Guthrie Theater

50 HAUNTED HOMESTEADS OF THE NORWEGIAN SETTLERS
published by the Historical Society in support of its ongoing efforts to support the Society and its History

Reviewed by: G Spelvine

In the introduction to 50 Haunted Homesteads of the Norwegian Settlers (50HHotNS) the author states that there are many haunted homesteads scattered around the region settled by the Norwegian Settlers. Of the many, the author has selected only the most haunted to include in 50HHotNS. Each haunted homestead has a photograph and short essay describing its history. Here is an excerpt of the entry for the Haunted Homestead off Trollhaugen Road which will provide a taste of the flavor of the entire volume:

The ramshackle old building (is it a barn?) off Trollhaugen Road, at first, appears to be a vast enormous nothingness, but, like an onion, the layers peel back to reveal more old ramschackleness. It is like a threshold to another place and time that is unknown to those who do not know how to see. Once inside, however, as the eye adjusts to the light, the building reveals its secrets. In the corner is an old stove that looks as if someone might step out of it at any moment. An old banner hangs lazily from the hayloft; perhaps a party was interrupted here. Given the location, it is easy to imagine being beset by trolls intent on entertainment. There is a hint of onion in the air. The floorboards creak and shift like dunes or waves at sea. One could get really seasick treading these boards when the light is just right.

The barn off Trollhaugen Road is rarely visited by anyone anymore, which makes it the perfect place for quiet reflection, if you don't mind the onion smell.

This coffee table book is available at fauxtomes.com Other volumes in this planned series include 50 Spooky Storefronts of the Swedish Settlers, and 50 Daunting Doorframes of the Danish Settlers.

The reviewer is also the author of, among other works, Who is This Ibsen Guy Anyway? - A Guide to Norwegian Playwrights