LaVilla (Dalager) Peterson: Memories

Lavilla is the daughter of Hans and Amelia, half-sister to Karl. What follows are some memories I compiled from an interview. –James Dalager

I was born May 18, 1903. I have been reminded many times by my sister Tillie that she, a girl of 14, came home from a dance and had to stay up and take care of things in the home while I was born. No doubt it was more like being born into a company as I had 7 sisters and 3 brothers older than I. I was also unfortunate enough to be born on a different place than any of my sisters and brothers. This was because the family was living on the Allen Hanson (1976) place waiting for their new home to be vacated by our Lutheran pastor Gens Bale. Pastor Bale was living there until the parsonage was completed and ready for occupancy.

My older sisters tell me that the family moved to the new home in September of 1903. I never lived on the homestead as this had been rented to Sophia and Theodore Ogdahl. Sophia was my half-sister. We never moved back to the homestead. I have two sisters younger than I so that was 10 children my mother had between 1888 and 1910.

During the 1908-09 school year my sister Cora went to live with Julia and Tollof Solverud in Sherwood, North Dakota. She finished 8th grade there. Tollof was real friendly and treated Cora as their adopted daughter who they nicknamed ‘Tootse.’

Tollof was a druggist by profession. Later Julia and Tollof went to Kirksville, Mo. to study and become chiropractic doctors. The started their Osteopathy business in Mankato. Later Tollof and Julia adopted a boy who they named Truman. They had plans to adopt girls also; however, Tollof died at an early age (1915-1916) so they never adopted a girl. Julia continued the Osteopathy work at Mankato for a short time and then moved to Glenwood. Julia took a job as teacher in Lowry. Later she became Superintendent of Pope County schools. Mother rented the house Hans had bought in Glenwood to Julia. Frances, Hilda’s daughter, still lives in this house.

Later Julia was a matron at an orphanage in Willmar and director of the House of Mercy, a home for pregnant girls in Fargo.

Julia’s son, Truman Solverud, finished college at St. Olaf during the depression years. Jobs were scarce. Julia suggested that he do volunteer work at the welfare office. This eventually lead to his work with the Red Cross. Following WWII he became director of Red Cross activities in Japan, Korea and Okinawa, the Philippines and Taiwan. By 1956 he was director in Hawaii, Guam, Enewetok and Kwajalein working with military hospitals, educational programs for military personal.

In later years Truman was located in Washington D.C. and lived at 5701 Colfax Ave., Alexandria, Va. His wife, Lila, whom he met while a student at St. Olaf College, was from Watford City, North Dakota.

In 1914-1915 my sister Cora took normal training in Glenwood and taught in school district 78 during the 1915-1916 school year. Lucille, Helen and I all had Cora as our teacher that year. She was super.

My niece Christine also taught for a number of years at Cokato, Minnesota. She had a blond haired boy friend named Tilrud but this didn’t go. Alice went to live with Christine in Herman, Minnesota where she took her 8th grade.

My nephew Kenneth Dalager married Barbara Steward June 15, 1956. Ken was employed as an electrical engineer at Remington Rand Univac. They have divorced and Ken has married Judy Beiswinger and they live in New Brighton. She is the owner of Biswinger Hardware.

My brother Herman Dalager and Clarence Pladson were head of the church crops project to raise money for the Barsness Church. The project leased 65 acres from N. P. Halvorson.

Fun on the farm

When growing up Hannah played a mouth organ and the youngest children danced and had fun.

The hired men were Anton Hoff, Rasmus Feigum, Anton Ogdahl, ‘fatty’ Gunder Johnson. Fatty became part of the Dalager family for a long time. After working for dad he worked for Cora and Adolph Anderson and later in the 3d generation my son Ralph teased my daughter Lila about him by just pointing his finger at her and saying ‘fatty Gunder.’

Julia (Dalager) Solverud-Knutson: Julia and Tollef in Sherwood

It is not known if Tollef and Julia went to Kenmore right away or not as the newspaper write-up of their wedding states. The following newspaper items from the Sherwood Tribune & Journal indicate that a little over a year after their marriage they were living in Sherwood, N.D. Sherwood is about 45 miles northeast of Kenmore. Lavilla, Julia’s sister, remembers that Julia and Tollef were in Sherwood shortly after their marriage. It is not known where Julia and Tollef spent the year following their marriage as the first newspaper reference to them in Sherwood is November, 1907.

