In 1902, Norwegian immigrant Carl Overaa came to the U.S. to pursue his dream in the “land of opportunity” and opened a small construction business in Richmond, California.
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Overaa Construction’s story starts in Scandinavia at the Dawn of the Century. Carl Overaa was born into a large family of dairy farmers in Overaa, Norway. That he ever emigrated from Norway is itself unusual: as the oldest son, he stood to inherit the family farm.
However, his love of adventure coupled with the economic downturn of his native land lead him to seek out the “land of opportunity.” Settling in San Francisco, he hooked up with Norwegian native Julia Pederson, the girl next door, or in Carl’s case, the girl across the fjord.
1902
Carl Overaa immigrates to San Francisco from Overaa, Norway.
Carl Overaa immigrates to San Francisco from Overaa, Norway.
1903
Julia Pederson (Carl’s future wife) emigrates from Norway to San Francisco. She was “the girl from across the fjord.”
Julia Pederson (Carl’s future wife) emigrates from Norway to San Francisco. She was “the girl from across the fjord.”
1907
In the aftermath of the Great Earthquake, Carl Overaa, a carpenter, decides to help rebuild the Bay Area. Carl goes into business with his future brother-in-law, Charles Pederson. Carl Overaa Builder is established in San Mateo.
In the aftermath of the Great Earthquake, Carl Overaa, a carpenter, decides to help rebuild the Bay Area. Carl goes into business with his future brother-in-law, Charles Pederson. Carl Overaa Builder is established in San Mateo.
1908
Carl Overaa and Julia Pederson marry.
Carl Overaa and Julia Pederson marry.
1911
Carl splits with Charles and heads for the boom country: Richmond, California. Carl and Julia recognize the promise of the developing East Bay community, home to two giant new industries: Santa Fe Railroad and Standard Oil Company.
Carl splits with Charles and heads for the boom country: Richmond, California. Carl and Julia recognize the promise of the developing East Bay community, home to two giant new industries: Santa Fe Railroad and Standard Oil Company.
1915
Carl builds houses, apartments, and stores. Carl constructs a boarding house on Nevin Avenue in Richmond where he and Julia live. Julia manages the books and cooks big meals for Carl’s workers who live in the boarding house. Most of their workers are old friends and family from Norway.
Carl builds houses, apartments, and stores. Carl constructs a boarding house on Nevin Avenue in Richmond where he and Julia live. Julia manages the books and cooks big meals for Carl’s workers who live in the boarding house. Most of their workers are old friends and family from Norway.