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June 2014

Paving the path to heritage

WHAT’S INSIDE President’s message ...... 2 SHA memorials, membership form . . . 10-11 Picture this: Midsummer Night ...... 3 Quiz on ...... 12 Heritage House: New path, new ramp . . 4-5 Scandinavian Society reports ...... 13-15 SHA holds annual banquet ...... 6-7 Tracing Scandinavian roots ...... 16 Sutton Hoo: England’s Scandinavian connection ...... 8-9 Page 2 • June 2014 • SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS

President’s MESSAGE Scandinavian Heritage News Vol. 27, Issue 67 • June 2014 Join us for Midsummer Night Published quarterly by The Scandinavian Heritage Assn . by Gail Peterson, president man. Thanks to 1020 South Broadway Scandinavian Heritage Association them, also. So far 701/852-9161 • P.O. Box 862 we have had sev - Minot, ND 58702 big thank you to Liz Gjellstad and eral tours for e-mail: [email protected] ADoris Slaaten for co-chairing the school students. Website: scandinavianheritage.org annual banquet again. Others on the Newsletter Committee committee were Lois Matson, Ade - Midsummer Gail Peterson laide Johnson, Marion Anderson and Night just ahead Lois Matson, Chair Eva Goodman. (See pages 6 and 7.) Our next big event will be the Mid - Al Larson, Carroll Erickson The entertainment for the evening summer Night celebration the evening Jo Ann Winistorfer, Editor consisted of cello performances by Dr. of Friday, June 20, 2014. It is open to 701/487-3312 Erik Anderson (MSU Professor of the public. All of the Nordic country [email protected] Music) and Abbie Naze (student at flags will be flying all over the park. Al Larson, Publisher – 701/852-5552 MSU). Speaker for the evening was The event starts at 4 p.m.; dinner will Markus Stensholt of Tonsberg, Nor - be served from 5 until 6:30 p.m. way, who attended MSU this past year. The meal will be picnic style, with Thank you to all of them. And hamburgers, hot dogs, salads and SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE thank you to the Grand Hotel for baked beans. The cost per meal will be ASSOCIATION doing a very fine job of accommodat - $3. A nominal fee will be charged for 1020 South Broadway • P.O. Box 862 Minot, North Dakota 58702 ing us and serving us a fine meal. dessert items. We will be able to pro - Phone 701/852-9161 The silent auction was a big suc - vide the meal at this low cost as we 2014 O FFICERS cess again this year and thank you to have obtained sponsorships from five Gail Peterson President all who donated as well as to those businesses to underwrite the cost of Virgil Rude Vice President who bid and purchased the items. the food. Those businesses are as fol - Marion Anderson Secretary George Officer, Virgil Rude and lows: Verendrye Electric, Xcel Energy, Sue Weston Treasurer Curt Medalen were in charge of col - Midcontinent Communications, Mon - BOARD OF DIRECTORS lecting and bringing in most of the tana-Dakota Utilities and SRT Com - Three-year terms ending January 2017 items for the auction—thank you to munications. A huge thank you to Jerome Jorgenson Lois Matson them and to Bruce Carlson for being Bob Sando Ernie Selland them also. Without their help, we Les Streige Joan Varty would not have had such a successful the liaison. So come, one and all—a Neil Zimmerman silent auction. meal for $3 can’t be beat! Music will be provided throughout Three-year terms ending January 2016 The proceeds are used in the care Marion Anderson Ron Bieri and maintenance of the park. the evening by the City Band under Liz Gjellstad Jana Hennix the direction of Jerry Spitzer. The band Terry Mattson Gail Peterson Still looking for volunteers will be an integral part of the flag cere - Sue Weston Virgil Rude Joan Varty is in charge of lining up mony at 7 p.m. Other groups that will Three-year terms ending January 2015 volunteers to be present in the build - be performing are Adrian Brown, Myron Anderson Eva Goodman ings from May 16 through Oct. 5. Denby and Johnny Cole Mur - Erv Johnson John Sinn The response has been good, and dock. There will be various demon - Doris Slaaten Robert Whetter Jo Ann Winistorfer there are volunteers for every day with strations such as rosemaling, knitting, the exception of Fridays for the Her - etc. The sauna will be hot—so bring One-year appointees to January 2015 itage House. your swimsuit and towel—Bruce al - Randy Burckhard Adelaide Johnson Marilyn Wagner Curt Medalen We also do not have any volunteers ways has extra towels in case you for - for the evening hours, so the buildings get your own. Ex-Officio Members Carroll Erickson , Past President close at 4 p.m. each day. If you wish to The bonfire is another “hit” during Bruce Christenson , Past President volunteer for any of these times, the evening. Each year Bruce Carlson Allen O. Larson, Past President please call the SHA office at 852-9161 is in charge of that—he constructs it, Roald Mattson, Past President or Joan Varty at 839-1308. fires it up, and waits until the final em - George Officer, Past President All volunteers are much appreci - bers are out before he goes home for Mark Anderson, Past President ated, and many of them have volun - the night. Directors Emeritus We love to showcase this park, and Jim Maragos, Director Emeritus teered faithfully for many years. Marian Bergan, Director Emeritus Guided tours are also available, and you don’t have to be Scandinavian or Doralyn Brown, Director Emeritus our list of willing tour guides includes Nordic to attend. It is a fun evening of Jeanne McNea, Director Emeritus Verla Rostad, Virgil Rude, Marilyn food, music and fellowship for all gen - Helen Haaland, Director Emeritus Wagner, Joan Varty and Alex West - erations. • SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS • June 2014 • Page 3

