JANUARY NEWSLETTER from the Embassy of Iceland in Washington, D.C.
About the Utah Icelanders by David A. Ashby
Friday, February 17, 2012
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Elaine Leifson Pullman
Elaine Leifson Pullman passed away 6 Feb. 2012. Elaine served the Icelandic Community in Spanish Fork as a member of the board of directors. Read her obituary click here
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Fréttir - 3
1 February 2012
Þorrablót is an Icelandic winter festival and feast which takes place during the Old Icelandic month of Þorri (beginning late January and ending in late February). Þorrablót consists of a dinner of traditional Icelandic meat and fish dishes including, but not limited to, Svið (singed and boiled sheep's head), Hrútspungur (cured ram's testicles), and Hákarl (fermented shark). Festivities also include heavy drinking (preferably Brenevín), staged performances highlighting local gossip and an after-dinner ball.
The Icelandic Association of Utah will be having their Þorrablót on February 25, 2012.Dinner Ticket Cost: Adults: $15.00 (*pre-order) or $18.00 at the door. Children 12 and under: $5. We in Utah will be forgoing the heavy drinking and the after dinner ball.
Þorramatur Sample Platter maybe available* at an extra cost: $5 (*pre-order) or try each Icelandic delicacy for a just a $1 each at the door (supplies limited).
* Note: Þorramatur Sample Platters may not be available at time of event due to recent import/export regulations and tax hikes. Feel free to pre-order since you don't pay until the event at-the-door.
To pre-order adult/children dinner tickets & sample platter tickets call 1-888-901-8373.
Where & When: Veterans Memorial Building, Southeast corner of Main Street and 400 North,
Spanish Fork, Utah 84660
February 25, 2011 - Doors open at 5:00 P.M. - Dinner starts at 6:00 P.M.
Visit Iceland
If your going to visit Iceland this year this is a good website to visit. Visit Iceland the official tourism information site.
Go West
Go West...is a company providing outdoor experiences and travel opportunities in Iceland. Their favorite place is Breiðafjörður-area in Western Iceland.
The guides are my good friends Jon Joel Einarsson and Maggy Magnusdottir; both experienced outdoor enthusiasts whose roots are in the community. They have a deep expertise, gained through long experience of outdoor knowledge of nature and culture. In other words; a wealth of values they want to share with others.
Krókabyggð 1, 270 Mosfellsbær, Iceland - Email gowest@utogvestur.is - Tel: (354) 696 9995 or 694 9513
February 2012 Utah emigrant of the month GUÐRÚN JÓNSDÓTTIR
Guðrún was born 23 July 1849 at Storidalur undir Eyjafjollum, Rangarvalla. She is the daughter of Jon Jonson and Sigrid Bryjolfsdottir. Gudrun married Einar Jonsson, born 16 August 1839 at Samastadir, Kross, Rangarvalla. He is the son of Jon Halldorsson, born , in 1813 at Samastadir, Kross, Rangarvalla; and Gudrun Jonsdottir, born in 1817 at Samastadir, Kross, Rangarvalla. Gudrun and Einar were married 5 November 1871; there were nine children born to this marriage: Gudrun Helga, 24 July 1872; Johanna, 2 July 1874; Gudrun, 5 October 1875; and Augustine, 1 August 1878. These four children were born in Vestmannaeyjar. Nicholas Wisconsin, July 1880, was born on board the S.S. Wisconsin on the way to America. Alice Theodora, 5 November 1882, Ephraim Alexander 7 January 1885, Sarah, 16 November 1886 and Elizabeth 27 October 1888, the last four, were born in Spanish Fork, Utah.
Gudrun joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was baptized by Elder Einar Eiriksson 19 December 1974. In 1880 Gudrun and Einar emigrated to Spanish Fork, Utah. Einar returned to Iceland in 1889 to serve as a missionary and was killed in an accident on Vestmannaeyjar.
Gudrun then married Thordur Thordarson, born 4 September 1863 in Vestmannaeyjar, died 10 September 1902 in Spanish Fork. Thordur immigrated to Spanish Fork in 1890. Gudrun died 8 May 1931 and is buried in the Spanish Fork City Cemetery.
