Danish Sisterhood News March 2019

News

Danish Sisterhood

In this Issue: Lodge Updates The Danish Hall of Greenville, MI National Convention Registration Danish Sisterhood Butikken

Serving the Danish Sisterhood of America since 1947

March 2019

President’s Corner

News

Danish Sisterhood

www.danishsisterhood.com

Honorary Member Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II of Denmark

Volume 72, Number 1

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

DANISH SISTERHOOD NEWS (USPS 148-200) is published monthly by the Supreme Lodge of the Danish Sisterhood of America. Office of publication at 1555 Oak St. Solvang, CA 93463. Periodicals Postage Paid at Rochester, MN.

Sindy Mikkelsen, National President What an amazing group of ladies that serve our Sisterhood that I have the pleasure to work with! We just got back from our spring board meeting this weekend, and all are exhausted but energized because of all that was accomplished.

Each officer reported out on their area of responsibility and work that needs to be done respectively. Then, because we don’t have a host lodge for the upcoming National Convention, the board members have the added responsibility of putting this event on. Everyone is taking on a lot, and we’re determined to do this and give those attending a fantastic time!

The following is a summary of our work:

Vice President, Julie Morrison shared the extensive list of updates that have been completed on our website.

We do hope our members go there, look at new items posted, enjoy the color copies of our newsletters, and of course help us keep the website current by sending Julie information about upcoming lodge events, etc. A big thank you to those that have been sending updates, as it’s much appreciated!

Treasurer, Carol Faruolo reported on our finances in detail, as the US markets have been rather rough this last year, yet we are still doing relatively well. We also reviewed our prior expenses from the last National Convention and how we are positioned for this convention.

Secretary, Glenda Madrid shared that the annual reports to lodges have been coming in at a fairly steady pace with 18 of the lodge reports received. Additionally, we had 28 new members just since our last board meeting in November. That’s outstanding! Glenda also sent the board recommended proposals for convention inadvertently to the lodges in error. They should have been held and included with the proposals from lodges. Lodges may discard those sent in December, as your lodge delegate will receive a complete package soon.

Trustee, Linda Holz reported on the merchandise in our store, how our sales have been, and about new items to be added. As we get closer to National Convention we will be getting some fun, new items that will be shared first at the convention. We also plan to offer some special sales, so plan to attend and shop!

Trustee, Christina Sallee provided an update on our scholarships and grants. The scholarship deadline recently occurred, but it’s not too late to apply for camp grants. You can find the application for camp grants on the website.

Additionally, Christina has been doing a fantastic job of keeping our Individual members connected by sending

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to DANISH SISTERHOOD NEWS, 1555 Oak St. Solvang, CA 93463 Editor: Lauren C. Nielsen (507) 206-9099

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: Sindy Mikkelsen, Lodge #126 2938 Sweet Grass Lane, Santa Rosa, CA 95407 (707) 755-0260 president@danishsisterhood.com National Vice President & Website: Julie Morrison #126 2368 Hood Ct, Santa Rosa, CA 95401 (707) 360-8377 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: Carol Faruolo, Lodge #12 19 Fenway Street North, Milford, CT 06460 (203) 878-4924 Fax: (203) 8784924 treasurer@danishsisterhood.com dsstreasurer@gmail.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: Christina Sallee #81 16116 SW Deline Ct, Beaverton, OR 97007-3425 (503) 848-0837 trustee2@danishsisterhood.com National Trustee, Membership Chairman & Tivoli Lodge Liaison: Karin S. Wasler #68 814 S Sherbourne Dr #7, Los Angeles, CA 90035 (310) 903-8837 trustee3@danishsisterhood.com National Past President: Lizette Burtis, Lodge #24 1462 Trombetta Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95407 (707) 545-6023 lburtis@sbcglobal.net

National Historian: Amy Larsen 2611 E 221 St Place, Carson, CA 90810 (714) 488-9515 historian@danishsisterhood.com

Copyright 1946-2018 by the Supreme Lodge of the Danish Sisterhood of America,

continued on pg. 3 Danish Sisterhood News, March 2019

Email: editor@danishsisterhood.com

All Rights Reserved.