The Sherwood Tribune & Journal

Nov. 28, 1907 Tollef Solverud and his wife are spending Thanksgiving at the latter’s sister’s home in Denbigh.

Dec. 26, 1907 Prof. Johnson & wife of Denbigh are Xmas guests of Mr. and Mrs. Tollef Solverud.

April 2, 1908, page 7 Mrs. Tollef Solverud called to Glenwood, Mn because of the sickness of her little sister. (This is her sister Alma)

April 9, 1908, page 5 Tollef Solverud received word Tuesday from Mrs. Solverud, who is at her parents home in Glenwood, Mn, that her 6 year old sister died Saturday. He also learned that his brother Ted was taken to Rochester Hospital Sunday for an operation for appendicitis.

April 23, 1908, page 3 Tollef Solverud returned Tuesday from Hayfield, Minn, where he was called on account of the death of his brother. Mrs. Solverud will remain there a week or so yet.

May 21, 1908, page 7 Tollef Solverud and wife now occupy the rooms over the Hamilton Drug Store. They moved there from the Anderson rooms Friday.

June 18, 1908, page 5 Druggist Solverud is taking the pharmacy examination this week and looking after some matters in Grand Forks and Fargo.

July 2, 1908, page 3 Tollef Solverud’s brother-in-law Geo. Houston of Herman, Mn visited him and his wife Friday evening. Mrs. Tollef Solverud went to the home of her sister in Denbigh today.

Aug. 13, 1908, page 3 Karl Dalager came over from Kenmore Saturday to visit his sister, Mrs. Solverud, and friends. Karl has a good position at Kenmore and he returned there Monday.

Nov. 19, 1908, page 3 Mrs. Tollef Solverud & Mrs. L. L. Goheen attended the County SS convention held in Glenburn Tuesday and Wednesday, they being delegates from the Presbyterian and Methodist Sunday Schools respectively. Mrs. Solverud was elected Supt. of the county primary department.

Dec 3, 1908, page 5 Tollef Solverud and wife & Miss Cora Dalager spent Thanksgiving with Prof. Johnson and family at Denbigh. Mrs. Solverud and Mrs. Johnson are sisters.

Jan 28, 1909, page 3 Druggist T. Solverud was a Denbigh visitor the first of the week.

Apr 22, 1909, Karl Dalager came up from his home in Minnesota Tuesday. He expects to go to work for the Northern Telephone Co. soon.

May 6, 1909 Front Page

Solverud buys Deering Store

Popular Druggist & wife will remove to Deering–Farewell Reception Given Friday.

Tollef Solverud has purchased the Pat Lee drug store in Deering and will move to that town soon. He went down on Monday to invoice the stock. Mr. Solverud has been connected with the Hamilton drug store since July of 1907, and by his genial manner & strict application to business won the confidence and esteem of those with whom he dealt.

He and his wife have been active & prominent in Church and lodge circles during their stay here and will be greatly missed by those among whom they have performed their almost indispensable service. Friday evening the Workmen & the Degree of Honor gave them a farewell party at the IOOF Hall. Members of the lodge & a number of invited friends of the couple gathered to enjoy the evening. Amusements, consisting of cards, music, dancing and a light lunch of donuts and coffee. The lodge presented Mr. and Mrs. Solverud with a fine solid oak rocking chair.

May 6, 1909, page 2 Karl Dalager left Monday for Russel where he is working for the Northern Telephone Co.

May 20, 1909 Mr. and Mrs. Tollef Solverud moved to Deering Friday shipping their household goods by that days freight. Mr. Solverud has engaged in the Drug business at Deering, having purchased a drug store three weeks ago. Their many friends regret their leaving and will miss them in many ways. The Tribune wishes them the best of success in their new home.

July 15. 1909, page 3 Mrs. Solverud came up from Deering Saturday evening to visit old time friends over Sunday.

The next information about Tollef and Julia is the following letter written about a year and a half later after the death of her father Hans on March 23, 1910. The letter was written on drug store stationery and was written to her cousin Julia Dalager Chilson in Webster, South Dakota.

