THE WAUPACA COUNTY POST

March 26, 1992

 

WHEN THEN WAS NOW

By Wayne A. Guyant

 

            Recently I received a phone call from Mrs. Johnny Hansen, the former Beatrice Darling, asking if I would be interested in seeing an old original document, dated September 6, 1888.  It was the confirmation for membership of Christ Nelson to become a member of the De Danske Hjem (Danes Home).

            This interested me very much, so I went to see her.

            In my article about the Danes Home that appeared in the Waupaca County Post, October 24, 1991, I made mention that the De Danske Hjem was the first lodge to organize for social and literary purposes.  The constitution and bylaws were adopted and the name De Danske Hjem (Danes Home) was adopted.  The bylaws provided that all males born to Danish parents, 18 years of age or older, who were able to read and speak the Danish language, be eligible for membership.  This document of confirmation for membership in the De Danske Hjem is a part of the history of Waupaca, and especially the Danes Home.

            Mrs. Hansen was quite concerned as to where this document could best be saved and preserved for future generations to see.  Mrs. Hansen plans to have the document laminated and framed.  The Hutchinson House seemed to us to be the logical place, if it was to be property displayed in their glass showcase where the public could view this old original document.

            For those who may be wondering who Christ Nelson was, I did a little research and came up with a brief account for this young Dane, who had applied for membership in the Danes Home.  The original document was written in Danish, but this is the translation in English:

            “The Danes Home, Danes Home Hall 6^th Sept., 1888.  To the President and members of the association of D.D.H.  The undersigned who were chosen as a committee to interview Mr. Christ Nelson’s application and therewith report.  Having done the necessary questions in regard to his health, morals and character, we recommend him to membership in association of De Danske Hjem, Signed by the committee, C.P. Dall, Mary Bendixen and Thorvald Nelson.”

            Christ Nelson was born at Lolland, Denmark, November 14, 1862, a son of Nels Christensen and Anna Christenson, Christ Nelson’s name was derived from the Christ in Christensen and adding “sons” to Nels.  This is a Danish and Norwegian system of name changes.

            Christ Nelson came to the Town of Lind when only 11 years old with his parents.  His parents are buried in the Lind Center Cemetery.

            Christ Nelson was married to Mary Gabrielson, March 3, 1892, and they had five children born to them – Frances, Mae, Levi, Roy W., and infant son who died.

            Christ Nelson died August 19, 1942, and is buried in the Waupaca cemetery, along with his wife, who died in 1955.

            Frances Nelson married Fred H. “Ted” Smith, April 3, 1912.  Fred H. Smith died June 29, 1959 and is buried in Waupaca, while Frances, his wife, who is now 98 years old, is living at the Bethany Home.  They had three sons and three daughters:  Glenn, Fred Jr., Ronald, Ethelyn, Lois and Shirley.

 

News Flash

            Waupaca newspaper, August 8, 1929:  “Three planes of the George A. Whiting Airport will fly at the Bucknell farm near the Barton schoolhouse, five miles west of Waupaca, Sat.-Sun., August 10-11.  One plane is a six-passenger monoplane, also a stunting exhibition, Elwyn West, chief pilot.  Planes and pilots are government licensed.”

 

 

(For further information on Smith family see “Webb Restaurant” article dated April 23, 1992)