If you would like to be a contributor to this monthly newsletter please contact me at daa@q.com or 801.225.1227
Þorrablót is an Icelandic winter festival and feast which takes place during the Old Icelandic month of Þorri (beginning late January and ending in late February). Þorrablót consists of a dinner of traditional Icelandic meat and fish dishes including, but not limited to, Svið (singed and boiled sheep's head), Hrútspungur (cured ram's testicles), and Hákarl (fermented shark). Festivities also include heavy drinking (preferably Brenevín), staged performances highlighting local gossip and an after-dinner ball.
The Icelandic Association of Utah will be having their Þorrablót on February 25, 2012.Dinner Ticket Cost: Adults: $15.00 (*pre-order) or $18.00 at the door. Children 12 and under: $5. We in Utah will be forgoing the heavy drinking and the after dinner ball.
Þorramatur Sample Platter maybe available* at an extra cost: $5 (*pre-order) or try each Icelandic delicacy for a just a $1 each at the door (supplies limited).
* Note: Þorramatur Sample Platters may not be available at time of event due to recent import/export regulations and tax hikes. Feel free to pre-order since you don't pay until the event at-the-door.
To pre-order adult/children dinner tickets & sample platter tickets call 1-888-901-8373.
Where & When: Veterans Memorial Building, Southeast corner of Main Street and 400 North,
Spanish Fork, Utah 84660
February 25, 2011 - Doors open at 5:00 P.M. - Dinner starts at 6:00 P.M.
Visit Iceland
If your going to visit Iceland this year this is a good website to visit. Visit Iceland the official tourism information site.
Go West
Go West...is a company providing outdoor experiences and travel opportunities in Iceland. Their favorite place is Breiðafjörður-area in Western Iceland.
The guides are my good friends Jon Joel Einarsson and Maggy Magnusdottir; both experienced outdoor enthusiasts whose roots are in the community. They have a deep expertise, gained through long experience of outdoor knowledge of nature and culture. In other words; a wealth of values they want to share with others.
Krókabyggð 1, 270 Mosfellsbær, Iceland - Email gowest@utogvestur.is - Tel: (354) 696 9995 or 694 9513
February 2012 Utah emigrant of the month GUÐRÚN JÓNSDÓTTIR
Guðrún was born 23 July 1849 at Storidalur undir Eyjafjollum, Rangarvalla. She is the daughter of Jon Jonson and Sigrid Bryjolfsdottir. Gudrun married Einar Jonsson, born 16 August 1839 at Samastadir, Kross, Rangarvalla. He is the son of Jon Halldorsson, born , in 1813 at Samastadir, Kross, Rangarvalla; and Gudrun Jonsdottir, born in 1817 at Samastadir, Kross, Rangarvalla. Gudrun and Einar were married 5 November 1871; there were nine children born to this marriage: Gudrun Helga, 24 July 1872; Johanna, 2 July 1874; Gudrun, 5 October 1875; and Augustine, 1 August 1878. These four children were born in Vestmannaeyjar. Nicholas Wisconsin, July 1880, was born on board the S.S. Wisconsin on the way to America. Alice Theodora, 5 November 1882, Ephraim Alexander 7 January 1885, Sarah, 16 November 1886 and Elizabeth 27 October 1888, the last four, were born in Spanish Fork, Utah.
Gudrun joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was baptized by Elder Einar Eiriksson 19 December 1974. In 1880 Gudrun and Einar emigrated to Spanish Fork, Utah. Einar returned to Iceland in 1889 to serve as a missionary and was killed in an accident on Vestmannaeyjar.
Gudrun then married Thordur Thordarson, born 4 September 1863 in Vestmannaeyjar, died 10 September 1902 in Spanish Fork. Thordur immigrated to Spanish Fork in 1890. Gudrun died 8 May 1931 and is buried in the Spanish Fork City Cemetery.
If you would like to be a contributor to this monthly newsletter please contact me at daa@q.com or 801.225.1227
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson
In his New Year's Day speech President Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson announced
that he would not run again for president.
Read more about the story at Iceland Review.com
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Fréttir - 2
1 January 2012
Newsletter #2
SNORRI PROGRAM
The Snorri program is a unique opportunity for young people 18-28 of Icelandic origin living in Canada and the United States, to discover their roots in a six-week summer program in Iceland. The application deadline is 22 January 2012.
The Snorri Plus Program is a two-week cultural program in August for those who are over 30. It is suitable for people of Icelandic descent and people who have true passion for Iceland.
The application deadline for Snorri Plus is 26 January 2012.
Visit www.snori.is for more information and an application.