Solverud’s Drug Store

Drugs, Chemicals and Sundries

Prescriptions Carefully Compounded

Deering, North Dakota

DEC 10, 1910

My dear cousin Julia,

I have thought of you often since I last wrote you. It is now five years since I made you a visit. I shall long remember the nice times we had together. I am not very well and have no family as yet. Guess I am beyond hopes of ever being a mother. Last fall I went to see the Doctors Mayo. They told me they could do nothing for me whatsoever. I then went to a specialist in Osteopathy at Kirksville, Missouri. I took treatments from him for five weeks. I got much better but was so lonesome among strangers and being so miserable, so I came back home again. That doctor told me I had three curves in my back and those caused all my head aches and other ailments I have. When I came back from Kirksville I felt much better, but it was not long until papa died and the shock was too great on me. Poor papa. It seems so lonely without him, but he was glad to go and ready to meet his master. Papa had been poorly for over three years. Only Sophia was there from the first family when he died. I spent six weeks at the home a year ago this fall and I had such nice visits with papa.

After the settling of the will Amelia has much property and a beautiful new house nicely furnished. She had a baby boy shortly after papa died. Her baby lived only 36 hours. Karl is at Inverness, Montana. He has a lumber yard there, also a claim. He is doing real well. He has turned out a fine business man. Of course he has a girl or two on the string even now. Hope he will decide to be married soon. He will spend Xmas with me. He has made my home his home since I was married.

Let me hear from you. I so long to hear how you all are. Remember me to Auntie, Sophia, Andrew and all their families. How are Christie and her family? Greet them from me..

We have had several deaths in the Dalager families of late years. Soon I presume our turns will come to take that journey. Let me hear from you soon. Remember me to all your family. By the way, how many babies have you now? I send you a little painting as a kind remembrance of my kind thoughts of you. It is my own work from the Calendar you sent me two years ago. I put a new pad on it every year so it is up to date even now. Put on the picture 2 x 2.5 inches in white mat and a narrow gilt frame. That will improve it greatly. I see my letter is quite long so must close with lots of love to you all. Remember me to your husband and babies.

Much Love,

Cousin Julia Solverud

Excuse haste, I have scribbled this letter in a hurry.

P.S. Where is Almine now? I have never heard from her. I would like to hear from you before I go. Will drop you a card from Des Moines.

Almine was the daughter of Kristie Amundson who was Nils Dalager’s daughter. She came to the US with Brita and grew up with Brita at Webster, SD. It should also be noted that Amilia agreed with Julia and rectified the inheritance as best she could. It should be noted here that my father, Karl, had spent much time living with his sisters when he was growing up. He was with Julia a lot and was with her in Sherwood and later in Deering.

Julia (Dalager) Solverud-Knutson: Last days in Dakota, the move to Minnesota, and Tollef’s passing

Deering Herald News

Jan 7, 1911 Mr. and Mrs. Tollef Solverud departed Monday for an extended visit with relatives in southern Minnesota.

June 3, 1911 The first section of an article by Julia Solverud comparing the US government with that of Great Britian appeared.

July 8, 1911 On Friday evening, June 30, the Deering Birthday Club held their regular social gathering in Koch’s hall, the guests of honor being Mrs. Tollef Solverud, Mrs. F. L. Allen and Mrs. Fred Long. Mrs. Solverud, president of the club, had just returned from an extended trip east and was happily surprised by being presented with a beautiful bouquet of American Beauty roses. The tables were tastefully decorated with ferns, rose leaves and wild flowers, and the banquet served in its usual happy style and thoroughly enjoyed by all present. Mrs. Long being absent was remembered by each lady present, with a post card reminding her of the happy event. The out of town guests were Mrs. G. M. Wedge of Plainview, Minn, Miss Dora Schram of Long Prairie, Minn and Miss Anna Solverud of Hayfield, Minn.

July 11, 1911 Miss Anna Solverud arrived last Saturday from Hayfield, Minnesota. She will spend the summer here with her brother Tollef Solverud and family and will assist Mr. Solverud in the store.

August 5, 1911 Misses Anna Solverud and Ida Franze and K. T. Dalager were among those from Deering who took in the circus at Granville Wednesday.

September 16, 1911 On Wednesday evening, September 13, the Deering Birthday Club held their regular business meeting at the home of Mrs. Solverud, twelve ladies were present. It was decided to give the last birthday entertainment on Monday evening, September 18. The yearly reports were read and approved. It was then decided by the ladies to discontinue the coming year.

