The White Falcon - 08.08.1986, Side 3

Couple celebrates Golden Anniversary in Iceland
story and photo by J03 Tim Abbott
In 1875 Minneota, Minn, had a population of 1,000,
and approximately 80 percent of the population was
Icelanders. Today, the population of Minneota has
grown and the percentage of Icelanders has decreas-
ed. Doris Gilpin is one of Minnesota's Icelanders.
Doris, 73, is 100 percent Icelandic. The curious
thing about Doris’s Icelandic heritage is that until now
she had never been to Iceland, never seen her
parents homeland, and never personally met all of
her relatives here. But finally, Doris' long wait to
meet the rest of her family is over.
Chester and Doris Gilpin are celebrating their 50th
anniversary this year, and they wanted to meet all of
Doris's Icelandic family. Tm one of seven children,
and I'm the only one that hasn't been to Iceland. So,
this trip is important to me," said Doris.
Although Doris hasn't been to Iceland before,
she's well educated on the country's history that
relates to her family. In 1875 volcanic eruptions
ruined some farm homesteads in Iceland and many
people were looking for somewhere to start farming
again. At this time the United States was advertising
"homesteading" in the northern states. Many Ice-
landers wanted to start their farms over again so
they moved to the states. Doris's mother settled in
the states when she was 16 with two of her brothers
and left the rest of her family, nine brothers and
sisters and her mom, in Iceland.
Another part of Doris's Icelandic history goes back
to the 1400s. Doris explains that a member of her
family is interested in genealogy and did some
background work on her family history. She found
that Doris is a direct descendant of Jon Arason, the
last Catholic Bishop in Iceland.
Although the Gilpin's main reasons for coming to
Iceland were to celebrate their 50th anniversary and
to meet new family, they also wanted to add Iceland
on to the list of places they've visited. Chester, a
retired Naval Reserve Commander, is also a retired
professor from the University of Southern California.
While teaching in the military education program,
Chester and Doris had the opportunity to travel to
many different places. They visited such places like
Bangkok, West Germany, and Greece. While travel-
ing on their own they went to Scandinavia, Russia,
and China.
Chester and Doris are currently living in San
Diego. "We've always been close to the Navy," said
Chester. "We go to chapel at the Naval Training
Command in San Diego and we both volunteer one-
day-a-week at the Navy Relief Society there.
Although the Gilpins live in San Diego, they said
they will keep close contact with Doris's relatives in
Iceland, and Chester said they will be back if they're
able to celebrate their 75th anniversary.
Billboard magazine's top five hits
Country Soul Hot 10Q
1. Rockin'With The Rhythm Of The Rain — The Judds 2. You're The Last Thing 1 Needed Tonight — John Schneider 3. Savin'My Love For You — Pake Mcentire 1. Closer Than Close — Jean Carne 2. Do You Get Enough Love — Shirley Jones 3. Sweet Love — Anita Baker 4. Rumors — Timex Social Club 5. Give Me The Reason — Luther 1. Glory Of Love — Peter Cetera 2. Papa Don't Preach — Madonna 3. Mad About You — Belinda Carlisle 4. Sledgehammer — Peter Gabriel 5. Love Touch — Rod Stewart
4. Strong Heart — T.G. Vandross
Sheppard
5. Will The Wolf Survive —
Waylon Jennings
August 8, 1986 The White Falcon 3