My cousin, Bonnie, recently sent me a photo of some members of the maternal side of my family.
This is my grandfather, Martinus "Martin" Halvorson Hylland and my grandmother, Beatha H. Ronningen.
They were both born in the United States but Martin's father was born in Norway and emigrated to the U.S.
The photo must have been taken shortly before Martin's death because that occurred in 1945, when I was 5 years old.
That's me in the lower right corner, holding my cousin Cherie's hand.
My cousin, Bonnie, is the one clowning on the left side of the photo, being held in the air by my brother, Wayne.
I don't think I have any other pictures showing my mother's father so this was a treat for me to see.
Martin, or Grampa Hylland as I knew him, was a farmer in North Dakota.
His wife, my Gramma, lived on after him for many years and was one of the best cooks I ever knew.
I still miss her lefse when the Christmas holidays roll around.
Well we are probably related! Many Halversons in my family also. My clan immigrated to South Dakota. Were also farmers. And my grandfather was the one who took his chances on coming to America. Now everyone (well not everyone) is figuring out what country to move to and may land back in Norway!
ReplyDeleteFunny, I was looking into options overseas last night!
DeleteOur son is looking at Vancouver BC. He was just in Denmark last fall and LOVED Copenhagen. Lots of choices!!
DeleteWhat a wonderful photo and memory. Something to be treasured.
ReplyDeleteFor the small world category, my two oldest grandchildren are 50% Norwegian.
ReplyDeleteThat's an interesting photo. Look at their clothing! And his hat. Even in 1945, they were probably dressed in an older style.
ReplyDeleteThese old photos are more valuable than almost any other keepsake I think. Nice that you have this one.
That is a wonderful photo to have.
ReplyDeleteThat's a real treasure.
ReplyDeleteWhat a memory to have! I love your Grandma’s hat and big fur collar. My mother’s mother was far and away the best cook in the family, that includes present day.
ReplyDeletethecontemplativecat here The photo is a treasure. I have some that head back to the late 1800s.. Grandparents and their parents and theirs...I wish I could ask them questions.
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DeleteThere seem to be many "contemplative cats" on the web. Which one are you?
Not many photos were taken in those days. Very few people had cameras.
ReplyDeleteI love looking at old family photos, it's fun trying to work out who is who when you don't really know, and also seeing family resemblances. My maternal grandmother is easy to recognise, she looked exactly as I did at the same age.
ReplyDeleteMy ex is named Ronning. He is first generation born in this country, his father coming from Norway as a youngster and his mother from Denmark. I don't know if his family has done any genealogy research, but your mention of the Ronningen name from Norway caught my attention.
ReplyDeleteThank you for all that you share on your delightful blog! Your writing lends a bit of sanity to my increasingly isolated life.
We are the first generations with a diverse photo documentation of family life. https://89-yearsoflove.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteThat is such a great old family photo. A wonderful moment from long ago. (NewRobin13)
ReplyDeleteHow great to have a fresh reminder of those memories!
ReplyDeleteThat's a terrific old photo, Bruce. I love studying all of the details. It reminds me of my own grandparents. I still own one of my Grandpa's wool sport jackets that he wore. People always dressed up then and my Grandma always had a dress on.
ReplyDeleteMartinus is my actual name. For obvious reasons I go by Martin.
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