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Velkommen

Lauren C. Nielsen, Editor

Dear Sisters, Back in January, I moved to a new neighborhood. I’ve been working on slowly getting boxes unpacked and artwork hung on the walls. I’ve also been enjoying taking walks around my neighborhood (at least on days that we aren’t getting snowstorms!).

I especially love my new neighborhood because it is filled with all different types of homes and buildings. There’s a lot of history and charm–both old and new.

While I was hanging up some artwork, I also came across one of my favorite pieces that is a collage of different iconic buildings of

In this Issue President’s Corner.........................................p 2-3 Editor’s Welcome..............................................p 3 National Convention.....................................p 4-5 Lodge Updates.............................................p 6-10 The Danish Hall, Greenville, MI..................p11-12 Butikken ....................................................p 13-14 Copenhagen. It always makes me feel like I’m just a little bit closer to Denmark when I see it.

Our cover image this issue also has a little to do with architecture and history–featuring the Danish Hall of Greenville, MI.

I encourage each of you to take a look around you or reminisce about some beautiful architecture that you’ve seen before. Maybe it’ll evoke even more fond memories for you!

As always, please share stories, photos, news, lodge updates and more with us! You can email me at editor@danishsisterhood.com.

Until next time...

Lauren Nielsen, Editor

On the Cover

President’s Letter continued from pg. 2 each a personal birthday card on their special day. That’s about 180+ contacts. Whew!

Trustee, Karin Wasler has been busy with our new members and providing consistent branding of our organization. We now have a fresh new look on our convention stationary and notices that are sent out. We also credit Karin with our theme for this year’s National Convention “History in the Making”.

This issue of the newsletter, and our website, includes the convention registration form. Please send that in early! We will be including hotel reservation information in the next issue, so be ready to make your reservations early.

This is going to be an amazing convention with activities starting on Thursday, October 3rd. We will be taking a bus trip to the of Danish America in Elk Horn, Iowa. At the museum we will enjoy a special behind the scenes tour and enjoy a dinner arranged by the museum. All delegates are expected to attend this, so plan to be in Omaha in time to catch the bus at 1 PM on Thursday.

We have some very exciting entertainment lined up for both Friday and Saturday nights. More to come on that!

Bottom line, this is a convention not to be missed.

It’s pretty centrally located for our members, and our pricing is reasonable. We hope to see you all in October!

Sisterly greetings, Sindy Mikkelsen, President

Title: The Danish Hall of Greenville, Michigan Photograph from the Danish Sisterhood Archives Submitted by Amy Larsen, DSS Historian The membership of the Danish Hall of Greenville, MI during their Stiftelsesfest Program. Smaller image on bottom right is the Danish Hall. Both of these images come from our archives. Read more about the hall on pages 11-12 of this issue!

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, March 2019

NATIONAL CONVENTION

HISTORY

IN THE MAKING

October 3-6 2019

Double Tree by Hilton Hotel Omaha, Nebraska Hosted by the Danish Sisterhood National Board

Danish Sisterhood News, March 2019

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Registration Form

Registration Deadline – August 1, 2019 Please Indicate Selections: Thursday, October 3rd 1:00 PM Museum of Danish America – Elk Horn, IA This event is required for delegates.

(Includes bus trip, tour, and dinner) Friday, October 4th 9:00 AM 10:30 – 11:00 AM 11:00 AM – Noon Noon – 1:30 PM 2:30 – 3:00 PM 3:00 – 4:30 PM 5:30 – 6:30 PM 6:30 – 10:00 PM

Breakfast on your own Convention Opening Ceremony & Business Morning Break – Included due to a generous donation General Meeting Lunch on your own Afternoon Break – Included due to a generous donation General Meeting No-Host Cocktail Reception Dinner (Buffet) and Entertainment

$68.

$_________

$49.

