MAY-JUNE 2008 · Vice Grand Master Vasa Syskon, Dear Friends, Once again it is an honor for me to...

Official publication of

THE VASA ORDER OF AMERICA

A Swedish-American Fraternal Organization

Organized September 18, 1896

MAY-JUNE 2008

Messagefrom the

Vice Grand Master

Vasa Syskon, Dear Friends,Once again it is an honor for me to greet all of you in

this special edition of the Vasa Star. This is the issue thatincludes the Scholarship Awardees for 2008. These arethe scholarships for our young members who are current-ly attending College or Vocational School or enrolling thisfall. This issue also brings to you the names of the up andcoming Vasa members who were awarded SjölundenLanguage Village Scholarships.

Congratulations to all of them!I also want to commend all of our young students who

applied. If only the Vasa Order of America could award ascholarship to all of our students and be able to sendevery Vasa child and grandchild who applied to theLanguage Village. Supporting our youth with scholarshipsis the most important thing we can do to keep our heritagealive for each generation to come.

This is the second year of my four years chairing theScholarship Committee. It is an honor to hold this posi-tion as it gives me the unique opportunity to “get toknow” the youth in our organization. I feel fortunate togain insight into how they feel about Vasa, theirScandinavian heritage and their ideas for the future. It isamazing to read how active and energetic our youngmembers are. Much of the information in their essays hasbeen forwarded to the appointed Grand Lodge YouthDirector for the U.S. and Canada, Lynda Smith, to studyfor future use in designing programs/projects that wouldmore closely resemble what the youth of today need andwant.

This year the Grand Lodge awarded thirteen collegiateand vocational scholarships and six Sjölunden LanguageScholarships. Many of you gave generously to the lastVasa stamp project that was earmarked to help support thecreation of the Swedish camp at Sjölunden in Bemidji,Minnesota. As many of you know the Swedish camp hasbeen using the Finnish village on the property. The newSwedish village will help those who attend identify withand immerse into the Swedish way of life as well as givegreater scheduling flexibility. Your generous donationshelp make scholarship awards possible. Please rememberour youth who are our future. Keep your donations com-ing since there is no better cause. Tack så mycket!

The pictures and information about recipients, includ-ing their school and Vasa activities, can be found in thisissue. Fifty-four applications were received from whichthe thirteen winners were chosen. Three judges, not affili-ated with Vasa, faithfully served to judge the essays sub-mitted. I thank them for their time and expertise. Elevenapplications for the six Sjölunden Language VillageScholarships were received. Their names and local lodgeconnections are also in this issue.

In addition to notifying the recipients (also those whodid not receive a scholarship) a cover letter with a certifi-cate is sent to their District’s Grand Lodge Deputy whoattempts to present the scholarship award at an officialVasa function. The Grand Secretary, upon confirmation ofthe recipient’s collegiate choice, prepares a voucher tohave a check written to that institution. Similarly, theLanguage Village is notified of the recipients and fundsare sent directly to Concordia College. The VillageCoordinator then deals directly with those who willattend.

The announcement of the annual Vasa Scholarship pro-gram appears in the Sept./Oct. issue of the Vasa Star aswell as on the Grand Lodge website, www.vasaorder.comunder ‘benefits’ on October 1 each year.

Parents and grandparents, please encourage your chil-dren or grandchildren to join Vasa so they can be eligiblefor this wonderful membership benefit. Vasa members,please remember our Youth. Our goal must be to provideavenues for our young people to learn and experiencetheir heritage and culture. The Scholarship Program is themost important benefit the Grand Lodge has available forits members.

Sheila and I have had the opportunity to travel to manyof your Districts and even meet some of the scholarshipwinners. We have made many friends through Vasa andare grateful for your support, generosity and suggestionsyou give that help the Grand Lodge more clearly under-stand your needs and concerns. We look forward to seeingand meeting many more of you in the coming years.

In Truth and Unity,William L. Lundquist, VGM

Rolf Bergman

Deadlines for The Vasa Star:Jan./Feb. is Dec. 1st July/Aug. is June 1stMarch/April is Feb. 1st Sept./Oct. is Aug. 1stMay/June is April 1st Nov./Dec. is Oct. 1st

Deadline for Christmas ads: October 15th

Deadline for Lucia articles is Dec. 24 – picture and article, 200 words or less.

CORRECTION NOTICETRIBUTE TO A BUILDER

Instead of:To create – be it spine of Dome: it should read: To create – be it spire or dome.

Poem published in the Mar/Apr 2008 VS, written by: Alice Jean Smistad

Vasa Star May-June 2008

THE VASA STAR MAY-JUNE 2008

Letter from the Editor

Brev från Redaktören

THE VASA STAR (USPS 657-020)May-June 2008

Vol. 101, No. 3, Serial 847

HEADQUARTERS:c/o Joan GrahamGrand Secretary5838 San Jose AvenueRichmond, CA 94804Phone: 510-526-5512E-mail: [email protected]

Grand Master:Rolf S. Bergman3236 Berkeley AvenueCleveland Heights, OH 44118Phone: 216-371-5141Fax: 216-274-9664E-mail: [email protected]

Editor:Marie Carlson9560 Curberry DriveMentor, OH 44060Phone: 440-255-4665E-mail: [email protected]

Circulation Manager:(Address Changes)

Cathy Anderson13194 N. Woosnam WayOro Valley, AZ 85755Phone: 520-219-9433E-mail:[email protected]

Membership Chairman:Tore Kellgren5971 W. Walbrook DriveSan Jose, CA 95129Phone: 408-996-1970E-mail: [email protected]

Send bottom section of white copy ofapplication for new members to him.

Orders for advertising should be sent to:THE VASA STARMarie Carlson9560 Curberry DriveMentor, OH 44060Phone: 440-255-4665E-mail: [email protected]

THE VASA STAR (ISSN 0746-0627) ispublished bi-monthly by the VasaOrder of America. Periodicals postagepaid at Richmond, CA, and additionalentries.POSTMASTER: Send address changesto The Vasa Star, P.O. Box 69997, OroValley, AZ 85737-0025.

Published by:Vasa Order of America

vasaorder.com

Advertising Prices:Full Page Black and White $500.00Half Page Black and White $275.00Quarter Page Black and White $150.00 One Column Inch $ 30.00

Half Page Color $500.00Full Page Color $800.00Available only for inside front cover, insideback cover or back cover.

10% discount for Vasa Lodges and Members

When you think about something made in Sweden one of the firstthings to enter your mind is the Dala Horse, this little red, woodenhorse that has become the symbol of Sweden. I know, we still haveIKEA and H&M, but I do think for most people it’s still the DalaHorse. You might wonder what made it so famous. Find out all about itunder Culture.

In my previous Editorial I wrote about special celebrations. We inNobel Monitor Lodge #130 – my lodge – recently celebrated our 100thanniversary and it was a wonderful celebration with many participants.Such an event takes a lot of time to plan and organize, and everyoneinvolved did a terrific job. It is hard to image our oldest Vasa Memberwas born before our Lodge was formed but so it is. Find out more about this person underArchives News.

In my family we will soon celebrate our daughter’s graduation from High School. Whenone compares such a young person with our oldest Vasa member, you wonder how differenttheir vision of the future was/is, early 1900s vs early 2000s. What will happen in the next 100years?

Marie

Cover:Midsummer Celebration

Vasa Lodge #248 Midsummer celebration. Face painting was a favorite of the young-sters as was the making and wearing of flowered head wreaths.

Vasa Lodge #248 Midsommarfirande. Ansiktsmålning tillhörde favoriterna bland deyngre barnen likaså att göra blomsterkrans att sätta i håret.

Submitted by: Dean Larsen

När du tänker på något som är gjort i Sverige är en av de första sakerna som kommer iåtanke, den svenska Dalahästen, denna lilla röda häst har blivit en symbol för Sverige. Jag vetatt vi har IKEA och H&M, men jag tror för de flesta av oss, är det fortfarande Dalahästen. Duundrar kanske hur den blev så känd, de kan du få reda på under Culture.

I mitt förra Brev Från Redaktören skrev jag om något speciellt firande. Vi i Nobel MonitorLoge Nr 130 – min loge – firade nyss 100-års jubileum och det blev ett mycket fint firandemed många deltagare. Att planera och organisera ett sådant evenemang tar mycket tid och allasom var med och arrangerade gjorde ett fantastisk jobb. Det är svårt att tänka sig att vår äldstaVasa medlem var född innan vår loge installerades, du kan lära dig mer om denna personunder Archives News.

I min familj kommer vi snart att fira vår dotters gymnasie examen. Jämför man hur det varatt vara ung idag med vår äldsta Vasa medlem, undrar man hur olika deras vision var/är införframtiden, tidigt 1900-tal mot tidiga 2000-talet. Vad kommer att hända inom de nästa 100åren?

Marie


ARCHIVES NEWS

PAGE 6

PAGE 20

Who is the oldest living member of Vasa?Goodness knows that we have some great longevity within the

Vasa Order membership, thanks to those hearty Nordic genes, butthere is one member who may hold the special distinction of beingthe oldest living member: Elsa Carlson of Rhode Island, who lastAugust celebrated her 104th birthday and a few years ago receivedher 80-year pin at Norden Lodge #1 in Hartford, CN. I firstlearned of her last summer when her 83-year-old eldest son,Arnold Carlson, and his traveling companion, Bill Hultgren, visit-ed the Archives to inform us that they believed Mrs. Carlson wasthe oldest.

I want to use this issue’s column to tell a little bit about Elsa Carlson and at the sametime ask the membership whether there is a member known to be older. The membershipdatabase at the Archives, though sometimes containing both birth and death information,does not consistently contain both for each member, so it was doubtful that we couldcome up with an accurate assessment.

Elsa Carlson was born Elsa Maria Kristina Johansson in Dalstorp, Sweden(Västergötland) August 17, 1903. She emigrated to America October 17, 1922 and soonmarried Gustav Carlson, who had begun courting her in Sweden and respected her fami-ly’s wishes to wait until after she was eighteen to marry and take her far from home. Theyboth became active in the Vasa Order as members of Norden #1.

The powerful forces of love for her future husband had given Mrs. Carlson the courageto travel to America in the first place, but they were married only six years before GustavCarlson died of polio in 1927. As a widow with two young sons, she traveled back toDalstorp that same year to gather her family around her. After their return to Hartford shestarted anew, always maintaining contacts in Sweden. She recalls that Hartford had alarge Swedish population at that time. She turned her home into a boarding house to makeends meet, and also did the boarders’ laundry. A couple of years later, she married a wid-ower, Conrad Carlson, whom she knew through Vasa and who had been very active andan officer in Norden #1. He worked in the tool and die industry.

Elsa and her family remained in the Hartford area where they enjoyed a full a life offamily, friends, church, and Vasa. She says that family has always been the highest priori-ty in her life and she put great care into “the art of making a house a home.” Elsa andConrad Carlson enjoyed 54 years of marriage before he died at the age of 97.

Bill Hultgren (member Nordic #661 in Worcester, MA) and Arnold Carlson sharedthat Mrs. Carlson also actively fostered an interest in Swedish culture among familymembers. Two of her sons have received 50-year pins in Vasa. Her grandchildren andgreat grandchildren have shown great interest, eager to wear folk dress at holiday timeand display their dala horses. Two of her grandchildren have taken the opportunity tostudy in Sweden. Ties with relatives remain very strong. Mrs. Carlson has traveled backto Sweden 21 times, and on the occasion of her 100th birthday six relatives from Swedencame to attend. She still speaks with her 85 year-old sister in Dalstorp by telephone on aweekly basis.

She currently resides in a care facility in Wickford, Rhode Island, where she moved acouple of years ago to be near her sons Paul and Gordon Carlson. Her hobbies includecribbage, bridge, and staying up on world news. She attributes her long life to good foodand staying active. This coming August 2008, she will celebrate her 105th birthday.

What does the Vasa membership say? Is there a member who is known to be olderthan Elsa Carlson? Send any information you have to the Archives.

Great thanks go to Bill Hultgren and Arnold Carlson for bringing this story to ourattention. Also, credit is due staff writer Barbara Polichetti of the Providence Journal whopublished the article “She Shares Longevity Tips” in August 2007, where I was able tolearn some of the details about Elsa Carlson’s life.Summering på svenska.

Vi på Arkivet fick lära oss i fjol att det var en 104-årig medlem i Vasa Ordern. Honheter Elsa Carlson och bor i Wickford, Rhode Island, fast hon och familjen tillbringadeför det mesta hela livet i Hartford, Connecticut där Mrs. Carlson är medlem vid Norden#1. Elsa Carlson, född Johansson, i Dalstorp, Sverige växte upp i Västergötland ochutvandrade till Amerika 1922. Hon har varit med i Vasa Ordern i över 80 år. Nu på den17:e augusti 2008 fyller hon 105 år. Hennes familj och Norden Loge #1 skulle vilja vetaom det var någon medlem nu i livet som var äldre. Var snäll och meddela Arkivet iBishop Hill med väsentlig information: [email protected]

Submitted by: Lars Jenner

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Archives News............................................................4Swedish Language Lessons ........................................5GL NewsÅSA 2008, B Osher (Swedish American of the

Year/Årets Svensk Amerikan) ...............................6Vasa Scholarship Recipients.......................................7Sjölunden Winners....................................................10Grand Lodge Vasa Activities Club...........................10Vasa March...............................................................11DL NewsDL Connecticut #1....................................................11DL Pacific Southwest #15 ........................................11Lodge NewsFreja Lodge #100......................................................12North Star Lodge #106 .............................................12Fylgia Lodge #119....................................................13Thule Lodge #127.....................................................13Nobel Monitor Lodge #130 ......................................13Tegnér Lodge #149...................................................14Harmoni Lodge #472................................................15Lindbergh Lodge #494 .............................................15Phoenix Lodge #677.................................................15Bishop Hill Lodge #683 ...........................................16Tucson Lodge #691 ..................................................16Vinland of Cape Cod Lodge #703 ............................16Carl Larsson Lodge #739..........................................16Dalahäst Lodge #742 ................................................17Nordic Red Rocks Lodge #760.................................17Swedish NewsLogen Höganäs Nr 634.............................................18Svenska Amerikanska Arrangemang 2008...............18Please MeetLeroy Anderson ........................................................19CultureDalahästen (SWE and ENG) ....................................20Humble Beginnings ..................................................21A Young Boy’s Journey ...........................................22HappeningsPreparing for the Home Coming Event ....................23The Swedish Chamber Orchestra visits Cleveland,

Ohio ......................................................................23Scandinavian Studies Association ............................25Visit Stockholm ........................................................266th June - From Flag Day to National Day...............26Welcome To New Members ...................................27In Memory OfAnna Lisa Erickson...................................................28Gullan Kristensson....................................................28In Memoriam ..........................................................29Biography - Tore Tellberg.......................................30

How is your studying coming along? Have you planned aPRATSTUND in your lodge or when you meet socially withyour Vasa members? We do know that many lodge membersmeet once a month for lunch at some local area restaurants.How about practicing your Swedish while you wait for every-one to show up? Those arriving late will then have missed outon the opportunity to speak the language of their forefathers.Bet they will show up early next time!!!

NYA ORD/NEW WORDS

att åka, åker, åkte, åkt to travel, to gofjäll, -en, --- mountainhade inte had notplaner planstvungna forced toatt berätta, berättar, berättade, berättat to tellatt uppleva, upplever, upplevde, upplevt to experienceatt bo, bor, bodde, bott to live instuga, -n, stugor cottagetvå twosovrum, -met, --- bedroomvardagsrum, -met, --- living roombastu saunakök, -et, --- kitchentillräckligt enoughmat foodatt räcka, räcker, räckte, räckt be enoughhela wholevecka, -n, veckor weekkylväska, -n, kylväskor coolerkött meatkyckling chickenfisk fishstor largekartong, -en, -er box cartonkonservburk, -en, -ar cangrönsak, -en, -er vegetablesfrukt, -en, -er fruitmjök milkägg eggatt köpa, köper, köpte, köpt to buyspeceriaffär grocery storeby, -n, byar villageskidbacke, -en, skidbackar ski hillganska nära quite nearförsta firstförskräckta frightenedaldrig neverstor large

backe, -n, backar hillandra sidan other sideskidloge, -n, -er ski lodgeatt vänta, väntar, väntade, väntat to waitstavar (ski) polesgav sig iväg (idiom) took off

SVENSKA/SWEDISH

Lars Olof och Karin åkte med familjens grannar till fjällen.De hade påsklov och hade inte några planer. Både Erik ochIngrid var tvungna att arbeta och kunde inte få ledigt från sinaarbeten.

När barnen kom hem igen hade de så mycket att berätta omallt de fått se och uppleva i fjällen. De bodde i grannens lillastuga som hade två sovrum, ett vardagsrum, ett badrum medbastu och ett kök. Grannarna hade tagit med sig tillräckligt medmat som de hoppades skulle räcka hela veckan.

De hade en kylväska fylld med kött, kyckling och fisk. Enstor kartong fylld med många konservburkar med grönsakeroch frukt. Mjölk och ägg köpte de i en liten speceriaffär i byn.

Skidbacken låg ganska nära. När de kom dit första dagenblev tvillingarna mycket förskräckta. De hade aldrig sett en såstor backe. Sven talade om för dem att det fanns en liten backepå andra sidan skidlogen.

Barnen blev glada och kunde inte vänta så de tog sina skidoroch stavar och gav sig iväg till backen.