November 25, 1911 Tollef Solverud arrived Thursday morning from Des Moines, Iowa and will spend time here looking after business interests.

February 3, 1912 Tollef Solverud visits friends at Sherewood between trains last Tuesday.

February 10, 1912 Tollef Solverud went to Minot Thursday evening to look after business matters for a few days.

On September 9, 1912 Julia Solverud, sister of the groom, was Matron of Honor in the wedding of Ida Franze and Karl T. Dalager on the Franze farm near Battle Lake, Minnesota.

It was about this time when Tollef and Julia left Deering, N. D. and moved to Kirksville, Missouri to study Chiropractic Medicine. Following this they moved to Mankato, Minnesota where they set up a Chiropractic Clinic. It was during this time that they adopted Truman. Truman was born February 11, 1911 and was perhaps about 3 years old.

On November 29, 1915, shortly after they had adopted Truman, Tollef Solverud died and Julia was left alone with a young child to raise.

Following Tollef’s death, Julia went back to teaching and taught at Lowry, Minnesota the 1916-1917 school year.

Julia (Dalager) Solverud-Knutson: Pope County Superintendent of Schools

Glenwood Herald, Oct 24, 1918

Mrs. Solverud seeks county Superintendent of School

• Born June 7, 1879 in Pope County
• Graduate of St. Cloud State Normal School 1901
• Taught Rural & graded school in Minnesota for 8 years
• Married to T. Solverud of Hayfield, Minnesota
• T. Solverud died November 29, 1915 in Mankato, Minn.
• Mrs. Solverud moved to Glenwood with son Truman
• Julia has been a speaker on various war topics
• Candidate for Superintendent of Schools of Pope County

In the fall of 1918 Julia was elected Superintendent of Schools of Pope county and served two terms serving until 1926. Here she met with much success, encouraging her teachers and helping them to make the most of their teaching opportunities. In those days there were no welfare boards to provide help and people began to come to her with their problems.

On June 27, 1923 Julia married Knute Knutson of Minneapolis. The ceremony was performed by Rev. G. G. Beito at the home of the groom’s parents in Swift Falls, Mn. Following the wedding reception the couple left for Minneapolis, Chicago and many places made famous by Lincoln.

Julia and Knute made their home in Glenwood where Julia continued her work as Pope County Superintendent of schools. Knute was an attorney and was later appointed judge of the district court at Benson, Minnesota, and would later become a State Legislator.

Julia ran for reelection in 1926 against some strong forces. Following is a message to the voters of Pope County on the behalf of Julia written by teachers and ex-teachers of Pope County.

We, the voluntary committee of teachers and ex-teachers, are urging the re-election of Julia D. Solverud-Knutson as County Superintendent of Schools of Pope County by making a straight forward plea upon the ground of efficiency and merit.

Julia D. Solverud-Knutson was born and raised in Pope County, was graduated from St. Cloud Teacher’ College in the class of 1901. She has had eighteen years of successful experience in the Educational Field, has taught for a period of ten years in the rural and semi-graded and graded schools of our state. She has also taught art in high school. She has served eight years as our County Superintendent of Schools and has proven to be a most efficient officer.

We, that have worked for years in the schools under the supervision of our present County Superintendent, have had the opportunity of seeing the great progress in the rural schools and have learned what it means to be of service to the boys and girls. More and more interest has been manifested in the pupils, teachers and parents of our county.

When Mrs. Knutson comes to visit the schools she brings with her the spirit of love and service. Teachers and pupils look forward to her coming. Her valuable suggestions are given in such a way that no offense can be taken. She always brings a beautiful message to the children in the form of a friendly, motherly talk. In these messages she sews seeds that we believe in due time will sprout and bring forth its valuable fruit and prepare the children to become citizens that will be a credit to themselves and to our nation.

Some of us have taught in other counties and we find that the pupils here are given wonderful opportunities. Mrs. Knutson gives the eight-graders a chance to make up one conditional mark during the summer vacation. This saves the pupil from attending school in the country for only one subject. You can imagine the extra work this gives her and for such services she charges no compensation.

Pupils who are unable to attend school after they are sixteen years and have been unable to finish the eighth grade are not forgotten by our County Superintendent. For those she has prepared a correspondence course that she offers to give them free. Many ambitious boys and girls in Pope County have availed themselves of this opportunity and many have made records for themselves which they could never have attained without the encouragement and help of Mrs. Knutson.

