USA > Washington > Scandinavians on the Pacific, Puget Sound > Part 7
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The most promising feature of a church is a healthy, wide-awake Young People's Society. Not only as an instru- mentality to invite to share the glory in Heaven, but to culti. vate literature and music, to cherish each others peculiarities and trend of thoughts. These societies are not exclusively
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SCANDINAVIANS AT CEDARHOME.
for the blooms of a few springs, often lingering fall with hoary hair wields the guiding staff. The most eloquent and active supporter of the Young People's Society at this place is John Lovegren, though he has blushed about twelve summers of matrimonial happiness. Of course, others have scattered sunbeams, and without their appellation the narrative would not be complete. William M. Anderson has filled the presi- dential chair, and Misses Minnie Johnson, Annie Anderson, Alice Carlson, Annie, Lizzie and Emma Yngve, Minnie Bergquist, Mabel Peterson, Annie and Jennie Olson, and Mrs. Edith Dacke have graced the organization with sweet music and poetry. Messrs. Andrew Bergquist, A. P. Dacke, Charley Edeen, John Carlson and Walter Jensen have contributed able assistance.
The Cedarhome Literary Society, which has been in existence about three years, has scattered literary light through the community. The organizers and star members are: E. C. Nicklason, J. H. Swanson, Thomas Munson, J. C. Jensen, Charley and Axel Ek, Eric, Mannie and Eddie Lindstrom, Iver and Simon Olson, Jacob and Andrew Settre, Andrew Olson, Kettle Levison, Lewis Sandstrom, Eddie, Eli and Ove Eliason, and Andrew Anderson. The willing parti- cipants among the ladies are: Misses Minnie Nicklason, Mary Jensen, Hilma and Hulda Ek, and Josie Settre.
No pioneer has endured more hardship than Mathias Munson, a native of Norway. For thirty-five years he daslied on the merciless waves from port to port, finally making his
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G. NICKLASON.
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SCANDINAVIANS AT CEDARHOME.
home in the wilderness of Washington. Six-and-four scores of years rested on his shoulders at his death, one year ago, yet strong and lively. He was an example of courage and endur- ance, and is said to have saved many lives during his sea- faring years.
Ole Jensen, born and educated in Denmark, bid farewell to his mother country seventeen years ago, landed in Seattle and shortly after settled at Cedarhome. "To do and dare" was his motto; the huge forest fell, and a nice home smiles to his comfort. John Olson also arrived at Cedarhome about seventeen years ago. He is a native of Sweden and has devoted most of his time to farming, being a prominent mem- ber of the Methodist church.
Cedarhome is no longer a nucleus of yearning bachelors, but a thrifty town surrounded by gardens and meadows. Three religious denominations are strongly represented, the Methodists, previously mentioned, the Baptists and the Lutherans.
G. Nicklason, a pioneer of the Skagit valley and a pop- ular merchant of Cedarhome, was born in Sweden, but left his native country at the twilight of manhood. After filling sundry vocations of hardship in the east, his attention was drawn to the Pacific, settling in the Skagit valley, 1876, where he labored hard clearing land and farming. A beautiful farm in that locality bespeaks his industry. In 1890 he moved to Cedarhome to engage in general merchandise-business of his liking-in which he has proved himself a master. The fertile
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forest awakened acute calculation in his mind, and in company with Carl O. Walters started a lumber factory capable of turning out both lumber and shingle. Mr. Nicklason is a man of energy and ability, honest and strictly attentive to business.
Carl O. Walters, G. Nicklason's partner in lumber man- ufacturing, was born in Gottland, Sweden, May 27, 1855, where he received his education, graduated from the public schools at the age of fifteen. For three years he served in the navy of Sweden, spent two years traveling in his native country for the purpose of studying the natural resources and the varied conditions. The sea was a pleasing attraction to him; visited all the countries of Europe, and at the age of twenty-two embarked a ship for the New World, sailed for sometime on the Atlantic coast, rounded Cape Horn, and landed in the Golden Gate, 1877. He dashed on the waves up the coast as far as British Columbia. After eight years of navigation he stept ashore, engaged in carpentry, worked in Seattle and British Columbia, most of the time as contractor. In the latter place he spent considerable time prospecting for coal, employed by the Vancouver Coal Co. Twelve years ago he located at Cedarhome, turned his attention to farming served as deputy county assessor, and gradually drifted into lumber and shingle business, an occupation congenial to mechanical ingenuity, which is Mr. Walters' forte, being born with mechanical aptitude as well as with social and conversa- tional endowments.