ENGELSKA/ENGLISH

Lars Olof and Karin traveled to the mountains with the fam-ily’s neighbors. They had their Easter holiday and had noplans. Both Erik and Ingrid had to work and could not take off.

When the children came home again they had so much totell about everything they got to see and experience in themountains. They lived in the neighbor’s small cottage whichhad two bedrooms, one living room, one bathroom with asauna and one kitchen. The neighbors had brough alongenough food they were hoping would be enough for the wholeweek.

They had a cooler filled with meat, chicken and fish. A largebox filled with cans of vegetables and fruit. They bought milkand eggs in a small grocery store in the village.

The ski hill was quite near. When they arrived there the firstday the twins became very frightened. They had never seensuch a big hill. Sven told them that there was a small hill on theother side of the ski lodge.

The children were happy and could not wait so they tooktheir skis and poles and took off to the hill.


Swedish Language Lessonsby Lillemor and Richard Horngren

LEARNING SWEDISH – LESSON 12


GRAND LODGE NEWS

Barbro Osher , born 1940 inStockholm, a graduate of StockholmUniversity with a degree in languagesand political science. After working inpublishing, and as a copywriter inSweden she moved to the United Statesin the 1980s. She has done, and is stilldoing, valuable efforts for Sweden andthe US from different point of views.

From 1995 to 1998 she served as theConsul General of Sweden in LosAngeles. Now she serves in the samecapacity in San Francisco. Together withher husband Bernard Osher, she doesphilanthropic works of great importancethrough their funds dedicated to mainlyeducation, medicine and culture.

Barbro Osher is chairman of theBernard Osher Foundation and presidentof the Barbro Osher Pro SueciaFoundation. The Pro Suecia Foundationsupports Swedish-related cultural andeducational projects in North Americaand Sweden. Among the Foundation’sgrantees are several American universi-ties, including the University ofCalifornia at Berkeley, GustavusAdolphus University, and the Universityof Texas at Austin, whose programsadvance understanding of Swedish cul-ture and tradition both in Sweden and inAmerica.

Over the years, she has representedthe Royal Swedish Academy ofEngineering Sciences and the SwedishTourist Board.

Barbro Osher is also the founder ofthe Swedish Women’s EducationalAssociation (SWEA) chapter in SanFrancisco and was president of PositiveSweden/North America, an organizationfurthering the image of Sweden througheducational activities in the UnitedStates. She serves on the Boards of theUniversity of California (Berkeley)Foundation and the American-Scandinavian Foundation.

Barbro Osher was for many years theowner and publisher of Vestkusten, oneof the few Swedish-American newspa-pers in the United States, established in1886 and providing news from Swedenon politics, business, and sports as wellas information on the active Swedish-American community in the West. Now

Vestkusten and Nordstjernan are work-ing together in the field of SwedenAmerica.

Among numerous recognitions,including several American honorarydegrees, Osher received the EliasonAward from the Swedish AmericanChamber of Commerce of Greater LosAngeles in 1999. She was a recipient ofHis Majesty the King’s Medal in 2002.In 2004 Barbro Osher was named SWEAInternational’s Woman of the Year, andin October, 2006, she was awarded anhonorary doctorate in art from GöteborgUniversity, Sweden.

Barbro Osher is also a very activemember of the Consular Corps of SanFrancisco.

Submitted by: CatherineBringselius Nilsson, District Master,

DL Södra Sverige No. 20

Barbro OsherÅrets Svensk-Amerikan 2008

Barbro Osher , född 1940 iStockholm. Studentexamen i Motala, ditfamiljen flyttade när fadern blev chef förGöta Kanal. Efter filosofie kandidatexa-men blev Barbro redaktör på BonnierForum, därefter copywriter under 70-talet. I början av 80-talet flyttade Barbrotill USA, där hon utifrån sin nya plat-tform kommit att göra värdefulla insatserför Sverige.

Barbro Osher har innehaft uppdrag förSvenska Turistrådet, KungligaIngenjörsvetenskaps-akademien ochPositive Sweden/North America , enorganisation som sprider upplysning omSverige i USA. Sedan 1998 håller BarbroOsher ställningarna för Sverige i SanFrancisco som generalkonsul. Barbroverkar för svenska intressen på mångaolika plan, bland annat som grundare avSWEA i San Francisco och från 1990som utgivare av den svensk-amerikanskatidningen Vestkusten, som fungerat somen viktig länk mellan USA och Sverigegenom att bevaka svenska nyheter inompolitik, ekonomi, sport med mera ochinformerat om svensk-amerikanskaaktiviteter på det lokala planet.Vestkusten har nyligen gått ihop medtidningen Nordstjernan.

Tillsammans med sin make BernardOsher är Barbro en stor donator. BarbroOsher Pro Suecia Foundation ger storabidrag till institutioner och organisation-er i både Sverige och USA. Förutomåtskilliga miljoner till KarolinskaInstitutet har stora summor donerats tillsvenska institutioner så somNationalmuseum, Moderna museet,Confidencen, Vadstena-akademien,Judiska museet och Opera på Skäret, ochtill amerikanska institutioner och univer-sitet, som verkar för förståelse av svenskkultur och svenska traditioner.

Bland utmärkelser, som Barbro Oshererhållit, är hedersdoktorat vid Göteborgsuniversitet, Eliason Award från Svensk-amerikanska Handelskammaren i LosAngeles, utnämning till Årets Kvinna2006 av SWEA International och motta-gare av Hans Majestät Konungensmedalj 2002.

Vasa Orden av Amerika har sedan1960 utnämnt en Årets Svensk-Amerikanför att hedra våra emigranter för derasinsatser i Amerika. Årets Svensk-Amerikan har antingen varit engagerad isvenskamerikanska kulturutbyten ellergjort en enastående karriär i detamerikanska samhället. Bland tidigaremottagare av denna hederstitel märksnobelpristagaren i kemi 1951, Dr GlennT. Seaborg, astronauten Edwin Aldrin,skådespelerskan Signe Hasso, ordföran-den i USA:s högsta domstol William H.Rehnquist, Marilyn Carlson Nelson, VDför Carlson Companies Inc., AgnetaNilsson, grundare av organisationenSWEA.

Information om Årets Svensk-Amerikan kan fås av ordföranden i kom-mittén för Årets Svensk-Amerikan,Catherine Bringselius Nilsson, tel 0470-28588 eller vice ordföranden i kommit-tén Gunnar Gustafsson, tel 0303-54113.

Barbro OsherSwedish American of the Year 2008

Barbro Osher


VASA SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTSMr. William Lundquist, Vice Grand Master and Chairman of the Grand Lodge Scholarship Committee, ispleased to announce the winners of the VASA SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS for 2008.

THE GRAND LODGESCHOLARSHIP – $3,000.00

KATHERINE DESAUNobel Lodge No. 184

DL Pacific Northwest No. 13Katherine graduated from Willamette University in Salem,OR in May of 2005. She has been taking pre-requisiteclasses at Portland State University where she has beenaccepted into the Masters degree in Arts in TeachingEnglish to Speakers of Other Languages program.Katherine is fluent in Spanish and is passionate aboutteaching. She celebrates her Scandinavian heritage and hasperformed with many Scandinavian folkdance groups.

THE ELLIS F. HILLNERAWARD – $2,000.00ALLISON OSBORNEViking Lodge No. 735DL New Jersey No. 6

Allison graduated from Allentown Central High School inAllentown, PA this year and plans to attend Wake ForestUniversity in North Carolina in the fall studying a pre-medical curriculum. She is an accomplished musician inpiano, voice and oboe. She is also gifted with a tremendoustalent for science and has won several medals at the statelevel. Allison has shown great enthusiasm for pursuing herSwedish heritage and has performed in many local lodgeprograms.

THE GLADYS A. AND RUSSELLM. BIRTWISTLE AWARD –

$1,500.00NICOLE NELSON

John Ericsson Lodge No. 25DL Massachusetts No. 2

Nicole plans to graduate in 2009 from WorcesterPolytechnic Institute in Worcester, MA with a degree inMechanical Engineering. She has received numerous colle-giate honors and is a member of several professional orga-nizations. Nicole is a dedicated, hard working student in adifficult career path. She is also active in her church andserved as a peer minister and on numerous projects thathelp those in need. Nicole is active in her local lodge whereshe serves as Asst. Master of Ceremonies and has attendeda district convention as a delegate.

THE IRMA ANDKNUTE CARLSON AWARD –

$1,000.00DANA ELFVIN

Nobel Monitor Lodge No. 130DL Pennsylvania No. 9

Dana has completed her 3rd year of undergraduate study atSt. Mary’s College of California in Moraga, CA. She haschosen politics and religious study as career paths. Dana’sdedication to education has shaped her plans for the future.She is committed to her education, athletics, family and herSwedish heritage. Dana received a Vasa scholarship toSjolunden language camp and has had the opportunity totravel to Sweden.

The Grand Lodge 2009Scholarship Program

Grand Lodge collegiate scholarships as well as scholar-ships to Sjölunden Language Camp are clearly definedon the Vasa website. Completed applications are dueFebruary 15 of each year. The Grand Lodge is pleasedto offer this program and encourages all students toapply.

For further information look at the Vasa websitewww.vasaorder.com

or contact: William L. Lundquist, Vice Grand Master,

Chairman, Grand Lodge Scholarship Committee.Phone: 810-695-3248, E-mail: [email protected]


$1,000 COLLEGE OR VOCATIONAL SCHOOL AWARDSEach of the students below has qualified for an award to be used

at the institute of higher learning of choice.

MAIJA BUTLERDrott Lodge No. 168

DL Pennsylvania No. 9Maija attends Franklin College in Sorengo, Switzerlandspecializing in International Relations. She was anexchange student to Sweden and is fluent in the Swedishlanguage. Maija currently tutors English as a second lan-guage in an elementary school program in Lugano,Switzerland. She attended Sjolunden language camp withher twin sister, Lisa, five summers and was active in herlocal lodge.

ULRIKA SWANSONJubileum Lodge No. 755DL Lake Michigan No. 8

Ulrika Swanson is attending North Park University inChicago, IL. She plans to graduate with her undergraduatedegree in music in 2010. She is an accomplished violistwho is a scholastically gifted student maintaining a 4.0GPA. Ulrika spent her fall semester in Jönköping, Swedenwhere she was able to study and play in the JönköpingOrkesterförening. Ulrika was able to visit a Vasa lodge inSweden and attended her district convention in theMilwaukee area last year. She was able to participate inLucia and Midsommar festivities in Madison.

LAURA KUNASSkandia Lodge No. 549

DL Alberta Canada No. 18Laura graduated from the American International School inBudapest, Hungary in May of this year. This high schooloffers a college preparatory curriculum. Laura has enrolledin the full International Baccalaureate Program. She is ahighly competent athlete who has led her team to twoCentral/Eastern European soccer championships. Laura andher family live in Europe but return to Alberta every sum-mer where she is an integral member of Skandia Lodge.

DAVID ANDERSSONSolidaritet Lodge No. 396

DL Pacific Northwest No. 13David currently attends Chapman University in Orange,CA, where he is majoring in Creative Writing. He touredwith the Chapman University Chamber Orchestra and iscurrently a DJ on Chapman Radio at the university. He isproducing music which is played in the U.S. as well asother countries worldwide. David is hoping to study abroadat the University of Uppsala this summer and may continuepostgraduate studies there focusing on linguistics, Swedishand Swedish literature.

NOELLE NEROOlympic Lodge No. 235

DL New York No. 4Noelle is currently a student at Boston University, Boston,MA, where she is majoring in Psychology. She has beeninvolved in athletics and music as well as volunteer pro-jects that help the less fortunate and the Girl Scouts ofAmerica, receiving that organization’s highest award, theGold Award. Noelle has been active in the BarnbklubbenElsa Rix No. 1 which is a Swedish folk dancing youthgroup. She has performed in many Scandinavian affairs inNew York City and elsewhere. Noelle is a “CulturalAmbassador” for Olympic Lodge where she presentsreports and supports her friends.

DEIDRE MCGRATHOlympic Lodge No. 235

DL New York No.4Deidre graduated this year from H. Frank Carey HighSchool in Franklin Square, NY, where she laid the ground-work for a successful future. She has been accepted at sever-al universities and plans to pursue a career in EarlyChildhood Education and Special Education. She was amember of many clubs and committees as well as athleticswhile in high school. Deidre is active in her church, inOlympic Lodge as a “Cultural Ambassador” andBarnklubben Elsa Rix Swedish Dance Club.


To All Applicants For The Grand LodgeScholarship Program:

The Grand Lodge Scholarship Committee wishes to thank you for participating in thisyear’s competition. The committee and the independent judges are very impressedwith the quality of all the applicants and salute your extensive involvement in yourlodge and community and the welfare of your fellow citizens.

We wish you success in your studies and look forward to your participation in the2008-2009 contest. Details will be found in the September/October issue of the VasaStar.

The Grand Lodge Scholarship CommitteeWilliam Lundquist, Vice Grand Master, Chairman

Dr. Rolf S. Bergman, Grand MasterJoan Graham, Grand Secretary

STEPHANIE LUNTEvening Star Lodge No. 426DL Pacific Southwest No. 15

Stephanie is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degreein Human Development and a minor in Psychology atCalifornia State University Long Beach. She is performingwith excellence at the university and has received manyhonors for her academic achievements. Her goal is to beable to make a difference in the world by helping othersthrough a career in the medical field. She volunteers at alocal retirement home while working to help offset thecosts of higher education. Stephanie served as Lucia in herlocal lodge as well as in many Midsommar and Easter pro-grams.

MAJ-BRITT FRENZEDrott Lodge No. 168

DL Pennsylvania No. 9Maj-Britt graduated this year from Bishop O-Connell HighSchool in Arlington, VA, with high honors and has appliedto many prestigious universities. She has a vast array of tal-ents and hobbies and is an excellent student with interestsin medicine, writing and English, and law. She enjoys lan-guages, particularly French and Swedish and can speaksome Swedish. Maj-Britt has attended Vasa events sinceshe was a toddler and joined Lucia pageants andMidsommar parades. She has served as Lucia and sungwith the chorus in Swedish.

SAMANTHA MCGANNBessemer Lodge No. 203DL Lake Michigan No. 8

Samantha is a student in her sophomore year at MillikinUniversity in Decatur, IL, working toward her bachelor’sdegree, with a double major in Music Business (with vocalemphasis) and Human Services. She has an outstandingscholastic record as well as a wide range of extra-curricularactivities. Samantha volunteers at a shelter for victims ofdomestic violence and at an animal shelter. She was amember of Solstrålen Children’s Club for over 10 yearsperforming in the Chicago area.


Grand Lodge Activities Clubs

The Vasa Order of America has anumber of Activity Clubs, which includesclubs involved in singing, folk dancing,square dancing, genealogical activities,computer activities, PDM clubs, andmore. Activity Clubs are a vital functionof the Vasa Order as their formation issuch that it encourages young people andadult groups to be involved in such activ-

ities. In order to apply for a Charterfor an activity club, a request should bemade to the Grand Lodge ActivityClub Director with the followinginformation:

• Name of the club• Date and place the club was orga-

nized• Purpose and goals

• Number of members• Names of the officers and address of

contact person• District in which the Activities Club

exist• A copy of the bylawsOnly about half of the members of an

Activity Club need to be Vasa members,which sometimes makes it easier torecruit members. The hope, of course, isthat they all will become Vasa membersat some point.

The Vasa Folkdansare från Kungälvare an active and elegantly dressedgroup of folk dancers as shown inthe picture where they danced in connec-tion with Linné days in Kungälv.Members of the Smultron Activity Clubin Eugene, OR, attend a bi-weeklySwedish class and involve themselves inthe many cultural activities such asdecorating the Majstången and enjoyingcrayfish.

If you wish further information aboutVasa Activity Clubs, please contact JudyRust at [email protected], or write her at2000 NE 148th Place, Portland, OR97230.

Submitted by: Judy RustActivities Club Director

Folkdansare från Kungälv, Sweden Activities Club.

Learn Swedish Language and Culture While Having Summer Fun!

2008 SJÖLUNDEN LANGUAGE VILLAGE AWARDSWm. Lundquist, Vice Grand Master and Chairman of the Grand Lodge Scholarship Committee, ispleased to announce the winners of the 2008 Sjölunden Language Village Awards. They are:

Name Address Lodge Info

Erik Dyrssen 604 South Pinckney St. Erik's father, Christian Dyrssen, is a member of Norrskenet Elk Point, SD 57025 Lodge No. 331, DL Iowa-Nebraska No. 17

Zachary Henderson 1405 N. 37 Ave. Zachary’s mother, Annica Henderson, and grandmotherHollywood, FL 33021 Ingrid Georgesco, are all members of Miami Lodge

No. 554, GL Florida Region

Jennifer L. Larson 4321 El Camio Real Jennifer’s mother, Valerie Larson, and grandmotherIrvine, CA 92602 Peggy Pages, are members of North Star Lodge No. 106.

