This April, 2007, marks the 120th anniversary of the first publication of the Normanden, a Norwegian language newspaper published both in Grand Forks and Fargo.

When we think of early North Dakotan immigrants, we often recall stories of small sod huts and back-breaking work. The struggles these immigrants faced adjusting to a new society are recalled less often, but are just as important to the immigrants’ story. The Norwegian language press was vitally important to the Norwegian immigrants’ life. They were not likely to understand enough English to easily adapt to American culture or institutions, and the papers provided the necessary news about the settlers’ new home, America. The Norwegian newspapers were also a welcomed source of information concerning the settler’s native Norway.

The number of Norwegian language newspapers published in the United States increased with Norwegian immigration. Eventually 575 Norwegian newspapers would be established in 25 states. Minnesota saw the publication of 200 Norwegian language newspapers, and Chicago alone boasted 76 Norwegian publications! Of course there were a large number of Norwegian language newspapers published in North Dakota as well, 62 in total.

Similar to the other papers circulating in the country, North Dakota’s Norwegian papers focused on a variety of topics. Some Norwegian newspapers focused on local news. Some publications were broader in scope and covered world affairs. Some papers covered only secular news, while others were published by a variety of religious groups and churches.
By 1911, with a circulation of over 9,000, the Normanden was North Dakota’s largest newspaper, and was printed entirely in Norwegian. Although first published to promote prohibition, the Normanden served North Dakota as an important source of local and international news, opinion and entertainment. The Normanden, even while reporting news and entertainment focused it’s reporting on the political concerns of North Dakota’s Norwegian population. Many Norwegians who settled in America were resolute in the idea that they should do as much as possible to fully represent themselves in the government. Norwegian Americans wished to use political representation to show their status as equal members in the American experience. The Grand Forks Normanden, first published this month in 1887 kept the Norwegian-American political activists informed of the activities of North Dakotan Norwegian politicians and served as a source of news to Norwegian immigrants throughout North Dakota.

Written by Lane Sunwall

Sources:
Olaf, Morgan Norlie, Norwegian-American Papers (1847-1946). Northfield, MN: Eilron Mimeo Press, 1946.
Sherman, William C., Warren A. Henke, Theodore B. Pedeliski, Playford V. Thorson, Timothy J. Kloberdanz, Robert P. Wilkins, North Dakota’s Ethnic History: Plains Folk. Fargo ND: North Dakota State University Press, 1988.

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