer og gror  måtte det bli vår i åndens verden med liv og gudsfrykt.  Herborg skal nu en tid på butik på Levanger så nu blir gammlingen ensom.  Ola skrev til derre den 9-3 om disse penger som Johan har sendt til oss.  Norges bank trøvler og ikke vil uttbetale disse uten det går igjennem legasjon den (Norske)  Nu vil vi nødig dette, da vi frykter det blir tatt all mulig skatter av beløpet og det var ikke Johans mening at disse skulde spise det opp.  Da tengte vi at vis di sente oss et bevis på at di skrev fra derre reten til disse penger kan banken ikke ant en å uttbetale dem.  De er nu intet som hører boe til det er jo gaver til hans søskende.  Hanna har vist kjøpt sig noget til Gulbrulupet får sin del så vitt vi sjønner av brev fra dem så vis du kan og vil vere mei behjelpelig med å få orne dette med minst mulig bråk å støy var det kjækt.  For det er jeg som har hatt og har boken til oppevaring.  Så går det i vasken på kanske lit vranghed fra Bankens side vil det ver trist for oss kansk iser for Laura som nu sidder og stopper strømpe for militære.  Det er jeg som må ta ansvare for dette.  Kunde ikke tenke mei i at banken la hendringer iveien for å uttbetale en gave fra ens egen broder, Ja dette vil jeg tro Ola har skrevet til derre om.  I håb om vi snart for høre fra derre og ønsker et tilfredstillende svar, sender vi vor beste hilsen og takk til derre alle fra oss her

Beste hilsen Axel Holm

STJØRDAL 15-4-48

Dear all of you:

Thank you for the pictures of Johan, it was a bit unfamiliar to us, that he was lying with his suit on in the coffin, that’s not used here, Just think now he’s in glory and has met his saviour in whom he believed here and possibly he has met my Helga and they’re doing fine, where there’s no pain or need  only joy and happiness, just Think what a day when we go there.  I’ve just been to Selbu for over a week  walked around to people’s homes collecting contributions to the Blad mission  people are generous and good, towards those who are suffering and in need.  I asked several about a butter mould but none of them had more than one so I didn’t get one this time, There’s supposed to be someone who makes these in Tydal but that’s 12 miles (Norwegian) further up in the mountain so I didn’t get that far this time, will try later.

We’re starting to see signs of spring here now, it’s sprouting and growing  may there be spring in the world of the spirit with life and the fear of God.  Herborg is now going to work at a store in Levanger for a while so now the old one will be alone. 

Ola wrote to you on the 9^th of March about this money that Johan has sent to us.  Norges bank is holding back (he uses the word “trøvle” which I’ve never heard before so I’m just guessing at the meaning) and wont pay it out without it going through legation the (Norwegian one)  We’d rather not have that happen, as we fear all kinds of taxes will be taken from the amount and it wasn’t Johan’s intention to have it eaten up by such.  Then we thought that if you sent us proof that you waive your right to this money the bank can’t do anything but give them out.  It has nothing to do with the estate as it’s a gift to his siblings.  Hanna has apparently bought herself something for her Golden anniversary for her share as far as we understand from a letter from them so if you can and are willing to help me sort this out with the least possible trouble and noise it would be nice.  Because it’s me who have and have had the book for safekeeping.  So if it falls through due perhaps to the Bank being difficult it would be sad for us maybe especially for Laura who’s now darning socks for military people.  I’m the one who must take responsibility for this.  I never imagined that the bank would hinder us in withdrawing a gift from our own brother, Well I guess Ola has written to you about this.  In the hope of hearing from you soon and wishing a satisfying reply, we send our best wishes and thanks to you all from us here

Best wishes Axel Holm

Stjørdal den 3. Oktober 1947

Kjære broder og dere alle.

Takk for brev jeg fikk den 29. September.  Du spør om Laura har veret i Narvik  det skal jeg si dei hun har veret.  Du skulde hørt og sett henne når hun forteller og ilistrurere turen på bussen igjennem dunderlandsdalen og saltfjellet, det var aldeles en dødstur  volsom fart.  Strax efter var det en buss som kjørt utt med 40 parsaserer, men heldigt ingen skadet.  Skal hilse fra hende, var netopp her nu, hun brukte av sine spare penger til heimreisa.  Mindor er nu nogle dage på Vernesmoen og gjeter sauer  dem kom fra fjeldet forige dag.

Vi har nu havdt sne og regn i mange dage så folk kommer ikke utt på åkrene og tar opp poteter.  Jeg har og poteter stående i jorden og gulrøtter står ute  Så nu er fjellene kvitt av sne, vinteren er her, men vi har et meget godt år.  Måtte folket takke ham som gir sol og regn og lar det veks mens vi sover.

