Life in Little Norway

“In the 1920s and ’30s there were several Norwegian families living in Evans Valley (Silverton, Oregon). Among them were the Rue, Langsev and Brenden families.

“All the neighbors would often walk together (20 or 25 people) to each others’ homes when there was birthday to celebrate. They brought sandwiches and goodies to share. They made lanterns from tomato cans because they were larger than other cans. Bailing wire made the handle and a candle inserted from the bottom made their flashlight. They played card games after dark.

“There were small farms through the valley. A truck from the Rose Valley Creamery in Mt. Angel traveled through the countryside, picking up mild cans that were left out by the road for them. If they needed butter, they would leave on big rock on top of the can. If they needed cheese, they left two rocks. They had tried leaving notes but they would blow away.

“The valley was a happy place in those days.”