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SCANDINAVIANS AT CEDARHOME.
CARL O. WALTERS.
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SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC.
L. G. Hanson, the present deputy county assessor, was born in Skone, Sweden, 1855, emigrated to America in early manhood, 1882. After some years of ups-and-downs in the south, he planted his fortune at Cedarhome, nine years ago, and has ever since taken an active part in public improve- ments. He has been a stanch supporter of the public schools and an advocate for good roads. For years he has served as school director and road supervisor, and in 1899 he was ap- pointed deputy county assessor.
E. O. Yngve, a man of affluence and influence in his native country, Sweden, crossed the salty billows for America ten years ago. He has been alert to the interest of his adopted country, and always glad to usher the welfare of his people to the front.
Frank A. Peterson is likewise a man cut out for frontier life where energy and strong arms are required. He is a native of Sweden, but came to South Dakota in his early days, stayed there for some years, and in 1886 landed in Seattle, and two years later joined his countrymen at Cedarhome. He has been awake to the interest of the public schools and the wel- fare of the community in general; for years he has been a member of the school board. His brother John is also a good citizen.
John Ek, too, belongs to the category of frontier soldiers who delight in converting the forest into fields of gold and smiling gardens. He was born in Sweden and came to Cedar- home, 1890. Round the village live a number of good citizens
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SCANDINAVIANS AT CEDARHOME.
MR. AND MRS. L. G. HANSON.
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SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC.
and industrious farmers; viz., Oluf Johnson, Sivert Wold, Rasmus Settre, K. K. Erdahl, N. O. Lindstrom, P. G. Johnson, Olof Anderson, Levi Levison, Ole Johnson, Robert Johnson, P. L. Anderson, Ole Husby, Erik Johnson, P. M. Arentzen, C. P. Hemmingsen, A. Evenson, B. Evenson, and others. Aaron Larson, a native of Sweden, who resides on a pleasant ranch about three miles east of Cedarhome, is a highly accom- plished musician. His daughter Cora is likewise displaying extraordinary talents for divine strains.
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SCANDINAVIANS IN SKAGIT VALLEY.
CHAPTER XII.
Sweetest and loveliest of flowery vales, Where plenty teems and joy hails, Where waving fields of golden grain Merrily smile in sun and rain.
MORLINO HOUSE
MORLING HOUSE. Owned by Knut H. Opdal, the first Scandinavian Hotel in the Skagit Valley.
The Skagit valley is a stretch of inexhaustible fertility, commencing at the mouth of the river and running north-
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ward for scores of miles, and spreads out, east and west, into a plain beautifully embellished with proud farms, and mostly populated with Scandinavians. Six miles up the river rests the town of Fir, a bustling village, surrounded by a rich farming community. Ole J. Borseth is the leading business man of the town, who located here, 1883, and in 1891 engaged in general merchandise. He is a native of Norway, where he was bred and educated.
Knuk H. Opdal, also born in Norway, arrived in 1888, and shortly afterward embarked in hotel business. He and his wife are representatives of Norse simplicity and integrity, imbued with love for their native country, and patriotic and loyal to the stars and stripes.
J. F. Anderson was one of the first settlers. He was born in Sweden, left his native land during the early summer of maturity, and located in the state of Iowa. In 1874 he landed in Port Townsend on Prince Alfred, and immediately pro- ceeded to the Skagit valley, settling on North Fork. After a year of hard work he moved with his family to Seattle in order to give his children the advantages of good schooling. At the close of six years they returned to the Skagit, locating on South Fork, where Fir now stands. In 1883 a flood rushed over the country, swept along everything save some stubborn buildings, the crop was destroyed, and havoc spread in all directions. "Never give in," says the sage, which is appli- cable to Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Anderson. "Onward" was their motto, and two beautiful homes shine to their honest efforts-
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SCANDINAVIANS IN SKAGIT VALLEY.