Jeg traff Ole Richter her i hans bror begravelse  en eldre Norsk Amerikaner  han kjenner Ole godt  har flere ganger veret i Dell Rapids.  Han er jernbane mann og reise gratis over hele Amerika.

Her driver vi på med møter  den ene reiser en anden kommer.  Men det sjer så lite ilag med oss, vi venter strømme av nåde over oss.  I morgen skal her vere en Haifa kveld på bedehuset, film fra Jødernes kamp.  I Hegra er det på det gamle.  Olava går å rusler på Palastina, hun regjerer til Peter Reinan  Kamnesset er nu bølgende åkre og Moakammen er rest på Elva meste av den.

Så nu er det ingen små gutt krig lenger av Ola Markusens gutter  aller er fløiet og nersakt går å vente på døden.  Måtte vi alle møtes heime hos Jesus, og seiret i hans blod, o herlige dag når vi når frem til det evige liv.  Jeg undres så mange ganger på vor dem driv med i Himmelen  skal tru vor min Helga holder på med nu når jeg skriver til dei.

Eilif kom nu netopp inn  skal hilse fra ham  Nu kom Einar fra aften skolen, skal hilse fra dem alle.  Herborg sidder å strikker  skal hilse fra henne  hun er i god viggør

Så for di ha det bra alle.

Det stormer så her idag men det er vel en overgang.

Beste hilsen med Rom. 8.1.

Broder Axel

Stjørdal the 3^rd of October 1947

Dear brother and you all.

Thank you for your letter which I received on the 29^th of September.  You’re asking if Laura has been to Narvik  you bet she has.  You should hear and see her when she tells about and illustrates the trip on the bus through dunderlandsdalen (name of a valley) and saltfjellet (name of a mountain), it was quite a death trip  tremendous speed.  Right afterwards a bus went off the road with 40 passengers, but luckily no one got hurt.  She sends her regards, was just now here, she used some of her savings for the trip home.  Mindor is at Værnesmoen for a few days now herding sheep  they came down from the mountain the other day.

We’ve had snow and rain for several days now so people can’t get to their fields to harvest their potatoes.  I have potatoes in the ground too and carrots are outside  So now the mountains are white with snow, winter is here, but we have a very good year (expression for having had good crops).  May the people thank him who gives sun and rain and lets things grow while we sleep.

I met Ole Richter here at his brother’s funeral  an elderly Norwegian American  he knows Ole well  has been to Dell Rapids several times.  He’s a railroad man and travels for free all over Amreica.

We’re busy going to meetings  one will leave and another arrive.  But very little is happening with us, we’re expecting streams of grace over us.  Tomorrow there’s going to be a Haifa evening at the chapel, film from the Jews’ struggles.  In Hegra everything is as usual.  Olava is pottering around at Palastina (it’s actually Palestina, the name of the area where Conrad and Olava lived and also where John and his siblings were born), she’s bossing Peter Reinan around  Kamnesset is now waving fields and Moakammen has gone in the River most of it.

So now there are no more little boys’ wars anymore by Ola Markusen’s boys  they’ve all flown and I almost said are walking around waiting for death.  May we all meet at Jesus’ house, and win in his blood, oh wonderful day when we reach eternal life.  So many times I wonder what they’re doing in Heaven  I wonder what my Helga is doing now while I’m writing to you.

Eilif just now came in  he says hello  Now Einar came back from evening school, all of them send their regards.  Herborg is sitting here knitting  greetings from her  she’s full of vigour

So keep well all of you.

It’s storming here today but will probably pass.

Best wishes with Rom. 8.1.

Brother Axel

Avskrift

Julay 8 1946

Dell Rapids So Dakota.

Kjære broder. Axel

…….Nu i Dag sender jeg To hunder Daler tel Stjørdalens Sparebank for å sette inn på banken, i mitt navn.  Du kunde ta vare pa bank boken.  Jeg skal snart sendd mer penger som settes inn.  Om ikke jeg skulle komme til aa dra dem ut av banken selv, det kunne treffe saaledes at jeg kunne dø. Saa skal pengene deles ligt i mellem mine søsken.  Du faar din del, Ole sin og Laura sin og Hanna sin del alle ligt.  Jeg kommer til aa sende litt penger til banken nu og da, til jeg faar lit der.  Du gaar der bort til banken og taler med ham.  Naar pengene kommer der saa skriv til mig og lat mig høre hvor mange kroner det blir for hundre daler…….

