Stone House

By RP Mickleson

"With that, Analee moved onto the ship and only turned back once she was standing beside her fiancé, holding him tightly. The colourful paper ribbons tied between ship and shore began to break away as Analee and Jacob waved wildly at their disappearing family members. Slowly, ever so slowly, the vessel left the side of Pier #7 and was sea-born. Her engine gently pulled her out into the coldness of the Atlantic. There was definitely a crispness in the air. A brisk wind was brushing against Analee as she watched her kin become smaller and smaller. Soon they disappeared altogether, and she was left standing with a feeling of heaviness and dread. It would have been worse if she’d known then that she’d never see her mother again. “My heart is broken, Jacob.”" Thus begin the adventures of Stone House. RP Mickelson’s novel of Norwegian homesteaders in the Canadian prairies is a warm and well-researched tale of ancestors long passed and the country they helped build.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Filidh Books
• Release date: May 12, 2021
• ISBN: 9781927848449

Book preview

Preface

This book was initially intended for family members because it is based on my paternal grandparents' lives and the maternal grandparents of my wife. But its scope expanded during the writing process. It now may be of value to anyone interested in the adventures of the many thousands of Norwegians who were pioneers homesteading on the Canadian prairies in the early part of the twentieth century.

The information required to write this book came from many sources, including research in books, family records, online ancestry sites and old newspapers. This material was supplemented by personal recollections of conversations I had with relatives, traditional family tales I heard over the years and old photos and movies.

Where gaps existed in this history and where dialogues were required to make the story flow, I freely used my imagination. That is to say, I utilized an author’s freedom to invent.

It is rated 14 + and is not designed to be read by children. It contains a few scenes of violence and physical intimacy.

This work cannot be copied, printed or reproduced in any way without the express written consent of the author, RP Mickelson and the publisher, Filidh Publishing.

RP Mickelson

Victoria, BC

September 2020

PART 1---Courtship

Chapter 1 - Stavenger

Life was very difficult for the Norwegians living around Stavenger in the year 1907. They were experiencing an economic depression, property taxes had risen five times in the past decade, and good land was becoming scarce. The population was expanding rapidly, but there wasn’t enough property for everyone. For those who did have land, the key driver of prosperity was farming, and farmers were definitely hurting.

The Gustafsen family was particularly hit hard. Sven, the head of the household, had broken his right leg that winter and was unable to herd sheep and cattle in the mountains. He made a bit of money helping his father, a tailor—but it wasn’t enough to support his children. His wife, Karin, was overwhelmed most of the time. She had to care for her four daughters—Analee, Birgit, Elaina and Therese, and Anders, her only son and youngest child. That meant she had to keep their relatively small house clean and manage all the animals. They had six dairy cows, twelve chickens and ten pigs. Luckily, she’d trained her daughters well, and they all knew how to work hard. Analee got along with all her sisters but had a challenging time with Anders. He was spoilt and temperamental and angered easily. Even though he was only sixteen, he bullied all his sisters and was never disciplined for his outrageous behaviour.

Anders replaced his father in the mountains herding sheep and cattle and fending off the wolves with a very loud horn. It was lonely up there, but his survival made him tough and independent. He was becoming a capable shepherd. But when he was at home, he was very hard on his sisters for some unknown reason.

Analee was the eldest daughter and had blossomed into a beautiful woman at nineteen years of age. She was tall and slender, strong yet feminine, and her nature was loving and kind. Her flawless skin was the colour of fresh, thick cream and her eyes, strangely enough, for a Scandinavian, were bright green. She’d finished her formal schooling and worked part-time as a nanny for one of her neighbours because she was very good with small children. Her job was to milk the cows every day, assist with gardening on a relatively sparse land and help her mother make cheese. She had to get up at 5 am every morning to do that. She also had to filter and store all the milk and sell it at a local market each weekend. Although she hadn’t been a good student academically, she was perceptive, intuitive, disciplined and full of inner strength. Perhaps that was because she was devoutly religious.

One day after Sunday Mass, her sister Birgit asked her,

Are you going to the Harvest Dance this Saturday night?

No, she replied tersely, I don’t like dances. Besides, I’ll be too tired. I have to wash down all the cows that day.

Please come with me, dear sister; I don’t want to be the only Gustafsen there.

Why would you even want to go? You’re only seventeen years old. That’s too young to go to a dance where men will be hanging out.

Because Michael asked me.

Who is Michael?

Are you stupid? He’s my boyfriend. We’ve been going together for two weeks, and you didn’t even notice?

Oh my dear, that’s silly. You’re too young to be getting serious about someone.

Please, Analee, come to the dance with us. You never know—you might meet a nice young man there.

I don’t want to meet a nice young man. I’m too busy and exhausted right now to date a man.

The truth of the matter is that Analee was attracted to men and did want to have a boyfriend. But she was experiencing an inner conflict. Her religious faith made her feel sinful about her true desires, so she continually repressed them. Her love of God and devotion to a chaste life were dominant themes in her head.  Yet her body expressed a very different motivation—the yearning to be touched and loved. She avoided interaction with men and found her copious workload and varied religious activities ideal ways to distract herself. That is why, in her heart, she was interested in going to the dance, despite her many protestations to the contrary.