J. F. ANDERSON.
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SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC.
one at Seattle and one at Fir. Their children, who are now combating with the turmoils of the world, are well educated and highly respected. Jennie is married and lives in Seattle; Axel and Eric are connected with the Polson and Wilson Hardware Co., established in Seattle and La Conner; Victor is married to an esteemed lady, Miss Marie Paulson, and runs the farm; Minnie is postmistress at Fir and a teacher of music, Howard sleeps in the grave, and Otto stays home.
Andrew N. Crogstad, a leading citizen, a man of honor and intelligence, has shared the difficulties of the frontier. He was born in Trondhjem, Norway, 1852, received a good schooling and in February, 1872, left his fatherland for Dunn county, Wisconsin, and five years later disembarked in the Skagit valley. He turned his attention to logging and farm- ing. A beautiful farm, surrounded by a wealthy orchard, stands as a pride to his energy. He has seen days of roman- tic awfulness, once hazardous, but now pleasing reminiscences. The flood has always been a dread, and many frights has it caused. One Fourth of July Mr. Crogstad went to Fir to celebrate the independence of his adopted country. The
morning was bright and prognostic of a pleasant time. Re- turning home during gray twilight, a seething, rolling sound floated down on the breeze, and ere they realized the cause, water crept up to their feet. The ladies were frightened out of their wits and took to screaming, which seems to be their only alternative in time of danger. Mr. Crogstad and his
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SCANDINAVIANS IN SKAGIT VALLEY.
ANDREW N. CROGSTAD.
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SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC.
MRS. WILHELMINA AUGUSTA CROGSTAD.
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companion understood the predicament, slung the ladies on their backs and pranced home, thus avoiding a disastrous outcome.
In 1887 he was married to an estimable lady, Miss Wil- helmina Augusta Jensen, born in Scleswig, Holstein, 1863, of Danish parentage, and came to America, 1875. They have five children, four girls and one boy; Alvina, Emma, Lottie, Clara and Maurice.
One not accustomed to pioneer life in the forest can hardly conceive its many romantic features. To live on the bank of a big river, rolling and moaning in tireless monotony, and huge trees praying and howling to the wroth of the wind, and frisky brutes gamboling in wild frolics, and Indians skulking in stealthy moods, is something awe-inspiring.
On a jolly morning, Charles Mann, the pioneer merchant of Fir, reconnoitered in the woods behind his store, and to his awe, stumbled into a hideous infernal, which was afterwards discovered to be an Indian cemetery. Ah, terror ! hundreds of Indians were hanging in the trees, some nude skeletons, some with the hearts torn out of their mutilated frames; owls and crows were sailing on evil wings among the ghastly dead, and horror seemed to reign in every bush. This finding startled the whole town, and into the woods rushed young and old; flames sprang into the air and swept through the forest, and the dead Indians dropped from a hanging hell into a burning one.
The flood of 1887 spread consternation throughout the
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community. The water leaped down from the mountains in savage fury and scattered the dykes to the briny billows, busy hugging the beach below. Houses set sailing down the valley in tipsy joltings, and logs went chasing each other in mad bewilderment for the sea. The deluge broke into Mann's store and rose to the depth of three feet. Mr. Mann was alone in the store, and to drive away loneliness grabbed the fish line and commenced angling, caught two mountain trouts by the counter. During the same flood Mrs. Mann was sitting in the Fir Hotel chatting with some friends, and before they were aware of the enormity of the water they went sailing on their chairs around the room.
In and around Fir live a number of Scandinavians who have witnessed frontier encounters, but their early struggles have become pleasing revels for a fanciful imagination, as the late years have crowned their efforts with success. Olof Polson, a son of Sweden, and at present mayor of La Conner, was along with the first brigade of pioneers that scattered themselves in the valley. Ole Lonke, born in Norway, and a prosperous farmer, about a mile from Fir, located here over twenty years ago. Ole Johnson, also a native of Norway, has resided here over two decades, and Peter Olson dates his arrival still further back.
Among the more recent settlers who have proved valu- able exponents are: John Hanson, August Johnson, Even Handstad, John Kragnes, Ole Kvande, Knut Lange, Sivert
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SCANDINAVIANS IN SKAGIT VALLEY.
