Ω The Luck of the Icelanders Ω
The following article is a post by Guest Writer, Kolla Njálsdóttir. Many factors contributed to the massive emigration from Iceland. Severe weather and climate conditions during the 1860s and 1880s,...
View ArticleWhy Icelanders Celebrate the 2nd of August
Icelanders from all over North America and Iceland attend two important events during the ”2nd of August weekend.” August the Deuce (2nd of August) is in North Dakota, USA. Islendingadagurinn is in...
View ArticleReconciling the Loss
Ásta Jónasdóttir Skagfjörð was born in Iceland in 1830. They came to Dakota Territory in the spring of 1879, from Gimli, Manitoba. They came by boat to Pembina then by wagon and ox team to their...
View ArticleSéra Páll – Pastor Paul
Today is the birthday of Séra Páll Þorláksson (Pastor Paul Thorlaksson). He did not live long in this world – just 32 years. However, he was a beloved leader in the early Icelandic Communities in North...
View ArticleDori Hjalmarson – Wayward Son
The following is a guest article written by Larry Hjalmarson and shared with Icelandic Roots by Larry, Warren, and Halldor Hjalmarson. Two Royal Canadian Mounted Policemen knocked at the door of...
View ArticleHappy Farmer’s Day!
Happy Farmer’s Day (Bóndadaginn) Sometimes called Husband’s Day – Friday, 23 Jan 2015. This is the beginning of the month called Þorri (Thorri). This is a great Icelandic celebration and so much fun. I...
View ArticleThe Big Yellow House – Historic Icelandic Home
In a rural farming community in the northeast corner of the North Dakota prairie is a thriving Icelandic community. It is amazing what a small group of volunteers can accomplish. Most come from the...
View ArticleSir Magnus Olafson – May He Rest in Peace
It is with great sadness that I let you know, our dear friend, mentor, and Icelandic leader – Sir Magnus Olafson has passed away. While sad to see him go, we are happy that he is now at peace. Marino...
View ArticleBlind Pigs
I came across an interesting old term this week. A “blind pig” is an old phrase usually used for a lower-class, unlicensed establishment which served alcohol thwarting prohibition laws. They would...
View ArticleDr. Ólafur Björnsson, Askja Volcano, Unitarian Church, and The Tricking of Freya
What does a doctor, a volcano, a church, and a fiction book have in common? Today we remember the birthday of Dr. Ólafur Björnsson, a well-known and much-loved obstetrician in Manitoba and North...
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