Danish Sisterhood News February 2021

News

Danish Sisterhood

In this issue: Lodge Updates NFDA Butikken & Promos and more...

Serving the Danish Sisterhood of America since 1947

February 2021

President’s Corner

News

Danish Sisterhood

www.danishsisterhood.com

Volume 74, Number 2

Honorary Member Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II of Denmark

Published by the Supreme Lodge of the Danish Sisterhood of America, (Dansk Søster Samfund) as its Official Publication.

Christina Sallee, National President

With January and the holidays well behind us, the National Board is turning our attention to the year ahead of us, and what we want to accomplish.

To start off, we are renewing our fundraising efforts as we enter our final year to reach our $40,000 goal for the Danish Sisterhood Archival Project. I know many of you have already donated and for that we are grateful! As a lot of you saw at the 2019 National Convention, the Museum of Danish America has made great strides in preserving our collection but with so many artifacts and data, the museum had to devote a person for the project. Our fundraising goal is to ensure that we will have continued focused dedication for our project for at least two years and we are partnering with them to see this happen. To see how we plan on reaching our goal, look for more information in the newsletter and online.

I have been in contact with Benedikte and Connie, and we have agreed that the Denmark trip we had to cancel in 2020 will be postponed until 2022. While we are not happy about this turn of events, it seems to be the most sensible option. The silver lining being that the Denmark trips now line up with our usual bi-annual time schedule.

The Board will be having our Spring Board meeting online in the beginning of March, as the pandemic races on, and we are unable to meet in person. We are all hopeful that the vaccine will bring forth a change, but for now social distancing should still be observed along with following the advice of your local health authority. We strongly urge you not to have any social gatherings in the foreseeable future. I know this is not what any of us want to hear, but it is the most responsible request.

Stay healthy and safe Christina Sallee, DSS National President

DANISH SISTERHOOD NEWS (USPS 148-200) is published monthly by the Supreme Lodge of the Danish Sisterhood of America. Office of publication at 1557 Oak St. Solvang, CA 93463. Periodicals Postage Paid at Rochester, MN. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to DANISH SISTERHOOD NEWS, 1557 Oak St. Solvang, CA 93463 EDITOR: Lauren C. Nielsen (507) 206-9099

Email: editor@danishsisterhood.com

Articles for publication in the Danish Sisterhood News must arrive to the Editor no later than the 1st day of each month previous to publication.

Subscription: Members $12 (US) Non-Members $20 (US) Officers of the Supreme Lodge National President: Christina Sallee, Lodge #81 16116 SW Deline Ct, Beaverton, OR 97007-3425 (503) 928 4494 president@danishsisterhood.com National Vice President & Website: Karin S. Wasler, Lodge #68 814 S Sherbourne Dr #7, Los Angeles, CA 90035 (310) 903-8837 vicepresident@danishsisterhood.com National Secretary: Glenda Madrid, Lodge #177 1557 Oak St. Solvang, CA 93463 (805) 448-7631 secretary@danishsisterhood.com • glenda_madrid@hotmail.com National Treasurer: Linda Brooks, Lodge #21 8402 Winter Berry Dr., Castle Rock, CO 80108 303-905-9934 treasurer@danishsisterhood.com National Trustee & Butikken Chairman: Linda Holz #102 4400 EP True Pkwy Unit 47, West Des Moines, IA 50265-5615 (515) 225-0951 trustee1@danishsisterhood.com National Trustee & Scholarship Chairman: Nealna Gylling, Lodge #186 1474 Floan Point Rd, Brainerd, MN 56401 612-390-1374 trustee2@danishsisterhood.com National Trustee, Membership Chairman: Karen Vig-Keathley, Lodge #4 109 South First Street, Itasca, IL 60143 708-715-0071 trustee3@danishsisterhood.com National Past President: Sindy Mikkelsen, Lodge #126 2938 Sweet Grass Lane, Santa Rosa, CA 95407 (707) 755-0260 National Historian: Donna Christensen Thomas, historian@danishsisterhood.com Copyright 1946-2020 by the Supreme Lodge of the Danish Sisterhood of America, All Rights Reserved.

Danish Sisterhood News, January 2021

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Velkommen

Lauren C. Nielsen, Editor

In this Issue President’s Corner.........................................................p 2 Editor’s Welcome...........................................................p 3 Lodge Updates...........................................................p 4-7 Lady of Tears............................................................p 9-11 Where in Denmark Are You From.........................p 12 Butikken..................................................................p 13-14

Dear Sisters, February already! Before we know it, springtime will be here and with it warm temperatures, blooming flowers and hopefully some outdoor gatherings.