Bedste hilsen John

Rett avskrift

B. Køhler (signatur)

Stemplet  STJØRDALENS SPAREBANK

Kan ikke tyde underskriften, ser ut som O Sivertsen

Nederst i venstre hjørne står det skrevet med blyant:

$ 1.025,-

U. 38.  Kr. 5.160,05

Transcript

Julay 8 1946

Dell Rapids So Dakota

Dear brother. Axel

…….Today I’m sending Two hundred Dollars to Stjørdalen Sparebank (savings bank) for deposit in the bank, in my name.  You could take care of the bank book.  I’ll soon send more money to be deposited.  If I were not to withdraw it from the bank myself, it could so happen that I could die. Then the money is to be divided equally between my siblings.  You get your share, Ole his and Laura hers and Hanna her share all equal.  I will be sending a little money to the bank now and then, until I get some there.  You’ll go over there to the bank and talk with him.  When the money gets there write to me and let me know how many kroner a hundred dollars turns out to be…….

Best wishes John

Certified transcript

B. Køhler (signature)

Stamped STJØRDALENS SPAREBANK

Can’t quite read the signature, looks like O Sivertsen

In the lower left corner of the paper it’s written in pencil:

$ 1.025,-

U. 38.  Kr. 5.160,05

Dell Rapids. S.D. March 16-48

Trondhjems Handels Bank

Trondhjem, norge

Ærede Herrer

Jeg her med skriver dere for at spørge om min mand John Holm, Dell Rapids, S.D. nu har nogen penger der i deres bank.

om saa hvor meget er det i amerikanske penger

Erbødigst

Mrs. John Holm

108 West 5 St.

Dell Rapids

S.D.

svar med luft post please

Dell Rapids, S.D. March 16-48

Trondhjems Handels Bank  (commercial bank)

Trondhjem, norge

Honorable Gentlemen

I hereby write you to ask if my husband John Holm, Dell Rapids, S.D. presently has any money there in your bank

if so how much is it in American money

Sincerely

Mrs. John Holm,

108 west 5 St.

Dell Rapids

S.D.

Reply by air mail please

Dell rapids S.D.  March 16-48

Stjørdalen Sparebank

Ærede Herrer  Jeg hermed skriver dere for at faa vide hvor mange penger, det nu er i min mand John Holm sit navn der.

og hvad papir trenges for at trekke dem ud af banken der

Svar med luft post er di snild

Gi ikke dise penger til nogen før du skriver og faar svar herfra  sig hvor meget det er i Amerikanske daler, samt i norske kroner

Erbødigst

Mrs. John Holm,

102 West 5 Street

Dell Rapids,

South Dakota

Dell Rapids S.D. March 16-48

Stjørdalen Sparebank

Honorable Gentlemen  I’m hereby writing you in order to find out how much money, there now is in my husband John Holm’s name there.

and what paper is needed to withdraw them from the bank there

Reply by air mail please

Do not give this money to anybody until you write and get a reply from here

tell me how much it is in American dollars, as well as in Norwegian kroner

Sincerely

Mrs. John Holm,

102 West 5 Street

Dell Rapids

South Dakota

Dell Rapids, S.D. 3-16-1948

Hegre Spare Bank

Hegre, norge

Ærede Herrer.  Jeg skulde like at høre fra dere om min mand John Holm nu har nogen penger der i deres bank, samt hvor meget i Amerikanske doller eler regning

Svar strax er di snil luft brev.

Mrs. John Holm

108 West 5 St

Dell Rapids

S.D.

Dell Rapids, S.D. 3-16-1948

Hegre Spare Bank (Savings Bank)

Hegre, norge

Honorable Gentlemen.  I would like to know from you if my husband John Holm presently has any money there in your bank, as well as how much in American dollars or calculations

Reply immediately please  air mail

Mrs. John Holm

108 West 5 St.

Dell Rapids

S.D.

Dell Rapids. S.D. September 26/1948.

Kjere Tante OG Onkel Eidum.

Ja nu er det paa tide at vi svarer paa deres brev.  jeg ogsaa Fik brev fra Axel  At dem var hos ham. Ole Og Laura for at dele Pengene og skulde sende Hahnes til hende og dem ale under srev Det med sit navn Herborg for Hannah.  Ogsaa at det vilde vere saa snilt og pent af os her at dele Boet Med Olava og Gjertine.  Men da John har under srivet Papir at ingen af hans Slegt skal mere ha. Saa er det intet at dele naar Mor sin søster Søn faar sit tilbage.  Og begravelse her i Amerika koster ikke saa Lidet.  Samt Hospitalet Maate ogsaa betales.  Og John var ingen Millioner.  Ole Ved Hvor Mange penger Gik mens Han var her I amerika. og mange gik same vei siden den tiden.  Og om Axel regner op Hvad ale pakerne kosted som dem der fik vilde det alene bli en god del.  Og mange penger har got dit til norge imange aar. Før krigen var  Det vises i breve John fik fra den tid han var tilbage i 1914  Jeg er glad at dete er nu over med.  Si mig Hvad Hannah kjøpte for Brylupet. det vilde vere morsomt og høre.

