"My memory about grandpa Atle and his worship during 2. world war is limited, but I know that he was very different from the other ministers in Norway at that time. He was a member even before the 2. W.W. of the unpopular nazi party, but the reason he continued his membership was more an attempt to correct the nazis and telling them that they did wrong. He thought he could reform the nazis and telling them the truth and that they would listen to him better when he continued as a member of the NS-party. But of course he didn't succeed in his attemts and he was finally excluded from the party. He used to 'speak out from the liver' and that was not welcome.

However he continued to be a substituter in some congregations around in the country of Norway. However he wasn't too popular by the resistant people in Norway, for most of the norwegian ministers were on a sort of 'strike'. They continued in their jobs without payment from the nazi government, but Atle got his salary and used the money to help people.

I remember one day that a person was spitting on his coat on the bus. It was sad to see, for grandpa used all his money to help the poor ones. - ( He gave me a pair of skis for Christmas, which I never could have gotten from my parents at that time.)

Grandpa Atle was an idealist and a good and very special man. That is what I can tell you about him during the war.
Best greetings from Sol - and Truls."

Many of Svanoe heritage must have similar interesting stories to tell about currently living and deceased relatives. Please set your fingers on the keyboard and let us all share these interesting and wonderful memories.

richard f. svanoe, jr.
South Lake Tahoe, California USA