But for now, we can still enjoy some wintertime hygge with cozy blankets, hot beverages and some fun in the snow (if you have it!). I just saw some photos this morning of the recent snowfall in Denmark...is it just me or is snow in Denmark better than snow here? It was beautiful nonetheless!

Now, let's look ahead at the Danish Sisterhood News in 2021! Even with a pandemic, lodges still participated in virtual zooms, sent in fun stories and recipes, shared activities and kept up the Danish spirit. I'm positive that this year we will all continue to share stories and histories, experiences and recipes, photos and games.

We could also use your help! We are especially in need of photos to feature on our cover! Any photos that are high-quality and celebrate Danish history or heritage, whether in the U.S. or Denmark itself, would be most welcome. And while we continue to wait until a time where we can gather again in person, consider sharing a piece of your Danish heritage or history with the rest of us. Or share something that you learned in a virtual lodge meeting.

Remember, the DSN is by and for the members, to help grow and continue the traditions we celebrate in the Danish Sisterhood.

I hope that each of you is staying safe and healthy.

Until next time...

Lauren C. Nielsen, Editor editor@danishsisterhood.com

Youth Birthdays Happy February Birthday to: Names

David Keough Freya Hansen Beatrice Settje Cameron Curtis

Lodge 21 68 81 184

Age 10 12 10 2

On the Cover Title: The Top of Denmark Location: Skagen, Denmark, 2007 Photo by: James M. Nielsen Skagen is the northernmost destination in Denmark. The most famous part of Skagen is known as Grenen which is the northernmost tip of Denmark. This is where the Baltic Sea and the North Sea meet, creating waves and a great spot for photos.

Submit Your Cover Photo!

Do you have a photo that you’d like to see on the cover of the Danish Sisterhood News? Send in your submissions and yours could be featured next!

Photographs must be high resolution and should be accompanied by a short description of the photo’s content. Photos from Danish events, Sisterhood meetings, travels around Denmark, Danish culture and more are all great topics. Send photos to: editor@danishsisterhood.com 3

Danish Sisterhood News, January 2021

2021 Fundraising Initiative In 2016 the Danish Sisterhood donated our National historic pieces and files to the Museum of Danish America in Elk Horn, Iowa. While the museum took steps forward to catalog and process all of our extensive collection, it was quickly ascertained that a more focused and specific effort needed to be made. The museum was able to secure a matching grant from the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs an Archival Collections Manager at least 2 years to focus on the Danish Sisterhood collection and preservation, and so the Danish Sisterhood Archival Project fundraiser was created.

The National Board is excited to reignite the Sisterhood Archive Project fundraiser.

2021 is our year to complete the endeavor and secure funding for the archival project. We have already collected over $27,000 (Thank You), and that puts us within $13,000 of our $40,000 goal.

With your help this is well within reach.

To motivate us all to help reach our goals, the Board is pleased to announce that we have taken the following steps to get us there.

• We have a matching fund challenge of up to $5,000, which runs through all of 2021 (to be considered for the match funds must be sent to National Treasurer Linda Brooks).

• We have established different donation categories and your name could be included on our permanent recognition banner AND you will receive a certificate suitable for framing in recognition of your donation.

• All proceeds from select items in Butikken will go towards our fundraiser.

We know you have worked tirelessly on the fundraiser and have been very generous. We encourage each lodge to dig deep and get creative locally with raising funds to help us attain our goals. Please continue donating, supporting, and mentioning this final effort as we hit the homestretch. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Submitted by, Christina Sallee, DSS National President

Resolution: Eleanor Dorothy Christoffersen The Sisters of Freja Lodge #36 were saddened to learn of the passing on April 20, 2020 of our dear Sister, Eleanor Dorothy Christoffersen.

Eleanor was born on November 30, 1921 in Perth Amboy New Jersey, nicknamed “EL”, she was the daughter of Olivia and Christian Agesen.

Eleanor graduated from Perth Amboy High School and Miss Whitman’s School for Girls.

Eleanor worked for many years at Merck & Company, Inc., she was an avid golfer and belonged to Metuchen Golf Club, and enjoyed playing bridge and doing crossword puzzles.

Eleanor had a wonderful life and lived to a great age of 98.