Sande, Ole Olson, Lars Engen, G. O. Branstad, Lars and Nils Danielson and Elik Johnson.
Proceeding up the river we find many Scandinavian pioneers who rank among the most prominent citizens; viz., Peter Egtvet, Ole N. Lee, Frank Tollefson and Magnus Anderson. At Skagit City, N. Erickson, Alfred, Edwin and Herman Johnson are representative farmers who have spared no time for the upbuilding of the country. Rev. John Johnson, presiding elder of the Swedish Methodist church, who resides at this place, is a noted man, being a gifted rhetorician and an able pulpit orator.
To the east of this happy village spreads out a fertile plain which sweeps up into a proud elevation, called Pleasant Ridge, the home of the old pioneer, Charles John Chilberg, and two of his sons, Isaac and James. Here we find also a num- ber of other Scandinavians who have shared the burden of early struggles.
Four miles up the river from Skagit City stands the jolly city of Mt. Vernon, which has within its boundary many prominent men from the shores of Norway and Sweden. The two leading merchants of the city are Norwegians-Louis Foss and N. J. Moldstad.
Louis Foss is well known throughout the Pacific country, being the first Scandinavian state senator in Washington. He was born in Norway, 1849, received a liberal education, grad- uated from college at nineteen, and shortly after emigrated to America, locating in Wisconsin. He worked four years as
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LOUIS FOSS.
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scaler of logs on Chippewa river; went to the Dakota Black Hills during the excitement of 1875, where he remained two years working in the mines. From whence he went to Zum- brota, Minnesota, to assume the management of a large merchan- dise store, in which capacity he labored faithfully for five years. His name had acquired a favorable clang among the people and the city of Fosston was christened to his honor. In 1887 he disposed of his interests in Minnesota and moved to Tacoma, Washington, where he engaged in real estate, and entered mercantile business at Mt. Vernon and Buckley. Five years later he was elected state senator from Pierce county, and served his state with honor for four years. At the expira- tion of his senatorship he removed with his family to Mt. Vernon, where he now resides, and owns a big mercantile establishment, The Fair. He has also a large store of similar kind in Anacortes which his eldest son is managing. Mr. Foss is not only a man of business aptitude, but also a man of character, fidelity and honor.
N. J. Moldstad merits the appellation of "progressive business man." He was born in Vestre Toten, Norway, April 1, 1863, where he obtained his early education. July 2, 1876, he sailed for America, settling at De Forest, Wisconsin, and shortly after entered his brother's dry goods store. His next move was to Lanesborough, Minnesota, where he secured a clerkship with a big mercantile firm, afterwards as- sumed a similar vocation in Minneapolis. From whence he turned his attention to North Dakota, embarking in store
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SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC.
N. J. MOLDSTAD.
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SCANDINAVIANS IN SKAGIT VALLEY.
and banking business for himself. The Pacific had become a fascinating field, sold out, and crossed the Rocky, locating in Tacoma, where he established a shoe store. Another journey seemed to emphasize business progress, disposed of his estab- lishment in Tacoma and engaged in dry goods and clothing in Mt. Vernon. The last years he has also given due considera- tion to the Alaska gold fields, being interested in several claims around Dawson. In 1893 he took a trip to Europe, traveled in England, France, Germany and the Scandinavian countries. In 1898 he was married to an estimable lady in Mt. Vernon, and spent his honeymoon journeying in Califor- nia, the Southern states and New York, visited Washington and shook hands with President Mckinley. On returning took in Chicago and other large cities. Mr. Moldstad is a republican in politics and has been delegate to county and state conventions, but has scoffed at the idea of seeking any office. He is like Mr. Louis Foss, of the same city, in being a true gentleman, respected and respectable.
A MUSICIAN ON SKAGIT RIVER.
SCANDINAVIANS IN BELLINGHAM BAY.
CHAPTER XIII.
It is but few places where nature has been so kind and lavishing with her store of grandeur as in Bellingham Bay. Sweet in music, the happy ripples dance to kiss the pebbled borders of the twin cities-New Whatcom and Fairhaven. Above the din of their tumults stands the white-haired Mt. Baker with a snowy hood drawn down his broad shoulders, throwing glimpses of awe over a gay landscape. About four miles from these sister cities smiles Lake Whatcom, where living gondolas ride on its glassy bosom from shore to shore.
