A New Life in Uncertain Times: Ingeborg Gullestad’s American Story, 1928–1930s

From Kvinesdal to New York: A World Apart

In April 1928, seventeen-year-old Ingeborg Mathilde Gullestad left Kvinesdal, a small village of about 3,000 people. Her destination was New York, a city of nearly seven million – more than 2,300 times larger than her hometown. She moved from a farm surrounded by fields and mountains to a world of skyscrapers, crowds, and a new language. It was a complete shift in culture, language, and way of life – from the rural and familiar to the urban and unknown.

Visa and Departure – Preparing for the Journey

Ingeborg’s journey came together on short notice. Her brother Hans had planned his trip much earlier, securing his ticket and visa just over two months before departure. For Ingeborg, there was far less time to prepare. Her parents thought it would be safer for her to travel with Hans and their cousin, Ingvald Berntsen Gullestad, rather than making the journey alone later.

Because the departure date was approaching quickly, Ingeborg first had to go to Oslo to arrange both her visa and ticket. She had only a few days to get everything ready before April 13. Ingvald also left from Oslo, and the two boarded the ship Stavangerfjord there. Hans joined them in Stavanger the next day. Nine days later, all three arrived in New York.

Their eldest sister, Anne Kristine, had already lived in New York for three years. Their brother, Selmer Emil, had also recently made the journey. The distance from Kvinesdal to New York was immense – over 7,000 kilometers in a straight line, and about 9,000 kilometers by sea. The Stavangerfjord crossed the Atlantic north of the British Isles, adjusting its course for weather, ocean currents, and port stops.

The only way the four siblings could keep in touch with their family back home was through letters.

Immigration Papers: Who Was Ingeborg When She Arrived?

Neither Hans nor Ingeborg had ever been to America, and neither spoke a word of English. According to the immigration papers, both could read and write Norwegian and were in good physical and mental health. They had blue eyes and blond hair. Ingeborg was 5 feet 7 inches tall, and Hans was 5 feet 10 inches. Hans was listed as a “Laborer,” Ingeborg as “Domestic.” Both had paid for their own passage and carried $25.

They stated they were going to their sister Kristine, but gave different addresses in Brooklyn: Hans wrote 256-19 Street, while Ingeborg listed 3098 Bedford Avenue. This suggests Kristine may have moved that spring – perhaps between February and April, when her siblings applied for their visas.

Kristine’s Journey: The First to Leave

On April 18, 1925, Kristine boarded the Stavangerfjord and left Norway. Ten days later, she arrived in New York – just eighteen, alone, and hopeful for work and opportunity. According to her immigration papers, she could read and write Norwegian but spoke no other languages. She had brown hair and brown eyes, was unmarried, and had paid for her own ticket. Her occupation was listed as “housework,” and her destination was Brooklyn, where she planned to stay with her friend Anna Nilsen. Norwegian migration records note “low earnings” as the reason for her departure.

When Kristine left, Ingeborg was 14, Hans nearly 18, and Selmer 16. The two youngest siblings, Rakel and Astor, were almost 11 and 9. Kristine’s decision and experiences influenced her younger siblings. In Brooklyn, she adapted quickly – learning the language, making friends, and finding work. Her letters home likely gave a positive impression of opportunity and security in her new country.

The Family Back Home in Norway

Three years later, Ingeborg, Hans, and Selmer decided to follow Kristine’s path and seek their fortunes in America. Back on the family farm, only two siblings remained: Rakel (14) and Astor Olaus (11). They were still in elementary school and helped their parents, Hans Asinius and Oline Margrete, now 56 and 42 years old, with the farm work.

Ingeborg’s Early Years

Ingeborg was born in 1910, the middle child in a family of seven – three older and, eventually, three younger. At her birth, her father was nearly 39 and her mother 25. In the national census of December that year, she was recorded as an «unbaptized girl«.

Ten years later, the household included her parents, Hans Asinius and Oline Margrete, and six children: Kristine (14), Hans (13), Selmer (12), Ingeborg (10), Rakel (6), and Astor (4). Most family members had double names, but they usually used only one in daily life.