PICTURE THIS! Midsummer in SHA Park Welcome the Summer Solstice, Scandinavian style! Join us on Friday, June 20, starting at 4 p.m.

WHAT’S ON THE AGENDA? • Meal ($3 per person; • Arts and crafts dessert extra) • fun • Music, park tours • Saunas • Flag ceremony • Bonfire • Meal served 5-6:30 p.m.

CALENDAR • Summer 2014 • June 20, 4 p.m.—Midsummer Night Celebration, SHA Park, Minot • Sept. 30 - Oct. 4—Norsk Høstfest, State Fairgrounds, Minot Stars include Doc Severinsen (with the Minot Symphony Orchestra), Daniel O’Donnell, Josh Turner, Daniel Bradbery, Gaither Vocal Band, Herman’s Hermits, Bill Engvall, Merle Haggard, Jennifer Nettles, BJ Thomas Plus free stages with Diamond Rio, Bjøro Haaland, Mollie B & much more! Next newsletter deadline: Copy and pictures Aug. 15; printing, Sept. 1, 2014 Page 4 • June 2014 • SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS Heritage House now handicapped-accessible

The Heritage House is now handicapped- by Lois Matson cer, Betty Wheeler, Dorothy Kruze, accessible, thanks to a brand-new ramp Marian Bergan and myself. leading to and from the front door. HA Park’s Heritage Path is in The committee welcomes old and Heritage Path (opposite page) displays Splace, ready for summer visitors. interesting items to display in the its new memorial bricks. If you would Memorial bricks will line the new museum. If you have old items to like to purchase a brick in memory of a sidewalk between the park and the share, you can either gift the items or friend or loved one, contact the SHA Of - Heritage House Museum. we have a loan agreement. The com - fice. Orders are still being taken for more bricks. It is hoped that someday they will As you tour the Scandinavian mittee decides if we have room to completely line the path leading from the Heritage Park, be sure to stop at the display the items. park to the Heritage House. (Photos by Heritage House museum. A new This committee is looking for Alex Westman and Jo Ann Winistorfer) handicap ramp has been built for more members to help. The goal is to easy access. There is a sidewalk lead - have two members from each of the ing to the museum with engraved five Scandinavian countries. The to volunteer, as you meet many new bricks, trees, flowers and benches for committee meets the second Thurs - friends. It is fun to meet people from a pleasant walk. We are still taking day of each month, May through Oc - all around the world. engraved brick orders. tober (or as needed), so think about Enjoy!!! There are many items on display joining us. in the museum. You will see tradi - There is also a need for more vol - tional costumes, old arti - unteers in the house. We are unable facts, Casper Oimoen memorabilia, to open the house if we do not have old trunks, dishes and much, much a volunteer there. You just greet visi - more. tors, have them sign the guest book The Heritage House committee and answer any questions. A guide - consists of Iona Lokken, Marion An - book or orientation is also available. derson, Jim Goodman, Jeanice Offi - The Heritage House is a fine place SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS • June 2014 • Page 5

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Cello performances by Dr. Erik Anderson (Professor of Music at Minot State University) and Abbie Naze (student at Minot State) supplied the banquet entertainment.