$_________

$65.

$_________

Saturday, October 5th

Breakfast on your own 8:30 – 9:00 AM Reading of Minutes (Required of Delegates) 9:00 AM General Meeting 10:30 – 11:00 AM Morning Break – Included due to a generous donation 11:00 AM – Noon General Meeting Noon – 1:30 PM Lunch on your own 2:30 – 3:00 PM Afternoon Break – Included due to a generous donation 3:00 – 4:30 PM General Meeting 5:30 – 6:30 PM No-Host Cocktail Reception 6:30 – 7:00 PM Installation of Officers 7:00 – 11:00 PM Dinner and Entertainment Omaha Steak Filet ____ Roasted Salmon ____ Baked Chicken Breast ____ Roast Loin of Midwest Pork ____ Root Vegetable Gratin ____ Special Dietary Needs: __________________________________

TOTAL DUE:

$_________

Name: ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address:______________________________________________________________________________________________ City: _______________________________________________ State/Prov: _____________________ Zip: ________________ Telephone/Cell: _____________________________ Email: _____________________________________ Check One: Nat’l Officer: ___ Delegate, Lodge #___ Alternate, Lodge #___ Guest Lodge# ___ Guest, City:_______________ Please make checks payable to: Danish Sisterhood of America Remit to: Carol Faruolo, National Treasurer, 19 Fenway St. North, Milford CT 06460 Cancellations must be received by September 1, 2019; No refunds can be made after this date.

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Danish Sisterhood News, March 2019

New Board Installed for Lodge #36 On a beautiful day in December, Lodge #36 opened the doors of the Danish Home in Edison New Jersey and welcomed the members of Freja Lodge #36 for its scheduled meeting.

The weather was mild.

Our Danish Home in Edison is bright, warm and inviting, a perfect place for our Danish Sisterhood meetings. We realize how lucky we are to have such a beautiful place to meet and enjoy the Danish décor and surroundings.

The Home is laid out like a Danish farmhouse.

We have beautiful Danish plates on the walls, a Grandfather clock, lovely curtains on the windows and comfortable chairs in the living room, a meeting room with dining tables. There is also a very large kitchen which we use to prepare and heat our food for our meetings and dinners. We meet at 12 noon for a brown bag lunch, and our formal meeting starts at 1PM.

The Danish Home in Edison was a retirement home for Danish people for many years. The Home no longer has any residents, but we make good use of it for our parties and meetings, our Yule sale, Christmas Gala and many other get gatherings including the GCEL and EGC Convention in past years.

The Home is run by a dedicated Board of Directors made up of the representatives of the New Jersey and New York Lodges. The board takes care and manages the Home, including repairs and upkeep. In 2014 The Danish Home celebrated its 100th anniversary. The Home houses a Danish Museum with artifacts and memorabilia from Perth Amboy, New Jersey. Many Danish immigrants settled in this area at the turn of the century. We also have a Danish Sisterhood room with historical books and information and pictures on other New Jersey Lodges.

The DANE, (Danish Archives Northeast) meets at the Home. There are volunteers who will help with genealogical research, DANE meets once a month with interesting lectures and presentations. DANE is an acronym for Danish Archives North East. It was chosen to describe the records, books, letters and genealogical information, sociological data comprising the collection of Danish heritage. There are many exhibits, including Danish costumes, artist drawings and memoDanish Sisterhood News, March 2019

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rabilia, signs from old buildings a veteran room, and a beautiful collections of Danish plates.

We began our meeting with the Installation of Officers for 2019. We have a great group of dedicated members who work very hard to keep our Lodge active. The new board of Freja Lodge was installed by Bruce Kovacs, Past President of Brotherhood Thor Lodge and acting President of The Danish Home. Installing Marshall was Karen Johnsen. The new officers are Past President, Joy Billich, President, Carole Pierorazio, Secretary, Eloise Newton, Treasurer, Vibeke Aagesen, Trustees, Pauline Siecinski, Olga Little, and Karen Hansen, our Marshall is Marianne Kovacs.

