Transcription by Carl F. Arneson, 1994
File — Box: 1, Folder: 11
Scope and Contents
From the Collection:
The Carl M. Grimstad Reminiscences consist of two series: his handwritten manuscript of Life in Dakota Territory from 1879 to 1887 and Transcriptions & Publications of the manuscript
The Life in Dakota Territory from 1879 to 1887 Manuscript Series contains Mr. Grimstad’s memoir of his experiences as a pioneer settler in Walsh County, N.D. during that period. These reminiscences were written down at the request of family and friends who felt some record should be made of those early days. The story begins with his departure from the family homestead in Iowa County, Wisconsin and describes his journey by horse and wagon and ox cart in August and September 1879 to his destination on the Little Salt (Park) River, N.D. He tells of his great thrill at first seeing the land where he settled, and of his experiences teaching at "Stoney Point" (later Bloomfield).
He describes hardships faced by the settlers including blizzards that left many dead or crippled, sod houses that often were less than weather-tight, the loneliness and hardships of the women, and of frequent problems with drunkenness, causing many to revert to "cave men". He also has many amusing stories about incidents that occurred and of some of the unusual characters who came to live in Dakota. He tells of the fortitude and spirit of helpfulness toward one another of these Walsh County pioneers and also of his association with North Dakota Governor Roger Allin, whom he greatly admired. He tells also how personal events led him to decide to leave Dakota to return to Wisconsin, but how visits in later years bore out his early faith in that area.
The Transcriptions & Publications Series includes a complete typed transcription done by grandson Carl F. Arneson in 1993-1994. It was transcribed from copies of the originals on file at the Institute. This copy is ninety-nine leaves in length. A partial transcript (63 leaves) was done by Institute employee Johan England, also in 1994. An edited version, by Henry H. Bakken, of Grimstad’s memoirs was published in Norwegian-American Studies and Records in 1943 (Vol. 13).
Dates
- 1927-1932
Access
The collection is open under the rules and regulations of the Institute.
Extent
From the Collection: 0.4 Linear Feet (0.4 linear feet)
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
Creator
- From the Collection: Grimstad, Carl Martin, 1856-1940. (Person)
- From the Collection: Arneson, Carl F. (Person)
Repository Details
Part of the Institute for Regional Studies Repository
Contact:
West Building N
3551 7th Avenue North
Fargo North Dakota 58102 United States
ndsu.archives@ndsu.edu
West Building N
3551 7th Avenue North
Fargo North Dakota 58102 United States
ndsu.archives@ndsu.edu