St Olaf College - Viking Yearbook (Northfield, MN)

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MADISON BRIDGE only in taking conspicuous part in the activites that call for the support of the average citizen in his capacity as a member of civic and religious organizations, the carefully garnered harvest of a life of conscientious toil has enabled him to render services of a most substantial nature. Tangible proof of this is the beau- tiful library building of St. Olaf College, erected in l902 at a cost of over Sl3,000. There it stands on Manitou Heights, a god-send to the institution, inviting all who come there in search of knowledge to enjoy its comforts and convenience. It is a worthy monument to a valiant champion in the cause of religion and education among the Norwegians in America. Consul Steensland has built another monument. ln l905 he had been a citizen of Madison for fifty years, and in commemoration of that fact he pre- sented to the municipality a most stately and beautiful stone bridge, costing Sl0,000. It spans the Yahara River on one of the principal thoroughfares to the city. This useful and ornamental structure gives fine expression to the donor's public spirit and to his devotion to the city where his labors have been so richly requited. It is interesting to note that in erecting a bridge as a monument to himself, Consul Steensland followed an old Scandinavian custom, for among the Scan- dinavians in ancient times, when roads and bridges were scarce, it was consid- ered a deed pleasing in the sight of God to break a road or build a bridge. An 8 .

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destination was Chicago, where he worked for some weeks, but left for Wis- consin duringthe same autumn, and in the spring of IS55 located in Madison. Here he found work as a clerk in a store, where he soon became a partner, and later sole owner. He remained in the mercantile business until 1871, when with a number of prominent countrymen he organized the I-lekla F ire Insurance Co. This company he served faithfully and successfully in various capacities until STEENSLAND LIBRARY, ST. OLAF COLLEGE. l890, when he established The Savings Loan and Trust Co. of Madison, of which he has, from the beginning, been president and treasurer. This institution is the oldest trust company in Wisconsin, and enjoys a reputation for stability in keeping with its seniority. In l872 Mr. Steensland was made vice-consul in Wisconsin for Sweden and Norway, and continued in that capacity until the political separation of the two countries in l905, since which time he has served as vice-consul for Sweden, the vice consulate for Norway having been removed to Milwaukee. Distinguished honors have come to Consul Steensland in the course of time. Some years ago Oscar II bestowed upon him the Order of Vasa, and in l906 the Order of St. Olaf was conferred upon him by l-laakon VII. These honors are marks of recognition for services in promoting the welfare of Nor- wegians in America. Consul Steensland has exhibited a spirit of service, not . 7 A

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old runic inscription reads: 'flarlebanke erected these stones for himself while yet alive, and built this bridge for his soul. Consul Steensland's benefactions in other and minor ways have been numerous. A worthy cause among his fellow citizens, and especially one to promote the religious, educational, and philanthropic activities among his couna trymen, has never failed substantial assistance from him. Consul Steensland, like many another man of significance, has doubtless owed much to the influence of a noble woman. During fifty years of his life there stood at his side a true and faithful wife, a self-sacrificing and affectionate mother, a kind and sympathetic friend to those in sorrow and distress. She was a humble Christian and a ministering angel in more households than her own. On February l0, l907, Mr. and Mrs. Steensland modestly celebrated their golden wedding. The many friends who came to the beautiful home to pay their respects could not but think that she had many years of life before her. But it was not so to be. A few short weeks afterwards, in the month of March, she laid down the burden of life. We are certain that TI-IE VIKING reflects the sentiments of thousands of Consul Steensland's countrymen when it offers him congratulations on a life of worthy achievement, and wishes him many years yet of health and happiness. -JULIUS E.. OLSON. CONSUL STEENSLAND'S OFFICE 9