Olav Iverson Hjellum was born in Underdahl, Sogn, Norway, on March 27, 1881. Belle Ingeborg Ohnstad was born June 17, 1889 at Aurland, Sogn, Norway. The couple were married December 24, 1905, at Valley City, North Dakota.
Mr. Hjellum left Norway to come to America the land of opportunity in 1899. He first settled in Valley City and later homesteaded in the Tioga area. He came to Carrington in January 1904 because it had become recommended to him as a good location. He opened his Tailoring and Cleaning business with a partner, Oscar Dahl, who remained in the business about a year. Mr. Hjellum had been employed in St. Paul and he brought bolts of cloth, trimmings and other materials necessary to tailoring. In 1905 dry cleaning was unknown, clothes were cleaned by washing in naphtha gas in a washtub as early as 1920. In 1935 he installed a dry cleaning machine. Because of health problems the dry cleaning business was sold about 1950 to Henry White, a son‑in‑law, and the Hjellum's daughter Lucille, both Mr. and Mrs. Hjellum continued working part time for over eight years. Both the Hjellums were expert tailors.
In 1909 the Hjellums decided to go back to Norway to visit relatives. Because they had become citizens in 1905 their visas only allowed them to stay two years. Their small daughter Lucille accompanied them. While in Norway son John was born. Mr. Hjellum worked with a former employer who had taught him the profession. Their daughter Mae was born several years later in Carrington. In 1927 the Hjellums adopted twin boys, Robert and Richard.
The Hjellums were active in the Methodist Church.
Some of their employees over the years were Andrew Lindelow, Margret Getty, Mrs. Wooten, Mrs. E. G. White, Anna Halaas and Mrs. Howard Wolfe. Mr. Hjellum died February 27, 1960 and Mrs. Hjellum died August 26, 1962. They are buried at Carrington.
Source: A History of Foster County 1983 Page 27B