Dedication Event for Slooper Son James Webster Olson

Santa Rosa, California - Saturday, May 20, 2006

    After months of preparation by Phil Rhodes and his family, the dedication of the new Civil War grave stone took place on an overcast Santa Rosa day.  Rain had been predicted, but fortunately did not materialize.  An expected larger crowd also did not materialize, but it was realized that this was a busy day in Santa Rosa with large crowds attending the annual "Luther Burbank Rose Parade and Festival."  In addition to the Phil's family attending this "Slooper Son" dedication, three northern California Sons of Norway lodges were represented,  these being the local Santa Rosa Lodge Freya #62, Marin County's Olav #82 and Eureka's Fram #13.  The Santa Rosa American Legion Post 21 Rifle Team, complete with Team Commander Grant Noah and Team bugler presented the military honors.  Also present were several descendants of that small group who emigrated from Norway in 1825 aboard the historic sloop Restauration.  These descendants, as well as those coming to the US on the sloop, are called "Sloopers."  A representative of the Santa Rosa Memorial Park attended, as well as other friends, family and interested individuals.
1

With the assistance of Santa Rosa Lodge's Pamela Groth (left), Phil Rhodes (kneeling) prepares for the dedication (local American Legion rifle team assembling in background).
2

Slooper Jim Wheeler, Phil Rhodes, Phil's sister Nancy & Jim's Slooper cousin Keith review plans for the day.
3

Norway born Katja Kallick (far left & representing Olav 82) prepares to lead the group in the singing of Norway's national anthem. On far right, representing local Freya 62 are Pamela Groth & John Hill.
4

With the covered headstone in the foreground left, Phil Rhodes welcomes guests & delivers introductory remarks explaining the story of James W. Olson, his family and the historic role played by this family in early immigration & the Civil War.
5

Some of those attending & listening to Phil (far R) speak are (standing L to  R) Cindy, Cindy's husband?, Sandra Smith from Olav 82, (seated L-R) Phil's son Taiki, Judy, Phil's sisters Connie & Nancy, his mother Vicky, Katja Kallick from Olav 82 & Slooper cousins Keith & Jim Wheeler.
6

With Peg Wheeler of Fram 13 in the background here, Phil continues the story of how the James Olson family ended up in Santa Rosa and being buried here without any grave markers. [Photo by Jim Wheeler]
7

Slooper descendant Keith Wheeler, representing Eureka's Fram 13 Lodge, adds his comments regarding the general Slooper story.
8

With Rosdail's The Sloopers book in hand, Keith explains the prominent role this emigrant group played in Norwegian-American immigration history. [Photo by Jim Wheeler]
9

Phil returns to the podium for some additional comments preparatory to the unveiling of the Civil War veteran Olson's headstone.
10

As Phil & Keith remove their hats, we are not sure what is happening here as Vicky, Katja & Sandra look on. It was probably in tribute to the unveiling of Olson's headstone &/or the "rendering of honors" for the deceased veteran. [Photo by Jim Wheeler]
11

Proudly standing now in the open, the grave of pioneer and Civil War veteran Olson is now appropriately identified.
12

From another angle this handsome stone now adds more history to this older California cemetery. [Photo by Jim Wheeler]
13

The local American Legion Theodore Roosevelt Post 21 Rifle Team stand ready at "Parade Rest" for rendering military honors for this veteran.
14

In keeping with military tradition, the Rifle Team fires 3 volleys over the grave of the veteran.
15

At Team Commander's orders, the Team assumes "Present Arms" with their WWII era M1 rifles.
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In addition to team commander Grant Noah, members of the Rifle Team pictured here (L to R) are: Carlton Smirni, Doug Newton, Bud Simmons and Jay Mathews. [Photo by Jim Wheeler]
17

Next in this traditional ceremony was the playing of taps, expertly done by this American Legion member. It was a fitting and emotional tribute to the memory of Sergeant James Olson.
18

We greatly appreciated bugler James Cutri's contribution to the ceremony. We also enjoyed his pre-dedication conversation about military protocol, especially flag etiquette. 
19

As the dedication comes to an end, Phil & Jan Urdzik of Santa Rosa Memorial Park take some photos.
20

It is time for some fitting photos of Phil with the headstone he worked so hard to obtain & install.
21

Slooper Keith gets an opportunity to discuss the Slooper book with Slooper guests Sherry Johnson from Nevada & her sister Betty Louise from the Santa Rosa area. They descend from James Olson's sister (& Slooper Ole's eldest child) Bertha Ann Olson-Shaver.

The photos below are supplementary to the event photos.
22

This informational poster propped against a convenient grave stone (behind the dedication speakers' area) told the story of the James Olson daughter, Pauline, who served as secretary & bookkeeper for the famous Luther Burbank. [CLICK HERE for readable version of poster (383KB).]
23

On the left is the Merritt Monument as it appeared at the dedication with the poster giving more information on marriage of Edith Olson to prominent businessman Edson Merritt. On right is Taiki with the Merritt Monument after an Oct. 2007 cleaning. [CLICK HERE for text of Edson Merritt poster (5KB).]   [Photo by Phil Rhodes]

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