The chance to see some of what makes Norsewood so different from other settlements attracted many people to the Tararua District town over the weekend.
Carole Isaacson decided to go along to mark the occasion. Photo / Leanne Warr
But it was the ringing of the newly-dubbed Hovding Bell that brought a small crowd on Settlers' Day, which marked 150 years of settlement in the area.
John Ellison told onlookers that the bell was at least 140 years old.
It was the bell that originally hung in the Methodist Church when it was built in the 1880s, he said.
Felicity Ellison's ancestors came to the area in 1875, three years after the original settlers arrived. Photo / Leanne Warr
Felicity Ellison, who could trace her ancestry back through the names of Nikolaison and Jensen, spoke of efforts to open up the Norsewood museum, which helped the town celebrate various milestones.
"The museum, jubilee, centennial, school centennials, Norsewear and the various publications we do, Johanna's World - they've all put the area on the map," she told onlookers.
Other things, such as the annual celebration of Norway's Constitution Day and the preservation of the cemeteries were all part of those efforts.
"Those who had the foresight to highlight the area's historical significance have moved on, and now we, the next generation, are being caretakers," Felicity said.
She reminded those present to always give thanks and remember the strength, the stamina, "and the doggedness of those who came before us. What would those intrepid pioneers think of our district now?"
A cake was made as part of the 150th anniversary celebration. Photo / Leanne Warr
The day included the cutting of a cake to mark the special milestone by members of the museum committee.
Lynn Morris and Ella Domper cut the cake. Photo / Leanne Warr
The Norsewood trolls, with the flags of Scandinavian nations hung behind. Trolls are mythical creatures that live in caves. Photo / Leanne Warr
Visitors to the township were able to view the museum or see old photographs and publications at the War Memorial Hall, or wander through Johanna's World to get a glimpse of Norsewood's history over the past 150 years.
Ella Domper in the museum with an old-fashioned record player. Photo / Leanne Warr