By Jason Sethre
Publisher
Fillmore County Journal
jason@fillmorecountyjournal.com
Like many families in this area, our ancestors settled in this region in the early 1850s. Our ancestors migrated from Eidsvoll, Norway, to make a home for themselves in Amherst Township in 1854.
Today, David and Lori Bakke live on the family farm that was the Sethre family farm from 1854 to 1976.
This is where my great-grandfather Martin and his five siblings grew up together: Henry, Selmer, Aleda, Clara and Johannes.
Every 10 years for quite a few decades the descendants of the Sethre family have gathered in Lanesboro to reconnect the common denominator of our ancestry.
It’s quite remarkable, really, how it all comes together. I recall attending my first Sethre family reunion in 1991, and then again in 2001 and 2011. Due to COVID, we didn’t have a reunion in 2021. Instead, the reunion was held this summer.
With nearly 100 family members from all over the U.S., we had representation from South Carolina, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, California, Colorado, Texas, Tennessee, Idaho, Florida, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Virginia, Washington, Oregon, New York, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and even Norway.
I commend the Clara family branch for bringing everyone together. All of the decisions and communication that needs to take place for an event like this ranks up there with coordinating a wedding.
Over the course of three days in late July, we commenced with Sethre festivities. We were welcomed at the Sons of Norway in Lanesboro in the afternoon, followed by a wonderful dinner at the Branding Iron in Preston. The staff at the Branding Iron, led by owners Dale and Becky Koch, did a wonderful job of taking care of our large group.
As I made my way around to converse with family members, I learned that people were staying in hotels and B&Bs throughout the Lanesboro, Preston and Wykoff areas. Historic Scanlan House, Stone Mill Inn & Suites, Country Lodge Inn & Suites, Root River Inn & Suites, Cottage House Inn, and Green Gables Inn — just to name a few.
I also chatted with many family members about places they had eaten at during their visit, as they asked me for recommendations. The B & B Bowl and Restaurant in Preston came up a number of times, and people loved it. Prior to the visit, I had shared a copy of our magazine via www.visitbluffcountry.com, since that provides a lot of options for anyone visiting the area.
For Saturday morning, we visited David and Lori Bakke’s farm (once known as the Sethre farm) for a couple of hours. David and Lori are always so welcoming to our large family gathering. For every reunion, we meet out at the farm and take a big group picture in front of the farmhouse. Thanks to Lori for also taking our family picture!
As I mentioned to family members throughout the reunion, what we have with this reunion isn’t very common. It’s actually pretty special that our families all stay connected, considering our descendants came to America over 170 years ago. It’s quite amazing that we are able to maintain the connections and that everyone wants to get together.
Following pictures at the Bakke farm, some family members went to Decorah to partake in Nordic Fest. Others went on the Root River with the help of Root River Outfitters.
That evening, we gathered again for supper at the Lanesboro Community Center. Following supper, the kids gathered outside to play at Sylvan Park.
The Sethre family reunion wrapped up with a visit to Elstad Lutheran Church on Sunday.
Throughout the entire visit, I had quite a number of family members ask me about what life was like living in this area. So many of our extended family said they loved the area, and they were thinking of coming back for a family vacation.
They noticed that you didn’t have to use the crosswalks at intersections. People just cross the street anywhere, and that seems to be OK.
They asked about crime, and I shared that we have very little crime. As I shared with many, if you don’t like having everyone know what you’re up to, you don’t want to live here. Everyone knows everyones’ business, and that probably attributes to lower crime activity.
I told them about our small graduating class sizes ranging from 12 to 72 students depending on which school district each year.
And, I mentioned that some of the auto repair shops will pick up your vehicle at your place of work or at your home (if you leave the keys in there), get your oil changed, and bring your vehicle back to you.
As I described life in the area, there were references to Norman Rockwell posters and Mayberry made quite a bit.
From all of these out-of-town family members, I kept hearing about how everyone is so nice and friendly in our area.
As I reflect on this reunion, I have a few thoughts.
First, 10 years is a long time. A lot changes over that amount of time, and it seems too long. Many of our cousins talked about getting together more frequently. It seems like weddings and funerals have become the only time families get together as they get older.
As I get older, I appreciate learning about my family history (or history, in general).
We are very blessed to live in such an amazing area. Yes, there’s the natural beauty of the landscape. Rolling hills, bluffs, winding rivers, wildlife. That’s all amazing. But, more importantly, it’s the people. We are great hosts for the thousands of people who come to visit what we like to call “God’s Country.”
Our family reunion is just one group getting together once every 10 years. There are so many people coming to this area on a regular basis.
It’s great to hear that people visiting the area notice how nice and friendly we are toward guests of this region. While we may just be going about our business, how we treat people does get noticed.
And, I do believe that “Minnesota Nice” is contagious.
Photo by Lori Bakke
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