Daughters of Norway Dotre av Norge

DØtre av Norge Volume 85 • Issue 5

September-October 2022

Moving?

Did you know if you have your mail forwarded to a temporary address your issue of Døtre av Norge is not included?

To continue receiving your issues of Døtre av Norge, please fill out a change of address form below and mail to:

JANE HOWARD PO Box 99130 Lakewood, WA 98496 cpajanie@msn.com

Grand Lodge Change of Address Form

About the Covers Front Cover: Members and guests of Solveig Lodge #31 enjoy food and friendship during its summer picnic in July on Lake Burien in Wash.

Back Cover: Elise Wærenskjold #48 sisters, Judith E. and Terry G., join Kristy Updegraff to practice and perfect their lefse-making in Roseville, Calif.

Døtre av Norge (Daughters of Norway)

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Postmaster send address changes to: Døtre av Norge: Jane Howard PO Box 99130, Lakewood, WA 98496

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Permanent Organization Address: Daughters of Norway Karen Erickson 40-2 Upper Bluffs Drive Port Townsend, WA 98368

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Information received after the deadline may not be published until the following issue. Please send notification of deaths within your membership to the Grand Lodge Financial Secretary: Jane Howard, PO Box 99130, Lakewood, WA 98496 www.daughtersofnorway.org

Grand Lodge President’s Letter LEFSE, TROLLS, AND FOLKLORE Last week in Portland, Ore., for my high school reunion, I had the opportunity to sample some stops on the Lefse Trail, enjoy a delicious Nordic brunch while taking in the new folklore art exhibit at Nordia House, and explore the Portland Troll Bridge.

Our first stop was an excursion to Oregon City to try the lefse wraps at Ingrid’s Scandinavian Food. We tried the Norwegian meatball and salmon lefse wraps and a variety of side dishes. Lefse wraps were a new experience for me, nothing I had ever seen in Norway. They were essentially burritos, wrapped in delicious homemade lefse. The spicy meatballs were surrounded by rødkål and the salmon wrap contained flaked salmon, cream cheese, and mixed lettuce. Both were delicious.

The sides (cucumber salad, dill roasted potatoes, and Norwegian slaw) were tasty additions to the meal.

The next day, we followed up with dessert lefse at Viking Soul Food food cart in the lively food truck court on SE Belmont in Portland. We sampled a traditional lefse, spread with butter and sugar, and a lingonberry and cream cheese lefse. Again, both were great. Since our local Nordic food spots in the San Francisco Bay area have shuttered in recent months, it was delightful to discover these thriving and creative eateries in the Portland area.

The day after my reunion, we headed to Broder Söder at Nordia House in southwest Portland for excellent Nordic brunch, and to explore the Nordic folklore artwork exhibit. We shared the fish board and added salad and light as a feather æbelskiver. The Nordic Folk Tales Reimagined exhibit is worth a visit. The artists reimagined three Nordic folk tales: Thumbelina (Denmark), Three Billy Goats Gruff (Norway) and The Witch and the Stone Boat (Iceland) through a variety of media, including acrylics, cut paper, and even felted wool. The art is amazing and you may even catch families reading the stories together out loud.

Finally, we ventured to the Portland Troll Bridge, a spot where people contribute trolls and troll art to a railroad trestle on a narrow, wooded road off the highway to St. Helens. A very fun place to visit.

GRAND LODGE NEWS We are in final stages of planning the next (in person!) Grand Lodge meeting, Oct. 27-29, in Fallbrook, Calif., hosted by Hulda Garborg #49.

Our Webmaster is hard at work loading up the 2021 Convention photos to the website.

The scholarship winners have been selected and will be featured in an upcoming issue of the Døtre magazine.

Thank you to the scholarship committee, chaired by Elaine Greggs, for their diligent work. Remember, donations to the scholarship fund are necessary to ensure the we can keep the program running smoothly.

Remember to mark your calendar for the 2023 Daughters of Norway Convention at the Silver Legacy Resort in Reno, Nev., July 13-15, 2023, hosted by Sonja Henie #29, Reno, Nev., Queen Maud #42, Carson City, Nev., and Elise Wærenskjold #48, Roseville, Calif. There are a variety of deadlines coming up quickly as the convention nears, such as electing your delegates, submitting propositions for consideration by the convened delegates, and making hotel reservations. Be sure to keep track of and meet these important deadlines.

Finally, the Grand Lodge board extends warm condolences to the family and friends of former Grand Lodge President Karin Scovill, who passed away July 14. She will be missed by her sisters at Valkyrien Lodge #1 and all who knew her.

Sisterly yours, I hope you will all be able to get together in person this Autumn for your lodge meetings. Happy Autumn! Watch for Grand Lodge President exciting news about the fledgling lodge in Nebraska!

Karen Karpen

www.daughtersofnorway.org

September-October 2022 | 3

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP

ATTENTION! 2023 will be here in no time

Along with it will be convention, where we will select new officers for the next two years. If you are thinking about a position on the board, this is the year you need to let the Advisory Nominating Committee know your intentions. Serving on the board is a memorable and fulfilling experience. Perhaps you just have some questions.

We will be glad to answer them so please email: Janna Armbruster (Advisory Nominating Committee Chair)

jannaarmbruster@yahoo.com

From the Advisory Nominating Committee

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IN MEMORIAM Karin Aase Gorud Scovill—1926-2022 Grand Lodge President, 2000-2002

It is with sadness we report that our dear sister, Karin Scovill, passed away July 14. She was a member of Valkyrien Lodge #1 for 80 years. During that time she held most of the offices in Valkyrien, including serving as lodge president twice.

In 1998, Karin was elected GL Treasurer, and following that term, she was elected GL President, 2000-2002.

Later, she accepted the position of GL Historian—a role she thrived in for many years. Those who knew her, saw her as a kind soul with a keen mind for detail and problem solving. She made lasting friendships in lodges everywhere, and enjoyed getting together with sisters whenever possible.

as GL President from 19441948. Her father, Anders Gorud, served as President of Leif Erikson Lodge for a term as well. For Karin, this made her own leadership roles even more special.

Karin was born in Hokksund, Norway, in 1926, and immigrated with her family in 1928 to the Ballard area of Seattle. Her parents set an example of leadership in the Seattle Norwegian community. Her mother, Kaspara Humlebek Gorud, was a Valkyrien member and lodge president, and served

She is survived by her daughters, Lynn and Anita, and son-in-law, Arnie. Her husband, Milt, passed away in 1990. She was the beloved matriarch of our extended family. Karin was proud of her Norwegian roots and worked for decades to promote and preserve Norwegian heritage, culture, language and history.

She lived with grace and dignity and will be sorely missed.

Elaine Gorud Greggs

Daughters Of Norway Classified Ads Advertise your Nordic items in our magazine for a very special price of $5.00 for up to 20 words.

Contact: Joy Cook 1137 Vantage Place, Fallbrook, CA 92028 joyc@roadrunner.com

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September-October 2022 | 5

September/October 2022 LODGES:

New Members EMBLA #2

Katherine French Teresa Jackson

SOLHEIM #20 LaVonne Nuthak

THEA FOSS #45

M Catherine Wright Gywnne C Dederer Ashly C Dederer

HULDA GARBORG #49 Leinaia King Sinneva Stenberg

August 6, 2022 August 8, 2022 July 15, 2022 July 1, 2022 July 3, 2022 July 3, 2022 February 12, 2022 March 12, 2022

AGNES MATHILDE WERGELAND #52 Rosemarie Mello

July 27, 2022

ROSANNA GUTTERUD JOHNSRUD #53 Lisa Hanson Romayne Kilde Lydia Ronningen

July 27, 2022 May 14, 2022 June 11, 2022

Associate Members Judith R Bergjord Bellevue, Nebraska Dee Levang St Louis, Missouri Eva L Phillips St Louis, Missouri

July 1, 2022 July 1, 2022 July 7, 2022

Scholarship Memorial/Donations The following gifts were made to the Grand Lodge Scholarship Fund:

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Valkyrien #1 July 27, 2022 In memory of Karin Scovill Nellie Gerdrum #41 July 31, 2022 In memory of Audrey Peterson, mother of Lynn Boice Sigrid Undset #32 August 12, 2022 In memory of Edna Anderson Embla #2 August 18, 2022 In memory of Edna Gruver Freya #50 August 22, 2022 In memory of Nancy Secrist

INDIVIDUALS:

Charles Dalthrop May 19, 2022 In memory of Jean Bennett Terry Bennett-Williams June 10, 2022 In memory of Jean Bennett Sharon Barker June 11, 2022 In memory of Virginia Moore Gerald Saks June 11, 2022 In memory of Virginia Moore Heidi Barcia June 28, 2022 In memory of Marilyn Sadler and Bea Meyers Heidi Barcia June 28, 2022 In memory of her father, Elroy Dragsten Bea Jones July 20, 2022 In memory of Marilyn Sadler Elaine Greggs July 27, 2022 In memory of Karin Scovill Susan Wallace July 27, 2022 In memory of Virginia Luth Moore Bernice Chouery August 1, 2022 In memory of Karin Scovill Inger Saltonstall August 29, 2022 In memory of Karin Scovill

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Endowment Fund Donations

DAUGHTERS OF NORWAY

DONATION FUND PLEDGE FORM

The following gifts were made to the Endowment Fund:

❍ Scholarship Fund ❍ Endowment Fund

INDIVIDUALS:

Donna Murrish In memory of Karin Scovill

❍ Organizational Fund

August 6, 2022

Broken Links

Our lodges mourn the loss of the following sisters from our sister chain: Edna Gruver Embla #2 April 8, 2021 Barbara Barron Nina Greig #40 December 7, 2021 Cathy O’Grady Agnes Mathilde Wergeland #52 July 12, 2022 Karin Scovill Valkyrien #1 July 14, 2022 Edna Anderson Sigrid Undset #32 July 19, 2022 Nancy Secrist-Pettis Freya #50 August 16, 2022 In their memory, their lodges drape their charters. We extend sympathy to all who share the sorrow of their passing.

