Danish Sisterhood News September 2020

News

Danish Sisterhood In this issue: Lodge Updates Historian’s Corner Bornholm Occupations Activities and more!

Serving the Danish Sisterhood of America since 1947

September 2020

President’s Corner

News

Danish Sisterhood

www.danishsisterhood.com

Honorary Member Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II of Denmark

Volume 73, Number 9

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

Christina Sallee, National President As we continue to go through challenging times, I would like to thank all of you who have reached out to the National Board with your questions, comments, and ideas on how to stay connected. A few of you have asked what you can do to retain and attract Sisters during these social distancing times.

Our answers are in this newsletter where we have several suggestions and we would love to get more from you. One thing I thought would be interesting is if we have some subject matter experts, in any area, that could join a Zoom session or maybe make a YouTube video about your area of expertise. For example, any lectures on history or an area of interest about Denmark would be great. If you have some craft you would love to share, or even if you just want to talk about your favorite Danish movie and share how it touched your life. All these would be interesting ways to help us all stay connected while we are apart.

In other news, the National Board cancelled our semi-annual Board meeting in September due to the pandemic we will not be meeting in person.

Rather we will have a long Zoom Board meeting and hope to get the most important issues discussed.

We have had Zoom meetings every other month to keep the energy and enthusiasm going and by now I am sure that many of you have had to do this as well when working from home, and can attest to some of the challenges of a Zoom meeting for an entire day.

So like you at your lodges, your Board members are also looking forward to seeing each other, hopefully, in the Spring. Until then we continue to meet online.

Ending with a fantastic note, Bruce Bro, our hiking Viking, has made it to the end of the Colorado Trail. He walked the about 500 miles trail in 44 days and was an important part of our Sisterhood Archival Project fundraiser. If you made a pledge online to the project you will soon receive a notice from our Treasurer. Tusind tak for your generosity.

Christina Sallee, DSS National President Danish Sisterhood News, September 2020

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.

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Velkommen

Lauren C. Nielsen, Editor

Dear Sisters, This summer, I’ve been trying to keep busy while at home, as so many people are. Two things have really brightened my last few months.

One, I began to research some genealogy on my mom’s side of the family. While this isn’t the Danish side of my family, it’s still important and I have loved finding so much family history! I have found it very rewarding. I am also continuing to learn more about my dad’s side of the family as well, which brings me to the second thing.

I have been exchanging letters to my aunt since May, I think. She’s my dad’s eldest sister and has always been the family genealogist. I love exchanging handwritten letters for many reasons.

It’s a nice way to ground oneself when so much is digital these days. It is also a wonderful way to stay connected to my roots and hear stories about my relatives and ancestors. I encourage all of you to find a penpal in a friend or family member.

In the DSS world, I’m still working on finding ways to stay connected. If you missed it, the August issue of the DSN had some fun ideas for lodges and members to take part in during this pandemic. Try some of them out or come up with your own ideas and share them with us!

This issue, though, I came up with another idea of how we can all feel more connected...it’s called Where in Denmark are YOU from? You can find it on page 10 of this issue­—I look forward to hearing from all of you!

I hope that this issue finds you all well and safe. Please continue to share stories, photos, updates and more with the DSN! Until next time...

Lauren C. Nielsen, Editor

In this Issue President’s Corner............................................p 2 Editor’s Welcome.............................................p 3 Lodge Updates................................p 4-5, 7-9, 10 Historian’s Corner................................................6 Where in Denmark are YOU from?................p 10 Bornholm Occupations..................................p 11 Famous Danes...............................................p 12 Butikken....................................................p 13-14

Youth Birthdays Happy September Birthday to:

Names Scarlett Hansen Hanna Kelsey Annaliese Myers JaRon Faughn Sophia Anderson Diana Edgington

Lodge 36 78 78 90 102 131

Age 9 10 15 11 8 15

On the Cover Title: The view out a window at Broholm Castle Location: Fyn island Photo by: Glenda Madrid Broholm Castle was built in the 12th century and is now a stately hotel! Did you know that the Broholm estate is famous for breeding Broholmer dogs?

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, September 2020

Enumclaw Unity Lodge #75 Awards Scholarship The Enumclaw Danish Sisterhood, Unity Lodge #75 offers a $500 scholarship to an Enumclaw high school graduate.