***

Chapter 2 - The Dance

That night, Analee had a very vivid dream. She dreamt she was Cinderella and clearly saw herself falling in love with the Prince. She saw that he was very handsome and dashing, smiled a great deal and dressed impeccably in a colourful royal vest. But, as soon as he bent down to kiss her--at the stroke of midnight—she woke up.

At breakfast the next morning, Karin served her family flatbread, fruit jam, Jarlsberg cheese, scrambled eggs and smoked herring. Analee noticed steam coming off the eggs during the meal and smelled the herring's pungent, oily, fishy smell. She said,

That smells wonderful, mother—and Birgit, I’ve decided to join you at the dance on Saturday.

My darling sister, that’s wonderful news. Thank you—I can’t wait, was her sister’s reply.

You can use the brand new frock I made for myself, Analee—it’ll look great on you, said Karin.

You’re lucky your body’s the same size as mother’s Analee, whined Birgit, You get to exchange clothes with her anytime you want.

"Yes, that is convenient, sister—but are you jealous?"

No, just happy for you, was Birgit’s response.

That Saturday, Analee spent all afternoon getting ready for the dance. Karin braided her hair, and she ironed and starched her mother’s colourful dress and cleaned her lower-body girdle. She also washed and brushed her locks and delicately applied face cream and eyebrow liner.

The dance was held under a long, narrow suspension bridge that stretched and swayed over Borg’s Canyon. A rectangular stage had been constructed on the most popular beach on Neilsen’s Fjord. This platform was for all the dancers and the bands that played. It was late August, so no torches or gas lamps were required. Actually, the skies were bright and clear until after 1 am that morning. Music was provided by the Alf Solberg Trio. Alf himself played the fiddle and sang while Bjorn Dahl stroked his viola excitedly. Eric Larson sat at a small portable organ and banged on the keys with passion, dressed in a many-coloured coat that made him look like a clown.

You’re very good at the polka, Michael shouted at his girlfriend’s sister. But why won’t you waltz with anyone?

Before she could reply, a tall and very handsome man, Jacob Sivertson, dressed in a black tuxedo with white bow tie and gold cufflinks, walked up to Analee and asked her to dance. Unlike all the other men who’d invited her to waltz, he had a mischievous twinkle in his eye and a wide smile that lit up his whole face. For some strange reason, she said,

Yes, without hesitation.

Jacob and Analee danced together for the rest of the evening.  There was definitely something about him that attracted her.

I’ve worked for two years on my sister’s farm in Park River, North Dakota, he told her.

What’s it like in North Dakota?

Analee, it’s magnificent. My sister, Sophia’s spread, has over forty acres of arable land near the Vesta Township, with a large stream running through the entire property. It also has a thick evergreen forest. Did you know that she’s only one of 600,000 Norwegians who’ve immigrated to North America since 1866?

No, I didn’t know that. How did Sophia manage to buy such a big estate, Jacob?

She worked at a hotel in Park River to earn money to acquire that land—but it only cost her $125. To finalize the deal, she had to agree to build a house and barn within her first year of ownership, he responded.

Oh my Lord, it sounds wonderful. Is Sophia married?

"Yes, she is. She married a Swede named Carl Gustafson on December 19th, 1890. He’s a butcher and a farmer and taught me a great deal about cattle and life on an American farm. Their story is wonderful, Analee. In America, the government leaves you alone. It encourages you to develop land as you want, and their taxes are extremely low. They actually want people to get ahead, and there’s plenty of land for anyone who wants to work it. It’s not like Norway, you know!"

Does she have any animals?

Yes—she’s got an entire herd of cattle and over a dozen horses. She manages the whole farm with her husband, including growing wheat, barley, hay, oats, and tons of vegetables. Agricultural development is different in America, Analee. They use lots of machines and labour-saving devices to avoid some of the manual work. It’s much easier than farming in this country.

Did you learn how to butcher animals in North Dakota?

Yes, I did. I know how to dress and store all the meat necessary to survive over the winter.

Would you ever want to buy your own farm in the United States, Jacob?

Analee, I’ve already purchased a homestead in Canada. Most of the best land is now gone in America, so I bought my farm in Canada, where land is much better for farming than what’s left in America. My place is 160 acres and only cost me a $10 filing fee. I have to build a house and barn by June of next year, so I’m going back in the spring. I also want to erect some fences to keep my animals at bay.

You already have animals?

No, but I’ll buy some cattle and horses when I get there in the Spring.

Whereabouts in Canada is it?

It’s fifteen miles northwest of Saskatoon in the village of Turnip River, Saskatchewan and only 32 miles from Sophia’s place in the Dakotas. My brother Morris also bought a farm in that town; in fact, his spread is right next to mine.

You have a brother in Canada too?

