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March 28, 2008
ANITA ALAN Carmel, CA
Throughout Norway, cities and small towns amass the most remarkable outdoor museums! Here in Oslo,
the Open-Air Museum holds the largest of these cultural parks. Over 150 structures take us back
in history to 1200 AD—if you include Gol Stave Church. Take the horse and buggy to get an
overview of this complex collection of medieval buildings. We found them arranged over the acreage
as though a small town remained, and the city grew up around it. In most instances, the homes and
farm buildings have sod roofs. The inviting houses left us with the sense that we had been dropped
back in time and were being given the skills necessary to survive. We landed in a simpler era with
simpler tools, but with everything needed to shelter, farm, cook, and nurture the human body and
spirit.
Simply Decorative
Whether carved or painted or both, Norwegians of this period did not like leaving their wood undecorated.
Carved entrance posts and doors, and in some cases iron strapping, welcomed the guest. Inside
the homes, functional design features gave large families space—mainly by the wise use
of builtins, often carved and painted to provide occupants with a sense of warmth during dark
winters. Imagine all the energy we now waste on moving basic furniture from one place to another!
Norwegian built-ins one to two centuries ago took the form of open-hearth stoves, abundant cabinetry,
built-in beds, and hide-a-beds. Nothing could be more practical or efficient. Many places we
walked into, it appeared we could bring bedding, linens, and kitchen supplies—and simply
move in! No need to await the moving van or buy furniture! Perhaps “re-use” started here. If
so, it is taking us a long time to comprehend the lesson. Built-ins also have insulating qualities.
It seems such a basic principle. You move in and simply redecorate if the rosemaling or other
trim did not suit your taste. In those less mobile days, the Norse families seem to have had
some solutionsolutions we should consider employing today.
At the Open-Air Museum, guides wore colorful Norwegian folk costumes to match the era of each
home. How fortunate for us that we arrived on a summer Sunday and in time for the last set of folk
dancing for the day. Most guides and dancers hired over the summer are college students on break.
What an ideal location for continuing their education. Students at the Folk Museum can study Sami
culture and folk art, including folk costumes. Additionally, they can learn and/or demonstrate
various handicrafts, animal husbandry, baking, weaving, knitting, pottery, candle making, blacksmith
and silversmith work, as well as other skills they seldom encounter in today’s classrooms.
Royal Decree King Oscar II of Sweden and Norway created the Open-Air Museum in 1898 as a means of improving relations between citizens and royalty. The collection was the world’s first outdoor museum. The park welcomes all ages. Children even have their own historic playground and can view antique toys. Children and adults have a fascinating view of a turnof- the-century dentist’s office, with tools that look strikingly familiar to those of today. The museum has a grocery store from the 1700s and a post office from 1937. Finally, one memorable treat: “Lefse!” This delicious pan bread, baked on an open hearth, requires at least a slight taste of butter. Its aroma brought us (and all who were in the vicinity) inside to buy a pie shaped wedge. Lefse ingredients: potatoes, heavy cream, butter, sugar, salt, and flour. Whatever you do, search for the complete recipe!
PHOTOS: 1. This angled fence resists the effects of wind and snow. 2. Visitors gather to watch the last dance of the day. 3. Honey bee gathers wild flower pollen. 4. A well-coordinated toddler in Christiana Square heads for the Olympics. 5. Christiana Square, restored to the 1600’s. Above: 6. Guide shows a built-in, fold-away bed that allowed full use of the cabin floor space during the day. 7.King Oscar II assembled the Folkemuseum in 1898 to establish better relations with his people. 8. Child awaits freshbaked lefse. Its sweet aroma wafts along the outdoor-museum trails. 9. Baby crib with child’s built-in bed in background. 10. Student guide waits for the folk dancing to begin. All photos by Anita Alan.
Norwegian American Weekly
