The Orphans' Home, organized eight years ago, looms magnificently on a nicely trimmed knoll, overlooking a wizard landscape. Rev. Tollefsen is the father of the institution, but the people in general have given to it their unreserved support.
Orphans' Home at Poulsbo.
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During recent years, Poulsbo has made quick strides forward, no less than four stores and two hotels combine to signalize its progress. Langeland and Eliason are thrifty grocers; Alf Hostmark conducts an establishment of similar nature; Thos. Hegdahl is a prosperous furniture dealer and L. Christensen a dry goods merchant. The farmers around Poulsbo have tendered ready hands to any project tending to advance the interest of their villa. Steiner Thoreson and T. Paulson have been active exponents in the divers avenues of melioration, and A. V. Paulson, an ex-teacher of the public schools, has never been lagging when a new enterprise was to be rooted. Ole Thompson, A. Talakson, A. O. Hagan, Chris. Williams and Ole Nelson figure among the early settlers. They are thrifty farmers and have contributed their time and energy for the good of the community. Nils Atleson, though recent colonist, has shared the burden of pushing the place to the front. He is the leader of the United Lutheran church, and a man of intelligence and pluck. K. G. Steen and others have also proved worthy factors where skill and energy shine pre-eminently.
The country surrounding Poulsbo is mostly peopled with Scandinavians. Pearson, across the bay, is a thriving community, principally settled with intelligent Swedes, who have spared no time to make their terra firma attractive.
Breidablik, the home of the Paulson family, is an inviting place. As we recede further from Poulsbo we come to Seabold where many Scandinavians breathe happiness and prosperity. A short distance from this village lives C. Sanders, who was born in Sweden and came to Port Madison thirty-five years ago. There are also other old settlers as A. M. Anderson and Chas. Olson. Across a pleasant elevation of land slowly falling to the sea we find the flower-besprinkled Rollingbay, where some early pioneers contend happily with the wild billows of the world. Martin Sunnes, Dona Falk, Andrew Sornsen, Nils Peterson, Peter Bye, T. Siverson, Mrs. Hanna Johnson and C. Johnson were the first adventurers.
There are other scattered Scandinavian settlements, but let it suffice, for this volume, by taking a step to Shelton, Mason county. Here we find the well-known Professor G. B. Gunderson and other prominent Scandinavians. Prof. Gunderson has served the people of his county as superintendent of the public schools and as representative in the legislature, with marked ability and success.