1

Where is the Laft Hus Located?

The Norwegian Laft Hus is located in Heritage Square, a secured downtown park, in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada. There are more than two access gates to reach it, with the street address of 4402-47 Avenue, the commonly accessed gate to reach it. During hte summer when the trees have their full foliage both this gate and the Laft Hus are easily missed while driving north or south on 47th Avenue. However, because this park is located behind Red Deer Recreation Centre and south of Red Deer Museum, with parking available in front of these establishments, another access choice is around, east and then south, behind the Recreation Centre.

2

What is the Laft Hus?

The Laft Hus in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada is one of Western Canada's most unique Norwegian interpretive centres. It is a 28' x 34' singles story structure with a loft, constructed of native pine logs and built by volunteers assisted byh an expert log-joiner from Norway. It is a replica of a typical late 17th century farm home, specifically patterned after those in the Numedal district of south-central Norway. The roof of sod is a distinctive feature and was common to most Norwegian log buildings of old. The decorative "sval" or porch, embracing two sides of the house serves as an added wind and snow buffer as well as a passageway and additional storage. The windows, doors, fireplace and furnishings are the work of volunteers who carefully studied photographs from books, then patiently copied them down to most of the last details. Some items were adapted to modern practical use and others have the special interpretive mark of the volunteers who made them.

To "laft" in Norwegian is to build with logs, and "hus" simply, house. The Norwegian pronunciation of "Laft Hus" sounds more like "loft huse" in the English language.

3

The Laft Hus Collection

In its function as a museum, the Laft Hus houses a collection of objects which document the history and culture of Canadians with a Norwegian background. Some of these were brought by earlyh pioneers from Norway, while others were made by interested local crafts people. Many have been donated or purchased. Some items, such as an "America Trunk" and family Bible, were highly valued possessions of those who immigrated to this region at the turn of the century. The building, its furnishings and all other acquired artifacts are managed for posterity and future generations. The Laft Hus houses a gift shop of locally made and imported gift items, books, and kitchen appliances, most of which are not easily obained elsewhere in the region. It also maintains a library of rich resources about the culture and history of Norway. Notable in this library are the sagas of Snorre Sturlason, a powerful man of the 1200's and writer of history. His works include the tales of Norwegian kings from the 900's up tothe 1200's. Although some of his work comes from a compilation of older royal sagas he wrote of the condition of his time, which is a valuable historical resource today.

4

Laft Hus at Heritage Square, Red Deer, Alberta Canada
1990's - 2000's
Heritage Square, Red Deer, Alberta

Credits:
Norwegian Laft Hus Society

5

Laft Hus Exterior View from West Side
1990's - 2000's
Heritage Square, Red Deer, Alberta

Credits:
Norwegian Laft Hus Society

6

Laft Hus Building at Heritage Square, Red Deer, Alberta - East Side Sval
1990's - 2000's
Heritage Square, Red Deer, Alberta

Credits:
Norwegian Laft Hus Society

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Gifts To Norwegian Laft Hus Society - Tussen Takk! (Many Thanks!)
Red Deer, Alberta, Canada

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Norwegian Flag was a gift to Norwegian Laft Hus Society

9

Snorre Book was a gift to the Norwegian Laft Hus Society

10

"The Promise of America" book written by Odd Lovell
Red Deer, Alberta, Canada

Credits:
Norwegian Laft Hus Society
Odd S. Lovell

11

Norwegian Laft Hus Society receives Mangletre as gift
Heritage Square, Red Deer, Alberta

Credits:
Bea Huser (Harry Huser's wife) presents Laft Hus with manlgetre gift
Harry Huser made the Magletre

12

Norwegian Laft Hus Society receives Kubbestol as gift

Credits:
Harry Huser made the Kubbestol
Laura Hanson, representing Aspelund Sons of Norway presents Kubbestol

13

Eritsland Family Bible given as gift to Norwegian Laft Hus Society
20 June 1987
Red Deer, Alberta, Canada

Credits:
Left is Betty Wulff
Centre is Hilda Marie Eritsland Stratton
Right is Hilda Stratton's daughter, Lucille McCrady of Cottage Grove,Oregon USA

14

Laft Hus Interior - Table and Chairs made by Fred Anderson
Heritage Square, Red Deer, Alberta