Peggy is a dual member in Glenn Seaborg Lodge No. 719, DLPacific Southwest No. 15

Sam Salwasser 7170 Hidden Valley Trails Sam and grandmother, Alice Erickson, are membersCottage Grove, MN 55016 of John Morton Lodge No. 488, DL Minnesota No. 7

Emma Thofson 3097 NE 69th St. Emma and parents, David and Suzanne Thofson, areMedford, MN 55049 members of Runeberg Lodge No. 137, DL Minnesota No. 7

Katie Westlund 55 W. Joliet St. Katie and parents, Steve and Shelly Westlund, areSchererville, IN 46375 members of Nordik Folk Lodge No. 716, DL Lake

Michigan No. 8In Truth and Unity,

Grand Lodge Scholarship CommitteeWm. L. Lundquist, Vice Grand Master, Chairman; Rolf Bergman, Grand Master; Joan Graham, Grand Secretary


INTRODUCING The “Vasa March” was officially adopted by the Grand Lodge in session in San Diego in 2006. Composer Alfon Bergstrom, a member of Valley Vikings Lodge #701 and a dual member of Glenn T. Seaborg Lodge #719 in DL Pacific Southwest #15 proudly performed “The Vasa March” for the Flag Ceremony during the Opening Ceremonies and has given the Grand Lodge copyrights to the music. “The Vasa March” has been reproduced on CDs and has been sent to every lodge for use during meetings, ceremonies, and all your events. We hope you will enjoy this lively march and encourage you to use for ceremonies in your lodge including introductions of visiting Vasa dignitaries, initiation of new members and installation of officers. Contact Grand Secretary Joanie Graham if your lodge did not receive a CD.

Written and Performed by Alfon Bergstrom

DL NEWSDL Connecticut #1 The 2008 calendar of events for DL

Connecticut #1 began with our annualValentine’s Brunch at the Rocky Hill, CTDakota Steakhouse. This is a great way tobegin our calendar of events for the yearin a location easily accessible to all themembership. The day included a littlebusiness advising everyone of upcomingevents, great food in a friendly atmos-phere, a raffle, and a little quiz entitled“How Swede It Is?” Judging by the turnout and the reviews everyone had a funafternoon. Thanks to all the members andfriends of District Lodge CT #1 whoattended for their help and support.

Other upcoming events include VasaDay – “Midsommer” June 22 andKräftskiva – Steak and Crayfish at thePark August 17. All Vasa members onvacation and in the area are invited toattend. Contact the DL #1 for informationon these and other scheduled events.

Submitted by: Paul Ljunggren

DL PacificSouthwest #15The 94th Convention of District

Lodge Pacific Southwest # 15 was held atthe Marriott Hotel in Torrance CaliforniaFebruary 22nd to the 24th of 2008. ThePast District Masters Club of DistrictLodge Pacific Southwest #15 was theHosts for this event.

A beautiful reception was held Fridaynight, hosted by Mayflower Lodge # 445in the picturesque Presidential Suite withGrand Lodge Officers, District Officers,District delegates and guests in atten-dance. Everyone enjoyed wonderfulrefreshments and the company of oldfriends and meeting new Vasa brothersand sisters.

On Saturday, the election of the 2008District officers was held followed by awonderful reception for the outgoingDistrict Master Susan Premo. In theevening, a formal banquet was held withKenneth Murphy as the Master ofCeremonies and Dr. Christian DeVirgilioas the Keynote speaker. The scholarshipwinners were presented by ourScholarship Chairman Maidie Karling.The evening concluded by dancing to themusic of the Sam Conty Band.

On Sunday, the business of the con-vention continued followed by aMemorial Service and a tasteful lun-cheon. In the Afternoon the newly electedDistrict officers were installed by GrandLodge Deputy Wayne Pierson and hisstaff.

The convention was honored with thefollowing guests: Rolf Bergman, GrandMaster; William Lundquist, Vice GrandMaster; Joan Graham, Grand LodgeSecretary; Tore Kellgren, Grand LodgeExecutive Board Member WesternRegion; Ulf Brynjestad, Past GrandMaster; Eric Johnson, Past Grand Master;Edward Netzel, District 12 DistrictMaster and Staffan and Janet Simonsson,Pastors of the St. Erik’s Church of LosAngeles.

Submitted by: Thomas Jahn


LODGE NEWS

On March 8th, Lodge Freja #100 ofWhite Plains, NY, and Lodge Stenland#747 of West Nyack, NY, met for a“smorgasbord” and joint installationof officers. Following a deliciousluncheon coordinated by BarbaraPeterson, DM Karen Snowberg ofDistrict Lodge #4 New York turned theinstallation over to District DeputiesKenneth Olson and Beatrice Rasmussen.After the installation, the new officerswere congratulated and the installationteam was given thanks. Members of bothlodges were encouraged to reserveSunday, October 19th for the galacelebration of Lodge Freja’s 100thanniversary.

Submitted by: Karen Snowberg

Freja Lodge #100White Plains, NY

Lodge Freja #100 Members - 1st row (L-R): Trustee Margaret Bruce, Secretary Sonja Derrien,Auditor Alice Erhard, Chaplain Arthur Peterson, Chairman Karen Snowberg, Guard/GreeterKristen Purdy, Fran Johnson, Vice Chairman Jennifer Dreaper, & Master of CeremoniesBarbara Peterson. 2nd row: Cultural Leader Victoria Homberg, Financial Secretary MaryNordlund, & Treasurer Don Jacobson. (Unavailable for photo: Asst. MC Evelyn Seastrand,Auditor Ray Kallio, and Trustee Jim Peterson.)

North Star Lodge #106Los Angeles, CA

There was a significant moment atNorth Star’s February meeting when itwas necessary to drape the charter forthree active members. Thyra Anderson,102 years old, Åke Sandler at 94 yearsand Knut Petterson who attended meet-ings when he could. Evelyn Earls,Chaplain, led the draping and ended withthe Lord’s Prayer. These members will bemissed.

On that same day, Allison Dalton,daughter of Kim and Greg Dalton, waspresented with a $1,000 Scholarship byScholarship Chairman Jane Sandler andMary-Ethel Pierson. Allison incidentallyhappens to be my lovely granddaughter.She appreciated the award very much andit will be used toward her education. Sheis majoring in Communications and Law.

We miss Clarence Bergquist at ourmeetings due to medical problems. Andour former Cultural Leader, now inColorado, continues to entertain the staffwhere she lives and often surrounded bypuppy dogs, cats, and birds.

Central Association Delegate Evelynmentioned selection of MidsummerQueen’s court soon. We do have a candi-date.

New members, Eleonora Nyren andUno Kasperson (dual members ofMayflower) provided the most deliciousmouth-watering semlor as per Swedish

Lenten season tradition. Rich, creamy,delicious! Who could say more - oh yes,a few calories!

The Pacific Southwest District #15convention was excellent, efficiently ledby now PDM Susan Premo. Prior to theSaturday evening banquet several of ourmembers gathered in Chairman Erik’sroom where our Scholarship Chairman,Jane Sandler, and Mary Ethel Piersonpresented a $1,000 Scholarship to JimWeldon, son of Jeannette Engstrom. Jimwas happy to receive the award to furtherhis education in Civil Engineering. Jimattends Cal State Fullerton and isinvolved in research projects in additionto his Civil Engineering studies ... and heis my diligent grandson!

Erik had the MC’s at our meeting,newly elected VDM Mary Ethel to thealtar to be recognized and congratulated.Also Peggy Pages, Past District Chaplainfor her efforts and many blessings shebestowed. Each received a floral bouquet.

Jeanette Engstrom (Valley VikingsLodge #701 in Bakersfield) and dualmember of North Star Lodge was electedas District Outer Guard. We do congratu-late the new District Master, IsabellaMuscarella. She is full of vigor andenthusiasm. She and her officers areinvited to visit us in the near future.

Submitted by: Elinore Thornton

Allison Dalton being presented with the NorthStar Lodge #106, $1,000 scholarship from theScholarship Committee, Mary Ethel Piersonand Jane Sandler.

Jim Weldon receives his $1,000 scholarship atNorth Star Lodge #106, from ScholarshipCommittee, Jane Sandler and Mary-EthelPierson.


Fylgia Lodge #119San Francisco, CA

On January 8, 2008, Fylgia Lodge#119 held a business meeting with yearlyreports and a schedule of future events.The new officers, led by Victoria L.Peterson, Chairman, were installed by ourDeputy, Marie Ann Hill of Tegner Lodge#149 and Joanie Graham of FramåtLodge #405, the Grand Lodge Secretary.The installation was efficiently per-formed and an incentive for the new year.

In February, Mr. Steve Wilson, ofValhalla Lodge #746 and Svea Lodge#348, presented “How the Swedes SettledTurlock” and he also had slidesand information regarding the Mission

Covenant Church.In March Ms. M.E.A. McNeil had

slides and lecture on the “Evolution of aMyth: How a God of Ancient EgyptBecame the Wild Lover of the FinnishEric Kalevala.” She has written manybooks and articles for publication and isalso an illustrator. Refreshments had beenserved after each program and we arelooked forward to a presentation regard-ing weaving in April.

All are welcome to our cultural events.Our Web Site is: www.scandinavius.

com/vasa/fylgia.Submitted by: Jean Nelson

Fylgia Lodge Officers - 2008 - left to right: Jean Nelson, Vasa Star Rep., Trustee, Historian;Robert Olson, Past Chairman; Torborg Lundell, Secretary; Victoria L. Peterson, Chairman;Theodore C. Olsson, Vice Chairman; Richard Wooster, Outer Guard; Peggy Peterson Bley,Financial Secretary/Treasurer, and Yasuko Wooster, Chairman.

Thule Lodge #127Jamestown/Bemus Point, NY

Hello from Thule Lodge #127 inJamestown/Bemus Point, NY. Our lodgehas already begun their busy season, withactivities and events being set for theyear.

Eugene Johnson, lodge chairman, hasset the dates for all events, and publisheda Thule Calendar for 2008.

At the February meeting, ChairmanJohnson welcomed all to the meeting,which was a St. Valentine’s celebration.Many of the lodge members were dressedin red. Refreshments were served follow-ing the meeting. Allie Nelson Withers ledeveryone in the Swedish table grace.Lodge chaplain Diane Shaw gave theopening and closing message.

During the February meeting, theannual report of the lodge historian waspresented. John Sipos has served as the

lodge historian for seven years, and com-piled a record which included pho-tographs of lodge activities and Swedishevents, news articles, copies of lodgenewsletters, and various communications.Computer artist and lodge member SusanW. Sipos created a special cover designand title page, with a Swedish design.Accepting the report for the lodge werepast chairman Robert Fuller andChairman Eugene Johnson.

At the March meeting, St. Patrick’sDay will be celebrated, along with theegg “sexa” for Easter. A variety ofSwedish food will be served to all. Thelodge will hold its annual spring cleanupat the end of March, and this will openthe grounds for future events. A pancakebreakfast will be held in April, andFriday night dinners will begin on the

first Friday in May. The annual meatballdinner will be in the middle of May, andthe lodge Memorial Service will be heldclose to Memorial Day.

Thule Lodge is now into its 101st yearand looks forward to many years of pre-serving the Swedish heritage. The lodgewelcomes visitors, and if you are in ourarea, we welcome you. God dag to all!

Submitted by: John Sipos

Accepting the Thule Lodge #127 annual histo-rian’s report are Robert Fuller, immediatepast chairman, Eugene Johnson, lodge chair-man, and John Sipos, lodge historian.

Nobel-MonitorLodge #130

Mayfield Heights, OH

Saturday, April 19, 2008, was a greatnight of celebration for the members andfriends of Nobel-Monitor Lodge #130.While Nobel Lodge #130 was institutedon January 18, 1908, the major 100thanniversary celebration event wasdelayed for the better weather of April.And, the weather cooperated for the 140attendees of the event held at the HolidayInn – Cleveland East in Wickliffe. A fes-tive tone was set with rooms brightlydecorated with table linens and balloonsin Swedish blue and yellow. Centerpieces featured Swedish and Americanflags and fiber optic light bouquets.

Guests viewed a display of historicphotographs and documents as well as anumber of written greetings as they gath-ered before dinner and the program.Mugs, photographs, pins, books and otheritems were available to commemorate theevening. But, renewing friendships andrecalling memories of past events andexperiences highlighted the gatheringtime.

Continued on page 14


Wayne Soderlund, Grand Master RolfBergman and Jeannie Eriksson Widman.

As guests were seated for dinner,Lodge Chairman, Bruce Elfvin, wel-comed all present. Chaplain Len Gotrichoffered the invocation, and event Masterof Ceremonies, Bo Carlsson, offered ananniversary champagne toast in blue sou-venir glasses. Lively conversation contin-ued through an attractively served dinnerwhich ended with cheesecake and lin-gonberries.

Nobel-Monitor Lodge’s own VasaVoices sang during dessert. Their songsfeatured spring time, “Ack Värmeland duSköna,” and a humorous number on theSwedish emigrant’s perceived attractionsof America.

The formal program began with recog-nition of special guests and greetingsfrom Swedish Counsel Michael Miller,Grand Master Rolf Bergman, Vice GrandMaster Bill Lundquist, and DistrictMaster Linda Smith. Special guest wasLilly Setterdahl. She was a member ofour lodge for over 30 years before shetransferred to IL. She donated a portionof the sale of books to the lodge. She isquite well known for her work, and herlate husband, Lennart, as well. PastChairman, Lynn Binnie and wife Cheryl,came in from Whitewater, WI to be withus. They still maintain their membershipwith us.

Bo Carlsson presented an interestingand informative history of the beginningsand development of Nobel-MonitorLodge #130. As no formal history of thelodge has been written, the 100thanniversary committee wanted to use thisevent to collect as much historic materialas possible. Bo’s research has moved usfar along the path in developing that for-mal history.

The entertainment highlight of theevening was Smörgåsbandet, i.e., JeanneEriksson Widman, and Wayne Soder-lund. Jeanne is the daughter of wellknown Swedish accordionist and per-forming artist, Walter Eriksson. Guestsenjoyed their Scandinavian accordionmusic during the gathering time and din-ner. As promised Jeanne engaged all insinging, and later a good number in folkdancing.

Center pieces from the tables wereawarded to the oldest member attending,the member with the longest tenure,the newest member, the family withthe most attending, and the personcoming the longest distance. Othercenter pieces and commemorative

Nobel-Monitor Lodge #130Contniued from page 13

programs will go to shut-in members.A fundraising silent auction was held

for gift certificates at several restaurantsin the area.

The anniversary committee is plan-ning to prepare a commemorative CDincluding a summary of Nobel-Monitor’shistory, historic photographs, and high-light photos of the anniversary gala. Thecost will be $10 per copy. Ordering infor-mation will be included in the nextnewsletter.

Thank you to the anniversary commit-tee and others who contributed their time,ideas and resources to make the 100thAnniversary Gala a success.

Submitted by: Dick Ericksson

Tegnér Lodge #149Oakland, CA

Tegnér Lodge #149, Oakland, CA,had a most enjoyable Fat Tuesday dinnerin February. Doris Nordendahl preparedthe roast pork and Past Chairman LauraNordendahl baked and server semlor withalmond paste, whipped cream, and warmmilk. As Cultural Leader, Laura told usabout Tegnér’s early history for we arecelebrating our 100th Anniversary thisyear.

The charter was draped in memory ofmember Shirley Schader who died lastDecember. Member Virginia Campbellwas here from Portland and gave a lovingtribute to her long-time friend, Shirley.

We were pleased to have our DistrictDeputy Maria Helberg, her husband Jim,

and Patsy Nilsson, all of Framåt Lodge atour meeting.

Tegnér had a pea soup and oven pan-cake supper at its March meeting. Ourvisitors were Past District Master MyrtleWidmark and Dorothy Scherer ofMonitor Lodge and two little Easterwitches, Shelby Nordendahl andAnnemarie Ross. For our program,Shelby, with the help of Annemarie, reada poem about Easter witches whichShelby had written. Then Elsy Matssonand Ingrid Anderson joined the girls andthey sang in Swedish “Blåsippar” and“Blinka Lilla Stjärna där.”

Laura Nordendahl and Ann Tenniswere elected as delegates to the GoldenGate District #12 convention in Reddingthe end April. Marie-Anne Hill and ElsyMatsson will be alternates. It is hopedthat other members will be able to attendthe convention.

Submitted by: A. Tennis

EasterwitchesIn the long dark nights of early spring

Just at the earth’s awakening,People believe the strangest thing.

They saw witches everywhere,Walking in the forests,Flying through the air.

Mothers kept the children inside.Farmers locked up their sheep and

goats at night.Bonfires bright lit up the night to give

the witches a bad fright.

That was then!

And Now?

The people have become more sophisticated.The memories of trolls and witches have faded.

But spring is coming,The land is feeling invigorated.

Did you hear it?What a wonderful sound!

Look out, the Easterwitches are still around!

They have rosy cheeks and soot on their faces.And they have practiced all the Easter phrases.

They ride on their brooms and“Glad Påsk” they shout.

It appears, the Easterwitches will stay around.

Shelby Nordendahl - age 12March 2008


Harmoni Lodge #472Portland, OR

Harmoni Lodge #472 in Portland, OR,started off the year 2008 with anotherwell performed installation of officers.The installation was planned once againby our able District Deputy, Andy Toth.Andy has been in charge of this for anumber of years now and every year hemakes it a meaningful experience.

Our February social was actually heldon March 1, when members and friendsof Harmoni enjoyed a delicious crab feed.During the social time preceding and dur-ing the crab feed, everyone was invited toparticipate in a silent auction put togetherby members of Harmoni. Some of thewonderful items to bid on included astuffed moose and moose beer, bakedgoods, and a weekend at a beach cabin.The crab feed and silent auction weretruly enjoyed by all, with a little competi-tion in the bidding for certain items. Itwas a fun event and profitable for thelodge too.

