Though we celebrate the hundredth anniversary of Satersdal from its organizational date of January 29, 1891, there was spiritual activity in the township several years earlier. Excel Township was organized in late 1883. (Settlers had been moving in since 1881.) Along the Thief River on the eastern edge of the township, several families from Setesdal, Norway, settled. Skomedal, Bergland, Froisnes, Svenkesen, Ose, Olson, Johnson, and Rydberg were some of the early names. Many were known for their hard drinking, and were often scorned for this weakness. Since Thief River was not yet a city, this area was served from Crookston first and then St. Hilaire. The train was running to St. Hilaire in 1883 and itinerant Lutheran Pastors were moving through the area from what was the last “outpost of civilization.” continue reading ...