Eleanor was a member of the DSS and was initiated into Freja Lodge #36 on May 16, 1986. She was married to Robert Christoffersen, Danish Sisterhood News, January 2021

and had three daughters, Jane Christoffersen Bevis, Susan Christoffersen Goodelman, and Bette Christoffersen Daniele. Eleanor is survived by her Grandchildren, Joshua Goodelman, Jonathan Goodelman, Nicole Daniels and Greatgrandchildren, Ava, Jared and Ethan Goodelman The Sisters of Freja Lodge #36 will greatly miss our Sister Eleanor Dorothy Christoffersen. We will drape our Charter in her memory at our next scheduled meeting which due to Covid 19 will not be until April 16, 2021.

Carole E. Pierorazio Past President Lodge #36

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That Magical DANISH Touch

by Carolyn Marie Farrell Reynolds

Oh, my dear grandmother, Maren Dorthea (Dora) Jacobsen Simonsen.

What an impact she had on my entire life.

Even my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren all know how much she meant to me and my sisters.

She was born in 1871 in Oestoffe, Lolland, Denmark and her teen years took her to Banholm, Denmark to work as a housekeeper in the castle of a Count. In fact, on one of my trips to Banholm, it was my joy to walk where she walked in that castle. That brought tears as well as a smile to my face. I shall always remember the feelings that came to me with that experience. Walked exactly where she walked—something I still have pleasure remembering.

Grandma immigrated to the United States in the late 1800s headed for her sister living in Chicago. Not knowingg what must have gone through her mind, I believe she was truly ready for her life to change drastically. She traveled to Chicago to find her sister and begin a new life. While there, the two girls joined the Danish Sisterhood, attended their events as well as Danish Brotherhood events where she met my Grandfather Maurice Engvardt Simonsen.

They were married in Chicago where my mother, Anna Katherine Simonsen Farrell was born.

My mother spoke and understood Danish through

her teen years but would not permit me to learn Danish, which I now regret. Since my grandfather worked in the dairy industry, they moved around middle Illinois for several years finally settling in Galesburg, Illinois where he worked as a butter maker.

Grandma and Grandpa Simonsen were dearly loved by my sisters and I and we were dearly loved by them.

Grandma loved to cook many Danish inspired dishes. I can remember going with grandpa to buy large bags of whole grain rye then to a mill to have the rye ground into the main ingredient for Grandma’s Danish Pumpernickel bread. I spent many an hour “helping” her in the kitchen and taking note of the various ingredients. I can still smell the baking bread and eating a slice of the warm bread slathered with Grandpa’s butter.

Now I try to make some of the Danish specialties but they just do no taste the same as grandma’s. Could it be the differences in her old fashioned range compared to my high tech range?

No, I don’t think that is the answer.

My frikadeller, my aebleskiver with lingonberry jam, just lacks something I don’t have. After dec thought, it is something I decided Grandma Maren Dorthea cannot pass along. It has to be that magical DANISH touch!

New from Lodge #184 Sarnia, ON/Port Huron, MI We are now writing 2021 and we hope this will be a better year.

The last nine plus months have been difficult with the borders closed, restrictions on travel and shopping, all entertainment venues and restaurants closed, limitations on visiting, churches closed, gyms and recreation facilities closed. Mandatory mask wearing and distance observed all to help curb COVID-19.

It was a different Christmas for most of us and hard for older people in isolation and lock downs in residences and nursing homes. Too many people dying.

A lot of us have not seen our families and friends for the past year. The only visiting was outside during the summer with distance and number restrictions. The vaccinations have now started and will hopefully save a lot of people.

2021 marks our lodge's 20th anniversary,

but we will not be able to get together to celebrate.

On January 18, 2001, 11 of us got together to discuss starting a new lodge. Three were already Sisterhood members of lodge 100 in Marlette, Michigan and the rest of us were from Ontario across the border.

On March 31, lodge #184 was initiated with president Marcia Jante officiating, 21 sisters were signed up, joined by another three sisters in June.

Jonna Easterby was our founder and first lodge president.

We have been meeting 10 times a year since until a year ago when everything came to a halt. Our last meeting was in February 2020 and we do not know when we will be able to get together again.

We hope for better days ahead and wish you all a safe and healthy 2021.

Gitte Monteith, Correspondent 5

Danish Sisterhood News, January 2021

Lodge # 15 Begins the New Year

by Annette Lind

Many of our lodge members have been watching the fantastic virtual tours of Denmark on Tuesdays provided by the National Federation of Danish America (NFDA) and presented by Benedickte Ehlers Olesen. Several of our lodge members had trips to Denmark planned for the summer of 2020.