At our March social we enjoyed anevening of getting to know more aboutsome of our members. It was fun andinteresting to hear from about six orseven members who were immigrantsand learn how and why they came to theU.S. and how they ended up in Portland.We even found out that one of our mem-bers had been a part of the RinglingBrothers Barnum & Bailey Circus. Weare looking forward to continuing thisevent and learning more about othermembers.

Upcoming events include a speakerfrom a Portland nursery, a casino night,and participation in midsommar wherewe will serve Swedish pancakes in addi-tion to celebrating the event.

Submitted by: Judy Rust

Lindbergh Lodge #494Los Altos, CA

February’s meeting featured a deli-cious dinner of pea soup and pancakes.This combination is always a favoritewith the Swedish community. The themeof the meeting was Swedish copperpieces. We were fortunate to haveRuberth “Swede” Englund from SkogenLodge #700 in Redding, California. Ourdistinguished guest has a prodigious col-lection of Swedish copper. Copper workbecame a favorite for early craftsmenbecause Sweden had some copper mines.Wealthier countries had their artifacts

fashioned from gold or silver, butSweden was blessed with this very beau-tiful and practical resource. The crafts-manship was introduced by Germansabout 1600. Copper was discovered inSweden about 1708. He displayed manypieces and told how they were used. Theevening was rounded out with an oldfashioned barbershop quartet singingmany lovely old songs - a cappella.

The theme of the March meeting wasGamla Stan, (Old Stockholm). Our cul-tural leader Dean Babcock gave a well-prepared presentation about this charm-ing area of the capital city. It was a nicemix of pictures and history. Even the ori-gin of the name Stockholm was dis-cussed. Stock meaning log and holmemeaning small island. There are 14islands in the Stockholm area. This wasillustrated in the various official seals ofthe city showing log cabins…the buildingmaterial of choice in a wooded countrylike Sweden. True to the theme of themonth, Corned Beef and Cabbage wasthe dinner entrée. A rousing chorus of‘semi-Irish’ voices closed the meetingwith a rendition of My Wild Irish Rose.

Submitted by: Muriel Nelson Beroza

Phoenix Lodge #677Phoenix, AZ

Our members rejoiced with Dr. Tedand Jenny Rudberg when their son 1st Lt.Eric Rudberg, was back from SouthBaghdad safe and sound at Ft.Richardson, Alaska. A graduate of WestPoint he was a Paratrooper in the LightInfantry, serving with the Cavalry as aPlatoon Leader. He received aPurple Heart Medal, a Bronze Star forValor and a Bronze Star for Service.His family had a Welcome HomeReception for him. The room was filledwith young and old friends and relativesplus many VASA members. Ted andJenny’s daughter, Anna, was home fromcollege to help in the celebration.The July-August 2007 Vasa Star had anarticle by Eric from Iraq, because of thatarticle he heard from members inthe United States and in Sweden. Theletter below is written in response to thatsupport.

Our January Lodge meeting beganwith a noon meal. The Charter wasdraped for three long-time memberswho died since our last meeting, MarySalter, Ingrid Connell and ForrestBarr. Several District #21 Officers were

present to help with the installation of ourofficers. The ceremony was conducted byour capable District Master, VitoPantaleo. He encouraged us to getnew members and thanked us for ourhospitality.

The new Honorary Consul, C. MattiasStolpe, Arizona Consulate of Sweden,was introduced. He told us a little abouthimself, his work and then answered anumber of questions from the audience. Itwas good for us to meet him and for himto get to know us.

Letter from Eric Rudberg in SouthBaghdad, Nov. 2007

Thank you for your support. It reallymeans a lot. Every day I am just amazedat what I see over here. Granted I seesome of the worst in human nature butoverall I see the best. It is just an honorfor me to be serving with my fellow sol-diers. It is so great seeing a soldier in fullcombat gear giving high five’s to kidswhile out on patrol. Things in my areahave definitely turned around recently.Locals are joining forces with us to helpsecure their town and rid it of Al Quedaand other insurgents. They are finallyrealizing what it truly means to be free,especially from fear. They are takingpride in their community and bettering itfor their children. They are working hardto establish schools and clinics in areasthat never had them before. They now seethat we are here to help them with theseissues but that they need to take it uponthemselves to make these dreams areality. It means the world when a grand-mother comes out of her house with somefreshly cooked bread and offers it to uswhile we walk by. Even though it is notmuch, it is her way to thank us for whatwe are doing for her family. I hope every-thing is going well for you. Thanks againfor everything.

Take CareEric Rudberg

Submitted by: Elna Lidman

Anna, Eric, Jenny and Ted Rudberg.


Bishop Hill Lodge #683Bishop Hill, IL

Tucson Lodge #691Tucson, AZ

The 40th Anniversary of Bishop HillLodge #683 was celebrated at the Marchmeeting. Helen Anderson, the only char-ter member, was honored at the programthat followed a Swedish pancake and tra-ditional yellow pea soup dinner. The din-ing room and tables were beautifully dec-orated in Swedish and spring décor.VASA archives representative, LarsJenner, gave a very interesting historical

account of Lodge #683. Chairman, JeffAnderson, conducted the ceremonialmeeting.

The Youth group of the Bishop HillLodge helped with the preparations andserving for the delicious meal. A mone-tary gift was given to the Youth for theirpart of the evening. A 40th Anniversarycake was enjoyed by all!

Submitted by: Cheryl Dowell

Tucson Lodge #691 recently partici-pated in the EMAT Fair, in Tucson, AZ,on March 1-2, 2008.

EMAT stands for the European MultiEthnic Alliance of Tucson, where theTucson Lodge # 691 is a member. Everyyear all the 16 countries participate in the2-day fair with information about theirrespective countries, some food but

above all, some great entertainment.The Vasa Swedish Folk Dancers of

Tucson Lodge #691 (with 10-12 dancersand of which I am the director)performed a number of traditionaldances, to the delight of the audience - alot of fun and a good way to “tout” ourheritage!!

Submitted by: Ann-Marie Kinnison

The Vasa Swedish Folkdancers.

Vinland of Cape Cod Lodge #703Cape Cod, MA

Our March meeting saw the installa-tion of new officers, and we were honoredto have Marian Parco GLD, Dawn BriggsDM, and Shirley French DCL in atten-dance. It is always a pleasure for us togreet representatives of the Grand Lodge.The current officers of Vinland Lodgeare: Chairman Judith Peterson, Vice-Chairman George Makris, SecretaryXenia Christiansen, Assistant SecretaryDolores Pedersen, Finance Secretary EnidMakris, Treasurer Karl Pedersen,Chaplain Elsa Erickson, Cultural LeaderLorraine Young, and Inner GuardVirginia McNamara. At this time wewould like to thank Louise Fietz, our Past

Chairman, who fulfilled her duties faith-fully during the past three years.

Another highlight of events in Marchwas Vinland Lodge’s participation in theMulti-Cultural Fair at Cape CodCommunity College in Hyannis. Withoutprejudice, I can write that we had, by far,the most interesting display among themany other countries represented. Therewasn’t a time throughout the day whenthere were fewer than fourteen or fifteenpeople at our tables, admiring the displayand seeking information and brochures onSweden, Denmark, Iceland and Norway.Because there is a Finnish Lodge on CapeCod, their members had their own dis-play. Vinland members who manned thedisplay were Judith Peterson, LorraineYoung, Dolores and Karl Pedersen, Runeand Marion Borgman, VirginiaMcNamara, and soon-to-be new membersEwind and Marilyn Sohoel. It was a plea-surable day for all of us.

Submitted by: Marion Borgman

This replica of an ancient “nyckelharpa,”made by Rune Borgman, drew a lot of interestfrom visitors to the Fair, especially youngmusicians.

Carl Larsson Lodge #739Raleigh, NC

On Saturday, February 9th, CarlLarsson Lodge (CLL) #739 in Raleigh,NC initiated 5 new members. Followingthe ceremony, Chairman Craig Jonsongave each new member a bouquet of 3yellow roses to represent Vasa’s Motto ofGenerosity, Truth and Unity.

In addition, a full slate of officers waselected that same evening. By specialinvitation to the meeting from the lodge’sChaplain, Kerstin Gothson, was NorthCarolina’s Honorary Consul, MagnusNatt och Dag. Later in the evening, hegave an informative program aboutSAAB, the company he represents.

Carl Larsson Lodge continues its finetradition of serving Swedish meals eachmonth, with “kåldolmar” (stuffed cab-bage rolls) as the featured dish inFebruary. The family recipe was sharedby the lodge’s head chef, Jan Fagerberg,who was assisted by PC PaulHollinghurst and his wife Rita,Corresponding Secretary.

Carl Larsson Lodge continues to be astrong and active group within our Vasafamily. For the past 10 years, the lodgemembers have worked throughout theyear in order to host what has become thelargest Scandinavian Christmas Fair inthe Southeast. Visitors come from statesbeyond North Carolina. The annual



“Julmarknad” is held the first Saturday inDecember at the State Fairgrounds. Markyour calendars now! You don't want tomiss it.

With warm greetings to all our VasaSisters and Brothers in Canada, Swedenand the USA.

Submitted by: Ruth C. Gustafson

Carl Larsson Lodge #739Continued from page 16

(from L to R in photo): Diane Olsen, JennyJagdman, Luis Fondo, Elizabeth Dear andTammy Johnson.

Dalahäst Lodge #742Tinton Falls, NJ

Alfhild (Tootie) Lindquist joinedLodge Höga Nord #194 on November 4,1932. Tootie was a faithful member ofHöga Nord and served her lodge faithfullyover the years as Financial Secretary,Inner Guard, and Chaplain and in manyother capacities.

With the year-end 2004 disbandmentof Lodge Höga Nord #194, Tootie, andher husband, Roy A. Lindquist, PGLEBMand PDM NJ District 6, transferred toLodge Dalahäst #742 in Tinton Falls, NJ.Lodge meetings were now only a shortdrive from where they were living.Dalähast members welcomed Tootie andRoy to their family and have been veryproud of having Roy as our very first PastDistrict Master. Tootie continued toattend all Dalahäst meetings and functionsat Vasa Park with Roy until she moved toan Assisted Living facility last summer.

So, on a rainy February afternoon this

year, it was with honor and pleasure thatDalahäst Lodge recognize Tootie on her75th anniversary as a Vasa Member.Chairman, Frank Csulak presented Tootiewith her 75 Year Pin. Her son, Eric, anddaughter-in-law, Carol Lindquist andgranddaughter, Jeanne Norton, weredelighted to be present to see Tootiereceive her pin and a little bouquet offlowers.

Eric, a 50 year Vasa member, andCarol are also members of LodgeDalahäst #742. Tootie’s granddaughter,Jeanne, is a member of Lodge Baltic-Framåt #360. Other Dalahäst memberswho congratulated Tootie were InesCsulak, Ingrid & Kurt Carlson, Ed &Cherstin Peterson. Brother Roy, whoreceived his 70 year pin, last year, wasnot able to be with us on this particularday.

Submitted by: Cherstin Peterson

Eric Lindquist, Ingrid Carlson, Carol Lindquist, Kurt Carlson, Frank Csulak, CherstinPeterson, Ines Csulak, Jeanne Norton, and Alfhild (Tootie) Lindquist.

Nordic Red RocksLodge #760

Sedona, AZIn our lodge we installed four new

officers. They are as follows, DianeGentry as Treasurer; Marge Larson,Secretary; Karin Febbrine CulturalLeader and Deanne French as Master ofCeremonies.

Vasa and its history were presented byWarren Carlson at our February meeting.It was interesting to learn how the peoplewho had come to this country fromScandinavia gather together to share theirculture, religion and food.

At our March meeting Andy Andersonand Dennis Marlakey shared their talentof auctioning off items at our WhiteElephant making us laugh and enjoy theafternoon. Always fun to see how peoplewrap their raffle items and to see what isinside of the sale item.

Vivi Arnett shared with us NativeDress and Costumes of Norway. Shemade her presentation very interesting,she is also from Norway.

We are looking forward to our Mid-Summer picnic to be held June 22nd. Wedo not meet July or August.

Submitted by: Carol Ingstad Bryant

AUDIO-VISUALDIRECTORTodd Anderson

1383 Middlebrook WayRohnert Park, CA, 94928

Cell Phone: (707) 694-1345E-mail:

[email protected]

The Vasa website atwww.vasaorder.com containsa “materials button” whichhas the listing of audio visualmaterials available.

If you are unable to use theVasa website, you can still askthat a listing be sent to you bymail.


SWEDISH NEWSLogen Höganäs Nr 634

The first meeting of the year was onJanuary 19, 2008, with installation of thenew officers.

Chairman Leif Larsson welcomedguests from Local Lodges Kärnan #608,Malmöhus #643 and Nybyggarna #698.He also welcomed two new members andtwo transferred members to our Lodge.

District Deputy Bodil Walles installedthe new officers in a beautifully executedceremony.

Berit Bogren and Ove Thornblad wereappointed Honorary Life Members of theLodge.

Following the Installation everyoneenjoyed a wonderful dinner.

The meeting on March 8 was “theevening of the Sisters” and 80 membersattended. After a delicious dinner theSisters presented a funny show with lotsof songs from the good old days.

Submitted by: Hans Bogren

Honorary Life Members: Ove Thornblad andBerit Bogren.

Chairman Leif Larsson and new membersKrystyna and Roy Aronsson, and Mai and BoFredriksson.

SVENSK-AMERIKANSKA ARRANGEMANG 2008 DISTRIKTSLOGEN SÖDRA SVERIGE NR 20

Juni 15 Kalmar Sverige-Amerikadagen på Kalmar SlottLogen Calmare Nyckel Nr 628

Kl. 14.00 Gudstjänst på engelska/svenska i Slottskyrkan Kl. 15.00 Underhållning i Gröna Salen, Kalmar SlottKl. ca 16.30 Ostkakegille med underhållning i Krusenstiernska GårdenKontakt: Hans-Erik Lindeblad 0480-47 19 44

Juni 28 Höganäs Svensk-Amerikanskt Logemöte Kl. 17.00 Logen Höganäs Nr 634Kontakt: Leif Larsson, 042-34 03 11

Juli 4 Rydsnäs, Ydre Kommun Sverige-Amerikadag, Andrew Petersonsällskapet i samarbete med Logen Småland Nr618.

Kl. 18.30 Sångspel om Andrew Peterson, Vilhelm Mobergs förebild till Karl-Oskar

Kontakt: Jan Hermelin 0381-501 57P-O Brinck 036-16 04 81

Juli 4 Halmstad Sverige-Amerikadagen Logen Tre Hjärtan Nr 665

Kl. 19.00 i Svarta Örnshuset, Erik Dahlbergsgatan 2Kontakt: Elve Lensvall, 035-15 70 58

Juli 20 Runsten ÖLAND-AMERIKADAGENKl. 13.00 i Tornlunden, Runsten

Ordf. i Runstens Hembygdsförening, Carl-Erik Jakobsson hälsarvälkommen.Ordf. i Emigrantinstitutets Vänner, Ulf Beijbom Högtidstal av Kyrkoherde Rickard GrügielSång och musikgruppen ANNACONDA Hälsningar från när och fjärranServering, lotterier mm.Arrangör: Runstens Hembygdsförening och Emigrantinstitutets vän-ner

Kontakt: Hembygdsföreningen Karl-Gunnar Larsson 0485-56 10 62

Aug. 2 Barkeryd, Nässjö Kommun BARKERYDSDAGENLogen Småland Nr 618.

Kl. 14.00 Dagen firas som en hyllning till S M Swenson från Barkeryd, sombyggde ett ranchimperium i Texas. Dessutom firas 20-årsjubileet avTexas Luciornas besök i Barkeryd.

Kontakt: Barkeryds Hembygdsförening Alf Karlsson 0380-220 14Logen Småland Nr 618 Per-Olof Brinck 036-16 04 81

Aug. 10 Växjö Minnesotadagen med Årets SvenskamerikanKl. 10.00 Svensk-Amerikansk gudstjänst i DomkyrkanKl. 14.00 Minnesotadagen firas i Museiparken i Växjö

Arrangör: Svenska EmigrantinstitutetKontakt: Catherine Bringselius Nilsson 0470-28588

Aug. 16 Kristianstad Svensk-Amerikanskt LogemöteKl. 18.00 Logen Christian Nr 617Kontakt: Karin Holmqvist 044-24 13 78

Aug. 17 Önnestad Sverige-Amerikadagen / Hans Mattsson-dagenLogen Christian Nr 617

Kl. 11.00 Svensk-Amerikansk gudstjänst i kyrkan. Fanparad tillHembygdsparken.Tal, plakettutdelning. Musik, folklore och utställningar.

Kontakt: Karin Holmqvist 044-24 13 78


PLEASE MEETLEROY ANDERSON

1908 – 1975 2008 will be Leroy Anderson’s

Centennial year. Orchestras throughoutthe world are planning tribute concertsthat will celebrate the composer’s musicallegacy. The music of Leroy Anderson isfirmly entrenched in American popularculture. A composer of distinctive anddelightful miniatures, his best-knownworks include Sleigh Ride, TheSyncopated Clock and Blue Tango. Hismusic continues to be extensively record-ed and performed by a wide range ofmusicians and is frequently used to enter-tain dignitaries at the White House LeroyAnderson was born on June 29, 1908 inCambridge, Massachusetts. His parentswere Swedish immigrants who came tothe United States as children. They livedat 269 Norfolk Street in Cambridge. Hisfather, Bror Anton Anderson, came fromnear Kristianstad in the province ofSkåne. He worked as a postal clerk at theCentral Square post office and played themandolin. His mother, Anna MargaretaAnderson, came from Stockholm. Shewas an organist at the Swedish Church inCambridge. They moved to 12 ChathamStreet when Leroy was one year old andhe remained there until 1936 when hemoved to New York City. It was at thishouse that he arranged many of his com-positions for Arthur Fiedler and theBoston Pops Orchestra.

