The Valley Grove Churches

Built in 1894 (left) and 1862 (right)

Prof. Maakestad

Professor Emeritus John Maakestad speaking at Valley Grove Church

Wes Swanson & Joseph Shaw

In the Valley Grove cemetery, with the Veblen stone in the background

Veblen Farmstead Historical Marker

The Veblens lived in Wisconsin from their arrival in 1847 until 1865, when they moved to Minnesota. They were attracted to this area by the good farmland and the presence of several relatives nearby.

In 1864 Thomas Veblen bought 200 acres of unimproved land surrounding this site. In 1865 he purchased another 90 acres of partly cultivated land just east of what is now Norstrand Woods State Park. The family lived in a house on the smaller farm following their arrival in July 1865.

Work soon began on the new house. Foundation stones were quarried in what is now Norstrand Woods State Park and hauled to this site during the winter. By the fall of 1866 the foundation walls had been completed and covered with a temporary roof. The family moved in late that year. The shell of the house was probably erected in 1867 and the house assumed its final form about 1870. The barn was erected around 1872.

Veblen House

(con'td) The site operated as a farm until 1970. The homestead was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

The survival of the farm buildings is due principally to the efforts of the Veblen Preservation Project, which raised funds to purchase the abandoned buildings and surrounding 10 acres in 1982 and which made critical repairs. In 1992 a private individual purchased the property and assumed responsiblity for its restoration. Thanks to the dedication and cooperative efforts of many individuals and groups, the house of Minnesota's "disturbing genius" and this remarkable family has been preserved and meticulously restored as a reminder of Norwegian-American immgrant life in the last half of the nineteenth century.

Architect Steve Edwins

showing historical photos of the Veblen House

The Vang Church

previously known as the Valdres Church

Interior of the Vang Church

Tour participants in the sanctuary of the Vang Church

Tour Guide Joseph Shaw

Author and tour guide Joseph Shaw speaking at Vang Church

Oliver Lundebrek & Lee Haugen

At the Vang Church Cemetery

Holden Church

Tour participants in the sanctuary of Holden Church