Although the family officially counted seven children, it was never complete. The first Rakel – the fifth child – died in infancy, before the two youngest were born.

A Profound Loss: Her Sister Rakel

One of Ingeborg’s earliest and most formative memories was the loss of her younger sister Rakel, who died of whooping cough whooping cough at just four months old. Like Ingeborg, Rakel had been baptized on their father’s birthday – Christmas Day.

Ingeborg remembered the loneliness she felt in the attic when her mother asked the three oldest children – Kristine, Hans, and Selmer – to come downstairs and say goodbye to the baby. Ingeborg was told she was too young to see her deceased sister and was left alone, grappling with questions no one would – or could – answer.

Liknes School

Ingeborg started first grade at Liknes School on October 3, 1918. The class had 17 pupils – eight girls and nine boys. Half of the girls came from farming families; the others had fathers who worked as a carpenter, laborer, baker, or tailor. Among the boys, some were sons of farmers, while others came from families of bakers, factory workers, general store owners, and operations manager.

During the twelve-week school year, eight pupils – nearly half the class – came down with whooping cough. Ingeborg was spared, but the illness was not unfamiliar to her. While her classmates recovered and returned to school, Ingeborg already knew that illness didn’t always pass – it could take lives.

Schooling and Subjects

In second grade, the pupils studied the first part of the catechism and the biblical story of Moses’ birth. They also had reading, arithmetic, and time for play. The school year lasted twelve weeks.

In third grade, which lasted fourteen weeks, Ingeborg was present almost every day – only three days were recorded as sick leave. The class read from the New Testament, covering stories up to the Ascension of Jesus, and reviewed the beginning of his ministry. They learned about King Haakon Haakonsson of Norway, and in geography, the focus was on Norway. In singing lessons, they practiced hymns and songs such as «Ja, vi elsker«, «Deilig er den himmel blå«, and «Alle fugle små«. In arithmetic, they worked through the textbook from page 11 to 29. The teacher was Tollak Eiesland.

In fourth grade, Ingeborg attended school with 24 other pupils –12 girls and 13 boys. The school year lasted fourteen weeks. They continued reading from the New Testament and learned about King Sverre of Norway in history. In science, the focus was on the human body, and they also received a brief introduction to electricity. In geography, the theme was Europe. The teacher was T. Verås, who had also taught them in first grade.

Confirmation and New Horizons

In the fall of 1925, the same year her sister Kristine left for America in the spring, Ingeborg was confirmed. By the time she herself emigrated to the United States in the spring of 1928, she had completed five years of primary school. In her migration papers, she stated “better earnings” as her reason for leaving – almost the same explanation Kristine had given three years earlier.

She also knew that her sister had settled well in New York. Kristine had learned English, found a job, and secured a good place to live. She had made new friends, and several others from Kvinesdal had already made the journey. For Ingeborg, it wasn’t just the hope of finding work – it was also the chance to follow in the footsteps of someone who had already shown that it was possible.

A New Life in Brooklyn

When Ingeborg arrived in the United States in the spring of 1928, the country was in the midst of what would later be called the Roaring Twenties. The era was marked by economic growth, rapid social and cultural change, and widespread optimism.

At the time, Calvin Coolidge (1872–1933) was president. He was known for his laissez-faire approach to governance, which had helped strengthen the U.S. economy. In major cities like New York, life moved fast. There was energy, new ideas, and confidence in the future. It was in this atmosphere that Ingeborg settled in Brooklyn with her sister Kristine and began her new life.

Working Life in the Big City

Ingeborg took on various jobs – first as a nanny and housekeeper, later as a secretary in medical and dental offices. Her daily life was shaped by adaptation, work, and new friendships.

At first, navigating a new language was difficult, but she learned quickly – often through mistakes. The children in the family she worked for became her teachers. They laughed when she confused “flies” and “flowers,” asking them to close the windows so the flowers wouldn’t come in. Moments like these were both funny and helpful. She remembered best the lessons that came with laughter.

Stock Market Crash and New Challenges

In March 1929, Herbert Hoover (1874–1964) became president. He promised to continue Coolidge’s economic policies and declared that America was closer than ever to eliminating poverty.