In 1919 he began piano and musicstudies at the New England Conservatoryof Music. In 1925 he composed, orches-trated and conducted the Cambridge Highand Latin School orchestra in the classsong for his graduation. He was in highschool when his father bought him atrombone so he could play in the frontrow of the Harvard Band where he wasaccepted as an underclassman.

Leroy received a B.A. magna cumlaude in 1929. He earned an M.A. with amajor in music in 1930. He continued hisstudies at Harvard through the early1930’s working toward a PhD in Germanand Scandinavian languages, while work-ing as a music tutor at Radcliffe College.He was a gifted linguist and eventuallymastered Danish, Norwegian, Icelandic,German, French, Italian, and Portuguesein addition to the English and Swedish ofhis upbringing. Not thinking that a careerin music held much promise, he intendedto become a language teacher. He applied

for and was offered a position at a privateschool in Pennsylvania, but at the lastmoment he gave music one final try andsent his regrets to the school.

As a graduate student Leroy becameDirector of the Harvard Band and wroteseveral clever arrangements for the bandthat brought him to the attention of ArthurFiedler, Director of the Boston PopsOrchestra. His first arrangement forFiedler in 1936 was a medley of Harvardsongs - Harvard Fantasy. In 1938 thePops performed his first composition,Jazz Pizzicato. It was an immediate hit.Fiedler encouraged him to write originalcompositions for the orchestra. Leroywrote Jazz Legato in 1939. During theseyears he also performed along with hisbrother Russ in various popular danceorchestras as well as on cruise ships of theNorwegian Line crossing between NewYork and Scandinavia.

World War II interrupted his career asa composer. Leroy was drafted into theArmy as private in 1942 and assigned toIceland as a translator and interpreter.Before departing for Iceland he marriedhis wife Eleanor Firke. Promoted to therank of Captain he was assigned to thePentagon as Chief of the ScandinavianDesk of Military Intelligence, where hewrote The Syncopated Clock. While stillin service, Captain Anderson conductedthe Boston Pops in premieres of TheSyncopated Clock and Promenade.Captain Anderson was offered the posi-tion of U.S. Military Attaché to Swedenbut declined, deciding that composingwas to be his sole occupation. He wasreleased from active duty in 1945.

The Anderson family spent the sum-mer of 1946 at Painter Hill in Woodbury,Connecticut. It was here that he composedSleigh Ride during a heat wave. Twoyears later the Anderson’s settled inWoodbury. During these years he wrotemany of his well-loved compositions,among them Blue Tango, The Typewriter,Serenata, Belle of the Ball, Bugler’sHoliday and Forgotten Dreams.

Fiedler continued to premier Mr.Anderson’s works including Sleigh Ride,Fiddle-Faddle and Trumpeter’s Lullaby,until 1950. After that Leroy conducted thepremieres of his works recording them forDecca Records. Among these pieces wereBelle of the Ball, Blue Tango, Bugler’sHoliday, Forgotten Dreams, Horse andBuggy, Plink, Plank, Plunk, Serenata, TheTypewriter and Waltzing Cat. It was his

recording of Blue Tango that was #1 onthe Hit Parade of 1952 and remained therefor 22 weeks. By 1952 he was establishedas the pre-eminent American composer oflight concert music.

Leroy also experimented with thelonger form in his most ambitious work -Concerto in C for Piano and Orchestra.The family released the work posthu-mously (unrevised) in 1988 and it is nowperformed many times each year. He alsotried his hand at musical theater writingthe musical scores for Goldilocks, hisonly musical. It opened October 11, 1958in New York City.

Over the years, his pieces have beenemployed as themes in both radio andtelevision. In the early 50’s, CBS-TVchose The Syncopated Clock as the themefor its new program “The Late Show.”CBS used it for more than 25 years. Plink,Plank, Plunk ! was known to many in the’50’s as the theme for the TV game show“I’ve Got a Secret,” and The Typewriterhas become a favorite for a variety ofradio news productions.

In 1972 the Boston Pops paid tribute toLeroy in a televised concert that wasbroadcast nationwide. Leroy appeared onthe program and guest-conducted onepiece. It was, as he said to his wifeEleanor, “the most important evening ofmy life.” He continued to compose and toconduct his music throughout NorthAmerica until his death from cancer in1975.

Included among the numerous honorsand tributes Leroy Anderson received astar on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in1976 at 1620 Vine Street for his contribu-tion to the recording industry. He waselected posthumously to the SongwritersHall of Fame in 1988, and HarvardUniversity named its new band quartersthe Anderson Band Center in his honor.

*************It is important for us to understand and take

pride in the contribution that we asSwedish/Nordic Americans have made to the cul-tural fabric of our country. Our thanks to theLeroy Anderson’s family for the material theymade available and for reviewing this article.Additional information can be found athttp://www.leroyanderson.com.

Kristianstad, the town in Sweden whereAnderson’s father was born, will be presentingan exhibit, concerts and a musical show honoringLeroy Anderson. Information can be found atwww.kristianstad.se/leroyanderson

Submitted by: Paul Ljunggren


CULTURE

The history of the Dalecarlian Horsegoes far back in time. In pre-Christiantime the horse was a sacred animal inSweden, a symbol of strength and power.The foremost Aesir god, Oden, had aneight legged horse, Sleipner, a steed run-ning faster than other horses.

The Dalecarlian woodmen used to sitby the fire after a day’s hard work in theforest. To while away (the time of) thelong dark winter evenings they carvedtoy figures from waste material for theirchildren using very simple tools.

Very often they made wooden horseswhich are easy to understand as the horsewas very important for the woodmen. Itwas a faithful friend, in winter haulingheavy loads of lumber through the forest,in summer the horse was of great value“working” in the fields. The horse alsopulled carts to the market and took thefamily to church on Sundays.

In the 19th century the carvers beganto paint their wooden horses in brightcolours, mostly red, with a typicalDalecarlian pattern, called kurbits.

At first the Dala Horse was a toy forchildren. “Door-to-door” salesmen, how-ever, travelling all over the country foundthe horses so beautiful that they boughtlots of them and soon they were sold allover Sweden.

In the beginning of the 20th centurythere were many Swedish families livingin poverty. As the wooden horses gotmore and more popular many familiesstarted to make horses (to offer) for saleto make some extra money.

The Olsson family at Nusnäs, Dalarna,had nine children and they all had to helptheir father making horses every day afterschool. In 1928 two of the sons borrowed400 Swedish kronor from the bank (anenormous sum of money at that time).They then could buy a band saw and sostart a small factory. Today the third gen-eration Olsson maintain the ancient tradi-tion, but now in a bigger factory withmany employees. Every year hundreds ofthousands of Dala Horses are made inNusnäs and other villages around. One

fifth (1/5) of the horses are exported. To-day they are made of pine or alder woodin 20 sizes, from 10 mm to 75 cm, mea-sured from the foot to the top of the ear.

In 1939 the Dala Horse became worldfamous at the World’s Fair in New York.The designer of the Swedish exhibitionhad a gigantic Dala Horses placed at theentrance of the Swedish pavilion. It was2, 8 m high and a great success. The fol-lowing year about 20.000 Dala Horseswere exported to New York for sale.

The Dala Horse is still very popularand Sweden’s souvenir number one.

Submitted by: Gun Lith, GLCDPictures by: Gunnar Lith

Dalahästen –Sverigesouveniren nummer ett

Dalahästens historia går långt tillbakai tiden. I förkristen tid var hästen ettheligt djur i Sverige, en symbol för styrkaoch makt. Den förnämste av asagudarnaOden hade en åttafotad häst, Sleipner,som kunde springa fortare än andra häs-tar.

Under de långa mörka vinterkvällarnai Dalarna brukade skogsarbetarna sittavid brasan efter en dags hårt arbete i sko-gen. För att fördriva tiden täljde de lek-saker av spillvirke till sina barn.

Ofta blev det en häst vilket är lätt attförstå, eftersom hästen var mycket viktigför människorna.

Hästen var en trofast arbetskamrat,som på vintern drog tunga timmerlassgenom skogen och på sommaren var tillstor nytta i jordbruksarbetet. Hästen drogockså vagnslaster till marknaden och påsöndagarna tog den familjen till kyrkan.

The Dala Horse –Sweden’s Souvenir

Number One

På 1800-talet började man måla häs-tarna i klara färger, mest rött, med etttypiskt dalamönster, benämnt kurbits.Till en början gjordes dalahästen som enleksak. Men försäljare som reste överhela landet tyckte att hästarna var såvackra att de köpte massor av dem, ochsnart såldes de i hela Sverige.

I början på 1900-talet var fattigdomenstor i många svenska hem. Då hästarnablev allt populärare började många famil-jer tillverka hästar för att tjäna lite extrapengar.

Familjen Olsson i Nusnäs, Dalarna,hade nio barn, som varje dag fick hjälpatill att göra trähästar efter skolan. 1928lånade två av sönerna i banken 400 kro-nor, en enorm summa på den tiden. Medhjälp av pengarna kunde de köpa enbandsåg och starta en liten fabrik. I dag ärdet tredje generationen. Olsson som förtraditionen vidare i Nusnäs, men nu i enstörre fabrik och med många anställda.Varje år tillverkas tusentals Dalahästar iNusnäs och andra byar runtomkring. Enfemtedel av hästarna exporteras. Detillverkas i fur eller al och görs i 20 olikastorlekar, från 10 mm till 75 cm, mättfrån foten till toppen på örat.

1939 blev Dalahästen världsberömdvid Världsutställningen i New York.Designern för den svenska utställningenlät placera en jättestor Dalahäst vidingången till den svenska paviljongen.

Hästen var 2,8 m hög och succén blevenorm Året efter exporterades ungefär20.000 Dalahästar till New York.

Fortfarande är Dalahästen mycketpopulär och Sveriges souvenir nummerett.

Submitted by: Gun Lith, SLKL

Dala Horses


Humble Beginningsby Millie Ring

I was born in Scandinavia. There arefive countries that are part of Scandinavia,Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland andIceland. I was born in Sweden. It is a coldcountry and has long dark winters. Thesun rarely shines by the arctic circle whereit is dark night and day for about fourmonths in the winter. In the summer itstays light so long that you have to haveyour shades pulled down at night so thatyou can sleep.

I was almost five when my parents,Lilly and Ingemar, came to the UnitedStates to find a better life. The boat wecame on was called the Gripsholm, and ittook ten days to reach this wonderfulcountry called America. There were noplanes in those days, but now it only takes9 hours on a jet to span the ocean fromSweden to the U.S.A.

Neither my parents nor I could under-stand nor speak one word of English.I went to kindergarten and the kidsall teased me because I could not under-stand them. I soon learned to speakEnglish without any special lessons. Thenmy parents learned the English languagefrom me. We were so very proudof our achievement and happy to be livingin this remarkable country called theU.S.A.

We lived in a small four room apart-ment. There was not a bit of grass or ayard where I could play. There were onlycement sidewalks. My dad, Ingemar,worked as a carpenter and made about$15.00 a week with no vacations and nosick pay or pensions. My mom, Lilly, wasa housewife.

We were very poor. I only had one pairof shoes, coat, hat, sweater, and gloves.I also had one dress for Sunday Schooland two blouses and two skirts for school.There were no big decisions to bemade about what we were to wear forschool. When it was winter and zeroweather, we wore rubber galoshes withbuckles.

We did not eat the way we do today.There were no delis, or frozen foods. Ourmain diet consisted of oatmeal or a pieceof toast and squeezed orange juice forbreakfast. For lunch we had peanut butterand jelly sandwiches and a bowl of home-made soup. For dinner we had meat onceor twice a week, some fish, many pota-toes, rice dishes, fresh vegetables, andhard breads. We did not eat many salads.It was simple fare, but we grew up healthyand strong.

We played simple games such as cards,

checkers, bunco, and dominos. Therewere no computer games, Nintendo, orGame boy. There was no software, andhardware was a place to buy nails. TheInternet was something like a hairnet. Wehad roller skates which fit on our shoes.We needed a skate key to tighten theclamps on our skates so they would stayon our feet. We jumped rope, played RunSheepy Run, Baby in the Hole, and otheroutside games. We had no TV, only asingle radio.

As I got older and was in the sixth orseventh grade, I got my first second-handbike. What a thrill that was. Now the kidsget their first car at 16. We sent to a sec-ond-hand store and bought movie maga-zines for five cents each. We girls savedmovie stars’ pictures in a big cardboardbox, and then traded those pictures withour friends for each of our favorite stars.My favorite was Loretta Young.

In those days, smoking was an expen-sive habit that only some could afford at29 cents a pack. We picked up silverwrappers from cigarette packages that hadbeen discarded. We made silver balls outof the foil, sold it, and got about 5 centsfor a big ball.

We went ice skating in the winter at thepark. Our biggest enjoyment was going toLake Michigan to swim and fish in thesummer time. There was no Outer Drivethen. It was only sand and jagged rockswhere we would dive off and swim inthe very deep water. No swimming isallowed there now, and all those hugerocks have been leveled off and are nowwalkways.

When I was 11, the movies with astage show, cost only 15 cents for kidsand 25 cents for adults. We saw the topfollies, and many of the big movie starsgave us their autographs at the stage door.We saved our milk money, which was 5cents a day, so we could go to the movieson Saturday afternoons. That was thebiggest thrill of our week.

I went to grade school for eight yearsand then had 4 years of high school. Noone could afford to send their kids to col-lege. After finishing high school, most ofthe boys my age were drafted into the 2ndWorld War. They were only 18 or 19years old and afraid.

We walked to school both ways sum-mer and winter, often through much snowand below zero weather. Our lunch timewas one hour. We had no hot schoollunches. Mom packed up our lunch in abrown paper bag, or sometimes we wenthome where she was always there to greetus with hot chocolate made out of drycocoa and milk. There were no instantthings in those days. Everything was made

from scratch, even baby food. Mom had tostrain the food and make it. We could notafford to go out to restaurants. There wereno McDonalds, Kentucky Fried Chicken,or Burger King, etc.

We did not have any of the electricalappliances we have today. We had a toast-er that opened on both sides so two piecesof bread could be toasted at the same time.We had to turn and watch the toast soit would not burn. We had no automaticdishwasher, Mom was it. We had awashing machine with a hand wringer,and no automatic dryers. There wereno microwaves, no toaster ovens, noshowers, and silent movies only, notalkies.

We did a lot of walking in those days. Ithink the streetcar cost 5 cents, and wecould not afford the fare. There were notransfers, and there were two conductorson each streetcar. When we got a hole inthe sole of our shoes, we would put apiece of cardboard in so our feet wouldnot get wet. We only had black, brown, orwhite shoes, not all these multi-coloredones that we have today. We also did nothave all those fancy named sneakers as wedo today. We had gym shoes. The girlswore green romper gym suits, and woregray tank suits for swimming. Theylooked awful.

Christmas was a big event. Santaalways came in person with a small packon his back on Christmas Eve. We wereso excited. We each got two or three pre-sents. I got a petticoat, woolen stockings,and maybe one toy which was either aball, jump rope, jacks, or a game likeCheckers or Parcheesi. We each had aChristmas stocking that was not hung bythe fireplace, because we did not haveone. In our stocking we found raisins,some penny candy, and an orange or anapple.

On Christmas Eve we had Swedish“Smörgåsbord,” which consisted of“Köttbullar” (meatballs), “Dopp i gryta”(dipping in the drippings), “Skinka”(ham), “Ost” (cheese), “Limpa” (bread),and, of course, “Glögg” (spiced wine).Then we went to church Christmas morn-ing for “Julotta.” We had real candles onour tree. The Christmas tree cost $1.00.We used strung cranberries on a chain andpopcorn balls to trim it. We also usedmulti-colored paper chains, paper baskets,and little Swedish flags as decorations. Itwas a marvelous feast and celebrationwith our many loved ones.

These are only a few of my wonderfulmemories of growing up in the beautifulcountry called America.

Millie Ring is a member of KronanLodge #179, Chicago, IL.



A Young Boy’s Journeyby Borje “Swede” Pettersson

Norrskenet Lodge #331, Sioux City, IATo my sons and grandchildren

I was born on January the third in theyear of 1937 in the small town of Säter inthe lan of Dalarna in the Kingdom ofSweden.

I was christened Per Börje Pettersson,the son of Gustaf Adolph Pettersson andElna Viola Pettersson (Ericsson). Mygrandparents (farfar and farmor) wereGustaf Pettersson and Elma Pettersson,who lived on a farm close to Säter. Theyboth died when I was 4 or 5 years of age.My grandparents on my mothers’ side(morfar and mormor) were Karl Ericssonand Judit Ericsson, who lived in Nora asmall village in Västmanlands Län. Theyboth died when I was 13 or 14 years ofage.

Remembering life as a boy at the ageof 5 or 6 (1942-1943) in Säter, I had awonderful upbringing. My mother andmy 4-year younger brother were aloneduring this time, because my father was inthe Swedish Army. He was stationed onthe Norwegian border, however, he wouldcome home on leave from time to time.

