Louis and Ellen Larson spent almost their entire lives in the Hannaford community. They loved this community and were staunch supporters of its activities.
Louis, son of Andrew and Mina Olsen Larson was born at Minong, Wisconsin, May 5, 1900. His father, Andrew, was born in Dalsland, Sweden, August 3, 1860, and came to America when 19 years of age to Kandiyohi County in Minnesota.
Mina Olsen was born in Varmland, Sweden, November 20, 1865, and came to America with her parents when she was not yet one-year-old. They came to Brooten, Minnesota. Andrew and Mina were married at Benson, Minnesota, in 1884, by Rev. S. Almklov, the Lutheran pastor. Rev. Almklov later left the ministry and became a druggist, establishing the Almklov Drug Store in Cooperstown. He attended Andrew and Mina's Golden Wedding Anniversary in Hannaford in 1934.
Andrew took out his homestead rights near Minong, Wisconsin, where he farmed and also worked in the steel mills at Duluth and the saw mills at Minong. In 1908, encouraged by friends who had already moved to the Hannaford area, the Larson family moved to Hannaford. Here they worked for John Wam on his farm in Greenfield Township, which is today the Howard Steiner farm. A few years later they rented the Claus Jackson farm nearby. There are no longer any buildings at this site, but the land is farmed by Lester Steiner and Myron Eslinger.
The fall of 1913, the Larsons moved to Benson County near Maddock, North Dakota, where they farmed for four years until Mr. Warn asked them to come back to Hannaford in 1918, due to Mr. Wam's failing health. They rented this farm until 1935, when Andrew Larson died on April 21, 1935.
After Andrew died, Mina and her daughter, Mary moved to the farm which is now the Lester Steine farm. Mina's son, Dan, and family were already living there. Mina and Mary lived on the farm un 1942, when they moved into Hannaford. Mina Larson died May 26, 1953, at the age of 89 years.
Four children were born to Andrew and Mina Larson. Anna (Annie) was born February 24, 1885, at Brooten, Minnesota. She married Nels Hill at Minong, Wisconsin, on June 2, 1906. Later they moved to North Dakota where they lived first at Hannaford and then at Hesper, a little town near Maddock, North Dakota. In 1916, they moved to Alberta, Canada, near Loyalist. Later they moved into Loyalist where Annie spent the rest of her life. Annie died June 27, 1933, leaving five children: George, Amy, Lincoln, Elsie and Lewis. Elsie is the only one still living and she resides in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Dan, Louie and Mary spent most of their lives in Hannaford. Maria Lenora, the third child was born February 13, 1898, and died August 7, 1983. Mary worked at a variety of jobs such as telephone operator, helping in people's homes and the last as a cook in the local restaurant which was located in the Sinclair building which is now the Double D Bar. She also cared for her mother for many years. Robert, son of Dan, lived much of the time with his grandmother and Mary after his mother died in 1934.
The brothers, Daniel and Louis, helped their father with his farming and rented various farms in the community. They bought their first tractor in the mid 1920s, and did tractor farming and considerable custom work. During this time they were experimenting with tractor wheel cleaners. They eventually formed the Trip-O-Sales Manufacturing Company which was in existence from 1927-1939. The story of this venture is found elsewhere in this booklet.
Louis was married on June 1, 1927, to Ellen Deborah Johnson, daughter of Halvor and Anne Groven Johnson. Halvor was born near Rauland, Telemarken, Norway, December 15, 1855. When he reached the age for military service he applied for a permit and a ticket to America. He went to Christiania by way of Skien where he received the necessary papers and sailed to England, then New York, coming first to Ellis Island. From there he raveled by train to Wisconsin.
When Halvor was living in Norway he was known gas Halvor Johansen. He chose to retain this name in America, only Americanizing it to Johnson. He first worked as a farm laborer near the Twin Cities in Goodhus and Dakota Counties and spent his winters working in the woods near Northfield and Dundas. He took out his homestead rights in McPherson County, near Frederick and Leola, South Dakota, and saved up enough money to put up a shack and buy a small amount of equipment to put in a few acres of crop.
