The Swedish North Star, continuously published since 1872. Price per copy $3.50. Volume 147 No. 16, November 15, 2019.
Swedish ingenuity
Innovative Swedish American engineers are behind so much in our daily lives today. They fill an important niche in our country with notable inventions, adaptations of machinery and building design—there are many examples of ingenious problem-solving Swedes with engineering know-how whose work has been transformative in architecture, technology and business. / p18
West coast heritage travel
Discovering–and following–a forefather’s life story has determined the itinerary of many people’s travels abroad. Swedish Americans have learned, however, that their ancestors’ interesting stories weren’t only back in the motherland: Tracing their journeys within the U.S. can be just as interesting, perhaps even more so. / p16
Page 16
Kalops with complements
Pickle your own for the perfect classic complement to kalops and a variety of other Swedish foods. Simply delicious. / p21, 22
Christmas
in Swedish America /p11 Page 21
dashboard | november 15, 2019 SCANDINAVIAN QUIZ
Swedish language doesn’t have 1 The a direct translation for what English word or phrase? A) you’re welcome B)
6 What activity can be enjoyed at Cold Hawaii in Denmark? A) hula dancing B) coffee tasting C) surfing D) sipping akvavit infused coconut milk rutabaga C) Happy Thanksgiving D)
The Swedish language (svenska) is a North Germanic language derived from Old Norse that shares a common history and strong similarities with Danish and Norwegian – the three remained nearly one language until about 1050. Swedish began differentiating itself in the Middle Ages, greatly influenced by German, and a standard spoken language began to emerge in the 17th century. Built principally on the dialects spoken in Stockholm, standard Swedish is characterized by the alternating accent and pitch in words, together creating the oft recognized melodic flow of speaking. In the 18th century, Swedish also borrowed a large number of words from French. The Swedish alphabet, which is Latin-based, has 29 letters, including Å, Ä, and Ö; until 2006, the letter W was not considered a separate letter but an equivalent of the letter V, and was used only in foreign names and loan words. Despite the wide range of dialects and varieties, written Swedish remains unified and standardized. It is now the most widespread of the Scandinavian languages, with more than 9 million native speakers in Sweden and some coastal parts of Finland. It is estimated that another 40,000 students are learning Swedish as a second language. And now we’re offering another chance for same: Have fun with our new column, Discover Swedish on p23.
Name’s Days of the Swedish Calendar Namnsdagar i november
November 15 November 16 November 17 November 18 November 19 November 20 November 21 November 22 November 23 November 24 November 25 November 26 November 27 November 28 November 29 November 30 November 15
New York Chicago Stockholm Kiruna Lund Los Angeles 2 NORDSTJERNAN
Leopold Vibeke/Viveka Naemi/Naima Lillemor/Moa Elisabet/Lisbet Pontus/Marina Helga/Olga Cecilia/Sissela Klemens Gudrun/Rune Katarina/Katja Linus Astrid/Asta Malte Sune Andreas/Anders |
3 In which Nordic country does it rain or snow every 48 hours? A) Sweden B) Denmark C) Norway D)Finland
4 When was the first ring wall around Visby put up? A) 1200 B)1555 C) 1776 D) 1900
5 Several Nordic countries subscribe to The Law of Jante, which means what? A) dancing is for everyone B) everyone is equal C) not too much, not too little D) take life slowly
CULTURE
Namnsdagar
7 What’s the name of Sweden’s southernmost point? A) Kåseberga B) Malmö C) Smygehuk D) Kullaberg 8 Where are there twice as many sheep as people? A)Åland, Finland B) Fårö, Sweden C) Öland, Sweden D) Faroe Islands 9 Which Swedish king founded Göteborg? A) Gustav II Adolf B) Erik XIV C) Karl IV D) Gustav III
10 What keeps Sweden’s seasons milder than expected? A) saunas B) silk underwear C) Gulf Stream D) akvavit
November
November 18 - Lillemor Lillemor is a female Nordic name, which means pretty much what it says: “Lille mor”—little mother. The name was first used in Norway and then as a nickname, the earliest mention of it in Sweden is in 1901. Lillemor was most popular during the 1930s and 1940s. (The name Moa, likely a nickname for mother is celebrated on the same day) November 30 - Anders Anders is a Nordic, especially Swedish, man’s name. It is a version of Andreas, which in turn is a nickname for many names that begin with “Andro-” which means “person” or “man.” Anders is known since 1378 and quickly became a common name in the Swedish peasant society. It became quite fashionable mid 20th century and is today one of the most common men’s names, though its popularity has decreased somewhat lately. “Andersmäss” used to be a mass held in memory of the apostle Andreas (Andrew).
founded in new york city in september 1872
Sunrise & Sunset
6.42 am 6.39 am 7.40 am 8.47 am 7.41 am 6.25 am
2 In the year 1900, what U.S. city had the second highest number of Swedes after Stockholm? A) New York B) Jamestown C) Minneapolis D) Chicago
Answers: 1:A, 2:D, 3:B, 4:A, 5:B, 6:C, 7:C, 8:D, 9:A, 10:C
of course
Intro to Swedish
4.38 pm 4.29 pm 3.23 pm 1.58 pm 4.01 pm 4.49 pm
Nordstjernan (ISSN 1059-7670), founded in New York City in September 1872, is published by Swedish News, Inc., 570 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10022 • Readers services and editorial submissions: P.O. Box 1710, New Canaan, CT 06840 Periodicals Postage paid at New York, NY, and additional mailing offices. www.nordstjernan.com, Nordstjernan is published semimonthly, except for the months of January, February, September when it is monthly and Augustwith no issue. POST MASTER: Please send address changes to Nordstjernan, P.O. Box 1710, New Canaan, CT 06840 Subscription rates: 1 yr. = $55, Two yr. = $99, outside US 1 yr. = $167.
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this week…
November TO DO 11.16 RESPECT EVERY PERSON’S HUMAN RIGHTS: INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR TOLERANCE / The United Nations urges the world to nurture and rejoice in the values that bring us together and the diversity that makes us strong. 11.22 WIENERBRÖDETS DAG: Sweden celebrates the day of the Danish pastry. These days, you can find a true Danish or wienerbröd in many parts of the U.S. - image from the Great Northern Food Hall in NYC
Swedish candy, better tasting and healthier? Perhaps, but there’s a sweeter side. /Pages 5, 27
Dashboard, p4-5
11.26 CYBER MONDAY: Refrain from buying unnecessary things, stick to a gift subscription to Nordstjernan (to observe the day, make it a digital subscription!) 11.28 THANKSGIVING: We’re wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving, a staff favorite among holidays. As every day and always: be happy, grateful and show your appreciation for the many things we have.
*In some ways, contrary to what we said last week, there is a connection between the Swedish
Tacksägelsedagen (between Oct. 8-14) and our American Thanksgiving in the sense that in the old days, Swedish farming communities brought some of the year’s harvest to church on this day.
Border controls in Denmark / Swede Hollow book review / Mobile passport station / New retirement age / Stockholm’s most expensive addresses / Sweedish candy for Pennsylvanians.
Events calendar, p6-10
What’s going on in Swedish America.
Holiday events, p11-14
Mark your calendars: The season is starting
A subscription to Nordstjernan is the perfect Christmas gift for that special someone. Order it now, call 1.800.827.9333 Ext 10. We’ll send a God Jul Christmas card from you.
Stay informed in a Swede way. Nordstjernan is published every other week with the exceptions of Jan.-Feb. and July-Aug.
NORDSTJERNAN MAIL TO: P.O. Box 1710 New Canaan CT 06840 or CALL 1.800.827.9333 - ext 10
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Without them, life would be so much different. /Page 18
Discover Swedish, p23
A fun new peek into Sweden and the lingo spoken there.
Swedish News, p27 ❏ ❏ ❏ ❏
More sweets and energy drinks / New owners of Ving Group / Sugar addiction and comfort food / More drink non-alcoholic beer / Protecting personal data / Clothes are hard to recycle. Page 21
Name: __________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________ City: ___________________________________________ State: _______________________
Zip: ______________
Telephone: _____________________________ Credit card#: ___________________________
Exp: ______/______
Swedish beef stew, a perfect meal for a chilly autumn day. /Page 21 The Exchange Rate:
Signature______________________________________________
Sec code: _______
$1.00 = SEK 9.68 (11.01.2019)
NOVEMBER 15, 2019 3
dashboard | november 15, 2019
New border checks will be introduced for people traveling from Sweden to Denmark, according to Danish Minister of Justice Nick Hekkerup. The measure is the likely result of recent explosions, murders and gang violence in Denmark where the involvement of Swedes is suspected. The Danish government presented a security package that among other things includes extended camera surveillance in Denmark, tougher penalties and border checks on travelers from Sweden. “Organized crime from Sweden is central here. We have seen a worrying development in Sweden with explosions and increased violence,” Hekkerup said. “We have been monitoring this and have decided to strengthen our border to Sweden.” The border inspection will be carried out periodically beginning November 12. The focus is on organized criminals, not all travelers will be checked, Hekkerup emphasized.
The stories, the traditions, the people behind the news. founded in new york city in september 1872 executive editor
& publisher:
Ulf Barslund Mårtensson (editor@nordstjernan.com) editor:
Amanda Olson Robison (editor@nordstjernan.com) managing editor & production: Everett Martin graphic design: Nadia Wojcik (design@nordstjernan.com) contributors:
Chipp Reid - Ted Olsson - Leif Rosqvist - Kitty Hughes Ulf Kirchdorfer - Valorie Arrowsmith Bo Zaunders - Göran Rygert - James Kaplan - Gunilla Blixt publications director:
Mette Barslund Mårtensson (mette@nordstjernan.com; 800.827.9333, ext 12)
nordstjernan p.o. box 1710 new canaan ct 06840 contact us at 1.800.827.9333 ext 10 for reader services, email: subs@nordstjernan.com; ext 12 for advertising, email: ads@nordstjernan.com www.nordstjernan.com Covering three worlds: Sweden, America and Swedish America. Order your own copy, $55.00 for a year (18 issues) Choose ‘subscribe’ at www.nordstjernan.com or call 1.800.827.9333, ext 10 4 NORDSTJERNAN
Photo: Bo Zaunders
Border controls in Denmark
The author, Ola Larsmo with the just published novel, Swede Hollow.
Swede Hollow, Ola Larsmo’s recently translated novel about the life of an immigrant family who left Sweden for New York City and later for the area of St. Paul, Minnesota that’s to this day called Swede Hollow, is a captivating read. Its authentic descriptions of lives, characters and places—where the less fortunate among the Swedish immigrants lived—come through more as experience than fiction. We meet the author while he’s visiting New York for a book signing event and to research his next book about the Civil War Swede, Knut Oscar Broady, born Brundin, in Uppsala. His attention to detail and depth of research is evident on every page of the Swedish best-selling novel about the lesser known immigrants. “I first encountered the neighborhood Swede Hollow on a trip with my wife to Minnesota in 2006 where I saw a display at the American Swedish Institute about it. The book took me four years to finish, a long process of research spent both in the U.S. and in Sweden. What is most fascinating to me is how many similar places to Swede Hollow there are in America. Run down shanty towns or entire villages, places where the immigrants clustered together to find solace and safety in groups, much as today’s migrants do.” Something about the language and the storyteller’s soft way of introducing you to the characters and the setting of this tale of a forgotten chapter of Swedish immigration is immediately gripping. It could be that I’ve encountered many similar stories through the historic pages of Nordstjernan, but something about Larsmo’s book captured me from page one. The tale begins as the Klar family leaves the English coast for the transatlantic journey in June 1897. They have left a changing Sweden but also carry
a secret that practically forced the family to leave their once secure surroundings in the old country. The dirt and poverty they encounter, the misery of the family and the people they meet along the way is a depiction of those who ended up on the lowest rung in America. It’s a reminder that most Swedish immigrants found themselves in cities where they were often limited to the heavy, dirty jobs. The typical immigrant experience was not necessarily that of Karl Oskar and Kristina in Wilhelm Moberg’s The Emigrants. Sometimes characters we read about or see in the movies make such an impact that they blur reality. Even today there’s a common notion that Moberg’s characters were typical Swedish immigrants looking for a piece of land. In truth, most immigrants came from cities and did not live off farming but rather off trade and industry—they were servants, workers and sometimes entrepreneurs, but most of them arrived dirt poor. They were considered slow-witted, had a hard time learning English and didn’t always fit in but also brought a good deal of pride and work ethic. In the Klar family’s struggle, along with others in the Swede Hollow slum, however, there was also room for companionship, loyalty and joy. Filled with references to local and world events, and extensively researched through local media of the time, Larsmo’s historic novel deserves every award it received since it was first published in Swedish in 2016. Published by University of Minnesota Press, Larsmo’s epic story has been masterfully translated by Tiina Nunnally. UBM Swede Hollow: A Novel ISBN: 978-1-5179-0451-7 328 pages, hardcover, $26.95 www.upress.umn.edu/book-division/books/swede-hollow
dashboard | november 15, 2019 The mobile passport stations have been cancelled indefinitely due to technical problems according to the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs. Swedish passport and national ID-card applications can only be submitted at the Embassy of Sweden in Washington, D.C. or at the Consulate General of Sweden in New York.
