Oskar J. W. Hansen is known for his prominent public sculptures at Hoover Dam and the Yorktown Victory Monument.
Beyond those two important federal government commissions, little research exists about Oskar’s art or his life.
Oskar’s fascinating—but never told—life story includes archeological expeditions, world-famous artists, connections to 9 US Presidents, alien theories, a broken family, astrophysical discoveries, and a Holy Grail quest. Below are some highlights from his life.
Oskar J. W. Hansen Born
Oskar is born March 9, 1892 in the remote fishing village of Oksnes, Norway to unwed mother Josefine Maximiliane Johannesen. Baker Herman Hansen is listed as Oskar’s father on his birth certificate but Oskar reports his father is King Oscar II of Norway & Sweden, who was notorious for impregnating women while touring the country.
Oskar Fostered at Klo Farm
When Oskar was 5 or 6 his parents moved away from Oksnes, leaving him in the care of Fredrik & Kelmme Lund where Oskar attends school and church, and helps on the Lund’s farm.
Viking Island Adventure
As a 7-year-old boy, Oskar and a friend steal a boat, sail out to a remote ocean island, discover lost Viking treasure, then almost die in an orca whale attack on their journey home.
Global Explorer (and Mercenary?)
World War I Hero
Woodrow Wilson Coat
Marries First Wife, “Minnie” Brubaker and Becomes US Citizen
First Child, Herman Hansen, Dies in Infancy
Second Child, Homer Hansen, Born
Third Child, Philip Hansen, Born
Fourth Child, Beatrice Hansen, Born
Divorces Minnie Brubaker
Marries Second Wife Vernie Ethel Connelly
Publishes Short Story “Chien-Mi-Lo” with First Published Images of Sculpture
Publishes Multiple Home-Decor Tutorials in “Popular Mechanics”
Important Midwest Sculpture Commissions
Minneapolis Rand Tower “Wings”
Hinsdale War Memorial
Bust of Nobel Laureate Albert Michelson
Marries Third Wife, Mary Beatty & Fifth Child, Kar Hansen, Born
Michelson as best man
Chicago-Area Sculptures
Leif Erikson Memorial & Norway Diplomacy
Herbert Hoover
Hoover Dam Sculptures
FDR
Star Map
Friendships with Famous Mystics
Buys 350-acre Pantops Mountain, previously owned by Thomas Jefferson
Sixth Child, Alex Hansen, Born
Designs 30+ Leaf Trays for Virginia Metalcrafters
US Government Gives Oskar World’s Oldest Seeds to Grow in His Pantops Greenhouse
Years-Long Battle Between Oskar and the US Government over Yorktown Monument
Oskar Submits Geophysical Research Report on WMDs and the Earth’s Core to the US Navy
Oskar Testifies to Congress Against Eisenhower’s Military Policy in the Middle East
US Congress Fights to Award Oskar a Presidential Medal