Name Address

Phone: Email: Lodge #: ❏ Please keep my contribution anonymous ❏ Please call me to discuss my contribution

Total Contribution Enclosed $

Signature Date: My donation is made in ❏ Honor of ❏ Memory of Name: Mail contribution (payable to Daughters of Norway) to: Jane Howard, PO Box 99130, Lakewood, WA 98496

www.daughtersofnorway.org

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Storlosjen (Grand Lodge) Founded February 20, 1908 PRESIDENT Karen Karpen

ADVISORY NOMINATING Janna Armbruster

VICE PRESIDENT Joy Cook

DØTRE AV NORGE – AD MGR Joy Cook

(Sigrid Undset #32) 12930 Tripoli Court, Los Altos Hills, CA 94022 650-947-9442 karpennorsk@gmail.com

(Hulda Garborg #49) 1137 Vantage Place, Fallbrook, CA 92028 760-723-3103 joyc@roadrunner.com

JUDGE Karen Bartos

(Elise Wærenskjold #48) 7430 Morningside Dr., Granite Bay, CA 95746 916-791-6072 telemarkaren1867@gmail.com

SECRETARY Sharon Jordan

(Thea Foss #45) 84 Quinault Loop, Port Townsend, WA 98368 650-400-5788 sharonejordan@mac.com

FINANCIAL SECRETARY/ ASSOCIATE MEMBER CONTACT Jane Howard (Prillar Guri #30) P. O. Box 99130, Lakewood, WA 98496 253-576-7796 cpajanie@msn.com

TREASURER Chris Engstrom

(Embla #2) 2053 N. Fremont St., Tacoma, WA 98406-1515 253-752-5361 swedechris@msn.com

TRUSTEE – 2 YEAR Christine Meier Smith

(Nellie Gerdrum #41) 13524 254th Pl. N.E., Arlington, WA 98223 425-345-2786 cmsmith.valdres57@gmail.com

TRUSTEE – 4 YEAR/ SCRIBE LIAISON Karen Freeman

(Hulda Garborg #49) 13608 Hillsborough Dr., Omaha, NE 68164 760-207-1702 jannaarmbruster@yahoo.com

(Hulda Garborg #49) 1137 Vantage Place, Fallbrook, CA 92028 760-723-3103 joyc@roadrunner.com

ENDOWMENT Karen Bartos

(Elise Wærenskjold #48) 7430 Morningside Dr., Granite Bay, CA 95746 916-791-6072 telemarkaren1867@gmail.com

FORMS & DOCUMENTS Kathi Skarbo

(Solveig #31) 1611 SW 152nd St., Burien, WA 98166 206-242-9874 kskarbo@comcast.net

GL CONVENTION Perralina Palm

(Sonja Henie #29) 3270 Deer Foot Lane, Reno, NV 89506 775-972-5741 pfrfp22@yahoo.com

HISTORIAN Bernice Furdal Chouery

(Valkyrien #1) 6738 19th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98117 206-784-7275 bchouery@hotmail.com

MEMBERSHIP Katie Allen

(Sigrid Undset #32) 10120 Lockwood Dr., Cupertino, CA 95014 408-781-6450 katie.d.allen68@gmail.com

ORGANIZATIONAL Deanne Haisch

(Frida Hansen #37) 8346 SW Apple Way #V103, Portland, OR 97225 402-319-2570 dchaisch@gmail.com

Norma Kjenstad Barnes

(Borghild M. Dahl #54) 4902 S. Oxbow Ave. #205, Sioux Falls, SD 57106 605-496-8632 nkwbarnes@yahoo.com

PUBLIC RELATIONS Simone von Kugelgen

(Sigrid Undset #32) 1631 Escalona Dr., Santa Cruz, CA 95060 408-931-5778 simonebvk@gmail.com

SCHOLARSHIP Elaine Greggs

(Valkyrien #1) 7001 31st Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115 206-524-4317 egreggs@yahoo.com

RENO CONVENTION Sonja Dresbach

(Sonja Henie #29) 9250 Spearhead Way, Reno, NV 89506 775-750-9250 sm.radach.dresbach63@gmail.com

Derise Wigand

(Sonja Henie #29) 2210 Seneca Drive, Reno, NV 89506 775-247-8629 (text) wigand@gbis.com

WEB COMMUNICATIONS Christine Meier Smith

(Nellie Gerdrum #41) 13524 254th Pl. N.E., Arlington, WA 98223 425-345-2786 cmsmith.valdres57@gmail.com

WEBMASTER Kirsten Smistad

(Ingeborg #43) P.O. Box 1223, Stanwood, WA 98292 360-218-4924 dofnorway@gmail.com

(Rosanna Gutterud Johnsrud #53) 26583 County Road 18, Starbuck, MN 56381 701-659-3678 dotrekarenf@gmail.com

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September-October 2022 | 9

LODGE NOTES

Mina Aasen #55

Minot, ND Janet Sabol waiting to talk about DoN and our lodge, while Pam Abrahamson is prepared to sell all manner of Norwegian treats

Whew! June meeting completed and ready for our two month summer break.

But wait – just like snow bound Norway, summertime here is when people get out and activities happen. It’s no different here in North Dakota!

Right away, we had a great presence at the Midsummer Fest, which has grown considerably over the past few years. Our lodge, and Mina Aasen herself, received special recognition for her life successes. President Paulette Aasen was asked to tell the parade/ bonfire attendees about Mina's humble beginnings on a farm, her nursing career

President Paulette Aasen, Kendra Clementich, Janet Sabol, Susan Larsen, and Pam Abrahamson displaying our lodge banner following the Midsummer Parade of Flags

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that led to her becoming a lieutenant in the U.S. Army, serving at bases all over the U.S. and the world, including the Philippines at the beginning of WWII. Mina bravely tended the casualties of war, and walked in the Baatan Death March where she and fellow nurses became known as the Angels of Baatan and endured four years as a prisoner of war in four different death camps.

Saturday, we set up an information table in the Scandinavian Park to generate interest in our lodge and a second table filled with baked goodies for sale.

Almond bread, kranskake, krumkake, spritz and other cookies were sold, along with explanations of them to the non-Norwegians. We did quite well considering the Swedish Society was next to us, selling their “seven bites and coffee” all morning.

In the afternoon, we were asked to provide a kids' craft event, so we taught many children (and some parents) how to make julenisse. The color combinations these kids dreamed up were so beautiful, and everyone was happy as they went on their way making www.daughtersofnorway.org

plans about how they were going to display their doll.

No sooner had we cleaned up from Midsummer when it was time to get the plans moving for our float in the State Fair Parade. We decided to keep it simple and sparkly, and feature those same Julenisse we made at Midsummer. A great crew came out to help, and in no time the banners were placed, along with the red and blue garland, red and blue fringe, and crepe paper streamers. We thought we had an interesting and winning float!

BUT the next morning it rained – just the misty light sprinkle kind – but enough to want to wear a jacket over our special DON logo shirts.

And, enough to totally leave the crepe paper streamers soggy and ruined. And then, the sun came out brightly

Kendra Clementich showing a group of children how to make a Julenisse

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and warmed us up and we forged ahead. There was about a two hour wait from the time we got in line till we started moving, so we did our best to fix it. We shucked our jackets in the now warm sun, put on smiles, and waved and blew bubbles at the crowds. The route is about five miles long but takes only about 45 minutes from start to finish. Special thanks to Kendra Clementich for driving her pick up and to all the granddaughters (Delaney, Emma, Winnie, Drew, and Snowy) for walking and waving, and my great grands, Christy and Isaiah, for riding and blowing bubbles with us.

Our 2022 State Fair Parade float featuring the Julenisse.

Six sisters rode in the parade: Nel Summers, Renae Summers, Linda Shea, Susan Larsen, Kendra Clementich and Kay Haugen.

Along to help was a great group of granddaughters: Snowy Summers, Drew Elberg, Emma Elberg, Delaney Elberg and Gwen Deaver, and two great grandkids, Christy and Isaiah

U.S. and draws artisans and craftsmen of every area of the culture, headline acts to Admittedly, we did not have perform, and draws people as good a showing as we from all over to attend these would have liked, but that days in September and many was because we pulled the from Norway to demonstrate unlucky spot between a full and sell their work. If all the sized CAP Cessna plane sights is not enough, there is in front of us, and a band also the food, Scandinavian of horses coming after us, delicacies and pastries. It with a rider who impressed is well attended and a lot everyone by standing on the back of his horse. I mean, who of fun. Our next meeting is doesn’t like horses? And then the day after Hostfest ends, we opted not to throw candy, and our lodge is planning an open house with coffee and which was a big mistake with conversation for all our out of the kids in the crowd. Next town sisters. year we will know better!

And summer still marches on, so now it is time to prepare for our booth at Hostfest.

Hostfest is the largest Norwegian festival in the

Respectfully submitted, but just a bit exhausted,

Nel Summers Scribe

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Nellie Gerdrum #41

Bellingham, WA

Nobody loves July and August like us Northwesterners. Being busy outside and enjoying our beautiful environment is top on our list. Nellie Gerdrum #41 Walkers were able to enjoy July’s weather and the great outdoors by trekking the Hertz Trail along Lake Whatcom. One sister in particular, Past President Shari Nephew, was extra busy in July with the birth of her lovely daughter, Koralyn LeeAnn. Congratulations Shari and husband, Alex, and welcome future DON member baby Koralyn!

The August picnic was scheduled for a day that started out with scattered showers, mostly cloudy and a bit cool, but as the day went by, the rain showers ended, the clouds blew away and the sun came out to warm the day up, which gave us a perfect day for our annual outing at Hovander Park. There were 38 members and guests attending the picnic. Steve Jensen led the singing of the national anthems and the table prayer. Following our varied and tasty dinner, he played on guitar a group of old favorites, both Norwegian and American, in a sing-along. We were also treated to the chance to meet our newest prospective member, Shari’s three-week-old baby daughter, Koralyn. There were presents for the new baby, a special cake and lots of greeting and visiting with friends, both new and old.

Thanks go to Karin Dewell, Lynn Boice and their helpers for organizing this special day.

Berit Vassdal

Walkers at Boulevard Park

The Walking Group finished out the month by meeting at Boulevard Park in Fairhaven.

This walk is especially popular because it follows a blacktop path along Bellingham Bay and goes right by a wellpatronized local coffee shop.

What could be better… walking, ocean and coffee!