In early days Scandinavians gave heed to this happy land of verdure and songs. About forty years ago they visited the bay and reconnoitered the country. Everson, a Norwegian by birth, was among the first pioneers. The last ten years a number of Norwegians, Swedes and Danes have located in both New Whatcom and Fairhaven, and rank among the leading business men of the two cities.
O. B. Barba, a prominent lawyer of New Whatcom, born in Norway, but raised and educated in Wisconsin, came here, 1890, and has steadily invited the confidence of his country- men and the people in general.
Ole Oien has the honor of being the first Scandinavian elected to county office in Whatcom county. He was born in Toten, Norway, came to Bellingham Bay several years ago, and at the last election was chosen to the office of county
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clerk. He is a man of energy and intelligence, and may rise to higher trust and honor in the gift of the people.
MT. BAKER, SEEN FROM FAIRHAVEN,
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Olaf Udness and Charley Erholm, the former born in Norway and the latter in Finland, emigrated here, 1889. They are proprietors of the Pacific Steam Laundry, and prominent in business and social circles.
Thomas Dahlquist, a native of Sweden, and one of the leading grocers in New Whatcom, landed in Bellingham Bay, 1889, and has gained the esteem of all the people. His wife was born in Norway and is regarded as the foremost Scandi- navian lady in the city.
John Larsen, owner of the only first-class music store in Bellingham Bay, is an able business man. His wife is an influential member of the Norwegian Synod church.
A. G. Wickman, born in Sweden, cast his eye for the first time over Bellingham Bay, August 2, 1889. He is a man of keen intellect and sound judgment, and possesses the air of a true gentleman. He is a merchant tailor and enjoys a lucrative business.
P. Osberg and George Martinsen are well-known con- tractors, the firm being Osberg and Martinsen. My pen would not be true to these gentlemen without the following assertion: "Osberg and Martinsen's ingenious work has commanded technical honor to the Scandinavians."
P. Jacobsen, a son of Denmark, is likewise a man of mechanical aptitude. He is a skillful blacksmith and a true gentleman.
In Fairhaven we find many popular Scandinavians, men who are held in high esteem by the people. Rev. T. J. Moen
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SCANDINAVIANS IN BELLINGHAM BAY.
is one who enjoys the respect and love of the community. He was born in Talgen, Norway, where he received his early education. In 1879 he graduated from Hamar Seminarium, among the highest in scholarship, and two years later emi- grated to America, where he secured a position as teacher of religion. His ambition was to be a minister of the gospel, and in 1889 entered Augsburg Seminarium, spent one year in the academic department, then stept into the theological col-
FISHING IN BELLINGHAM BAY.
lege and graduated with honor after three years of diligent study. He came to New Whatcom seven years ago as pas- tor of the United Lutheran church, and has met with suc- cess in his responsible vocation.
Mrs. T. J. Moen, a lady of intelligence and fine training, was born in Rollag, Numedal, Norway, and came to America while a lass of six years. At the age of nineteen she was united in holy matrimony to Rev. T. J. Moen. She is an earnest worker in the Sunday school, likewise attentive to her fireside duties.
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SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC.
J. M. Scarseth and Chris. Grue, proprietors of the Wis- consin Grocery, rank as the foremost merchants of Fairhaven. Scarseth was born in Wisconsin of Norwegian parents and Grue in Norway. They came to Bellingham Bay, 1889.
Henry Christian Engeberg is a Dane by birth, a fine scholar and a careful druggist. He is a graduate of the University of Copenhagen and came to Fairhaven ten years ago.
B. W. Benson, a real estate dealer, is a man of true Norse type, social, honest and intelligent. He was born in Norway, . and came to Bellingham Bay, 1889.
A. L. Stenvig, the only merchant tailor in Fairhaven, traces his birthplace to Norway. He came to this city ten years ago, worked for others at first, but now owns a paying establishment.