Sadly those plans had to be cancelled so these virtual visits have been a very special time for them.

Our program chairman, Marcia Jante, contacted Bruce Bro, President of the Board of the National Foundation of Danish America, to see if he would be interested in presenting a program in January. He agreed and presented a program on NFDA, and what a great program it was. And so our 2021 Lodge #15 season began with eighteen members joining the zoom. In addition to Bruce, Karin Wasler, the Vice President of the Danish Sisterhood of America and Vice President of the NFDA Board, joined in for the program portion of our meeting.

Marcia introduced Bruce Bro who is a cofounder of the foundation. Coming from a family of Danish Americans, Bruce’s heritage has always been a big part of his life. Many of us recognized him as the Hiking Viking we followed last summer as the hiked the 500-mile Colorado Trail through the Rocky Mountains raising money for Danish organizations, including the Danish Sisterhood.

This foundation began with concerns that many in our lodge have been discussing for several years—How do we reach new members who share our interest in our Danish heritage and How do we appeal to younger people?

We discussed it, but Bruce Bro, Katrina Vang and Linda Steffansen (many of you know Linda from our 125th anniversary when she spoke to us about the Danish Pioneer newspaper) did something about it. Together they founded the NFDA with the mission of enhancing cooperation among all Danish American organizations along with a desire to “strengthen the ties between Denmark and the people throughout North America.” There are about 1.5 million Americans with at least some Danish background in their family.

Danish Sisterhood News, January 2021

Bruce talked about the gradual decline in involvement in Danish groups. The NFDA founders believed that changing times and lifestyles and competition from social media has led to this decline. There was agreement that knowing about your heritage and passing that information on to children was important, but there had to be an easier way for people to learn about this heritage. There was a need for new efforts to reach out to Danish Americans with information about Danish American history and events. There was a need to make it easier to stay in touch.

The National Federation of Danish America website was born. The site can be found at DanishAmerica.org. The information on the site is free. The individuals who work for the NFDA are all volunteers. It is set up as a 5013C organization. Donations made are used to update and expand the site and events presented by the organization, such as the virtual tours of Denmark many of us have been enjoying.

In addition to the site, a weekly newsletter is sent out to those who sign up.

Bruce shared the site with us through his computer and showed us much of what is available. The site is very easy to use, and I would highly recommend a visit . While there, explore all this website has to offer. You cannot only see what events are happening, in some cases you can even purchase tickets if they are required.

On the home page you will find, in addition to some lovely photographs, a Quick Links view of Danish American events by region. There is also a listing of upcoming events and news and a place to subscribe to the newsletter.

Across the top of the page are various links which I think you will find fun to explore. My favorite is the “Links and Resources.” There you can find multiple options and, of those options, my favorite is the Danish American History beginning in the 1600’s and continuing to present day. Did you know the earliest documented Danes who came as immigrants to the new world were Jan and Engeltje Jensen who came to the Dutch colony of New Amsterdam in 1636.

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New Amsterdam is today known as downtown New York City. And did you know that Danes fought in the Revolutionary War against England, approximately 1000 of them. One of them was Hans Christian Febiger who was an advisor to George Washington. Or did you know that in 1876 in Copenhagen a club was formed by Danes who had immigrated to the United States and later returned to Denmark. It was called the United States Club. There is so much more to find on this page.

And there are so many things to check out on this Website; I think you will be surprised.

Under the “Subscribe” link you will be able to sign up for the “What’s Happening in Danish America” email newsletter. There is no charge, and it contains so much interesting information. I enjoy the Great Danish American’s Birthday. Recently Christine Hemmingsen, founder of the Danish Sisterhood of America was featured. Her birthday is January 30. And did you know Betty White has Denmark in her heritage? She was also featured in a recent newsletter.

Bruce told our group about the relationship between the NFDA and the Danish Sisterhood of America. Another did you know—last March the Board of the NFDA met with the National Board of the Danish Sisterhood of America to begin a partnership between the two. The Danish Sisterhood of America has the largest membership of Danish Americans of any other Danish American group.

Finding the Danish American organizations has been a bit of a challenge. Bruce commented that he was surprised how many there were once he started looking. He said it seemed they had been living in secret, but that is no longer true. You too will be surprised at how many you can find on their website.