Stockholm’s most expensive addresses
Photo: Holger Ellgaard
Mobile passport station
New retirement age
The Swedish retirement age will be raised in 2020. This was unanimously decided by the parties in Riksdagen (the Swedish parliament) on October 16. The age at which Swedes have the right to their public pension was increased from 61 to 62. At the same time, a Swede’s right to retain employment also rises, from age 67 to 68. In order for the Swedish retirement system to be sustainable, the retirement age must be increased as the average life span continues to increase, according to Maria Malmer Stenergard (M), chair of the Social Insurance Committee.
In some parts of Stockholm, housing prices continue to rise, reports Stockholm Direkt. Not surprisingly at the top of the list is an apartment on Strandvägen, which was sold for SEK 60 million (just under $6 million) or SEK 215,000 per square meter (just under $2,000 per square foot. The living space: 4BR, 279 m2 equivalent to 3,000 square feet. To compare, the Manhattan average in 2018 according to CityRealty was $1,802 per square foot while the most attractive areas, such as the Upper East Side (somewhat comparable to a Strandvägen location in Stockholm) shows an average of $2,300 per square foot. Nothing else in Stockholm is comparable with Strandvägen but another nine apartments with remarkably high prices were recorded: one 17-square-meter studio on Sibyllegatan sold for SEK 2,7 million with a square meter price of SEK 150,000; and a 35-square-meter 1BR on Västmannagatan in the Vasastan section of Stockholm sold for SEK 4,9 million - a square meter price of SEK 140,000. NORDSTJERNAN Christmas issue, 2018:
Sweedish Candy for Pennsylvanians His heritage may be German but his taste buds and eye for design make us think there’s got to be a Viking lurking in his ancestry. Early this summer, Tyler Graybeal opened a new Swedish candy store in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. “I’m not Swedish but my two best friends met in Sweden and gave me the idea during a visit to their alma mater in Lund, Sweden. After connecting with the team behind New York’s BonBon store on Allen Street I was sold on the idea of bringing better candy to my hometown.” The highlight of the 1000-square-foot store is a 70+ bin “pick-and-mix” wall, with candies imported from Sweden that are free of high fructose corn syrup and other additives. No GMOs is a huge selling point, according to Graybeal, as is having gluten free, gelatin free, sugar free and vegan options. Don’t like candy? Graybeal’s Sweetish store also carries Swedish cheeses, pickled herring, Kalles Kaviar, a variety of knäckebröd from Sweden along with lingonberry, gooseberry and cloudberry jams. “Including other items along with candies from other Scandinavian countries came naturally. After all, I’m a rare American who loves Kalles Kaviar,” Graybeal quips. In Pennsylvania and looking for the right sweets for Christmas, visit: Sweetish Candy, 356 N. Queen St. / Lancaster, PA Closed Monday and Tuesday; Open Wednesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday, noon-6 p.m. 717.621.2920 / www.sweetishcandy.com
“A subscription is a lifeline, a connection, a membership more than anything else”—Andy, CA
After a year of subscribing I am now a happy Swedish afficionado—Jeanette, MA
“You can’t live in this country without it”—Marianne, WA Nordstjernan Christmas 2019 will feature “Christmas dishes past, present and future” and a more modern take on dishes for the Swedish American Christmas table—a julbord created by a local chef. Order your subscription now to get your own copy for Christmas: Call 1.800.827.9333 or see www.nordstjernan.com/subscribe (Order coupon on page3)
NOVEMBER 15, 2019 5
local events
Film Festival Local Events Sámi Back by popular demand for a second year is a California San Francisco 11.16, 3-4 PM Swedish Church Service: Swedish service plus coffee served afterward. Swedish Church San Francisco, 925.357.7145 / kristin.hamren@svenskakyrkan.se. / www.svenskakyrkan.se/sanfrancisco
Florida Clearwater 12.06, 11:45 AM - 2:45 PM Suncoast Scandinavian Club: Welcome to our December luncheon meeting with entertainment by Swedish-American accordionist Bruce Ralg, along and our annual bake sale. Lunch cost is $17/ visitor. RSVP required to Cherstin Peterson, 732.546.7756 or sunscanclub1965@gmail. com / www.facebook.com/SuncoastScandinavian-Club-Inc-639715096132281
Illinois Chicago 11.15, 11 AM - 3:30 PM Pop-Up Cafe: Swedish Cheesecake Day / Ostkakans dag: The most common version of cheesecake in Sweden has a slight almond flavor and bumpy texture. It is served with whipped cream and jam. Come try yours at our cheesecake pop-up café. Swedish American Museum,
9.30 am and 11.30 am.
6 NORDSTJERNAN
one-day Sámi Film Festival, on Nov. 15 at the National Nordic Museum in Seattle. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., see shorts and documentaries, attend panel discussions, filmmaker visits and a happy hour. Tor Tuorda and his daughter, joiker Astrid Tuorda, will attend the festival and participate in a discussion following the screening of the documentary, GÁLLOK, which was filmed in both Norway and Sweden. 206.789.5707 / www.nordicmuseum.org 773.728.8111 / museum@samac.org/ www.swedishamericanmuseum.org 11.15, 6-8 PM Swedish family film - Tsatsiki, Dad and the Olive War: This is the third installment in a series of films by Swedish director Ella Lemhagen, based on Moni Nilsson’s highly successful book series. When Tsatsiki goes to Greece to see his father Yanis, he discovers his beloved village isn’t as he remembered. When Yanis tells Tsatsiki he might have to sell their hotel and olive grove, Tsatsiki is heartbroken. But Tsatsiki’s mother has taught him to never give up. Together with the wild and fearless Alva, he begins a rescue mission that turns his summer holiday into a journey filled with adventure, friendship
7
and love. Recommended for ages 8+. Free, 1h 35min. Swedish American Museum, 773.728.8111 / museum@samac.org/ www.swedishamericanmuseum.org
samples from all our competing glögg masters. Swedish American Museum, 773.728.8111 / museum@samac.org / www.swedishamericanmuseum.org
11.16, 11 AM - 3 PM Viking Crafts: Make Viking themed crafts in the classroom! Swedish American Museum, 773.728.8111 / www. swedishamericanmuseum.org
11.23, 1:30 - 3:30 PM Dala Horse Decoration: Looking for a gift for someone who has everything ... or just always wanted to create your own Dala horse? This is an event for the whole family. You can paint an unfinished Dala horse or a flat children’s version. The larger one is $25 and the children’s version is $15. Swedish American Museum, 773.728.8111 / museum@samac.org/ www.swedishamericanmuseum.org
11.22, 6-8 PM Got Glögg? Glögg, mulled wine, is a vital part of the Christmas season for Swedes. Join us for a fun competition to see who really has the best glögg in Chicago! If you want to compete, reserve your space online. Tasters can purchase tickets online or at the museum. Admission is $20 and includes sandwiches and
12.03, 5-7 PM Candle Making & Christmas Crafts: Make your own hand-dipped candle and other
local events
A Nordic city of gingerbread
The 8th Annual Nordic Center Pepperkakebyen (Norwegian for Gingerbread City) begins with the City of the North Parade in Duluth, Minnesota, on Nov. 11. Stop at the Nordic Center, 6-9 p.m., to view the magic of the gingerbread village, enjoy refreshments, sing and make some art at this event that kicks off several weekends of the special gingerbread city exhibit, hosted by the Nordic Center, the Sons of Norway Norton Lodge, and the UMD art education student, and made by community members of all ages. On exhibit Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 15, 1-5 p.m. Nordic Center, 218-390-8426 / aaune@d. umn.edu / www.nordiccenterduluth.org Swedish decorations. Swedish American Museum, 773.728.8111 / museum@samac. org/ www.swedishamericanmuseum.org
Center, 617.795.1914 / www.scandicenter. org
Rockford 12.11, 5:30-7:30 PM Glögg & Pepparkakor Party: Celebrate the season with glögg, saft, appetizers and Christmas music at the renovated Nordic Cultural Center, located diagonally from the Erlander Home Museum. $15/ members, $20/non-members RSVP by December 8 by purchasing tickets via www.swedishhistorical.org/gloumlgg-pepparkakor, 815.963.5559 / museum@ swedishhistorical.org.
