Historian's Corner

Storstrøm? Where's that!?!?

by Donna Christensen Thomas, National DSS Historian

While doing Danish genealogical research and looking at peoples' online family trees they've made public on one of the major genealogy websites, I've sometimes come across "Storstrøm" as part of the place of any of the vital records attached to a person (i.e. birth, marriage, death). I wasn't familiar with that as a place, so I needed to do more research. It puzzled me further as it was associated with a significant number of places that I had been familiar with in several Danish counties. An overview of history and geography helped to answer this question. Prior to the ninth century, Denmark was organized into three areas, each with its own laws and government. Then these areas were consolidated into one kingdom until the 17th century. The three areas were Zealand (Sjælland) and the islands to the south, with Roskilde as the seat of government. Jutland (Jylland), the western peninsula and the island of Fyn had Viborg as the seat. Finally, Scania (Skåneland) on the Scandinavian peninsula, had Lund as the government seat. This area was ceded to Sweden in 1658. From 1793 to 1970 the same areas were divided into twenty-two counties (amter or singular amt ). This is most important for us today as this is likely the level one must search if doing family history research. The records for most of this time were kept by the parish minister for the vital records. One must know the county and parish (sogn). The district (herred) might also be helpful in locating the place on the map. Some people today may still refer to these locations as to what area or county their ancestors lived. The districts were divided into several parishes. The pastor may have served more than one parish so the records may be found all in one book, but usually not intermixed with another parish. Greenland is part of the Danish Kingdom, but has independent rule. The Faroe Islands declared independence from Denmark in 1948, but still are self-governing, have their own parliament, but still recognize the Danish crrown, and send representatives to the Danish Parliament. Most of us are aware of the tug-of-war of the Schleswig-Holstein areas over a very long period of time on southern area of the Jutland Peninsula and disputes between Denmark and Germany. In 1970 the 22 counties were consolidated into 15 counties and boroughs (amtskommuner or amtskommune), which were then divided into 270 municipalities (kommuner). Starting in 2007 Denmark was again reorganized into five regions with 98 municipalities. Usually we are researching prior to 1970, so that may be what we would be most familiar with if studying family history. During this time Non-conformist" religions (i.e. not Lutheran) were allowed to register vital events by the parish minister. Later the responsibility went to the central governmental office rather than the Lutheran Church. Storstrøm was one of the fifteen counties. The other fourteen counties' names at during this time period were more recognizable as larger Danish cities and islands. This area consisted of areas on the islands of Sjælland, Møn, Falster, Lolland and minor islands in southeast Denmark. It included the former counties of Maribo and Præstø. It was a somewhat artificial construction as Lolland and Falster traditionally shared more institutions with Funen (Fyn). The name is derived from the adjectives "nordenstrøms" and søndenstrøms meaning "north" and "south" of the Stream" to designate this area of the Zealand-Møn and Lolland-Falster which are separated by the strait of Storstrømmen ( meaning "The Great Stream"). When attributing places of any time and place, the place name should be that used at the time of the event. That is where the records should be located or labeled as such. Borders sometimes change, places adopt different names, places may divide with or without military disputes, but the name at the time should be used so anyone trying to recreate your research can follow your research methodology and plan and for consistency true to the period of time in question.

Our last actual Lodge #3 meeting was March of 2020, a year ago. Because of Covid precautions we haven't physically met since then. Since July we have met monthly thru Zoom meetings, thanks to an anonymous donation that allows for longer Zoom meetings. A big THANK YOU to Jerry Johansen who makes the Zoom meetings happen thru his computer expertise. The most members on Zoom at our meetings on the second Thursday of each month at 11:30am have been 7 or 8. The 2021 officers for Lodge #3 for 2021 are Sarah Bengtson-President, Mary Swanson-Vice President, Paulette FisherSecretary, Doris Johansen-Treasurer. Ruth Krishnan volunteered to send out a mailing to increase communication with members who may have added e-mail and could join in our Zoom meetings. We sincerely hope more members can join in on the monthly Zoom meetings. Member Alicia Stover has moved back to CO. We will miss her but hope she can join us on Zoom when possible. Sarah Bengtson reminds members that the travelogue series by Benedikta Ehlers Ohlsen continues to be shown by Zoom by the Danish Foundation of America, on Tuesdays at 11am. Judy Johansen deserves a big "THANK YOU" for being acting secretary for 7 months while Paulette Fisher recovered from surgery. Thanks for your good work and time, Judy.