We were very lucky to have Ken Nielsen. Editor and Publisher of The Beacon to photograph our Installation. We all took our oath of office and settled down to discuss our agenda for the coming year. We elected our National Delegate Carole Pierorazio, and our EGC delegate Karen Hansen, and alternate Mary Flannary. We are looking forward to the EGC 91st convention which will be held April 5, 6,7th, hosted by Frihed Lodge #153 Hartford CT. The convention will be held at the Courtyard Marriott in Winsor, CT.

The new board is planning our agenda for the coming year. In March which is “Everything Green” we are having corned beef sandwiches, wearing green, and there will be a green grab bag. We always have fun.

April will be our Delegate party and we will be celebrating spring wearing our Easter bonnets! We are working on our member Danish Heritage presentations. In May we may have a “tea party”, In June we plan to go to have an outing to the Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton Township and enjoy a beautiful lunch.

As always we have a wonderful time together.

We are looking forward to this year! Freja Lodge #36 has a bright future. We are a strong Lodge with many dedicated Members.

Sisterly Regards, Carole E. Pierorazio President Lodge #36

Camp grant applications are due soon!

Must be postmarked by April 30th Applications can be found on the Sisterhood website. Camp grants are available up to $100.

Membership Expansion

Welcome New Members!

LODGE 20 20 20 20 20 20 300 149 68 168 300 181 181 181 149 185

NEW MEMBER Helene Boles Shari Hansen Holly Anderle Leanne LaValle Alison Donal Cindy Peasley Camryn Force Linda Christensen Bettina Carnahan Michael Horton Christie Johnson Leslie McCutcheon Kristie Whitmore Karen S. Smith Susan Christensen Belinda Devine

SPONSOR Susan Chiapete Susan Chiapete Susan Chiapete Susan Chiapete Susan Chiapete Susan Chiapete Gail Force Margaret Raven Aase Hansen Stella Greenhalgh Carol Faruolo Jody Hild Jody Hild Jody Hild Margaret Raven Minna Mortensen

In Memoriam NAME Cert # Lodge # Elisabeth Pedersen 21628 165 Elizabeth Sorensen 23301 177 Agnita Knauf 23893 27 Irene Gnata 1039 90 Vera Hansen 380 90 Shirley Oliver 1003 90 Marie Stenzel 473 36 Julie Jespersen Kelly 1342 36 Irma Winther 21691 99 Jessie Kronowski 23134 36` Grace Drath 1269 20 Shirley Bailey 1248 65 Carol Hansen 90393 65 Lisa Hansen 90457 78

Location Santa Barbara, CA Solvang, CA Byrum, Lincoln, NE Lincoln, NE Lincoln, NE Perth Amboy, NJ Perth Amboy, NJ South Bend, IN Perth Amboy, NJ Kenosha, WI Greenville, MI Greenville, MI Troy, NY

Birth Date Birth Place Initiated Died Benefit 8.20.24 Horsens, DK 6.12.59 3.21.18 125.

7.2.37 Copenhagen, DK 1.9.75 12.24.18 500.

8.12.22 Laeso, DK 6.24.81 1.19.19 1000.

8.20.26 Omaha, NE 3.15.89 12.21.18 8.10.14 3.11.83 6.18.18 8.15.29 Lincoln, NE 1.14.95 10.2.18 12.5.23 Perth Amboy, NJ 11.9.96 2018 5.3.29 Brooklyn, NY 2.16.07 6.20.18 7.14.17 South Bend, IN 4.12.60 6.22.18 250.

12.22.19 South River, NJ 2.16.73 1.17.19 1,000.

2.2.19 Kenosha, WI 4.21.04 2.2.19 2.21.21 Sidney, MI 1.1.04 2.5.19 7.6.55 Greenville, MI 10.12.12 3.20.18 5.7.55 Hartford, CT 3.8.14 1.18.18

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Danish Sisterhood News, March 2019

News from Danmarks Dotre Lodge #90 in Lincoln, Nebraska

Since our last writing, we have had all kinds of winter weather from Blizzards to below Zero temperatures, record snowfall and everything in between. We believe spring will soon come.