It may be well to touch upon the duties of our County Superintendent. Some hold that the County Superintendent has charge of all the Schools. This is not true. The County Superintendent of Pope County where all the districts are organized has charge of all the semi-graded and rural school, eighty-four in number. The four high school, namely Villard, Glenwood, Starbuck, and Cyrus. are directly under the state and visited by the high school inspector. Lowry and Sedan are graded schools and inspected by the graded school inspector.

The voters of the villages of our county should consider this carefully, and it should be their aim to cast their ballot for the candidate that will give the semi-graded and rural schools the best services. We feel that in the coming election the villages have the best opportunity to prove their loyalty to the rural districts by casting their ballots for our much loved County Superintendent, Mrs. Solverud-Knutson.

We teachers feel, furthermore, that the office of county Superintendent of Schools is a woman’s job. We feel more free to deal with a woman, and at present 95 per cent of the teachers are women and 75 percent of these are young girls. The value of Mrs. Knutson’s advice and council to these young teachers can not be estimated in dollars and cents. We find in her a most sincere friend and advisor. We learn she rejoices with us in our achievements and grieves with us in our sorrows.

The social work which Mrs. Knutson is giving to our people without compensation must not be forgotten. If any of the children are physically unfit to study she seems to pick them out very readily and we find that she drives miles out of her way to visit with parents of such children and the result invariably is that the parents will consult their family physician within a short time.

Some say that Mrs. Knutson is married and should not have the position. What about the men in office who are married? Does either the law or common sense specify or recognize nuptial relations as a qualification for service? In every state in the Union married women are active in educational work as directors, superintendents and teachers. President Coolidge said recently: “I can conceive of no experience better adapted to give either a woman or man that knowledge which is more likely to be of value in the discharge of public office than that which comes from family life.”

In this pleasure seeking age we can all truly say our County Superintendent is not numbered among those. She is on the job all the time. She is so conscientious in her work that we know it would be unlike her to take the time that rightfully belongs to the boys and girls in the rural schools to campaign. Seventy-five per cent of the schools have already been visited this fall. We feel that it is only our duty to take this step in order to let the voters of Pope County know what our County Superintendent means to the teachers and pupils in the school under her supervision. Let us show her our appreciation for the splendid service she has given us in the past by re-electing her with an overwhelming majority on November 2nd.

Yours for efficient service,

TEACHERS AND EX-TEACHERS OF POPE CT

Julia won that election, but was not re-elected in her third bid. Following her defeat, Julia wrote a farewell message. She had given so much of herself to this job. Excerpts from that message follow.

To the three great pillars that assisted me during the tragic accident and illness that made my son a cripple, I wish to extend my heartiest thanks. These pillars took the form of three neighborhood boys, namely: Bernhard Linnevold, Erwin Haldorson and Howard Vegoe. Through the faithful assistance you gave me, I was able to survive. Your services to me could never be paid in dollars and cents. Only the Giver of all Good Gifts can reward you, and I have an assurance from Him that you will become vessels of much value, and thus bring your Maker a Good Price.

To the teachers and ex-teachers who have served during my two terms in office, I wish to express my sincere thanks for the faithful manner in which you have performed your duties. The great wave of progress which has taken place in Pope county is mostly due to the efficient services you have rendered. Remember that I shall always stand ready to serve you whenever you feel that my services will be of value to you.

The boys and girls in the rural and semi-graded schools of Pope county will never be forgotten by me. Your courteous treatment, the kindness you have shown me, and the great efforts you have put forth to please me and live up to my expectations will ever linger in my mind.

I was taught, when a child, by my kind father, that it is not the stone that broke the window, but the force that throws it. He taught me never to carry grudges, but to serve my fellow men with heart and soul. I have tried to live up to his teachings and can at this time say with the Great Emancipator, “Malice toward none and charity to all.”

Pope County, the home of my birth, much have I labored inside your walls, and greatly do I love your people. And now, may the New Year Bells proclaim happiness and liberty to all your inhabitants, and may the Redeemer of Mankind cast the shadow of His wing over each and every one of you and give you peace.

As County Superintendent of Schools, Pope County, I bid you a kind FAREWELL. Most sincerely,

Mrs. Julia D. Solverud-Knutson.