Vi har intet mere hørt fra Ole eler hans jenter Siden han fik pengene. han vilde ikke at dem skulde skrive til os og John før men efter Evelyn var til Axel engang saa skrev dem til os Aligevel og fortalte John meget han ikke viste før den tid.  Ja som sagt var han meget forbauset over mangt der.  Ogsa var han forbauset over Axel   Han sa til mig den siste dagen Nei Alma Axel Er ikke den karen jeg trode han var. og jeg angrer paa saa meget nu.  Men nu er det forsent.

Saa i frem tiden vil jeg ikke ha mere med han og Ole at bestille  Laura kan ikke gjøre som hun kanske vil heller da hun er i saan stand at hun maa ha hjelp fra Axel nu og da.  At dem var saa sur at Hanna og du fik vide om dise penger i Banken forbauset mig.  At Herborg skulde rete sete mig for det.  Dere trenger ikke at vere red at si mig om hvad vilde forbause der. Da John fortalte mig mangt di siste uger.  Jeg er glad at jeg kunde vere lidt Hjelp til han og mor idise siste Aarene.

Mor og jeg har veret bege daarlige  Jeg med gal blere og flu (influensa) mor med flu og hun har smerter fra ale dise brukne ben, ved ikke om jeg har sagt dere at mor har havt bege hofter brekt Høire arm og høiere skulder brekt 3 gange venstre arm 2 gange.  Jeg er saa red at hun ska dete atter igjen og breke ben. da jeg er nu ikke sterk nok at ta vare paa hende om hun saa gjør.

min eldre søn kom hjem den 4 sept/for 3 dage  maate gaa tilbage da men kom tilbage siste uge for lengere tid. og ska hjelpe til at faa Storm vinduer paa og rete sete gaarden til vinters.  Da Ralph har sin sko verksted at ta vare paa.  Da han laante mange penger dertil maa han gaa iful tid hele tiden.

ja nu tror jeg dete faar vere omtrent nok nu.  du maa skrive snart kan hende vi ikke faar skrive sammen saa ofte atter igjen  dise er rare tider ikke sant.

kan du finde ut om det blir stor told paa dukker som sover fra her til norge om dem er merket Gave paker.  Vi kan nu kjøbe dem her nu og jeg ved Gusta vilde Ha en til Neicen sin.  husk paa og si mig det og hils ale dine der  jeg fik Karen brev men det var lenge paa veien  det skulde veret saa morsomt at treffes en gang men det blir vel aldrig.  godnat nu og skriv snart, vi er glad at Hannah fik Sin del

Hilsen fra MOR OG ALMA

Dell Rapids. S.D. September 26/48

Dear Aunt AND Uncle Eidum.

Well now it’s about time we reply to your letter.  I too Had a letter from Axel That they were at his house. Ole And Laura to divide the Money and were to send Hahnes to her and they all signed It with their names Herborg for Hannah.  Also that it would be so kind and nice of us here to share the Estate With Olava and Gjertine.  But as John has signed a Paper that none of his Relatives are to have anymore. There’s nothing to divide when Mother’s sister’s Son gets his back.  And a funeral here in America isn’t Cheap.  Plus the Hospital Had to be paid too.  And John was no Millionaire.  Ole Knows How Much money Went while He was here in america. and a lot of it went the same way since that time.  And if Axel adds up What all the packages cost that they got there that alone would be quite a bit.  And lots of money has gone over there to norway for many years. Before the war came  That shows in letters John received from the time he was back in 1914  I’m glad this is over with now.  Tell me What Hannah bought for the Wedding (meaning anniversary). that would be fun to know.

We’ve heard nothing more from Ole nor his girls Since he got the money. he didn’t want them to write to us and John before but after Evelyn went to see Axel one time they wrote to us Anyway and told John lots of things that he didn’t know before that time.  Well like I’ve said he was very surprised about many things there.  Also he was surprised about Axel  He said to me on the last day No Alma Axel Is not the guy I thought he was. and I regret so many things now.  But now it’s too late.

So in the future I want nothing more to do with him and Ole  Laura can’t do as she pleases either perhaps as she’s in a position where she needs help from Axel now and then.  The fact that they were so upset that Hanna and you got to know about this money in the Bank surprised me. That Herborg should scold me for that.  You don’t need to be afraid to tell me things  what would surprise me there. As John told me so many things those last weeks.  I’m glad I could be of some Help to him and mother these last few Years.