In 1889, Halvor's father passed away at his home in Norway. Halvor bought a round trip ticket and went to visit his mother, brothers and sisters. At the same time he renewed acquaintance with sweet, rosy-cheeked Anne Groven in Aamotsdol and asked her to marry him. Anne was born at Ovre, Telemarken, Norway, October 11, 1866. Unbeknown to Halvor, Anne had received a ticket to come to Hannaford from her brother, Eivind (Edwin) Halvorson Groven. Another brother, Halvor H. Groven, also lived at Hannaford. Both were involved in farming and merchandising of all kinds. Indications are that Edwin Groven came to Hannaford as early as 1884. At the time of his death in 1914, the Hannaford Enterprise said "he was really the first man to make his home in Hannaford." He married Aslaug (Alice) Storli from Telemarken, Norway. Their daughter, Isabelle, was the first child born in Hannaford on December 31, 1888. She was the mother of Oscar Stokkeland, who still lives on a farm east of Hannaford. Alice Groven was the first burial in the Hannaford Cemetery north of Hannaford in July 1902.
When Halvor returned to America, he and Anne came on the same boat, he steerage, and she second class. They had a rough crossing to Hull, England. Anne was not the best sailor and was so glad for the train trip across England to Liverpool from where they sailed to Newfoundland and Quebec. Anne would never think of making a return trip to her homeland because the initial voyage had been so difficult. From Quebec they came by train past Niagara Falls on the way to the Groven home in Hannaford. They stayed here for a short time before going by train to Ellendale, North Dakota, on their way to Halvor's homestead in South Dakota. While in Ellendale she had her wedding dress made by a seamstress and they were married in Ellendale in 1890, and drove to his homestead. It turned out to be a hot, dry summer and they lost their crop to drought and grasshoppers. Halvor sold his homestead rights and land to a Russian for $100. He got a promissory note for the amount, but never collected on it. They loaded their light wagon with their possessions and drove back to Hannaford across country leading a horse and a cow in the fall of 1890.
There was a need for rock to be shipped out to Bismarck where the Northern Pacific Railroad was building a bridge across the Missouri River. Rocks were picked on the bluffs on the Bald Hill Creek, loaded on flat cars to be shipped to Bismarck by the men in the area. This was one of several temporary jobs which helped support the family after coming back to Hannaford.
Halvor looked over land in Barnes County and bought a half section of Section 1-143-59 for $2.75 an acre. A few years later the school land to the north in Griggs County was up for bids. Several prospective buyers were on hand at the Court House in Cooperstown and bidding lasted throughout the day. Halvor bought the South 1/2 of Section 36-144-59, Griggs County for $18 an acre. They moved onto their farm in 1893.
The first barn was made with posts and poles across for a roof covered with hay or straw. Snowstorms would cover the barn with snow that had to be shoveled to get the door open in order to reach the stock inside. A later barn was the first hip roof in the area. The original house was replaced by a larger one in 1903, and was built by the three Carrol brothers. The first house was moved to the farm of H. H. Groven where the house had just been destroyed by fire. This farm is now the Edwin Everson farm.
Treeless prairies of the Dakota's were a common sight. River bottoms were well-covered with a variety of trees and berry bushes. In order to start a shelter grove around the homes, trees and bushes were brought from the Sheyenne River, four miles to the east. Cottonwood and a few ash seedling, in addition to willow cuttings were planted on the west side of the farmstead. Gooseberry and currant bushes were also brought the same way. It wasn't long before tree agents came directly to the farms taking orders for young trees. These were shipped in and distributed. The box elder grove north of the buildings was started this way in 1906. Apple trees were added about the same time.
Oxen were used to till the soil, but they were soon replaced by horses and larger machinery, chain drills instead of broadcasting seed, and horse drawn threshing machines where the straw had to be stacked by hand. After the bucket well, came the hand pump and then a windmill to pump water for the stock and also to grind feed. Wheat was hauled to Valley City to the mill to grind into flour as it was needed.
During the dry seasons of the year there was always danger of prairie fires. The settlers protected their homes and crops by plowing fire breaks or neighbor helped neighbor fight fires when they were getting beyond control. In the spring, ice jams would threaten bridges across the creek. Again all able-bodied men gathered to break up the large blocks of ice. To this community it was vital to keep the road to Dazey open for mail service and supplies.
Sudden storms were not unusual. One time when Halvor was working in the field with four horses abreast, a shower accompanied by hail frightened the horses. He had unhooked them and was about to drive them up to the barn, but they headed away from the storm. Halvor worked his way to their heads and hung on in sheer desperation. The next day they found that as he was lifted bodily with each lunge by the horses, his heels hit the ground only about every eight feet. He was unhurt and did save perhaps hours of searching for the horses.
