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This is the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Elk Township where our parents were members, and all four of us were confirmed.  I was baptized there too.  I learned from Lorraine that this is where Lillian and Mick met at a Luther League meeting probably in 1939 or 1940.  This building replaced the earlier church that was struck by lightning in 1945 and burned down.  Reconstruction was delayed because materials were nearly impossible to get during WW II.....Ken Gregersen

Louise shared taking her mother, Ella, to Ellis Island.  Ella remembered the green steps and green benches.  There were doctors at the top of the stairs and those that couldn’t climb the stairs were sent back to their origination.


Louise says she can’t imagine how Ella got from Ellis Island to the train station in New York City and ending up in Riceville.  Ella’s brother-in-law, Adolph (Marie’s husband) was to meet the train but was delayed and so the depot agent’s wife took Ella to their home for the night....Louise Swanson

 “Stairs to the Registry Room:  The immigration process began on the winding stairs that led to the Registry Room. Doctors stood on the second floor and watched each person. They looked for people who had trouble walking or breathing or showed signs of other health problems.” (Scholastic Website)

Pictures from the Samuelson camera with guests from Denmark

Pictures from the Samuelson camera  - In Denmark, 1975

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