The recipient for 2020 is Kaden Bolton, son of Justin and Resa Bolton of Enumclaw.

Kaden’s many academic and cultural accomplishments fit best with the Sisterhood’s requirements Kaden was active in student government, culminating in the office of ASB President this past year. He also is fluent in German, visiting the country and its culture.

Kaden’s other passion through his high school years was drama. He would have performed the lead in HELLO DOLLY this past Spring if not for the school’s closure.

Due to no traditional graduation for the Class of 2020, a member of the scholarship committee presented the check to Kaden at his home, accompanied by his immediate family and grandparents.

Kaden will attend Pacific Lutheran University in the honors program, double majoring in Political Science and German with minor in Drama. He aspires to go on to public service.

Updates from Lodge #100 On August 29, 2020, eight members of Lodge #100 and one guest met at Kelly Joy’s Restaurant in Lakeport for a lunch gathering. Following the luncheon, the recently received Constitutions were passed out to members present. It was decided to meet September 16th at Hope Lutheran Church for a meeting. Treasurer, Dawn Grabitz, gave her report and reported a thank you had been received from our donation to the Museum of Danish America Archives.

Loris Coltson, secretary

Resolution Mary Ann Sorenson joined Danner Lodge #6 on January 24,1984. She was a very active member.

She helped make Marzipan and dressed in a Danish costume for the Ethnic Festival for several years. Mary Ann was on the Danner Lodge #6 Drill Team that performed at District and State Conventions. She held many different offices over the years. Mary Ann was always the first one to step up when needed & help out. She was active until she moved to assisted living. She remained our caller.

Mary Ann was born December 30,1929 Danish Sisterhood News, September 2020

& passed on Friday August 7,2020. Survived by husband Darrell Sr, children: Darrell Jr, Deborah (Steve Shonkwiler), Theresa, Mark (Delora) and Daniel (Amy). Eleven grandchildren, Thirteen great-grandchildren, brother Jim Park (Betty), many nieces & nephews. Preceded in death by grandchildren Faith & Brian, parents Henry & Katheryn Park, three sisters & one brother.

Mary Ann will be greatly missed by everyone.

Respectfully submitted, Nancy Jacobsen, President Danner Lodge #6 4

Resolution A Life Remembered: Doris Kathryn Brown Doris was born in Plainfield, New Jersey, and grew up in Metuchen, New Jersey. She was the daughter of John and Kathryn Bacha, she had one brother John W Bacha.

Doris was predeceased by her husband Eric Brown who passed away in 2016 after a long illness. Doris was a devoted wife and Mother.

She took great care of her husband Eric until he passed away. She is survived by her daughter Amanda Brown of Edison New Jersey and her partner Paul Malchow and many extended family and friends.

Doris graduated from Edison High School Class of 1961. Doris worked for the Revlon Corporation for over 15 years. She then retired and became an active member of The Danish Sister-

hood Lodge #36, and The Danish Brotherhood Thor Lodge in Edison. Doris was a member of The Danish Sisterhood for over 34 years, she was initiated on November 21, 1986. Doris was an active member of Lodge #36 and always volunteered to help with our events and functions.

She was the Chairperson of the Porch Christmas items and crafts at the Annual Jule Sale in December.

Doris loved her family, gardening, crocheting, baking and cats. She was easy going, loved by all and she had a wonderful sense of humor.

The Sisters of Freja Lodge #36 will greatly miss our Sister Doris Brown, her sweet smile and friendly way. We will drape our Charter at our next meeting in September in memory of her.

Carole E. Pierorazio, Past President Lodge #36

Updates from Lodge # 184, Sarnia, ON/ Port Huron, MI Bluewater Mermaids

Dear Sisters, it is now 5 months into the Covid 19 restrictions. Our lodge met for the last time on February 15th and a month later the whole country shut down.

The closure of the US / Canadian border has just been extended for another month until Sept. 21st and that may not be the end.

Here in Ontario we have reached stage 3 so we have a lot more freedom, but there are still a lot of restrictions on shopping, dining, meetings, sports etc.

The churches will open Sept. 13th after Labour Day with limited seeting. Only the Catholic churches are presently open.