Times were quite rough for mostSwedish people during this period, mymother would work part time in a flowershop in Säter. Also she would take mybrother and I out to the nearby forest topick blueberries, lingonberries, wildstrawberries (smultron) and wild raspber-ries which she would can or make saft(juice) that would sustain us throughoutthe long winters. We also had a garden inthe summertime, for meat we raised rab-bits plus meat and fish from the localbutcher shop.

As time went by and the war in Europewas over and my father came home fromthe Swedish Army, times improved for allof us. (1945-1949) My brother and Ilearned to ski and ice skate at a very earlyage. In the summertime we would goswimming and fishing at the lake andriver that was close to Säter. In thespringtime older children would go downby the lake and the local sawmill andjump from log to log. Also we had one ofthe most beautiful parks in Sweden, itwas called Säterdalen and in the summer-time many people from all parts ofSweden and other countries would comeand celebrate the many activities in thepark. We would go to the football (soc-cer) games usually on Saturdays betweenSäter and Hedemora or Falun. Also as afamily we would bicycle to Hedemora formotorcycle races, coming back 10 or 11pm at night when it was still light (sum-

mer light). In the wintertime they wouldhave motorcycle races on the ice at thelake in Säter. At times to make a littleextra money I would work at the localrifle range behind a large bunker. I wouldput black or white patches on very largetargets (4 ft. x 4 ft.).

When fall came I would go back toschool which was only 3 or 4 blocks fromour house. As I got a little older my par-ents would send me on a train to visit mygrandparents in Nora Stad which Ienjoyed very much. My grandfatherwould take me fishing when he was notworking and during the week I wouldtake swimming lessons at the lake. Thelake next to Nora had an island and youwould have to take a boat back and forthfor the lessons. At the end of the summerthey would have races and I won a bronzemedal in my age category. Also duringthis period my parents would take mybrother and I to the big city of Örebro inNärke Län. My mother had an aunt andcousin that lived there.

My father worked in a large factorythat made hard tack bread and when hegot off work my brother and I would meethim and we would ride our bicycles hometogether. One day when we came homemy mother told my father that there was aletter for him from America. The letterwas from my father’s aunt who lived inSioux City, IA. She had immigrated toAmerica in the late 1800s along with her3 brothers. One brother came back toSweden and became my grandfather. Theletter in essence asked my father if he andhis family would like to come and settlein America. My father and mother decid-ed that this would be a opportunity for ourwhole family.

So by June 1949 we were packed andready for the long journey to America.We said goodbye to all our friends inSäter and boarded a train for the seaportof Göteborg on the West Coast ofSweden. There we boarded the Swedishship S/S Gripsholm for our passage toAmerica. I was now 12 years old. In theeyes of a young boy the Gripsholm was abeautiful ship, a true adventure. It hadeverything you could imagine - from amovie theater to a swimming pool and allkinds of good food and ice cream, any-time of the day. The weather in the NorthAtlantic Ocean in the last part of June andthe first part of July was very good andafter 10 days I finally saw land.

The ship docked at Halifax, Canada, todrop passengers off and that afternoon wemade sail for New York City. Early thenext morning we were awakened with thenews to come out of our cabins if wewanted to see the Statue of Liberty. We

all got dressed very quickly and went out-side, what a beautiful sight to see in themisty morning as we sailed into NewYork harbor.

After going through immigration ourfamily spent one day in New York andthen boarded a train for a 3-day trip toSioux City, a city located in northwestIowa bordering Nebraska and SouthDakota. We had a small layover time fora transfer in Chicago but arrived in SiouxCity on July 6 or 7, 1949.

My father’s aunt met us at the trainstation in downtown Sioux City, a townof approximately 80,000 people. The tem-perature was close to 100 degrees. Mybrother and I became the main attractionof the neighborhood for the next coupleof weeks since we couldn’t speak anyEnglish, but somehow we could commu-nicate with the children that we playedwith. The temperature continued to bevery high throughout the months of Julyand August, I could hear my mother say-ing how she missed the cool summers ofSweden. During this first year period, myfather’s aunt passed away.

By the first of September it was timeto start school and I was enrolled in theneighborhood grade school (EverettElementary School). Since I couldn’tspeak any English, I was required by myteacher, Miss Schults, to come in onehour before school and stay one hour afterschool. After several months of extraclassroom work I was able to speakEnglish quite well. My first teacher, MissSchults, will always be dear to my heart.My parents had a much more difficulttime learning the English language thanmy brother or I. At home we could speakonly in Swedish and that probablydidn’t help our parents. My parentsjoined Augustana Lutheran Church (thiswas a Swedish-American church) wherewe met many people of Swedish descentand where I later was confirmed. Alsomy parents joined the ScandinavianSociety and the Vasa Order wherewe would go on Saturday nights forfellowship.

In time I passed on to Junior HighSchool (West Junior) and then on toSenior High School (Central High). Atthis time my goal was to becomeAmericanized. I didn’t think much aboutwhere I came from or my nationality, myparents and myself had become natural-ized, we were Americans now. Duringthis time frame, I had a paper route,worked in a small grocery store, and wasa member of the school track and swim-ming team. I also played ice hockey onthe Sioux Hawks Junior team. When I



A Young Boy’s JourneyContinued from page 22

was a senior in high school, tragedystruck our family. My mother died of astroke at the age of 43. My youngerbrother and I became more responsiblefor ourselves as my father worked nightsas a baker for the Wonder BreadCompany. After graduation from highschool in 1956, I spent time in the AirForce and the Iowa Air National Guard.Later on my brother Bengt ArnePettersson would join the U.S. army andspent 25 years as a helicopter pilot beforeretiring to White Lake, NC. In 1959 Imarried a Sioux City girl named SandraLee Hayes and we are still married after42 years. We have 2 sons and 9 grand-children.

My wife’s profession was a nurse andI worked for the Sioux City CommunitySchool District for 38 years. First Iworked as a carpenter, then as the con-struction supervisor. The last 10 years asDirector of Physical Operations, in chargeof 175 personnel that included mainte-nance personnel, custodial personnel, busdrivers, secretaries and 4 supervisors. Ihad the responsibility for 38 school build-ings with annual budgets of 5 to 6 milliondollars.

In 1992 my father died at 82 and waslaid to rest next to my mother. He neverhad or wanted the opportunity to go backto his place of birth.

I was more fortunate than that when in1993 and also in 1996 my wife and I trav-eled to Sweden. It had been 44 yearssince I left Sweden as a young boy. Wewent to Säter and there I met formerschoolmates and saw my old school andthe place where I grew up. We took manywalks through the beautiful Säterdalen.Then we continued to the village of Norato see my grandparents’ grave. From thecemetery I walked right to the housewhere they had lived and I had spentmany wonderful times. I had no troublefinding it. Then we went to see my aunton my mother’s side and her husband.They lived in Lana, a small hamlet out-side of Örebro. We had rented a car andwe saw a lot of Sweden, I am very thank-ful for this opportunity. My wife and I arestill residing in Sioux City, where we aremembers of Vasa Order. Once a year mysons and I have the privilege of cookingfor the lodge, yellow pea soup andSwedish pancakes.

In conclusion I still have the spirit ofadventure as I get on my Harley Davidsonand travel throughout the midwest. I tellmy grandchildren it is in my Vikingblood!

HAPPENINGS

From the 1st of August until the 17th of August all Swedish Americans and theirrelatives who originate from the province of Dalsland or from other parts of Sweden,are welcome to join the Homecoming year 2008 event. During this time they have thechance to meet again, get in touch with their roots and dive in to the world of genealo-gy. A time to reconnect and bond by visiting the emigration conference in Mellerudthe 15th and 16th of August, and take the time to visit pleasant sites and enjoy thewonderful Swedish summer.

This is also the perfect time to explore all what the province of Dalsland has tooffer. Dalsland is called Sweden in miniature; you will get to know the lakes, forestsand hills that Dalsland is known for. Your stay will be an unforgettable experiencewith the help of the enthusiastic people in the province who are waiting for this event.

For example you can visit the little village of Edsleskog in the northern part ofDalsland between the village of Bengtsfors and (runner up “most beautiful town under10.000 inhabitants in the world”) Åmål. In Edsleskog lakes, forests and hills literallymeet. Lake Edslansjön, and the large forests meet at Dalslands highest point“Baljåsen.” You can enjoy hiking in the surrounding hills, take a day trip in a canoe ora pleasant stroll in the surrounding forests. Edsleskog offers accommodation in a typi-cal Swedish Guesthouse (Wärdshus) where you can meet many Swedes. You can takea walk on a long distance pilgrim path, visit a beautiful church and find out about anold “murder mystery,” visit a “healing-water-well” and a priest house where the well-known Anders Fryxell used to live. Dalsland is living up to its reputation and is a won-derful area to visit in the summer.

Submitted by: Johan Postma, Edsleskog

Preparing for the Homecoming Event

The Swedish Chamber Orchestra VisitsCleveland, OH

At just 12 years old and with only 38players, the Swedish Chamber Orchestrais fast establishing itself as one of the mostinteresting ensembles today. Togetherwith Danish conductor, ThomasDausgaard – who has been the orchestra’smusic director for 10 years – the tightlyknit ensemble has recorded the completeBeethoven Orchestral works for Simaxand embarked on a new project with BISwhich will include all the symphonies ofSchumann as well as orchestral works byDvor̃ák and Bruckner. The first of theseBIS recordings appeared in January 2007.

In 2004 the Swedish ChamberOrchestra and Thomas Dausgaard madetheir USA and UK debuts with perfor-mances at the London Proms and Lincoln

Center, Mostly Mozart Festival. The NewYork Times wrote: “It has been a long-standing complaint in the classical musicworld that as recordings and jet travelhave shrunk the globe, an internationalsound has been fostered that has filteredout regional differences in timbre andinterpretation ... And every now and thenan orchestra comes along with a soundthat is surprising and fresh. The SwedishChamber Orchestra, led by its music direc-tor, Thomas Dausgaard, produced a dis-tinctive and consistently vibrant sound ...Mr. Dausgaard made the Beethoven into ahigh-energy dazzler, driven by sizzlinglybrisk string playing, with biting brass fig-ures giving the music a stormy edge and

Edsleskogs Wärdshus


The Swedish ChamberOrchestra VisitsCleveland, OHContinued from page 23

making the neglected Fourth Symphonyseem nearly as titanic as the Third and theFifth.”

The Swedish Chamber Orchestra isworking hard on the “surprising” and“fresh” sound accredited to them and isconstantly looking at expanding its reper-toire and opening new doors to furtherchallenges. Alongside their work withThomas Dausgaard, the Swedish ChamberOrchestra regularly performs with earlymusic specialist Andrew Manze and con-ductor/composer HK Gruber. With thisrange of repertoire and styles the ensemblehas established its own unique voice, asThe Daily Telegraph commented,“Imagine the London Sinfonietta crossedwith say the Orchestra of the Age ofEnlightenment and you might come upwith something near the flexibility offeredby the Swedish Chamber Orchestra.”

With a commitment to contemporarymusic the orchestra regularly commissionsand performs new works, both at homeand abroad. The orchestra’s most recentcommission is a new violin concerto byMagnus Lindberg which was given itsEuropean premiere by the SwedishChamber Orchestra and soloist LisaBatisivili in October 2006. Reviewing theconcert the Times wrote: “Poised betweenappearances at the Mainly MozartFestivals in New York and the Barbican(July 2007), Magnus Lindberg’s newViolin Concerto has just received standingovations at its European premiere in thequiet Swedish town of Örebro. Why Öre-bro? Because that is the home of theSwedish Chamber Orchestra which co-commissioned the work, and played it,under the baton of their chief conductorThomas Dausgaard, with the sharp-eyedintensity that has become their hallmark.”

Further upcoming world premiere per-formances include works by Swedishcomposers Daniel Börz, Karin Rehnqvist,Sven David Sandström, and ChristianLindberg whilst Scandinavian premieresinclude works by Joe Cutler and StevenMackey.

In March 2007 the Swedish ChamberOrchestra undertook a major tour ofEurope which included performances atthe Amsterdam Concertgebouw, ZurichTonhalle, Dresden Frauenkirche, BerlinKonzerthaus and Munich HerkulesSaal. InJuly 2007 the ensemble returned to

London to perform at the Mostly MozartFestival where they gave the UK premiereof Magnus Lindberg’s violin concertotogether with Lisa Batiashvili.

Tour highlights in 2008 include areturn visit to the States with concerts atNew York’s Lincoln Center, Washington,Cleveland, and the West Coast as well asan Autumn tour to Germany and Austria.

Thomas DausgaardDanish conductor, Thomas Dausgaard,

was recently described by The DailyTelegraph as “a conductor of rare convic-tion and insight.” He is renowned for hisdynamic conducting style, his freshapproach to a broad range of repertoire,his prolific discography, and the excitingresults he has achieved as ChiefConductor of the Danish NationalSymphony Orchestra/DR and as PrincipalConductor of the Swedish ChamberOrchestra.

Dausgaard became Chief Conductor ofthe Danish National SymphonyOrchestra/DR in August 2004. Theorchestra has developed impressivelyunder his leadership, embracing his energyand creativity. With Dausgaard they tourworldwide, performing in Berlin, Vienna,Paris, Amsterdam, and London, and theyhave also recorded extensively together.Of particular note is their recently releaseddisc of Nielsen works which has beennominated for a 2007 Gramophone award.Dausgaard and the orchestra have wel-comed the new opportunities presented bythe Internet and many of their forthcomingperformances will be made available fordownload. In January 2009, they will per-

form the inaugural concerts at the eagerlyawaited new concert hall opening inCopenhagen, designed by Jean Nouvel,after which they will become the hall’sresident orchestra.

The Swedish Chamber Orchestra hasalso flourished under Dausgaard’s direc-tion since he took up his position there in1997. Having brought this group from aregional orchestra to international atten-tion over the past decade, he and theorchestra have recorded all of Beethoven’sorchestral music for Simax, a projectwhich has received outstanding criticalacclaim for the fresh and dynamicapproach that Dausgaard and the orchestrabring to this repertoire. They continue torecord prolifically, breaking with traditionas a chamber orchestra to record all ofSchumann’s symphonies and a selectionof symphonies from Dvor̃ák, Schubert,and Bruckner for BIS, for a series whichhas appropriately been labeled “OpeningDoors.” In October 2005 they undertooktheir first Japan tour which was a hugesuccess and recent tours have includedItaly, Germany, Holland, Spain, the USA,and the UK.

Thomas Dausgaard guest conducts sev-eral of the world’s leading orchestras. Heenjoys a special relationship with theLeipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra conduct-ing them on tour as well as in their homecity and future guest conducting engage-ments include the Vienna SymphonyOrchestra, the Radio Symphony Berlin,the Czech Philharmonic, the VerdiOrchestra, Milan among others. He workswith the leading Scandinavian Orchestras,

Piotr Anderszewski, pianist, was off to California for yet another guest appearance after visitingCleveland. In the picture Eva Carlson from the Swedish Cultural Society in Cleveland, had achance to chat with him.



The Swedish ChamberOrchestra VisitsCleveland, OHContinued from page 24

including the Oslo and StockholmPhilharmonics and has conducted the St.Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra in St.Petersburg and on tour in Italy, where healso works with the RAI Turin and LaScala Philharmonic Orchestras. In the UK,Dausgaard returns to the BBC Phil-harmonic Orchestra, with whom he madehis Proms debut, in the 2007-08 seasonand will work with the Royal Phil-harmonic Orchestra again in 2008-09.

Thomas Dausgaard also conducts regu-larly in North America. He has workedwith many of the major orchestras includ-ing the Philadelphia Orchestra, LosAngeles Philharmonic, PittsburghSymphony, Saint Louis Symphony,Baltimore Symphony, Houston Sym-phony, Minnesota Orchestra, SeattleSymphony, and the Montreal Symphony.he conducts the Toronto Symphony everyyear, and makes regular appearances at theMostly Mozart Festival in New York.

Thomas Dausgaard already has adiscography of more than 30 recordingswith companies such as Chandos Records,Dacapo, Simax, and EMI Medley. Hisrecent releases have included Nielsen andLanggaard works for Dacapo and Berliozfor Chandos. His much praised DVDrecordings of Langgaard’s opera Antikriston the Dacapo label was released last year.

“Dausgaard brought it (Brahms’sSymphony No. 1) not only freshness anddrive but also depth and maturity. Hedeserved and received a magnificentresponse from his players, crowning aninspiring concert.” – David Flanning, TheDaily Telegraph (reviewing the BBCprom concert with Danish NationalSymphony Orchestra/DR).

Piotr Anderszewski, pianistPolish-Hungarian pianist Piotr

Anderszewski is widely regarded as one ofthe most exciting pianists of his genera-tion. Since first coming to public attentionat the 1990 Leeds Piano Competition, hehas become a familiar figure on the inter-national concert platform, recognized forthe intensity and originality of his interpre-tations.

Anderszewski’s engagements in the2006-07 season included a criticallyacclaimed recital at Carnegie Hall, whichJay Nordlinger of the New York Sundescribed as “a feat of pianism and a feat

Scandinavian Studies AssociationSince 1990 the Scandinavian Studies Association has been a support group which

fundraises for a second professorship in Scandinavian languages at the University ofAlberta. Professor Christopher Hale is presently in charge of the Scandinavian pro-gram in the Department of Modern Languages and Cultural Studies. The languages ofDenmark, Norway and Sweden are taught at the University of Alberta. Every 50 boardmeetings of the association are recognized with a celebration. On December 18, 2007,the 150th meeting honored the volunteers for their support in the fundraising program.Among the guests were Roar Tungland, the Norwegian Consul in Edmonton, andKristina Williams, Swedish Consul for Edmonton and Northern Alberta.

