Norwegian Stabbur Graces Minnesota Farm

Norwegian Stabbur Graces Minnesota Farm AG WORLD Ag World 12-3-19 Visit the Donald Peterson farm near Milan, Minn., and you'll find a little bit of old Norway - a traditional Norwegian "stabbur," an ornately decorated storehouse made of white pine logs and topped with a sod roof, bell housing and weathervane. The "stabbur," a gift from a Norwegian friend, has attracted more than 500 visitors since it was erected last year. "Stabburs", which are designed to be mouse proof, stand on 4 concrete pillars. They have been used for centuries to store dried meat, vegetables, flat bread, off-sea-Son clothing and bedding. In the summer, youngsters would often sleep in the upper story. In Norway, where some "stabburs" are 500 years old, their use has declined. However, they're now making a comeback as reminders of the past, according to the Petersons. The Petersons' "stabbur" was designed and given to them by Halyard Pettersen of Vinstra, Norway. Pettersen is a taxi cab driver and cafe owner who en joys designing the decorative storehouses as a hobby. The Petersons met Pettersen at a funeral in Moorhead, where the Norwegian man has relatives. They invited him to visit their home, and he did so several times. He built the "stabbur" for the Petersons as a sign of thanks for gifts his family had received from the Americans after World War II, and for the hospitality and friend-ship shown him by Americans during visits back and forth across the ocean. Materials for the "stabbur" were assembled in a large crate in Fron, Norway, and shipped from Oslo last October in a Russian ship. They came to Montreal, Quebec, and were sent in the original crate by rail to St. Paul, Minn. From there, the materials were trucked to the Peterson farm, where they arrived last November. Peterson says he's using the "stabbur" mainly as a showcase, not as a storehouse. Its sod roof is constructed in 7 layers with boards, plastic, dirt and sod. Grasses and pasture flowers will grow there this summer. The door hinges and the lock are made of black wrought iron. A heavy, 9-in. long key is used to open it. Inside, visitors are welcomed by a blond, blue-eyed mannakin wearing a colorful Norwegian dress and seated in a chair. The 2 levels of the "stabbur" are connected by a unique stairway - footsized notches are carved into each step, one for the left foot and one for the right foot. The building is wired for electricity. Other than the mannakin, an ornate Norwegian trunk is the only furnishing inside. Donald's wife, Alta, hopes to eventually have 2 bunk beds; made from a Norwegian pattern, installed. For more information, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Donald Peterson, Rt. 1, Box 175, Milan, Minn. 66262 (ph 612 734-4891).

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