Duluth 11.17, 1-3 PM SunFUNday - Pepperkakebyen Prints: Make gingerbread greeting cards and wrapping paper for your holiday use. $5. Nordic Center, 218-390-8426 / www. nordiccenterduluth.org
Massachusetts West Newton 11.23, 1-2:45 PM Movie screening - The Cake General: Based on a true story, directors Filip and Fredrik debut their outrageous, unconventional comedy set in the 1980s about an eccentric resident of “the most boring town in Sweden” who decides to put his sleepy hamlet on the map by assembling the world’s longest layer cake. In Swedish with English subtitles. $7/non-members, free/members. The Scandinavian Cultural
Minnesota
Minneapolis 11.16, 10 AM - 12 PM Baking with Cardamom: According to data collected by the UN, Swedes consume 18 times more cardamom per capita than average, and Norwegians consume almost 30 times more per capita. Inspired by flavors of the ancient trade routes and the Midwestern love of a good bundt cake with coffee, Zehorit Heilicher will share recipes and techniques to use this favorite spice in new ways. She will discuss the different types of cardamom, how to prepare it for various recipes, how to store it, and guidelines for your own experiments with adding cardamom to your cooking and baking. The class is a combination of presentation and hands-on learning of
several kinds of cakes with cardamom. $40/non-members; $35/members. This class is held in the Hanson Room at Norway House, also on Dec. 14. Ingebretsen’s Nordic Market Place, 612.729.9333 / info@ ingebretsens.com / www.ingebretsens. com/classes/cooking 11.20, 6:30-8:30 PM Christmas Crafts and Cocktails: ASI’s popular Craft and Cocktails series returns for the holiday season with the Julmys (“Cozy Christmas”) edition! Get a festive beverage from FIKA and spend an evening creating a holiday decoration: paint designs on four pre-shaped clay ornaments that will be glazed and re-fired, then available for pick up later in November. $35+$5/ASI members, $40+$5/non-members. Also Dec. 4 & 11. American Swedish Institute, 612.871.4907 / www.asimn.org Scandia 11.21, 12-6 PM Lutfisk & Swedish Meatball Dinner: A traditional holiday Swedish smörgåsbord stars lutfisk served with cream sauce and melted butter, accompanied by Swedish meatballs, potatoes, pickled beets, rye bread, lefse, krispbread and
Swedish almond cake with lingon. Served at Scandia Community Center; plan to bid at the evening’s silent auction and walk across the street to Gammelgarden’s Butik Gift Shop to take advantage of the annual sale - 15% discount on ALL items (in addition to your member discount)! Gammelgarden Museum, 651.433.5054 / www.gammelgardenmuseum.org Ongoing The attic stores immigration stories: Gammelgården’s Attic exhibit hosts a wide variety of items that are relevant to telling the story of Swedish immigration and settlement. Many are on display in the Passage Room of the Välkommen Hus where they can be enjoyed and help tell the story of immigration. Gammelgarden Museum, 651.383.7351 / www.gammelgardenmuseum.org
New York Corning New Glass Now: The special exhibition features works by 100 living glass artists, including Kosta Boda artists and others in Sweden’s “glass country” as well as Denmark, Finland and around the world. Through January 2020 at The Corning Museum of Glass, 607.937.5371 / www. cmog.org New York 11.18, 6-9 PM Book talk - Professor Andersen’s Night: Award-winning Norwegian novelist Dag Solstad joins us with author Rebecca Dinerstein for a book talk on his newest novel, an existential murder mystery. On Christmas Eve, 55-year-old professor Pål Andersen sits alone in his living room and lost in a train of thought, when he glances out the window and sees a man strangling a woman across the street. Paralyzed by indecision, he finds himself unable to call the police or even his friends. Over the night that follows, he instead finds himself obsessing about the murderer’s whereabouts — until he later finds himself face-to-face with the killer himself. An unsettling yet highly entertaining novel, written in Dag Solstad’s signature concise, dark, and witty prose,
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local events Professor Andersen’s Night examines midlife crisis and social critique in the wake of a senseless tragedy. Scandinavia House,
212.847.9729 / chelsea@amscan.org / www.scandinaviahouse.org
Christmas Candle Making Mark your calendar and RSVP to make your own hand-dipped candle the old fashioned way on Dec. 3, 5-7 p.m. While the candles are drying, make other Swedish decorations (bring a pair of scissors). RSPV by Dec. 1, $10/members and $15/non-members, coffee and sandwiches will be served. For adults and children ages 12+. At Chicago’s Swedish American Museum, 773.728.8111 / www. swedishamericanmuseum.org
11.20, 6:30-8:30 PM The Nordic Model: Sweden’s welfare system. This month’s discussion is on Sweden’s successful balancing of high wages, regulated markets and generous welfare. Panel moderated by ASF Chairman Steven B. Peri. Scandinavia House, 212.847.9729 / chelsea@amscan.org / www.scandinaviahouse.org
Traditional Scandinavian
Unique Gifts & Crafts “Little Sweden USA” Lindsborg, KS www.hemslojd.com 800.779.3344
11.21, 6-9 PM Swedish Music on Park Avenue: Swedish pianist Per Tengstrand returns with a special presentation of famous piano concerti performed with musicians from Princeton chamber music group Opus 21. They will perform Rachmaninoff’s “Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 18 and Brahms’ “Piano Quartet in G Minor, Op. 25.” Scandinavia House, 212.847.9729 / chelsea@amscan. org / www.scandinaviahouse.org
Oregon Portland 11.22-24, 9 AM-4PM Nordic Vintage Sale: Antique collectors and holiday shoppers alike know that this
Call for free catalog!
Dec 14th - 4pm & 6:30pm At the Church of the Incarnation 209 Madison Avenue, New York
Tickets: $50. $35 for members and $10 for children age 4-12, students and au pairs Ticket release at the Christmas Fair Nov. 22 Sold in our café at 5 East 48th St, New York and online from Nov. 25 www.svenskakyrkan.se/newyork
SWEDISH
Pancake Mix and
LINGONBERRIES • Fresh Frozen • Preserves www.sturdiwheat.com 1-800-201-9650
Nelson’s Food Pride 100 years of Swedish Tradition Family owned Business Swedish Specialty Food Items www.nelsonsfoodpride.com
402-685-5652 foodpride1@yahoo.com
8 NORDSTJERNAN
PO Box 146 Oakland Nebraska 68045
local events difficulties during transportation, moving to Sweden, and for some, returning to Finland. Through January at American Swedish Historical Museum, 215.389.1776 / info@americanswedish.org / www. americanswedish.org
Date night in Philadelphia
The Nordic Changes exhibit at American Swedish Historical Museum in Philadelphia is inspiring in many ways. On exhibit through early January, Nordic Changes: Works by Diane Burko, features dramatic images of Arctic landscapes. On Nov. 22, bring someone you want (and the beverage of your choice) to get inspired with and paint your own Arctic scene during A Date with Paint, 6-8 p.m. Spend a cozy night together at the museum before the busy holiday rush at this exclusive date-night experience. An instructor will walk you through painting your very own Nordic scene as you enjoy a sample flight of Scandinavian chocolate! This event is BYO and includes all class supplies. ASHM, 215.389.1776 / www.americanswedish.org
11.25, 6-11 PM Swedish Heritage Night - Philadelphia Flyers vs. Vancouver Canucks: Join in a night of hockey, food, drinks, a Flyer Swedish Heritage Night T-shirt and an exclusive Meet-and-Greet with Swedish players Oskar Lindblom and Robert Hägg in the Arena Hall of Fame. Discounted tickets are $41 for upper-level seats or $66 for lower-level seats. Wells Fargo Center, 267.726.0695 / marketing@saccphiladelphia.org / www.facebook.com/ events/975179969488279
Texas 12.07, 1-5 PM Cooky Party: This annual event shows how much cookies mean in our culture, it isn’t a cookie exchange but an exchange of sugar and fellowship: Please bring a tray of homemade treats to add to ours, and we will also be demonstrating how to make rosettes, krumkaker, goro and kringle. Wooden Spoon, 972.424.6867 / t w o n o r d i c @ a o l . c o m / w w w. woodenspoonplano.com
Washington annual vintage, book and treasure sale isn’t to be missed. We feature cultural items and clothing, fabric arts, books, artwork, vintage souvenirs, dish and glassware, wrapping paper and many other unique treasures. Free entrance. Nordia House, 503.977.0275 / www.nordicnorthwest.org
Snorkmaiden, Little My, Snufkin, Sniff and Mymble. Look around the museum, play games and build counting and language skills. $5/child or free/members and accompanying caregivers. American Swedish Historical Museum, 215.389.1776 / www.americanswedish.org
Pennsylvania
Ongoing The Finnish Cause is Ours: 2019 marks 80 years since the first of three wars fought by Finland to defend its territory. During the devastating war years, Finland’s government worked with neighboring Nordic countries to evacuate 70,000 Finnish children. This exhibit explores the experiences of these children and their
Philadelphia 11.19, 10:30-11:30 AM Toddler Time: Get to know the classic Finnish fantasy world of Moomin and his friends. Read Moomin and the Golden Leaf by Tove Jansson, and practice early learning skills alongside cherished friends such as Moominmamma, Moominpappa,
Seattle 11.15, 10 AM - 5 PM Sámi Film Festival: The second Sámi Film Festival explores Sámi values, visions and stories with a day of shorts and documentaries, panel discussions, filmmaker visits, and a happy hour. In partnership with Pacific Sámi Searvi. Tor Tuorda and his daughter and joiker Astrid Tuorda will attend the festival and participate in a discussion following the screening of the documentary, GÁLLOK. Nordic National Museum, 206.789.5707 / www.nordicmuseum.org
Washington, DC 11.16, 12-3 PM Family Fun - Arts & Crafts Workshop: Everything kids need to express themselves through art! For ages 2-10 (and their grownups), free with registration. House of Sweden, 202.536.1500 / www.eventbrite. com/e/family-fun-arts-crafts-workshopstickets-72586210309?aff=ebdssbdests earch
Wisconsin Hales Corners 12.07, 12-2 PM Winter Gnomes: Build a Scandinavian winter gnome, nisse or tomte out of fresh evergreens. This easy floral craft makes an excellent holiday decoration or gift, and is great for families to build together! All supplies provided, though we recommend bringing a pair of hand pruners and gardening gloves. $25 members/$30 non-members, Boerner Botanical Gardens, 414.525.5653 / www. boernerbotanicalgardens.org
For more local events in Swedish America see our online calendar at www.nordstjernan. com/calendar or download the free app Sweden in AmericaEvents from App Store
Celebrating Liv Ullmann: a film festival
In celebration of Liv Ullmann, recipient of the 2019 American-Scandinavian Foundation Gold Medal, Scandinavia House presents a retrospective of the acclaimed Norwegian actress, director and humanitarian’s roles and work with leading auteurs. All screenings at 6:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 212.847.9729 / www.scandinaviahouse.org
1601 EAST LAKE STREET MINNEAPOLIS, MN P. 8 0 0 . 2 7 9 . 9 3 3 3 W W W. I N G E B R E T S E N S . C O M
Your home for exploring Nordic culture
11.13: The Wayward Girl 11.14: Miss Julie 11.16, 2 PM: An-Magritt 11.19: The Emigrants / Utvandrarna 11.22: The New Land / Nybyggarna 11/23, 2 PM: Scenes From A Marriage / Scener Ur Ett Äktenskap 12.04: Zandy’s Bride 12.06: The Abdication 12.11: Kristin Lavransdatter 12.12: Faithless / Trolösa
NOVEMBER 15, 2019 9
local events
The glögg party
the most popular films and tv shows from sweden
swedish dvd releases Order Swedish language movies on DVD. All videos are in the original language with English subtitles.
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The colder season in many parts of the country after Thanksgiving offers a perfect excuse for putting together your own glögg party. You don’t need much, really. Lussekatter and “pepparkakor” (gingersnaps) and glögg of course, if you go the traditional route. Add to that some holiday music and candles and you’re set. Our next issue will cover Swedish American chef, Kristi Bissell’s recipe for a modern Swedish glögg party set in the U.S.
Becoming Astrid: About the life of the creator of Pippi Longstocking, Sweden’s beloved author Astrid Lindgren.
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local events
Christmas in Swedish America California
Huntington Beach 11.24, 11 AM - 5 PM Swedish Christmas Fair: Decorated exhibits, food, arts and crafts, traditional music, dancing, kids’ activities and visits from St. Lucia and the Swedish Santa Claus. At Euro Market, 949.200.7687 / www.orangecounty.swea.org Kingsburg 12.07, 11 AM - 7 PM Santa Lucia Celebration, 559.897.1111 / www.kingsburgchamber.com Los Angeles - San Pedro 11.22 - 11.24 Norwegian Christmas Fair. Christmas decorations, hand-made goods and fresh homemade food and Café. Norwegian & Swedish Church, 310.832.6800 / www. sjomannskirken.no/los-angeles-sanpedro 12.01, 11 AM 1 Adventmässa. Svenska Kyrkan LA. www. svenskakyrkan.se/losangeles Los Angeles 12.08, 10 AM - 5 PM 41st annual Christmas Fair: Swedish crafts, culture, baked goods, Lucia pageant and Santa’s Workshop, music to set the mood and hot glögg. At Torrance Cultural Arts Center, 626.710.2371 / www.losangeles. swea.org Petaluma 12.15, 1-4 PM Lucia Pageant: Enjoy a traditional Lucia Pageant and fika, singing and dancing around the tree and a visit from Santa! linnealodge@gmail.com / www. linnealodge.org San Francisco 11.16 - 11.17, 12-4 PM Norwegian Christmas Bazaar. Christmas decorations, food, gifts and clothes at Norwegian Seamen’s church, www. sjomannskirken.no/san-francisco / sanfrancisco@sjomannskirken.no San Francisco - Berkeley 11.29 - 12.01, 9:30 AM - 5 PM Open House with Scandinavian Christmas Carols at Nordic House. www.nordichouse. com / 800.854.6435 12.06, 12- 3 PM Christmas Luncheon: Classic Swedish Lucia procession, glögg, herring and gingersnaps plus socializing and Christmas spirit. Silent auction and Secret Santa gifts. At the historical House of Filoli and gardens, 415. 942.4722, sofia.hallberg@ sacc-sf.org / www.sacc-sf.org 12.07, 9 AM-4PM SWEA San Francisco Christmas Fair: Lucia at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., traditional crafts, imported gifts and delicacies from Scandinavia. Swedish folk music
If you’re in the right place there are bound to be many opportunities to experience the tradition of Lucia during the coming couple months. Photo from SWEA San Francisco Julmarknad 2018 by Jessica Armstrong / www. sanfrancisco.swea.org This year’s fair is on December 7, 2019. and dancing. At St Mary’s Cathedral, 650.291.4191 / www.sanfrancisco.swea. org/christmas-fair
Children welcome to participate. Swedish Church San Francisco, 925.357.7145 / www.svenskakyrkan.se/sanfrancisco
12.08, 11 AM-12 PM Swedish Advent Service: 2nd Advent service with coffee afterward. Swedish Church San Francisco, 925.357.7145 / www.svenskakyrkan.se/sanfrancisco
Santa Cruz 12.07, 4PM Lucia: Lucia, the Zaida Singers, Jultomten, cookies, crafts and dancing around the Christmas tree. At Peace United Church of Christ, 831.425.9725 / www.sccsantacruz.org
12.15, 4:30 PM Santa Lucia Celebration: Lucia procession, lussekatter, glögg, and Scandinavian treats at Swedish American Hall. The Young Scandinavians Club, lucia@ysc.org / www.ysc.org 12.15, 3-4 PM Lucia Celebration: Lucia procession, choir, coffee, gingerbread cookies and saffron buns served afterward. Swedish Church San Francisco, 925.357.7145 / www. svenskakyrkan.se/sanfrancisco 12.21, 3-5 PM Swedish Advent Service: 3rd Advent service with coffee afterward. Swedish Church San Francisco, 925.357.7145 / www.svenskakyrkan.se/sanfrancisco 12.24, 11 AM- 12 PM Christmas Prayer/Julkrubba Christmas prayer (“julkrubba”) on Christmas Eve.
