Vern (Vernon) Hektner (88) was a very interesting person to visit. He is a former dean and professor of history at North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) from 1946 to 1984. He told us about his mentor, Frank McMahon, who started working on campus in 1908 as a literature professor, and who was a great admirer of Ibsen. Vern told us a few stories about the monument over the years. First, the story why the bust was not placed in front of the courthouse. The reason was that some thought that there were too many Norwegians in the courthouse already, so the Germans and Irish did not want a Norwegian standing outside too. Another story said that some people thought that Ibsen was a communist. An incident where the bust was moved to the coal bin happened in the 1960s. Also, Vern mentioned that students moved the bust to Chahinkapa Park for a few months in the 1930s.

Vern was also a founding member of the Sons of Norway Lodge in Wahpeton. Vern was the one who suggested that the lodge should be the "Henrik Ibsen" lodge, in recognition of Ibsen township outside Whapeton, and the Ibsen bust in Wahpeton. Vern Hektner is a Honorary Member of the Henrik Ibsen Lodge. Ibsen Township is, of course, named after Henrik Ibsen -- one of the first members on the Ibsen Township board liked Ibsen, and proposed to name the township in his honor. - Henrik Ibsen is an important part of the community and for the college.

Hektner has his name from Rælingen outside Oslo, so Vern Hektner has his roots from Norway.

Vern Hektner is regarded as an “institution within an institution”. A building (Hektner Hall) at North Dakota State College of Science is named after him. - - After our visit with him, we understand why.

We would have loved to meet Vern again, but sad to say, he has now passed away. See link.

(Picture by Ivar Stulen, Skien in Telemark).