INTRODUCTION OF THE 'ICELANDIC ONLINE CLUB'
Since 1919, the 'Icelandic National League of North America' has been meeting the needs of their members in many various ways, including local clubs where members can interact and participate with one another. Although the benefits of joining a local club are immeasurable, it has not been an option for members living outside the radius of local clubs. Realizing the needs of those members, the INL of NA has been exploring the benefits of technology to meet those needs, and are excited to announce the addition of a new, interactive, online club called the 'Icelandic Online Club.'
By creating an online club, the INL of NA feels this will allow members who are unable to participate in a local club due to their location, to be able to participate in an interactive online club, by using various methods of technology to meet the needs of its online members. Although this cannot replace the personal interaction provided by participating in a local club, it will allow those that were never able to participate, to benefit from being in an Icelandic club. The new online club will be a fully participating chapter of the INL of NA, members will have access to 'Icelandic National League' information, voting rights at the annual Convention, and inclusion in INL of NA projects.
The INL of NA will be launching the new interactive, 'Icelandic Online Club' December 31, 2011. For additional information on the club or how to join, go to http://inlofna.org/IOC/index.html . Help spread the word to others, or be one of the first to join the new online club! The club is available to all Icelanders, people of Icelandic decent, and people interested in all things Icelandic.
AMBASSADOR OF ICELAND
Mr. Gudmundur A. Stefansson, Ambassador of Iceland to the United States from 1 October 2011. Gudmundur was appointed Ambassador in the Icelandic Foreign Service on 1 September 2005. He served as Ambassador of Iceland to Sweden from 1 November 2005. He was Mayor of the Town of Hafnarfjördur 1986–1993
NORTHERN LIGHTS-AURORA BOREALIS
The Northern Lights exist in the outmost layer of the atmosphere. They are created by electrically charged particles that make the thin air shine, not unlike a fluorescent light. They can be seen in auroral belts that forms 20-25 degrees around the geomagnetic poles, both the north and the south. The Northern Lights, also called Aurora Borealis are one of the most spectacular shows on this earth and can frequently be seen in Iceland from September through April on clear and crisp nights. The Northern Lights occur high above the surface of the earth where the atmosphere has become extremely thin, in an altitude of 100-250km.
What causes this spectacular phenomenon, so characteristic of our northern lights in Iceland? Well, it's electricity that does it - and of course it all goes back to the sun. Tiny particles, protons and electrons caused by electronic storms on the sun (solar wind) are trapped in the earth's magnetic field and the begin to spiral back and forth along the magnetic lines of force - circle around the magnetic pole, so to speak. While rushing around endlessly in their magnetic trap, some particles escape into the earth's atmosphere. They begin to hit molecules in the atmosphere and these impacts cause the molecules to glow, thus creating the auroras.
White and green are usually the dominant colors but sometimes there are considerable color variations, as the pressure and composition of the atmosphere varies at different altitudes. At extremely high altitudes where the pressure is low, there tends to be a reddish glow produced by oxygen molecules when they are struck by the tiny particles of the solar wind. At lower altitudes, where there is higher pressure, their impact-irritated oxygen molecules may glow with a greenish tinge and sometimes there is a reddish lower border created by particles colliding with nitrogen molecules in the immediate vicinity.
The phenomenon is easily explained by modern science. What our ancestors may have thought when they gazed into the brightly-lit winter sky is quite another matter. But by all means don't let any scientific explanation spoil your appreciation of the beauty of the Northern Lights. They are a truly impressive spectacle, whatever their cause.
This year the Northern Lights in Iceland are predicted to more visible than most years. Generally, the period between November and April are the best months to see the Northern lights. Iceland Travel offers various northern lights tours, both shorter packages which include different activities, as well as day tours with the sole purpose to see the spectacular Aurora Borealis.
EMIGRANT OF THE MONTH
GUÐRÚN JÓNSDÓTTIR (Gudrun Jonsdottir) was born 3 January 1859 in Vestmannaeyjar, the daughter of Jon Erlendsson, born on 19 July 1834, died 18 March 1898; and Margret Arnadottir, born 6 June 1837, died 28 July 1921. Gudrun married Jakob Bjornsson, born 22 November 1861.