Colorado
Denver 12.14, 5:30 -9 PM Lucia Festival: Celebration with dinner and Lucia procession. Swedish Club of Denver, 303.933.1819 / www.swedishclubofdenver. org Longmont 12.08, 6 PM Swedish Candlelight Service: Lucia procession at the historic Ryssby Church (limited seating), 303.960.7309 / bstrook@hotmail.com
Connecticut
Fairfield 12.07, 10 AM -3 PM Scandinavian Club Holiday Fair: Artisan
vendors, Nordic gifts and food, baked goods, raffle prizes, entertainment, Santa and more. Free. Holiday smorgåsbord: seatings @ 12 and 1 p.m. RSVP to scanclub@ outlook.com / 203.259.3817, Scandinavian Club, Inc. www.thescandinavianclub.com Westport 12.14, 5:15 PM Lucia Celebration: Lucia procession, glögg and Swedish delicacies served afterward, at Christ & Holy Trinity Church. Swedish School of Connecticut, seaclucia@gmail. com / www.svenskaskolanct.com
Florida
Boca Raton 11.23, 11-3 PM Christmas Bazaar: Shop for Christmas decorations and Swedish food and pastries, a raffle, dancing around the Christmas tree, Tomten (Santa) and Lucia. $10/adults, free/under age 12. At First United Methodist Church, 954.309.4764 / sweasouthflorida.president@gmail.com / www.southflorida.swea.org Davie 12.01, 4 PM Adventsgudstjänst. Svenska kyrkan in Florida, florida@svenskakyrkan.se / www. svenskakyrkan.se/florida NOVEMBER 15, 2019 11
local events Lake Worth 12.08, 2-4 PM Nordic Club’s Christmas Party: Glögg, open-faced sandwiches, desserts, music and many raffle baskets, $10. Nordic Heritage Club, carolrune@aol.com.
12.07, 6:30 - 11:30 PM Lucia Gala 2019: Swedish Christmas smorgasbord, Lucia procession, cocktails, dancing and singing. At Druid Hills Golf Club. david.hultgren@sacc-georgia.org / www.sacc-georgia.org
Georgia
Illinois
Atlanta 11.17, 11 AM - 3:30 PM Swedish Christmas Market: Get the Christmas spirit with a Lucia procession, enjoy a meal at our Swedish Cafe, purchase Swedish crafts, baked goods and much more. At Dorothy Benson Center, sweaatlanta@gmail.com / www.atlanta. swea.org
Bishop Hill 11.29 - 12.01 Julmarknad (Christmas Market): Folk characters cause mischief in the village, music, food, handmade items, antiques, folk art and other gift items in the shops. Help the Vasa National Archives make paper mache snowmen for a community art project. 309.927.3899 / bhha@ mymctc.net / www.bishophillheritage.org
BARNKLUBBEN ELSA RIX #1 99th Annual Lucia Festival Lucia Bride – Hannah Marie Zabe
Saturday Dec. 8, 2019 at 3:30 pm St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church 54 Nassau Blvd., West Hempstead, NY
Lucia pageant & folk dancing
$15/adult, $5/ages 5-12, Children under 5 free. Sandwiches, coffee & desserts included. Glögg and gifts available.
Music by Smögåsbandet
Directions: Southern State Pkwy. Exit 17N.
2nd light left onto Nassau Blvd. Cross Hempstead Tpk., right onto 8th St. and right onto Kilburn Rd. to parking lot.
Reservations & Advance Payment Requested. Information/reservations: (516) 565-2091 • Elainedance@aol.com Send reservations & check payable to Barnklubben Elsa Rix: Elaine McGrath 252 Wellington Road South, Garden City, NY 11530
12 NORDSTJERNAN
12.13 - 12.14 Lucia Nights (Festival of Lights): Coffee and sweets are served in shops and museums by young girls dressed as St. Lucia, musical entertainment fills the air. Exhibit reception at the Vasa National Archives, 309.927.3898 / www.bishophillheritage. org 12.25, 6-7:30 AM Julotta: Non-denominational church service in Swedish and English. Coffee and rusks served afterward. At the Colony Church, 309.927.3345 / www. bishophillheritage.org Chicago 12.06, 11:15 AM - 3 PM Annual Lucia Luncheon: The 37th Annual Lucia Luncheon at Drake Hotel with candlelight and an unforgettable ambiance, 312.257.3002 / gunn@saccchicago.org / www.sacc-chicago.org 12.07, 4 PM Sankta Lucia Celebration with NPU Center for Scandinavian Studies. Smörgåsbord follows the pageant. North Park University’s Anderson Chapel, 773.244.5615 / www. northpark.edu 12.07-12.08 Julmarknad: Annual Christmas Bazaar with traditional Scandinavian and modern handicrafts for purchase. Visit the Children’s Museum for crafts, games and a special visit from Santa. Kaffestuga, Lucia
Your complete stop for all Christmas gifts and food Calendars, linens, pewter and wood ornaments, straw jul bocks. Lutefisk, homemade lefse, herrings, Swedish hams, cheeses, candy, glögg, Julmust, marzipan and more.
processions and folk dancers. Swedish American Museum, 917.495.8396 / www. swedishamericanmuseum.org 12.13, 12-8 PM St. Lucia Day: Start at the Chicago Cultural Center with the crowning of Lucia. Then process from the Swedish American Museum to Chicago Waldorf School for a program at 5 p.m., then at 7 p.m. is the celebration at Ebenezer Lutheran Church, 917.495.8396 / www. swedishamericanmuseum.org 12.14-12.15, 9 AM- 12 PM Breakfast with Tomten: Swedish pancake breakfast with traditional crafts, a special visit from Tomten, and more. Prepaid RSVP required. Swedish American Museum, 917.495.8396 / www. swedishamericanmuseum.org 12.21, 4-5 PM Julgudstjänst: Traditional Swedish Christmas church service led (in Swedish) by a priest from the Swedish Church in New York. At Ebenezer Lutheran Church, 917.495.8396 / www. swedishamericanmuseum.org Geneva 12.06, 6-10 PM Geneva’s Christmas Walk: Lucia arrives and Santa opens his Geneva house. Carolers, Christmas tree lighting, Swedish cookies, candy cane pull and holiday shopping. 630.232.6060 / lrush@genevachamber. com / www.genevachamber.com
CELEBRATING 31 YEARS
WOODEN SPOON SCANDINAVIAN SHOP
1617 K Avenue, Plano, TX 75074 www.woodenspoonplano.com gwen@woodenspoonplano.com
972-424-6867
local events Rockford 12.06, 6-8:30 PM Lucia: Traditional Lucia concert at First Lutheran Church. Swedish Historical Society, 815.963.5559 / www. swedishhistorical.org/lucia--julmarknad. html
East Longmeadow 12.15, 3-5 PM Lucia Fest: Singing, folk dancing and refreshments. Brage-Iduna Lodge #9, radners122@gmail.com
12.07, 9 AM- 1 PM Julmarknad: Shop the market and enjoy Breakfast with Tomte at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church at 10 a.m. Lucia children help serve breakfast and perform at 10:30 a.m. Sing Swedish songs, enjoy festive music and dance around the Christmas tree! RSVP by Dec. 5, 815.963.5559 / museum@swedishhistorical.org / www. swedishhistorical.org/lucia--julmarknad. html
Farmington Hills 11.23, 9:30 AM - 2 PM Swedish Christmas Fair. Lucia pageant, home-baked goods, waffles and folk music. At Finnish Culture Center, www. michigan.swea.org
12.11, 5:30 -7:30 PM Glögg & Pepparkakor Party: Celebrate the season with glögg, saft, appetizers, and Christmas music! In the newly renovated Nordic Cultural Center, Swedish Historical Society, 815.963.5559 / www.swedishhistorical.org/gloumlgg-pepparkakor.html Wheeling 12.08, 3 PM Swedish Glee Club’s Annual Christmas Dinner and Concert: Traditional julbord and concert, cash bar available. At Chevy Chase Country Club, RSVP by Nov. 29, swedishgleeclub@gmail.com / www. swedishgleeclub.org/yule/dinner
Iowa
Elk Horn 11.29 - 11.30 Julefest 2019: Celebrate the arrival of the Christmas Season in the Danish Villages. 800.451.7960, www.danishvillages.com Iowa City 12.08, 5 - 9 PM Swedish Club Lucia Celebration with Lucia pageant and potluck. RSVP to jsmadsen@ mchsi.com / www.iowacityswedishclub. com Swedesburg 12.09, 6 PM Lucia Festival: Singing, music, cookies and a potluck. Swedish Heritage Society, 319.254.2317 / swedish@iowatelecom.net
Kansas
Lindsborg 12.14, 10 AM-5 PM Saint Lucia Festival: Live holiday music, folk dancers, and a Lucia procession leading the crowd to Bethany Lutheran Church to honor St. Lucia. Stay for ginger cookies served by Lucia. 785.227.8687 / www.visitlindsborg.com/christmas-inlindsborg
Massachusetts
Boston 12.07, 10 AM – 4 PM Swedish Yuletide. Food, crafts, gifts, Swedish café, musical entertainment, Lucia and activities for kids. swedishyuletide@sweaboston.org / www.sweaboston.org
Michigan
Grand Rapids 12.07, 10:30 AM-12 PM 23rd Annual Swedish Lucia Celebration, followed by coffee hour with saffron buns, cardamom bread and pepparkakor. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 616-458-0420 / info@sahswm.org / www.sahswm.org
Minnesota
Minneapolis 12.07-12.08, 10 AM-4 PM Julmarknad: Handmade artisan items for sale, special performances by Nordic groups, family art activities, festival food and cardamom bread, cookies and other treats. American Swedish Institute, 612.871. 4907 / www.asimn.org 12.14, 10 AM & 1 PM Lucia Celebration Concert: This special Swedish concert featuring the youthful voices of the 2019 ASI Lucia Choir, who performs traditional music in this magical one-hour concert in Larson Hall. American Swedish Institute, 612.871. 4907 / www. asimn.org
tree with traditional music. Scandinavian specialties, glögg, Sankta Lucia pageant, 973.691.8637 / www.juldans.org
Scandinavian Society, 212.751.0714 / www.americanscandinavian.org/event/ ball2019
New Providence 11.23, 10 AM - 3 PM Scandinavian Import & Gift Sale: Holiday products and food for sale. Lodge Linne#429 VOA , 908.665.1292
12.08, 3:30-6:30 PM Lucia & Folkdancing Program: Music by Smörgåsbandet, raffles, glögg and gifts available for purchase. Barnklubben Elsa Rix #1, 516.565.2091 / Elainedance@aol. com
Upper Montclair 11.24, 10 AM - 4 PM Swedish Christmas Fair: Swedish handicrafts, food, glögg, café and Lucia pageant. 815.861.2760 / www.swea.org/ newjersey
New York
Jamestown 12.07, 9AM - 1PM Julmarknad at Jamestown Community College. 716.665.0883 / www. scandinavianjamestown.org New York 11.22 -11.24, 11 AM The Swedish Church Julbasar. Crafts, music, Swedish food, glögg, etc. newyork@svenskakyrkan.se / www. svenskakyrkan.se/newyork 12.06, 6 -11:45 PM Annual Scandinavian Christmas Ball: A festive evening at the Metropolitan Club with open bar, hors d’oeuvres and 3-course dinner, Lucia procession and dancing until midnight. American
12.21, 6:30 PM & 12.22, 1 PM Julbord: A full selection of traditional dishes, such as meatballs, herring and delectable desserts prepared by the talented FIKA chefs as part of ASI’s Slate & Stone Catering. Cash bar available. RSVP by Dec. 13, American Swedish Institute, 612.871. 4907 / www.asimn.org Moorhead 12.15, 4-7 PM Sankta Lucia: Children of all ages participate, with delicious treats afterward. Swedish Cultural Heritage Society at Bethesda Lutheran Church, 701.306.6554 / valleyinc@msn.com
New Jersey
Budd Lake - Vasa Park 11.30, 5 PM Juldans - Dancing around the Christmas
West Hempstead 12.08, 3:30-6:30 PM Lucia & Folk dancing Program: Music by Smorgasbandet, raffles, glogg and gifts available for purchase. Barnklubben Elsa Rix #1 at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 516.565.2091 / Elainedance@aol.com
North Dakota
Bismarck 12.08, 1 PM Three Crowns Lucia Festival: An afternoon of music, mischievous tomtes, dancing around the Christmas tree, Lucia procession, kids’ crafts and Swedish treats and coffee. Free. At Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 701.663.4023 / 3crownsSwedish@gmail.com
Sunday, December 8 Swedish Sweets & More
Candlelight Swedish Prayer Service: 6am & 8:30am Lucia Jul Fest Breakfast & Program: 7am & 9am
Breakfast $15 / $5 children under 12
Tickets sold at the door.
