Olaf Olavssen Vinje, and the Legacy of his brother, Aasmund.
By Dave Gunderson, Fergus Falls, Minnesota

Olaf Olavssen Vinje [1832-1911] – photo provided by his great-granddaughter, Hannah "Ann" Vinje Kasper.

I read with great interest Harald Hvattum’s article on Aasmund Olavssen Vinje in the November, 2005 Brua, the Hadelandslaget's publication in America. I became interested in A.O. Vinje when I assisted my neighbor, his half great-grandniece, with her Vinje genealogy. During this process, I became acquainted with LaVonne Houlton, who has written extensively on A.O. Vinje for the Telesoga, the publication of the Telelaget of America. (more).

When a Norwegian born man in love with his heritage reads about the sale of a Viking ship, it tempts him to inquire. But Rolf Monsen of Tampa, Florida, president of Tampa's 80-member chapter of the Sons of Norway, did more than ask questions. He bought it.

Rolf had his roots from Gjerpen in Telemark, today part of Porsgrunn community. His grandparents owned a farm at Hovenga, today a site for a small mall, and a McDonald.(more)