Mother and I have both been unwell  I with gall blather and flu mother with flu and she has pains from all these broken bones, don’t know if I’ve told you that mother has broken both her hips  broken her Right arm and right shoulder broken 3 times left arm twice.  I’m so afraid she’ll fall yet again and break bones. as I’m not strong enough now to take care of her if she does.

my elder son came home on sept 4/for 3 days  had to go back then but came back last week for a longer period. and is going to help putting the Storm windows in and getting the place ready for winter. As Ralph has his shoe repair shop to take care of. As he borrowed a lot of money for it he has to work full time all the time.

well I think this is just about enough now. you must write soon maybe we won’t be able to write to eachother as often yet again  these are strange times aren’t they.

can you find out if there’ll be a lot of customs to pay on dolls that sleep from here to norway if they’re marked Gift packages.  We can buy them here now and I know Gusta wanted to Have one for her Niece.  remember to tell me and say hello to all of yours there  I got Karen letter but it was on its way for a long time  it would be so much fun to meet sometime but I guess that will never happen.  goodnight now and write soon, we’re glad that Hannah got Her share

Regards from MOTHER AND ALMA

Dell Rapids. S.D. 19 april.48

Kjere Onkel Axel.

Hermed sender jeg Døds attest som forlangt  jeg maate gaa til en an by for den, da mor og jeg har begge veret daarlig. kunde jeg ikke gaa før.

du ved John vilde du skulde styre med dette. saa nu gjør du vad han sa. han bad ikke Ole om at gjøre dete.  Mor vil intet ha med Ole og gjøre.

Mor hade ret til at vide hvormeget var I banken. men du svarte ikke paa det.  Haaber nu at det blir slut paa tøisen. som om john vilde si

Det er for galt at dise strømperne Florence sente til Herborg ikke kom fram.  Florence flytter idag.  Hun er bare daarlig. og kunde ikke staa ut paa pladsen hun var paa.

her er nu ualmindelig varmt veir alerede. ikke noget regn veir ennu

Hilsen til dere ale.

Du kan si Laura at jeg skal skrive til hende. men ret nu er det for meget paa hand at gjøre.  jeg er gla hun fik foton. har faat tak fra 3 som fik. af same.

Hilsen fra mor og Alma

Dell Rapids. S.D. 19^th of april 48

Dear Uncle Axel.

With this I’m sending the Death certificate as demanded  I had to go to another town for it. as mother and I have both been unwell. I couldn’t go before.

you know John wanted you to take care of this. so you do what he said now. he did not ask Ole to do this.  Mother wants nothing to do with Ole.

Mother had the right to know how much was in the bank. but you did not reply to that.  I hope there will be an end to the nonsense now. as john would have said

It’s too bad that these stockings Florence sent to Herborg didn’t get there.  Florence is moving today.  She’s sick all the time. and couldn’t handle the place she was at.

we’re having an unusually warm weather already. no rain yet

Regards to you all.

You can tell Laura that I’ll write to her. but right now there’s too much at hand to do. I’m glad she got the photos. Have received thank you’s from 3 who got. of same.