Scandia 11.21, 12-6 PM Lutfisk and Swedish Meatball Dinner: Traditional holiday smörgåsbord. RSVP Gammelgården Museum, 651.433.5054 / www.gammelgardenmuseum.org 12.08, 6 AM-12 PM Lucia: Follow the candlelit pathway for a brief Swedish prayer service. Then cross the street for a full Lucia Julfest Breakfast with special musical guests. The museum’s Lucia artifacts are on display all month. Breakfast $5-$15/tickets at the door. Gammelgarden Museum, 651.383.7351 / www.gammelgardenmuseum.org
St James 11.16, 10 AM - 4 PM Scandinavian Bazaar. Lunch and items from all Scandinavian countries for sale. Sons of Norway. At St. James Lutheran Church, 631.862.8017 / razmataz57@ gmail.com
Traditional baking, snaps, and candy mixes, Swedish handicrafts and much, much more! Order retail online at www.swedishsweetsandmore.com Order wholesale at swedishsweetsandmore@gmail.com
Lucia exhibit & Jul Butik Gift Shop open M-Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 1pm-4pm until Dec. 23, 2019
20880 Olinda Trail N Scandia, MN Phone: 651-433-5053 NOVEMBER 15, 2019 13
local events Ohio
Cincinnati 12.15, 4 - 7 PM Annual Lucia Fest. Tickets: Scandinavian Society of Cincinnati, www. scandinaviansoc.org
Oregon
Portland 12.07-12.08 Scanfair: The annual two-day Nordic Christmas market is at the Veteren’s Memorial Colliseum, 503.977.0275 / www.nordicnorthwest.org 12.14, 6:30 PM Julbord: 4th annual Julbord Dinner with Broder Söder is inspired by Nordic traditions, music and delicious holiday food. Nordia House. RSVP, 503.977.0275 / www.nordicnorthwest.org
Pennsylvania
Philadelphia 12.06, 6-10 PM Julbord: An authentic Christmas smorgasbord for the whole family is followed by the Lucia procession. The Christmas Market is open all evening. RSVP by Dec.1. American Swedish Historical Museum, 215.389.1776 / www. americanswedish.org 12.06, 6-8 PM 12.07-12.08, 2-5 PM Sankta Lucia and St. Eric’s Fair. Celebrating the 82nd year and Christmas bazaar with Scandinavian imports. At Gloria Dei Old Swedes Church, info@old-swedes.org / www.old-swedes.com 12.07, 11 AM-4 PM Lucia Fest and Christmas Market: Familyfriendly event with Lucia processions at 1 & 3:15 p.m. Favorite holiday deli items, Christmas decorations, baked goods and gifts. Advance tickets recommended. American Swedish Historical Museum, 215.389.1776 / www.americanswedish. org
14 NORDSTJERNAN
12.14, 6-10 PM Annual Winter Holiday Party: A night with Scandinavian Christmas food, akvavit and snapsvisor (drinking songs) and that Christmas feeling at Gloria Dei, Old Swedish Church. SACC and NACC Philadelphia, 267.726.0695 / www.eventbrite.com/e/ christmas-party-tickets-77575585665
Rhode Island
Cranston 11.17, 9:30 AM - 1 PM Swedish Holiday Brunch: Swedish pancakes, baked goods and holiday items. Santa visit. RSVP Vasa Star Lodge #56, 401.739.3530 / marlenehaglundhatch@ gmail.com
South Dakota
decorations, linens and more for sale. RSVP for a traditional Christmas dinner at Swedishheritage2@aol.com. Swedish Heritage Society of Utah at First Baptist Church, 801.268.2898
Wisconsin
Washington
Dodgeville 12.14, 3-8:30 PM Sankta Lucia at Folklore Village: Make heart baskets, color Swedish Dalahorses, shape the saffron buns (served later!) and learn traditional songs for the evening Lucia ceremony. Potluck dinner at 5:30, followed by Lucia, saffron buns, tea and the familyfriendly evening dance. Folklore Village, 608.924.4000 / www.folklorevillage.org
Seattle 11.23 - 11.24, 10 AM - 6 PM Julefest. Nordic treats, kids’ crafts and activities inside Santa’s workshop. Nordic National Museum, 206.789.5707 / www. nordicmuseum.org/julefest 12.08, 1-2:30 PM Children’s Christmas in Scandinavia: Santa Lucia Pageant, Christmas crafts and a visit from Santa. Nordic National Museum, 206.789.5707 / www.nordicmuseum.org
Dalesburg 12.15, 2-5 PM 42nd celebration of St. Lucia in Dalesburg: Välkommen! Dalesburg Scandinavian Association, 605.253.2575 / ron@ dalesburg.org / www.dalesburg.org
12.12, 5:30-8 PM Glögg & Meatballs Celebrate Christmas early at Skål Beer Hall in Ballard! Join fellow Scandinavians in celebrating Christmas properly - with meatballs, herring and salmon. info@sacc-seattle.org / www. sacc-seattle.org
Texas
Tacoma 12.06, 6-9 PM Sankta Lucia Celebration: For more than 60 years, we’ve celebrated Sankta Lucia (PLU students can apply for the Lucia Scholarship). At Scandinavian Cultural Center of Pacific Lutheran University, 253.535.7322 / Marianne26435@ gmail.com / www.plu.edu/scancenter/ calendar-of-events
Plano 11.23, 2:30 PM Lucia Procession with children, glogg and cookies. Wooden Spoon, twonordic@aol. com / www.woodenspoonplano.com Dallas 12.07, 10 AM – 2 PM JulBasar and Lucia Celebration: dallas@ swea.org / www.dallas.swea.org Houston 12.08, 5 PM Lucia Celebration. sweahouston@ hotmail.com / www.houston.swea.org
Utah
Salt Lake City 12.07, 4-8 PM Lucia Celebration: Celebrate Lucia with live candles, music, Swedish foods, candy,
Washington, DC
12.07, 10 AM - 5 PM Swedish Holiday Market: Nordic vendors and artists selling holiday ornaments, decorations, textiles, Swedish glass, books, glögg, candy and more! Lucia procession at 5 p.m. Silent auction, Jultomte and face painting. Tickets at www.eventbrite.com/e/swedish-holidaymarket-2019-house-of-sweden-tickets74148069873?aff=ebdssbdestsearch / www.washingtondc.swea.org
Avery 12.13, 5:30-7:30 PM Jul fest: On Lucia Dagen itself. 715.222.0138, ristarbuck@centurytel.net / www. foreverswedish.net
Madison 12.14, 4-8:30 PM Julfest Christmas Party: An evening of Nordic Christmas traditions: a 3-course dinner buffet, St. Lucia procession, holiday crafts, raffle, dancing around the Christmas tree, and Santa. At St. Mark’s Church, matswjohansson0@gmail.com / www.facebook.com/groups/30941637875 Milwaukee 12.08, 5-7 PM Lucia Celebration: Hear the story and beautiful music of the Swedish celebration of Lucia then dance around the Christmas tree, visit with Santa, enjoy coffee and treats. At Whitnall Park Lutheran Church in Hales Corners, 262.781.6113 / swedishamericanhistoricalwisc@gmail. com / www.sahswi.org
IKEA
USA 12.13 Swedish Traditional Julbord Buffet hosted by IKEA Food at IKEA Restaurants with an all-you-can eat buffet! Contact your local IKEA store for tickets and more information. For continuous info from all over the U.S., see events at www.nordstjernan.com. Find your local SWEA chapter by going to www.swea.org - almost every SWEA organization has Lucia and Christmas fairs.
news in brief
Please order your Christmas Ham by Dec. 8
Remote Medicine in Sweden Virtual visits to health care providers have increased exponentially in recent years. A variety of Swedish companies, Doktor24, Doktor.se, My Doktor and kry.se make it possible for doctors to visit patients via mobile phone—and no longer only in Sweden. For instance, Kry (the Swedish word for “healthy”) operates in Sweden, Norway and Spain with the ambition to service all of Europe in the future. They have 100 employees, 150 qualified doctors and hundreds of thousands of users. The long-term goal is to revolutionize healthcare throughout the world. Care over the phone with live video has meant people don’t have to go to clinics or wait in emergency rooms. Sweden has a high proportion of doctors per inhabitant, but the doctors are unevenly distributed geographically, so the costs of getting to a doctor can skyrocket for a patient in a sparsely populated region. A McKinsey report says digitizing health care on a global basis could cut costs by 25 percent or $18 billion per year by 2025. Conditions for Swedish online medical services could change drastically in the future, however. On behalf of the Swedish government, Göran Stiernstedt, MD and former director of health and social services at SKL—the organization of Sweden’s 290 municipalities (kommuner*) and 21 county councils (landsting)—has for several years studied how digitalization affects the Swedish healthcare system. Recently, the final report was submitted to the Minister of Social Affairs Lena Hallengren at the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs.
The role of online doctors
The investigation has, among other things, evaluated the role of online doctors. A surprising proposal that risks turning the business model on its head indicates they may be forced to also offer in-person care in all the county councils where they are active. This would probably mean significantly increased costs for the companies. All online doctors today offer care through one healthcare region, the Sörmland region, where they run their own health centers or have agreements
with subcontractors. They benefit from a loophole in the Swedish law stipulating that all patients have the right to seek care from other county councils, so-called “utomlänsvård”—healthcare outside your home district. The law enables companies to avoid having a physical presence throughout the country. Region Sörmland has the lowest patient fees, which means the customer only pays SEK 100 out of pocket to receive care through an app. In addition, the online physician companies receive compensation from county councils for the care performed. The levels of compensation have previously been criticized for being too high, and in the summer of 2019, SKL decided to reduce it from SEK 650 to SEK 500. However, it has not been implemented yet. In the U.S. we have ample alternatives to choose from among online doctors and healthcare—steadymd.com, mdlive.com, DoctorOnDemand.com, livehealthonline.com or teladoc.com, to name but a few. The cost of a video visit varies depending on the practice you select and the health insurance coverage you have.
