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The history of Solvang Restaurant

and the story on how the aebleskiver became famous.

Title to the book is:

A glimpse in time

as seen from the Solvang Restaurant

Written by: Arne "Aebleskiver" Hansen

To see the pictures from the book signing in Solvang

Scroll down to the bottom.

You can order the book here: $19.95 Add To Cart

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I wrote this book over the last six years as a project to keep the history of the development of the restaurant, from the humble beginnings to what it has become today. The story ends at the sale to the new owner many years ago and I have also incorporated some interesting tidbits of history of the town of Solvang, from the humble beginnings back in 1911 until the date of sale.

It also tells the story how aebleskiver got to be so well known, from the early beginnings to what it is today.

In addition I have added some exciting experiences I had during my travels, mostly to Alaska.

In order to make the story readable I have made it a little personal story made up to match the times and the persons during different ownerships.

Here are a few excerpts from the contents:

"God morgen, Soren, det vanlige?" ("Good morning, Soren, the usual?") Josie, the owner of Josie’s Coffee Shop greeted her first-of-the-morning customers in her native language, Danish.

"Hunh," Soren grunted.

"It sure looks like a beautiful morning is brewing in our little town!" Josie continued in English.

"Uh-huh," Soren agreed.

As was his habit, Soren had stopped in for his first cup of coffee at Josie's restaurant in the little Danish community of Solvang, California.

It was a long trip by train across the country, especially since she had so little to feed them along the trip. She had really enjoyed seeing the country from the windows in the train. First, leaving the bustling city and going into the flat prairie land. After passing some time in this flat monotonous farmland, the scenery slowly changed to dry rangeland where herds of buffalo used to roam the open country. Soon they were climbing up over the Rockies and entering the desolate, dry desert country. After passing the Sierra Mountains, they finally descended into -----

Behind the counter at Josie's coffee shop was a wood-burning stove where the blue coffee kettle was always hot and ready to greet the customers. Under the counter was the day’s supply of neatly stacked firewood. Next to the stove was the sink for washing dishes. The cooking area of the coffee shop was very compact and handy, and Josie could easily handle the work herself.

I went in to the newspaper office, located on Copenhagen Drive. Here was Karl sitting at the desk when I walked in. I told him what I was there for. He looked at me for a minute. Then he said, "No you don't want to have that ad in the paper." I looked at him kind of funny. "You want to go across the street and buy Polly's Coffee Shoppe -----

We started out from Los Angeles in April 1962, pooling our resources—Krogbeck had the car and I had the tent and cooking equipment. We went through the Grand Canyon, Bryce and Zion Parks to Seattle. First real stop was Seattle. The 1962 World's Fair was opening and we wanted ------

When we arrived at Anchorage it was still cold and wintry. We asked around for a cheap place to stay, since there was no place to set up the tent and we were running out of money by then. All I had left was $11.23 in my pocket.

After awhile I thought I was dreaming; my feet were stuck in something and I could not move. That woke me up and I realized a bear was sitting on the foot end of the sleeping bag, tearing the pack-sack apart and eating my food------

Apparently I must have gotten in between the calf and its mother, because out came the huge mother moose from the bushes, charging at me. I dropped my camera and ran for the closest tree. I must have literally run up the tree ------

When I turned around there was a huge black bear, standing on his hind legs, looking over my shoulder---

After a few smaller rides I got a lift with three younger guys in a car, coming from Peace River, where they had gone to look for work, but found none. They did not say much, but when we had driven awhile, they turned in at a gas station and the guy next to me whipped out his gun and stuck it in my side----

Soon after taking over, while I was making aebleskiver up front, a salesman came in and said to me, "Hey, boy, where is the boss?" I sent him out to the kitchen to ask Florence----

Our booth was with several other booths in a huge commercial parachute tent. It was a perfect setup. I hired a girl to help me sell and I did the baking. The first couple of days it was slow---

Josie Jorgensen celebrated her 85 years birthday. We went up to the Lutheran Home where she lived and treated all to aebleskiver in her honor. She was very happy for the treat. A few months later she passed away and I was happy I was able to do this for her when she could still enjoy it.

These are just a few of the experiences in my book. To get the whole story download it and read it.

As you can see there has been many interesting experiences on the way. All in all I have enjoyed every bit of it and would do it all over again.

The book has 147 pages and many pictures in between. From the beginning there was not much pictures to find, but the little there were I have included.

The book is a paperback edition. All the work was done by me, including the cover. We will send the book out as soon as it is ordered. The price includes shipping and any other charges. It will take approx 3 days to get to you.

You can order the book here: Add To Cart

I just had a successful book signing at the local book store in Solvang. Here are a few of the pictures taken there:

Bernice was our first customer.