Hospitals and nursinghomes are still closed to visitors but surgeries have started.

In many places facemasks are required as well as 2meter (6’) distancing and many buinesses have reduced hours of operation.

Since we are unable to meet and separated by a closed border between Michigan and Ontario many of us are trying to keep in touch by e-mail and phone and some on Facebook.

People here in Ontario have been meeting friends and family outside keeping the 2m

distance and it has worked out ok if you stay in the shade.

We have had a very warm summer with temperatures in the 30’s C ( 86F ) and high humidity making it feel a lot warmer. It has been hard for people without airconditioning.

Schools traditionally start after Labour Day, but it will be different this year , not all students will be able to have in class teaching, some will have to continue with on line learning.

The various schools, colleges and universities are trying to work out how this will work.

Life may never go back to the way it was before Covid 19 and we will likely have restrictions well into 2021.

We don’t expect to see each other again this year, so we will have to continue sharing by phone and e-mail and calling each other.

We hope all of you and your families are managing and staying safe.

Sincerely Gitte Monteith, Correspondent Lodge #184 5

Danish Sisterhood News, September 2020

Historian’s Corner

Some Trivia for You!

by Donna Christensen Thomas, National DSS Historian Recently I was challenged by the trivia question: What does “Häagen-Dazs” mean? Do you know?

Well, it turns out to mean nothing. The brand name was invented by residents of the Bronx Reuben and Rose Matthus when they founded the ice creaj company in 1959, and was designed to simply sound different. According to Reuben, “the number one thing was to get a foreign sounding name. However, even though Häagen-Dazs doesn’t nean anything in and of itself, it was very much meant to elicit a specific place: the nation of Denmark. The Mattuses were both Jews of Polish descent, and Reuben admired Denmark as it was, “The only country which saved the Jews during World War II.”

Häagen-Dazs was desigend as a premium ice cream with a price point higher than its competitors and prides itself on being manufactured with more butterfat and less pumped up air, called “overrun” in the ice cream industry.

Note also that even though the Mattuses intended Häagen-Dazs to sound Danish, the Danish alphabet doesn’t include the letter “ä” (which is part of the Swedish alphabet). But it didnt’ matter as the primary objective was that

the unusual name would get people’s attention.

I would encourage you to educate yourself (like I am) more on this important time in Danish as well as world history during World War II. There are a number of resources that would improve your knowledge in this area. A great place to start is a book named Boats in the Night: Knud Dyby’s Storyof Resistance and Rescue by Martha Leoffler. Delvin D Hutton , Professaor Emeritus of Greek and Religion, Dana Colleg wrote:

“Dyby was a former printer, Royal Guardsman, policeman nad member of the Danish resistance to the German occupation of Denmark.

This is a dramatic story of the rescue of more than 90% of Denmark’s Jews. Using the connections with fishing boat skippers, Dyby arranged for the secretive transport of Jews across the sound to safety in Sweden. This book is a testimony to a people’s resistance to tyranny and their courage to care for each other. “

This is a book you will not be able to put down! You can order it through the Museum of Danish America gift shop. You can enjoy a bowl of Häagen-Dazs after you finish!

LODGE SECRETARY CORRECTIONS Karen Colby, Lodge #179, karencolby@shaw.ca • Eloise Newton, Lodge #36, enewton2@gmail.com

Membership Expansion Welcome New Members!

LODGE

NEW MEMBER

SPONSOR

300

Joyce Ottesen White

Linda Brooks

In Memoriam NAME Patricia Copenhaver Anne McNeely

Cert # Lodge # Location 23263 129 Erie, PA 23773 75 Enumclaw, Wa

Danish Sisterhood News, September 2020

Birth Date Birth Place 11.16.40 Clarion, PA 9.5.42 Rome, NY 6

Initiated Died Benefit 8.9.74 7.6.20 1,000.

11.10.79 5.25.20 125.

Lodge #15 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin Meets Again Virtually What a time in our lives. How much we miss seeing and visiting with our Danish Sisters—and in our lodge, Mr. Sisters. Our last live meeting was in February where our speaker, Michael Koehler, talked to us about the Danish artwork at the Danes Hall in Waupaca Wisconsin.