Gudrun and Jakob immigrated to Utah in 1892 with their daughter Johanna Jakobsdottir, born in 1892. Jakob built a nice home in Spanish Fork, Utah, were his family lived. Gudrun and Jakob had four other children, all born in Spanish Fork, Utah: Jacob Jonathan Bearnson (1894-1915), Elnora Groa Christine Bearnson (1898-1963), Robena Bearnson (1902-1902), and Robert Ingersol Bearnson (1903-1951). Gudrun died 14 February 1942 and is buried in the Spanish Fork City Cemetery. In Utah she was known as Gudrun E. Bearnson.
David A. Ashby
Newsletter #2
SNORRI PROGRAM
The Snorri program is a unique opportunity for young people 18-28 of Icelandic origin living in Canada and the United States, to discover their roots in a six-week summer program in Iceland. The application deadline is 22 January 2012.
The Snorri Plus Program is a two-week cultural program in August for those who are over 30. It is suitable for people of Icelandic descent and people who have true passion for Iceland.
The application deadline for Snorri Plus is 26 January 2012.
Visit www.snori.is for more information and an application.
INTRODUCTION OF THE 'ICELANDIC ONLINE CLUB'
Since 1919, the 'Icelandic National League of North America' has been meeting the needs of their members in many various ways, including local clubs where members can interact and participate with one another. Although the benefits of joining a local club are immeasurable, it has not been an option for members living outside the radius of local clubs. Realizing the needs of those members, the INL of NA has been exploring the benefits of technology to meet those needs, and are excited to announce the addition of a new, interactive, online club called the 'Icelandic Online Club.'
By creating an online club, the INL of NA feels this will allow members who are unable to participate in a local club due to their location, to be able to participate in an interactive online club, by using various methods of technology to meet the needs of its online members. Although this cannot replace the personal interaction provided by participating in a local club, it will allow those that were never able to participate, to benefit from being in an Icelandic club. The new online club will be a fully participating chapter of the INL of NA, members will have access to 'Icelandic National League' information, voting rights at the annual Convention, and inclusion in INL of NA projects.
The INL of NA will be launching the new interactive, 'Icelandic Online Club' December 31, 2011. For additional information on the club or how to join, go to http://inlofna.org/IOC/index.html . Help spread the word to others, or be one of the first to join the new online club! The club is available to all Icelanders, people of Icelandic decent, and people interested in all things Icelandic.
AMBASSADOR OF ICELAND
Mr. Gudmundur A. Stefansson, Ambassador of Iceland to the United States from 1 October 2011. Gudmundur was appointed Ambassador in the Icelandic Foreign Service on 1 September 2005. He served as Ambassador of Iceland to Sweden from 1 November 2005. He was Mayor of the Town of Hafnarfjördur 1986–1993
NORTHERN LIGHTS-AURORA BOREALIS
The Northern Lights exist in the outmost layer of the atmosphere. They are created by electrically charged particles that make the thin air shine, not unlike a fluorescent light. They can be seen in auroral belts that forms 20-25 degrees around the geomagnetic poles, both the north and the south. The Northern Lights, also called Aurora Borealis are one of the most spectacular shows on this earth and can frequently be seen in Iceland from September through April on clear and crisp nights. The Northern Lights occur high above the surface of the earth where the atmosphere has become extremely thin, in an altitude of 100-250km.
What causes this spectacular phenomenon, so characteristic of our northern lights in Iceland? Well, it's electricity that does it - and of course it all goes back to the sun. Tiny particles, protons and electrons caused by electronic storms on the sun (solar wind) are trapped in the earth's magnetic field and the begin to spiral back and forth along the magnetic lines of force - circle around the magnetic pole, so to speak. While rushing around endlessly in their magnetic trap, some particles escape into the earth's atmosphere. They begin to hit molecules in the atmosphere and these impacts cause the molecules to glow, thus creating the auroras.
White and green are usually the dominant colors but sometimes there are considerable color variations, as the pressure and composition of the atmosphere varies at different altitudes. At extremely high altitudes where the pressure is low, there tends to be a reddish glow produced by oxygen molecules when they are struck by the tiny particles of the solar wind. At lower altitudes, where there is higher pressure, their impact-irritated oxygen molecules may glow with a greenish tinge and sometimes there is a reddish lower border created by particles colliding with nitrogen molecules in the immediate vicinity.
The phenomenon is easily explained by modern science. What our ancestors may have thought when they gazed into the brightly-lit winter sky is quite another matter. But by all means don't let any scientific explanation spoil your appreciation of the beauty of the Northern Lights. They are a truly impressive spectacle, whatever their cause.