Submitted by: Linnea Lodge, Scandia Lodge #549, Edmonton, Canada

The four presidents of the association who have served during these years are: l-r: RoaldEnokson, Sons of Norway, Solglyt Lodge #143, Lennart Petersson, Vasa Order of America,Skandia Lodge #549, Dr. Roger Morton, Professor Emeritus, Geological Sciences, Sons ofNorway, Solglyt Lodge #143, and Linnea Lodge, Vasa Order of America, Skandia Lodge #549.

Picture by: Pirkko Karvonen

of musicianship.” He performed with theRoyal Concertgebouw, Los AngelesPhilharmonic, Dallas Symphony, andPhiladelphia Orchestra, and was a guestartist in the London SymphonyOrchestra’s prestigious Mozart concertseries.

The 250th anniversary of Mozart’sbirth saw Anderszewski directing the com-poser’s concertos from the keyboard withvarious chamber orchestras – including theMahler Chamber Orchestra, the St. PaulChamber Orchestra and the soloists of theBerlin Philharmonic. Most notable hasbeen his collaboration with the ScottishChamber Orchestra, with which he hasperformed extensively and recorded a discfeaturing the G major and D minor con-certos. This partnership continues into thecurrent season.

Anderszewski hs made a number ofhighly-praised recordings since becomingan exclusive artist with Virgin Classics in2000. His first release for Virgin wasBeethoven’s Diabelli Variations, a discwhich received exceptional criticalacclaim, including a Diapason d’or and aChoc du Monde de la Musique in France.The recording was also the subject of a

film by Bruno Monsaingeon, creator ofdocumentaries on Sviatoslav Richter,Yehudi Menuhin, and Glenn Gould. Othernotable releases have included Grammy-nominated CDs of Bach’s Partitas 1, 3 and6 and a selection of solo pieces by hiscompatriot Szymanowski, which receiveda Classic FM Gramophone Award in 2006for best instrumental disc.

Piotr Anderszewski has been singledout for several high profile awards – theSzymanowski Prize in 1999 for his inter-pretations of the composer’s music and, in2001, the Royal Philharmonic Society’s2000 Best Instrumentalist’ award. In April2002 he was named Gilmore Artist, suc-ceeding previous winner Leif OveAndsnes.

In the 2007-08 season, Mr. Anderszew-ski appears with the Chicago SymphonyOrchestra, tours the United States with theSwedish Chamber Orchestra, and embarkson recital tours of the United States, Japan,and Europe, the latter including appear-ances at London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall,the Theatre des Champs-Elysées in Paris,and the Wiener Konzerthaus.

Source: Cleveland Musuem of ArtProgram, www.clevelandart.org


STOCKHOLMThe Beautiful Capital of Sweden

It surprises me greatly that so fewAmericans visit Sweden. It seems thatmost people here visit London, Paris andRome.

Stockholm is no doubt one of the mostbeautiful cities in the world. It is built onfourteen islands and the city is not theVenice of the North as they say. Venicehas canals, Stockholm has waterways,some very narrow, other very wide.

In the center of the city people sit fish-ing salmon while the biggest ocean linersdock right there. Outside the city is awonderful archipelago of 24,000 islands,where only a thousand people live theyear round. But in summertime, peoplefrom the city come out here to enjoy thequiet atmosphere.

So what is there to see in Stockholm?Well, the number one tourist attraction isthe VASA museum, which holds the warship VASA that sank in the harbor in theearly 1600’s and was found and raised in1961. Inside the museum you can walkaround this fantastic ship and see how thesoldiers lived. There is a film in English,which tells the whole story about howand why it sank.

The Old Town is wonderful with theRoyal Palace and the beautiful churches.At noon every day you can watch thechanging of the guards behind the castle.There are lots of nice restaurants andstores with everything you can imagine.If you own a house there are you notallowed to change the facade without thepermission of the City Council. Walkingaround here you really feel as you are inmedieval times.

The Royal Castle holds 700 rooms;you are allowed to visit some sections,including the guest rooms. The King ofSweden has an office here, but he liveswith his family outside the city inDrottningholm Castle. Coming here as anAmerican, you will be happy to find that:

a. Everybody speaks English.b. There are very few beggars and

everybody is friendly and helpful.c. You find everything you need in the

stores and there are several hugedepartment stores, such as NK(Nordiska Companiet), PUB, Ahlen& Holm, etc. In there you can walkaround for hours and then sit downwith a cup of coffee or tea or a nicemeal.

d. You can feel quite safe in most ofthe city.

Here are some other places to visit:

several lovely museums, such asNordiska Museet, Nationalmuseet, alsosome magnificent churches such asStorkyrkan, Tyska Kyrkan (the Germanchurch) and many others.

On Kungsholmen (the western island)you can visit the wonderful City Hall! Ifyou go up in the tower, you have a mag-nificent view of the whole city.

On the island of Djurgarden, you findthe lovely Skansen Park that holds every-thing from aquariums to zoos, glassblowing and nice restaurants. Thereare lovely concerts here in summertime.

The hotels in the center of town arevery expensive. But you can choose fromhundreds of Beds & Breakfasts at verydecent prices. I myself have been to a fewof these and I found them very comfort-able.

A visit to Stockholm will be wellworth the time and expense. For moredetails you can contact me any time. Ilived in Stockholm during the war andhave been back many times.

Submitted by: Lennart Gohrn,North Star Lodge #106,

Los Angeles, CA

6th JuneFrom Flag Day to National Day

The Swedish flag takes its colours from thecoat of arms King Magnus Ladulås from 1275and from the national coat of arms with threegolden crowns on a blue background intro-duced by King Albrekt of Mecklenburg in1364. In 1448, King Karl Knutsson combinedthese two to form a new national coat of armsconsisting of four fields divided by a goldencross. This is usually seen as the origin of theSwedish national flag which was first flown bywarships in the mid-16th century.

Göran H. Fredriksson/Mira

For a long time Sweden was perhapsthe only country in the world with noofficial national day, which in turn is fair-ly symptomatic of the Swedes’ skepti-cism nowadays of patriotic manifesta-tions generally. The death of KingGustavus Adolphus, the great general andstatesman, in the Battle of Lützen againstthe German Imperial forces on 6thNovember 1632 is no longer celebrated –as it used to be – with patriotic speechesin schools and military barracks. Instead,afternoon coffee is served with a “GustavAdolf pastry” bearing the portrait of thehero king.

In the years round about 1900, by con-

trast, there was an upsurge of romanticnational sentiment, and many enthusiastswanted Sweden, like other countries, tohave a national day. But the country hadto manage without until, in the shadow ofthe First World War, and as a result ofprivate initiatives, “Swedish Flag Day”began to be celebrated on 6th June. Thisday was chosen because Gustav Vasa,who delivered the country from the unionwith Denmark, was elected King ofSweden on that day in 1523, besideswhich, one of Sweden’s constitutions wassigned on 6th June 1809.

From 1916 onwards, every 6th June,the King presented flags to representa-tives of various corporations in a greatfestival parade at the Stockholm Stadium.This occasion was subsequently trans-ferred to the Skansen open-air museum,at the same time as the military elementvirtually disappeared. But it was not until1983 that 6th June officially became thenational day. And note the moderation ofnationalism whereby the national day isstill a working day. For this reason, theflag presentation and ceremonial speech-es occurring in many places are mostlyput off until the evening, like the royalpresentation of flags at Skansen, and 6thJune in Sweden is anything but a “folkfestival” (unlike its counterpart inNorway, for example). On the other hand,there are few countries where private flagpoles are as thick on the ground as inSweden, and both on 6th June and other“public flag days,” e.g., Midsummer Day,blue-and-yellow flags will be seen flutter-ing in most gardens, outside country cot-tages and from tower block balconies.

Source: The Swedish Institute


Welcome To Our New MembersOn behalf of the Grand Lodge and members of the Vasa Order of America, I am pleased to welcome you tomembership in these local Vasa lodges. If you are new to the Vasa Order of America we bid you welcome. Ifyou are transferring or are a dual member, your new lodge bids you welcome. We hope you will enjoy yourmembership and will participate in all of the activities planned for you.

Tore Kellgren, Grand Lodge Membership Chairman5971 W. Walbrook Dr.

San Jose, CA 95129E-mail: [email protected]

DL GRAND LODGEJURISDICTION NO. 0

Gustaf #716Myron TollsJane Zuegel

DL CONNECTICUT NO.1Kronan #2

Robert Johnson Jr.Karl the XII #103

Olivia Martincheck

DL MASSACHUSETTSNO. 2

John Ericsson #25Matthew AnnunziataDanielle D’Amato

Nordic #611Kyle HedinCarol MorrisseyKristin MorrisseyRuth Nordstrom

Vinland of Cape Cod #703Barbara CormierTrapin HughesBetty LornellWallace LornellSophie LombardDeborah Sohoel-GoldbergEivind SohoelMarilyn Sohoel

DL NEW JERSEY NO. 6Arlington #62

David HolmkvistBill NelsonSusan Nelson Nancy TuthillAke WinlundKaren Winlund

Linne #429Lee DanielsLinda DanielsGerald RaffertyLois Rafferty Carole Pierorazio

Dalahast #742Nathaniel Fiske

DL MINNESOTA NO. 7 Runeberg #137

Maud NelsonCaila SchreiberKari Solheim

Kronan #433Robert Miklya

John Morton #488Ellen Brand

DL LAKE MICHIGANNO. 8

Siljan-Mora-Tuna #134Jeffery Kirscher

Jubileum #754Gunilla RubaschErica Turrell

DL PENNSYLVANIA NO. 9Nobel-Monitor #130

Bo HammarlingKristina JohnsonJill LevineAnna RietschVicken Totten

DL GOLDEN GATE NO. 12Svea #348

Torsten Langelius-SundahlLindbergh #494

Alfred HughesElse HughesMarty MartinsenRaul MunizThomas Rossing

Norden #684Bodil Christina AhroonMark CarlsonShelly CarlsonClarence HedbergInga HedbergGeorge SellUlla Maria Thornton

DL PACIFICNORTHWEST NO. 13

Tegner #224Mary Stubb

Odin #726Jarle Stenersen

DL PACIFICSOUTHWEST NO. 15

Viking #256Louis Sevillanos

Golden Valley #616Petra AndersonBonnie FornanderMattias GunnarssonAnn HeinstedtHelene Johansson-KayemSusann Kinkead

Nordic #660John Dorming

Oak Leaf #685Einar Hallen

Valley Vikings #701Ann-Christin SebekMarcus Sebek Martin Sebek

Valhalla #715Jan CrandallMarilyn KeithMaryAnn SkellyMarieAnn VaughtMayAnn Williamson

Nordic Heritage #741Annukka ThorenNils ThorenColette Trygg

DL CENTRAL CANADANO. 16

Strindberg #259 Sherri-Lyn Whitelaw

ARIZONA NO. 21Tucson #691

Stephanie Sams

NORRA SVERIGE NR 19Logen Engelbrekt Nr 619

Karl-Axel HaglundMargareta HaglundLisbeth Sjödin-PuggioliClaus Puggioli

Logen Skövde Nr 626Tell AndreassonChrister AnderssonFilip BergströmSiv ForsbergBirgitta Häll

Elisabeth ÅgrenLogen Karlstad Nr 632

Inger NilssonStefan Nilsson

Logen Lidköping Nr 636Birgitta ErikssonGunnar ErikssonJan-Erik BjörkMaj-Lis EdvardssonElisabet Svensson

Logen Kristina Nr 656 Ralph BrattsandUlla Brattsand

Logen Nicolai Nr 663Lisbeth ElmeborgAlfred Elmeborg

Logen Härnösand Nr 673Lars-Erik MagnussonUlla MagnussonIvar PetterssonMaud Pettersson

Logen Knallen Nr 745Berit AnderssonBo AnderssonRakel Larsson

SÖDRA SVERIGE NR 20Logen Kärnan Nr 608

Anna BjörkmanMats JohanssonIngela SvedlundMats LindquistChristel Lindquist

Logen Christian Nr 617Bertil BorgenstiernaJulia KärrdahlRosa MattiassonMarianne OlssonMats CasselAnita GimreBörje KarlstedtUrsula Karlstedt

Logen Småland Nr 618Birgitta EkCarl-Gustaf Ek

Logen Calmare Nyckel Nr628

Sophiangjai BergströmKarl-Fredrik BergströmHelen EkbergOla Ekberg

Björn ErlandssonChristine ErlandssonStefan LanderAnna-Karin MånssonUlf MånssonAgneta PerssonCurt PerssonPia RydbergStaffan RydbergAnn-Chatrin RoupertThompsonOlof Westerlund

Logen Ronneby Nr 630Birgit Jonsson

Logen Höganäs Nr 634Maj FredrikssonBo Fredriksson

Logen Malmöhus Nr 643Barbro HöglundBoel Fagerström

Logen Carl von Linné Nr678

Christina PerssonHelen Hult-SannéusPontus SannéusLena HåkanssonPaul Håkansson

Logen Utvandrarna Nr 680Ulla BergqvistBengt BergqvistHelena ClementsonAnnika JohanssonKaj Johansson

Logen Nybyggarna Nr 698Birgitta AlmströmBörje NilssonLena WijkmarkAnders HårdvallAnn-Marie NorlinCarl-Olof Norlin

Logen Trelleborg Nr 734Sylvia OscarssonKjell Oscarsson

Logen Klockan Nr 747Birgitta KristianssonLars-Inge KristianssonKerstin BäckmanBertil Bäckman


IN MEMORY OF

The Vasa Order lost a dedicated andloyal member when Anna Lisa Ericksonpassed away on January 14, 2008 at theage of 95. She was born in Gothenburg,Sweden and immigrated to the USA withher parents at the young age of seven.They settled in Brooklyn, New York andshe joined Lodge Strängnäs when shewas 16 years old, becoming an activemember right from the start.

In 1937 she married Karl Erickson andtogether they became an active Vasa cou-ple, becoming a Vasa family when theirdaughters also joined the Lodge.

Anna Lisa had an impressive 79 yearsof Vasa membership, in which shealways was a Lodge officer, even afterthe Lodge merged with Lodge Olympic#235. She was Recording Secretary foralmost 40 years as well as Treasurer,Chairman, Chaplain, and attended almostevery meeting during those 79 years. Shealso served as New York’s DistrictMaster and during her term introducedthe “budkavel” which traveled fromlodge to lodge, bringing them closer infriendship through entertaining programs.She was also very faithful in her visitsthroughout the New York District duringher term as Grand Lodge Deputy.

Anna Lisa was a grand lady who madefriends easily and will always be remem-bered for her beautiful smile and herhumble demeanor. She followed the truemeaning of the Vasa motto…Generosity,Truth and Unity. She will be greatlymissed by all who had the privilege ofknowing her and our great loss isHeaven’s gain.

Sov i ro, Anna Lisa!Submitted by: Daughters,

Carolyn and Lois Erickson

Anna Lisa Erickson 1912-2008 Gullan Kristensson

The family of Gullan Kristensson,long-time resident of Chicago, IL, andPark Ridge, announced her passing at age96, on October 22, 2007, at ResurrectionMedical Center in Chicago.

Mrs. Kristensson was born GunhildCharlotta Elisabeth - but since childhoodalways known as Gullan.

Gullan was the daughter of KarlKarlsson (Verkmästare) supervisor at theSwedish premier ballbearing factory, thelargest in the world, and Ida, who ownedHotell Solid in Gothenburg. She workedas a young woman at Josephson’s, a storefeaturing fine crystal and china near theGothenburg Cathedral.

She married Nils Kristensson (whodied December 24, 1988), and they startedtheir family in Sweden. They visited rela-tives and friends in America for anextended visit in 1946-47 and moved toChicago in 1949. She was especiallyproud of her Swedish citizenship and her-itage and took a very active role in theSwedish-American community with folk-dancing and major Lucia and other cultur-al events. She ably assisted in hostinghundreds of choruses, folkdance andaccordion groups - even a symphonyorchestra and various soloists especiallyfrom Sweden and local performances andsightseeing.

Mrs. Kristensson mentored manyyoung Swedish immigrants and evenappeared on television with their dancegroup, the Swedish Newcomer SocietyFolkdancers and took part in manyparades to further good will. The familyhad a very authentic Swedish-style cot-tage, red with white trim, for 30 years atGood Templar Camp in Geneva, IL,where she also took an active part.

She was elected IOGT District #2 pres-ident for the Chicago northwest area andsuburbs and president of Jupiter Lodge #3of IOGT founded in the Turner Hall atSheffield University and Diversey inChicago 1884 and was honored lastSeptember for 50 most active years in theorganization.

Gullan Kristensson served diligently asa delegate to the Chicago Swedish CentralCommittee since its inception in 1960, asa member of the Swedish Cultural Societysince 1962 - founded in the Gold CoastDewes Mansion 1923, and was a memberof the world’s largest fraternal organiza-tion, the Vasa Order - Austin Lodge #466since 1958.