August Potluck Picnic

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August is also special this year because we would like to recognize our eldest member, Berit Vassdal, who is turning 98 years old this month. Berit is a charter member of Nellie Gerdrum #41 and is known as the “Kransekake Queen” in our lodge. If you have ever been to our November Scandinavian Festival, you certainly have seen her beautifully decorated 10 almond cookie ringed cakes. They will once again be available in our popular bakery at this year’s festival.

Her 18 ringed Kransekaka is the special prize at our Christmas celebration for whoever finds the almond in the risen grøt. And she generously donates three cakes for raffle prizes. How lucky we are! Berit still remains very active with our lodge’s September lefsemaking. Her Norwegian birthplace is invaluable to our lodge with her first-hand experience of being raised making these delicious desserts. If you happen to attend this year’s festival, be sure to look for our cherished sister in her beautiful bunad!

Thea Foss #45

Port Townsend, WA Alyce Hansen with Marlene O’Keefe and her prize

Thea Foss Lodge #45 was ready for a beach party during our summer hiatus!

We called it “Masse Moro” (Lots of Fun) and it was. We could have called it “Masse Mat!” (Lots of Food) because that was true, too. So many choices – casseroles, salads, cakes, pies, berry cobblers, cookies - it was a feast to be sure. We all know what great cooks sisters are.

With carpools to the Bridgehaven Marina Gazebo near Elsa Meadow’s home on

the Hood Canal, 28 sisters, from ages 16 to 93, gathered for food, friendship and getting acquainted with lots of new members. We were so happy being together, we didn’t mind a few raindrops.

There were lots of creative hats – some funny, some fancy, and all of them a delight. Karen Erickson’s Salish Sea hat reminded us of the convention in Bremerton; Linda Navage’s Mad Hatterstyle, with playing cards attached, reminded us of the next convention in Reno;

Sue Ohlswager Scribe

With thanks and appreciation to Sylvia

Hampson

Picnic group picture

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September-October 2022 | 13

Elsa Meadows with her mother’s weaving

Mary Foster’s well-loved straw cowboy hat was from her tapdance performance at age 9, and many hats had clusters of flowers, fruit or Nordic mementos.

We also had two drawings.

Jorunn Mayer won a little basket of Nordic goodies.

Her favorite was the bar of Norwegian chocolate.

Marlene O’Keefe won an exquisite framed needlepoint Carol Guthrie had found in a sale. The seller’s grandmother had stitched it and nobody in the family wanted it. Carol was happy to make sure it went to a good home!

Elsa Meadows displayed wool table-runners her mother, Charlotte, wove on the big loom upstairs in their Trondheim home during World War II. 14 | September-October 2022

Scribe Bonnie’s son, Thor, with his wife and daughter, went to Norway in June and came back with marvelous pictures. In the north, just south of the Arctic Circle, they visited the caverns at Grønligrotta, near the town of Mo i Rana, where many family members live. Cousin Svenn Tøvas was their host.

They enjoyed a few days at Svenn’s Sleneset Island vacation home, where they caught sight of Queen Sonja’s yacht passing close to nearby Lovund Island.

They visited the Havmannen statue in the Rana Fjord.

They drove by the Lom Stave Church, visited Trondheim, and of course, Oslo, where they visited Vigeland Park, the new National Museum, Munch Museum and dined on a fantastic fish feast at the Brasserie Franch restaurant.

Thanks to Sonja Schoenlenber and President Ellen Ostern, who provided input as Bonnie was not able to attend the picnic.

Bonnie Svardal Scribe

Annika at the Lom Stave Church

In the Grønligrotta caves: Erika, Annika, Svenn w/granddaughter Ylva, and Thor

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Borghild Dahl #54

Sioux Falls, SD

God høst!

The Norwegian word høst means “harvest” and “fall” both, so you get two for one!

But first, let’s harken back to summer.

In July, the sisters of Borghild Dahl Lodge took a field trip out in the country to the Maker’s Way Fiber Mill. We got a fascinating look into this small-scale fiber processing business, owned and operated by a mother and her two adult daughters. It’s located in a renovated barn on a beautiful rural hilltop.

They source lambs' wool and alpaca wool from local flocks, then process it, and sell it in the form of various products, such as batting, roving, felt and yarn. Being avid crafters, most of us were eager customers!

“Sharing Childhood Memories” was the program www.daughtersofnorway.org

Lodge #54 sisters gathered inside the Maker’s Way Fiber Mill

for our August meeting.

President Eileen Halverson prompted us several weeks in advance with an email of suggestions for ideas to write short stories about childhood recollections.

She also suggested keeping a folder of your stories to share with grandchildren.

This resulted in everyone participating at the meeting, some with a story or two and some with quite a few.

Many shared memories of Norwegian heritage traditions in their families, especially at Christmas, and especially food! All were fun and interesting to hear about.

Elizabeth puts a load of washed and dried wool into the picking machine to loosen the fibers

Now we all pray for a god høst!

Sisterly,

Norma Kjenstad Barnes

Scribe

Elizabeth of Maker’s Way Fiber Mill shows a skein of her alpaca and wool yarn dyed with natural marigold

September-October 2022 | 15

Eva Nansen #46 Des Moines, IA

Lee Ann B sharing the history and photographs of Norwegian royalty from the beginning to the current King Harald V

Eva Nansen Lodge #46 did not meet in July. Our August meeting began with a detailed program about the Norwegian Royalty by Lee Ann B. Eighteen members and one guest were in attendance.

Lee Ann B. shared photographs of King Harald, Queen Sonja and their family.

Like much of Europe in the Middle Ages, Norway had many kingdoms. Harald Fairhair (865 to 933) was said to have united Norway into a single kingdom. Although two other kings were credited for being part of the unification of Norway, it would be hundreds of years before a permanent, stable governing structure was in place.

Norway became an independent state with its own constitution May 17, 1814. After almost 100 16 | September-October 2022

years of a Swedish union, Norwegian national identity was on the rise. June 7, 1905, the Norwegian National Assembly, called the Storting, passed a resolution dissolving the union with Sweden.

Prince Carl of Denmark was married to Princess Maude, daughter of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra of the United Kingdom. Norway was in need of support from the United Kingdom.

Furthermore, the prince and princess already had a son, thereby ensuring the succession. Finally, Prince Carl’s genealogy could be traced back to the Fairhair Dynasty.

Prince Carl insisted on a vote, with 259,563 votes in favor of a monarchy versus 69,264 votes in favor of a republic; Prince Carl was offered the throne. After nearly 600 years, Norway finally had their own king – chosen by a free

people, as a free man, to lead this country; he was to be their very own king. The king of the Norwegian people would emerge as a powerful, unifying symbol of the new, independent Norway and all it would undertake.

Norway was forever free and independent, and this was a little over 100 years ago. Since King Haakon, there have been only two

August meeting refreshments made and provided by Catherine K (left) and Kathy R (right)

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Norwegian kings; Haakon’s son Olav and Olav’s son, Harald.

In recent years, King Harald V has become involved in issues related to welfare, children and the environment. These issues will be a reoccurring theme amongst the Norwegian royal family.

Among her humanitarian efforts, Queen Sonya served as vice president of the Norwegian Red Cross.

Her humanitarian focus is children, vulnerable women, the elderly, the homeless, and substance abusers. The Queen is also concerned with conditions for immigrant women in Norway.

King Harold and Queen Sonja will celebrate their 55th wedding anniversary in 2023.

After the program, we were able to enjoy a large variety of Norwegian treats provided

by Kathy R and Catherine K; while our business meeting was held. Several of the items were made by Kathy R and Catherine K; sharing their Norwegian traditions with their Norwegian sisters.

Anne Grimdalen #34 Cupertino, CA

July was a quiet month for Anne Grimdalen Lodge #34; we didn’t meet, as is our custom. However, Aug. 13, we held our annual outdoor picnic in the Rose Garden of Sunny View Retirement Community. Seventeen of us gathered to share an overabundance of wonderful food and good conversation. The table was laden primarily with a variety of savory and sweet salads and, with the warm weather, salad was a perfect choice. Our hostesses, Linda D’Amico, Sidney Mygatt and Karen Barker, provided strawberry shortcake and a flour-less chocolate cake for dessert.

Alexa Mitchell

Scribe

Sharon Knudsen Scribe

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Sidney Mygatt distributes Anne Grimdalen pens

We enjoyed the wonderful food and good conversation at our picnic

In July, the lodge board approved Sidney’s proposal to purchase beautiful pens denoting our lodge and location. Each member will receive a pen and have the opportunity to purchase others for family members, friends or even potential members. Additional pens have been reserved for future members. Wearing her trademark sun-shielding hat, Sidney distributed those pens to the members attending the picnic.

We look forward to our September Zoom meeting with a presentation by Vesterheim Museum Chief Curator, Laurann Gilbertson, about “The Power of Silver: Traditional Norwegian Jewelry,” and, though we are warmly anticipating this program, hope we can soon get back to meeting in person every month!

Debby Coleman Scribe

September-October 2022 | 17

Aase #33

Lafayette, CA

The Burial of Queen Aase of Norway The Norwegian sagas from Viking times has provided us with much of the information we have about Queen Aase,

the one female of the Royal family of Vestfold. As the mother and grandmother of the kings of the first Norwegian Royal Dynasty, Queen Aase would have been buried with great pomp and ceremony. She was the mother of Halvdan the Black, founder of the Norwegian Royal Dynasty, whose pivotal role in ancient sagas and skaldic poems formed the basis of Norwegian historical identity; and the grandmother of the charismatic King Harold the Fairhair, who became the first ruler of a unified Norway before the turn of the 10th century.

Queen Aase Oseberg is believed to have been buried in her ship, which was later discovered during an archeological dig near the Oslo fjord in 1904, where it had lain buried for about 900 years. An analogy between her name “Aase” and that of the place named “Oseberg” has been proposed, and the certainty of whether this grave is hers, or possibly associated with her son, will probably remain a mystery.

However, the name Oseberg (Aasuberg) means Aase’d mound or hill and contains the feminine name Aasa.

