A Story of Immigrants

“On the boats and on the plane, They’re coming to America, Never looking back again, They’re coming to America” (Neil Diamond)

John Gutskalt Frette and his new bride Ingeborg Kristine Frette left Norway June 2nd, 1894 ,arriving June 16th, 1894 on Ellis Island. By train they made their way to Grand Forks, North Dakota and with two trunks and two pieces of luggage they managed the thirteen miles to their homestead in Americus Township, SE ¼ Section 3.The descendants of this pioneering couple are filled with pride and respect for their bravery, and grateful for the lives they have built in the land of the free.

When we were visiting Frette, Norway in the 1980s I visited a small grocery store.  I told the owner I was
a Frette and I had come to visit.  He said “just a minute I have something for you”  He brought
out this sign and said he had just put up a new one and I could have it.  
 
Frette, Norway is located in the region of Hordaland.  Hordaland’s capital, Bergen, is approximately
54 miles away from Frette (as the crow flies). 
 
The Frette North Dakota Homestead

John Gutskalt Frette and his new bride Ingeborg Kristine Langeland Frette settled on this homestead in 1894. John was 43 and Ingeborg 35.

Ingeborg Frette
The family referred to her as Besta.  Norwegian for “grandmother” is “bestemor”, which literally means “the best mother”.  The short form “besta” is equivalent to English “grandma”. Besta is holding her grand daughter Isabel Gulson. Isabel’s Mother: Sarah Frette Gulson. Father: Gilbert Gulson. Picture was taken at the Frette house, east of Thompson, North Dakota, around 1934 or 1935.
John Gutskalt Frette

John G. Frette’s watch and Ingeborg Frette’s collar piece