The reproduction of the translation of Birger Kirkeby's book about Gråtopp on this web site is dedicated to Harald Winge who until his death was the director of the Norwegian Local History Institute in Oslo.
Tragically Harald Winge died on May 5, 1999, at the age of 59. The words about him that his colleagues published in "Aftenposten" which are reproduced below convey information about what a magnificent man and what a great scholar he was. His assistance in doing this translation is described in "Translator's Foreword" and in comments following the translation of the paragraph that he wrote to the translator when that task was completed in 1996.
In 1969, he was awarded a Master of Arts Degree in ethnology at the University of Oslo with history and Norwegian as minor fields of study. His Master's thesis had the title of "Transportation Equipment in the Aker Bailiff's District circa 1650-1800 , an Analysis of Change". It was published and was immediately made required reading for ethnology at the University of Oslo. It was judged to be a methodological gem.
Already as a student he became a research assistant for Professor Andreas Holmsen, in fields of work such as "Property and Taxes in Norway during the 1500s and 1600s", "The Lumber Firm of Mathiesen-Eidsvold in the 1700s", and the Norwegian Deserted Property Project. At the same time, he was assistant editor of the "Historical Journal"; later he became co-editor of the local historical journal "Heiman" (the home).
Harald Winge was connected to the Norwegian Local Historical Institute already in 1970, first as co-editor of the Norwegian Historical Encyclopedia. The book was finished in 1974 and became an indispensable aid for all who worked with older Norwegian history, both for the amateur researcher and for the more professional ones.
Harald continued at the Institute as the scholarly consultant from 1974. In this work, he made use of his extensive knowledge about ethnology and Norwegian history. He gave counsel to authors and to communities who wanted to write their local history; he read manuscripts and gave constructive comments.
He himself wrote an exemplary district history for Asker and Bærum for the period of 1550 to 1850. A number of articles have also come from his hand. His many book reviews are discerning and informative. His very greatest work of authorship was prepared in countless explanations, plans, and comments for city and district historical projects.
In 1986, Harald Winge was appointed director for the Norwegian Local Historical Institute, a position he held until his death. It was a task he fulfilled in a splendid manner. He was highly respected for his technical knowledge and was well liked by all we who worked with him as well as by all who sought counsel at the Institute. Harald was good to his coworkers and showed them his trust, so that they received inspiration to do good work for the nation's local historical activity. With his positive and friendly attitude, he united his co-workers in an extraordinarily good work environment.
We who worked with him were also inspired by his effective way of working. He worked easily and quickly and the result was always sound. He controlled both form and content. In all situations he was calm and kind and had time for all who came to his office. And there were many. Anyone who came in contact with Harald quickly became his friend. Reflective and versatile as he was, he was a helpful partner in conversation. With his rare ability to listen, understand and accept his fellow human beings, he won the trust of everyone.
Praise comes to mind when one thinks of Harald Winge but he was very modest on his own behalf. At the same time he was clear and firm when that was necessary. He often reached out with help by his good sense of humor. The good story and the mischievous formulations were distinguishing characteristics of Harald. And those who heard him give talks as a speaker at special occasions will never forget them. Elegant, humorous, and with a measure of self-irony, that is, not taking himself too seriously, he could get his hearers to enjoy themselves royally.
Now that time is gone. Thought-provoking is that his last task at work that he accomplished for the Institute was to get a revised and expanded version of the Norwegian Historical Encyclopedia published, the work with which he started his scholarly career. Even though his illness had weakened him, he managed to write his articles and participate in the work of editing it.
His work day is now finished. Both inside and outside of the Norwegian Local Historical Institute there are many who feel a great loss. Our thoughts, at the same time, go mostly to the family who have lost a good husband, father and grandfather.
In behalf of the Norwegian Local Historical Institute,
Liv Marthinsen
Kjell J. Bråstad (leader of the Board of Directors)