US REBILDNEWS SUMMER 2017 US REBILDNEWS SUMMER 2017 | Page 9

demolishing the house end, on which it was painted,” Erik Eriksen explains. “Luckily I succeeded, so people can today see it in the pavilion wing in the ‘Kulturstation’ in Skorping, and also here in a somewhat smaller issue. It has been important for us to make a place in line with the history of the whole area. We have thought of emigration in all details, because it is also important to maintain the many stories and develop the culture of the area.” When the Rebild Celebration lasted for three days Erik Eriksen himself was born in Skorping and has imbibed the Rebild Celebration with his mother’s milk. “At that time, the celebration lasted three days,” Erik Eriksen says. “Everybody from the surrounding towns came on bicycles to participate in the celebration. I remember that several of the small shops had placed booths and sold merchandise. So I have deep respect for the things that the Rebild Celebration can do for the local community and for the many guests coming from outside. And if, with the Western House and of course Top Karen’s House, we can take part in continuing the positive spirit and the drive of the celebration of July 4, I am quite happy.” This positive spirit and drive are very important to Erik Eriksen. As mentioned before, he is the great-grandchild of the renowned and hardworking peasant woman Karen Marie Andersen, c alled Top-Karen. In 1882, she and her husband Jens built the small yellow house on the top of the hills. Already at that time, Rebild was a popular excursion goal, especially on Sundays. At that time it was Karen, who got a crazy idea. She started selling boiled water to the many tourists, who came to walk in the hills. In that way they could have coffee and tea, and Karen could earn money. Later when the Rebild Celebration started, Karen got permission to make a café and tea room in connection with the house, and here she successfully sold coffee, cakes, and open-faced sandwiches. Erik Eriksen is therefore convinced that his great-grandmother would be pleased that with the Western House he is now extending the possibilities of attracting more guests from near and far to Rebild. President Jesper Jespersen and Grete Jespersen were present at the opening reception at the Western House and gave a gift to Vivian and Erik Eriksen on behalf of the Rebild Society. • • • • • • • • • Facts about the Western House: Originally built in the start of the 1960’s and previously used as a service building. Renovated spring 2017. Planked with Kalmar boards and planks (the so-called Rold-panels) by spruce from Rold Forest. Room for 60 guests inside and 30 guests outside. New toilets incl. handicap toilet. Handicap friendly entrance with drive ramp. The “Western House” will be perfect for: family parties, sessions, exhibitions, events, hunting dinners, etc. Owned by the Rebild National Park Society. Rented by Erik and Vivian Eriksen. o h n r e t s e e w Opening hours: Wednesdays and Fridays from 5:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5:00 p.m. Special agreement - according to need. e s u Th - 9 -