| The log lower half of the barn and part of the original house are still in use today. The top half of the barn is in shambles and has a limited amount of time before it collapses. The house has been remodeled and the logs are covered with siding, and the log part of the home in 1965 was the living room in the home of Frank Smith, who had bought the Olson homestead from Gabe Odland in 1940. In 1981, Frank Ochocki lived on the farm. The Olsons oldest son, Olaf, was born in the covered wagon that the Olsons traveled in on their trek to their new homestead in 1870. The rest of the children were born in the log house, as were also their son Oscar's children, Sylvia, Ida, Wilfred, Eunice, and Roy. Here too, is where Oscar brought his bride, Otilia in 1905. They were married in May. Oscar and his family lived there until 1917 when they moved to his own farm in Marble Township. Many families spent their first winter in the country at the Olsons. Christ Andersons, Charlie Kettlesons, Hans Englesmoe to name a few. The welcome mat was always out for any new arrivals from the homeland. Everything then had to be hauled by ox team, and the nearest point where grain could be ground into flour was New Ulm. This trip took about three weeks and the fear of Indians was a constant worry to the women left at home with their families.The Indians in this region were not unfriendly, however, Christina was often alone when they came, and once an Indian, who was traveling with his wife and baby, came and asked for food for his family. There was not much the Indians could give in exchange for the food, but he said he would bring something back. In a few days he returned and brang with him a new pair of beaded leather moccasins. Most of the Indians were hard to understand and once an Indian came to the Olson home and demanded that Friberg go with him to his home. Not fully being able to understand what he wanted, Friberg found he had no choice but to go. When they got to the Indians hut, the man went immediately for his gun and Friberg thought surely he meant to shoot him, but instead he handed him the gun and wanted him to fix it. The grasshopper plagues that stripped Minnesota from crops in the dry years of 1874-75 may have sent the Charles Ingalls family packing from a neighboring Minnesota county, but Friberg's family in very tough times held their ground. Storms were a constant worry for the homesteaders. One winter Friberg along with his son Oscar were persuaded to go along with some peddlers to visit neighboring farms. The day had started out a nice sunny morning but once out on the prairie, the sun darkened and a sudden storm came up. Temperatures dropped quickly, They took what ever they could use from the peddlers stock to keep them warm, while they tried to find their way home. In the darkness, they became seperated, luckily Friberg stumbled upon a wood pile he had cut recently and so found his way home. The others spent the night out in the cold and had frost bitten hands and feet. A winter to be remembered was what the settlers called the big snow of 1880-81. Snow drifts of twenty feet were common in the area. The snow was so deep it covered all buildings. The house was snowed in so tight, they had to shovel snow into the house to tunnel out to the barn. The cattle spent the winter in the barn and food and water was carried to them by cutting a hole in the roof of the barn and stepping down inside. After the big snow came the big thaw, Lazarus Creek down below the hill back of the barn, rose to the doorways of the barn. From neighboring farms up stream came ducks, geese, and even pigs floating by. When the water receded, fish were left stranded in the trees. There was always work, fellowship and music at the Olsons. Friberg played the accordian. Christ and Konrad played the violin and accordian. Josa played the guitar and Thea played the violin as well as the guitar. She played for Ladies Aid meetings and accompanied her brother-in-law, Ole Strand, when he sang. Konrad in later years had his own orchestra in Minneapolis and played at supper clubs. Since the Olson's boasted the largest house in this community, the meetings were held there. At this home the first christian organization in this area was formed on July 10.1871. It was named St. Stephens and had 15 charter members. Friberg died on February 9,1900 at the age of 63. Christina continued to live on the homestead with her son, Oscar in charge, until 1917 when he moved to his own farm in Marble Township. Christina then lived with her children, staying with he eldest daughter Emma, in the winter, then with the others during the summer months. Christina died on April 6th 1937 at the home of her daughter Thea in Canby when she was almost 92 years old. Christina and Friberg are buried at New Trinity Cemetery in Norman Township near the John Wahlstrom farm, some locals call it the Wahlstrom Cemetery. The Cemetery is located 3 miles south of Canby on highway 75 to county road 36 then 1 1/2 miles west or 1 1/2 miles NW of their home. |
| Friberg homestead |