Erickson family This picture of the Erickson family was taken back in 1923. Andrew and Carrie Erickson, Norwegian immigrants, raised the family on their farm situated one mile south of Burr Oak. Several of their descendants still reside in the Decorah area. Their sons were, standing from left: William (father of Phyllis Green); Silas (husband of Charlotte Erickson and father of Jean Carter and Kris Erickson); Carl (father-in-law of Grace Erickson); Otto; Leif; and Albert (father of Shirley Greenslade of Burr Oak). Pictured in the front row are sister Palma, Mr. and Mrs. Erickson, and Sherman. Mr. and Mrs. Erickson retired from farming and moved to 401 Leif Erickson Drive, Decorah. (Submitted photo)

Three local boys honored by Des Moines Register

EIGHTY YEARS AGO: Three Decorah boys (Carl Daly, Herbert Gjevre and Robert McCanley), each a star salesman in Decorah for the Des Moines Register, were honored with about 100 other Iowa boys at the recent Iowa State Fair party. Continued>>>

Carlson wins paving bid at $2.18 a square yard

EIGHTY YEARS AGO: The Fred Carlson Company of Decorah has won the contract to pave six blocks in Clermont at $2.18 a square yard. Work begins next week. Continued>>>

Thousands gather at Luther to honor Norway's King Olaf

EIGHTY YEARS AGO: Thousands assembled on the Luther College campus recently to commemorate the 900th anniversary of the death of Norway's first Christian king, called Saint Olaf, who was killed at the age of 35 by his own former subjects at the battle of Stiklestad in the year 1030. Continued>>>

Expert will help locals with seeding, harvesting alfalfa

EIGHTY YEARS AGO: An outstanding alfalfa expert from Waterloo is coming to Decorah to test soils and advise locals about seeding and harvesting of alfalfa. They call the expert "Alfalfa Hutch." His visit is being hosted locally by the area bankers. Continued>>>

Herbert Gross to help judge old-time fiddlers competition

EIGHTY YEARS AGO: 1930 - Herbert Gross of the Old Kentucky Homer fame will be among the judges for the upcoming Old Time Fiddlers Competition. Some local accordion players have also asked to put on a contest at the same time, and organizers will see how much time can be allotted to such a program. Continued>>>

Hawkeye state is best commonwealth of all

EIGHTY YEARS AGO: Iowa has advanced well into the New Year in fine condition. The facts are that this Hawkeye State of ours is the best, all around commonwealth in all 48 states! Continued>>>

Motorists drive to state line to see paving

EIGHTY YEARS AGO: A delegation of Decorah citizens motored to the state line to witness the pouring of pavement at the end of Federal Highway 55 at the Minnesota Line. Workers of the crew threw their caps and hats into the mixer, according to custom, and everyone enjoyed the wrestling and scrambling among the men to see that no man's headgear escaped! Continued>>>