Elisa Satre and son Ludwig story
Elisa Satre and son Ludwig. Courtesy of Eunice Gulbraa.
In 1912, Elisa Satre and her son, Ludwig, bravely left behind their lives in Stavanger, Norway, and moved to Sedgewick, Alberta. Satre's transatlantic move was prompted by an invitation from her old boyfriend Eric Johnson. Elisa had been widowed thirteen years earlier when her first husband had been lost at sea. When Eric learned of Elisa's situation, he sent a letter declaring his love and requesting her hand in marriage. Elisa accepted his proposal and, in the summer of 1912, she and Ludwig crossed the Atlantic on the Empress of Ireland, then traveled by rail to Alberta.
Life on the Prairies was a dramatic change from life in a metropolitan European city. Many new immigrants, like Elisa and Ludwig, struggled to adjust to their new settler lifestyle. Elisa cried upon arrival to her new home, a small bachelor shack. But the Satres had Eric to help them settle in, and they eventually built a happy home together. Not all immigrants were as fortunate as the Elisa and Ludwig.
Inspection card. Courtesy of Linda Kizan
last review/update: Feb. 6, 2009