That optimism ended abruptly in October 1929, just a year and a half after Ingeborg arrived in New York. On October 29 – Black Tuesday – the stock market collapsed, triggering an economic crisis that affected all of American society and had a profound impact on the global economy. For many, the crash meant losing jobs, homes, and security.

Ingeborg experienced the crisis firsthand. She lost all her savings but managed because she had no debts or dependents. She knew people who lost everything, and some who never fully recovered. Others managed to get through thanks to resources, networks, or luck. For many, survival required major personal adjustments, hard work, and perseverance.

For a time, Ingeborg’s own situation was uncertain. Yet she adapted and found new opportunities, even in difficult times. 

The Depression Era and Moving to Chicago

In the early 1930s, Ingeborg and her sister moved from Brooklyn to Chicago, where their brother Hans was living. The move was driven by hope of finding work during a time of high unemployment, social unrest, and economic uncertainty.

In Chicago, the gangster Al Capone – “Public Enemy No. 1” – was a well-known figure. Ingeborg later recalled seeing him drive through the city. He was both feared and admired, and the sight left a lasting impression on her.

Challenges and Opportunities

For Ingeborg, this decade was full of contrasts – financial loss and personal adaptation, but also work, community, and new experiences. Eventually, she moved back to New York.

Ørkenen Sur – A Hardship Ingeborg Was Spared

Ingeborg knew that not all migrants fared as well as she and those she personally knew. Even before the Great Depression, a community of destitute Scandinavian immigrants had formed in New York, known as Ørkenen Sur. This area was in the harbor district of Red Hook in Brooklyn – the neighborhood where most Norwegians had settled – and existed for about ten years, from the mid-1920s to the mid-1930s.

Red Hook was originally intended for railroad use but was left undeveloped and eventually became a dumping ground. Here, among scrap metal, abandoned boats, and rusty barrels, a makeshift community emerged, where homeless and unemployed Scandinavians – mostly Norwegians – struggled to survive. At its peak, as many as 500 people may have lived in Ørkenen Sur.

A New Era: The New Deal

In 1933, a political shift occurred: Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882–1945) became president after Herbert Hoover, who had been reluctant to intervene during the crisis. Roosevelt launched the New Deal, a policy in which the government took an active role in creating jobs and stimulating the economy. He promised “a new deal for the American people” and to improve the lives of what he called “the forgotten man.”

Ingeborg and Kristine witnessed how Roosevelt’s initiatives gradually changed the cityscape and daily life. They saw how public works projects brought new activity to the streets, and how hope for the future gradually returned.

A City in Transformation – New York’s Skyline Grows

During the years Ingeborg lived in New York, the city changed dramatically. The most visible symbol of this transformation was the construction of the Empire State Building, completed in 1931. With its 102 floors and a height of 1,250 feet, it was the tallest building in the world. It was so tall, the entire center of Kvinesdal could have fit inside – stacked one floor above another!

Several other iconic buildings were also built during this period: the Chrysler Building (77 floors, completed in 1930), Rockefeller Center (construction began in 1930), Radio City Music Hall (opened in 1932), and the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel (opened in 1931). These buildings transformed the cityscape and made New York a global symbol of modernity and optimism.

Leisure and Community

Although everyday life in New York was centered around work, there was also time for leisure – often spent at the beach or in a park. Ingeborg managed well through the crisis, and photos from this period show a young woman who found her place in the big city. She was eager to learn, fashion-conscious, social, and adaptable.

A Portrait of Significance – Ingeborg at Vang Studio

In the 1930s, many Norwegian immigrants in New York wanted to have their portraits taken. A portrait was more than a picture – it was a way to show oneself and others that life was going well, that one had dignity, style, and hope for the future. Through photography, immigrants could create a new identity while holding on to their roots and affirming ties to both Norway and America.

Knut Vang – A Photographer with Style and Status

One name stood out among those seeking portraits of quality and elegance: Knut Vang. The Norwegian-born photographer opened his own studio in Brooklyn in the late 1920s, just a few years after emigrating from Norway. He quickly became a central figure in the Norwegian-American community.