Hazel Clegg and Marilyn Hansen

18 | September-October 2022

The boat was discovered in a grave mound on the Oseberg farm, where it is thought it

was dragged ashore and luxuriantly equipped so she could continue her life after death. In it they found two females, three delicately carved sleds, a wagon, as well as household goods that would prepare her to travel by land or sea. Because the ship had been buried in oxygenfree blue clay, many of the household articles buried with the ship were found in remarkably good condition, and tell a great deal about Viking life at the time. At the head of Aase’s bed were carved gaping monsters with flickering, venomous tongues alluding to her strength and courage. They also might have been used to scare away bad spirits or nightmares. Of the two women found in the grave mound, one was likely the queen and the other her faithful servant, who had died with her or was sacrificed

Helen Sinclair, Deborah Shanks, Celeste Graham, Kristi Larsen

www.daughtersofnorway.org

Elise Waerenskjold #48 Roseville, CA

Queen Aase

to accompany her into the afterlife. Clearly it was made for small trips in calm waters and fair weather, suitable for the personal use of a lady of high rank.

Included with this history is our lodge’s rendition of Queen Aase and some of our ladies in their bunads dressed like queens.

Submitted,

Deborah Dahl Shanks

We last met in person June 4.

I left June 2 for the Midwest and a 10-day loop through Norwegian Heritage sites.

Thank you to Diane Peterson for covering that meeting for the last Døtre article.

A couple of days earlier, our book club met virtually to discuss Mama’s Bank Account, a relatively lighthearted story based on the author’s Norwegian grandparents. Our sister, Elaine Duxbury, joined us to share her stories of

growing up in San Francisco.

Others shared memories of older relatives organizing envelopes of cash for bill paying. Everyone tried to remember when they first used a credit card (“chargea-plates” at Dayton’s and Donaldsons in Minneapolis?).

We talked about the children in the book taking an active part in helping the family function. It is a pleasant read.

(We also learned the swear word in the movie version translates to “dumb goat”).

The conversation wandered on to where to find a good lutefisk dinner and place to dance. (The Sons of Norway in Los Gatos!) Returning to books, Dressing With Purpose was suggested but Eliza Reid’s Secrets of the Sprakkar won out.

Our lodge does not hold meetings in July and August, but sisters who haven’t left town for cooler weather

President/Scribe

Docent Sandra B, Kristy U, Barb P and Judith E

www.daughtersofnorway.org

September-October 2022 | 19

Hulda Garborg #49

Fallbrook, CA

Karen D, Diane P and Andrea L shopping

do find great ways to get together. July 7, a handful of sisters met for lunch and then toured the California Auto Museum in Sacramento. The tour’s docent was our sister, Sandra Bauer. Our sister Kristy Updegraff’s father, Edward Towe, collected some 115 antique Fords from North and South America. In the 1980s, the Towe family brought the cars to Sacramento and

a new private, nonprofit museum grew around the collection. You can learn about the development of the automobile while admiring beautiful cars.

Another lunch bunch, including new members Pat Kriz and Christine Newport, met at IKEA July 13 and worked off the calories by shopping afterward.

Sisters who missed meeting together in August were welcomed to join Kristy Updegraff to practice and perfect their lefse-making skills in preparation for our Oct. 15 Scandinavian Festival.

It will be held on the same LCR grounds as our monthly meetings. Join us if you can!

September is almost here and getting ready for the Vista Viking Festival is in full swing. This is the first inperson event of the festival since 2019, which makes this a huge deal for our lodge. It takes months of planning and prepping, as this is our largest fundraising event of the year. Sisters are busy making folk dolls, ornaments, head wreaths, cookies, gathering vintage items, making Viking soap and more. We have had a couple really fun craft days where we have gotten together and made head wreaths and learned how to

With thanks to Barb Pattow for keeping me in the summer loop,

Berit Cattolico

Barb P

20 | September-October 2022

Scribe

A pot of ash being prepared for making Viking soap

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make folk dolls. There are more craft days coming! If you live in southern California, consider attending the Viking Festival. It is super fun, and you can come say hello (and eat some delicious cookies)!

In July, we have no official meeting. However, at the very beginning of August, sisters gathered together to make folk dolls for the upcoming festival. Julie Watts brought the materials and showed everyone how to make these adorable little dolls step-by-step. Their little doll clothes are hand sewn and decorated. Even though they are small, the folk dolls definitely take a few hours to make! We are looking forward to learning how to make corn husk dolls in the future as well. Also, Danielle Carlson, a sister and soap maker, is making “Viking Soap” to donate for our lodge to sell at the Viking Festival. This soap will be made using the same techniques the Vikings used to make lye soap, by leaching an alkali solution from ash and mixing it with animal fats.

She is making a video to go with the soap, so keep an eye out on the Vista Viking Festival Facebook page to see her video about how to make Viking Soap, and drop by our booths at the Viking Festival if you would like to www.daughtersofnorway.org

Sisters working like busy bees on their folk dolls

purchase and try some! We will be in the bar area of Norway Hall.

During our August meeting, the focus was, of course, on the Viking Festival. In August and September, it really takes over! Volunteer sheets were passed around so sisters could sign up for shifts to run the booths.

Sisters volunteered for cookie-making and cookie packaging, and another craft day was announced. We also talked about our lodge cookbook sisters Sheryl Zinsli and Danielle Carlson are working on putting together for our members and for future Viking Festivals.

Sisters were asked to send in Scandinavian recipes so the cookbook could be designed and assembled – more information will be passed along.

Unfortunately, we had too many technical difficulties to enjoy the program Julie Watts had prepared for us about Scandinavian cooking!

An example of a finished folk doll

Boo! We did, however, get to enjoy our first potluck since the pandemic started. It was so nice to sit down and eat with sisters and enjoy each other's company. I know we all look forward to more and more sisters coming back to meetings and bringing their delicious foods!

Hopefully, next issue I will be writing to you about how much of a success the Viking Festival was for our lodge.

Wish us luck!

Danielle Carlson Scribe

September-October 2022 | 21

Scholar-arranged trip to Costa Rica with her grandson, where she did a five part zip line among the trees and land formations. Quite exciting!

Anna Kolbjørnsdatter

#36

San Francisco, CA

Though we have not had a regular meeting in the summer, members of Anna K #36 have been busy. Travel was on the agenda for members Jill Beatty, Debra Jensen-Unger and Sally Dunham.

Jill and her husband, Mike, did a road trip to Barrett, Minn., for a family reunion at Old Settlers Days, including a visit to 150th Anniversary of Lutheran Immanuel Church, built in 1872, partly by GG charter member Ole Leraas.

It has just been refurbished

Solveig Hoeg’s heart-shaped Hallingdal box

22 | September-October 2022

Debra Jensen-Unger with her Hallingdal plate

due to efforts by Jill’s cousins, Linda Leraas Ray, a Daughters of Norway member from Minneapolis, and Mary Jo Dailey, a Daughters of Norway member from Minot, N.D. There were many fun activities, including dressing up in the old costumes, dancing and singing. Jill is going back to the Midwest for Hustfest and plans to live in a trailer while doing much work on the booth there. Wow! What a lot of traveling!

Debra and her husband, Kevin, drove cross country to visit her 97 year old motherin-law in Florida, covering 6,700 miles through 20 states!

Her Facebook page has many pictures of delightful stops along the way, and reading it made me feel like I got away too!

Sally Dunham did a few different travels, the most impressive being a Road

Those of us who stayed in the area were busy with our continuing rosemaling studies of the Hallingdal style. Hallingdal is one of the major valleys of eastern Norway, more accessible to European art influences, and as such was one of the first areas aside from Telemark to do rosemaling, and was quite influential in the development of other styles. We started our study with a box designed

by Jo Sonia, and have now branched out to do designs of our own, based on pieces we studied in a book.

One of our classes, led by Soveig Hoeg, was to copy in our sketchbooks major central flower designs and borders. Debby Grisso, an accomplished painter in both ceramic arts and watercolor, did pages of beautiful line drawings of the flowers. Solveig found a delightful heart box to paint, and Marge Knyper used a picnic basket from a Harry and David food gift from her sons. Debra Jensen-Unger did a Hallingdal plate from an online class she took. Even with all her other activities, Jill Beatty continued to practice www.daughtersofnorway.org

heritage in the U.S. I hadn’t known about previously.

Ester Moe #39 Clinton, WA

Jill Beatty and Linda Leraas Ray tolling the bell of Lutheran Immanuel Church in Barrett, Minn. for “Old Settlers Days”

her flowers. In all our photo examples you will notice the symmetrical center flower, the varying border designs, and scrolls and vines using black leaves as a design element.

There was one more event of the summer, happy, yet with tinges of sadness, as eight of us went to a luncheon at the Spinnaker, a lovely waterfront restaurant in Sausalito, joining members of Tabitha Women’s group and the Seaman’s Church to say goodbye to Terje and Siri, the excellent inhouse host and hostess from Norway who are finishing their two year stint. The main church in Norway provides a rotating crew of their members, which switches every two years. We are so sad to see them go and wish them well in their next church in London!

Marge Knyper Scribe

www.daughtersofnorway.org

This summer provided opportunities for quite a few of our members to travel, after many of us had been hunkering down for an extended period during the pandemic. My husband and I took a long-delayed trip to visit family in Kansas, driving more than 4,000 miles round trip! During our trip, I was pleased to discover some aspects of Scandinavian

While visiting my sisterin-law in McPherson, Kansas, we drove to the nearby town of Lindsborg.

Lindsborg was founded in 1868 by immigrants from the Värmland province of west central Sweden. Thirty percent of the current residents are of Swedish descent and this small town of 3,200 is known throughout the state as “Little Sweden.”

Many of the downtown shops are decorated in Scandinavian motifs and sell Swedish gifts and foods. In addition, the town is famous for its “Herd of Wild Dala Horses,” 36 giant fiberglass Dala horses decorated in a variety of themes that are installed on the sidewalks throughout the

This “Dalahippus Lindsborgensis” (a fossil Dala) is one of the many giant Dala horses on display in downtown Lindsborg, Kansas

September-October 2022 | 23

The founder of the Saab Museum in Sturgis, S.D., Tom Donelly, standing proudly next to his favorite auto in his large collection

town. The town also hosts the Svensk Hyllningsfest (Swedish Honoring Festival) every other year. This celebration of Swedish culture includes a community smörgåsbord dinner, art displays, folk dance performances and many other activities. The next festival will be held October 13-14, 2023, so if you are in the vicinity check it out!

