How It Began
Welcome back to Elk Horn, Iowa, a small rural settlement in the Mid-West of the USA that somehow became Dane Country – a little piece of Denmark in America in the late 1860s.
In this episode, we start with a clip from Egon Simonsen, an old resident of Elk Horn, featured in the documentary “Denmark on the Prairie,” which we discussed in our last episode. This clip, which I only recently discovered, ties back to a story I made up about a Danish couple arriving in Elk Horn in 1868. I randomly chose the names Christian and Mary from Funen, Denmark, for the couple. Amazingly, Egon mentions in the clip that the first Danes to arrive in Elk Horn were indeed Christian and Mary from Funen in 1868. It’s a bizarre coincidence, but my story was entirely fictional.
The documentary “Denmark on the Prairie” significantly boosted Elk Horn’s recognition in Denmark, making many locals quite famous there. At the time of the film, Egon was around 91 and was the last remaining Danish immigrant in Elk Horn. Born in Hjørring, Denmark, in 1921, he immigrated to the US with his parents in 1928 at around seven years old. Even though Egon was known as “the silent Dane,” he became the golden voice of the documentary. Sadly, he passed away in 2015, a year after the documentary was made.
Lisa and the Danish Windmill
We pick up where we left off in the latest episode from Elk Horn – back at the old Danish Windmill and the manager, Lisa Steen Riggs. As you might remember, the windmill faced financial struggles until a Danish documentary film brought much-needed attention to the Danish-American community, making it famous in Denmark.
The Danish Windmill is a non-profit organization, so donations are tax-deductible. Despite receiving donations, Lisa and her team need to be creative. They organize events and sell various Danish goods and souvenirs in their little shop. One unique item they sell is beautiful blue plates with paintings, which my parents’ generation would hang on the wall as decoration. This tradition isn’t as common in Denmark today, but it thrives in Elk Horn.
In the documentary, we see Lisa trying to teach local kids to sing “Nu ‘ det jul igen og julen varer lige til påske” – and, honestly, it wasn’t perfect.
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The Museum of Danish America
In the early 1980s, there was an article about establishing a national Danish Museum in the Mid-West, likely in a bigger city like Minneapolis or Decorah, Iowa. But could a small village like Elk Horn be a contender?
Elk Horn’s community was deeply committed to preserving their Danish roots and saw the cultural and economic benefits a museum could bring. In the mid-1980s, local leaders advocated for their town as the future home of the museum. Their efforts paid off when Elk Horn was selected, a significant victory acknowledging the town’s strong Danish American identity. Fundraising efforts, including donations and grants, were crucial in bringing the project to fruition.
The museum, established in 1983, is dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich history and culture of Danish Americans. It features a fascinating range of exhibits, from artifacts and photographs that tell the story of Danish immigrants to temporary displays showcasing Danish art and traditions. The museum also houses a Genealogy Center where you can trace your Danish roots with expert help.
Surrounding the museum is the beautiful Prairie Landscape Park, a serene outdoor space with native plants and sculptures. The museum hosts a variety of cultural programs, including lectures, workshops, performances, and annual events like Tivoli Fest, bringing Danish traditions to life with music, dance, food, and crafts.
Apart from the Danish Windmill and the Museum of Danish America, there’s also a small house called “Bedstemors Hus” (Grandmother’s House) managed by the museum. Julia Jessen, of Danish heritage, gave me a tour of this charming house.
Bedstemors Hus and Prince Otto
Jens Otto Christiansen, known as “Prince Otto,” came to the US with no possessions. He worked hard and ended up in Elk Horn. Prince Otto was a character straight out of a quirky novel – a man with a twinkle in his eye, a top hat, a broad moustache, and a love for the dramatic. He built “Bedstemor’s House” in 1908, a home as unique as he was.
Otto was known for his flamboyant personality and larger-than-life presence. He declared his little corner of Elk Horn a royal domain. Despite his grand gestures, like proposing to a young girl who ultimately turned him down, his house and legacy have stood the test of time.
“Bedstemor’s House” offers a glimpse into early 20th-century Danish American life. Restored with period-appropriate furnishings and artifacts, it provides an authentic representation of domestic life during that era. Visitors can explore traditional Danish furniture, kitchenware, textiles, and more. The house serves as an educational resource, with guided tours and cultural programs highlighting Danish heritage. Located within walking distance of the Danish Windmill and the Museum of Danish America, it is a significant cultural landmark celebrating Danish American history.
That’s all we have time for today. In the next (and final) episode from Elk Horn, we visit the cemetery and meet the legendary Mayor of Elk Horn.
My name is Palle Bo, and I gotta keep moving. See you.
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