With technical skill and an artistic eye, Vang captured everything from celebrations and theater performances to portraits of famous Norwegians such as Roald Amundsen, Fridtjof Nansen, and aviation pioneer Thor Solberg, whom he both photographed and filmed in Brooklyn. His work was exhibited and awarded in American photography shows, and he became known as the person to contact for “a truly exceptional photograph”.

Ingeborg in Front of the Camera

In 1932 and 1933, Ingeborg chose to be photographed at Vang Studio – a decision that reflected ambition and awareness. She wanted to be portrayed with the quality that the best Norwegian-American photography could offer. The portraits show a woman firmly rooted in her new life, dressed in fashionable clothes, her gaze steady and confident.

Ingeborg also visited the well-known photography chain Sol Young, where she was photographed wearing a coat she cherished and wore with pride.

The Journey Back

After living in New York and Chicago for more than seven years, Ingeborg decided to return to Norway to visit her parents and her two youngest siblings – especially because her father was in poor health. She was also eager to see the new house the family had built after she left.

In June 1935, she boarded the Bergensfjord along with 510 other passengers, among them the writer Herman Wildenwey and his wife Gisken. During the crossing, Ingeborg got to know both, danced with Herman on the ship’s dance floor, and received a copy of his poetry collection Owls to Athens as a gift, inscribed with a personal dedication:
Miss Ingeborg Gullestad with the compliment of the author and best wishes. Bergensfjord 14th June 1935. Herman Wildewey.

Experiences Along the Way

In a letter to her sister Kristine, written shortly after returning home, Ingeborg described the journey as “very pleasant.” The weather had been so good that she could enjoy the view and life aboard. When the ship docked in Bergen, she went ashore, rode the Fløibanen funicular, and ate at a restaurant – but overindulged in crab and pancakes, making the rest of the trip to Stavanger less comfortable.

After arriving in Kristiansand, she continued her travels with all her luggage loaded into a kind of delivery truck. In Lyngdal, she switched to a private car, but her large travel trunk was left behind and sent the next day. Her brother Astor picked it up by horse.

Home again

In her letter to Kristine, Ingeborg described what it felt like to return to Gullestad: «Here at home, it’s as beautiful as the Garden of Eden. Gullestad is the finest place on earth.» She added that she would never go back to America – «not in a million years.» She was deeply moved by how beautiful everything was and by how strongly she had longed for this place throughout her years abroad.

Yet the joy was tinged with sorrow. She was struck by how much her parents had aged and how her siblings had changed – especially her brother Astor, whom she barely recognized. Her homecoming became both a reaffirmation of belonging, and a poignant reminder of how much time had passed since she left.

A Sudden Loss: Family Tragedy Changes Plans

Just weeks after returning to Norway, Ingeborg faced a devastating loss: her mother died unexpectedly of heatstroke during the hay harvest. The tragedy deeply affected the family and kept Ingeborg in Norway far longer than planned. Although she wrote to her sister in excitement that she would never return to America, life had other plans.

As time passed, Ingeborg realized she wanted to go back. She loved her life in America, with good job opportunities, close friends, and three siblings waiting for her. Returning was an acknowledgment that she belonged to two worlds, living very different lives in each.

A Proposal Before Departure

In Norway, Ingeborg met Olav, who ran the first private secondary school in the area. His dream was to save enough to attend university. Knowing she would soon return to America and unable to offer much financially, Olav proposed just a week before her departure – hoping she would one day come back. Ingeborg hesitated, unable to promise a return, but Olav said he was willing to take the chance.

Back to New York – and a New Crossroads

In May 1936, Ingeborg Gullestad sailed back to New York. Listed as a dental technician, she wore the engagement ring she had recently – and somewhat hesitantly – accepted. During her first weeks back, she stayed with her brother Selmer and his family in Brooklyn.

Soon, she found work as a secretary at a doctor’s office, reconnected with friends and relatives, and enjoyed city life. She was photographed in parks, with friends, and on outings beyond the city – including by a waterfall at Hålend Farm in September 1937. Life in New York was vibrant and social, and the thought of returning to Norway slowly faded.