Heading back home to Whidbey Island, we stopped in Sturgis, S.D. While Sturgis is primarily known for its large, annual motorcycle gathering, our goal was to visit the Saab Heritage Car Museum there. This privately owned museum was started in 2015 by Tom Donney, a lifelong Saab aficionado, as a venue to display and care for his extensive collection of vintage Saab cars and 24 | September-October 2022

motorcycles. The day we visited, Tom was on-hand to greet us and generously gave us a personal tour! While the Saab corporation in Sweden no longer makes automobiles (they are now exclusively an aerospace and defense systems manufacturer), they did build cars from 1946 through 2016, and many of those models are on display in the museum. What was intended to be a short stop ended up being an extended visit as we were so intrigued by the variety and history of the many vehicles on display!

After our pleasant two month summer hiatus, all of us from Ester Moe Lodge #39 are looking forward to starting up our regular meetings in September and preparing for our Nordic Fest this November.

Celia Danielson Metz Scribe

A rare Saab camper and station wagon from the early 1960s.

The camper was a small run production item from the Saab aircraft manufacturing division

Valkyrien #1 Seattle, WA

Valkyrien Lodge #1 sisters are reawakening as we start to plan for the fall months. Over the summer, we mourned the loss of two more of our longtime members. Jean Bennett passed away May 6, and Karin Scovill July 14. Jean was our financial secretary for many years, and she was known to be precise in keeping track of our memberships, a tiger when collecting cash was involved, and a funny and natural storyteller whenever there was an opportunity. She was passionate about Daughters of Norway, and had served as GL treasurer. Karin was known to many sisters in lodges across the country.

She had faithfully served the Grand Lodge as treasurer, president (2000-2002), judge and historian. In Valkyrien, she was a beloved member for 80 years, and had served in every possible position, including www.daughtersofnorway.org

Gratulerer Med Dagen, Valkyrien

being our lodge president twice. She was proud of her Norwegian roots and worked for decades to promote and preserve our heritage, culture and history here in the U.S. We will dearly miss them.

Our Long Range Committee, consisting of Hilde Thorkildsen, Inger Saltonstall, Sissel Tangen, Kaaren Sterlington, and Bernice Chouery, met in mid-August to review broad plans for the coming lodge year, including meeting location and dates, donation considerations, our financial situation, and priorities for the rest of the year.

The board meeting was then held a few days later, and discussion continued on those issues, as well as business items to address with our lodge members at upcoming meetings.

Chanda Schneider, one of our www.daughtersofnorway.org

Valkyrien trustees, has taken on the arduous task of going through our archive materials, including paperwork and items of all sorts, in order to better organize and preserve what is important in the long run for our lodge. Some artifacts and records will be best kept with GL materials, and she will work with GL trustees and officers to assess those. We are so appreciative for her work on this.

President Bernice Chouery has arranged for a very interesting program in September. Gina Nyland is doing a bunad tour and will make a stop in Seattle to present her program after our business meeting. We have invited guests from a couple of nearby lodges to join us for this showing. Gina will have fabric, bunad designs and accessories on display, and will be happy to discuss all aspects of these beautiful costumes with us.

Nina Grieg #40 Poulsbo, WA

Iceland’s population is historically composed of over 60 percent from Norway. Our lodge had no gatherings this summer, therefore, this theme appealed for our attention, as strength and leadership are important aspects of Daughters of Norway, as they are in Iceland.

SPRAKKAR! An ancient Icelandic word meaning extraordinary or outstanding woman. The first lady of

Plans are already underway for our 117th birthday, to be celebrated at our Oct. 8 lodge meeting (small wonder we have so much archived material). A party committee will be named soon. We expect to make it a joyous occasion!

Elaine Greggs Scribe

First Lady of Iceland, Eliza Reid

September-October 2022 | 25

narratives span a variety of experiences and cover all walks of society.

She is originally from a small farm outside Ottawa, Canada.

Eliza met her husband, Gudni Thorlacius Johannesson, when they both were studying history at Oxford University.

He became president of Iceland in 2016 and has been reelected.

The president and first lady of Iceland, Eliza Reid and Gudni Thorlacius Johannesson

Iceland, Eliza Reid, has written about how these women are changing the world, weaving their stories along with hers, living in this tiny country, which is called one of the best places in the world to be a woman. She has been a champion for gender equality, tourism, sustainability and literature during her tenure as first lady.

Her book is, Secrets of the Sprakkar. She states, “This book is my love letter to Iceland - an appealingly imperfect country, a society that is constantly working to improve, where debate thrives but solidarity and empathy envelop us when crises occur.” Reid illustrates in her book that though 26 | September-October 2022

Icelandic women have fewer barriers to career-family-social mobility than in many other places, most of the book’s interviews include candid dialogue about the need to continue working towards the equality goals.

Iceland is a storytelling nation, and many living Icelanders have been raised on a diet of the heroics of women in the sagas, the gumption of those who avenged wrongs, and the grit of those who fought against the odds for their principles. Eliza interviewed over 40 women from all walks of life and backgrounds. As chapters unfurl, Reid weaves her own story in and amongst interviews and women whose

Her writing style is witty and informal, hopeful, and warm. Her love of her adopted country oozes onto each page. You can also see her TED Talk, Pulling Back the Curtain, about her life as Iceland’s First Lady.

Her inspiration is bound to embolden any sprakkar-inwaiting to seize the most unexpected opportunity.

Submitted by

Nancy Oline Klimp Scribe

www.daughtersofnorway.org

Prillar Guri #30 Olympia, WA

All over the world, weather records are being broken this year; excessive heat in Europe, excessive rain in Norway, and here in the Olympia area of Washington state, we have broken records for excessive number of days where the temperatures are 90 degrees or more. We do not complain, though, because we know the damp, dark days of autumn will soon be present.

Members of Prillar Guri Lodge #30 hadn’t been together since we celebrated

Picnic at Lori’s house: Pat Baxter, Lorilie Steen, Gayle Lindeblom, Jane Howard, Linda Fialkowski, Diane McAlpin, Judi Hambrick, Trisha Swanson, and Linda Hansen

Syttende Mai, so it was a happy occasion when nine of us, plus one guest, were able to gather for a picnic in August. The weather lady smiled on us! The afternoon temperature was only 77 degrees the day of the picnic, so we could eat outdoors - where every respectable picnic should be eaten!

A special birthday party in August was hosted by Linda Fialkowski. The occasion was the 80th birthday of Joanne

Happy birthday Joanne Gray and Linda Fialkowski

Gray, who is our current cultural director, newsletter editor, and Norway Day general organizer! Please join us in wishing Joanne a healthy and very happy year.

We’re all looking forward to our September meeting when we can once again count on eating a potluck smørrebrød, served by some of the best Scandinavian cooks in Washington.

Chatting over dessert and coffee

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Lorilie Steen Scribe

September-October 2022 | 27

Turid Jespersen #44

Mission Viejo, CA Just a few of the sisters who sold out our lunch table at the Heritage Fair, wearing our Turid Jespersen shirts

God høst!

As mentioned, we were dark for July and August. Many traveled or spent time with family activities. We’ve said good-bye to some who have moved, and we’ll be sending off a couple more before the end of the year. Sad to see them go, but we know they are moving on to new adventures.

We are all looking forward to resumption of meetings.

It's going to be a good fall season as we will be electing new officers. We know some of the newer and younger members are showing interest in participating.

Our September and October meetings will include planning for our lutefisk dinner in November, and then on to our Christmas Berit Funnemark and her daughter, Lisa Sears, displayed a wonderful collection of bunads and accessories

celebration. It's going to be a busy fall.

I’m including some more pictures from our May Heritage Fair. We had such a good time! Beste hilsener to all our sister lodges for a great fall season!

Ronna Clymens Scribe The Abælskiver Ladies ran out of batter, TWICE, we had so many visitors

28 | September-October 2022

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Solheim #20 Butte, MT

Solheim guests and new members. L-R: Sharon Smith, Wendy Peterson, Nancy Solum, Aretta Seymour, Kathy Lunde, Wanda Andre, Kim Dunville

The August weather in the mining city of Butte, Mont., provided an enjoyable backdrop for the annual lodge picnic at the home of President Bev Becker.

Eighteen members, new members and friends gathered for a very nice time of fellowship.

A special presentation of family heirlooms was shared

by Bev Becker. A log cabin quilt that had been made for her maternal greatgrandmother, Skindrud, was displayed. This dear lady was also a mid-wife in Minnesota in the early 1900s. The bed cover displayed was made from the scrap basket of a grateful neighbor, who gave it as payment for the midwife skills of Mrs. Skindrud.

Family heirlooms and artifacts from the Skindrud and Sylte ancestors of Bev Becker

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An interesting array of wooden articles was spread across a handmade table, made by Bev’s maternal grandfather. Casper Sylte was born in Minnesota and then homesteaded in North Dakota. He was an accomplished wood worker and a blacksmith. Cattle were also raised on the farm.

Utilizing all of the available products, Casper had learned to tan the leather. From those tanned hides, he made harnesses, containers and perhaps footwear. Family history states; “It was darn good leather too.”

The rocking chair, crafted in the early 1900s and two children’s chairs, circa 1950s, were created and caned by him. The wooden dropleaf table was made after his marriage in 1916. The rug underneath, was woven by her grandmother, Inger Sylte, in later years.

September-October 2022 | 29

Stjernen #7 Astoria, OR

Hello Dear Sisters, Solheim Lodge members at August picnic at the Bev and Bob Becker home

The Sylte home was well appointed to serve the family and community of Maron, N.D. The basement housed the community post office, where Inger served as postmistress. Another room held the rug loom where Inger recycled a collection of well used clothing and other scraps. There, she taught family members how to make those creative and useful floor coverings. For Casper, there was space in yet another room for his wood shop, caning and leather working.

Like the majority of people in those places and times, the Sylte’s were ingenious, creative and hard working.

The showing and telling of these wonderful pieces of history and heritage 30 | September-October 2022

brought about much good discussion and reminiscing.

What a great springboard for folks to ponder, yet again, the varied reasons people made their way to this land of opportunity. Once again, we can be encouraged to share these foundations our families and country were founded upon. Let’s make the most of the opportunities we have to remember how our country was established.

In our thankfulness and gratitude, let’s look for ways to encourage others and stand for what it right.

We look forward to autumn and trust all is well with our sister lodges. Blessings.