Our meeting on October 13, 2018, was held at Grace Lutheran Church. Vicki and Mike Bousquet told us about their trip to Denmark. They went with the Danish Sisterhood group. They enjoyed many beautiful places and good food.

The Danish Moment was given by Mary Lou Andersen this month. She told us about Halloween in Denmark. Halloween was imported in the 1990s from the United States to Denmark. Halloween started to gain in popularity in 1998 when the Danish newspaper, “Ekstra Bladet,” initiated the first holiday events in Copenhagen with horror movie marathons, prizes for best costume and more. In 2006 the famous Tivoli Park opened its gates to a decorated garden with pumpkins, witches, scary villages, etc. In 2008, 264,000 people visited the Tivoli event. It can be compared with the tradition of Festelavn, a kind of carnival in Denmark.

A road trip was planned on October 20, 2018, 10 members went to Elkhorn, Nebraska, to the Little Scandinavia Shop. They were celebrating their 12th anniversary on October 15, 2018. The shop opened in 2006.

We are sorry to report that Shirley Oliver passed away on October 2, 2018, at the age of 89.

She was living at the Masonic Home in Plattsmouth, Nebraska. She joined Danish Sisterhood on January 14,1995. She is being missed.

At our meeting, we voted on the Delegate and Alternate from our Lodge to go to the National DSS Convention in Omaha. We chose our Delegate to be Jane Nyffeler and the Alternate being Vicki Bousquet.

Delegate Mary Contreras read her report from our Nebraska/Colorado District Convention which was held here in Lincoln on August 24-25, 2018.

At our meeting on November 3, we had our Soup Lunch at noon. Committee members were Fran Freeman and Joan Tomlinson White.

Danish Moment was given by Fran Freeman.

She told us about her trip to Denmark and Germany with her sister. She showed us many pictures and talked about each one. It was a very interesting presentation.

New officers installed at the November meetDanish Sisterhood News, March 2019

ing for the year 2019 were: Past President, Joan Tomlinson White; President, Vicki Bousquet; Vice President, Jane Nyffeler; Secretary, Patty Wissink; Treasurer, Donna Hansen; First Trustee, Fran Freeman; Second Trustee, Kathy McLaughlin; Third Trustee, Mary Lou Andersen, and Marshal, Mary Brass.

Our Annual Christmas Party was held at Grace Lutheran Church on December 1, 2018, at noon.

We had a good crowd, everyone brought goodies trimmed in glitter and red. Danish Sandwiches were included plus many cookies and treats. Those on the Committee were Mary Contreras, Mary Lou Andersen, Molly Boyd and Olga Nielsen. Vicki Bousquet furnished the table decorations. We also had a $5 gift exchange. Then it was time to sing some old, familiar Christmas Carols led by Mike Bousquet. It was enjoyed by all.

It is sad to say that Irene Gnata passed away on December 21, 2018, at age 92. She joined Danish Sisterhood on March 15, 1989. She is being missed.

We met on January 5, 2019, at 1:00 in the afternoon at Grace Lutheran Church for our meeting.

Committee members were Mary Contreras and Fran Freeman. Danish Moment was given by Donna (Christensen) Thomas and she told us about how Denmark celebrates New Year’s Day. Lots of people come into Copenhagen for the celebration. Special dishes are served at these parties including boiled cod, stewed kale and pork which is supposed to bring good luck.

You will hear fireworks at midnight which illuminates the whole sky. Young children especially enjoy this.

On February 2, 2019, we met for our meeting at 1:00 in the afternoon at Grace Lutheran Church.

Our Committee was Vicki Bousquet and Molly Boyd, they served a Soup Luncheon.

