Bjornson Monument

A monument of Norwegian granite is dedicated to Bjornstjerne Martinus Bjornson. Best known as author of "Ja vi elskerdette landet" (Yes, I love this land), Norwegian poet and patriot Bjornson won a Nobel prize for literature in 1903 "as a tribute to his noble, magnificent and versatile poetry, which has always been distinguished by both the freshness of its inspiration and the rare purity of its spirit." Bjornson was also a prominent exponent of scientific agriculture.

The medallion bust of Bjornson on the monument is work of Norwegian sculptor Sigvold Asbornson. I believe that the monument was erected in 1903. It sat in the open area in front of Old Main (see aerial map). It can be seen in front of Old Main in the postcard dated 1909 below. This postcard also shows quite plainly the old Chemistry Building.