The feature lobby exhibit is the “Legacy of Bill and Maggi Adams” For the children (and adults), the touch corner features toys of the past. Stop in and visit the museum while in town doing your Christmas shopping. A visit into the past always brings to mind an unexpected memory.

Today I have a story written by Alice (Johnson) Lund, she has many short stories about early days in Falun Twp, in the Roseau County Centennial Book.  This one is titled “Early Memories of a Christmas in Malung Township.”

“I only recall one Christmas when I was very young.  It stands out in my mind although I am sure it was typical of other Christmases.  We still had oxen so travel was very slow.  I didn’t know Grandma Johnson as she died when I was about a year old. Malung was a small town then, Grandpa Johnson operated a store which fascinated me.  All Dads’ folks went home to Grandpa Johnson’s for Christmas.  The grandchildren were strangers to me. 

“The day before Christmas we put many brick, stones, etc., on the stove and in the oven to warm them.  The big box on the sleigh had a deep layer of straw then the hot bricks and stones were placed on a thick buffalo robe.  Each brick was wrapped to keep the heat in.  Early in the morning Clarence and I were bundled up until we were immobilized.  Mama rode in the wagon box too, which was then covered with heavy robes.  I remember how dark it was and very warm.  The drive took at least seven hours.  Dad got a neighbor to feed and water the cattle and keep a low fire in the house stove. 

“I remember many people at Grandpa’s for Christmas Eve.  We were to get our presents when the parents got everything assembled.  I got a doll.  Each of us got a sweater from Grandpa.  One boy got a lovely blue sweater which was meant for me, but he cried and fussed so the mothers decided to give me the red one.  I was very angry.   I can remember being told blue looked good on him because his hair was light colored.  I was still mad.  I pulled his hair every chance I had without being caught.  He sure was a “cry baby” I am sure the mothers were glad when we were on our way home. 

“We went to Malung for Christmas other years, but I think we had horses then. As we got older we stayed home and went to bed early on Christmas Eve or else Santa Claus wouldn’t come. 

“I remember Dad telling us how they celebrated Christmas in Sweden.  They put bundles of grain on poles for the birds.  Every animal was given an extra amount of food.  Grain was set out for Santa’s reindeer while Santa was indoors filling stockings. 

“I soon began to wonder why Dad always went to Roseau a few days before Christmas.  He found a clean grain bag to put groceries in because he walked the seventeen miles to town.  Mama told me we were out of coffee and loaf sugar!  I know there were gifts in those bags Dad brought back.”

We wish all of you a very HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON.

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