349 Main Ave. | Norwalk, CT 06851 Phone: 203-529-3244 Email: info@scandinavianbutik.com www.scandinavianbutik.com
*The difference between kommuner (municipalities) and landsting (county councils): Municipalities are a lower level local political division mostly responsible for schools, planning and emergency services, while the county councils are the top level self-governing local authority responsible for healthcare and public transportation.
Jamestown, NY Julmarknad Dec. 7, 2019 9 AM to 1 PM
at Jamestown Community College Free admission and parking • Several vendors Additional sites around town until 5 PM More information 716.665.0883 www.scandinavianjamestown.org NOVEMBER 15, 2019 15
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heritage travel to san francisco Swedish descendants find heritage tourism and genealogy travel in San Francisco.
The iconic Golden Gate Bridge, streetcars, Ghirardelli Square, Lombard Street and the unique ambiance draw more than 25 million tourists—including Swedes and Swedish Americans—to San Francisco each year. Have you followed your Scandinavian ancestors’ paths in San Francisco for a customized travel vacation? Nearly 70,000 people visit San Francisco each day. Consider its excellent heritage, genealogy and research offerings to re-connect you to your Swedish ancestors’ American Dream. You might start by knowing about Swedish-American Hall (Swedish Society of San Francisco) and Cafe Du Nord. www. swedishamericanhall.com And don’t overlook the Swedish Church of San Francisco, Svenska kyrkan. www.svenskakyrkan.se/sanfrancisco Unlike our San Francisco ancestors, we now have videos, photos, tour guides and online maps to show us exactly where we’re going. Exploring family and heritage is better if we understand the ways to undertake such travel in a state or city— and beyond—in pursuit of our rich past while also having fun. It allows us to engage younger family members earlier, too. It’s part of the “ancestor pester” brought on by the explosion in DNA research and interest in ancestor websites.
The draw of the Gold Rush
The “out with the old, in with the new” can obscure the heritage tourism and genealogy travel offerings of San Francisco, where America’s seafaring Swedish ancestors flocked, in search of wealth, to the Gold Rush and its aftermath through the Gilded Age. America was still being imagined and built. San Francisco has long been the west coast immigrant engine of capitalism. Did you know that Oakland tailor Erik Lindblom, one of the vaunted “Three Lucky Swedes” who struck it rich in Alaska, became president of the SwedishAmerican Bank of San Francisco? www.nordstjernan.com/news/emigration/3452 The American west coast offered key opportunities for immigrant Swedes and created new migration patterns. The Gold Rush, keyed to 1849, drew hundreds of thousands to San Francisco, Oregon and Washington state. The mining and railroading industries worked hand-in-hand to build the west for mutual benefit. Railroad magnate James J. Hill would later say, “Give me Swedes, snuff and whiskey, and I’ll build a railroad through hell.” Many urban, business oriented Swedes migrated to San Francisco because of its great wealth. The climate was similar to that of Stockholm during some seasons of the year, and shipping-seagoing interests attracted mariners. One Swedish mariner came to America with limited resources but ended up establishing Matson Navigation in 1882. Captain William Matson’s 16 NORDSTJERNAN
The triangle process
Think of the genealogy travel process as like a triangle: Visiting urban locations of San Francisco ancestors is first, their nearby heritage sites come second, then the libraries and archives that contain undiscovered information form the base of an excellent customized vacation. San Francisco has it all, in any order you choose. The “triangle surprises” are also worthy: Unexpectedly meeting “new” cousins and other relatives face-to-face enables us to share critical human connections. Will you and your family organize an authentic journey to see ancestor places and context? Here’s how, whether in San Francisco or elsewhere:
Preparation tips
Pre-trip planning pays off. To streamline your time, investigate the family’s personal history in the desired travel areas. For example, in looking for 608 Shotwell Street in San Francisco, you would check to see if it withstood the San Francisco 1906 quake and/or if it was renumbered. We did that. By checking with the city hall, we learned this current and historic information from Moses Corrette: ”The house still exists. It has been moved and renumbered. The attached pdf map is from 1886 and shows what was then 608 Shotwell on the second lot from the corner. The original small house was moved to the back of the lot, and a new multi-unit building was erected on the front of the lot.” By using social media, we found a YouTube video with an architect giving a tour of Shotwell Street. www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_jiIknsOhY. We contacted him, and he kindly gained access into the original property where the immigrant lived. An added historical benefit: The current San Francisco resident also learned something about the house he lived in, too, writing that ”it was lovely to get a visitor with such a connection to local history. It makes me feel more connected to the neighborhood to know that all knowledge of it isn’t lost to the sands of time.” Meanwhile, the seafaring immigrant resident of the house also lived on Folsom, Langton and Divisadero at different times. Finding those properties wasn’t as easy. So, build in time for mistakes. Misdirections often happen, and addresses change; experiences can take longer than planned. If seeking burial places, don’t forget to research San Francisco and San Mateo County cemeteries ahead of time here: www.sfgenealogy.org/sf/sfrancem.htm
Swedish historical context
Add to your family history some contextual information by visiting heritage tourism sites. Because of its winding streets and hills, San Francisco can be a challenge for drivers used to typical cities. Know that what is today’s iconic Castro District was once a residential area for Swedes, Danes and other Europeans who helped build it. Check out the Swedish-related Matson Navigation Building that is on the National Register of Historic Places. www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matson_Building. Seek out Scandinavian restaurants like Pläj and others. If you want to see a mansion connected to William Matson’s daughter and son-in-law, visit Filoli Mansion in Woodside, about 30 miles from San Francisco proper. (Hollywood movies and TV series have been filmed there.) How about the Swedish American Patriotic League? www. sveadal.org The architecturally interesting Swedenborgian Church is on the National Register: www.sfswedenborgian.org/history
Research opportunities
mation and artifacts. We all want to savor them, share our photos and reflect on ancestors’ journeys. But taking the time soon after travel to identify our photos, new information and memories that are part of our own life experiences greatly enhance others’ research, especially those who are doing so 50-100 years hence. As author Ariel Dorfman wrote in Darwin’s Ghosts, “Each human contains within himself, within herself, all their ancestors, a trove of what was seen and heard and smelled and touched, residues of certain experiences that drastically impress them, pressed into them, expressed who they were.” No Hollywood movie can bring most of our Swedish immigrant and other early ancestors’ images back to us. Through travel adventures and research, though, we reclaim our Scandinavian forebears’ passion for living. We immerse ourselves in details of their environments as a filmmaker might. As Jared Anderson wrote in a hymn, we thus “breathe life into these dry and thirsty souls” once again.
If you’re serious about ancestors, a must to explore are the online resources available such as the archives of the San Francisco Public Library, the Maritime Research Center of San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, the National Archives at San Bruno, historical societies, churches and cemeteries. Contact them ahead of time; don’t arrive when facilities are closed or waste time seeking information that is unavailable. Remember to organize and share critical infor-
Jeanne Rollberg American Dream Genealogy and Research Board member, Swedish America Heritage Online
Swedish American Hall at 2174 Market St, San Francisco Landmark #267.
Matson Building and Annex, 215 Market St, San Francisco. NOVEMBER 15, 2019 17
Photo: Mike Hofmann/Wikimedia Commons.
cargo ships and later luxury liners to Hawaii were headquartered in San Francisco, and were the boast of the city. Matson’s legend became larger than life, as his was literally a rags to riches story. Muriel Beroza’s Golden Gate Swedes: The Bay Area and the Sveadal (2000) is a key resource for learning about outstanding immigrant Swedes.
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Look everywhere for the Swedish American engineer
Swedish Americans have filled an important niche in our country. Notable inventions, adaptations of machinery, building design—you can find many examples of ingenious problem-solving Swedes coming up with solutions in many fields requiring engineering know-how. This unique skill set continues to infuse American resources with the influx of Swedish software engineers in California’s Silicon Valley. From software to hardscape, from abstract modeling to concrete inventions, wherever you look, you will find the ubiquitous Swedish American engineer. The Swedish born John Erickson is a 19th century exemplar of creative engineering talent. He invented twin opposite rotating propellers for steamships, an innovation that is still in use today. He built the Monitor, an armored warship for the Union Navy that sunk the Confederate warship Merrimack, using his design. The new Union ships were able to successfully blockade the southern harbors, preventing the export of cotton. Erickson’s many other engineering feats were covered in Nordstjernan’s article of
the Spring 2019 Vasa Star, “Engineer, inventor, renaissance man.” Little things make a difference A little known Swedish electrical engineer in the late 1800s perfected the zipper, one of my favorite innovations. Though often taken for granted, it is one without which most of us could not function today. Otto Fredrik Gideon Sundbäck (1880–1954) was born in Småland, eventually moving to Pennsylvania where he was an employee of the Universal Fastener Company in the early 1900s. In 1893, an earlier mechanical engineer by the name of Whitcomb L. Judson had developed a complicated hook-and-eye fastener, responding to the difficulty of fastening the high-button boots in vogue at the time. The fastener was hard to use and prone to pulling apart. Enter Sundbäck, who spent years developing a user-friendly zipper that would not pull apart, first adding to the number of fastening elements from four per inch to 10 or 11. This version was dubbed the Hookless Fastener No. 1. Sundback persevered in perfecting the design. In 1914, he developed a
From Wikipedia: “A saw-tooth roof is a roof comprising a series of ridges with dual pitches either side. The steeper surfaces are glazed and face away from the equator to shield workers and machinery from direct sunlight. This kind of roof admits natural light into a deep plan building or factory.” Before electric light, the saw-tooth design was especially useful for providing natural light inside industrial buildings.
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version based on interlocking teeth that pulled into a single piece by the slider: the “Hookless No. 2,” basically the modern metal zipper. The patent for the “Separable Fastener” was issued in 1917. Sundbäck also created the manufacturing machine for the new device. The name, however lacked zip; and the name zipper was created in 1923 by B.F. Goodrich, who used the device on their new boots. In 1937, Esquire magazine hosted a “Battle of the Fly” contest pitting the zipper against the button fly to see which could outperform the other. The zipper won the match by helping avoid “the possibility of unintentional and embarrassing disarray.” Sundbäck was awarded the Gold Medal of the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences in 1951. And on April 24, 2012, the 132nd anniversary of Sundback’s birth, Google’s interactive homepage Google Doodle was the zipper, which when opened revealed the results of a search for Gideon Sundbäck. Hardscape game changer In 1871, a Swedish cabinet maker arrived in the United States along with many others, bringing
The Kawneer Building was vacant for a year then bought by the Sealy Mattress Co., which moved their operation from Oakland. In 1972 the building was sold to A.J. Bernard, who divided the factory into 35 spaces for use by artisans, small industries, craftspeople, theaters and schools. Today, the building continues to house artist studios, including pottery, fine arts and woodworking, as well as the Sawtooth School, which offers art classes to students of all ages. The brilliance of Plym’s sawtooth design is quickly still seen inside, the windows diffusing the interior with a user-friendly light.
both his family and his skills to find their place in a new country. This cabinet maker may have expected his son to follow in his footsteps (as the sons of many craftsmen did), but he could not have known that his son would grow up to revolutionize architectural design. That son, Francis John Plym (1869–1940) was born in Sweden and came to the United States at the age of 2. Versatile and adaptable, Plym was by turns a cabinet maker, architect, inventor, machinist, businessman, and founder of the Kawneer Manufacturing Company. Because of Plym, industrial buildings are more functional and let in more light, and many buildings sport glass where once there were walls. His major invention, the plate glass window, changed the physical shape of the modern world. Contemporary Swedish architecture makes good use of Plym’s concept, with sheer walls of glass letting in maximum light from the surroundings. Although he attended school only as far as the sixth grade, Plym completed his college entrance requirements in one year, entering the University of Illinois’ College of Engineering; in 1897 he obtained a degree in architecture. Plym first practiced architecture in Lincoln, Nebraska. Later he attended a post-graduate course at the National Academy of Design in New York. In 1903 Plym moved to Kansas City, where he was appointed City Architect in 1906. It was shortly after his arrival there that Plym hit upon the invention that would literally change the face of the world: a resilient metal framing for glass that would make large window expanses possible. At that time, storefront windows were framed in wood, subject to condensation and rot, which could cause large panes to crack. Although small panes didn’t crack, they presented a visual barrier to the displayed merchandise. Plym’s design made it possible to construct plate-glass storefronts that displayed the merchandise to its best advantage. While Plym worked on his plate-glass sash
model, he was asked to design a new department store in Holdredge, Nebraska. He included the new metal sash in the display windows specifications. When the time came to manufacture the new windows, Plym took his model to Henry Weis’s sheet metal shop in Kansas City, to have the first moldings made. Weis’s shop was located close to the Kansas River, the “Kaw,” as locals know it. Plym dubbed his new product “Kawneer.” After patenting his innovation in 1906, Plym went on to found the Kawneer Manufacturing Company, which would continue to come up with innovative architectural and other products throughout the 20th century. Today it is a subsidiary of Alcoa. Tech pioneer with Swedish roots When I saw the recent obituary for Nils Nilsson (Feb 6, 1933-April 22, 2019), a robotics researcher at Stanford University, I figured his name was Swedish but his obituary made no reference to it. I found two clues, though: He was a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Science, and he named a son Lars and a daughter Kristen. Nevertheless, a good researcher has to verify assumptions, so I asked a friend affiliated with the California Genealogical Society if she would look him up.