Ambrose Ryan – An Old Friend

One important reason was Ambrose Ryan, an Irish immigrant and police officer she had known for years – long before meeting Olav. They spent time together during her first stay in the United States, from 1928 to 1935, and reconnected when she returned in 1936. Ambrose had also arrived in New York in the late 1920s, and they shared the experience of being newcomers. Both often spoke about their families and the places they had left behind – Ingeborg about Norway, Ambrose about Ireland.

A Diary in Her Absence

While Ingeborg was building a life in America, Olav remained in Norway. Their daily routines were worlds apart – she was immersed in new ideas and social experiences in one of the world’s great cities, while his life was quieter, shaped largely by his work as a teacher. Ingeborg wasn’t as eager a letter writer as Olav, and weeks could pass without a reply.

In June 1937, feeling restless and uncertain, Olav began writing a diary in English. He titled it Troubled Thoughts and Rare Reflections.

Sorting Through Troubled Thoughts

Page after page, Olav tried to understand what unsettled him. Was it the season? Financial worries? Or something deeper? The more he wrote, the clearer it became: it was longing for Ingeborg. Her silence – more than six weeks without a letter – made him question everything. Did he truly love her? He asked himself outright and searched for an honest answer.

He concluded that he did. Not only because he missed her presence, but because he wanted to share life with her: the conversations, the quiet moments, the plans, and the everyday routines. Writing became his way to untangle emotions and hold on to hope that she was still thinking of him.

A Choice Between Two Lives

Eventually, Ingeborg confirmed that she was. She missed him – and life back home – more than she had allowed herself to admit. After two years, she decided to return for good.

She bought a white silk wedding dress and packed her suitcase. Just before leaving, she received a green jade ring from Ambrose. She had initially declined – after all, she was about to marry someone else – but Ambrose insisted: “Keep it as a memory.” The ring was a farewell gift.

On June 18, 1938, Ingeborg left America – and Ambrose Ryan – behind to begin a life in Norway with Olav Fintland.

For Olav, it was pure joy. In the last letter he sent before Ingeborg was due to travel, he wrote:

Easter was quiet this year. I went home Wednesday morning and returned on the third day. There was no snow, so I lay on the bench at home each day and rested. And thought of you.

And now you’re coming. I almost have to pinch myself to be sure it’s not a dream. Imagine – it’s been two years since you left. We had fun that spring, but it will be nothing compared to how good this summer will be.

I hardly know how to write what I want to say – I’m dizzy with joy. Hurrah! All my love to you, dear. Olav

On New Year’s Eve 1938, Ingeborg wore the white silk wedding dress she had bought in New York. The wedding was celebrated at the Gullestad family farm – marking the start of a new chapter in her life.

Migration and Memory: A Personal Story

Ingeborg Gullestad’s story offers a personal and unique insight into how one life can illuminate the experience of a Norwegian emigrant in 1930s America. Her photographs present a version of the American Dream, portraying a woman who was discerning, sociable, adaptable, and optimistic.

These images offer a perspective on migration history that differs from what we typically find in textbooks. They bring one individual’s journey to life and remind us that history is also shaped by close and personal stories.

The exhibition was created by Ine Fintland (Senior Archivist and granddaughter of Ingeborg Gullestad) and Synnøve Østebø (Archivist).

We received valuable assistance from Almina Jazavac (Higher Executive Officer), Rebekka Rostrup (Senior Adviser), Hanne Karin Sandvik (Senior Adviser), Eivind Skarung (Senior Adviser), and Sissel Eltvik Wang (Senior Adviser).

The article was originally written in Norwegian and translated into English using Copilot, based on the prompt: “Translate idiomatically for an American audience. The article will be published on the website of the National Archives of Norway. Use terminology appropriate for a U.S. readership, and ensure the language is clear and concise.” The final version was reviewed and edited by Ine Fintland and Janet B. Martin (Senior Advisor) for clarity and accuracy.

Would you like to explore other stories?

• Migration and Memory
• Explore more photos from Ingeborg Gullestad’s private archive in the Digital Archives
• Discover archival records about migration and emigration