On the “Calendar of Events” link you will see options for various regions and for the Danish Sisterhood. Click on Danish Sisterhood and scroll down a bit and there is our lodge complete with a link to the national website and our Facebook page. Our lodge is in discussion with Bruce about adding more information about our lodge and all of the many activities and programs we have— even during a pandemic.

The NFDA is an amazing resource. The

founders who volunteer their time deserve a big thank you from all Danish Americans.

If you missed our meeting, don’t let the opportunity to visit this site pass you by. As an organization run by volunteers, donations are happily accepted. Our lodge has included them in our 2021 donations. You may also want to consider a personal donation. Donations can be made right from the website.

Their Board has plans for contacting businesses for corporate support. One thing you can do to aid in this process is to subscribe to the newsletter. A large distribution will assist Bruce in convincing businesses to help out.

I strongly suggest all of our members who can join the Tuesday zoom programs with Benedickte Ehlers Olesen and go on a virtual trip of Denmark once a week. If you can’t make the zoom, the programs are available on the NFDA website www.danishamerica.org. I guarantee you will see some things you never saw on your trips to Denmark and learn some things you never knew about the lovely land whose heritage so many of us share.

Following the program we held a short meeting. Our new Board was installed: Past President: Marcia Blackman President: Susan Jensen Vice President: Kirstin Weiss Secretary: Ann-Marie Bergman Treasurer: Annette Lind Trustees: Jan Schneider, Marty Stubley Marshal: Ruth Ann Higgins

The lodge approved the 2021 budget and the donations suggested by the board. Each year we donate the money the lodge earned from raffles and silent auctions in the previous year.

This year we were able to donate $1200.00.

Once the business was completed the meeting ended. We all look forward to getting together on February 13 for our first “social” and on meeting again for our February meeting on February 17.

For now we only get together virtually, but as we all navigate this pandemic, meeting virtually offers our members that much missed hygge.

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Danish Sisterhood News, January 2021

Resolution: Ruth Virginia Jensen (Pedersen, Larsen) Ruth Jensen, commonly referred to as Ruthi, passed away on the morning of October 23, 2020. She celebrated her 90th birthday this past June.

She was born to Henny (Madsen) and Ingemann Pedersen on June 7, 1930 and spent her youth growing up in the Beacon Hill area above Lake Washington. Both her parents had immigrated from Denmark. She attended John Muir and Seattle’s Franklin High School graduating in 1948. She spent a couple of years at what was then known as Central Washington Normal School in Ellensburg and South Seattle CC as well.

She married Gerald Berg Jensen (Jerry) in April of 1955 and their wedding was the first wedding held at remodeled St. John’s Lutheran Church near the Woodland Park Zoo. They made their home in West Seattle and raised 3 boys, Robert (Bob), Paul and Gordon (Gordy). After Jerry passed away in 1994, she reconnected with an old friend from her days at Central, Charles (Chuck) Larsen and they spent almost 20 years together until she passed away 2014. Chuck had four sons, many grandkids and a couple great grandkids that also treated Ruthi as their farmor (father’s mother in Danish). Chuck’s son Brad, his wife Debbie and their three girls were frequent visitors.

After a couple years at Central she spent a few months on a bike tour of Europe

and worked fro Bell Telephone and the FBI. From the early 70s until 2003, Ruthi was the wedding coordinator at Fauntleroy Church UCC, sometimes referred to as the Fauntleroy General where she did over 3200 weddings in those 32 years.

Ruthi and Jerry were very involved in the Danish Brotherhood and Sisterhood organizations in the Seattle area and attended many of the associations conventions as well as serving on the boards and were Presidents of those groups at times as well. They were avid dancers and frequently danced at places around W Seattle and Seattle area dance halls.

Ruthi was also very involved with the Garden and Arboretum Clubs in the area and was quite an avid gardener. She was very active in the PTA as the boys grew up and was a chaperone on the ski bus for many years too.

She also sang in the church choir for many years under different directors.

Ruthi is survived by her three boys, five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren who will all miss her greatly. She is also survived by her sister Esther Waite. Her ashes will be scattered at a later date at the Fauntleroy Church.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Fauntleroy Community Church UCC in her name.

Apply for a DSS Scholarship!

It's scholarship application time! The Danish Sisterhood of America is proud of its scholarship program. We have 10 scholarships available to members and their children (regardless of age) who are attending a post secondary school in 2021-2022.

