|
History of the Solmundson’s at Hecla Island |
|
By Sharon Holtz Paternal side: In 1888 Solmundur Simonarson and Gudrun Aradottir of Iceland settled at Hlidarendi on the east shore of Hecla Island. Their son, Rev. Johann Petur Solmundsson settled at Fagratun on the west side of Hecla and taught school. He later moved to Gimli where he raised his family. His son, Einar Julius Solmundson (my father) married Gudrun Sigurborg Grimolfson (my mother) of Jonsnes, Hecla. They made their home at Ingolfsvik, Hecla in the house that has now been renovated and converted into a bed and breakfast home (Solmundson Gesta Hus). Einar was a fisherman from the age of thirteen to the end of his days. He served as secretary-treasurer for the local school board for many years. Sigurborg worked by his side and together they raised five children. |
|
Maternal : In 1893 Grimolfur Olafsson and Steinunn Jonsdottir of Iceland settled at Fagriskogur on the south east side of Hecla, and then moved to Hliarendi on the north east shore. Their son Johannes married Gudrun Haflidason and they made their home at Jonsnes, site of the present Hecla Golf Course. Their daughter, Gudrun Sigurborg married Einar Solmundson. |
|
Sharon, the only daughter of Gudrun Sigurborg Grimolfson and Einar Julius Solmundson, now runs the bed and breakfast along with her husband, Dave Holtz. Sharon and Dave have traveled extensively throughout Canada and Europe as Dave served for twenty-five years in the Canadian Armed Forces. Dave and Sharon have both become fishermen and combine this and their love of gardening into their operation of the bed and breakfast the Solmundson Gesta Hus. Sharon is interested in health and wellness and has trained as a Reiki Master. She has converted the former gift shop into a SOQI wellness room to practice Reiki plus give sessions with the SOQI Bed, E-Power and Electro Reflex Energizer. |
