The Good Old Days - stories from the 1900s

Valdres is well known for its reliable, snow-covered and sunny winters. Valdres Folkehøgskole is among the few folk high schools in Norway that was founded in the 19th century (1899) and still remains in operation. Over 10,000 students have attended the school. There have been so many amazing young people! Much has changed, but the idea remains the same. People continue to choose Valdres because of the exciting range of subjects, the good social environment, the fantastic outdoors climate and the lifelong friendships!

The pictures below offer a taste of life as it was in the 1940s and 1950s.

Valdres Folkehøgskole has maintained its distinct character as a traditional log cabin, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of Asbjørnsen & Moe's fairy tales.
Valdres Folkehøgskole has maintained its distinct character as a traditional log cabin, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of Asbjørnsen & Moe's fairy tales.
This has always been a place where good relationships are formed. Here we see Ruth Goplen and Bjarne Asheim. Good times!
This has always been a place where good relationships are formed. Here we see Ruth Goplen and Bjarne Asheim. Good times!
Roommates Ruth Goplen and Ingrid Lima in typical outfits of the time, with Norwegian wooden skis and bamboo poles.
Roommates Ruth Goplen and Ingrid Lima in typical outfits of the time, with Norwegian wooden skis and bamboo poles.
Bjarne Glimsdal in a white knitted sweater. This was Bjarne’s only sweater. In those days, it took some effort to obtain a sweater like that. He travelled by bus, train and on foot to Gudbrandsdalen, a valley rich in sheep and thus plenty of wool. He had filled his backpack with enough wool for a sweater! His grandmother carded and spun the wool, and an unknown girl knitted the sweater for Bjarne. We would, of course, love to know who she was!
Bjarne Glimsdal in a white knitted sweater. This was Bjarne’s only sweater. In those days, it took some effort to obtain a sweater like that. He travelled by bus, train and on foot to Gudbrandsdalen, a valley rich in sheep and thus plenty of wool. He had filled his backpack with enough wool for a sweater! His grandmother carded and spun the wool, and an unknown girl knitted the sweater for Bjarne. We would, of course, love to know who she was!
Per Kragh with Ruth and Ingrid on the last day of school. Spring had arrived in Valdres. The last day of school in Valdres cannot be explained, it must be experienced.
Per Kragh with Ruth and Ingrid on the last day of school. Spring had arrived in Valdres. The last day of school in Valdres cannot be explained, it must be experienced.
This picture was taken not far from the school, near the Syskjenborg cabin. Here we see two girls in period appropriate attire and gear.
This picture was taken not far from the school, near the Syskjenborg cabin. Here we see two girls in period appropriate attire and gear.
Erling Lima and Jens Elton. This picture was probably not shown to the principal, for safety reasons. Erling and Bjarne (the boy in a white knitted sweater) were lifelong friends.
Erling Lima and Jens Elton. This picture was probably not shown to the principal, for safety reasons. Erling and Bjarne (the boy in a white knitted sweater) were lifelong friends.