IN THEIR OWN WORDS: HANS GABRIEL RASMUSSEN

In 1921, Hans Gabriel Rasmussen, went back to Norway for the first time since emigrating to America in 1884. He visited his sisters, Olava and Serine and his nieces, Anna and Elina. These were his remaining immediate family. We can guess he saw many other extended family members and hope he saw the many places familiar to him.  He spent the whole summer there, returning September 20th on the "Stavangerfjord".

(For this trip, he applied for a passport which gives his date of birth, date of emigration, and date of naturalizaton. His occupation is "painter", his purpose is to go to "Norway and return" to "visit relatives". It includes a physical description and a photo. H(Harley) W(illiam) Oldenburg (his son-in-law) was there to identify him as a person he has known "for 10 years". Hans swore an oath of allegiance to the United States at the time he applied for the document. It also says he intends "to leave from the port of New York sailing on board the "Stavangerfjord" on May 27, 1921".)

"Hans Gabriel Rasmussen 7 A. M. 1921
Just ready to leave for Norway
Taken by Mildred Rasmussen
at Mazomanie Wis"

City College, New York City

"May 26 - 21

Dear Mildred and Jennie

Ta day I have been (catt?)ing about N.Y. and took the Ferry Boat over to Brooklyn and seen the Stavangerfjord That is some Boat Them Ships I used to sail in was Playthings against this Will write the Ballance (?) hven I ga abord tomorr?

May 27- am leaving Hotel for Boat had a god Nights Sleep and fel fine with love

Dad"

Haugesund Strandgaten (Strand Street)

"June 9 - 21
Dear Children
I have been in Haugesund for 2 days and have a fine time Lava (Olava) and Elina are fine  had Telephone from Kristiania (now Oslo, where Serene and Anna were living) and am going there next week  with love from all.  Dad"

Elina and Hans Gabriel

"Aunt Serina, Hans Gabriel Rasmussen's sister in Norway. Taken when he was visiting Norway 1921"

Olava died in December of 1924 and Serine sometime after Hans Gabriel's death in 1926.  Anna died November 1949. Elina and Mildred exchanged letters for several years after WWII.