In the early days Indians would camp on the school section on their way between reservations. They would dig ginseng roots which were supposed to have healing qualities. The Indians would stop at the house for food or water and offer game in return.
Six children were born to Halvor and Anne: Carl Olaus, born December 15, 1890, died on June 17, 1962; Henry Grover, January 23, 1892, died January 30, 1919; Idan Albert, November 24, 1893, died December 20, 1976; Josef Sigvart, February 20, 1897, died August 17, 1970; Hazel Andina, March 8, 1899, died March 28, 1914; and Ellen Deborah, December 14, 1900, died June 13, 1987. Carl and Henry both farmed. Henry died of the flu of 1919. Albert was a lawyer in Fargo and Joe was a lawyer who spent his career with the FBI. Hazel died of epilepsy which had afflicted her all her life.
Ellen attended Concordia Academy beginning in 1916. Due to illness of both her mother and herself, graduation day did not arrive until June 1, 1925. Before her marriage, she worked for Dr. O. H. Hoffman in his dental office and also assisted physicians who had offices in the same building.
Halvor and Anne retired from farming in 1920, and moved into Hannaford. Within two years they built a house which today is owned by John and Sharon Grover. Carl took over the farming at this time. Anne suffered a paralytic stroke after moving to town and for 13 years suffered from this. She was confined to her bed for the last two years. Halvor Johnson died December 20, 1939, and Anne Groven Johnson July 23, 1932. The Halvor Johnson farm is now owned and operated by Halvor's grandson, Richard Johnson and his wife, Phyllis.
Louis and Ellen were married June 1, 1927. The first couple of years they lived upstairs of her parents home and then bought the home which is now owned by Robert and Delores Haugen. In 1941, they bought Section 6-144-59 which lies at the west edge of Hannaford. The land was without buildings. The first buildings they erected were the barn, granary, machine shed, chicken coop, etc. The house was built in 1948, and at that time they moved to the farm. Other land was added over the years. Besides grain farming, they raised sheep and Hereford cattle, plus some chickens.
Louis was named Griggs County Conservationist in 1954. He served for many years on the Board of Directors of the Hannaford Elevator, the Hannaford School Board, and as treasurer of Faith Lutheran Church. Ellen served for many years as superintendent of Faith Sunday School, as an officer of the Ladies Aid, as church organist and the family served as custodians of the original church building for many years. Louis continues to live in his home on the farm. The land is now owned by his grandson, Daniel J. Larson.
Three children were born to Louis and Ellen. Dorothy Anne and her husband, Donald Dale, are both graduates of Concordia College in Moorhead, Don is the registrar of the college. Dorothy taught , music before and following her marriage and now works part-time at the Nordic Needle in Fargo. She continues to direct choirs, including a bell choir for her congregation. Their children, all Concordia College graduates, are Anne Louise who works for the Best Company and lives in Richmond, Virginia. Robert Donald and Mark Richard are CPA's, both working for Fargo firms. Bob married Susan Odegard and they have two daughters, Kate and Emily.
Louis and Ellen's second child, Donald John, also attended Concordia College. He married Lois Ann Bjorke, a Concordia College graduate. They live on Section 14-144-60 in Bartley Township on what used to be the Chris Jensen farm. Their son, Daniel Joel, married Maria Jean Mann. Both are graduates of North Dakota State University. They live with their two children, Patrick John and Angela Joy, on the farm of Dan's parents, where Don and Dan have a farming partnership.
Don and Lois's oldest daughter, Lee Anna, graduated from Jamestown College and lives with her husband Michael Leier and their four children: Anna, Jaclyn, Alison and David in Fargo. Lee Anna is a nursing supervisor and Michael a respiratory therapist at St. Luke's Hospital in Fargo. Mike is a graduate of North Dakota State University in Fargo, North Dakota.
Lu Andrea, the youngest daughter, graduated from Concordia College and works for Security Insurance Agency of Security State Bank. She married Brian Haugen, son of Curtis and Carolyn Haugen of Greenfield Township. They have one daughter, Kayla Dawn. Brian farms and has a car body repair shop on his father's farm. He is a graduate of the North Dakota State School of Science at Wahpeton, North Dakota.
