Axel Axelsen was a Grundtvigian folk high school principal, first in Jebjerg and then at Krabbesholm.
Axelsen was born on Nyord near Møn and graduated from Skårup Seminary. After teaching in the Vejle area, he became the first principal of the folk high school in Jebjerg in 1884 and pushed for it to be called Salling Folk High School. In 1907, he was responsible for moving the school to new, larger vacant premises at Krabbesholm, although the premises in Jebjerg also continued as a folk high school. He remained principal of Krabbesholm until 1913, after which he became principal of Karise Folk High School in South Zealand instead.
Together with his wife Bertha Axelsen (born Drejer), Axelsen was very popular as principal among the students. In the eulogy, much focus is placed on the security the couple created and how the school came to feel like a family, with Axelsen as a kind father figure. It also mentions how Axelsen was not a great speaker or a significant figure in the movement, but instead had a great influence on the individual student he interacted with.
Axelsen lived his last years in Vordingborg.
After his death, a memorial stone to Axelsen and his wife was erected at Salling Folk High School, which was unveiled on June 20, 1927.
Sources
- Skive Folkeblad 22/6-1926 p.3, 25/6-1926 p. 4, 20/6-1927 p. 4, 22/7-1957 p.1
- About the school – Salling Efterskole (salling-efterskole.dk)