Debbie Sorensen Scribe

As I type, August is coming to a close, but high summer still reigns here in Oregon.

Stjernen #7 sisters had their annual picnic once again.

This year we opted for catered box lunches in place of the usual potluck. It was quite enjoyable sitting in a manicured garden, sipping iced tea, provided by our hostess, Marcy Phillips, and tasting the pre-ordered sandwiches, salads and desserts in our parcels.

Some Stjernen Picnickers: Cynthia Svensson, Marcy Phillips, LaVonne Hovland, Lynne Leland (guest), and Christa Svensson

www.daughtersofnorway.org

The business, much of which consisted of catching up on old bills or planning new meetings, was conducted at a brisk pace and we were all pleased to see our little ship of sisterhood back on an even, in person, keel. We also draped our 112-yearold charter in memory of our departed sister, Marsha Elliott. We shared stories and memories of her and felt, in that way, she was still among us. Marsha’s love of cats was mentioned more than once, and it was noted her gravestone features an engraving of a cat.

Playing hostess to a combination picnic/business meeting is no small feat.

Fortunately, Marcy had the help of her esteemed, capable and very goodlooking companion, Nigel, the Norse cat. Sadly, Marcy lost a dear feline friend of many years just as the pandemic was beginning.

It was another Stjernen member, Juliet Hugeback, who came to her rescue.

Juliet has volunteered for years as a foster mother for kittens through Cat Adoption Team in Sherwood, Ore. She has cared for and found homes for dozens, if not hundreds, of kittens. When Marcy reached out for help in finding a new animal www.daughtersofnorway.org

Embla #2

Tacoma, WA

Nigel and his forever mom, Marcy Phillips

Nigel and his foster mom, Juliet Hugeback

companion, Juliet knew Nigel would be perfect for her. Marcy is certainly perfect for Nigel. The happy ending brings us to the conclusion of this little article. There is nothing left but to wish you an extra-long summer, bountiful autumn and very good health.

Sisterly,

Cynthia Svensson Scribe

Uff-Da! We have been a busy bunch these past two months, even without our regular meetings. We sewed aprons, made lefse, finally had our annual luncheon and fixed a broken down car.

Most of our activities have been in preparation for our upcoming Nordic Festival, Oct. 8 at Mt. View Lutheran Church in Edgewood, Wash.

We were forced to take a three year break due to COVID. We will be selling our usual wares of baked goods, crafts and more. There will be live entertainment and yummy food! Put us on your calendar!

After a three year hiatus, we had our Annual Summer Luncheon Aug. 6 and over 80 people attended. Our live entertainment was provided

by Deb Collins, who gave a rousing performance on the hardanger fiddle. Julie September-October 2022 | 31

we get a lot accomplished, but we had a great time too. It was a terrific bonding experience for our group of wild Norwegians! One of the main things we’ll be selling at our upcoming Nordic Festival will be the lefse we worked so hard on. There will also be Norwegian cookies. You should come visit us and buy some delicious treats!

Lefse Gone Wild!: Steph Wood, Linda Skog, Carla Skog-Messman

Ann Hebert made gorgeous bookmarks that were our party favors. Our guest speaker was no other than Viggo Førde, the Honorary Consul for Norway to Washington, Oregon and Idaho. Viggo Førde spoke about some of the recent changes in Norway, most notably the reorganization of the counties. A vast majority of the counties have been combined, but some, such as Oslo, Møre og Romsdal and Rogaland, have stayed the same. The changes were made in an effort to streamline the democratic process and make the coordination of municipalities and regions easier. According to a statement made by the government, “Larger and more functional county municipalities will strengthen local democracy and growth opportunities.” Viggo also told us that while there isn’t 32 | September-October 2022

Carla Skog-Messman and Marilyn Mahnke making aprons

any homelessness or poverty in Norway, there aren’t many super rich people either.

It required some doing, but we did it! It took 12 people, and two separate sessions, but in total we managed to crank out over 1,000 rounds of lefse. Griddles were sizzling, and the air was thick with both flour and treasured conversation. Not only did

In July, members of our lodge gathered at Linda Caspersen's lovely home and made beautiful Nordic themed aprons. The work was divided into multiple stations for maximum efficiency. The aprons will be for sale at our upcoming Nordic Festival!

Our July parking lot meeting was, true to form, eventful.

After socializing in the nourishing sunshine for two hours, a pair of our sisters got into their vehicle only to discover the cars’ battery was dead. Not only are we a hardy bunch, but we are also handy.

After a little bit of doing, Lisa Ottoson was able to give the car a jump! Hurrah!

Mange Hender gjør lett arbeid.

Many hands make light work.

Stephanie Wood Scribe

www.daughtersofnorway.org

Agnes Mathilde Wergeland

Freya #50

#52

Spokane, WA

Sadly, sister Nancy Secrist lost her brave battle with cancer Aug. 16. In addition to being a Freya Lodge #50 charter member, she was extraordinarily creative and kind. A celebration of life was held Aug. 23 at the Spring Hill Grange in Spokane.

The sisters of Freya Lodge held crafting parties in July and August at Gina Nylund’s beautiful home to create Nordic items. These will be sold at the upcoming Christmas luncheon to raise funds for the lodge. In

Junction City, OR

Nancy Secrist lost her battle with cancer Aug. 16

addition to lots of cheerful chatter and busy hands, everyone enjoys learning from the skills of others.

Sisters of Freya Lodge met Aug. 25 at Max’s Restaurant in the Spokane Valley for lunch and to get to know some of the new sisters better.

Hilsen Fra,

Jennifer J. Hicks Scribe

Ladies who lunch: Linda Poole, president, Thora Norby Stupin, Astrid Sather Peltier, Ann Capellen, Vicki Bowman, Theresa Bowman

www.daughtersofnorway.org

Our lodge members have been enjoying pleasant summer days with friends and family.

It it with great sorrow we draped our charter for the passing of Cathy O’Grady, faithful member and board member, a delegate at the San Francisco Convention and an overall eager volunteer. Our group was an essential component of her later life in our region.

Her mother was born in Norway, but fled the cold Nordic climate with her husband for warmer climates, eventually settling in southern California, where Cathy was born. Later, Cathy moved with her own family to Oregon, seeking a more friendly financial climate (out of the expensive Bay area).

Her daughter, Emily, is also part of our lodge, and helped September-October 2022 | 33

the public seemed enthused to snap up the many handcrafted treasures and culinary delights on display.

Our members helped lead workshops throughout the four days, and we sold all our baked goods.

Memories from winters past: Cathy O’Grady and Sue Scott

Cathy attend meetings either in person or virtually.

Cathy will be deeply missed, and we wrap our sisterhood around Emily to support her.

It almost felt like old times again at the Junction City Scandinavian Festival, where

Our newest member, Rosemarie Mello, jumped whole-heartedly into the festival. She joined a local adult Scandinavian dance group, volunteered with the festival and participated in nightly community dancing.

She will be a great asset to our lodge.

Our monthly newsletter is jam-packed with cultural tidbits, upcoming events, games, recipes, member

news and important lodge information. A new section shows a photo of a lodge member at a younger age.

The first person to correctly identify the person wins a prize at the next meeting. It’s a great challenge. Here is a joke from our August issue: What happens when you get vinegar in your ears ?

You get a case of pickled hearing!

As summer winds down, consider the Swedish tradition of a crayfish party (kräftskiva). Choose your favorite water-front location and invite some friends.

It’s traditional to have silly decorations, wear silly hats and sing silly songs, but it’s up to you if you want to include the Aquavit.

It’s time for those Scandinavian spices that make fall so special…enjoy!

Amey Herman Scribe

Rosemarie Mello dancing at JC Festival

34 | September-October 2022

www.daughtersofnorway.org

Queen Maud #42 Carson City, NV

The study of DNA and genome sequencing has opened the door wider to the Viking world. It seems Scotland, along with Ireland, played a role in the ancestry of Icelanders.

Over time, as more Viking sites and graves are uncovered, it seems Viking women were powerful, influential and important members of what is generally perceived as a macho lifestyle. Unearthed graves show Viking women held the keys to property, conducted trade, performed as shield maidens, traveled long distances and acted as religious leaders, and they could even divorce their husbands.

Writings convey the story of a Scottish woman who was an early settler of Iceland.

Aptly named, Aud the Deepminded, she had her www.daughtersofnorway.org

Fay, Michael, Janet, Laila, Laura, Mette, and Cindy behind the camera

own knarr (boat) built and captained it, lead raids, dealt in diplomacy, freed slaves, and married off her various daughters, all as she sailed the Arctic north.

Aud’s life is recorded in many of the Old Norse sagas, and she is still celebrated in Iceland as the grand matriarch of the population.

In fact, when a DNA study was conducted on families who had lived in Iceland for many generations, it showed the earliest inhabitants were descended from men who originated in Scandinavia, and women from Scotland and Ireland. Aud may be a direct ancestor of many people in Iceland today.

It is recorded that she lived up to her name, Aud the

Deepminded, as her counsel was often sought. She is described as “a woman both tall and portly,” who lived a long and adventurous life. She was buried with great ceremony in a ship surrounded by treasure and with everything she would need in furnishings and to feast, fight and enjoy the afterlife. It is not known exactly where Aud was buried, but described as buried in the most lavish way.

Aud’s story shows us a different side to the Viking world; one where it was women who were the movers, shakers and decision makers.

Laura Adler Scribe

September-October 2022 | 35

Av

Døtr e

51

Pauline Fjelde #51 Minneapolis, MN

Bernadette Raguse with Haakon outside of Carnegie in Thief River Falls, Minn.

population having Norwegian ancestry, Thief River Falls has several Troll statues around town, and I tried to take a picture of each one with my sisters' help (they live there).

I also visited Peder Engelstad Pioneer Village, which has many Norwegian artifacts, with my niece.

Bernadette Raguse Scribe

Carol Nelson, Romayne Kilde, and Kathy Kelly took the second shift in the brats stand Saturday, Aug. 13

36 | September-October 2022

e#

I took a small trip to Thief River Falls, Minn., which claims to be the most Norwegian town in America.

With just about half of their

P rge ~ auline F j

Minneapolis, MN Est. 2010

Fargo, ND Moorhead, MN

Our lodge takes July and August off. We don’t have regular meetings. We did do a fund raiser August 12-13. We sold brats at the Hornbacher’s brat stand in West Fargo. This is a fun way of making a little money and getting to meet people and share a little about our lodge.