This year the Northern Lights in Iceland are predicted to more visible than most years. Generally, the period between November and April are the best months to see the Northern lights. Iceland Travel offers various northern lights tours, both shorter packages which include different activities, as well as day tours with the sole purpose to see the spectacular Aurora Borealis.
EMIGRANT OF THE MONTH
GUÐRÚN JÓNSDÓTTIR (Gudrun Jonsdottir) was born 3 January 1859 in Vestmannaeyjar, the daughter of Jon Erlendsson, born on 19 July 1834, died 18 March 1898; and Margret Arnadottir, born 6 June 1837, died 28 July 1921. Gudrun married Jakob Bjornsson, born 22 November 1861.
Gudrun and Jakob immigrated to Utah in 1892 with their daughter Johanna Jakobsdottir, born in 1892. Jakob built a nice home in Spanish Fork, Utah, were his family lived. Gudrun and Jakob had four other children, all born in Spanish Fork, Utah: Jacob Jonathan Bearnson (1894-1915), Elnora Groa Christine Bearnson (1898-1963), Robena Bearnson (1902-1902), and Robert Ingersol Bearnson (1903-1951). Gudrun died 14 February 1942 and is buried in the Spanish Fork City Cemetery. In Utah she was known as Gudrun E. Bearnson.
David A. Ashby
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Fréttir - 1
1 December 2011
Newsletter #1
Góðan daginn
I am going to try and publish a monthly newsletter beginning with this one. If you would like to contribute please send me your contribution. I do reserve the right to accept and publish your contribution. If I choose not to publish your contribution I will let you know why.
I will not be sending out notifications by email in the future. You can only receive notifications of new posts (monthly newsletter) on this blog, just enter your email address at the right and submit.
Bless, David
David A. Ashby
In 1990, being prompted by my mother, I became a member of the board of directors of the Icelandic Association of Utah. Without much excitement I agreed to serve on the board. While serving they asked me to be over publicity. This assignment necessitated research into the history of the Icelandic Association and, as a result, to learn more about Iceland. While serving in this capacity I found a love for my Icelandic Heritage.
I have served in various capacities while on the board of directors, president twice 1994 -1995 and 1999 -2000, photographer, director of publicity, director of public affairs, director of sales, director of Icelandic relations, and director of membership.
I have helped with several large projects of the Icelandic Association of Utah. Serving as president of the association in 2000 when the association placed a monument on Vestmannaeyjar and an exhibit at the Iceland Emigration Centre at Hofsos, Iceland. I was the Co-Chair of the Icelandic Memorial project in 2005, and a member of the sesquicentennial committee for 150 years of Icelanders in Utah. I also served as fundraising chairman for both the 2000 and the 2005 projects.
I will forever be grateful for many experiences that I have had while serving the people of Icelandic descent in Utah. It has been an exciting ride, with many memorable experiences. The friends I have found along the way are some of the best that anyone could have. Although I will not any longer a member of the board of directors of the Icelandic Association of Utah or attend their monthly meetings or involved in the planning of their many activities, I will remain a supporter of this organization.
I have written a book, Icelanders Gather to Utah, now available from the Icelandic Association of Utah. Fred E. Woods and Kári Bjarnason are working on a project to collect Icelandic manuscripts and images in both Utah and Iceland which provide information concerning the history of the Icelandic emigrants to Utah during the years 1851 to 1914. I have been helping Fred and Kári with this project. My book will also become part of that project with help from Fred and Kári it will have images, obituaries and other information gathered by Fred and Kári. The new version of the book will then be translated into Icelandic and published by the University of Iceland. We also hope to have an English version published in Utah.
Emigrant of the Month December 2011 - GUÐRÚN ERLENDSDÓTTIR
Guðrun Erlendsdóttir was born 8 July 1850 in Vestmannaeyjar, the daughter of Erlendur Ingjaldsson, born 28 February 1828 at Steina; and Margret Jonsdottir. She was married to Gudmundur Erlendsson, who died. They had one child, Vigfus, born 14 July 1868, died 17 March 1927. She then married Eyjolfur Eiriksson, born 26 February 1853 at Nyjabaer, Holt, Rangarvalla. They had two children: Jon Karl, born 20 December 1878, died 24 November 1925; and Valgerdur, born 1881, died 1882 at Council Bluffs, Iowa.