he annual SHA Banquet was held sisted of cello performances by Dr. Ton May 3, 2014, at the Grand Hotel Erik Anderson (MSU Professor of in Minot. Organizers of the event were Music) and Abbie Naze (student at co-chairs Liz Gjellstad and Doris MSU). Slaaten. Others on the committee were A highlight of the evening was the Lois Matson, Adelaide Johnson, Mar - silent auction. Co-chairing the silent ion Anderson and Eva Goodman. auction were George Officer, Virgil Guest speaker that evening was Rude and Curt Medalen. Markus Stensholt. Stensholt, from Proceeds from both the banquet Tonsberg, Norway, attended Minot and the silent auction will be used for State University (MSU) the past year. projects in SHA Park. The evening’s entertainment con -

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The Scandinavian Heritage • 34 Sutton Hoo: England’s Scandinavian connection

by Pastor Arland Fiske that they eventually dominated the culture of Britain and gave it a new uring the summer of 1939 the at - name: “Angle-land” (England). tention of the world was fixed on A similar “mass migration” oc - Dthe German Wehrmacht, Hitler’s war curred during the large 19th-century machine. As a result, the greatest movement of Scandinavians to Amer - archeological discovery in England’s ica. When the letters from America history was overshadowed by the came back to the homeland, thousands opening shots of World War II. more got “America Fever” and sailed When the war ended almost six westward. The lure of “land for the years later, Europe was too preoccu - asking” was irresistible. pied with rebuilding itself to be con - The ship discovered at Sutton Hoo cerned about the ancient treasure at is considered to be a forerunner of the Sutton Hoo in Suffolk County of east - later Viking longships that were used ern England. The treasure is now in the so successfully during the period of British Museum. deal with the “English connection.” their power. The armor found in the The impression of a wooden ship The whole North Sea was the world of ship appears to have come from Swe - had been discovered in the sandy soil the travel-minded Norsemen, and Eng - den. Burial in such ships was common of an earthen mound. An excavation in land was one of their favorite stopping in for royalty and aristocrats July 1939 revealed that there had in - places. Even today, many Danes and during the Anglo-Saxon period. deed been a ship buried there, but all Norwegians go to London for their But who might have been buried at the wood had decomposed; only the shopping. Sutton Hoo? One theory is that it was iron nails were in place. The probabil - The north Germans and the English Rædwald (who ruled from 599-624), a ity is that it was a burial ship dating to were rivals to obtain the rights to king who was descended from the about A.D. 625. The jewels and armor as a trade center for their mer - Wuffingas (“Wolf-people”). The found at the site made it the richest chandise in the late Middle Ages. Wuffingas had come from Sweden and treasure ever uncovered in Europe. Suffolk County had been attractive took their name from Wuffa, who But whose treasure had it been? to Scandinavians long before the ruled from 571 to 578 and was the Was someone buried in the ship, and if Viking Age (793-1066). During the mi - founder of the dynasty. His , so, who? Scholars are still searching for grations of the 5th and 6th centuries Wehha, was the first of the East Angles the answers. from southern and north - to rule in England. This royal family - People who are interested in Scandi - west Germany, the Angles, Jutes and continued to supply rulers in England navian heritage sooner or later have to Saxons came in such large numbers until the death of King Edmund in 930. The claim is also made that the Wuffingas had been royalty in Sweden and may have come from the royal house of Uppsala. There were always more royalty than there were king - doms, so that may have motivated them to try their luck in England. There are some problems, however, in resolving the mystery. The main one is that no body was found. Scientific tests of the soil in the middle of the ship near the armor revealed no trace of human remains in the soil, though there was a high phosphate content near the sword. The phosphate may have come from the remains of an ivory chess set, however. Acid in the sand which covered the ship may have dissolved all traces of bones and teeth. Map and inset photo of the Sutton Hoo site, showing the scope of the burial Another suggestion is that the “Sut - grounds. Some mounds have yet to be excavated. ton Hoo man” was not buried there at SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS • June 2014 • Page 9

