Sigrid Grundt Mellby. 2 3/8" x 3 5/8" black and white portrait photograph of Mrs. O. A. Mellby, nee Sigrid Grundt; wife of the pastor who served the LeSueur River Lutheran Church and Trinity Lutheran Church in New Richland, Minn. for so many years, 1872 to 1915. Narrative: "In 1881 twelve Lutheran women in the village of New Richland met and organized a Koindetorening Ladies Aid. The first meeting was held at the home of Mrs. A. J. Newgard, Mrs. J. R. Swann was the first president. These charter members were: Mrs. J.R. Swann, Mrs. A. J. Newgard, Mrs. E.O. Gardson, Mrs. K.L. Gunderson, Mrs. M.P. Lofte, Mrs. Ole Halgrinson, Mrs. Martha Gunderson, Mrs. Ole Bakke, Mrs. O. B. Johnson, Mrs. O. N. Midgarden, Mrs. John Larson, Mrs. E. Tostenson. This organization contributed much to the growth and well-being of their church. They raised funds for decorating the interior of the church. Many of them were among the first Sunday School teachers. They sponsored the first Christmas tree in the church, going from house to house to gather funds with which to purchase candies and gifts for the Sunday School children, and apples for all who attended the Christmas exercises."