Regards from mother and Alma

Dell Rapids 3-16-48

Kjere onkel og Tante Eidum

Ja nu skal Jeg svare paa dit brev  Jeg likte ikke at svare paa det  som Jeg sa til mor om Jeg sa dere sanheden vilde du ikke tro det men nu har Ole skrevet til mor første gang isit liv at hun skal skrive paa at dem kan gaa paa Stjørdalen spare bank og ta ud pengene som der er i John navn og sente et avskrift af brev som John skrev Axel July 8-1946 hvor han sir han sente 200. Daler til Stjørdalen bank og agtet at sende mere nu og da og om ikke han dra pengene selv saa skulde dem deles ligt mellem hans 4 søskend ligedele, senere ved.  Jeg (mangler det et ord her?) han sa at Conrads kone og Markus kone ogsaa skulle ha i ære af Markus og Conrad og det tror Jeg han skrev til Axel da Axel skrev til han at du glemte Olava og John sa det mente Jeg ikke paa  men Det er mere end 200. Daler og mor signer ikke noget for Ole at gaa paa banken efter før hun faar høre fra Banken hvad summen er der  du spør om John har ordnet det slik at Jeg ska faa noget for hvad Jeg har gjort for at hjelpe dem her. men nei, Alma skal intet ha.  Da huset her ska gaa for at betale tilbage en del af di penger som mor sin søstersøn sente hjem fra krigen og det er ikke mere end ret, men synes du at det var ret at John sente ale pengene til norge.  Ja Ole har sagt dig at John sat fint naar han var her i America.  Ja mor havde da faat en del penger fra sin far og da tog John af dem og sente efter Ole og saa begynte han støre forretning  han hade smie shop før.  Ja dete kune Jeg si mere om men det er ikke nødvendigt.  men naar døden komer kan man ikke stike livet ilomen og bede døden gaa til koss forstaar du.  Jeg tror knaft at den blir nogen velsignels til nogen naar man gjør det paa en uret maade.  Jeg vil ikke at Tante Hannah skal bli bedrøvet af dete stakkers hende som er daarlig og stakkers Laura  det ser ud for at hun og guten hakes paa af Ole  Jeg tog foto af kisten  haaber di har faat.  Jeg forstaar ikke hvor for Ole skulde gaa paa Banken der da Axel var den som skulde bestile dete.  mor sa kan du faa vide fra Banken hvor meget er der.  Det er skam.  hun fik penge flere gange fra sin far men nu ska hun intet ha  hvad som helst var godt nok til mor  Jeg har kjøbt hendes kler i 24 aar  du skulde set madrasen paa sengen hun har ligget paa.  Jeg vilde kjøbe en men nei det var godt nok sa John  nu har hun min seng og lige i  stakkers mor er gamel og daarlig  hvorfor skulde hun ikke ha det godt den tid hun har tilbage  John sa han angret meget som han hade gjort, han sa Jeg har veret styg.  Det var noget at tenke paa i di siste timer. og saa som han plages og pintes dise siste uger iser di siste 3 uger.  Det var saa trist at se paa.  svar du nu er du snil  Jeg ska inte si om dete og det trenger heler ikke du

Hilsen fra mor og Alma

Jeg skrev dig om Marie slag, du fik vist ikke brevet mit

Dell Rapids 3-16-48

Dear uncle and Aunt Eidum

I’m going to reply to your letter  I didn’t like to reply to it  like I said to mother if I told you the truth you wouldn’t believe it but now Ole has written to mother first time in his life that she must sign so that they can go to Stjørdalen savings bank and take out the money that is there in John name and sent a transcript of a letter that John wrote Axel July 8-1946 where he says he sent 200. Dollars to Stjørdalen bank and was going to send more now and again and if he doesn’t withdraw the money himself it was to be divided equally between his 4 siblings the same, later on. I (a word missing?) he said that Conrad’s wife and Markus’ wife also were to have some in honor of Markus and Conrad and I think he wrote that to Axel when Axel wrote to him that you forgot Olava and John said I didn’t mean to but there’s more than 200. Dollars and mother is not signing anything for Ole to go to the bank for until she finds out from the Bank what the sum is there  you ask if John has arranged it so that I’ll get something for what I’ve done to help them here. but no, Alma gets nothing.  This house will go in order to pay back part of the money that my mother’s sister’s son sent home from the war and that’s only right, but do you think it was right that John sent all the money to norway.  Well Ole has said to you that John was doing well when he was here in America.  Yes mother had received some money from her father then and then John took some of it and sent for Ole and then he started a bigger shop  he had a blacksmith shop before.  Well I could say more about this but it’s not necessary.  but when death comes you can’t stick life in your pocket and tell death to go away you understand.  I hardly think there’s any blessing for anyone when it’s done in a way that’s not right.  I don’t want Aunt Hanna to become sad about this poor her who’s unwell and poor Laura  it looks like she and the boy are being picked on by Ole  I took a picture of the coffin  hope you’ve received it.  I don’t understand why Ole went to the Bank there when Axel was the one who was to take care of this.  mother said can you find out from the Bank how much is there.  It’s shameful.  she got money several times from her father but now she’s to have nothing  anything at all was good enough for mother  I’ve been buying her clothes for 24 years  you should have seen the mattress on the bed she’s been lying on.  I wanted to buy one but no it was good enough John said  now she has my bed to lie in  poor mother is old and unwell  why should she not be comfortable in the time she has left  John said he regretted a lot of things he had done, he said I’ve been mean. That was something to think about in the last hours. and how he suffered and was tormented these last weeks especially the last 3 weeks.  It was so sad to watch.  please reply  I wont say anything about this and you don’t need to either

Best wishes from mother and Alma

I wrote you about Marie stroke, you must not have gotten my letter

Dell Rapids. South Dakota October 6/1948

Kjere Kusine Klara med Family.

