Laursen, Anna

Laursen, Anna

• 1978-05-24 (Creation)

2 file folders
1 sound cassette
2 compact discs

This interview was conducted with Anna Laursen on May 24, 1978 in Tacoma, Washington. It includes information on Anna's family background, emigration, settling in, marriage and family, Danish heritage, Danish organizations, and church. The interview was conducted in English.

Folder Contents

Box 1, File 10 Personal and Family History
Tape Archive Sheet, Tape Index, and Family Background

Box 1, File 10A Correspondence and Forms
Checklist and Release Form
Handwritten Tape Archive Sheet and Family Background

Interviewed by Steve Melton
Transcribed by Mary Sue Gee, Julie Peterson and Becky Husby
Encoded by Kerstin Ringdahl & Amity Smetzler
Recording Quality: Excellent

Biographical Note

Anna Johanna Kristina Laursen was born on June 11, 1896 in Copenhagen, Denmark. When her father lost his job, he decided to immigrate to America with his wife and two children. Anna's father and brother went first and were soon followed by Anna and her mother.

They settled in Tacoma, Washington near Anna's mother's uncle who owned a berry farm in Puyallup, Washington. Anna's father bought a house in the Oakland area near 33rd and South Adams. Anna was eighteen at the time and thrilled to be in America. Anna met her husband, Marinus Laursen, at a Danish church and was married when she was twenty. Marinus was also born in Denmark and had obtained his American citizenship in 1910.

Anna and Marinus had five children: Elmer, Elsie, Norma, Betty, and Richard. After Richard was seven or eight, Anna opened a variety store with a neighbor and later went on to work in a cleaning shop when Richard was twelve. Anna and Marinus were very active in the community. Marinus belonged to the Danish Brotherhood and Anna to the Sisterhood. These organizations gave them many social opportunities including cards, dances, and meetings. Anna was also involved in a Danish church, the Oakland Church, and the PTA. Anna and Marinus subscribed to Danish newspapers for many years, but Anna never insisted that the children learn Danish as well. She believed their American schoolwork was the first priority. Anna and Marinus lived in Tacoma for sixty-two years.

Lineage

Full Name: Anna Johanna Kristina Laursen
Maiden Name: Anna Johanna Kristina Nielsen
Brothers and Sisters: One brother
Spouse: Marinus Laursen
Children: Elmer Laursen, Elsie Laursen, Norma Laursen, Betty Laursen, Richard Laursen