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Returning with a heavy load
Even though several of those who emigrated stayed in the USA for good, many Norwegian Americans returned to their hometown after years or decades abroad. They often had a large removal load with them – eight or ten tonnes of objects and goods could be transported by boat over the Atlantic.

There are many reasons why Norwegian Americans brought so much home with them. For many, these things were welcome memories from an important period of their lives. Others bought new things for their return. There was a wider range of goods in America, objects that represented another level of comfort and were more modern than those most people had at home in Norway. After the Second World War white goods were particularly popular: refrigerators, mix-masters and washing machines were sent home by the hundred. Several Norwegian Americans therefore had to install American electricity (110 volts) in their houses.


 Chandelier brought home from America


New roads for American cars
Many of those who went to America after the Second World War returned with fancy American cars or dollarglis as they were often called. These large colorful cars were very powerful and made a great impression at home in Norway where cars were rationed right up to the early 1960s.
Les mer


Chevrolet Corvette, now in Kvinesdal – but once it was driven around in Las Vegas


     
American houses
Since many of those who returned from America had worked as carpenters it was fitting for them to build themselves houses inspired by what they had learned in the USA.
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 Fashion from "Junaiten"
 
 Southern Norwegians were influenced by American fashions during their stay in America. Many brought clothing back when they returned to their hometown.
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 American details

What couldn't people bring home with them in their America suitcase?
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