Dust Yourself Off: The Gravel Road to a Good Life

by Tricia Velure, Tom Sandhei

Muriel Henrickson Sandhei was a quintessential Norwegian-American farm girl growing up in Fort Ransom, North Dakota. Follow her family's true story of life during the first half of the twentieth century and her sudden departure into an unknown world as she was forced to leave home at age 18. Death and tragedy visited her regularly in her 20s-30s, when time and again she challenged the traditional norms of what it meant to be a farm woman in North Dakota in her time. Muriel’s quiet yet bold courage helped create this touching family biography, rich in historical details and local color.

223 pages, Paperback

Published March 1, 2023

About the author

ND farm girl. Story catcher. I help elders share their life stories with their families.

Reviews

[Erin Cataldi · Rating 5 out of 5]

An engaging biography of a North Dakota farm wife who proved she was so much more than that. This reads like a love letter to Muriel Henrickson Sandhei. It outlines her childhood, her marriages and the many ups and downs that came from living off the land during the 40s and 50s. Barely making ends meet, but proud, fearless, and determined; she was a strong and passionate woman who raised several fine young children and weathered quite a few tragedies. Not only is it a look at her life and that of her families - but it is also a wonderful snapshot of Fort Ransom in the first half of the twentieth century and the Norwegian farming community that lived on the land. With an upbeat attitude Muriel took everything that was thrown at her with stride - she didn't think that was extraordinary - she thought it was expected. A moving portrait of strong woman.

[Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read to see what farm life would have been like for my parents. Oh the questions I should have asked.

[Einar Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dust Yourself Off, written by Tom Sandhei and Tricia Velure, was a joy to read. Ultimately, it’s a biography of Sandhei’s mother, Muriel, and it’s a portrait of the Norwegian Lutheran culture of the upper midwest in the twentieth century. Sandhei and Velure weave individual and collective stories together into a wonderful, engaging story that pulled on my emotions. I highly recommend it.

I learned about farming, both before and after the tractor revolution, rural living before and after electrification, rural healthcare, and the role of the Lutheran Church among the Norwegian farmers. And what I learned was far more authentic than stereotypes popularized by Garrison Keillor or Ole & Lena jokes.

Granted, I’m friends with Sandhei (he was my elementary school principal) and his kids (who I consider dear friends). So I was cheering for the characters; Muriel and her family confronted countless challenges—deaths, fires, economic hardships, gender norms, and the weaponized shame of Lutheranism—and overcame each of them. Her story certainly met the book’s subtitle: The Gravel Road to a Good Life. Yet the book also appealed to the historian in me because of its cited research and cultural insights. Too many family histories ignore this foundation of good historical interpretation.

Sandhei brought his family’s history to the table and Velure empowered him to share it with a greater audience. Together they crafted an engaging story. I look forward to the Colorado book-signing tour to applaud both of them. (Hint, hint) In addition to recommending this book, I recommend digging into our family stories and finding an amazing writer and historian like Velure to determine whether the stories should shared and, if so, telling those stories effectively for a greater audience.

[C Yohnke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Normally I race through books, but this one I savored. It brought up many memories of stories I'd heard from my grandparents and parents. Their lives truly are a stark contrast to ours today. Their endurance and determination are inspiring.

This would be a great read for a book club. I'd love to see author discussion questions. I will definitely share it with others, and read it again myself.

[Glenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing up near Ft Ransom and having parents and grandparents who also talked about the good and bad times on the farm during these years, I could envision them experiencing some of the same things discussed in the book. Brought up lots of memories.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is the story of rural North Dakota and the women who love it even when it tries to break them.

[Ann J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating account of a young Norwegian American farmwife in North Dakota who endures a number of difficulties while trying to raise a family. A very interesting look at farm life and community during the early twentieth century.
I also (personally) know the authors of this book and they did an amazing job!

[Kayla Hollatz · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a real-life heroine! It's impossible not to root for Muriel as you follow her journey from early childhood to empty nester life after raising four children. One thing is for certain: Muriel is no ordinary farmwife.

Through hardship, early losses, and mounting uncertainty in the face of war and farming difficulties, Muriel moves forward with persistence and perseverance. Muriel's story reminds us that even in the darkest times, we can choose light and hope.

Co-authors Tom and Tricia beautifully honor her legacy, giving readers a peek into the daily life of Norwegian families who call rural North Dakota their home. Part historical account, part biography, this book is sure to grip readers while making a lasting impact.

[Michael R]

Biographic telling of one woman's settlement of southeastern North Dakota. Not very polished nor literary but salt of the earth remembrance of her personal journey through the homestead era into the middle 20th century. Straightforward and organic, a nice snapshot of life in and around Fort Ransom ND, neighborhood of my own birthplace, Lisbon, ND. Exceptional topography for North Dakota including a place called Little Yellowstone, truly unique and thought provoking. Unearthing of Cheyenne villages gives depth and poignancy to those who preceded the Homestead Act crazies that flooded the area and virtually all of the central prairies of the United States.

[Koren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love 'Walton-esque' family stories and learning what it was like pre-depression era days. This is the story of a strong woman who did not have life easy, but she met her troubles head-on. Life was hard in North Dakota without electricity or plumbing and she lost a baby and a husband at a young age. Even though I knew this woman could not possible be still alive (she would be over 100 years old) I was sad at the end when she died. One of the authors is her son. I think he is lucky to have such a wonderful mother to write about and such a legacy of hard work, family and strength.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a remarkable book about a woman growing up in North Dakota and the hardships and resilience that marks her life. The book will invoke memories of your parents and grandparents and the harshness and difficulties they often faced making lives on the plains. It will also remind you of the generosity and compassion of family and friends and neighbors in the darkest of times.

[Judy Sorensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

My mother grew up in Fort, Ransom. We visited many times while I was growing up. This book me to places I remember as a child. I loved it.

[Chrissy Frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Midwestern farmer’s daughter who grew up in a Norwegian-American family during the 1950s, I thoroughly enjoyed reading the story of Muriel’s life. Muriel was born about the same time as my mother so her story mirrored my mother’s experience in so many ways. Life in rural North Dakota from the 1920s to the 1960s is captured very well and, in spite of the heartbreaking setbacks she experienced, Muriel forged a good life and raised four successful children. The book is a testament to her courage and bright spirit. I would recommend this inspiring book to any fellow sons and daughters of the Great Plains.