John A. and Marie Louisa Bengtson

Can you assist us in an upcoming exhibit?  We would like to do an exhibit of GI Joe toys and Barbie dolls and accessories for 2005 in the touch corner.  If you have any of the above items please contact the museum. All items will be exhibited in an enclosed locked case. If you can help us with this exhibit please contact the museum at 218-463-1918.

A donation in memory of Lyle Sovde was received from his wife, Loreen.  The funding was given to the Pinecreek Lutheran Church restoration project.  

RCHS Focus of the Week

The journey to Roseau County for John A. Bengtson, and his wife, Maria Louisa, began in Sweden in 1885, when they and their two children left for America.  They first settled in Twin Valley, Minnesota, but in 1897, the Bengtsons filed on a homestead in Palmville Township, where they lived until John’s death in 1928.  Maria passed away in 1947.  Their children were John, Ellen, Hildur, Emil, George, Alma, Henry, Selma, Hilda, Melvin and Elmer.

The trip for the two families of John B Bengtsons and Aron Carlsons, friends and neighbors from Sweden and Twin Valley, took a week with several of the children walking much of the way.  A covered wagon of some sort provided transportation for the women and the youngest children.  The caravan moved slowly along the highest land and sand ridges with their cattle and other animals had to walk along the way.  The last stop before reaching the homestead was at Badger.

At first there was little opportunity for regular schooling for the children.  However, from time to time, classes were held for a month or so in one of the homes. 

In order to get a little cash, butter and eggs were sold at the Wannaska general store. Before she got a separator, Mrs. Bengtson raised hogs, so they always had both fresh and salted meat.  When the smokehouse was built, they also made their own hams and sausages.

After two or three years in the area, John Bengtson built a large house of lumber and cedar logs.  Their home became a stopping place for folks coming from St. Hilaire and other places… The Bengtson received 50 cents a night from travelers who were provided with a place to sleep and eat, and shelter for the team in the barn.  Gradually the price was raised to 65 cents a night.

Many gatherings were held at this hospitable home.  The house was always available for church services and evangelistic meetings.  When the pastor came to hold services, he stayed at the Bengtson home.  Mr. Bengtson was an active member of the Mission Covenant Church, and his wife was a faithful worker in the Mission Covenant Ladies Aid, which she helped organize.  John also participated in Township government.

County Fair time…was a great event.  Whole families would ride into Roseau in lumber wagons, well provided with food for picnic dinners and lunches.  

In 1945, their youngest son, Elmer (who had changed his name to Benson) bought the farm, he lived to be 95.  The homestead was passed onto Elmer’s daughter and son-in-law, Marie and Layton Oslund in 1965, who became the third generation to operate on the farm.  At the present time David and Jodie Oslund, the fourth generation, and their son, Andy, the fifth generation, operate the farm. David and Jodie have three children, Amy, Andy, and Mark.   (Pioneers! O Pioneers!: A history of Early Settlers in Roseau County, 1885 – 1910, 16-17)