Gust. Linden, a native of Sweden, O. M. C. Henning and Chris. Keel, born in Norway, have been in Fairhaven since 1890, and have worked themselves up from meager circum- stances to affluence and honor. They are representatives of the industrial classes, possessed of mechanical ingenuity and prominent members of the Lutheran church.
Mrs. Henning, wife of O. M. C. Henning, is a woman of learning and elevated character, being an energetic worker in the United Lutheran church. Her oldest daughter, Mrs. Richard, is a popular teacher in the city schools of Fairhaven.
SCATTERED SCANDINAVIAN COMMUNITIES, POULSBO AND OTHER PLACES.
CHAPTER XIV.
. AT POULSBO BAY-
The rippling bells are ringing,
The druid woods are singing, And mellow throats hang on the air Pouring their hearts into music rare. Ever ringing, Ever singing, At Poulsbo Bay.
Nature's soul in rapture smiling, Hillocks green the sunbeams climbing; When morning bursts on pearl-set wing, The vocal harps of the forest sing, Sweet freedom's air, In sunshine fair, At Poulsbo Bay.
Jingle, jingle, ever chiming, Sea and land together rhyming, Sweet poets untaught singing, Nature's God to me is ringing. Rapture chiming, Grandeur smiling, At Poulsbo Bay.
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SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC.
On a sunny slope slowly rising from the merry sheet of golden water, stands the town of Poulsbo, in Kitsap county, about twenty-five miles northwest from Seattle. A smiling tongue of the Sound is rippling into the land, and here and there a green nose is pushing itself into the brine as trying to contest with the elements of the deep. Sweet melodies spring from the laughing ripples, and sail on the wings of lazy zephyrs to cheer the ears of the village. This musical bay is a natural abode for Scandinavians who are wont to the songs of happy fjords. As early as 1875, Ole Stubb stranded his skiff on the shore of this vocal stretch for permanent nestling. He was born in Norway, and has witnessed days of divers struggles, interlaced with days of sunshine.
A year later Fred Landstone pinned his lot to a piece of land about ten miles east of Poulsbo, and in 1883 Jorgen Eliason was attracted to the bay, and has ever since been instrumental in shaping the affairs of the community. He is a native of Norway, landed in Michigan, 1870, and has proved himself a man of honor and intellectual capacity, a true representative of Norse simplicity and manhood. I. B. Moe arrived simul- taneously and has been a potent factor in a multitude of enterprises.
Torge Jensen, a prominent citizen of Poulsbo, a man of integrity and intelligence, was a member of the early brigade of pioneers. He was born in Norway and came to Poulsbo from South Dakota. He has been one of the foremost men to look after the interest of the place, educationally and otherwise.
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SCANDINAVIANS IN POULSBO.
ingelte Filer
JORGEN ELIASON'S RANCH.
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SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC.
Nils Olson, also of Norse birth, merits a footing among the first settlers and deserves the encomium due a man of honesty and noble ains.
Among the business men of Poulsbo, Adolph Hostmark carries the honor of being the first merchant. He erected a store fifteen years ago, and conducted a general merchandise establishment until his death. Some years subsequent Lars Christensen engaged in mercantile business and his career has been an uninterrupted success, characteristic of industry and uprightness.
Lars Christensen was born in Thisted, Denmark, 1844, received a common school education, spent years on a large plantation as foreman and assistant manager. In 1872 he emigrated to America, selecting Marquette, Michigan, as his favorable place for dwelling. He worked on the docks and at other manual labor until 1875, when he migrated to Brook- ings county, South Dakota, where he engaged in farming. After twelve years of varied experiences on the Dakota prairies he turned his attention to the Pacific, arriving in Poulsbo, 1887, where he embarked in clearing land and ranching. A beautiful place in the heart of the smiling villa bespeaks his pluck and industry. In 1893 he launched into general merchandise, which he later converted into a dry goods store. Mr. Chris- tensen has always been a prominent member of the Lutheran church and a true republican in politics, and in every walk of life a loyal citizen, honest, intelligent and respected. He was married to an estimable lady in Denmark. They have one
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LARS CHRISTENSEN AND WIFE.
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son, C. P. Christensen, who was born in Denmark, 1868, and came to America with his parents. He has inherited the traits of a noble father and mother and ranks among the best of men, endowed with a fine intellect and moral integrity.