Kathy McLaughlin gave the Danish Moment in reference to Valentine’s Day. The people of Denmark celebrate in a traditional way. Cards, flowers and love notes are the three main components of the celebration. They enjoy a lot of lit candles. Kathy brought a beautiful Danish antique coffee pot to show everyone, it was a gift from her aunt in Denmark. Kathy also made pretty Valentines for each of us with Danish and American languages written for the verse.

At our April 6th meeting, we will be serving an AEbleskiver lunch.

Olga Nielsen, Correspondent

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Greetings from Lodge #184

Resolution

We are now writing 2019, times fly and we are well into February with snow and freezing days and nights here in South Western Ontario.

We were lucky to have a sunny Saturday for our February meeting, so everyone could make it to Sarnia.

For several of our attendees it was more than an hour’s drive. We were 12 Sisters and 4 guests for a total of 16 and one of the guests from Detroit Yvonne Meyer signed herself and her daughter up to be a dual members of our lodge. Yvonne has been to several of our meetings and we are happy to have her join us.

In January we installed our new president Monica Shepley, with the rest of the executives continuing for another year. We also initiated a new member Barbara Ozburn, who we are very pleased to welcome to our lodge, she has attended several meetings to get to know us.

Barbara was born in Sarnia but is of Polish descent and she gave us a very informed and well researched history of Danish / Polish relations dating back to year 966 when the Polish King gave his daughter in marriage to Danish King “Tveskaeg “ (Forked Beard) son of Harold (Bluetooth).

German expansion (Hanseatic League in the north; Teutonic Order in the east) united the Poles and the Danes in later years.

Relationships changed over the centuries with political changes and trade agreements.

In 1960 a Polish-Danish agreement on scientific and cultural cooperation was signed.

In the new context of a free market economy, Denmark became an important foreign investor in Poland, and business relations are today an important area of close contact between the two countries.

Following Barbara’s presentation we all shared in our past months activities, it is always interesting to hear what everyone has been up to.

Wishing everyone a Happy Spring .

Danish Sister, Shirley L. Oliver of Lincoln, Nebraska was born August 15, 1927 and passed away October 2, 2018.

She was preceded in death by her husband Elmer Oliver, four sisters and a step-son. Her father Axel Sorensen was born in Odense, Denmark. Her mother Eva Sorensen was of Czech descent. Shirley is survived by one brother, a step-daughter, step-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Shirley joined Danmarks Dotre, Lodge No. 90 in Lincoln on January 14, 1995. She was very proud of her Danish heritage and a loyal Sisterhood member for 23 years, always eager to attend meetings and participate in Danish traditions. Dedicated to her duties and helpful in many ways, she held the office of Marshal for several years in our Lodge as well as for the Nebraska-Colorado District Danish Sisterhood.

Shirley and I were long time friends, traveling to our Lodge meetings, and various State and District conventions. We would reminisce about some of the previous meetings and conventions, tell stories, laugh and have such a good time. She thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to make new friends, meet DSS National Officers, renew friendships with Sisterhood and Brotherhood members across Nebraska and the Sisters of Ellen Lodge in Denver.

Her long time wish was to travel to Denmark. That came into fruition in 2012 when Shirley and her brother were able to tour that Country.

Once home, she was ready to go back again. In the last few years of her life, her health started to decline. After various health mishaps, she always found the strength to once again bounce back to do the things that she always enjoyed. She never wanted to talk about her age, but always rallied the opportunity to celebrate her birthday. Shirley was 89 years young when she passed away. She is missed by many. I bet she misses us, too!

“Bluewater Mermaids” Sarnia, ON/ Port Huron,MI

Respectfully submitted by Gitte Monteith, Correspondent Lodge #184 PS: Anyone interested in a more in-depth history of Danish - Polish relations, please e-mail me gitjack2 @gmail.com

Joan Tomlinson White Past President, Lodge No. 90, Lincoln, Nebraska

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Danish Sisterhood News, March 2019

News from Amber Lodge #186, Brainerd, MN Amber Lodge #186 members gathered last December at the home of Barb Wenschlag for their annual Christmas party. We enjoyed a delicious potluck that included Danish favorites of almond cake and risalamonde. We exchanged gifts and had our own silent auction with a variety of donated items that added funds to our treasury.

