Event report

 

 

Pictures from the Osland Reunion. ( Click to enlarge small images )

 

 

 

< Short Flash-video from Ósland.

Vigfusson Family Reunion 2011

After the gathering at Osland we now look back at the history of Osland and our heritage.
One hundred and twenty years ago Vigfus Bjarnason applied for a homestead for a section of land along Lake Winnipeg just south of Hecla Island. That land has been home to five generations who have made their livelihood from farming.
One hundred and fifty eight people came together to celebrate. Four generations were represented, the oldest was 87 and the youngest was 2 weeks. People travelled from as far away as Reykjavik, Iceland; Arlington, VA; Perham, MN; British Columbia; Alberta; Saskatchewan; Ontario and Manitoba.

Vigfus had 12 children. Eight of his children have descendents and six of those families were represented at the reunion. Jon’s family had the highest number of attendees at 67; Bjarni’s at 61; Vigdis 5; Ingimar 3; Isleifur 1; Sigurjon 9. Members of Holmfridur’s and Halldora’s families were unable to attend.
Twelve special guests from Iceland were able to be with us. They are decendents of Vigdís and Benedikt, who were older sister and brother of Vigfús. It is interesting to note that Vigfus was one of fourteen children, but only six lived to adulthood. They are Vigdís, Katrín, Ísleifur, Benedikt and then Sigurður, who moved to USA and returned back to Iceland. His children remaind with their mother in USA. Likely they all have the Barnason last name.

The weekend started off with a dance at the Riverton Hall to support the Heritage Society. There was a lot of visiting going on in Winnipeg, Gimli, Riverton, Grindstone, Camp Morton and Osland. Some went golfing in the Loberg Heimskringla tournament; for a ride on a whitefish boat, quad – 4 wheeler, bailer and tractor; to Lower Fort Garry, The Forks and the Manitoba and Gimli Museums. Some shopping was done as well as some boating and tubing. About fifty people participated in the Islendingadagurinn parade on Monday, with about 30 riding on a thirty foot trailer and 20 walking and handing out candy. The float was decorated with flags from Iceland, Canada and the United States. A rousing “Hello Vigfusson Family” could be heard along the parade route. A picnic lunch was held at the park.

As is traditional, there was no shortage of food. Harðfiskur, hangikjet, pönnuköur and Brennevín thanks to our relatives from Iceland. The relatives from Iceland also enjoyed our Canadian and American beef; Lake Winnipeg pickerel fillets; smores; and peroghies as well as Crown Royal manufactured in Gimli. They did not like our mosquitoes and several had to be treated for bites. Thanks to all who helped to make the gathering on Sunday a success. Those who made salads, sandwiches, dainties, desserts and snacks. Our chefs did a wonderful job cooking the hamburgers and hotdogs. A big thank you to them. Thanks to those who brought tables, chairs, and door prizes; helped with the tent, planning, tshirts, nametags, family tree and float. A special thank you to Gilbert and Betty who applied for and framed the ” Century Farm” Plaque that now proudly stands beside the Osland sign.

Many thanks go out to John and Judie; Donald and Peggy; Jodene; Kevin, April, Kylee, and Kadence. Without you at Osland we would not have been able to “come again” to the place where our forefather first settled. See you at the 125th celebration.
Respectfully submitted by Louise Tower.

PS. Donations are still being accepted for the cemetery marker. We have about $800 to date.

Project Organizer: Louise e-mail:ltower@arvig.net

< Home