Yes, I went out to Canada with him the first time when I was only fifteen years old.

Your parents let you leave home that early?

Yes, as long as I promised my mother I’d get confirmed in the Lutheran Church-- which I did.

By the end of the evening, Jacob was holding Analee’s hand between dances.

Can I see you again, he asked as the crowd began to disperse.

Would you like to join me at church tomorrow? she replied.

Yes, answered Jacob, I would.

That’s fine then. Mass starts at 9:30 am. I’ll see you there.

***

Chapter 3 - Mass

The Nidaros Chapel was situated 1 km out of town, set back off a side road. Its shingles were painted white on the outside, and it had a towering steeple to the left of the front door that reached ninety feet into the sky.

Jacob met Analee there at 9:15 the next morning and entered the building together. It was full--and held over 75 people. They sat down on a hard oak bench near the back. From there, they could see a huge crucifix with a wooden figure of hanging Christ on it, suspended by a thick iron chain from the roof at the front of the church. Several altar boys were preparing a long communion table which was covered in silk, sea-green cloth.

At precisely 9:30 am, the organist started playing a Chopin prelude. This settled the congregation down and put them into the mood for prayer. At that point, the head pastor entered from a vestry door on the church's right side. He was dressed in long white vestments and carried a large black bible, open in his hands.

After the opening hymn, all the congregants stood and confessed their sins publically in a sung chant. Then they all intoned,

Lord Jesus Christ, son of David, have mercy on our souls.

The sermon that day was full of fire and brimstone. Its theme was the ravages of sin. The cleric said that young people were out of control and had to be reined in by strict adherence to the specific moral principles of chastity, obedience and charity.

Jacob was uneasy with the words of the speaker and could be seen squirming in his seat. Later in the service, everyone stood up again to recite the Lord’s Prayer, followed by the following incantation—

Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.

Analee got up and went to the front for communion without hesitating, while Jacob stayed sitting on the bench. Receiving the symbolic body and blood of Christ, she was beaming with piety.

The service ended with two majestic hymns played by the musician, followed by the Apostles’ Creed and several moments of silent prayer.

When they left the church, Analee and Jacob got into a lively discussion.

Did you like the service, Jacob?

"No—it was too long and formal, and the cleric’s words were extremely harsh. I don’t believe our young people are that sinful today."

But didn’t you like the music and the prayers?

No, I prefer classical music on a violin or folk tunes, replied Jacob briskly.

You know, Jacob, all my friends, go to this church, and we participate in Women’s Aid.

What do you do at Women’s Aid?

We distribute alms, sew clothes for the poor and make hospital visits—things like that. We believe Christ wanted us to serve our fellow men—especially those who are suffering.

Analee, I’m sorry if I sound mean. But I had some difficult experiences with church officials while at school.

How do you mean?

They made me pass difficult theological exams before I could go on to each new grade.

Well, maybe that made you smarter and more disciplined!

It could be Analee, but that’s not all. My best friend is a Quaker, and his family has been persecuted and bullied by church officials.

In what way, Jacob?

They’ve withheld rightful privileges, prevented my friend’s father from advancing in his government career, and remained silent when his wife was harassed by some of her neighbours.

Oh, I see, she responded. I’m beginning to understand why you don’t like the church that much.

Thank you for listening. I appreciate that. I have no problem with people sincerely practicing their religion—after all, doing so helps promote moral behaviour in the world. But do you really need a supernatural being in heaven to make folks behave well towards one another?

Without the fear of God, Jacob, what would curb men from acting in barbaric ways?

"I think there is such a thing as innate goodness, Analee. Men can get corrupted from it, but most people are naturally caring and compassionate at their core."

Perhaps you’re right, but my knowledge and experience of an infinite power gives me so much strength and peace that I don’t even want to think about a godless world. So let’s just agree to disagree on this.

Now that makes a lot of sense, whispered Jacob, as he glanced at Analee and smiled.

***

Chapter 4 - Courtship

Despite Jacob’s disinterest in her church and its theology, Analee was hoping to see him again. That was because she found him charismatic. He was extremely handsome and robust—always laughing, telling jokes and being friendly with folks. Everyone in the village liked him.

So she was delighted when he kept asking her out. As winter came, it turned out he loved to ski, and so did she. They started skiing together at a local hill and began to cross country ski all over the Stavenger countryside.

By mid-October, he’d invited her over for several meals at his family’s farm.

Your father’s such a good person, Jacob, she remarked after one of those dinners. He’s kind, sensitive and listens very well. I’m sure he must be a good father to your brother, as well. It’s such a tragic story the way your mother was lost.

Yes, it is—and you’re right--he takes wonderful care of Giorg, my little brother, who was devastated when our mother passed away.

On another occasion, after a heavy snowfall, she demonstrated an interest in returning the favour.

Would you like to come to my home for lunch after church this Sunday?

I’d love to, Analee. I won’t bother joining you for Mass, but I could come by afterwards for lunch if you want me to.

Absolutely, I do.

"Alright, I’ll see