Eyjolfur and Gudrun planed to immigrate to Utah with to her child Vigfus Gudmundsson and their two children Jon Karl and Valgerdur. When it came time to leave, Gudrun was very ill and unable to travel, but she insisted that Eyjolfur and the children go, promising she would join them in Utah when she recovered. Eyjolfur and the children left Iceland 16 July 1882 with a small company of Saints. They sailed from Iceland in the charge of Gudmundur Einarsson, bound for Utah. The children were sick most of the trip. Valgerdur, their baby, died at Council Bluffs, Iowa and is buried there. Neither Eyjolfur nor the other members of the company had enough money to pay for the burial of the child, so the city of Council Bluffs provided the means. Gudrun immigrated the following year. Gudrun, in poor health, lost the use of her limbs and was an invalid the remainder of her life. She died 4 September 1887 and is buried in the Spanish Fork City Cemetery. She went by Gudrun Erickson in Utah.
Exhibit in Vestmannaeyjar
A new, permanent museum exhibit, "Icelandic Heritage among the Mormons" commemorating the Icelandic Mormon heritage was opened July 16, 2011. In attendance were 86 Church members from Selfoss and Reykjavík, Icelandic branches. This exhibit is a result of the work of Fred E. Woods, Professor, Church History & Doctrine, Brigham Young University and Kári Bjarnason, head librarian of the Vestmannaeyjar Library.
Icelandic Migration to and through Utah
Lecture for the Utah Valley Historical Society
By Dr. Fred E. Woods Department of Church History & Doctrine Brigham Young University
November 8, 2011, Dr. Fred E. Woods, lectured at the monthly meeting of the Utah Valley Historical Society in Provo, Utah. There were about 100 in attendance with about one third being members of the Icelandic Association of Utah. For the past dozen years Dr. Woods has studied the Icelandic emigrants to Utah. He has authored several papers on the Icelandic emigrants. He also was the author of the book Fire on Ice, The Story of Icelandic Latter-day Saints at Home and Abroad, published by Religious Study Center at Brigham Young University in 2005. This book was translated into Icelandic and published in Reykjavík in 2007. A DVD Fire on Ice, the Saints of Iceland was produced by Kaleidoscope Pictures. The DVD was based on Fred’s book.
Iceland's Christmas Traditions
Gleðileg jól og farsælt komandi ár "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year"
David and Bonnie Ashby
Newsletter #1
Góðan daginn
I am going to try and publish a monthly newsletter beginning with this one. If you would like to contribute please send me your contribution. I do reserve the right to accept and publish your contribution. If I choose not to publish your contribution I will let you know why.
I will not be sending out notifications by email in the future. You can only receive notifications of new posts (monthly newsletter) on this blog, just enter your email address at the right and submit.
Bless, David
David A. Ashby
In 1990, being prompted by my mother, I became a member of the board of directors of the Icelandic Association of Utah. Without much excitement I agreed to serve on the board. While serving they asked me to be over publicity. This assignment necessitated research into the history of the Icelandic Association and, as a result, to learn more about Iceland. While serving in this capacity I found a love for my Icelandic Heritage.
I have served in various capacities while on the board of directors, president twice 1994 -1995 and 1999 -2000, photographer, director of publicity, director of public affairs, director of sales, director of Icelandic relations, and director of membership.
I have helped with several large projects of the Icelandic Association of Utah. Serving as president of the association in 2000 when the association placed a monument on Vestmannaeyjar and an exhibit at the Iceland Emigration Centre at Hofsos, Iceland. I was the Co-Chair of the Icelandic Memorial project in 2005, and a member of the sesquicentennial committee for 150 years of Icelanders in Utah. I also served as fundraising chairman for both the 2000 and the 2005 projects.
I will forever be grateful for many experiences that I have had while serving the people of Icelandic descent in Utah. It has been an exciting ride, with many memorable experiences. The friends I have found along the way are some of the best that anyone could have. Although I will not any longer a member of the board of directors of the Icelandic Association of Utah or attend their monthly meetings or involved in the planning of their many activities, I will remain a supporter of this organization.
I have written a book, Icelanders Gather to Utah, now available from the Icelandic Association of Utah. Fred E. Woods and Kári Bjarnason are working on a project to collect Icelandic manuscripts and images in both Utah and Iceland which provide information concerning the history of the Icelandic emigrants to Utah during the years 1851 to 1914. I have been helping Fred and Kári with this project. My book will also become part of that project with help from Fred and Kári it will have images, obituaries and other information gathered by Fred and Kári. The new version of the book will then be translated into Icelandic and published by the University of Iceland. We also hope to have an English version published in Utah.