Poulsbo has achieved what no other community on the coast has ventured to do. While the villa was in its early embryo a knot of pioneers organized and incorporated the
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STEAMER ADVANCE.
Poulsbo Wharf and Storage Company, and built a substantial dock and warehouse, accessible by any steamer.
The first steamer that cleaved the bosom of the deep be- tween Poulsbo and Seattle was the Quickstep, owned by John J. Hansen, who later built Hattie Hansen. But to burst the chains of monopolized transportation, and to usher pecuniary
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relief to the toiling farmers, a sprinkling of valorous hearts, headed by Thomas Hegdahl and Nils Olson, perfected the organization of the Poulsbo-Colby Transportation Company, and built the beautiful steamer-Advance -- which plies daily between Poulsbo and Seattle.
The following are officers of the Poulsbo-Colby Trans- portation Company ; J. A. McPherson, President; Peter Erlandson, Vice-president; C. P. Christensen, Secretary ; L. Christensen, Treasurer; J. W. Russell, Manager.
Poulsbo has had its religious upheavals but aside from these fanatical revolutions it has scattered seeds of Christian principles. A fine Lutheran church tops a pleasant hillock as evidence of this statement. Rev. I. Tollefsen was summoned to the bay as the first gospel expounder who unveiled the gems of the Old Book according to Augsburgian theology. Into his footsteps dropped Rev. H. Langeland who is yet a beloved representative of the Supreme Being in the charming town of Poulsbo. Many of the trance reports which have taken speedy wings for other climes have not been absolutely true. In justice to Rev. H. Langeland my pen cannot evade the decla- ration that he is a gentleman and a true Christian.
The Orphans' Home, organized eight years ago, looms magnificently on a nicely trimmed knoll, overlooking a wizard landscape. Rev. Tollefsen is the father of the institution, but the people in general have given to it their unreserved support.
During recent years, Poulsbo has made quick strides forward, no less than four stores and two hotels combine to
SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 207
signalize its progress. Langeland and Eliason are thrifty grocers; Alf Hostmark conducts an establishment of similar nature; Thos. Hegdahl is a prosperous furniture dealer and L. Christensen a dry goods merchant. The farmers around Poulsbo have tendered ready hands to any project tending to advance the interest of their villa. Steiner Thoreson and T. Paul- son have been active exponents in the divers avenues of mel-
CURTIS & CupTILL ENG
ORPHANS' HOME AT POULSBO.
ioration, and A. V. Paulson, an ex-teacher of the public schools, has never been lagging when a new enterprise was to be rooted. Ole Thompson, A Talakson, A. O. Hagan, Chris. Williams and Ole Nelson figure among the early settlers. They are thrifty farmers and have contributed their time and energy for the good of the community. Nils Atleson, though recent colonist, has shared the burden of pushing the place to
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the front. He is the leader of the United Lutheran church, and a man of intelligence and pluck. K. G. Steen and others have also proved worthy factors where skill and energy shine pre-eminently.
The country surrounding Poulsbo is mostly peopled with Scandinavians. Pearson, across the bay, is a thriving com- munity, principally settled with intelligent Swedes, who have spared no time to make their terra firma attractive.
Breidablik, the home of the Paulson family, is an inviting place. As we recede further from Poulsbo we come to Seabold where many Scandinavians breathe happiness and prosperity. A short distance from this village lives C. Sanders, who was born in Sweden and came to Port Madison thirty-five years ago. There are also other old settlers as A. M. Anderson and Chas. Olson. Across a pleasant elevation of land slowly falling to the sea we find the flower-besprinkled Rollingbay, where some early pioneers contend happily with the wile billows of the world. Martin Sunnes, Dona Falk, Andrew Sornsen, Nils Peterson, Peter Bye, T. Siverson, Mrs. Hanna Johnson and C. Johnson were the first adventurers.
There are other scattered Scandinavian settlements, but let it suffice, for this volume, by taking a step to Shelton, Mason county. Here we find the well-known Professor G. B. Gunderson and other prominent Scandinavians. Prof. Gun- derson has served the people of his county as superintendent of the public schools and as representative in the legislation, with marked ability and success.
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