Paulette Fisher, Secretary Lodge #3

Resolution: Verner Stenderup

On February 17th, 2021 we lost a dear member of the Supreme Danish Sisterhood of America, Lodge # 168, Vintergækken of Bakersfield. Verner had been a longstanding member of the Danish Brotherhood, but when the local chapter was down to five active members, on March 30th, 2005 they joined the Sisterhood. Verner served a two-year term as president. During his tenure we hosted the CA District Convention, “Streets of Bakersfield”. We hosted the first evening at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, and we were fortunate to have Buck’s son, Buddy Alan, entertaining. It was a very memorable evening. Verner was born on the family farm in Arvin, the farm is still run by the Stenderup family. Verner is the son of Frida Stenderup, one of our charter members. The charter was sign on February 2nd, 1947. At our annual Installation events, Verner and his wife Birthe would always host the out-of-town guests for breakfast the next morning down on the farm. In Sisterhood tradition a donation to the CA District Scholarship Fund will be made in Verner’s name. Online, Bakersfield Californian.com you will find Verner’s Obituary; it is a beautiful tribute to a life well lived. Verner will be remembered as a kind and generous man; he will truly be missed.

Vintergakken, Danish Lodge #168 of Bakersfield

In Memoriam

NAME Cert # Lodge # Location Birth Date Birth Place Initiated Died Benefit Harriet Foster 988 15 Milwaukee, WI 09.12.21 St. Paul, MN 9.20.95 2021 0 Michael Bousquet 8023 90 Lincoln NE 05.23.47 Lincoln, NE 1.12.13 1.15.21 0 Ruby Roley 198 19 Olympia/Tacoma 06.30.22 3.5.86 2020 0 Evelyn Joan Hansen 22520 181 Holiday, FL 07.10.31 Grosse Pt, MI 6.8.66 8.1.20 125. Ruth Sparks 18080 78 Troy, MI 09.29.15 Odense, DK 8.13.36 1.28.xx 250. Inge Kaplan 23986 168 Bakersfield, CA 10.19.30 Turlock, CA 6.3.82 1.6.21 500. Karen Frederiksen 90376 179 Vancouver, BC 06.21.27 Denmark 5.17.12 2.23.21 0

It is with a saddened heart that we let you know that Mike Bousquet of Danish Sisterhood Lodge #90 and Danish Brotherhood Lodge #211 passed away on January 15, 2021 from pancreatic cancer. In our Danish Sisterhood Lodge he was always the one to put on the pot of coffee before our meetings. He always had a smile on his face and was very willing to help in any way he could. No task was too big for him to handle. In the Danish Brotherhood in Grand Island, NE he would help out wherever he was needed. He was Trustee for the Brotherhood Nebraska General Committee. He really enjoyed giving his time to both the Sisterhood and Brotherhood Lodges. Mike was born in Lincoln, Nebraska on May 23, 1947. He was 73 years old. After graduation from high school he went to Wayne State College in Wayne, NE and graduated in 1970 with a degree in accounting. As a proud Alumni of Wayne State College he became active as a Trustee in addition to being a Foundation Board Member where he held the office of past president. Mike’s lifelong professional career began in the early 1960’s after working for his father, E.J., installing underground sprinkler systems while still in high school. After graduating from college, becoming a full-time contractor under ‘E.J. Bousquet & Sons’ came next. To keep busy in the winter months, Mike founded ‘ABC Income Tax’. In 1976, Mike was a founding family member of ‘REAMS Sprinkler Supply Co. Inc.’ Over the next 30 years, serving as President, he grew the company to over 10 branches in four states. Mike was a 15 year member of Trinity United Methodist Church, generously donating his time to musical groups and various church committees. Mike enjoyed the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and golfer (and a hunter of golf balls). His primary joy in these activities came from the time he spent with friends. He could always be counted on for a story and good chuckle. He was also a member of the Lincoln Cornhusker Kiwanis Club serving as President. Mike’s greatest joy and love in his life was his family. Mike was married to Vicki for 51 years. They spent a wonderful lifetime together traveling the world and enjoying great meals. Their last trip was to Denmark. They traveled all over Europe with the Wayne State College Alumni. They also enjoyed many peaceful nights at their lake home in Fremont, NE. Mike also leaves behind his son Bryce and his “favorite (and only) daughter-in-law” Heather Bousquet; his oldest granddaughter, Ali Bousquet and her husband, Nick Lehman; his youngest granddaughter, Megan Bousquet; and his one-year old great-grandson, Calvin Lehmann-Bousquet. His two granddaughters and his great-grandson were the light of his life. They always brought joy and a smile to his face. Due to Covid restrictions, a private family service was held on January 22nd at Trinity United Methodist Church, Lincoln, Nebraska. When arriving at the cemetery, it was very fitting to witness employees and long-time customers of Mike’s underground sprinkler business lining the road to the burial site displaying a “21 shovel salute” in his honor; this special event unbeknownst to the family was very moving to all at the gravesite. Mike was respected and loved by many; he will be missed by many.

April & May Specials

In honor of Queen Margrethe's Birthday, purchase a daisy necklace, daisy earrings or a scarf and the profits from your purchase will go toward the DSS Archival Project. Visit danishsisterhood.org

$12 $10

(available while supplies last)

$25 ea.