Spring Grove: Minnesota's First Norwegian Settlement

Images of America: Minnesota

by Chad Muller

Spring Grove: Minnesota's First Norwegian Settlement is a tribute to the state's earliest Norwegian emigrants, and to generations of Norwegian Americans who have made this small farming community amongst deep valleys, fjord-like bluffs, and winding streams their true vesterheim. It is a tale told through striking historic photographs, many previously unreleased, and personal narratives, often humorous and always insightful. The area was first settled in the 1850s by pioneers like James Smith, who, inspired by the landscape, named the place Spring Grove. Smith was followed by the likes of "Big" Ole Gulbransgutton, who chased crooked land surveyors out of town with his bare fist; by the innovative Mons Fladager, whose business acumen earned him the title of "Father of Spring Grove"; and by the 20th-century cartoonist Peter J. Rosendahl, whose work gave a comical voice to the challenges of cultural assimilation. Spring Grove: Minnesota's First Norwegian Settlement also conveys the universality of the Norwegian immigrant experience, and anyone with Norwegian roots who desires to learn more about their ancestors will find it an enjoyable read.

128 pages, Paperback

First published April 27, 2002

About the author

A pseudonym used by C.M. Muller

Reviews

[Carissa Lynn Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed learning more about the first Norwegian Settlement here in Minnesota. I have Norwegian roots so that and wanting to read about Minnesota history is what prompted this buy. I really enjoyed all the historical photos throughout this book as well!

[Marsha Paulsen Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. Tons of old photos (the key to my heart) of the first Norwegian immigrant settlement in Minnesota. Yeah, I'm related to some of the settlers and the author is a cousin, But that doesn't bias me in the least! If you want to understand S.E. MN, try this book on. -- mapp