Items from the burial mound at Sutton Hoo include (from top left) a buckle, a shoulder clasp, a purse lid and a helmet. Center picture shows miscellaneous items recovered from the site. all. He may have been entombed at some other place, and the ship could have been simply a memorial to him. Michael Wood, in his book “In Search of the Dark Ages,” believes that a body had been buried there but somehow disappeared. If the body be - longed to Rædwald, what happened to it? Rædwald had been converted to the Christian faith and was baptized, but he recanted when his urged him to abandon the new faith. They then compromised and had both a Christian crown weighing 60 ounces was discov - and a pagan altar in their private ered in the area, but it was sold and chapel. The relevance of all of this to melted down. the mystery at hand is that some peo - The archaeologists finished their ple think his body may have been work on Aug. 23, just nine days before moved from the pagan mound and Hitler plunged the world into war. given a secret Christian burial. They had found a treasure that had One of the interesting artifacts previously only been hinted at in found in the ship was a highly orna - myths, sagas and in the epic “Beo - mented whetstone which could have wulf.” It was not known that this kind been used to sharpen the owner’s of splendor had existed at such an sword. It measures almost three feet early time in England. The extent of long. Since the whetstone had never the find was enormous: a helmet, a been used, it may have been a part of sword inlaid with and jewels, the the ceremonial equipment to accom - whetstone, spears, a battle-ax, a deco - G pany him on the journey to Valhalla. rated shield, silver drinking horns, sil - A O H These scepters are frequently found in ver bowls, silver spoons, a large bowl - N N Swedish burials. The circumstantial bearing the stamp of the Empress I F

evidence indicates that it was probably Anastasius in Constantinople, a gold T A P a king who had been buried, and Ræd - buckle, coins and more things of value. Y R

wald seems to fit the picture. There was also an iron stand, 66 A M In addition to jewelry, many coins inches tall, which some scholars think Y B were also found at the site. They were could have been a royal standard to O not dated like ours are today, but it has T

carry the king’s banners. Such banners O H

been determined that they were were carried in procession to announce P minted between 620 nd 640. the arrival of the king to a community. Author Arland Fiske It is said that King Henry VIII had Perhaps we’ll learn more. Seventeen his agents dig for treasure in the Sut - mounds have been identifed in the Editor’s note: This column is the 34th in a ton Hoo area. Queen Elizabeth’s magi - area, and some have still not been ex - series by former Minot pastor, Arland cian, John Dee, had opened one of the cavated. Fiske (now living in Texas), retired from many mounds in the area. Later ar - The mystery of Sutton Hoo may be Evangelical Lutheran Church ministry. chaeological digs discovered one of with us for quite a while, but it does Fiske has written nine books on Scandina - their tools as well as snacks left be - add to our knowledge of the English vian heritage. The chapter reprinted here hind. It is further said that a gold connection for early Scandinavians. is from “The Swedish Heritage.” Page 10 • June 2014 • SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS

or a family member. We hope you will consider the Your gift to SHA keeps Scandinavian Heritage Association when you discuss memorial donations or estate gifting. For information, con - Nordic heritage alive, well tact the SHA office at (701) 852-9161. hen a friend or loved one has association to be used where needed. Wjust passed away, it’s often a Contributions of $1,000 or more are Legacy Tax Credit struggle to come up with a fitting trib - ackowledged with a plaque on the benefits giver, charity ute to that person’s memory. Scandinavian Heritage Association nticipating next year’s taxes, it’s Making a gift donation in that per - Wall of Honor. Lesser amounts of $25 not too early to consider giving a ’s honor to the Scandinavian Her - or more are recognized in the Golden A gift donation to the Scandinavian Her - itage Association is one way to Book of Memory in the SHA head - itage Association than right now. acknowledge how much the deceased quarters building. Making it more advantageous is a meant to you. It’s also a way to keep It’s a good idea, too, for each of us law passed by the North Dakota Legis - the heritage of our immigrant ances - to sit down with our to dis - lature to improve the quality of life in tors alive and well through our beau - cuss where we would like our own our state. Senate Bill 2160 (SB2160) es - tiful park in Minot’s heart. memorials to go someday. We should tablishes a Legacy Tax Credit that al - There are many ways to give a me - write down our wishes so that other lows individuals, businesses, trusts morial to Scandinavian Heritage Park family members have the information and estates to take advantage of a 40 in a loved one’s memory. For example, and can follow through with our percent state tax credit for contribu - you can choose to support a specific wishes. Remember, too, that placing a tions of over $5,000 to qualified chari - project, such as our Heritage House notice in an obituary indicating where table endowment funds. museum. Or, you can choose an ethnic memorials are to be sent helps others Even better, the unused portion of group’s project within the park (such who wish to honor the deceased. the state tax credit can be carried for - as the Danish windmill, Swedish Dala And finally, the ultimate gift is to ward for three years. horse, Gol Stave Church, etc.). Or, become a benefactor of SHA through Depending on your tax bracket, consider a memorial brick in the path your estate. It’s a way for you to leave your contribution to the Scandinavian leading to the Heritage House. You a lasting legacy to your Scandinavian Heritage Association can make an can also give a donation directly to the heritage as well as a memorial to you even greater impact on the community and cost you less. The table on page 11 was prepared 2 0 1 4 M E M O R I A L S A N D D O N AT I O N S by the Minot Area Community Foun - dation. It shows the tax benefits for givers in different tax brackets. Heritage House memorials Check with your accountant or tax MEMORIALS: preparer for details, or contact the • Richard Goodman SHA office. • Undesignated memorials -Given by Mary Linstrom and • • • • Gary Lee Jim Goodman -Given by Myron & Marion Thank you, Carroll Anderson Arne Braaten memorial and Noreen Erickson! • Alice Anderson • Tanya Ginther -Given by Myron & Marion -Given by Carroll & Noreen special note of thanks to Anderson Erickson Alongtime SHA Newsletter ad • Claus Sevland solicitor/volunteers Carroll and -Given by Allen Larson Noreen Erickson. Their efforts, DONATIONS: along with that of our advertisers, • Arlene Glasoe • Minot Automotive Center have enabled us to continue pro - -Given by Allen Larson ducing a high-quality magazine on your behalf! Beginning with our next issue, our new ad collec - N EW S PO NS OR: tor will be Duane Brekke. His contact numbers are 701-852- Audrey Ne lson 2453 and (cell) 701-833-9278. SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS • June 2014 • Page 11 Page 12 • June 2014 • SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS

How much do you know about SCANDINAVIA? et’s see how much you know about 7. In which country were the fol - Lthe Scandinavian countries. The lowing invented or perfected: the zip - statements below can be completed by per, the marine propeller, the fridge, supplying the initial of the Nordic the heart pacemaker and the computer country to which the answer applies— mouse? ——. (N) Norway, (F) , (S) Sweden, 8. What country’s capital city has (D) Denmark, (I) . sidewalks that are heated by geother - mal heat in the winter? 9. In which country is the flag flown outside when it’s someone's birthday? 10. , the deepest lake in Europe, is located in which Nordic country? ——. 11. In terms of area (not including associated territories), which of the is the largest? ——. 12. Which Nordic country uses lan - guage related to Hungarian, Estonian 1. The world's largest population of and several minority languages spo - arctic reindeer herders can be found in ken in western ? ——. what Nordic country? ——. 13. The highest hill in this Nordic 2. What country claims to have in - country is 170 meters (557 feet) high; vented the sauna? ——. it’s called Møllehøj. ——. 3. The most popular souvenir is the 14. Which Scandinavian country commonly seen “moose-crossing” consumes more Coca-Cola per capita warning sign along the roads in ——. than any other country in the world? ——. 15. What Nordic country holds the World Championship for wife-carry - ing? ——. HOMA T FAMILY S Funeral Home Bradley Thomas • Bryan Thomas We are proud of our 4. Which country is called “The Swedish Heritage Land of the 1,000 lakes,” even though via the it has more than 188,000 lakes with Quist and Chelgren (Johnson) 98,000 islands? ——. lineages. 5. Now known world-wide, the in - ventors of LEGO® toys got started in which country in 1932—not manufac -

turing blocks, but stepladders? ——. Answers!

. F . 5 1 ; I . 4 1 ; D . 3

6. The Faroe Islands, located 1

; F . 2 1 ; S . 1 1 ; N . 0 1 ; D . 9 ; I . 8 ; S . 7 ; D .

halfway between Norway and Iceland, 6

; D . 5 ; F . 4 ; S . 3 ; F . 2 ; N . are an autonomous region of which 1 Nordic country? ——.