Installation of officers for 2019 took place at our January meeting. All 2018 Officers and Trustees agreed to continue with their office in the new year making the transition into 2019 very easy.

We were sad to learn that our Charter member Laurie Cappellin and her husband Chuck were moving to North Carolina where Chuck has taken a new job. They are excited to live closer to their two daughters. We will miss Laurie and thank her for her many contributions to our lodge since its inception.

We celebrated Fastelavn in February.

After our business meeting Barb Wenschlag showed us how to make a symmetry paper cut Fastelavn mask. We decorated our mask designs with feathers, glitter, beads, gems, and ribbons.

Nealna brought the traditional Fastelavn barrel filled with candy and black cat. After sisters took turns hitting the barrel many times with a bat, it was Dottie Bisted that broke the barrel to release the cat. Don’t worry, no animals were hurt as it was a stuffed animal cat!!! We all shared the goodies in the barrel. Dottie was crowned Fastelavn Queen.

We look forward to more Danish fun this year including the National Convention in October in Omaha.

Respectfully submitted by Barb Wenschlag Amber Lodge #186 President

Above left: Barb Wenschlag explains the paper cut mask decorating.

Above middle: Dottie Bisted is crowned Fastelavn Queen by Barb while Nealna Gylling, guest Tim Ryberg, and Judy Andersen look on.

Above right: Nealna Gylling shows her finished mask decoration.

Far left: Amber Lodge sisters gather for their annual Christmas party.

Left: Judy Andersen decorates her mask design.

Danish Sisterhood News, March 2019

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From the Archives The Danish Hall of Greenville, Michigan

by Amy Larsen, DSS Historian

The Greenville Danish Brotherhood Lodge #70 was formed on November 30th, 1893. Ten years later, on January 3, 1902, the Danish Sisterhood – Dorthea Lodge #65 was established. At the time they often used a building called the ‘Coliseum’ for events like dances, especially masquerade dances. In 1911, the brotherhood bought an interest in the building from the Grange. The Danish Lodges shared use of the building with the Grange until 1916, when a new ‘Coliseum’ was built. The Danish Brotherhood then bought the remaining interest in the build-

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Danish Sisterhood News, March 2019

ing. From that point the Brotherhood held their meetings there, but also rented the building out for events, most often dances. One memorable event held in this building was a showing of two ‘moving pictures’ – ‘A Trip to Denmark and Schleswig’ and ‘A Nation in Celebration,’ shown to celebrate the reunification of South Schleswig with Denmark in 1921. Schleswig had been taken by the Prussians in 1864. Unfortunately, the Coliseum burned down in 1928. In 1930 the Brotherhood built the existing Danish Hall, which has since been used by both the Danish Brotherhood and Danish Sisterhood.

In 2015, the building was purchased by the Danish Cultural Center of Greenville. It was bought with the understanding that the Brotherhood and Sisterhood would continue to have use of the building for their meetings without cost for as long as their clubs exist. The Danish Cultural Center was established in 2011 as a not-for-profit organization with similar goals to those of the Brotherhood and Sisterhood. The Center seeks to preserve the right heritage and traditions of our Danish ancestors and to promote Danish culture. Selling the building to the Danish Cultural Center of Greenville allows members of all three Danish organizations to take advantage of the Center’s 501(c)(3) status and benefits. Most importantly, the building provides a physical Danish presence on the corner of Franklin and Grove streets and sense of continuity for local Danish organizations.

One well remembered annual event was the Stiftelsesfest (Founding Day Celebration), which was held in the fall, coinciding the Brotherhood Lodge’s founding in November of 1893. A senior member of the Sisterhood Lodge remembers the event being so large and well attended that the dinner was split into two separate sittings, as the dining hall could not accommodate everyone. A dance always followed in the upstairs dance hall, and the Brothers played cards and smoked cigars in their meeting room on the lower level.