Julia (Dalager) Solverud-Knutson: Matron of the House of Mercy

During her two terms as County Superintendent, Julia had spent much time helping people with their personal and family problems. Therefore, at the age of 47 years, she took a position as Matron of an Orphanage in Willmar, Minnesota.

We do not know how long Julia stayed with the Willmar Orphanage but sometime in 1930 or earlier she became Matron of the House of Mercy, a home for unwed mothers, in Fargo, North Dakota. The date when she began this job is not known but her name is in the minutes of the board of the House of Mercy for November 1930. In the 1935 minutes the board approved a request to let Julia live in a private room for the sake of rest. Her salary was increased from 60 to 70 dollars per month to cover rent.

Some history of the House of Mercy

In 1922 the Lutheran Children’s Home Finding Society of North Dakota purchased the Nygaard Hospital at 1505 5th Avenue South in Fargo, for the purpose of providing residence for unmarried mothers, and office space for staff. On June 30, 1961, the Lutheran Welfare Society of North Dakota and the North Dakota House of Mercy merged. They also broke ground for a new building at 1505 5th Avenue south in Fargo. In 1967 the House of Mercy was renamed Luther Hall. In recent years the mission of the former House of Mercy has changed and it is now licenses as a residential child care facility for adolescent boys and girls.

Mrs. Solverud-Knutson resigned as Matron of the North Dakota House of Mercy and it was accepted by the board effective May 23, 1936. I remember visiting Julia at the House of Mercy with his parents when I was about 7 years old.

Julia (Dalager) Solverud-Knutson: Bringing the Message of Christ to Jews of the Middle West

In 1936, after regaining her health, at the age of 57 years, Julia dedicated her life to a new cause, bring the message of Christ to the Jews of the Middle West. The following article appeared in the first issue of the Midwest Jewish Mission paper, V. L. Peterson, Director.

Wife of Ex-Congressman Knutson of Benson, Minn, now field representative of Midwest Jewish Mission. She loves her Lord and has been a lover of Israel since childhood.

Opportunity was given her to realize her life-long ambition of visiting Palestine. After an extended tour of Palestine and surrounding countries, she worked with Pastor Peterson for four years while he served in his former charge. When the Red River Valley Bible School offered the Jewish course she came as a student, was baptized and to better further the work joined the local Baptist Church at Thief River Falls, Minnesota.

Through favorable circumstances, afforded to but few she is now free to devote much of her time to traveling about, telling in her most brilliant and fascinating manner of how God is preparing the land for the return of Israel. She was asked to speak more than two-hundred times in Fargo and Moorhead alone. Already she has become well-known and loved among the Baptist groups, and almost every church she has visited wants an return engagement.

Here is a partial list of subjects on which she speaks: 1. Who are the Children of Israel? 2. Palestine in Desolation. 3. Palestine restored as Predicted. 4. The promised Highway between Egypt and Assyria. She has more than a score of such interesting subjects. Write her for speaking dates. In order to get around to as many churches as possible, it is suggested that her conference be for only one or two days in each place.

Julia (Dalager) Solverud-Knutson: Midwest Hebrew Mission

The Midwest Jewish Mission moved the headquarters to St. Paul in the early 1940’s and renamed themselves the Midwest Hebrew Mission. Their headquarters was located in a large house at 1349 Midway Parkway, St. Paul, Minn. The building still stands only a few blocks east of the east entrance to the State Fair Grounds. The building had two cement lions, one either side of its front steps.

Following is a letter describing her work written by Julia to her sister Cora. She was in Wetaskiwin, Alberta, Canada at the time. Because of her reference to Tollef, we know that the letter was written in November, 1944.

My dear Cora,

Here I am at the above, look it up on the map. Way north, south of Edmonton. I will leave here the later part of the week to go to Edmonton. Calls are coming in fast and I do not know how long I will be here. Have been called back to a few places before I return so may not get back until December. I am meeting a lot of fine people at the meetings. Weather was lovely while I was in Winnipeg. Spoke in four churches and at the Winnipeg Bible Institute gave 8 messages in all. Then I went to Killarney (Irish settlement) gave 4 messages there at two points and thus I have journeyed on thus far. I have delivered 35 messages from 45 minutes to 1 hour & 15 minutes. Where my audiences are most interested some have asked for extra time.