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SCANDINAVIAN SOCIETY NEWS •••

Thor Lodge of Norway N EWS the Norwegian national character. One-time berserker Vikings are today a peaceable and Norway celebrates the 200th charitable people. Children are dear to the Norwegian anniversary of its constitution heart.

by Rob Odden, president family will be facilitating What would you Thor Lodge 4-067 Sons of Norway gatherings at the do... (Parliament), plus a chil - In preparing for this ar - his year Norway is celebrating the dren’s parade and several ticle, I found an interesting T200th anniversary of its constitu - parties. Many locals will be wearing video on telegraph.co.uk. tion. Norway's Grunnlovsjubileet (Con - bunader (district costumes). Sponsored by SOS Children’s Village, stitution Jubilee) has been much Royals from neighboring Scandina - SOS MayDay has been a network of planned for. Typical are a lot of red, vian countries will be present, as well persons who act when crises happen. white and blue Norwegian flags, stu - as foreign dignitaries in festive garb. A camera was set up and a dent parades, fun food, and gathering Olemic Thommessen, current par - stationed at a bus stop in in win - with community, family and friends. liament president, said that this is “a ter. He was without a jacket. Cars Members of the Norwegian royal golden opportunity to remind our - drove by, citizens passed by. selves about the common “Hva gjor du om du ser et barn som value that we must take care fryser?” (“What would you do if you of to secure a good democracy saw a child freezing?”) also in the future.” A woman gives him her bright blue So, this Grunnlovsjubileet mittens. An old man gives him his is significant. Norway’s 200th jacket. A woman asks if she could call anniversary is celebrated his teacher. Another wraps her shawl there and in other countries, around him. A skier gives the his such as Canada and the U.S. gray gloves. One of Sons of Norway’s aims What would you do if you saw a is to preserve and maintain child freezing? everything good and noble in Norway celebrates Constitution Bicentenary e year 1814 marks two centuries since the Norwegian Consti - tution was signed at , on May 17, 1814. Numerous events related to the Bicentenary will be taking place around the country, all of them designed to enhance knowledge about the Constitution and highlight its significance. e Norwegian Folk Museum in Oslo, in collaboration with the Museum of Na - tional History at Frederiksborg in Denmark, has opened an ex - hibit called “1814: e Game for Denmark and Norway.” Nearly 300 items, 65 of which have been borrowed from the Museum of National History at Frederiksborg, Denmark, relate the story of what happened before, during and aer 1814. is story is told both from a national and an international perspective. e exhibit officially opened on Jan. 14, the date King Frederik VI of Denmark was forced to surrender Norway to the King of Sweden. It will run through the end of July 2014. Page 14 • June 2014 • SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS

Souris Valley Danish Society N EWS Sweyn I of Denmark and of king Canute the Great. Sweyn II: Founder of a dynasty Sweyn seems to have been able to Submitted by Pamela Orth Sweyn Estridson read and write and HOUSE OF ESTRIDSEN was described as an am borrowing and highlighting Born: c. 1019 Died: April 28, 1074 especially educated Ifrom Wikipedia as well as the Alter - Regnal titles monarch by his per - native History and the Encyclopedia Preceded by King of Denmark Succeeded by sonal friend, Pope Magnus the Good 1047-1074 Harald III Britannica regarding Sweyn II of Den - Gregory VII. He is mark, who was the first Danish the source of much of our current monarch of the Estridson/Estrids - knowledge about Denmark and the son/Estridsen dynasty. His massive Nordic countries in the 9th and 10th family helped extend Estridsen con - centuries, having told the story of his trol and influence over much of Den - ancestry to historian Adam of Bremen mark’s neighbors and direct control of around 1070. , Denmark and Gothenburg. He was courageous in battle, but Sweyn was King of Denmark from did not have much success as a mili - 1047 until his death in 1074, which tary commander. His skeleton shows ended a short period of Norwegian him to have been a tall, powerfully domination. He made sure to use the built man who walked with a limp. matronymic Estridsen rather than In spite of his religious faith, Sweyn Ulfs son to emphasize the link back to Estridsen gave offence by having the older Danish kings. many mistresses. He was married Sweyn was an earl and given an shall never yield Denmark.” three times. He had one child in wed - earldom in return for military service Sweyn Estridsen of Denmark was lock of the 20 children he had with by his Harthacnut. king for a limited time but quite busy mistresses and concubines. Sweyn II of Denmark, who upon and interesting. Sweyn built a strong foundation hearing of the death of Magnus, the He was born in England, the son of for royal power through cooperation King preceding him, was reported to Norwegian Ulf Jarl and Estrid with the church. He completed the have said, “Now, so help me God, I Svendsdatter, the of king final partition of Denmark into dioce - ses by corresponding directly with the pope, bypassing the Archbishop of Hamburg-Bremen. Icelandic Heritage Society N EWS Sweyn feared that Archbishop Adalbert of Hamburg would fill the upper ranks of Denmark’s churches Strange facts about Iceland with Germans, so he brought Anglo- Danes over from England to keep the Source: Wikipedia, world's highest number of writers, au - Danish church independent. He was History of Iceland thors and artists per capita. There is determined to bring men to Denmark hardly anyone who doesn't write or to teach him and his people Latin so DID YOU KNOW... make art. they could converse with the rest of • I celanders watch • Knitting has long been a national Europe on equal terms. more films at the cin - obession of the Icelandic, men in - Sweyn sought to create a Nordic ema than any other na - cluded. Traditionally, this was a good Archbishopric under Danish rule, a tion, with an average way to make sure that one could have feat which his son, Eric I Evergood, being 5.1 cinema admissions warm wool clothes to wear in winter. accomplished. per person per year. That is twice the • Icelandic cuisine features such King Sweyn died at his farm, Western European average, three gruesome dishes as súrsaðir hrútspun - Soderup, near Urnehoved, Tingsted, more than the Germans and five times gar (boiled and cured ram’s testicles), near the town of Abenra, in 1074. His more than the Japanese! hákarl (putrescent shark meat), lund - body was placed next to the remains • According to the Economist Intel - abaggi (sheep’s loins cured in lactic of Bishop Vilhelm. Later he was ligence Index of 2011, Iceland has the acid), and svið (singed sheep’s head). called the “father of kings” because second highest quality of life in the Whale and seal meat is also tradition - five of his 15 sons became kings of world. ally consumed. Denmark. Theirs would be the Valde - • 65 percent of Icelandic children • Same-sex has been legal mars dynasty, and they reigned for were born outside marriage—the since 2010 in Iceland. Gays and les - 300 years. • highest rate in the world. bians also have the right to adopt chil - • Iceland is said to have the dren. • SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS • June 2014 • Page 15 Swedish Heritage Society-NWND N EWS Meet Sweden’s No. 1 entrepreneur!

fish, Christmas tree decorations, ball - able solutions for point pens and pencils. By age 17, in better living,” 1943, he founded his first retail store. and “Home is the The company is known for its most important modern designs of appliances, furni - place in the ture and home accessories. In 2008 world.” IKEA became the world’s largest fur - Older IKEA ni ture retailer. stores are usually IKEA is eco-friendly and low cost. very large blue Kamprad’s belief is that everyone buildings with should have access to good-quality yellow accents furniture at an affordable price. For (Sweden’s national colors) and few Ila and her , Bob Soderstrom, vis - example, why pay $1,000 for a desk if windows. Near the entrance is a play ited the IKEA store in Oslo last month. it can be purchased for $50? Why live area named Smaland (Swedish for in a house of thousands of square feet “small land.”) Children may be by Ila Lovdahl, when a family of four can be com fort - dropped off, and are given Swedish Heritage Society, NWND able in a 400-square-foot area? pagers with which to contact their If that sounds unbelievable, just children. Then the fun begins! ho is the 88-year-old man who visit an IKEA store. You will find a One can wander through the store Winvented flatbox furniture? Why display of the latter, which includes and see the displays. You cannot get is he ranked on Forbes’ list of one of two bedrooms, a living room/dining lost, as you follow the arrows! You the richest men in the world? Where room/kitchen, and a bathroom with a generally end up back in Smaland would we find his famous stores? washer/dryer installed. Every square and will find it hard to resist the The man’s name is Ingvar Kam - inch is utilized. Even in these small IKEA Restaurant which serves—you prad. His store is IKEA. The name living quarters, there are always the guessed it—inexpensive breakfasts, comes from the initials Ingvar (I) separate containers for recycling lunches, dinners and desserts. Coffee Kamprad (K), who was raised on a paper, glass, tin and food wastes. refills are free. The best bargain is 15 Swedish farm called Elmtaryd (E) near By creating this home, IKEA has Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes the small village of Agunnaryd (A), in made it possible to live in a home and gravy, a vegetable and lingonber - the province of Smaland, Sweden. with everything four people need. ries (similar to cranberries), for a total As a young boy, he pedaled all over Here are a few of their mottoes: cost of about $5 to $6. Smaland with his goods of matches, “Making a house a home,” “Afford - IKEA’s 345 stores are found in 42 countries on four continents. Canada has 12 stores; by this fall the United States will have 40 IKEA stores. Our Dakota Finnish Society NEWS closest IKEA experience is only 500 miles away in Bloomington, Minn., across from the Mall of America. Land of Midnight Sun It would be great fun to meet Ing - var Kamprad in person. If he came to by Marion Anderson, president countries, Minot, he would fly economy class, Dakota Finnish Society but we will carry an old briefcase and blend into have a good time. a crowd of people without being os - inland is called the Land of the The Nordic Culture Clubs will tentatious, flashy or arrogant. What a FMidnight Sun. Over two-thirds of have a festival in Moorhead, Minn., pleasure it would be to meet him! the world’s people who experience at the Hjemkomst Center, plus other • • • this phenomenon live in Finland. activities in Fargo as well. This will The Swedish Heritage Society of Midsummer is the main national be June 27-28, 2014. For more infor - NW North Dakota celebrated holiday in Finland. It is spent either mation on this event, go to: Swedish on Friday, relaxing or celebrating. With the mid - [email protected]. June 6. We met at the picnic area of night sun, anything you do during the This year the annual event of Finn - the SHA Park at 8:30 a.m., where we day you’ll be able to do at night. Fest USA will be in Minneapolis on placed Swedish flags around the park Join all of us on June 20, 2014, for Aug. 7-10, 2014. It will take place at for the day. At 5:30 p.m. we all en - the Midsummer Night festivities here the Hyatt Regency Hotel, which is on joyed a potluck picnic. in Minot at the SHA Park. It won’t last the Nicollet Mall. For more informa - Please join us for our next celebra - all night like they do in the Nordic tion, go to: Finnfestusa2014.org. • tion—Midsummer Night, June 20. Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Minot, ND 58701 P.O. Box 862 Permit No. 266 Minot, ND 58702

