WIOTA — Nearly 100 relatives, ranging in age from 2 to 99, and from six states gathered at The General Store banquet hall near Wiota for the biennial Gilbertson-Sogn Family Reunion over the weekend of Aug. 12-13. This family reunion has taken place regularly since 1921.
On Sunday, Aug. 13, a full reunion program was provided to the delight of all who attended. The day began at 11 a.m. with a coffee hour followed by lunch at 12:30 p.m., both of which afforded many opportunities for family members to get reacquainted. Prize drawings and recognition awards added some spice to the day.
Family history narratives were on display throughout the day. Attendees were also treated to a family heirloom presentation by Rev. Fred Thoni and Louise Engel that included a number of items that were brought to America from Norway in 1852 by the immigrant family. Most notable among these artifacts were an embroidered wedding skirt, a lace wedding veil, and a sterling silver spoon that date to the 1790’s.
Jan Wagner reported on progress on the third edition of her book, “So Many Cousins”, that is nearing completion and has grown to over 800 pages in length. Ron Martin served as emcee for the day.
Bill Hendrickson and Russell Nelson ended the event with a strong rendition of Norway’s national anthem “Ja, Vi Elsker Dette Landet.” A special thanks is extended to Dan and Mary Monson who made their facility available to host this reunion.
Saturday, Aug. 12, was a special day for descendants wishing a deeper understanding of their family history. The day began with lunch at the Viking Café in Blanchardville, followed by tours of three family church cemeteries: Yellowstone and Apple Grove Lutheran Churches near Argyle, and East Wiota Lutheran Church. Almost 40 relatives participated in these activities that were highlighted by a visit to the stone farmhouse built by immigrant ancestor, Ole Gilbertson, in 1864 on the original Sogn family homestead. The house is situated on East Lamont Road about four miles west of Argyle. The day ended with a welcome stop at The General Store near Wiota.
In 1852, the Gilbertson-Sogn family’s ancestors emigrated from Hadeland, Norway to America and began farming in the rolling hills of Argyle in Lafayette County, which reminded them of the hills in Norway. The eight children of this pioneer family and their descendants have formed the basis of reunions for the past century.
Of the eight descendant families, six were represented at this year’s reunion. The Andersons were the largest group represented with 33 attendees. Other family branches attending were: the Monson family (25), the Watrud family (15), the Halverson family (5), the Alm family (4), and the Nelson family (9).
Two members representing the Vinger family, who are more distantly related, also attended. In addition to the many celebrants from Wisconsin, family members traveled from Minnesota, Illinois, Ohio, New Jersey, and Florida to participate in this gathering.
The next Gilbertson-Sogn Family Reunion will take place in the Stanley-Boyd area in August 2025.