Our next meeting was not until July when we had our first Zoom meeting where many of our members joined us for a few hours catching up and just enjoying each other’s company. In August we had our second “ZOOM”. Our program chairman, Marcia Jante, worked with our Past President Marcia Blackman to plan one of our favorite meetings—a show and tell. This works great on zoom.

Each member was asked to show a favorite Danish memento and talk briefly about why it is important to them. As usual we began with a half hour catch-up. We learned about new puppies and beginning a first year in college during a pandemic, walks through a nature center enjoying the wildflowers that have put on quite a display this year, bike rides and birthday parties with a granddaughter in Germany who turned 4, board meetings to plan the return to classrooms, sewing 30 scrub caps and 200 masks, a 20 minute live visit with a 100-year old mother who had been locked down for months, socially distant visits with children and grandchildren some held in a local park, and cancelled vacations.

At our annual family picnic we usually have a silent auction and raffle. Money we raise from these events is donated yearly to organizations with a Danish connection. This year we had a virtual raffle and silent auction organized by Marcia Jante and Susan Jensen. The raffle, which earned $160.00, was for a Danish figurine of a little boy whittling and was won by our President, Susan Jensen. Five items in the silent auction brought in $210.00. For the last two years we have made $1000.00 each year to donate. We are again on our way.

Going first in show and tell was Marcia Blackman who showed a paper cut with H. C. Andersen and the Princess and the Pea. She

bought it while she was going to school in Denmark years ago and as a surprise her father, Mark Blackman, (one of our Mr. Sisters) matted and framed it for her for her birthday.

Kirsten Weiss had two items to show, one an original Lego block (not the plastic kind we all know and love when we aren’t accidentally stepping on them in bare feet) but a wooden block with a letter or number on each side. They came with Kirsten when her family first immigrated to Canada and then the United States. Her second item was a little cardboard library that when opened revealed a set of little books of the fairy tales of H.C. Andersen in Danish—also from her childhood. The books were original. The cardboard library was a recent find and replaced the one lost to the play of younger siblings.

Going next was Elsie Jante who showed us a charming Danish porcelain figurine name Elsa. She bought it in 1983 on a trip to Denmark. She said although she fell in love with it she passed it up. But after lunch went back and bought it.

Her daughter commented the beer for lunch probably opened up the purse strings, but how happy Elsie is to have it in her curio cabinet.

Ann-Marie Bergman, our long-time Lodge secretary, recently moved into a new home and is still unpacking. She found a little mug saying “Made in America from Danish Parts” and 7

Danish Sisterhood News, September 2020

a red box that once held a Danish Christmas plate—hopefully to be found when she finishes unpacking. But her real treasure was the tea pot from a Danish tea set given to her by her motherin-law. It is the Christmas rose pattern.

Margy Stubley said she did not have any Danish family mementos. Her heritage is from her father’s side of the family and no Danish items, if they existed, were passed on. We probably all have some Danish relatives who wanted to be Americans and left Denmark behind. But Margy has made her own memento.

While on a trip to Denmark she bought a lovely piece of amber on a necklace. She had seen so many members of our lodge wear their amber, she knew that is what she wanted as her souvenir from her trip. The piece even has an insect locked in pine sap sometime between 2 ad 10 million years ago which became this lovely piece of amber.

Marcia Jante showed us a drawing of the Danish fisherwoman made from a picture taken of the statue found along the water in Nyhavn in Copenhagen. We had all seen it hanging in her kitchen, but we got to learn the story behind the drawing. Marcia and Lou and her mother Elsie and her dad Glenn were on a summer trip to Denmark in the early 1990’s. They had won two weeks in a Danish summer house by being the highest bidder at the Pacific Northwest District Convention. Her goddaughter who was studying in Spain was able to join them for five days. They showed her Copenhagen, including the famous statue. For Christmas that year she gave Marcia the drawing made by her— a very special gift and a great memory.

Danish Sisterhood News, September 2020

Debbie Henke brought the neckless she bought during her two-day stop in Copenhagen on her way back from Africa where she and her parents had gone to visit her sister who was a missionary there. Unfortunately it was the weekend and many shops were closed on Sunday, but she did get one day of shopping in and bought this pewter necklace.

