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Plains Heritage Restored at Augustana
Jun 7, 2012
Fans of Giants in the Earth, Ole Rolvaag’s classic novel of the Norwegian immigrant experience in Dakota Territory, or of South Dakota history will want to hitch up their wagons and strike out for Sioux Falls this Sunday, June 10. For the first time in three years, the cabin in which Rolvaag wrote his pioneer masterpiece will be open to the public. Visitors to Heritage Park, located on the Augustana College campus, can also tour the childhood home of Rolvaag’s bride, Jennie Berdahl, as well as Beaver Creek Lutheran Church and the Eggers School House, originally located near Renner Corner.
The Nordland Heritage Foundation, an organization devoted to preserving these structures, is celebrating the completion of their three year-painting, repair and landscaping project at Heritage Park with a 10:30 a.m. worship service at the church, followed by brunch. After the meal, Ole Rolvaag’s grandson Paul will speak at the foundation’s annual meeting. If you’d like to attend, please call 605-338-6372 or 605-359-0123 to reserve a spot for brunch and the meeting. The cost is $10.
The park and its historic buildings will be open for visits every Sunday from 2-4 p.m. from June 10 through August 26. Heritage Park is located at 33rd Street and Prairie Avenue in Sioux Falls. For tour information, call 605-274-4007. New features at the complex inlude Jennie Berdahl’s wedding dress in the Berdahl-Rolvaag House and a newly-restored 6 foot tall painting of Christ located behind the altar at Beaver Creek Lutheran Church.
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