A highly successful annual Danish Youth Camp is held there which includes days of imDanish Sisterhood News, March 2019

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mersion in Danish culture and history with activities like storytelling, crats, folk dancing, singing, hiking, games and Danish cuisine. An average of 30 or more participants ranging from elementary to junior high age attend this event. There is also a Danish Heritage Museum and Library house in the Hall. Many artifacts of Danish interest are located in the museum and part of the museum is dedicated to the history of the Danish Brotherhood and Danish Sisterhood.

If you have the opportunity to travel to Greenville, I think it would be well worth your while to stop and visit the Danish Cultural Center. Thank you to the Center for preserving our heritage!

Special thanks to Nels Hansen, President of the Danish Cultural Center of Greenville, and member of Brotherhood Lodge #70 for all of the information and photos.

The Danish Sisterhood Marketplace Butikken DanishSisterhood.com

Contact Linda Holz for shipping and handling charges.

Red plastic heart-shaped paper clip $1.00 Letter Opener $4.00

Hygge T- Shirt  Red with white print M, L, XL, XXL $20 Greeting Cards blank inside, $1.00 each

Frik T- Shirt Red with white print (Front and Back Shown) M, L, XL, XXL $20

Black baseball cap with heart logo in satin stitch embroidery $20.00

Black baseball cap with Laser cut boxes heart logo in sequins (unassembled) for table $20.00 favors $ 0.75

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 13

Danish Sisterhood News, March 2019

The Danish Sisterhood Marketplace Butikken DanishSisterhood.com Contact Linda Holz for shipping and handling charges.

Sisterhood License Plate Frame Frame has dual fastening holes at the top of the fame. White with red DSS logo. $4.00 each or 2 for $6.00

Red ball point pen with Sisterhood website address $5.00

DSS Fleece Jacket Available Red and Black $37.50

Coral Pendant with Silver Filigree Red and silver necklace pendant $45.00

Denmark Flag Enamel Earrings pierced $10/pair

Onesie Red with white print 6 mo - 12 mo - 18 mo $15.00

Car Decal White with a red Danish Flag Heart $3.00 ea or 2 for $5.00

Wine Bottle Opener Red with black trim, danishsisterhood.com printed on side. $5.00

Heartscarf Available in Red and White $15.00

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 Danish Sisterhood News, March 2019

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Resolution

The Sisters of Freja Lodge #36 are saddened by the loss of our Sister Jessie Kronowski, who passed away on January 17, 2019, she was 99 years old.

Jessie was born on December 22, 1919 in South River New Jersey. Jessie lived most of her life in East Brunswick New Jersey since 1953. She passed away at the Reformed Church Home in Old Bridge New Jersey.

She was married to Al Kronowski who predeceased her in 1993. Jessie was a communicant of St. Bartholomew Roman Catholic church in East Brunswick, New Jersey.

Jessie Kronowski was initiated into the Danish Sisterhood Freja Lodge #36 on February 16, 1973. She was a long standing member of our Lodge.

Jessie was a skilled seamstress for Berman’s in South River New Jersey for many years.

Jessie Kronowski was predeceased by her husband, her Grandaughter Kimberly Garron, her brother John Golaszewski, three Sisters, Laura Jensen, Stella Kanc and Victoria Grasso and her niece Barbara Kolosek.

Surviving are her son Gregory and his wife Joanne, two Grandchildren, Linwood Miller and his wife Melissa, and Jennifer Oranchak and her husband John, Grand son-in-law Herbert Garron; eight Great-grandchildren, Kenneth, Patrick, Emily, Abagail, Sarah, Christopher, John and Hannah, and many nieces and nephews.

The Sisters of Freja Lodge #36 will greatly miss our Sister Jessie Kronowski. We will drape our Charter at the next meeting and have a memorial service.

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Carole E. Pierorazio, President Freja Lodge #36

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Danish Sisterhood News, March 2019

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