Rollo Statue Proclamation, 1912
Collection
Identifier: Mss 3138
Scope and Content
The collection consists of the original proclamation house in a leather-bound case. It also includes historical news articles from the dedication event. Several exhibit display items including an color copy of the original proclamation, a photo of the statue, and an English Translation, all mounted on foam core are housed in the Institute Ephemera Collection.
Dates
- 1912-06-24
Access
The collection is open under the rules and regulations of the Institute.
Copyrights
Copyrights to items in this collection are in the public domain.
History
The statue of Rollo the Viking (Rollon in French) stood just west of the Great Northern depot on Broadway. Rollo brought his men from Norway to the northwest of France and signed a treaty with King Charles in 911 granting him land near Rouen. Twin bronze statues of Rollo the Viking were copied from the original stone statue sculpted in 1863 by renowned sculptor, Arsene Letellier and erected in the City of Rouen, France in 1865. One statue was sent as a gift to Rollo's birthplace Ålesund, Norway, and the other one was sent to Fargo. The dedication took place during the Sons of Norway’s Saengerfest, held July 12, 1912. The statue was unveiled near the Great Northern railroad depot on a pedestal donated by Great Northern Railroad President, James J. Hill. Speakers at the ceremony included: Fargo Mayor William Sweet; North Dakota Congressman L.B. Hanna; H.J. Hagen, President of Scandinavian American Bank; G. Maugras, Secretary of the Embassy of France in Washington, DC; and Professor Julius E. Olson form the University of Wisconsin who was the afternoon's featured speaker. The ceremony began about 3 PM at the conclusion of a parade down Broadway. The statue was later moved, and now stands in a small park across from Elim Lutheran Church at 321 9th Street North.
The official proclamation sent from Rouen’s dignitaries was kept with the Sons of Norway. The original was written in French, an English translation of the proclamation states: “The news of the celebration in the United States of America of the Norman millennium was welcomed with emotion and sympathy in the old capital of the Duchy of Normandy. The city of Rouen, thankful to those who desired to commemorate by important festivals these considerable historical events, has decided to associate itself with its American brothers by offering to them a replica of the statue of the great Rollon, first Duke of Normandy. In the city of Fargo that has accepted it, and the state of North Dakota, it shall be an evocative witness of the spirit of adventure, conquest and bravery of the Vikings who were the first Europeans to set foot on the soil of the new world. Since these ancient times, these fierce warriors have populated and have become a hardworking people whose importance is shown by the powerful Association of the Sons of Norway which has preserved the cult of memory, and which participated last year in the celebrations in the ancient Duchy of Normandy. The city of Rouen, in its turn, thus joins the city of Fargo and the state of North Dakota in the commemoration of the Norman millennium and sends them its fraternal greetings. May the city of Fargo and the state of North Dakota know long days of prosperity and may the Association of the Sons of Norway grow and develop in the future. (The Proclamation is signed by the Mayor of Rouen, France, and other members of the City Council, and is dated – 24 June 1912.)”
The official proclamation sent from Rouen’s dignitaries was kept with the Sons of Norway. The original was written in French, an English translation of the proclamation states: “The news of the celebration in the United States of America of the Norman millennium was welcomed with emotion and sympathy in the old capital of the Duchy of Normandy. The city of Rouen, thankful to those who desired to commemorate by important festivals these considerable historical events, has decided to associate itself with its American brothers by offering to them a replica of the statue of the great Rollon, first Duke of Normandy. In the city of Fargo that has accepted it, and the state of North Dakota, it shall be an evocative witness of the spirit of adventure, conquest and bravery of the Vikings who were the first Europeans to set foot on the soil of the new world. Since these ancient times, these fierce warriors have populated and have become a hardworking people whose importance is shown by the powerful Association of the Sons of Norway which has preserved the cult of memory, and which participated last year in the celebrations in the ancient Duchy of Normandy. The city of Rouen, in its turn, thus joins the city of Fargo and the state of North Dakota in the commemoration of the Norman millennium and sends them its fraternal greetings. May the city of Fargo and the state of North Dakota know long days of prosperity and may the Association of the Sons of Norway grow and develop in the future. (The Proclamation is signed by the Mayor of Rouen, France, and other members of the City Council, and is dated – 24 June 1912.)”
Extent
1.5 Linear Feet
Language of Materials
English
French
Overview
Original proclamation sent by the city leaders of Rouen, France to the city of Fargo, N.D., for the dedication of the bronze Rollo statue during Saengerfest, held July 12, 1912.
Provenance
Donated by the Sons of Norway, 2023 (Acc. 2023-037irs)
Separation Record
Oversize color copy of the original proclamation, a photo of the statue and an English Translation on foam core placed in the Institute Ephemera Collection, Mss 1599.AR.P76
Property rights
The NDSU Archives owns the property rights to this collection.
- Title
- Finding Aid to the Rollo Statue Proclamation, 1912
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
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