I learned Nilsson was born in Saginaw, Michigan with deep Swedish roots. His paternal grandfather Alfred Nilsson was born in Halmstad, Sweden in 1886; his mother, Hilda Elizabeth Benson was also born in Sweden. Nilsson was a professor of engineering in the computer sciences department at Stanford and a pioneer in artificial intelligence. He wrote several books on the subject; he also served on several editorial boards for publications in his field. He helped create a robot known as “Shakey,” profiled in national publications. Nilsson helped design and write the algorithms that allowed the robot to “make decisions” and navigate. According to Stanford, the algorithms are still in use. He received several awards for his work. Like Plym who skipped over academic levels, Nilsson skipped his bachelors degree and went straight onto completing his master’s degree in 1956. He received his doctorate at Stanford in 1958, and spent the bulk of his academic career there, serving 23 years with the Stanford Research Institute. He joined the faculty as chair of the computer science department in 1985, and is fondly remembered by staff and students as an amiable colleague, generous with his time and advice. He died at his home in Oregon at age 86 in April of this year, a memorable leader in the field of robotics.
Just as the Kawneer Company was being born, San Francisco was devastated by the 1906 earthquake and fire. As the city was pulling itself from the rubble, Kawneer salesmen found a ready market for the new plate glass window. Previously, small-paned wooden windows were built into the storefronts lining the streets. The San Francisco that rose from the ashes altered to such an extent that a friend of Plym’s wrote to say that Market Street ought to be renamed “Kawneer Street.” Downtown Berkeley and Oakland soon hopped on the bandwagon, installing the new plate glass windows. Over the next decades, Plym successfully defended his patents and absorbed competitors, and Kawneer single-handedly refaced Main Street, USA. In 1913 Plym built a factory in Berkeley, California, where he put another of his innovations in place: the sawtooth roof. (Whenever you see an industrial building topped with a sawtooth roof and windows in your area, think of Plym.) As Kawneer grew into a giant corporation, servicing the entire country and expanding internationally, the Berkeley plant continued to thrive as the West Coast headquarters and factory for the next 45 years. (Thank you to the Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association for its careful research on Plym, from which much of this information is taken.)
NOVEMBER 15, 2019 19
Master mechanic turned land use planner I would be remiss not to mention one of my local and often unsung heroes, an Oakland engineer who took on a daunting land use project (and a member of my local Vasa Lodge, Tegner #149). Alfred Bonde Celander was a master mechanic and later a consulting engineer for Westinghouse Electric. He applied his engineering skills to transform the undeveloped land that today is known to the Bay Area Swedish American community as Sveadal. Celander not only surveyed the land, he also set up the boundary lines for the various properties, did stone work, designed and built outdoor furnishings and constructed trails. He also engineered and built several water works including a fishing pond and a fountain with stone work to capture a spring known as Mimers Källa, or Mimer’s Spring, in 1936. Water, for Celander, was a sacred source, one not to be taken for granted, as reflected in the construction of the fountain. Mimer was a character in Scandinavian mythology, known for his great wisdom. Near one of the roots of the great tree Yggdrasil was Mimer’s fountain, from which flowed all wisdom. Beset by troubles and unable to cope, Odin asked for drink. The price demanded was the sight of an eye, and Odin paid the price in exchange for wisdom.
Shakey, the robot
Fellow Swedes Sven Wahlstrom and Nils Nilsson (right) with Shakey / Photo courtesy of SRI International. AI pioneer Nils Nilsson spent 23 years at SRI in Menlo Park, making contributions to searching, planning, knowledge representation and robotics.
Celander was also the first to recognize that Sveadal needed a dependable drinking water supply and storage, although it would take years before this idea came to fruition. On Memorial Day in 1959, Celander was named “Father of Sveadal.” He died in 1964 at the age of 93, and today few remember him. On walking tours around the property, you will come upon Mimers Källa, nestled in the woods and inscribed with Swed-
ish text. Although the fountain no longer works, it remains a revered marker of Sveadal’s founding. Admittedly, Alfred Bonde Celander’s achievements were on a modest scale compared with those of an Eriksson or a Plym. He helps make the point that Swedish American engineers have made their mark far and wide, shaping the world as we know it today. By Kitty Hughes
JUL & CHRISTMAS | ACCESSORIES JEWELRY | HOME & KITCHEN
Entrance to Sveadal in the eastern Santa Cruz Mountains with “Mimers Källa,” Mimer’s Fountian inset. The fountain built “to offer a thousand years of Mimer’s fountain’s life force, to cool off, to strengthen and to offer joy. Drink and enjoy in the Valley of the Grape.” 20 NORDSTJERNAN
Your own classic
Swedish kalops Swedes are quick to adopt new dishes, and in Sweden today pizza is just as common as falukorv—the special sausage with origins in the copper mines of Falun in the Dalarna province. It was likely created by German butchers; Sweden has for centuries been open to the culinary influences of other countries. Classic Swedish food is, however, synonymous with traditional, homey fare, or husmanskost. In the past it consisted of somewhat bland and rather unimaginative foods, often high in carbs. Today, husmanskost is trendy, and people eat much of those same foods but sometimes with provisions for a lighter, more modern touch. New combination dishes also abound, like poached salmon with a dash of wasabi or pannbiff (the Swedish version of hamburger) filled with feta cheese. Swedish dishes often have potatoes as a base; in fact all sorts of root vegetables are highly treasured, especially in rich stews. And who doesn’t like parsnips, carrots and celery root? Each Swedish province has its own specialties with ties to that particular district, and this is true about our recipe for traditional Swedish beef stew, the kalops, as well. The “usual” Swedish kalops is made with pounded beef and no root vegetables, while the kalops in Skåne in the south, for instance, is made
with cubed beef and added carrots. As for us, we’ve been known to use all of the above, making it, well, maybe a Swedish American kalops? This slowcooked stew is easy to make with a short prep time, so don’t hesitate to try out your own perfect blend. The name itself—from the English word “collops” meaning slices of beef—shows 18th
Kalops serves 4
Ingredients 2 pounds beef (shoulder or prime rib) 2 yellow onions 1 tbsp butter 1 tbsp vegetable oil 1-2 tbsp beef bouillon or beef stock (or 1 tbsp non-liquid beef base) 2-3 bay leaves 12 allspice berries 2 tbsp all purpose flour 4-5 cups water 2 tsp salt white pepper 1 to 2 cups carrots or other root vegetable
century English influences on Swedish cuisine with a recipe appearing for the first time in the classic 1755 cookbook by Cajsa Varg. Traditionally served with potatoes and red pickled beets, this is the perfect comfort food on a cold evening. The distinct flavor of the dish comes from bay leaves and allspice berries. Instructions 1. Cut the beef into 1/2-inch cubes, peel the onion and cut into 1/2-inch slices. 2. Sear the beef until brown on all sides. 3. Add onion, bay leaves, all spice and beef base, and stir while frying for a few minutes (if you’re using a non-liquid beef base, add the water first). If you’re using root vegetables this would be the time to add them. 4. Sprinkle in the flour and add the water, then salt and pepper to taste. 5. Bring to a boil while stirring, then lower the temperature and let simmer until beef is tender, at least 1-1/2 to 2 hours. Add additional salt and pepper if needed. 6. Remove bay leaves and allspice berries before serving.
Serve with boiled potatoes and pickled beets. See recipe for pickled beets (p22) if you choose to make them yourself. We tried both a Swedish and a Danish canned variety that were available at Connecticut’s Scandinavian Butik and found the Danish variety to be less vinegary but also sweeter. To get your own perfect balance, prepare them yourself. NOVEMBER 15, 2019 21
art and culture
A classic complement
The classic complement to kalops and a variety of Swedish foods—not least is another classic, pytt i panna—is pickled beets, inlagda rödbetor. You can find preserved canned varieties at most Scandinavian stores but making your own is easy, and when you land on your preferred balance of vinegar vs water and sugar along with spices, it’s absolutely delicious.
Pickled beets
2 pounds beets 1/2 gallon (2 l) water 2 tsp salt - Fill a large saucepan with water. Cut off some of the beet tops, rinse and clean. Boil in salted water—about 2 tsp per half gallon of water—for 45 minutes to 1-1/2 hours, depending on size and until soft. - Let the beets cool, remove the tops entirely and rub off the peel with your hands. Pickle 4 cups (9 dl) water 1 cup (2 dl) 12% vinegar (this is 2-1/2 times stronger than what’s regularly sold in the U.S.) 1-1/4 cup (3 dl) sugar 10 white pepper corns 10 cloves 2 bay leaves 1/2 inch (1 cm) horseradish
SWEA DC swedish homemade holiday items falukorv press sylta prinskorv swedish paté swedish pickled
- Boil the water, vinegar, sugar and spices to create the pickle. - Larger beets should be sliced while smaller beets can be pickled as is. Place the peeled and rinsed beets in heated glass jars and pour the hot pickle over. - Lid the jars, let cool and place in the refrigerator for a few days prior to serving. (The unopened jar will last up to six months in the refrigerator)
kalv sylta potato sausage gothenburg rolled sylta ham
Paulina also carries the following Swedish items: meatballs and homemade sauce, mustards, brown beans, yellow peas, lingonberries, pancake mix porridge rice, pearl sugar, Belgian sugar Abba and Noonhour herring, limpa bread bondost cheese, Wasa crisp bread gingersnaps, crispy onions, and much more!
3501 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60657 773-248-6272 Check out our website for full details on items and shipping options.
www.paulinameatmarket.com
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Tips: - Wear plastic gloves when removing the peels from the beets, since their strong color can stain. - Vary the taste with ginger, chili or black pepper.
art and culture Discover Swedish is an attempt to give English readers a peep hole into the world of the Scandinavian country called Sweden and the lingo spoken there. It is not a regular language course. Teachers and other professionals in the language field may object to the fact that it leaves out bits and pieces, and simplifies language learning. That is a calculated move: These lessons are for regular readers, maybe even beginners, trying to get a grip on another language. Discover Swedish concentrates on grammar, hopefully in a playful way, but serious at the same time. The playfulness is illustrated in the examples and exercises. It aims at pointing out similarities but also differences between the two languages. Apart from grammar and the overall structure of Swedish, these lessons also teach how to use your own experience with vocabulary. Discover Swedish demonstrates shortcuts, mainly based on the influences of Latin and Greek—languages
that are the foundation of English, Swedish and the Germanic languages. The lessons will include crosswords, fill-in sections, personal questions, Odd Man Out, word groups (like family, colors, animals), jokes, silly translations, short texts in Swedish, all in a kind of Swedish atmosphere. By partaking in Discover Swedish you will no doubt get a grip on Swedish and you may even learn a lot about svenska (the language) och svenskarna (the people of Sweden). Finally, try this. Sverige är ett land i Skandinavien. Landet är en monarki. Det har 10 miljoner invånare. Stockholm är huvudstad. [Sweden is a country in Scandinavia. The country is a monarchy. It has a population of 10 million. Stockholm is its capital.] Good luck and have fun with Discover Swedish. Christer Amnéus
Christer Amnéus, language professor emeritus, Sweden.
