Little School on the Prairie

Sigrid weaves the theme of education throughout her letters, frequently describing what the children learned, books they read, and the teachers' praise.

Lars Gjeldaker was likely (and justifiably) skeptical of the educational opportunities in Dakota territory. If the family had stayed in Norway, the grandchildren would have studied with him. Instead, an ocean separated them.

In 1892, Anna, the oldest grandchild, sent Grandfather some details:

"Micheal has now read in the Forklaring, and then we have read in the Bible History and are reading in the Testament. Then we have the Sunday School papers and newspapers. Micheal and Lars have the China Missionary paper. Last fall we borrowed one of Ole Skjervem's books and it was so much fun to read in that. Could grandfather please send one with Knud Jallo? Lars reads in the catechism, and Birgit [Cecelia] in the ABC. She spells and makes words. Clara is a little of each. She reads the ABC and sings a little of each song she hears from us."

Anna also assures Grandfather that he would like Clara. "She is a good girl. You should hear and see her. I think you would like her. She is a comfort to us all. Papa and she are very good friends. One time she said she liked whiskers, butter and bread."

Anna realizes her life would be different in Hallingdal. "I hear in your letter how cozy you have it. It would be good for us to get to go to school at your place and if we did that we would be satisfied--and we would really try to learn to read and be smart."

She closes with a postscript on behalf of her little sister: "I shall greet you from Birgit that she is good to take care of little brother and to read."

"Omgangs skole"

"I started school when I was seven years old. At that time there was "omgangs skole," that is, a few days at each home. There was no school house. The school term was from October 14 to April 14, which was considered winter. The circuit was too big for all, so it was divided into two districts so that the attendance was divided. And besides, there was a lot to be done at home, so school attendance was irregular for the short time we had. It was all right for those who were fairly good to read, as we said. But even if we were home from school during the day we still had our lessons to memorize in the evening, and Mother and Father heard them. That is the way school was in those days."

-- excerpt from Tosten's autobiography, written in 1917