To learn more about these scholarships, visit www.danishsisterhood.org and click "What we do" under the pull down menu. Or contact Nealna Gylling at trustee2@danishsisterhood.com. Applications must be postmarked by March 1, 2021, so get yours in soon!

Danish Sisterhood News, January 2021

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Dame af Tårer (Lady of Tears)

by Annette Lind

In 2006 the remains of a Danish princess were moved from Roskilde Cathedral in Denmark to be laid to rest in the St. Peter and Paul Church in Russia. This Danish princess arrived again in Russia on September 26, 2006, 140 years after the date she arrived in Russia from Denmark to marry Tsarivich Alexander who would one day become the Czar of Russia. This young princess would become the Empress of Russia and the mother of the last Russian Czar, Nicholas II.

Her’s was an amazing and tragic life, earning her the sad title of “Lady of Tears.” Her name was Dagmar, but for most of her life she was Maria Feodorovna. Perhaps you already know her story—if not, it’s a story worth knowing.

Princess Dagmar was born in 1847. She was the fourth child born to Prince Christian and Princess Louise of Denmark. Her full name was Marie Sofia Frederikke Dagmar of SchleswigHolstein Sonderburg-Glucksborg. She was known to the Danish people as Dagmar (Bringer of Light).

When she was born there was little chance of her father becoming a king. But if you remember from a previous article on King Frederik IX (father of Dronning Margrethe II) because King Frederick VII had no children and basically the Oldenburg lineage had no one in line to be his heir, The Acts of Succession of 1853 named Prince Christian to be the heir to the Danish throne.

With the death of King Frederik VII Dagmar’s parents became King Christian IX and Queen Louise of Denmark.

Despite being born to parents who would one day rule Denmark, her life was surprisingly modest. She lived in the Yellow Mansion (this building can still be seen in Copenhagen next to Amalienborg Palace. Originally it was built

for a Danish merchant, but King Frederik VII purchased it in 1810 to use as a guest residence. In 1837 he gave it to Prince Christian though at that time there was no thought that Christian would one day become King of Denmark.

Dagmar’s family was relatively poor for royalty. The children were educated by their parents, and the three girls in the family sewed their own clothes.

Dagmar was one of six children: Frederik, Alexandra, William, Dagmar, Thyra and Waldemar. Shortly after their father Christian IX ascended to the throne, Alexandra married Edward, the Prince of Wales, son of Queen Victoria. She would eventually become Queen of England. Later that same year William was named King of Greece and became known as King George. Dagmar was considered by Queen Victoria as a bride for her son Alfred. Dagmar was also considered as a wife by Prince Umberto of Italy who would become King Umberto I. It was, however, another suitor that eventually caught her eye, Tsarivich Nicholas of Russia.

He had first seen Dagmar in a picture of the princess when she was 12 years of age. It is said Nicholas was fascinated with her. In 1864 he visited Denmark to meet Dagmar. They became engaged. It seems the two fell very much in love, but they were never to be married.

Nicholas became ill with meningitis in Nice, France. Dagmar and her mother rushed to his side. He died on April 24, 1865.

There is a story that on his death bed Nicholas asked his brother, Alexander, to marry Dagmar and make her happy. It is hard to know if the story is true. Alexander was already in love with one of this mother’s maids of honor.

However, his father, Czar Alexander II, ordered his son to go to Copenhagen and Dagmar again became engaged to a son of the 9

Danish Sisterhood News, January 2021

Russian Czar. They were married in Russia on November 9, 1866. Dagmar was 19 years old.

Her parents, King Christian IX and Queen Louise could not afford to attend the wedding and instead sent their oldest son Frederik who would one day become Frederik VIII, King of Denmark.

Christian IX became known as the “Father-in-law of Europe” with three of his children becoming Kings or Queens of other European countries and his oldest son the King of Denmark. Dagmar converted to the Russian Orthodox Church and became Grand Duchess Maria Feodorovna.

(Although her name was changed, throughout most of this article she will be referred to as Dagmar, the name she continued to be known by in Denmark.)

The two were quite different from each other. Alexander was a large man and while he could be good-natured, he could also be quite gruff. He was not interested in social life. His family called him Sasha. Dagmar, on the other hand was a petite woman who loved dancing and parties. Her family called her Minny.

Despite the differences, as the years passed they both let go of their first loves and had quite a happy marriage. One source even commented that Alexander was the first Romanov to be faithful to his wife in over 200 years.

