As all of you know, the Everson family can trace its roots back to Norway and the rest of Skandinavia. Also, as many of you know, my branch of it was blessed for the opportunity to LIVE in Norway for several years in the 1970’s. Although we were based outside of the United States for the first decade plus of my life, my happiest moments were always returning to the farm in Atwater.
Due to the extended periods of separation, people had to get creative to stay connected. Long before the advent of Zoom meetings, cell phones, or the internet, folks would grapple with technology to stay in touch. It is difficult for me not to chuckle at how far we’ve come from Barbera’s Cupboard of Introverts to the 24/7 attachment we have to our social media now, but this may be a fun look back for those of you who have never had to use a rotary phone.
The following is an example of such. This audio recording has been transfered from a cassette tape that was recorded over the course of 1978, from new years day to Christmas, and it features voices we have not heard for many years. The expression of love and the eagerness for coming together after prolonged absence, especially in the Christmas season was something that we all can relate to here again in 2020.
This tape was mailed to my mother in Stavanger where we listened to it and made our own to send back. I invite you to share these memories with me and to think fondly of each other and of those who have come and gone before us.
I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a happy, prosperous, and free 2021. This too shall pass, and I can’t wait to see you all again on the other side of it.
Love,
Jóna Miller.
Christmas 2020.
The Cast (in order of appearance)
Barbara Everson
Todd Everson
Elizabeth Everson
Annie Oredson
Verdon Skogland
Patty Neilson
Troy Everson
Brad Skogland
Helen Johnson
Brenda Neilson
Grandma Elsie Everson
Grandpa Alexander Everson
Ronda Everson
Alexander Everson
Jed Everson
Linda Everson
Steve Skogland
Marlene Skogland
and featuring, Hildur, Oliver, Christopher, and the Danielsons from Manannah
If you would rather download the recording for listening offline, you may do that here
Barb reports on a white Christmas, and introduces the family.
Todd tells us of his new found interest.
Liz has a new pet
Barb outlines the recording process
Annie Johnson reminisces about Gloria and Patty as children
Verdon ad libs
Patty Neilson pops in and out
Verdon talks sports
Troy shares the game day viewing plan
Brad gloats about his big win
Troy protests and corrects the record
Barb can’t contain the fun they’re having
Helen Johnson shares her plans
Brenda Neilson gets roped in
Todd returns with a Vikings update
Elsie tells the tale of the tape and gives a holiday update
Elsie returns with a new occupational goal, and wishes we could all spend Christmas together
Grandpa Alexander says hello and opines on returning to Norway
The Star Spangled Banner played by the University of Minnesota Marching Band at the outset of Minnesota vs Illinois
Elsie shares her hopes for the game
Ronda wishes us a Merry Christmas, Alex tells us about his new toy and their Thanksgiving plans, and Jed tries to communicate
Linda wishes us a Merry Christmas
A fight over the tape recorder ensues
Elsie gives a game update, Minnesota goes Republican, and the weather
Steve shares his impressions of college
Elsie fails to catch the entire crew, so instead goes shopping in Wilmar
Hildur and Oliver give an update
Christopher wishes a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Elsie gives a post Thanksgiving update and shares the scuttlebutt
Liz serenades us and talks gifts
Troy cuts in
Elizabeth resumes control, finishes her update, and wishes us a Merry Christmas
Todd reports on the lack of snow from his newly dressed bed and makes a Christmas wish
Leroy gives the sports and weather report, issues a travel advisory, and makes me an offer I can’t refuse
Todd laments the continued lack of snow
Barb sends christmas wishes and gives an update for the year
The abrupt end of side 1
Remember when that was a thing?
Barb continues….
STORY TIME
Bing Crosby – The Small One (A Christmas Story)
Troy updates us on his athletic achievements
Brad wishes us a Merry Christmas
Marlene wishes us a Merry Christmas
Verdon wishes he were in Norway
Grandpa Alexander “sings” my father a song
Elsie vouches for him
The Danielsons wish us Merry Christmas and offer me tooth decay, as well as a hope for the future
Elsie expresses relief this is only a 60 minute tape, gives a pre-Christmas update, and wishes us Merry Christmas
Grandpa Alexander signs off with Merry Christmas
Elsie tells a funny story about Edward Anderson and updates us on her and Grandpa’s new car. Then again, as abruptly as before, the tape runs out and we never find out why Brad wants their old car…..
Thanks for listening!!! I hope you had half as much fun hearing this recording as i did discovering and transposing it.
My love to all of you, this Christmas and always.