Title: Rosanna Gutterud Johnsrud Papers, 1904-1984

ID: OGLMC397

Primary Creator: Johnsrud, Rosanna Gutterud (1912-2002)

Extent: 0.5 Linear Feet

Date Acquired: 00/00/1977. More info below under Accruals.

Subjects: Ethnicity - Norwegian, Literary, Theater and Film, Women's History

Languages: English, Norwegian

Rosanna Gutterud was born on a farm near Fairdale, North Dakota, on March 19, 1912. She was the oldest daughter of Thorvald and Minnie Gutterud. She married Emore Johnsrud on November 26, 1937, in Grafton. Emore was a native of Fertile, Minnesota, and born September 26, 1904. The couple had one daughter and one son. Sonja was born April 2, 1939, followed by her brother Robert on November 3, 1940.

Emore worked for the Soo Line Railroad for over 39 years, 28 of which were spent in Dahlen, North Dakota. He also spent two years as Dahlen’s constable. The Johnsruds moved to Grand Forks following Emore’s retirement. Both were active in the Dahlen Lutheran Church and the Sons of Norway. The entire family was very interested in music, and each member of the family played a different instrument: Emore–accordion; Rosanna–violin; Sonja–piano; and Robert–guitar.

Rosanna also had a special interest in writing. She composed her first play, Dronning Aase fra Slottek, (English translation: Queen Aase from the Castle) in January 1937. The play was entirely written, composed and performed in Norwegian, and debuted at the 17th of May celebration in Dahlen in 1937. The play was also performed in Fargo, as well as Moorhead and Fergus Falls, Minnesota.

Her second play, The King and the Kingdom, was performed several times by the Dahlen Lutheran Church, in addition to being seen in Fordville and Nash, North Dakota. A third play, Restauration, was written in 1975. Both of these titles were written in English. Rosanna also composed and published poetry. Her first published poem was written when she was only 17 years old. She has also written several articles which have appeared in various Norwegian-American publications. In addition, she also co-authored 50th Anniversary of Dahlen, North Dakota: 1912-1962.

Emore Johnsrud passed away December 15, 1995, in Bloomington, Minnesota, at the age of 91 years. Rosanna continued to live in Bloomington until her death April 9, 2002, at the age of 90 years.

Ethnicity - Norwegian
Literary
Theater and Film
Women's History

Repository: Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections

Accruals: Additional materials were donated by Rosanna Gutterud Johnsrud on February 22, 1979 (79- 575) and by Dr. Playford Thorson, Grand Forks, North Dakota, on February 16, 1982 (82-963), April 10, 1996 (96-2076), and in May 2005 (2005-2774)

Access Restrictions: Open for inspection under the rules and regulations of the Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections.

Acquisition Source: Rosanna Gutterud Johnsrud

Acquisition Method: Donation; 77-403

Preferred Citation: (Description of Item). Rosanna Gutterud Johnsrud Papers. OGLMC 397, Box #, Folder #. Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections. Chester Fritz Library. University of North Dakota.

Finding Aid Revision History: Finding aid added to Archon in March 2013.