Their first child was born in 1868 and was named Nicholas after Dagmar’s first love, Alexander’s brother. Next came another son, Alexander, who died before his first birthday.

Following came George, Xenia, Michael and Olga.

In 1876 the Serbians declared war on Turkey.

Russia eventually entered the war on the side of Serbia. Dagmar trained as a nurse in St. Petersburg Hospital and eventually worked in military hospitals helping the wounded.

As President of the Red Cross in Russia her work for the war eventually became one of an administrator sorting out the chaos that had erupted in the hospitals and volunteer relief organizations as a result of the war. The poor negotiations for division of property following the war led directly to World War I. Russia lost much of the territory they had conquered in the war. The Czar lost the favor of his people and a

revolutionary feeling arose among the Russians. Hatred of the Czar increased.

Czar Alexander II, Dagmar’s father-inlaw, is perhaps best known to Americans because in 1867 he sold Alaska to us for $72 million dollars.

Shortly after this war Alexander II’s wife, Empress Maria, died. Alexander II became involved with his mistress Catherine Dolgorukov. Dagmar disliked Catherine and the relations between the Czar and his son and daughter-in-law grew very strained. However, before he could make Catherine his Empress, fate stepped in. Between the years of 1866 and 1880 there were 8 attempts made to assassinate the Czar, despite his instituting many reforms in Russia. While traveling home to the Winter Palace after reviewing the troops. a bomb was thrown at his carriage. The Czar survived this first attack, but when he stepped out of the carriage another bomb was thrown at him. He was mortally wounded while his son and grandson watched.

He died shortly after being taken to the Winter Palace on March 13, 1881.

This assassination greatly affected Dagmar who afterward lived in fear for her husband. It also greatly affected Russia because both Alexander III who became the new Czar and his son Nicholas II reacted by removing the reforms. Russia became a country with major suppression of liberties and police brutality Coryne Hall in her book Little Mother of Russia writes, “Terrorists were hunted down and imprisoned, newspapers, books and magazines were heavily censored, university studies were curtailed and student organizations suppressed.

Civil liberties were suppressed at will. Those who did not share the Czar’s beliefs in autocracy began the long trek to Siberia.” Secret police, forerunner of the KGB and known as Okhrana,

Danish Sisterhood News, January 2021

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closely watched the Russian people. With the death of Alexander, Dagmar became Empress of Russia in 1883. She was 36 years old.

The Danish Princess was well-loved by the Russian people. She quickly learned Russian and made a considerable effort to understand

the Russians. Although being born in Denmark, she made Russia her home.

Be sure to check out the March 2021 issue of the DSN to finish reading about the Lady of Tears.

In Memoriam NAME Ebba Kadish

Cert # 1249

Lodge # Location Birth Date Birth Place Initiated Died Benefit 12 New Haven, CT 1.1.25 Tarrytown, NY 12.16.03 09.01.20 0

Travel to Denmark from the Comfort of your Home!

Virtual Tours of Denmark via Zoom Continue

From now until March 16, 2021, the National Foundation for Danish America and The Danish Pioneer continue their free weekly series ‘Virtual Photo Tours of Denmark’ presented

by Danish tour guide, Benedikte Ehlers Olesen. Each Tuesday at 11 am CST, Benedikte shows viewers a slice of our beloved Denmark.

March sessions will show ‘travellers’: March 2 - Skanderborg, Ry, Himmelbjerget, Viborg, Hjarbæk, Skive, Kokkedal March 9 - Jellinge, Vejle, Kolding, Lillebælt, Bogense March 16 - Odense, Tåsinge, Egeskov, Nyborg, Korsør, Roskilde To register the for March sessions or to view past presentations, see the National Foundation for Danish America website: https://danishamerica.org/.

February & March Specials Purchase a heart compact, heart flag earrings or a coral heart pendant and the profits from your purchase will go toward the DSS Archival Project. danishsisterhood.org

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Danish Sisterhood News, January 2021

Denmark

WHERE IN THE WORLD ARE YOU FROM? Share what cities or towns you or your ancestors came from in Denmark. Email to editor@danishsisterhood.com Bornholm one submission 2-10 submissions 10+ submissions