Originally she thought it was a stylized head of a dog but while looking on Facebook found the piece identified as a viking in his helmet. She had to hunt for the piece which she had not worn for several years and now she wears it often.

Jane and Mark Blackman each brought a piece of Danish porcelain. Jane said she has a lot of favorite mementos but many are related to Christmas and packed away right now, but she had won the figurine of this little boy carrying a bucket at one of our Sisterhood family picnics. She likes him especially because he is looking up in optimism. Something we all need at this time. Mark told us his favorite item from Denmark is his wife, Jane, but he also has a piece of porcelain. It is a Royal Copenhagen rabbit, given to him as a gift in 1964 when he was in the hospital. Since it is Jane with the Danish background he does not know why he got this little rabbit.

Susan Jensen showed us another lovely piece of Royal Copenhagen. It is an airedale dog.

At one time in her life she was showing airedales and when her mother 8

was on a visit to Denmark she went to the factory store and bought the dog—one of the first made. Susan has many items related to airedales, but treasures this piece because it is part of her Danish connection which is through her father who sadly died early in Susan’s life.

Annette Lind showed a piece of her mother’s Bing and Grondahl dinner set. It is in the cornflower pattern. The set was purchased on Annette’s first trip to Denmark with her father and mother in 1960. There she met her family for the first time—aunts, uncles, cousins, great aunts and great uncles. In the United States she only had three relatives. The set was passed on to Annette by her mother who cherished it but used it often as does Annette. She also had the

letter written to her mother by the salesperson who helped her pick out the pieces and the sales receipt and bill of lading from when they went to pick up the box of dishes on Jones Island in Milwaukee. It was a long journey but not a piece was broken.

It was a great meeting. It is really quite wonderful that during a pandemic there is something like Zoom available which really does give the sense of being with our Sisters and Mr. Sisters and keeps us connected. It may not be the same, but it definitely more than good enough.

We will have another Zoom gathering in September—looking forward to seeing more Sisters and Mr. Sisters.

Game Time: Famous Danish People

Kaare Klint Piet Hein Ole Roemer

P.S. Kroyer C.W. Eckersberg George Jensen

A) A master painter who spear-headed the movement in paintings of toilers, peasants and fisherman of Skagen. His work reflected the moods of the people and the sea.

B) The “Father of Danish Painting. He pioneered a trend that influenced painters for many generations. He was a professor at the Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen and is known for his attention to detail. He is known to use cool, light colors in seasonal landscapes and seascapes.

C) A great sculptor and silversmith. He created an individual style in silverware which reflected the international style of “Art Nouveau” which strove for originality and utilized flowing curvilinear patterns.

D) An architect who was leader of the “renaissance” movement in furniture design. He led the way toward the development of a clean-lined style and founded a school for designers at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts.

E) A famous mathematician, engineer, and poet. His invention of “grooks” or short poems with cartoon drawings helped keep up public morale during World War II. F) Astronomer, physicist, and engineer. He is the first person to measure the speed of light and inventor of the thermometer.

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Danish Sisterhood News, September 2020

Denmark

WHERE IN THE WORLD ARE YOU FROM? Hi Sisters, Let’s play a fun game! Where in Denmark are YOU from?

I thought it would be fun for sisters to share what cities or towns they or their ancestors came from in Denmark. Send in your responses via email to editor@ danishsisterhood.com and once we have a bunch, I’ll put pinpoints on a map of Denmark! Who knows, maybe there will be another Sister whose ancestor was neighbors with your ancestor!

This could also be a fun virtual lodge activity! Use this as a meeting “ice-breaker” and have your secretary or a member email all of the answers to me!

Looking forward to receiving all of the responses!

-Lauren, DSN Editor

Sisterhood News from Lodge #102, Des Moines, Iowa Our meetings were canceled in April, May, and July due to the Covid 19 virus. A small group of 7 using social distancing met in Carol Rudisill’s backyard in July. At this time it was decided to cancel our fall Sisterhood/Brotherhood district convention. Our sisters will be hosting this next fall. We voted to send $500 plus $15 monthly to the Sisterhood archives at the Museum of Danish America. Our May brunch was canceled but we made plans for next year. On a happy note, one of our members gave birth to a baby boy. We have a lot of little ones that join us at our activities. It is so much fun watching them grow up!