Emigrant of the Month December 2011 - GUÐRÚN ERLENDSDÓTTIR
Guðrun Erlendsdóttir was born 8 July 1850 in Vestmannaeyjar, the daughter of Erlendur Ingjaldsson, born 28 February 1828 at Steina; and Margret Jonsdottir. She was married to Gudmundur Erlendsson, who died. They had one child, Vigfus, born 14 July 1868, died 17 March 1927. She then married Eyjolfur Eiriksson, born 26 February 1853 at Nyjabaer, Holt, Rangarvalla. They had two children: Jon Karl, born 20 December 1878, died 24 November 1925; and Valgerdur, born 1881, died 1882 at Council Bluffs, Iowa.
Eyjolfur and Gudrun planed to immigrate to Utah with to her child Vigfus Gudmundsson and their two children Jon Karl and Valgerdur. When it came time to leave, Gudrun was very ill and unable to travel, but she insisted that Eyjolfur and the children go, promising she would join them in Utah when she recovered. Eyjolfur and the children left Iceland 16 July 1882 with a small company of Saints. They sailed from Iceland in the charge of Gudmundur Einarsson, bound for Utah. The children were sick most of the trip. Valgerdur, their baby, died at Council Bluffs, Iowa and is buried there. Neither Eyjolfur nor the other members of the company had enough money to pay for the burial of the child, so the city of Council Bluffs provided the means. Gudrun immigrated the following year. Gudrun, in poor health, lost the use of her limbs and was an invalid the remainder of her life. She died 4 September 1887 and is buried in the Spanish Fork City Cemetery. She went by Gudrun Erickson in Utah.
A new, permanent museum exhibit, "Icelandic Heritage among the Mormons" commemorating the Icelandic Mormon heritage was opened July 16, 2011. In attendance were 86 Church members from Selfoss and Reykjavík, Icelandic branches. This exhibit is a result of the work of Fred E. Woods, Professor, Church History & Doctrine, Brigham Young University and Kári Bjarnason, head librarian of the Vestmannaeyjar Library.
Icelandic Migration to and through Utah
Lecture for the Utah Valley Historical Society
November 8, 2011, Dr. Fred E. Woods, lectured at the monthly meeting of the Utah Valley Historical Society in Provo, Utah. There were about 100 in attendance with about one third being members of the Icelandic Association of Utah. For the past dozen years Dr. Woods has studied the Icelandic emigrants to Utah. He has authored several papers on the Icelandic emigrants. He also was the author of the book Fire on Ice, The Story of Icelandic Latter-day Saints at Home and Abroad, published by Religious Study Center at Brigham Young University in 2005. This book was translated into Icelandic and published in Reykjavík in 2007. A DVD Fire on Ice, the Saints of Iceland was produced by Kaleidoscope Pictures. The DVD was based on Fred’s book.
Iceland's Christmas Traditions
Gleðileg jól og farsælt komandi ár "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year"
David and Bonnie Ashby
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Snorri and Snorri Plus
David Johnson from Seattle, although not living in Utah, his roots are with some of the earliest Icelanders to come to Utah. I have not met David in person but have corresponded with him for years. He strongly encourage all his Utah cousins from Iceland to strongly consider Snorri or Snorri Plus in 2012.
See his post: Snorri Plus 2011 - A Major WOW!! By David Johnson
Michelle Curtin, the granddaughter of my second cousin, went to Iceland with Snorri 2011. Michelle posted the Slideshow she made after the Snorri trip to youtube. It is in two parts Part 1 : Part 2
Snorri Plus 2012 will run Thursday, August 16th to Thursday, August 30th and the application DEADLINE is January 26, 2012
Snorri 2012 Program for youth (18 to 29) dates are Friday, June 10th to Friday, July 21st and the DEADLINE is January 12, 2012
Snorri Website
See his post: Snorri Plus 2011 - A Major WOW!! By David Johnson
Michelle Curtin, the granddaughter of my second cousin, went to Iceland with Snorri 2011. Michelle posted the Slideshow she made after the Snorri trip to youtube. It is in two parts Part 1 : Part 2
Snorri Plus 2012 will run Thursday, August 16th to Thursday, August 30th and the application DEADLINE is January 26, 2012
Snorri 2012 Program for youth (18 to 29) dates are Friday, June 10th to Friday, July 21st and the DEADLINE is January 12, 2012
Snorri Website
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