The youngest child of Louis and Ellen is Paul Allen who graduated from Concordia College and received his masters degree from the University of North Dakota. Paul taught history in Minnesota high schools and is now on the faculty of the Fergus Falls, Minnesota, Community College. Paul married Betty Michaelson, daughter of Omer and Myrtle Michaelson of Dover Township. Betty is an x-ray technician and works at the Fergus Falls State Hospital doing clerical work. They have three children: Naomi Jane Cole lives in Minneapolis and is an assistant manager in a hotel dining room. She has a daughter, Jessica. Thomas John married Angela Gunderson. They live in Palmdale, California, where Angela teaches and Tom is employed as a carpenter. They have three children: Joshua, Caleb and Anna. Rebecca Joe married Robert Ketterling II after graduating from the Fergus Falls Community College. They live in St. Cloud where Rob is engaged in youth ministry.
A question often asked of rural people by non-rural people is "What do you do in your spare time?" When we start to list what is going on in the next three to seven days of any week of the year they immediately understand that our lives are not dull or unfulfilled. Many school and church activities take up a lot of our time. There is bowling, volleyball, shooting pool, softball, independent basketball, outdoor tennis, horseshoe, snow-mobiling, golfing and the senior citizens center with its activities for the adults, plus the creek which is still being used for swimming.
Volunteerism is a big part of our lives and our activities tell something of who we are. Volunteer activities have their ups and downs, but it is the people you meet and the friends you make that keep you going.
Louis and Ellen were active in their community and their children have been active in theirs wherever they live. Don spent two years in the U. S. Army, part of the time in Germany. He served as president and board member of the Hannaford School Board for 18 years, as treasurer and later secretary of Faith Lutheran Church Council, 18 years as chairman or supervisor of Bartley Township, director of the Griggs County Soil Conservation District and on the South Central Dakota Regional Council which provides planning and other technical services to all units of local government, public agencies and organizations, as president of the Griggs County Hospital Board during the time the clinic was built and finished in 1984, and the hospital remodeled in 1988. In 1964, he was chosen Outstanding Young Farmer from Griggs County.
When there are children in the family, school activities include the Parent-Teacher Organization and Music Mothers. Lois was superintendent and a teacher for Faith Sunday School and Vacation Bible School for many years, church librarian, held various offices in the women's organization of the church, president and member of the church council, president and secretary of the Jamestown Conference of the American Lutheran Church, president of the Eastern North Dakota District Council and secretary of the END District of the ALC, one of the 70 members of the Commission for a New Lutheran Church which laid the ground work for the merger of three Lutheran bodies which brought into being the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in 1988. She spearheaded the drive for a County Library which later merged with the Cooperstown City Library to become the Griggs County Library and served as president and board member for many years. She was the first president of the Carrington Conference of the new Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Dan and Maria spent four weeks in 1985, in Madagascar as Mission Observers for the American Lutheran Church. Both are active in Faith Sunday School as teacher and song leader and Maria in Vacation Bible School. Dan has served as president and board member of Faith Church Council and Red Willow Bible Camp Board of Directors. At present he is clerk for Bartley Township. In 1987, Dan and Maria were named Griggs County Soil Conservationists. Maria is secretary of the women's organization of Faith Lutheran of which she is an active member, she has held several offices in her Homemakers Club and coordinates the blood drives in Hannaford for United Blood Services of North Dakota.
Lu Andrea is one of the organists for Faith Lutheran and serves on the Hannaford Park Board. Brian is chief of the Hannaford Fire Department.
The Louis Larson family loved growing up in the Hannaford community. There were excellent teachers, their church and no end of activities. Winters were wonderful! They loved the ice skating both on the creek and the downtown rink and the sliding on Hareland's Hill. Their dad was right in there with them, but he probably liked the summer swimming best. Creek swimming was great and it took a long time to get used to indoor pools where you could actually look down through the water and see your toes. (Didn't seem right somehow.)
Other awesome memories were being bundled to the eyes and walking to Uncle Dan Larson's meat market in -30 weather. Besides meat he sold strange yellow apples and immense chocolate bars! We remember walking up the steps, so high, to the Trip-O-Sales balcony office over the egg candling room of the Mercantile Store where Dad, Uncle Dan, and John (Red) Moody held forth with office help from Aunt Mary Larson. Also the band concerts in the bandstand on summer evenings and being embarrassed at Dad's Model A horn sounding out with everyone else's at the conclusion of each number - seemed everyone else had graduated to other models of car with more well modulated horns! We thank God for a good home and a good hometown!
Source: Hannaford Area History North Dakota Centennial 1889 - 1989 Page 190