Our long time member, Edith Paulsen passed away in April. She was a very active member attending meetings, holding office, attending district and national conventions.

She was 99 years old who came to America in 1954. Per her wishes, no services were held as she desired to be cremated and ashes returned

Danish Sisterhood News, September 2020

to Denmark. We sent $50 in her memory to the Museum of Danish America. At our next available meeting we will drape our charter in honor of Edith and her daughter-in-law Jane Paulsen.

As if the Covid 19 virus was not enough, we had a devastating storm hit Iowa August 10th. It is called a derecho, a very strong hurricane wind. Almost everyone was affected in some way with uprooted trees, ruined crops, damaged property, and loss of electricity. People from other states are here to help with cleanup and shelter. Over one week later people are still without electricity.

We still keep in touch with our Sisters via technology and cards. There were many good ideas for doing this in our last Sisterhood News.

We hope all of you are well and staying safe.

Carol Christiansen

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Bornholm Occupations

by Annette Lind

This year when Danes lit candles and placed them in their windows on May 4 in memory of the surrender of the Nazi regime and their long occupation, not all of Denmark was included in that 1945 celebration of freedom. The Danish Island of Bornholm was not liberated until May 9, and then it was under the rule of the Soviets.

The Germans occupying the island were directed by the Nazi leaders to surrender only to the ‘Western Alliance.’ No soldiers from this alliance were on the island. The German Commander Gerhard von Kamptz tried in vain to get even one alliance soldier to come to the island so he could surrender. None came, but Russian bombers did. After two days of destructive bombing (May 7 and 8, 1945) Russian troops came ashore.

Despite the devastating bombing only 10 Danes were killed. The Russians had dropped leaflets forewarning the population of the attacks. More than 800 homes were destroyed and over 3,000 more were damaged between May 7th and 8th. The cities of Rønne and Nexø, the two largest cities on the island lay in ruins. The Danes celebrating their freedom were not told about what was happening in Bornholm. The government did not want to spoil the celebration.

On May 9, 1945 when Russians came ashore a short battle ensued before the German garrison surrendered. Bornholm was in Soviet hands. A recently published article on the internet written

by Caroline Kennedy-Pipe, Head of Politics and International Studies at Loughborough University in the United Kingdom discusses the Soviet occupation and ultimate return of Bornholm to the Danes.

There were approximately 16,000 to 20,000 German soldiers and SS troops on Bornholm at the time of the German surrender. At the Yalta Conference in 1945 an agreement had been made that the division of Europe after the war would basically extend along the Elbe River. Bornholm was well east of this line. The Soviets believed that Bornholm was in their sphere and, even though the Western Alliance wanted Bornholm to be considered a part of Denmark and therefore should have been surrendered on May 4, the Russians insisted the German troops on the island had to surrender to them.

Bornholm held a very strategic position for Germany as a means of escape for Germans in the sights of the Red Army. The Russians saw it as a

strategic position as well. Germans were holding Soviet prisoners of war on Bornholm and the island also held emplacements for guns with a range of around 26 miles which would effectively close off the strait south of the island. It is thought Russians would also be interested in liberating mainland Denmark and putting part of Scandinavia into the Russian influence zone. Fortunately the British reached the city of Lübeck, Germany which cut off the Russian path and then the German’s surrendered. Neither the Western nor Eastern Alliance had to fight for Denmark’s liberation.

In addition to the two days of Soviet bombing, 7,000 Soviet troops were sent to the island, and Bornholm was liberated from Nazi rule. Bornholm was put under the leadership of Major General Fedor Fredorovich Korotkov. Disposition of Bornholm, now held by the Soviets, was a matter of much negotiation and concern. They remained in control of the island for 11 months and then they left. This unusual action

by Stalin has been much discussed. Why would he give up this strategic location?

Kennedy-Pipe writes in her online article found at www.historytoday.com published on March 5, 2020, “Ultimately, a pragmatic line was pursued on Bornholm which centered around a division of interests. Stalin eventually accepted the North Atlantic, including Greenland and Iceland, as constituting an Anglo-American dominion. In return, the countries of the Baltic were to be kept in the Soviet sphere. Finland was to occupy a ‘special’ place’ and Denmark was ceded to the West.