No

eld

Rosanna Gutterud Johnsrud #53

A small contingent of members and friends of Pauline Fjelde Lodge #51 (PF51) attended a very special Olsok Celebration Banquet hosted by the Mindekirken Centennial Committee, July 30, to commemorate the 1922 founding of the Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church in south Minneapolis, and to observe the martyrdom of Saint Olav at the Battle of Stiklestad.

Pr. Kristin Sundt, a member of our lodge during her tenure of ministry at Mindekirken until 2017, traveled from her new home in Norway to be the guest of honor at the Olsok Banquet, held at the Minnesota Valley Country Club. It was wonderful to see Kristin again and to hear about her responsibilities as a sokneprest (vicar) in Nordre Land, Norway. She moved to Oslo in March 2022 to be closer to her two www.daughtersofnorway.org

Pr. Kristin Sundt and Ann Sather reminiscing at Olsok Banquet

daughters, and is currently the sokneprest in Lunner.

In mid-August, our annual summer picnic was once again held at sister Emily Barker’s spacious home and backyard. Tasty salads, appetizers, grilled brats, cold beverages and delicious desserts were enjoyed by

all in attendance. President Susan Anderson brought along the new lodge buttonmaking machine that was such a hit at June’s Nordic Midsummer Fest, and invited everyone to create a unique PF51 name tag by modeling letters from the runic alphabet on display. A bit challenging, but we all agreed the end result looked rather authentic.

Palo Alto, CA

As fall draws near, and many activities resume in person with a renewed sense of normalcy, our lodge members look ahead to the wonderful cultural programs and time of fellowship that help make our sisterly bond so remarkable.

Another summer has passed, and as usual, our lodge has had vacation from meetings.

In lieu of a summary from our cultural program, let me take you along on a tour of Norway my husband and I did this summer.

Med vennlig hilsen,

Every summer, we go to the island of Sandsøy, at 69° north. Our two daughters live and study in Trondheim and Oslo, and this summer, we decided to drive to the southern part of Norway to visit our youngest, who had a summer job at the restaurant Moi in Kristiansand.

Ann Sather Scribe

Olsok Banquet attendees, L to R: Marilynn Erickson, Jean Knaak, Karen Weiberg, Martha Hegge Balfanz, Carol Olean, Loryce Sivertson (guest), Ann Sather, Susan Anderson, Randy Anderson (guest)

www.daughtersofnorway.org

Sigrid Undset #32

Our first leg took us over Saltfjellet, where the Arctic Circle crosses, to Sandnessjøen. I wanted to see the Helgeland Bridge and the landmark, The Seven Sisters mountains. It was dreary weather and we ended up seeing only the toes of the sisters. The rest was covered September-October 2022 | 37

Jotunheimen at the roof of Norway.

The main bridge in the Atlantic Road system

by fog. After a quick pit stop in Trondheim, we headed to the Atlantic Road, close to Kristiansund. We loved the bridges and coastline and took so many photos. We then drove through Tingvoll and picked up some Tingvoll Cheese, which received a Gold Medal in the World Cheese Awards in 2016.

Well deserved. So delicious.

We spent a couple nights in Oppdal with family and enjoyed beautiful views and some amazing foods at the local food and craft market.

I picked up some salami of reindeer, moose, bison and wild sheep.

Next was an absolutely amazing drive across the roof of Norway, with Dovre and 38 | September-October 2022

Jotunheimen on either side.

The stretch of road called Valdreflya is an amazing mountain crossing, and we lucked out with the weather and appreciated 70°F and mostly sunny. Coming down from the mountain we stopped in Rjukan at Vemork, a former heavy water plant, now hydroelectric power plant. The Nazis were eager to use the heavy water for production of atomic bombs, but there were several sabotage attempts from 1940 and finally Operation Grouse succeeded in 1944. It’s an

We went to the moon in this rocket, “La Pollo”

exciting and important part of history, and the museum on site was very interesting.

We made an overnight stop in Geilo and stayed in the famous Dr. Holm's hotel, built in 1909 by Doctor Christian Holm. He was a specialist in respiratory disease and used this hotel as a health retreat, where his patients could breathe fresh mountain air. Heading towards Grimstad, we made our way over the mountain and through Fyresdal with some of the craziest roads I have ever been on. It made me lean both left and right as we snaked our way up and down hills and mountains, but we made it. Grimstad is such a cute little Sørlands town, beautiful seashore and lots of islands protecting the coastline from weather coming in. We spent a few days in Kristiansand visiting with our daughter and friends from long ago, and had a fantastic dinner at Moi restaurant.

Our return trip went through Østerdalen (the Eastern Valley), and we had a really fun time stopping in Alvdal and seeing the Aukrustsenter.

It's a museum and exhibit showing the life work of multiartist Kjell Aukrust, with his drawings, paintings, figures and last, but not least, his www.daughtersofnorway.org

would provide me with the inspiration needed.

Ingeborg #43

Stanwood, WA Our daughter, Barbara, at work at the restaurant Moi

amazing sense of humor. We took a trip to the moon in his rocket! After a lunch stop and some sightseeing in the UNESCO World Heritage site, the town of Røros, we landed in Trondheim again for a few days.

Now, we can’t wait for next summer and some more adventures in Norway.

Respectfully,

Randi Adams Scribe

Not a bad view of nature in Norway. This is looking in to Valsøyfjord

www.daughtersofnorway.org

July is typically a month we don’t meet. After all, people are resting, vacationing and charging their batteries for the busy months to come. We come back strong in August though, with our annual picnic and village sacking.

I pulled into the parking lot and stopped just by the entrance and parked, turning my engine off. It was still early morning and the silence fell around me with a gentle touch. The sun had just barely risen and everything was fresh and just as eager as I was to start the new day. I was sitting there admiring the flowers and plants in the garden when I caught a movement out of the corner of my eye – just there, in the corner of the foundation by the stairs into the kitchen.

Closer examination revealed a small door – how odd. It By now, everyone has their is about 6-8 inches tall and berserker cleaned and their about 4 inches wide. It is horned helmets polished and wood and had a rounded top ready to go. But here I sit, and and decorative hinges, and I need to write a newsletter it had just closed! I swear, about our valiant deeds and all I had that morning was a accomplishments. While part of a cup of coffee – no trying to gather my thoughts, aquavit, I promise. I was I realize those very thoughts transfixed and couldn’t take have packed up and fled to my eyes off of the door when more fertile ground. the door opened again.

Coming from the left of Needing inspiration, I my position was a garden decided to drive down to our gnome, getting progressively lodge to see if I could muster smaller as it approached the up some ideas. It’s a very nice door, then poof! The gnome building owned by the Sons swept through the door and of Norway and shared with out of my sight. I sat there the Daughters. The outside is gobsmacked and before white with lovely rosemaling I could close my mouth, a decorations, and I hoped it group of three more gnomes September-October 2022 | 39

Mary Ellen Henry, Joan Melchior, President Alice Blandin, Tiffany Nelson, Teresa Garrison, Karen Selle and Kathy Uroff enjoying our annual picnic at Teresa’s beach front home.

followed the first gnome through the tiny door. Half an hour later 11 more gnomes had made the trip from the front of the building to the door. I have no idea how many made the trip before I got there, and I have NO idea where they came from. To my knowledge there weren’t any garden gnomes in the garden around the lodge building.

Now what? Do I open the door and peek inside? No, not a good idea. Do I go inside the lodge to see what I can discover? Hmmmm, the door is locked, so that won’t work either. What I could do, and indeed did do, was put a step stool up to the window and peek into the kitchen area. I tried to be really, really quiet and my efforts paid off! There, right in clear view were probably 20 – 25 garden gnomes, only they had feet and their arms moved. They were clearly talking and interacting with each other, having a very 40 | September-October 2022

convivial time. I could smell coffee – what? They were having coffee? Seems so. Tiny tables and chairs had been set up in the meeting area, I could only see a small portion of the set-up, but enough to recognize tables and chairs.

One table had plates of cookies and it looked like open-faced sandwiches. Just then, a Stanwood (that’s the city our lodge is located in) police officer drove up and asked me if he could be of assistance. Totally flustered now, I said I thought I had heard a noise and was just checking it out explaining who I was etc., etc. This was all pretty embarrassing as the officer suggested he contact the lodge caretaker to check out the noise. I told him I had seen two mice and I would call our president to let her know. I don’t know why he believed me, but he did.

I felt certain with all the noise we had been making, the gnomes had cleared up their

party and were long gone – somewhere. A quick check by me (looking for the gnomes) and the officer (looking for mice) showed completely empty rooms, except for a very tiny cookie lying in the doorway connecting the kitchen with the meeting room – and oh my gosh! Is that some kind of tiny sign-up sheet? I can't wait for our next meeting. You better believe I'll be going over every inch of the hall. I think they got inside through a door in one of the cupboards, time will tell. I may leave them a note...

Anyway, I must tell you about our picnic/village sacking. It was a perfect day; a perfect spot and the company was excellent. And, as is expected from a group of ladies with a Scandinavian background, the food was most delicious.

Replete with full tummies and satisfied from all the friendly interactions, we took a vote and decided not to sack the village, but to have dessert instead. A wise choice.

Stay tuned for more adventures with the garden gnomes. I have a feeling we aren’t done with them. Who knew we were sharing our lodge with little people?

Mary Ellen Henry Scribe

www.daughtersofnorway.org

Solveig #31

Burien, WA

Solveig members and guests

Our summer gathering this year was a picnic, July 16, at Kathi Skarbo’s lovely home on Lake Burien. It was a beautiful, sunny day and a wonderful time to socialize with our Solveig #31 sisters (without an agenda) and enjoy a delicious meal together. It was nice to have a few men join us. They definitely had the advantage at the cornhole competition.

We are looking forward to our September meeting and our Zoom program with Wendy Swallow, author of Searching for Nora, a historical fiction

Some of Arlene’s cousins at a local restaurant in Norway

www.daughtersofnorway.org

book and sequel to the story of Henrik Ibsen’s play, A Doll’s House.

Our Bit of Norway Bazaar will be held once again Nov. 12.

