In this interview, Abe Calmenson gives an account of his life as a Jewish Minnesotan. He describes involvement in the early Zionist movement around the United States and what was then Palestine. While there Calmenson co-founded the Jerusalem School of Music. Topics associated with Zionism in this interview were the ZLA, Theodore Herzl, and Henrietta Zoild. The bulk of the interview is however devoted to Calmenson's family and his life in the early 20th century on the East Side of St. Paul, with special consideration given to his father who was a scrap peddler. This interview was conducted by an unknown interviewer as a part of the United Jewish Fund and Council Oral History Project focusing on the West Side Flats/Lower West Side Jewish community in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Interview with Andrew A. Urness, born in 1885. He was a son of the pioneers Andrew J. and Antoinette Jacobson Urness, early settlers of Douglas County, Minnesota. Andrew J. and Ole Urness were brothers and gave their name to Urness Township in Douglas County. Urness was the place they were from in Bergen, Norway. Memories of growing up working on farm. Recounts 1937 trip to Europ. Mr. Urness took home movies of Adolf Hiltler on parade in Germany.
Interview with Anne Nordstrom Fremberg. Fremberg discusses growing up on her family's farm inside Sibley State Park, including her memories of the Great Depression. Her daughter Lorraine Danielson conducted the interview.
Interview with Borghild Skrove and her husband Tony. She shares memories of her childhood and family. Her grandparents immigrated from Norway. Her father (Hammergren?) had an ice house and dray.
Interview with Charlie Johanson, Alice Lindemeyer (his sister), Irene Larson (his niece). They lived in Evansville, Minnesota. His parents emigrated from Tuddal, Norway. His father was Hans Johanson and he was an implement dealer. They also discuss the history of Evansville from 1881 and onwards, the role of the train, and the schools they attended. Charlie attended the Fergus College.
Interview with Emery Ljung, born June 24, 1894. He was the son of John and Mary Ljung. His mother was born in Belle River Township. His father was born in Halsinglund, Sweden. He was raised by Grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Severons (who came from Denmark). He recounts daily life on various farms in Douglas County. His last farm was northeast of Lake Geneva.
Interview with Ethel Cecil Lewis born in 1900 in Carlos Township. Her parents immigrated from Sweden. She recounts life on the homestead at Grygla in Marshall County until 1910, when the family returned to Douglas County. Ethel became a teacher for rural elementary schools in 1920.
Interview with Everett Johnson. Topics discussed include: Olle Floding, maternal Grandfather from Dalarna, Sweden, 1867. Stories of School District 77 are also told. Johnson worked for Schuman & Company and built the Nelson School. He also talks about potato farming on Jundt Farm near Carlos Corners.
Interview with Gordon Hobart and Walter Leuthner. They discuss the various businesses in town at the turn of the 20th century. They also discuss how people paid store bills. Businesses mentioned include Carlson Grocery, N.P. Ward, Gregerson, Culbertson. Walter Leuthner's father came up from St. Paul to buy a bakery. His children delivered bake goods to homes, restaurants, and hotels on their bicycles. They also discuss when the National Guard was called in to apprehend a murder suspect who was holed up in a local house. One of the National Guard soldiers was killed in the exchange of bullets. Walter Leuthner tells the story of gunshot wound to his arm when a firearm accidentally went off. They also discuss the loss of the bird population with the advent of DDT. Also discussed are the local Armistice Day celebrations.
Interview with James K. LeRoy, son of H.A. and Alice LeRoy. H.A. owned hardware, lumber and implement business on the corner of 7th and Broadway Streets. He was also a charter member of First National Bank which now stands on the site of hardware store. He also recounts stories of Alice Kellogg LeRoy and her home on Lake Winona.
