Hans Østerholt

Hans Østerholt (29 August 1873 – 7 November 1958) was a Norwegian trade unionist, editor and politician for the Labour and Social Democratic Labour parties. He is best known for founding the humorous magazine Hvepsen in 1905 and editing it throughout its lifespan, until 1925.

Career In 1903 he was elected to the Labour Party's central board, a position he lost in 1906. He was the treasurer of the Norwegian Union of Iron and Metalworkers from 1904 to 1908. However, he was best known as editor of the socialist humorous magazine Hvepsen ("The Wasp"), which he started in 1905 after a fundraiser among trade unions. The magazine is viewed as qualitative and successful during its time, and attracted skilled writers such as Johan Falkberget. In 1916 Østerholt started another magazine as a side project, Blinken ("The Blink"), and in addition he wrote several poems and songs for events in the labour movement. He also started a paper goods store in the party headquarters at Folkets Hus, Kristiania in 1906. Through this he published the annual calendar Arbeiderkalenderen. Hvepsen was also published out of Folkets Hus.