Ja det er lenge siden jeg modtog dit brev er glad at pakken kom  Du sa intet om det var meget toll paa den.  Si mig det er du snil  Her sa dem jeg merket den gave pake vilde den gaa frit fra toll.  Nei du ska inte gaa i bry og sende mig noget for den.  Det er same som jeg bruker men jeg fik den korteste dem hade Da jeg kunde se paa foton at du var kortere end mig.  Om saa er at du har nogen gamle salt hus eler tre skeer eler av horn.  Bestemor Holm sente mig et par lenge siden. men dem brente op. naar huset var set i brand. I Iowa Naar mor og jeg var alene  Ja det var noget det ogsaa.

Ja Klara det er mangt som har veret gjort og sagt som er best (mangler det et ord her? best “usagt” kanskje?)  Du trenger inte at frygte at jeg ska noget si til bage der.  Det er ned trykende at tenke at guds ord. og at dem som kalder sig Guds arbeidere og Kristne. Kan gjøre some ting dem gjør til sit eget kjød og blod somvi her sier.  Mor og jeg forstaar nok khad din mor har gaat Ighemen Og gode løfter kan man ikke spise  Jeg har hørt dise same ord jeg ogsaa.  Mor har ikke Havt det saa godt heller enskønt hun fik penger 4 gange fra sin far engang fra en søskend barn som døde. men det var alt tat ifra hende  Hun fik ikke engang lov til at skrive til nogen af sine slegt  Nu kan vi ikke finde dem.  jeg skrev til mors søstre og bror saa vi ved hvor dem er  en søster var hos dem en tid. han sente sine penger til john og mor mens han var ikrigen (mener hun søsterens sønn som nevnt i brevet datert 26. Sept.?) John sente dem til Norge og fik taket for gaven  Mor hade intet at si.  men det var meget angret over sa John i siste tiden. men forsent  Jeg synes at det minste burde mor ha lidt respekt af dem hun men hun ska ha hvad hun trenger og mere velsgnels end dem som stor tror dem er.  Din mor er kommen ighenem striden og det ska ogsaa vi. enskønt det er trangt og tungt iblant.  det er godt at dine guter er saa unge som dem er  det blir nok ant en unge leik (de er visst redde for en ny krig).  Jeg haaber at vi kan faa skrive samen ennu en tid.  en af mine er nu hjeme paa fri tid i 40 dage  jeg er saa glad der for.  han har tat op poterne og gjor huset i stand til vinteren. med storm vinduer og døre same les. da baade jeg og mor har veret daarlige med kulde og flu (her tror jeg hun mener forkjølelse, og ikke kulde; hun har oversatt direkte fra det engelske ordet “cold” som kan bety både forkjølelse og kulde.  “Flu” er influensa).  det er en mase barne lamels her ilandet  over 100 paa 2 hospitaler der grace arbeider (det er sikkert Polio-epidemien hun snakker om).

Ja det er den rune duken jeg fik fra dig paa bilidet men den med frynser paa som henger overenden paa bordet sente Ole sine jenter til mig  tror knaft han viste det da han inte vil dem ska skrive til os.  Han har ikke skrivet til os siden han fik dise penger som var der.  Laura har ikke heller men hun skrev efter hun fik vide om det  din bror som er daarlig (Olaf) skrev til John og takket for pengerne han fik.  det kom dagen John døde same aften.  Han spurte om Jon trode det vilde vere bra for han at kome til America da kona vilde hit til moder kirken (hun var Mormoner).  John sa nei si han at han er daarlig og det er haart for den som frisk her nu intet hus at faa.  ja det er $ 65 maan for 4 rum. og det er da nesten umulig at faa fat paa. din bror gjør bedre med at holde fast i gamle norge.

Du maa hilse dem fra os og tak for fotone. hils ale dine fra os  vor staar det til med lile jenta mi der.  ruth Irene er ualmindelig flink til at snake og kome sig runt  er saa lei til at klive alses  Skriv snart  hils mor  tante Hannah har sag mig hvor kjek din mor har altid veret mod ale

skriv snart  det kan snart stopes som før ved du

Alma

Dell Rapids. South Dakota October 6/1948

Dear Cousin Klara and Family.

Well it’s been a long time since I received your letter  am glad the package got there  You said nothing about whether you had to pay a lot of customs on it.  Tell me please  Here they said if I marked it a gift package there wouldn’t be any customs to pay on it.  No you’re not to trouble yourself about sending me something for it.  It’s the same as I wear but I got the shortest one they had As I could see from the picture that you were shorter than me.  If you should have some old salt shakers or wooden spoons or horn ones (ivory?).  Grandma Holm sent me a couple a long time ago. but they burned op. when the house was set on fire. In Iowa When mother and I were alone yes that was something too.