For her 92nd birthday in 2003, CookCounty Treasurer Maria Pappas appointedMrs. Kristensson as deputy treasurer. In2004 Gullan, on her own decided to cele-brate her 100th birthday in case she mightnot be around to do so in 2011. Thisbecame quite an event not only at theSwedish Cultural Society but also in theNorwegian Lutheran Memorial Church inLogan Square where she had developednumerous friends including Pastor andMrs. Bernhard and Vivien Pedersen.

Among the more than 200 mournersattending her funeral service October 27that Irving Park Lutheran Church inChicago were Park Ridge LutheranChurch in Chicago were Park RidgeMayor Howard Frimark, Sweden’sConsul General Kerstin Lane, SwedishConsul Annette Seaberg, KarinMoen Abercrombie - Executive Directorof the Swedish-American Museum andmany other leaders from the Swedish-American community and many friendsfrom the Good Templas led by JanetFrediinger of New Lenox - the immediatepast president of Central States IOGTCouncil.

The Rev. Brooke Petersen of IrvingPark Lutheran Church gave an outstand-ing homily about Gullan, Ingrid Eieslandsang in both Swedish and English anduplifting music was rendered by violinistJennifer Silk, trumpeter Pat Dessent andorganist Bob Egam.

Mrs. Kristensson is survived by herson and many nieces and nephews inSweden and the U.S. Final interment isplanned for Partille, Sweden, nearGothenburg, where she will be buriednext to her husband.

Submitted by: Per-Hugo Kristensson


MEMORIAL NOTICESshould be mailed with check or money order to:Marie Carlson, 9560 Curberry Drive, Mentor, OH44060. The fee is $5.00 for six lines. All noticesmust be TYPED and written in a format similar tothose in this column.

Longer memorials are charged at the rate of$8.00 per column inch.

to attend the meetings of Norrskenet Lodge #331 eachmonth until his health failed. He is survived by a son,daughter, and several grandchildren.

BERTIL TAGSTROM was born in Bollnäs, Sweden, onOctober 22, 1922. He came to America as a youth. Hedied in Sioux City, IA, on January 21, 2007. He and hiswife, Carlene, joined Vasa Lodge #331 in 2005. He was anactive member for those few years. He is survived by hiswife, Carlene, and twelve children.

MICHIGANROY FREDRICKSON, 86, of Kingsford, MI, passedaway January 8, 2008, at St. Vincent Hospital, Green Bay,WI. He was born October 7, 1921, in Homestead, WI. Hejoined Framat Lodge #463 on April 17, 2005. He is sur-vived by his wife Jeanette, sons and daughter, plus grand-children and great-grandchildren.

STANLEY JOHNSON passed away February 12, 2008,in Escanaba, MI. He was born December 31, 1921, inIngallston, MI. He was proud of his Swedish heritage andjoined Framat Lodge #463 in August, 1964, where heserved as Chairman, and District #10 as Vice DistrictMaster. He is survived by his wife Ily, two sons and grand-children.

NEW YORKGUSTAF ANDERSON died on December 6, 2003, inConnecticut. He was born on December 2, 1909, and wasinitiated into Olympic Lodge #235 on December 6, 1930.

ALFONSE DANZICO died in November 2006 in JacksonHeights, NY. He was born on September 2, 1923, and wasinitiated into Olympic Lodge #235 in March 1987.

ANNA-LISA ERICKSON died on January 14, 2008. Shewas born in Sweden on July 9, 1912, and was initiated intoOlympic Lodge #235 on April 19, 1975. Prior to this lodgeshe was a member of Strangnas Lodge in Brooklyn, joiningin 1929. Anna Lisa held positions in all branches of Vasahaving served as a District Master (#4), and also a GrandLodge Deputy. Last January the lodge paid tribute to herfor her 78 years as a member of our Order. The “presenta-tion” written by her daughter, Carolyn, appeared in TheVasa Star, March-April 2007, issue.

ERIC-OLOF ERICSON died on March 8, 2004, in LongIsland, NY. He was born on June 10, 1915, in Sweden, andwas initiated into Olympic Lodge #235 on April 21, 1962.Eric Olaf was a violinist and an accordionist. There wasnever an anniversary party, birthday party, or any other cel-ebration held for the Children’s Club or Olympic Lodgethat he didn’t entertain us all with his musical talents.

INGEGERD ERICSON died on November 26, 2003, inLong Island, NY. She was born on February 23, 1923, inSweden, and was initiated into Olympic Lodge #235 onApril 21, 1962. For many years during her adult life shewas the Business Manager of Barnklubben Elsa Rix #1Children’s Club.

THOMAS HADLEY died in March, 2003, in Manhattan,NY. He was born on May 7, 1936, and was initiated intoOlympic Lodge #235 on May 2, 1994. He was a dual mem-ber of Scandia Lodge #399.

KATE HANSEN died in September 2006 while on herannual visit to her niece in Denmark. She was born on May17, 1924, and served on the Board of the Swedish Homewhere Olympic Lodge #235 met until February of thisyear. She was initiated into Olympic Lodge #235 inFebruary, 1977.

FLORENCE LINDSTROM died in December, 2006, inNew Hyde Park, NY. She was born on November 28,1923, and was initiated into Olympic Lodge #235 inOctober 1988. She was one of those faithful members whorarely missed a meeting of the lodge.

RUDY MATTSON died on May 30, 2006, in The Bronx,NY. He served with the Armed Forces in the second WorldWar II. He was born October 23, 1926, and was initiatedinto Olympic Lodge #235 in April, 1976.

OREGONLORETTA “TONI” RITA passed away on February 18,2008, at the age of 103 years. Loretta was born inWashington, DC, and joined Nobel Lodge #184, VasaOrder of America, on October 20, 1972. She served asAssistant Master of Ceremonies and Banner Bearer. She issurvived by three grandchildren and three great-grandchil-dren.

PENNSYLVANIARUTH JOHNSON SCHELANDER passed awayDecember 21, 2007. She was a member of Balder Lodge#308 for 71 years. She is survived by two daughters, threegrandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

CANADAJOHN HOAS, March 16, 2008. John was born February17, 1913 in Gammelsvenskby, Ukraine. He immigrated toCanada in 1930 where he established a dairy and grain farmin Manitoba. John was proud of his Swedish heritage andwas an active member of Lodge Strindberg No. 259, whichhe and his late wife Kristina joined in September of 1961.

MYRON W. KERR passed away on February 4, 2008, inEdmonton, AB. He was born in Preeceville, SK, on August21, 1919. On May 6, 1978 he became a member of SkandiaLodge #549, Edmonton, AB. He assumed the role ofCultural Leader for two years. For some time Myron andKathleen enjoyed a cottage at Vasa Park, Pigeon Lake, AB,and were seen at many functions. He leaves his wifeKathleen of 62 years, three sons, Robert, Grant & Colin;eight grandchildren. They were married in Moose Jaw, SK,in 1946. Myron was first a teacher in a one-room school atParkbeg, SK (near Moose Jaw), and later became a princi-pal of a grade school in White Rock, BC. It was in Calgary,AB, that he worked for the Federal Government. By nowhe wanted to venture otu on his own business enterpriseswhich took the form of sales in insurance and real estate aswell as being a travel agent.

WILLARD MODIN was born in Bruce, AB, on March 31,1915, and passed away February 29, 2008. He joinedSkandia Lodge #549, January 5, 1952. He leaves his son,Wayne and daughter-in-law, Audrey, grandchildren Barry,Jason and Nancy, and three great-grandchildren. When theWar of 1939 began Willard joined the Army and at CurrieBarracks, Calgary, studied to become a mechanic beforeleaving for overseas. He was a foot soldier and was part oftroops going to the continent. He received many medals forhis service to Canada. There was shrapnel lodged in his hipwhich sometimes caused a noticeable limp. He was a life-time member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Mulhurst, AB,having joined in 1974 and was their Treasurer for many ofthose years. He handled the Bingos and cared for this fund-ing also. Telford House in Leduc enjoyed the services ofWillard for 20 years as their Treasurer. After the War hecontinued with his trucking service which included haulingwhitefish from Pigeon Lake to Edmonton, which would beserved around the world. New York City likes to includethis item on dining room menus. Later Willard drove aschool bus fo the County of Calmar and he knew all thechildren. As he had the necessary license to drive a bus weengaged h im to transport the Lucia and all her attendantsaround the city performing at each of five stations. Willardwas a great cook – he could smoke fish, bake tunnbröd andrice pudding. In fact when his tunnbröd became so famousaround the lake he produced his product and packaged it forsale. Willard was a permanent resident at Vasa Park and onhis morning walk would note any areas that might needrepair or renovation. He was predeceased in death by hiswife Evelyn.

In MemoriamTill minne av hädangångnaordenssyskon genom vilkas

bortgång syskonkretsen gjorten kännbar förlust

In memory of our departedmembers who will be

sorely missed

CALIFORNIAMARY J. BORN passed away in Auburn, CA, on January31, 2008, at the age of 90. She was born in Clovis, NM, onApril 27, 1917. She joined Mayflower Lodge #445 onSeptember 18, 1952 and served our lodge as Chairman in1982 and Assistant Secretary in 1965. Mary received LifeMembership 1982, 25-year pin 1978, 40-year pin 1993, and50-year pin 2003.

LINNEA MAGNIE passed away in Ashland-Jackson, OR,on June 11, 2006 at the age 100. She joined MayflowerLodge #445 on April 22, 1937. Honors bestowed on Linneawere Life Membership 1972, 40-year pin 1987, and 50-yearpin in 1997.

DR. JOSEPH A. PETERSON died on November 20,2007. He was born to Carl Erik Seth and Katharina (Piroth)Peterson on June 10, 1923. He married Selma Rose Ford in1952 and they raised 10 children together. Until her deathin 1995, Selma attended Evening Star Lodge #426 with herhusband. He is survived by nine children and nineteengrandchildren.

FLORIDAELSA FJELL passed away on February 25, 2008. She issurvived by her daughter, Doris, son-in-law John, grandsonJohn (Joyce), granddaughter Kristine (Steve) and 4 great-grandchildren. She was born in Laxarby, Dalsland,Sweden, on April 5, 1907. She was a member of RoyalPalm Lodge, Florida, and Manhem Club in New York.

GUS SUNDBERG, 82, of New Port Richey, FL, diedJanuary 17, 2008, in East Troy, WI. He was born June 19,1925, in Gränna, Sweden. He joined Vasa Holiday Lodge#699 on October 27, 1992. He is survived by his wife of 51years, Ann-Marie, daughters Jeannette Lindberg,Marrianne Sens, a granddaughter, Lena Lindberg, and abrother, Karl-Erik, of Eksjo, Sweden.

IOWAJEAN ANDERSON was born in New York on May 18,1920. She came to work in Sioux City, IA. She and herhusband, Ormund, were active members for many years.Jean served in many capacities for Norrskenet Lodge #331until diabetes forced her to stop. She loved sharing herSwedish recipes. She died on June 29, 2007. She is sur-vived by a son, daughter, and several grandchildren.

AGNES NYGARD was born in Sioux City, IA, onNovember 11, 1913. She was active in the NorrskenetLodge #331 as a child. She continued active membershipuntil the death of her husband in 1994. She kept her mem-bership in the association until her death on December 17,2007. She is survived by a son and several grandchildren.

PER BORGE PETTERSON died October 12, 2005, atthe age of 68. He was born January 6, 1937, in Sweden. Hecame to America as a youth. He was a faithful member ofNorrskenet Lodge #331 of Sioux City. He cooked pea soupand pancakes for lunches. He is survived by his wife,Sandy, two sons and several grandchildren.

SANDY PETTERSON was born on December 6, 1939, inSioux City, IA. She died on November 11, 2007. Sandywas active in Norrskenet Lodge #331 until the death of herhusband, Borge, in 2005. She is survived by two sons, adaughter, and several grandchildren.

PAUL POLSON was born in Cleghorn, IA, on April 25,1925. He died there on May 10, 2006. He drove 120 miles


MSLER (GLEBM) SwedenTore Tellberg

Lodge Sundsvall #705 of the Vasa Order of America, was established in 1974 under District Lodge NorthernSweden #19.

My wife, Margareta, and I became members in 1976 and since our initiation I have had the pleasure of hold-ing several offices such assistant Cultural Leader, Vice Chairman, Chairman, District Delegate, Vice DistrictMaster and District Master. During 2002 I was elected Grand Lodge representative for DL #19 and at the GrandLodge convention in Edmonton, Canada I was elected MSLER at Large. During the Grand Lodge Convention inSan Diego I was Elected MSLER for Sweden.

I was born and raised in Sundsvall. After spending time in Skåne, where I met my wife Margareta, we movedback up north to Sundsvall.

I served in the cavalry during my military cervices, and since 1962 my military position is an airfieldEngineer.

My family consists of my wife of 43 years, and Lodge member Margareta. We have two sons and they eachhave two children.

Our hobby and passion is sailing and we have participated in races such as Gotland Runt and Fastnet Race in England. We purchasedour first sail boat in 1976 and have since owned five of them.

I started a consulting firm in1976 and employed 10 engineers for the building industry. We sold the company in 2006. We also sold ourhouse in Sundsvall and moved to our summer home at Alnö outside of Sundsvall. We can now spend more time exploring our other interestsuch as The Vasa Order of America and spend time traveling.

It is with sadness I see how the membership is declining within our Order. I am convinced that The Vasa Order of America has a greatfuture. The Vasa Order of America will fill, for many, an unknown social and cultural void. In order to keep our members and also to recruitnew members we do not only have to improve and develop our internal functions but also be seen outside our lodge meetings as well. Wehave to make our lodge activities more attractive, have interesting programs, and well educated officers. By exposing the Vasa Order out inthe open, and by participation in charity functions we have yet another goal for our organization to reach. Together with our local loges weare strong and can locally and internationally support the poor individual.

Our future lies within the creative, open and young mind. We should however preserve our rituals and traditions so that The Vasa Orderof America will stay an Order.

By doing so, we will reach our goal, “Tradition with Vision.”

1974 Instituerades Logen Sundsvall Nr 705 av Vasa Orden av Amerika under beskydd av Distriktslogen Norra Sverige Nr 19.Jag och min hustru Margareta blev medlemmar och Vasasyskon 1976. Sedan dess har jag haft den stora förmånen att bli vald till:

Biträdande Kulturledare i 3 år, Vice Ordförande 2 år, Ordförande 6 år, Distriktsdeputerad 5 år, Vice Distriktsmästare 2 år ochDistriktsmästare i DL 19 under 4 år. 2002 blev jag vald till Storlogedelegat att representera för DL 19 vid Storlogemötet i Edmonton,Canada.

Storlogemötet 2002 valde mig till MSLER at Large. Vid Storlogemötet i San Diego 2006 valdes jag till MSLER för Sverige.Jag är född i Sundsvall staden mellan bergen mitt i Sverige. Efter en tid i Skåne när jag skaffat hustru Margareta flyttade jag och

Margareta hem till Sundsvall.Militärtjänstgöringen gjorde jag som kavallerist. Min militära befattning sedan 1962 är flygfältsingenjör. Familjen: består av hustru och syster Margareta sedan 43 år. Vi har två söner, som vardera har två barn. Yngste sonen graduerade från

High School i Kalifornien 1985. Den äldste sonen arbetar för Hewlett Packard.Hobby: 1976 skaffade vi den första segelbåten. Sedan dess har det blivit fem segelbåtar och 24 st Gotland Runt och ett Fastnet Race i

England = sammantaget 65 000 nautiska mil havskappsegling och 15 000 nautiska mil familjesegling.1976 startade jag eget konsulterande företag med i genomsnitt 10 anställda byggnadsingenjörer, verksamma inom byggnadsekonomi.

2006 sålde vi företaget. Vi sålde även huset i Sundsvalls centrum och flyttade ut till stugan på Alnö. Efter 30 år som företagare känns detskönt att få disponera min lediga tid till andra intressen, t ex Vasa Orden av Amerika och resor.

Det är med sorg i sinnet jag ser hur medlemsantalet i vår Orden inte kommit ur den negativa tillväxtspiralen. Jag är övertygad om attVasa Orden av Amerika har en framtid. Vasa Orden av Amerika fyller ett för många ännu ej upptäckt socialt och kulturellt behov. För attlyckas behålla medlemmar och även skaffa nya, måste vi inte bara utveckla den interna verksamheten, utan även synas utanför våraLogelokaler.

Loge verksamheten blir för våra medlemmar intressantare och bättre, med pålästa och tränade tjänstemän, samt intressanta och givandeefterkapitel.

Vi kan synliggöra Vasa Orden till exempel genom att medverka i externa välgörenheter, som gör att vi får ytterligare ett mål för vår verk-samhet. Många är de medmänniskor enskilda och i föreningar, som lever under ytterst knappa förhållanden. Tillsammans i våra Lokal Logerär vi starka och kan på lokalt och internationellt plan hjälpa och stödja med en för den enskilde medlemmen liten slant, men sammantagetblir det för mottagaren en stor och välkommen summa.

Ordens framtid kan vi trygga genom att gemensamt gå in i Vasa Ordens framtid med ett kreativt, öppet och ungdomligt sinne. Vi skallbevara och vårda ritualer och traditioner, detta för att Vasa Orden skall fortsätta att vara en Orden. Då uppnår vi Tradition med Vision.

Eng translation by: Marie Carlson

Tore Tellberg

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MAY-JUNE 2008 · Vice Grand Master Vasa Syskon, Dear Friends, Once again it is an honor for me to...

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Transcript of MAY-JUNE 2008 · Vice Grand Master Vasa Syskon, Dear Friends, Once again it is an honor for me to...