Vara (be) Presens/the present
Lesson 1
(är, var, varit) (am/are/is, was/were, has been/have been) Ordlista i slutet av varje övning/Vocabulary at the end of each exercise
Uses:
Är (am, are, is) jag är: I am du är: you are (singular, one person) han är: he is hon är: she is det är: it is den är: it is vi är: we are ni är: you are (formal, one person, also more than one) de (dom) är: they are
Sammanfattning/Conclusion: Am, are, is have one word in Swedish that covers them all. That is ÄR. Couldn´t be better. But best of all, you have now accessed the Swedish language and used it.
(de: formal, dom: colloquial)
Phrases:
“Vem är du?” “Vem jag är? Jag är jag. Och vem är du?” “Jag? Jag är också jag.” “Nej, du är du och jag är jag.” “Jag ger upp.” Ordförråd/Vocabulary vem: who / också: too / nej: no (informal nä) / ger upp: give up
Augusta’s Daughter Ever wonder what made so many emigrate from Sweden in the nineteenth century? Judit Martin’s novel, “Augusta’s Daughter,” about 19th century Swedish peasant life made such an impression on us, we decided to offer it to the Nordstjernan readership. call 1.800.827.9333 for your own copy ($24.90 incl. S&H to cont. U.S.). The sequel,
Kajsa
was just released. The story of 15-year-old Elsa-Carolina’s illegitimate daughter Kajsa,who was cast out into the world from a foster home at the age of 8.
The following silly translation, could have been Google a few years ago. What does it mean? I feel not again you. (You find the key on the next page) Övningar / Exercises on next page.
Please send me ____ book(s) “Augusta’s Daugheter” x $24.90 = _______ Please send me ____ book(s) “Kajsa” x $24.90 =
Incl. S&H (in continental U.S.)
_______
Total: _________
Name Address City State Zip Tel. m Check enclosed payable to Nordstjernan m Please charge my credit card: Card# Signature
Exp. Date:
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SSC Code:
Mail to: Nordstjernan, P.O. Box 1710, New Canaan CT 06840
NOVEMBER 15, 2019 23
art and culture
Övning/Exercise:
1. Sverige/Sweden Välj/Choose: 1. Sverige är A. ett land. B. en stad. C. ett berg.
2. Vi är i A. USA. B. Sverige. C. Europa.
3. ABBA är från A. USA. B. Sverige. C. Kanada.
4. Stockholm är A. ett land. B. en flod. C. en stad.
5. Jag är från Malmö. A. Jag är dansk. B. Jag är finsk. C. Jag är svensk. 9. Svenskar är A. intelligenta. B. smarta. C. vackra.
6. Sverige A. är i norra Europa. B. är i södra Europa C. är i mellaneuropa
7. Zlatan Ibrahimovic A. är artist. B. är fotbollsspelare. C. är politiker.
8. Nästanallasvenskar A. är blonda. B. är européer. C. är under 30 år.
10. Nordstjernan A. är en amerikansk tidning. B. är en svensk tidning. C. är en lokal New Yorktidning.
Ordförråd/Vocabulary land: country / stad: town, city / flod: river / dansk: Danish / finsk: Finnish / norr : north / söder: south / mellan: central/middle / politiker: politician / nästan: almost / europé: European / svenskar: Swedes / vacker: beautiful/goodlooking 2. Vi är alla svenskar/We are all Swedish Fyll i/Fill in: En cocker spaniel ______________ en hund. Kansas ______________ en stat. Vi ______________ homo sapiens. ______________ du från Amerika? Jag ______________ smart och vacker. Ett land ______________ ett land och en stad ______________ en stad. Européer ______________ till exempel danskar, finnar eller italienare 2019 ______________ Dagny Carlsson världens äldsta bloggare. Ni ______________ amerikaner och de ______________ svenskar. Du ______________ politiker och jag ______________ reporter. Ordförråd/Vocabulary till exempel: for example / värld: world / äldst: oldest
3. Löpande text/Running text Testing ... 2019 är Stefan Löfven statsminister i Sverige. Han är socialdemokrat. Det är det största politiska partiet i landet. 8 politiska partier är representerade i parlamentet (Riksdagen). De är Vänsterpartiet, Miljöpartiet, Socialdemokraterna, Liberalerna, Centerpartiet, Kristdemokraterna, Moderaterna och Sverigedemokraterna. Politiska koalitioner är vanliga i Sverige. Socialdemokraterna och Miljöpartiet är i koalition och Liberalerna och Centerpartiet är deras support. Ordförråd/Vocabulary största: biggest / vänster: left / miljö: environment / vanlig: common
KEY KEY 1. 1-A; 2-A; 3-B; 4-C; 5-C; 6-A; 7-B; 8-B;, 9-A, B, C; 10-A KEY 2. Är in all gaps. KEY 3. Testing, testing In 2019 Stefan Löfven is the Swedish Prime minister. He is a social democrat. This is the largest political party in the country. 8 political parties are represented in Parliament (Riksdagen). They are Vänsterpartiet (a left party), Miljöpartiet (The Green Party), Socialdemokraterna, Liberalerna, Centerpartiet, Kristdemokraterna, Moderaterna and Sverigedemokraterna. Political coalitions are common in Sweden. Socialdemokraterna and Miljöpartiet are in a coalition and Liberalerna and Centerpartiet support them.
Välkommen till nästa övning. Welcome to the next exercise, on VAR in issue 17. KEY to silly translation from previous page: A word for word translation from the Swedish phrase, Jag känner inte igen dig = I feel not again you (in Swedish), meaning: I don’t recognize you.
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Signature
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Mail order form to: NORDSTJERNAN P.O. Box 1710 New Canaan CT 06840 or call 1.800.827.9333 ext. 10 NOVEMBER 15, 2019 25
news in brief
DID YOU KNOW? Turbo charged. The turbocharged engine for everyday use—for example in mass-produced Saab cars—was developed at Saab Scania. Bengt Gadefelt (1924-2001), who joined the Saab team in the 1970s, was instrumental in the development of the engines for the first SAAB 99 (1977) and SAAB 900 models. At Scania trucks, as Head of Design of Scania diesel engines, he refined the turbocharging concept for the truck manufacturer. Turbocharged engines offer more power but with the fuel efficiency of a smaller engine—which is why most automakers still use use the technique—to boost fuel efficiency without sacrificing engine performance. (Saab has sadly disappeared among regular car brands but all of today’s Volvo models offer among the best turbo charged engines on the market) To freeze or not to freeze. Freezing is a good method for preserving food, but it’s difficult with foods such as vegetables, berries, fruits and potatoes. In 1961 Per Oscar Persson and Göran Lundahl developed a process known as Flofreeze for quick-freezing vegetables in liquid nitrogen. Since the introduction of this process—in which the vegetables are separated during freezing— frozen foods have replaced many kinds of canned foods in the market. By the late 1980s, fluidized freezing plants based on the Persson-Lundahl technique held 60 percent of the world market, with revenues of about SEK 500 million a year. Micro mobility. The first service for electric scooters in Sweden, Voi, was launched in August 2018. With an app, users can find an electric scooter nearby, rent it and take it a short distance, then park it anywhere, where it can be picked up by another user. The cost is SEK 10 (roughly $1) to unlock the scooter, then the user pays SEK 1.50 per minute of use; Voi estimates the average journey is two to three kilometers. Several brands now compete on city streets in the U.S. and Europe, and their presence has been both welcomed and protested. Voi recently introduced incentives to join a traffic school to learn safe riding and ways to maximize use of the service. (Nordstjernan 1814) www.voiscooters.com 26 NORDSTJERNAN
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news in brief
Swedish News
New owners of Ving Group Norwegian billionaire, hotel and property developer Petter Stordalen, together with Altor and TDR Capital, buys travel company Ving. But first, Ving Sweden goes into bankruptcy, to be bought directly by the new group. Ving’s owner Thomas Cook went bankrupt with a bang in September. Thousands of travelers, mostly British, were stranded at their destinations and many tourists in several countries, including Sweden, could not return home. Since then, it has been speculated as to who would take over the still profitable Nordic part A jubilant Stordalen in classic Ving colors at the Oct. 30 press conference of the travel group Thomas at Ving’s head office in Stockholm/Traveling News Cook, which includes Ving, Spies, Tjäreborg, Globetrotter and Thomas Cook and then be taken over by the newly formed group. Airlines Scandinavia. Thomas Cook Northern Europe and Thomas Cook It became clear on October 30 that Norwegian Nordic Holding will also declare bankruptcy. billionaire Petter Stordalen’s company Strawberry The new ownership means that for the first time Group, together with the companies Altor and TDR in decades, Ving, with over 60 years experience Capital, are taking ownership of the Nordic part of of organizing travel, will have majority Nordic Thomas Cook. Strawberry Group and Altor buy 40 ownership. It does not affect travelers’ current percent each of the company and TDR Capital the or future travel, according to Ving. Ving, Spies remaining 20 percent, according to a press release. and Tjäreborg will retain their names, but airline All companies will be transferred to a new group, Thomas Cook Airlines Scandinavia will change its likely Ving Group. Some of the Swedish companies, name, reportedly to Sunclass Airlines. including Ving Sweden, will therefore go bankrupt
More sweets and energy drinks
Swedes buy sweets and energy drinks rather than fruits and vegetables, according to recent statistics from SCB, Statistics Sweden. Sales of sweets increased 7.8 percent last year, while vegetable sales increased 6.5 percent and fruit sales just 5.5 percent. Candy sales amounted to about SEK 44 ($4.50) per person per week, compared with $3 for fruit. At the same time, sales of non-alcoholic beverages increased 8 percent over 2017. Energy drinks account for a large part of the increase, which according to Statistics Sweden can be explained by the fact that merchants have invested heavily in exposing them.
Sugar addiction and comfort food
One out of three Swedes uses sugar to relieve emotional discomfort, according to a survey conducted by Sifo on behalf of Weight Watchers, Sweden. The debate about sugar addiction has become more heated recently after another Sifo survey showed one in three Swedes wants a tax on sugar. It is mainly women who used sweets to alleviate emotional discomfort such as depression, anger or sadness in the past year. Nearly half (46 percent) of Swedes also feel they need or want to change their way of eating or dealing with sweets, though the list of content on food items is difficult to interpret.
More drink non-alcoholic beer
Non-alcoholic beer is selling. According to statistics from the major food chains Ica and Coop, sales have increased more than 40 percent over the past year. The supply of non-alcoholic beer brands has widened considerably in recent years. According to the industry’s own figures, Coop in Sweden has increased its sales of non-alcoholic beer 225 percent since 2015. Sales at Ica have also increased—by 140 percent since 2014. Today, Coop has more than 30 brands on its shelves (compared with eight in 2015) while Ica currently offers 24 brands (compared with 14 in 2014). 11151254_NordicReachAd_8.5x2.5_Option2.pdf
Protecting personal data
It is becoming increasingly common for people to live with protected personal data in Sweden. In 10 years, the figure has risen almost 38 percent. “It is fairly evenly distributed, 60 percent women and 40 percent men. Violence in close relationships is the cause of most of this,” Ingegerd Widell at the Swedish Tax Agency told reporters on Swedish television. 1
4/9/19
Clothes are hard to recycle
There is currently no technical solution to recycle fabrics and clothing on a large scale. It’s difficult to manufacture new things the way it’s done with plastic or metal objects. Garments often contain several different materials and they are difficult to separate from one another. Therefore, only one percent of everything submitted to recycling becomes new clothing.
11:23 AM
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WARNING: This product can cause mouth cancer. NOVEMBER 15, 2019 27
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