Engebret Hougen’s Street
(Norwegian version) The Engebret Hougen’s Street is a side street at the east side of the railway line. Hougen was a member in the committee that prepared the urban school law from 1871.
Text: Per Erling Bakke
Adapted and translated into English by Ivar Teigum
Engebret Hougen, 1826–1891.
Engebret Hougen (1826–1891) grew up on the Haugen farm at Sel. He was one of three brothers who all became notable school leaders in their day. As teacher and later headmaster he moved from the town Fredrikstad to Nes near Hamar, and later to the town Tønsberg. He was a member in the committee that prepared the urban school law from 1871.
As a youth Engebret Hougen made himself known as poet and storyteller. One of his love songs found its way into the national canon. As a 15 year old he was one of the important sources of the fairytale collector P. Chr. Asbjørnsen, among the tales was the one about Peder Jynt, better known as Peer Gynt in Henrik Ibsen’s drama.
In Tønsberg he engaged in the restoration of the medieval tower on the King’s Mountain.