Davidson, Bertha

Davidson, Bertha

• 1978-04-25 (Creation)

2 file folders
1 sound cassette
2 compact discs

This interview was conducted with Ida Apalseth on July 26, 1982 in Tacoma, Washington. It contains information on family background, emigration, settling in, marriage and family life, church, and community activities. The interview was conducted in English.

Also see Ida's interview on the Daughters of Norway.

Folder Contents

Box 8, File 14 Personal and Family History
Tape Archive Sheet, Family Background and Tape Index

Box 8, File 14A Correspondence and Forms
Checklist and Release Form
Letters from Janet Rasmussen regarding Mrs. Apalseth’s participation.
Handwritten Tape Archive Sheet and Family Background

Interviewed by Inger Nygaard Carr
Transcribed by Mary Sue Gee, Julie Peterson and Becky Husby
Encoded by Kerstin Ringdahl & Amity Smetzler
Recording Quality: Good

Ole Davidson (husband) oral history interview

Biographical Note

Bertha Davidson was born on January 7, 1892 in Østby, Norway. She was the youngest of four girls and one boy and immigrated to America with a neighbor when she was sixteen. Bertha moved 'just for fun' and did not plan on staying for more than a year but ended up staying for five. The neighbor was attending Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, and Bertha stayed there as well to learn English.

When she first returned to Norway, she felt she had changed and nothing was there for her anymore. She returned to Concordia College where she knew Dr. Aasgaard, Concordia's president from 1911-1925. Dr. Aasgaard introduced Bertha to Ole K. Davidson (OK) who was studying at the seminary. When he finished his studies there, the two were married and moved to Glendive, Montana, where they stayed for seven years.

Bertha had many responsibilities as a pastor's wife, including entertaining, hostessing, housing other pastors, and heading various church organizations. She also taught Sunday school and sang in the choir, which left her little free time. In Glendive, their son Paul was born. Following Glendive, the family moved to California for five years, where they had several churches in North Sacramento. They later moved to Portland, Oregon and finally to Tacoma, Washington, where they settled for good.

Lineage

Full Name: Bertha Davidson
Maiden Name: Bertha Østby
Father: Asmund Østby
Brothers and Sisters: Rachel, plus two other sisters and one brother
Spouse: Ole K. (O.K.) Davidson
Children: Paul Davidson