Bornholm was ultimately ‘traded’ for promises that foreign military bases would not be permitted on its soil. To that end, Soviet forces peacefully withdrew.”

So today Bornholm is still a part of Denmark.

It lies closer to Sweden, Germany and Poland, but despite its position, it is Denmark to whom this lovely island belongs.

Photo credit: VisitDenmark.dk © Mette Johnsen 11

Danish Sisterhood News, September 2020

FAMOUS DANES, DANISH-AMERICANS, AND DANISH RELATIVES Christine Hemmingsen Immigrant, Mother, Founder

Dear Sisters, I would like to introduce myself. My name is Anna Nielsen and I am a member of Katherine Lodge 20 in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Over the last few years, I have noticed that content is light in some of our newsletter issues. This realization started me thinking about how we can honor and recognize some of those Danes that have went before us. My cousin once said “A person dies twice. Once when they physically die, and again when their name is no longer spoken.” This was something that resonated with me.

A few months ago, I proposed an idea to our National Board and to Lauren, our newsletter editor, to start a column or article in the Danish Sisterhood News about famous Danes, Danish Americans, or even our Danish relatives who have an interesting story to be told. We decided that this would be a great way to share our heritage as members and to keep our ancestors alive in spirit. I felt this would be a perfect thing to add into our national newsletter on months when content was light.

You will see the occasional article from me, but I would like to invite and empower you to tell your family story. It doesn’t have to be long; it doesn’t even have to be an article.

You could submit pictures with captions or even “fun facts” about a famous Dane you know or knew. You can email anything for an article to Lauren Nielsen at editor@danishsisterhood.com or you can email me at annamnielsen88@gmail.com if you have ideas and aren’t sure if you want to submit them and just want to brainstorm or chat. I can’t wait to see where this adventure take us as we explore our history.

Signing off for now,

Christine Hemmingsen is most well known as the founder of the Danish Sisterhood Society, better known today as Danish Sisterhood of America. She was born on January 30, 1840 in Orup, Denmark and was united in marriage on November 5, 1861 to Niels Hemmingsen in Roholte, Denmark. Niels and Christine had 8 children, 4 born in Denmark and 4 born once they immigrated to America. Two were stillborn, and a third died in infancy.

In August of 1873, Christine along with Niels and their three eldest children made the journey to America arriving in New York on August 19th. Following their arrival, they traveled to Michigan and settled in Negaunee on August 29th, 1873. Once they settled in Michigan Niels and Christine had 4 more children, two of which were stillborn.

In 1883 a close friend passed away leaving her husband and children with the burden of paying for a funeral for their mother.

This death was hard on Christine and drove her to think of ways to help fellow Danish immigrant families during such difficult times.

Basing her thoughts off the ways of the Danish Brotherhood, she strived to start a “death benefit” society for Danish women in the community. The brotherhood had developed such an organization to help defer the cost if a member fell ill or passed away.

On Saturday December 1, 1883 the Danish Sisterhood Society held their first official meeting at the home of Niels and Christine Hemmingsen. Less than a year later Christine passed away while giving birth to a stillborn son on August 24, 1884. She was 44 years old. Her family was the first to receive a death benefit from the Danish Sisterhood Society.

Anna Nielsen

Danish Sisterhood News, September 2020

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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, September 2020

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

Sisterhood Heart Makeup Compact With magnifying and regular mirrors. $5.00 Coral Pendant with Silver Filigree Red and silver necklace pendant $45.00

Red ball point pen with Sisterhood website address $5.00

DSS Fleece Jacket Available Red and Black $37.50

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, September 2020

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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, Language 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 #

Name

166 168 126 188 75 22 15 12 177 125 171 102 149 187 177 81 81 165 90

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

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:

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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 November 2020 issue........Submit by October 1 December 2020 issue......Submit by October 15 January 2021 issue.........Submit by December 1 February 2021 issue..Submit by January 1, 2021 March 2021 issue..............Submit by February 1 April 2021 issue.....................Submit by March 1 May 2021 issue........................Submit by April 1 June 2021 issue........................Submit by May 1 15

Danish Sisterhood News, September 2020

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