Once Upon a Farm - Solberg homestead #1

by Peter Herman

Title

Once Upon a Farm - Solberg homestead #1

Artist

Peter Herman

Medium

Photograph - Photograph

Description

According to a 1910 plat map, this location in Benson County was settled by a Norwegian farmer named Ole Solberg (I don’t know his wife’s name). Their son, Clarence, and his wife Estrella occupied it after Ole. The house, barn, and out-buildings were probably built around 1900, but I'm not sure of the history in that regard. One of the photos posted is a name (O. Solberg) carved into a board inside the large barn so this matches the plat map information. Interestingly, the barn loft is still piled high with hay, and is home to a resident owl(s) and a thousand mice! I have shot the location on many occasions, and here is a batch from most recent visit in May, along with a few of of my favorites from prior visits/years. Sadly the house has been badly vandalized - all windows broken, etc. which greatly accelerates its decay. Also, the south foundation has collapsed inward several feet, leaving a large span of main floor unsupported, which does not bode well for this grand old farm home's future longevity.

I have many other images of/from this location - just search "Solberg" to view them all.

Images captured June 7 2021

Uploaded

July 21st, 2021

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