Danish Sisterhood News, January 2021

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1. Hygge T-Shirt • Red with white print • Sizes: M, L, XL, XXL • Price: $20 2. Black Baseball Cap with Logo in Satin Stitch Embroidery • Price: $20 3. Black Baseball Cap with Logo in Sequins • Price: $20 4. Red Laser Cut Boxes • Unassembled • For table favors • Price: $0.75 5. Get Your FRIK On! T-shirt • Red with white print • Sizes: M, L, XL, XXL • Price: $20 6. Wine Bottle Opener • Black & red • Price: $5 7. Red Plastic Heart-Shaped Paper Clip • Price: $1 8. Greeting Cards • Blank inside • Price: $1 each 9. Puffy Vest • Navy with Sisterhood Logo • Sizes L, XL, XXL • Price: $50

To order contact: Linda Holz Email: trustee1@danishsisterhood.com Phone: 515.225.0951 4400 EP True Pkwy, Unit 47 West Des Moines , IA 50265-5615 Note: Prices do not include shipping and handling.

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Danish Sisterhood News, January 2021

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10. Sisterhood Heart Makeup Compact • Magnifying & regular mirrors • Price: $5 11. Car Decal • White with a red Danish flag heart • Price: $3 or 2 for $5 12. Coral Pendant with Silver Filigree • Red and silver necklace pendant • Price: $45 13. DSS Fleece Jacket • Available in red & black • Price: $37.50 14. Denmark Flag Enamel Earrings • Pierced • Price: $10/pair 15. Red Ball Point Pen • With Sisterhood web address • Price: $5 16. Onesie • Red with white print • Sizes: 6 mo, 12 mo, 18 mo • Price: $15 17. Set of 5 Notecards • Includes envelopes • $12/set 18. Heart Scarf • Available in red & white • Price: $15

To order contact: Linda Holz Email: trustee1@danishsisterhood.com Phone: 515.225.0951 4400 EP True Pkwy, Unit 47 West Des Moines , IA 50265-5615 Note: Prices do not include shipping and handling.

Danish Sisterhood News, January 2021

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DSS Angel Member Status The Danish Sisterhood has a new and very special member status, the DSS Angels. This status belongs to those members that wish to gift their funeral benefit back to the Sisterhood. We have had some members in the past make the Sisterhood their beneficiary. We believe this is a generous and significant gift, and wish to honor them while we can, keeping a list of our current “Angels” posted. A couple of options are available: • A change of beneficiary to: Danish Sisterhood of America or, • A change of beneficiary to one of the national scholarship funds. Be specific, ie: Betty Hansen Scholarship, Past National Officers, Camp Grant, etc.

If you wish to change your status, please contact your lodge or the National Secretary for a Beneficiary Change Form. Your benefit does not need to be fully paid yet, and you would be expected to maintain your payments, as the Sisterhood will not receive the benefit until your passing. Those that do not have a funeral benefit as part of your membership category are welcome to participate by donating $1,000 to the Danish Sisterhood of America.

On behalf of our entire membership, we wish to thank and honor as our first Angels: Lodge # 166 168 126 188 75 22 15 12 177 125 171 102 149 187 177 81 81 165 90 102 15 125 177 15

Name Viola Wilson Joann Scott Dorothy Petersen Karin Plagens Sandra Nelson Carole Hodges Andrea Sue Welling Leih Elizabeth Haar Glenda Madrid Nancy J. Mayland Johanne Gade Diann Weinman Carol Smith Meredith Sorensen Marie Jaeger Christina Sallee Melissa Sallee Marie Fairbanks Constance Schneider Susan R. Fisher Lou Ann Jensen Hanne Skaarup Else Lassiter Pamela H. Ruben

Address Changes If you have moved please use this form to notify the Danish Sisterhood of America.

Clip and mail to: Danish Sisterhood News National Secretary: Glenda Madrid 1557 Oak St. Solvang, CA 93463 I belong to Lodge #: Name: New Address: City: State: Zip Code:

Submissions Guidelines Submissions should be received by the Editor by the 1st of the month previous to the month published (Deadlines can be found on page 2).

Please submit captions for pictures, including names of people in the picture.

Text for submissions should be less than 600 words (one typed page).

Mail or electronic submissions are welcomed The Editor will proofread for spelling and grammatical errors and will edit for clarity.

Upcoming Newsletter Deadlines April 2021 issue...........................Submit by March 1 May 2021 issue...............................Submit by April 1 June 2021 issue...............................Submit by May 1 July 2021 issue................................Submit by June 1 August 2021 issue...........................Submit by July 1 September 2021 issue.............Submit by August 1 October 2021 issue...........Submit by September 1 November 2021 issue............Submit by October 1 15

Danish Sisterhood News, January 2021

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