When Hans Engelson and the Tofte brothers, Andrew and John, arrived in the area that is now known as Tofte, they must have been impressed with the pristine beauty of the land. A few years later when other members of their families immigrated from Halsnoy, Norway, they too recognized this special place that would be home. They (including my grandfather Seivert Eide) established a church and soon the need for a cemetery became apparent. The Tofte twins donated a parcel of land on the hillside that gave a view to Lake Superior.
It is not clear who has title to the cemetery property or the road leading to the site. What is clear is that when these acts of community and service were performed, none of those present ever in their wildest dreams believed that someday a commercial venture would attempt to impose on the sanctity and quiet of the cemetery.
Just the suggestion of allowing a venture such as a cell tower and its associated equipment to be erected within the tree-lined boundaries of the small community cemetery is abhorrent and tinged with greed. Most of my family, old friends and neighbors are buried there and any act that despoils the quiet beauty of a resting place is reprehensible.
Erect a cell tower if you must, but not within the confines of the Tofte cemetery.
Elwood (Bub) Loh
Tofte
Loading Comments