Page 16 • June 2014 • SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE NEWS

Tracing your Scandinavian ROOTS • 45 the mail urging me to send for my “authentic coat of arms.” I think it cost me $25 to order it, but I was curious. When it came, it was a generic coat of Don’t fall for heraldry scam! arms (not that of my Dutch family at by Jo Ann Winistorfer Isles, as well as Scandinavia. all). And it listed the name “Luyben” If you are interested in researching as “originating in Europe.” How ver wonder whether an of for a possible coat of arms for your specific is that, when I already knew it Eyours may have sported a coat of family, go to your local library and originated in the Netherlands! arms? Heraldry was big business in page through the “Armorial General” The moral is, do NOT respond to the days of our forefathers and moth - (by J.B. Reitstap, published in 1887 in letters offering to send you your coat of ers. And it still is! Netherlands), a multi-volume arms for a price. Such heraldry scams Today, heraldry is a worldwide publication that contains depictions of are commonplace, so don’t bite! Sadly, phenomenon—with heraldic emblems coats of arms, complete with heraldic some folks bit even further than I did, used on everything from family crests descriptions. You may be able to order paying even more to have “their” coat and company logos to flags of nations. these books on interlibrary loan, if of arms duplicated, where it now Heraldry is the science of armory, your library doesn’t already have hangs on their wall for all to see. or the systematic arrangement of them. Note that the arms contained For information on Scandinavian devices on a shield. Heraldic shields therein are mainly for Europe. Note, coats of arms, do a Google/search on are commonly referred to as “family too, that the book is in old French! the World Wide Web. It’s interesting to crests,” “family shields” or “coats of In one of the volumes I found the learn the history behind the crests, arms.” These crests were hereditary, coat of arms for my Dutch , even if one’s family didn’t have one. • handed down from father to son. bearing my maiden name, “Luyben.” • • • Heraldry thus has ties to . Yes, the set of books contains actual Note: The 2014 Swedish Genealogy Heraldry took root during the illustrations of shields for each family Workshop will be held in Lindsborg, period of enlightenment known as the listed there. Kan. (“Little Sweden USA”), on Sept 12th-century renaissance. And once Knowing what my coat of arms 27 and 28, 2014. For more information the heraldic flame was lit, it quickly looked like enabled me to spot a sham call 785-227-3595 or send an email to: spread over Europe and the British later on. I got a postcard solicitation in [email protected].