Well Klara there are many things that have been done and said that are best (something missing here, she may mean to say “best left untold”)  You don’t need to fear that I’ll repeat anything back to anyone there.  It’s depressing to think that god’s word. and that those who call themselves God’s workers and Christians. Can do some of the things they do to their own flesh and blood as we say here.  Mother and I understand what your mother has gone through And you cannot eat good promises  I’ve heard these same words too.  Mother hasn’t Had an easy time either although she got money 4 times from her father one time from a cousin who died. but it was all taken away from her  She wasn’t even allowed to write to any of her relatives  Now we can’t find them.  I wrote to mother’s sisters and a brother so we know where they are  a sister was with them for a while.  he sent his money to john and mother while he was in the war (does she mean the sister’s son, as mentioned in a previous letter of Sept. 26?)  John sent it to Norway and got the credit for the gift  Mother had no say in the matter.  but it was much regretted John said towards the end. but too late  I think mother should at least get some respect from them but she’ll get what she needs and more blessings than those who think they’re really something.  Your mother has gotten through the battle and so will we. though it’s tight and hard sometimes.  it’s a good thing your boys are as young as they are  it wont be child’s play (seems like they’re expecting another war).  I hope we can write to each other for a while yet.  one of mine is at home now on a 40 days leave  I’m so happy about that.  he has taken up the potatoes and made the house ready for winter. with storm windows and ditto doors. as both mother and I have been unwell with cold and flu.  there’s a lot of child paralysis here in this country  over 100 in 2 hospitals where grace works (she must be talking about the Polio epidemic).

Yes it’s the round table cloth I got from you in the picture but the one with the fringe on it which is hanging over the end of the table Ole’s girls sent to me  I don’t think he knew about it as he doesn’t want them to write to us.  He hasn’t written to us since he got this money that was there.  Laura hasn’t either but she wrote after she found out about it  your brother who’s sick (Olaf) wrote to John and thanked him for the money he got.  it came on the day that John died that same evening.  He asked if Jon thought it would be good for him to come to America as his wife wanted to be near the mother church (she was a Mormon).  John said no tell him he’s sick and it’s hard for those who are well here now  no housing to be had.  Yes it’s $ 65 a month for 4 rooms. and that’s almost impossible to find.  your brother will do better by holding on to old norway.

You must tell them hello from us and thank him for the photos. say hello to all of yours from us  how’s my little girl over there.  ruth Irene is unusually good at talking and getting around  she’s so bad at climbing everywhere  Write soon  regards to your mother  aunt Hannah has told me how good your mother has always been to everyone

write soon  it can soon be stopped like before you know

Alma

Stjørdalens Sparebank.

Stjørdal. Norge.

Vi har mottatt Deres skrivelse .af den 23 Mars. 1948 Og Tak for samme.

Vi ser at det innestår kr. 5.160,05 eler ca. $ 1.030,-. 

Dise penger Skal utbetales til Baker Axel Holm. Stjørdalen. For ham at utdele mellem John Holm sine søskend i Norge.

Som er Axel Holm. Bror Stjørdalen. Norge

Bror Ole Holm. Rosenborg Gt 14. Trondheim. Norge

Søster Laura Karlson. Stjørdalen. Norge

Søster Hanna Eidum. Box 68. Narvik. Norge

Bror Markus sin Kone. Gjertine Holm. Sluppen. Strinda. Norge (datteren Klaras adresse)  Markus er Død.

Bror Conrad sin Kone Olava Holm. Hegre. Norge.  Conrad er ogsaa Død.

Dete er efter John Holm. Sit ønske.

Erbødigst og tak saa meget.

Mrs. John Holm

(signert)

Alma Holm. Exectrutrix.

Stjørdalens Sparebank.

Stjørdal. Norge.

We have received your letter .of the 23^rd of March. 1948  And Thank you for same.

We see that there is kr. 5.160,05 or ca. $ 1.030,- on deposit. 

This money Is to be paid out to Baker Axel Holm. Stjørdalen. For him to divide between John Holm’s siblings in Norway.

Who are Axel Holm. Brother Stjørdalen. Norway

Brother Ole Holm. Rosenborg Gt 14. Trondheim. Norway

Sister Laura Karlson. Stjørdalen. Norway

Sister Hanna Eidum. Box 68. Narvik. Norway

Brother Markus’ Wife. Gjertine Holm. Sluppen. Strinda. Norway (her daughterKlara’s address)  Markus is Dead.

Brother Conrad’s Wife Olava Holm. Hegre. Norway.  Conrad is also Dead.

This is according to John Holm’s. Wish.

Yours sincerely and thank you very much.

Mrs. John Holm

(signed)

Alma Holm. Exectrutrix.