Creation Date

Dimensions

22.86 cm. W x 58.42 cm. L Item (Overall)

Description

Hardanger Violin.
It has mother of pearl inlay and kolrosing done in ink on the trim. Made by Christian Knut Thoen.  Christian was born July 11, 1844 in Hallingdahl, Norway. He emigrated to America in 1866 with his wife Bergit Olesdatter Teigen. They came to Stearns County, Minnesota and settled in Pine Creek where in 1902, he made this violin. Christian died there in 1903. The violin was given to his son Olof who played it for many weddings and festivals. Olof's daughter Lavern Thoen Johnson played the violin and Olof's grandson Stephen Keller had the instrument repaired and also played it. It has its own display case and is in good condition. See also "large framed picture, Hallingstevne in Brooten." 1996.2829

Knut Thoen had a tune named after him, called “Thoingen”, and you can listen to it here:
https://aalbygdearkiv.locloudhosting.net/items/show/2505 

 

Related People and Organizations

Contact the Pope County Historical Society for more information