The Story of Helga Estby - Resources
The Daughter's Walk
Written by Jane Kirkpatrick
(Colorado: Water Brooke Press, 2011)
This novel focuses on Clara returning home only to leave for 20 years. The story of Clara finding out Ole Estby was not her biological father was true. Sometime after Helga and Clara returned to Spokane, Clara was told the truth. She then left home, changed her name, and did not contact the family for 20 years.
The Year We Were Famous
Written by Carole Estby Dagg
(New York: Clarion Books, 2011)
Written by the great-niece of Clara Estby and great-granddaughter of Helga Estby.
Helga Estby's incredible story was almost lost, but thanks to a few people who understood the significance of her journey, it can still be read about today. It is a shame that Helga’s first-hand account was destroyed but what can still be told of her story is a wonderful example of the power of oral history, collection, and research. The books and websites listed demonstrate how many different aspects of history Helga’s story touched from women’s history to immigration, or transcontinental networking to life on the prairie.
Additional Sites:
Carole Estby Dagg "Writing History as Young Women Lived it".
http://www.caroleestbydagg.com“Estby, Helga (1860-1942)” an essay written by Margaret Riddle gives a summary of Helga’s life and trip. It can be located on the History Link website. September 23, 2011.
http://www.historylink."Helga Estby Lodge #47". Daughters of Norway. Helga Estby Lodge #47 includes members with ancestry representing all five Scandinavian countries (Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland). The lodge hosts an annual Helga Estby Walk. 2013.
http://www.daughtersofnorway.orgLinda Allen's rendition of “Here’s to the Women!” sung in celebration of Helga’s journey and the survival of her story. February 7, 2010.
http://pnwfolklore.orgSites and Stories Blog: Exploring historic sites-the stories they tell; the stories they inspire is another site that offers an overview of Helga Estby’s story. March 11, 2010.
http://sitesandstories.wordpress.com
Bold Spirit: Helga Estby's Forgotten Walk Across America
Written by Linda Lawrence Hunt
(Moscow: University of Idaho Press: 2003)
This non-fiction work about Helga Estby's journey was inspired by Doug Bahr's paper on his great-grandmother. Hunt's work won a WILLA Award in 2004.