Signe Midtgarden Solberg
Clay County Histories
Markus Krueger | Program Director HCSCC
markus.krueger@hcsmuseum.org
I am thankful for all the conveniences of modern life that were not available to our ancestors. I do not take indoor plumbing and central heat for granted. But around this time of year, I’m especially thankful that automobiles and airplanes allow us to stay connected to people we love. This was so much harder in the past.
Signe Midtgarden Solberg (1857-1937) and her sister Ingaborg Midtgarden Thortvedt (1859-1936) parted ways in 1880, when 21-year-old Ingaborg left Norway to join brothers already living near Glyndon. Signe was the only sibling to remain in Norway. Signe and Ingaborg never saw each other again, never met each other’s children or husbands, but they kept in touch through letters and exchanged photographs for the rest of their lives. What would it be like to never see my sister as an adult? To never meet my nieces and nephews? Recently, Signe’s great-great-grandson Eirik Solberg, still in Norway, translated Signe’s letters to Ingaborg for us. Here are some snippets from several letters that tugged at my heartstrings.
“Thank you so much for the letter, the portraits, and the handkerchiefs. They were all so beautiful. But oh, how strange it is to see you again now that age is beginning to show its marks. I think you look so incredibly like Mother. Yes, I could hardly believe my own eyes that it really could be you, Ingebjørg. And what beautiful children you have.”
“…We really must congratulate you on number seven, and how blessed you are with so many little, adorable girls. Yes, it is as they say: to those who have, more will be given, and to those who do not, even what they have will be taken away. Why wasn’t I allowed to keep my little girl, who was so very dear to me?
I have also had another boy. His name is Arne, and he was born on November 14th. He is as sweet as the day is long.”
“Do I miss Mother? Honestly, I don’t feel that I do, as it was a relief for her to finally rest. Mother was full of life and everything else in this world. Her life experiences had taught her much—plenty of hardship, and perhaps a little joy now and then. But her last wish, as far as I understood, was that it was best to pass away then…We must live in such a way that we are always prepared for death, as it can come at any time and none can escape it.”
“Please give my greetings to all my siblings, dear sister. Even though I cannot do much for you over there, know that I remember you in my prayers.”
“But you, Ingeborg, are almost unrecognizable to me…It’s remarkable to see you older now, as I haven’t seen you since we were young. It’s quite strange to think that we’ve already grown so old. I’m both gray-haired and toothless, fairly worn out, and lately, I’ve been quite tired from so much that’s happened.”
“I received a postcard from Olaf Midtgarden with a picture of his farm, and it must be incredibly beautiful there. It could well be just as lovely there as on the grounds at your place. I sincerely hope you’re not lacking anything.”
“Where is my Håvard? I haven’t heard from him in many years, nor from Gunnar. I hope they are alive.”
“Live well, all of you, and give my regards to our siblings if you meet them or write to them. Live happily and well, dear sister, with your husband and children.
Your always devoted sister, Signe.”