Members have been busy making hand-crafted items and preparations for the many Scandinavian cookies, breads and, of course, our biggest seller, lefse, for our bake sale tables. This year, we are adding a waffle bar with special Scandinavian accompaniments. We are continuing the tradition of our Kaffestue for guests to socialize over coffee and Scandinavian delicacies.

Our Vice President, Carol Voigt, and docent at the Pacific Lutheran University Cultural Center, shared about the new exhibit and display of Norwegian bunads at PLU. Some of the featured bunads are from Sunnmøre, West Telemark, Setesdal and

Carol Voigt, Kathi Skarbo, Judith Willison, and Tom Voigt

an older one from Hedmark.

Melody Stepp and Linda Casperson put this wonderful display together.

Arlene Rankin has a family reunion every year in Norway and always enjoys her visits with her 21 first cousins!

Judith Willison Scribe

September-October 2022 | 41

Sonja Henie #29 Reno, NV

Time flies when you’re busy and having fun!

The Lefse Crew: Sonja Kaufman, Bonnie Olson, Mary Nelson, Jennifer Streshley

The sisters of Sonja Henie Lodge #29 have been extremely busy and have been having lots of fun! Of course, we have been working diligently on Convention 2023; but, convention is only one of several irons we have in the fire.

potatoes, etc. and preplated assorted Scandinavian desserts (including krumkake, kransekake fingers, rosettes and more. This year we are serving our own lefse.

We are planning our second annual Mead & Mingle, to be held Sept. 17. We offer pre-plated appetizers, a meal of salmon, meatballs,

Jennifer Streshely with a plate full of dough portions

42 | September-October 2022

Mary Nelson took on the task of making the lefse for Mead & Mingle, and soon had volunteers to help. Denise Marks and Kathy Asher joined Mary one day to make lefse, and the following week, Jennifer Streshley, Sonja Kaufman and Bonnie Olson joined her for an afternoon of lefse-making. For some of the ladies it was their first time making lefse, and they did great! It was two afternoons of combined work and fun as some learned and then all helped make 250 rounds of lefse!

The first week of November, we will have a Scandinavian

Sonja Kaufman is busy flipping lefse

Cooking Class through Truckee Meadows Community College. At this class we will demonstrate for participants before allowing them to try their hand at making Scandinavian food items. They can roll lefse, fry rosettes, make heartshaped waffles, bake and roll krumkake, and more. We will www.daughtersofnorway.org

also give samples of things like pinecone ginger cookies, almond cake and kringla, which can’t be demonstrated due to cooking or baking time factors; however, sampling allows them an introduction and taste test of what these delicacies are.

We are also planning our first-ever pre-order-only bake sale, featuring Scandinavian goodies for the holidays. We have order forms for guests at the Mead & Mingle event and at our cooking class. We plan for people to pre-order (lefse, kransekake, julekake, almond cake, almond cookies etc.) We will then have them pick their orders up just prior to Thanksgiving at the designated location and time.

Oh! But let’s not forget about what is in store for everyone who comes to convention in 2023!

We have major talent lined up for our entertainment!

We will have line dancing— after all this IS Reno! We will have Snowshoe Thompson Chautauqua, singer Lacey J Dalton and much more! We also have many interesting cultural classes and presentations, including introduction to Norwegian language, genealogy, hardanger and so much more!

All in all, we are happily busy with all that is coming up!

Mary Nelson Scribe

Some of our delicious product wrapped and ready for the freezer

Everyone is busy! Sonja Kaufman, Mary Nelson, Bonnie Olson

www.daughtersofnorway.org

Frida Hansen #37 Portland, OR

Summer arrived in all its glory, and we were thrilled to have the rains pretty much stop. Overall, it has been warmer than usual, but we have been spared the painstaking bouts of extreme heat. Staying inside with air conditioning has proven to be most comfortable on the hottest days. During July and August, we took a break from our normal meeting times, but still found ways to keep in touch and come together.

June played havoc with our plans to have a potluck gathering in the park. The theme for the month was rain, rain, and rain. We finally found time for our friluftsliv potluck in July. Friluftsliv, is pronounced “Free-LoofsLeaf,” and literally translates as open air life. It refers to outdoor recreation, which can include reading a book, soaking in a hot tub, hiking, swimming, skiing, and many September-October 2022 | 43

Summer fun with Teresa Svilich, Kay Nakao, Janet Range, Lory Albright, and Karen Black

Friluftsliv at Mt. Tabor Park; Pictured left to right: Lory Albright, Anita Schnacky, Teresa Svilich, Eric Swehla, Kay Nakao, Karen Black, Nancy Peterson, Janet Range, and Carol Swehla

more outdoor activities to invigorate and enrich the body and soul. Friluftsliv is a regular part of Norwegian life, including the school day. At our potluck in the park, we enjoyed mild weather, delicious food, fun conversation and time in the fresh air. We were so happy to be able to reschedule our time together.

After two years of not being able to hold our annual Sons and Daughters picnic, we were hosted by Mary Knutson Sullivan and her 44 | September-October 2022

husband, Larry. Their lovely home served as a beautiful backdrop to their backyard and patio. All those in attendance brought a dish to share while Larry grilled hotdogs and hamburgers.

Everyone had time to share what they have been up to since summer started, and there was plenty of frifluftsliv, including good food, conversations, games, hiking, horseshoes, cards and more.

Eat program, sponsored

by Nordic Northwest in Portland, Ore. She was a treasured volunteer, bringing her culinary skills to bear, engaging professional chefs and home cooks to produce programs that were consistently sold out. We will remember her for her friendship, culinary skills, baking skills, leadership and her selfless gift of time and talent. We miss our fellow sister, Bert.

We are sad to report our sister Alberta Seierstad passed away in August.

Although she was not a charter member, she did join during the first year Frida Hansen was instituted as a subordinate lodge. For years, Alberta was highly involved in Frida Hansen Lodge #37 activities. In recent years, Alberta became active as the committee co-chair of the Cook &

As we transition into fall, we hope the beauty of gold, brown, orange and reds inspire the activities for your lodge. It is also the perfect time to get your personal holiday projects started.

Vennlig hilsen,

Nancy Peterson Scribe

Alberta Seierstad, June1949 – August 2022

www.daughtersofnorway.org

Gina Krog #38 Bellevue, WA

Firstly, this scribe wants to correct some facts in my July/ August article about the “Somewhere in America” presentation to our group

by Katherine Larson. The name on the crazy quilt, not autograph quilt, was Petrine Amli. Petrine emigrated to America and the quilt was made here and sent to her sister, Henrikke, in Norway.

Kind of a reverse search for this woman’s story.

For this issue, I would like to introduce you to one of our cherished members, Ruth Chavers. Due to the persistence of Sigrid Viswanathan, one of our founding members, Ruth joined Gina Krog #38 in 1998, commenting she didn’t know why. I know why! She wanted to introduce some levity to this serious group of heritage seekers. Ruth became a tradition at each Gina Krog meeting – donning www.daughtersofnorway.org

Stav Church in Minot, N.D.

her Viking hat with horns and braids, cranking up her Scandihoovian music and telling another Ole and Lena joke. Much to everyone’s delight.

Ruth’s mother came from Trondheim, Norway, her father from Namsos. He emigrated in 1890 with his wife, who subsequently died.

He went back to Norway and found the woman who would become Ruth’s mother, bringing his new bride to the United States. They had three boys and two girls.

Ruth was the fourth child and, at 97, she is the only

Norwegian storage house in Minot, N.D.

one left. Only Norwegian was spoken in the home, but her sister insisted on speaking English. Ruth was born in Seattle at Swedish Hospital, September-October 2022 | 45

Ruth Chavers

graduated from Lincoln High School, then the University of Washington, earning her masters degree from the University of Minnesota. She taught English and second grade elementary school for 30 years. Ruth traveled to Norway three or four times to visit relatives. She loved to bake dozens and dozens of Scandinavian cookies at Christmas time. Ruth had two children, but sadly her son passed away last year at 67 years of age. She misses him greatly. Her daugher, Kathy Chavers, was our president from 2000 to 2022, leading us adeptly through the pandemic with all the necessary adjustments. Ruth now resides at Spiritwood in Issaquah, Wash.

In the latter part of August, my husband, daughter, son-in-law and I traveled to Minnesota to visit my brother on a picturesque 80 acre 46 | September-October 2022

farm, with a lake of course.

We chose a route through northern Idaho, Montana and North Dakota on the trail of Lewis and Clark and the Nez Perce (Nee Me Poo) Indians.

On this trail, Minot popped up, so we spent a day taking in the site of the Norsk Hostfest at Heritage Park. The reproductions of a Norwegian log home, a Norwegian storage house and a Stav church were most impressive.

me of my mother and grandmother’s ways of doing things. I was intrigued by the fireplace design right in the middle of the room, but shaped so I could imagine cooking on the fire and not be in an awkward position.

The storage house was ornately carved on every beam and shelf. Those Norwegians were ingenious and their sense of design was timeless.

Inside the log home, the living space was so efficiently laid out that it reminded

Sonneva Wood Scribe

Norwegian log house fireplace

www.daughtersofnorway.org

Donation Opportunities How to Support Daughters of Norway You can support the organization by making donations to the Scholarship Fund, the Endowment Fund, or the Organizational Fund. Some lodges contribute annually to the funds. Many lodges and individuals make one-time contributions. You can make a donation in honor of an individual or in memory of a deceased member.

Any amount is welcome.

How to Donate

By Pledge Form

By PayPal

You can donate to any of the funds by filling out the Pledge Form that appears in each issue of the Døtre, mailing the form along with a check to our Financial Secretary Jane Howard.

Or you can donate electronically via PayPal by clicking on the “Donate” button on the home page of the Daughters of Norway website, daughtersOfNorway.org.

Trolls Rule

New member Lacey Hicks, Mary Ashley, and Edie Eggen of Sigrid Undset #32 with Searching for Nora by Wendy Swallow, discussed at the September lodge meeting.

www.daughtersofnorway.org

Portland Oregon’s “Troll Bridge”.

Photo by Karen Karpen

September-October 2022 | 47

PERIODICALS U.S. POSTAGE USPS 160 180 SEATTLE WA

Preserving Our NorwegiAn Heritage Volume 85 Issue 5

Sept/Oct 2022

Published by Daughters of Norway, Seattle, WA