A Twentieth Century Viking Ship

Bob Asp, a Moorhead middle school counselor and carpenter, turned his hobby into a historical achievement for his town. During his hospital stay to recover from a broken leg, he passed the time reading about Norwegian history. He was especially intrigued by Viking “dragon ships,” and decided to build a replica for a voyage of his own.

In 1972, he began his project by chopping down oak trees for building material along the Red River and in Alvarado and Oslo, Minnesota. He consulted with nautical and historical societies in America and Norway, and drew up his blueprint for a Gokstad Viking Ship. In 1973, Hawley leased out an old potato warehouse to house the ship’s construction until its launch.

One year after Asp began crafting his ship, he was diagnosed with leukemia. However, he did not give up on his plans, and continued building throughout his chemotherapy. When the ship neared completion in 1978, the Hawley community hosted several fundraisers to help and attracted volunteers. In 1980, the spectacular Viking ship was complete.

Asp died of a second broken leg and leukemia complications the following year. However, his passion for learning and impressive ship lived on. The Hjemkomst, or “Homecoming,” brought thousands of community members and other enthusiasts together, and would sail all the way to Norway in 1982.
Read more about the Hjemkomst at http://www.hawley.govoffice.com, and see the impressive Viking ship for yourself at Hjemkomst Center, located at 202 First Avenue North in Moorhead.

Image courtesy of cbenjasuwan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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