I had such a good rest and fine visit at your house. I think you have a lovely place and am sure you will have it all paid for in a short time. Then one surely can make a good living and not work so hard. As we grow older we need more rest. (Missing a sentence about a fine boy.) I believe in putting all grief behind us and look ahead to the great goal we hope to reach looking neither to the right or to the left but ahead.

I am feeling good but get very tired at times. Yesterday I spoke 4 times, one message was short however and this morning I took an early bus and had a ride of 70 miles. Will rest this evening as it is Monday. Tomorrow at 10 A.M. I am speaking at a ministerial meeting, only ministers. I was surprised when I heard I was booked for that meeting. May the Lord give me a powerful message as I go before that group.

Remember me to all your family. Hope you had a lovely visit with Lorna while she was at home. May God bless the young couple. I feel happy over her marriage. I feel it will be a successful one. Enclosed find one of my articles I have written to fight anti-Semitism.

Lots of Love. Julia

My dear Cora, I so often think of you living with Tollef and I at Sherwood, N.D. Tollef was so proud of Cora. He used to say how lovely that young sister is. Love from Julia.

The close of this month marks Tollef’s rest as 29 years.

The need for this ministry is well described by the following paragraph taken from the Annual Report dated May 1945.

The great difficulty of this work may be seen from the fact that although thousands of able pastors have preached the gospel, and hundreds of splendid churches have been ministering to Jew and Gentile alike for some eighty years or more here in the Twin Cities, yet the fruit among the Jews is so negligible that it can scarcely be seen at all, for hardly a Jew can be found on the church rolls in the entire Northwest.

The work of the mission was carried out using a letter outreach to Jewish families, 2nd using a flyer named “A Voice to Israel” which was given a wider distribution and finally using the spoken word and personal contact. The job of bringing the spoken word fell mainly on the shoulders of Julia.

As a result of the ministry that Aunt Julia carried out during the time that I was growing up, I was able to get to know her well. A lot of her ministry was in Dakota and northwest Minnesota. Therefore, she would stop at our home at St. Hilaire, Minn. quite often. Our family, especially my sister and I, loved to hear her tell of her trip to Palestine. She told about her experience swimming in the Dead Sea and of the Handkerchief spring or geyser. You could put a dirty handkerchief in it and after a while it would return to the surface sparkling clean. She made Bible stories really come alive.

Aunt Julia’s second husband, Judge Knute Knutson, died August 6, 1946. Following is a card written to her sister Lavilla Peterson from Miami, Florida, December 22, 1948.

Dear Johnny and Lavilla,

Must drop you a card from Miami. We are having a nice time. It is however very warm. Sunday it was 82 degrees, like some of our hottest days in July. The city is beautifully decorated for Christmas but to me it seems strange. Children in shorts and barefooted. A Merry Christmas to you all. Julia

My sister Shirley visited Aunt Julia many times when she was in nurses training at Fairview Hospital from 1948-51. She stated that when she needed a change or felt homesick, she would visit Aunt Julia. They would sit together and Julia would entertain Shirley with vivid descriptions of bible stories and of her own adventures. Shirley would sometimes stay over night.

After I was discharged from the Army in February of 1953 I returned to school at the University of Minnesota for the spring quarter and several summer sessions in following years. I remember visiting Aunt Julia at her home at the Midwest Hebrew Mission many times. At this time she was 75 years old but still dedicated to the Jewish ministry. I even remember washing my car at the Mission located at 1549 Midway Parkway.

When she retired, Aunt Julia went to live with her sister Jenny Houston who had a house in St. Paul. Later on she went to live with her son Truman Solverud who lived in Alexandria, Virginia. Truman had a good position with the Red Cross and had just returned from serving seven years in Japan.

When Truman graduated from St. Olaf College in 1933, our country was in the midst of the great depression. Truman had majored in sociology and social work but jobs were hard to find. Julia was still at the House of Mercy in Fargo and she suggested that Truman do volunteer work at the welfare office in Fargo and he could live with her. He did this and he found that he liked social work. Knowing that education was important, Julia urged him to get more education. As a result he earned another degree in social work at the University of Chicago.

This degree, along with his volunteer work in Fargo, led to employment with the American Red Cross. He remained with the Red Cross the rest of his life, moving into supervisory positions and working in many parts of our country and the world.