Vasastjärnan Publication of the Vasa Order of America

the vasa star spring 2014 vasastjärnan Publication of The Vasa Order of America

Pingstlilja, the special daffodil of Pentecost and a sure sign of spring or this year, early summer in Sweden since Pentecost is late, between June 7-9. (Pentecost is in Sweden a national holiday) The Grand Master’s Message Vasa Order of America has chosen the ing the financial future of the Order. Some of these changes were initially met with Swedish American of the Year 2014 negative repercussions but the results have It is my pleasure to announce that Dr. C. given the Order policies governing secure Fred Bergsten has been chosen the Swedish future investment and fair practice for all American of the Year (SAY) 2014 after a voting members. Our Education Fund has doubled procedure in the two districts of the Vasa Order what it was prior to 2010 and our scholarship of America in Sweden. program has been restored. We now have a According to the rules, the SAY comes to synergetic partnership with Nordstjernan Sweden in August to receive the insignia of the related to the Vasa Star publication. Four recognition and attends a celebration lasting years may seem like a long time yet still several days. not enough time to accomplish all my goals The program will start in Växjö on the 16th related to cultural programing and a more of August, where Dr. Bergsten will receive the secure National Archives. insignia of the recognition from the Vasa Order Traveling to nearly every District Con- of America. The governor and the community vention has been educational as well as will honor him as well. a privilege. It has been an opportunity to In Stockholm the Foreign Ministry and the Dear Vasa Brothers and Sisters, experience a true “Taste of Vasa”. I’ve American Embassy will give their tribute to This is my final message of my four year answered members’ questions, addressed Dr. Bergsten. term serving as your Grand Master. I’m concerns and alleviated misconceptions at On behalf of the Swedish American of the C. Fred Bergsten proud to report that members of the Vasa each of these conventions. Year Committee 2014 Order have united during this term to ac- There is no right or wrong way to con- catherine bringselius nilsson, chairman of the Vasa Order of America. The purpose distriktslogen norra sverige nr 19 complish more than I would have thought duct most aspects of a District meeting. distriktslogen södra sverige nr 20 is to set focus on Sweden America and the possible. The Vasa Order was going through Some Districts put emphasis on the history Swedish Americans, either they are related a significant financial setback four years ago. of their District, others place emphasis on About the Swedish American of to early emigrants from Sweden or emigrants I am humbled to have had the opportunity culture including a cultural program, a the Year from late decades. to lead the organization with the help of a cultural room or a presentation, seminar Yearly, since 1960, a Swedish American of the Partly the award is meant to be a recogni- talented Grand Lodge Executive Board as or class. Some have excellent collegiate Year has been chosen by the Swedish branch tion of exceptional work by an individual in we made positive changes toward secur- and Sjölunden scholarship programs / p3 his or her profession and/or valuable / p3

Archive News Grand Lodge Meeting Lodge News Language & Culture “The Archives preserves the ‘old’ so that it is In just one month the Grand Lodge is meeting in Peasoup and pancake dinners were high on the Stig Sälgeback, Grand Lodge Cultural Director available for future generations, but to do that we Rye, NY to make strategic plans for the future list of activities this spring. Peasoup was allegedly for Sweden shares thoughts on Swedishness and have to get the next generation involved.” The of the Order. Motions have been submitted, each enjoyed already by the Greeks and Romans but reflects on being a Swede in Newark, NJ in the Vasa National Archives is looking forward to a carefully thought out with the expectation that the enjoyed the Swedish way (on Thursdays) it becomes 1950s versus growing up in Sweden at the same busy season, with visitors from near and far. / p3 Vasa Order will advance and grow / p4 an important, unpretentious part of social life... / p5 time. / p9 archive news » p3 grand lodge news » p4 district lodge news » p5 lodge news » p5 Swedish news » p18 language and culture » p9 in memoriam » p11 the vasa star / Spring 2014 editor’s Message issue highlights It seemed to most of the country that spring the reins of The Vasa Star beginning with the next, Summer issue. would never arrive. As I am writing this at Amanda comes to us with excellent references and experience Easter time, I am hoping that when this issue as an editor for several publications. You will meet her when she of The Vasa Star arrives at your home, every- introduces herself in the Summer issue. Please send your articles, one will be enjoying a beautiful springtime. photos, and obituaries to her at [email protected] or to the PO In this Spring issue, you will find articles Box listed on this page in the column lower right. I will continue about many interesting activities, including on as Circulation Manager, so please send your address changes preparations for Midsummer. Feel free to and new member slips to me. use any of the program and activity ideas, Plans are all set now for the 2014 Grand Lodge Convention in shared in the Local Lodge pages, in your own Rye, New York. Many very important motions will be discussed lodges. And be sure to send in articles about your lodge’s activities and voted upon. We must look to the future of Vasa and be will- Annual “Ärtsoppa och Pannkakor” (Pea to share in the next Vasa Star. The deadline for the Summer issue ing to make the necessary changes that will keep us vital to a new Soup and Pancakes) Dinner). / p5 is June 30. generation of Vasa members. Speaking of the next Vasa Star, I am thrilled to announce that joanie graham we have a new Vasa Star Editor. Amanda Olson Robison will take interim editor

Deadlines for The Vasa Star Where to Submit Material

Summer Deadline » June 30 MAIL TO: Fall Deadline » September 26 [email protected] or Marilyn Sohoel of Vinland of Cape Cod • Picture and article, 200 words or less. Vasa Star Lodge describes a Baldishol tapestry / p8 • For Letters to the Editor column, 150 words or less. PO Box 8193 • Please send pictures of good quality in order for Pittsburgh, PA 15217 them to reproduce well in The Vasa Star. Electroni- cally submitted photos should be scanned in JPEG format at a resolution of 300 dpi. • For submitted lodge articles, please add city and For Audio/Visual Material: To compare state. Thanks! Mike Pearson [email protected] and be compared IN MEMORIAM » Please read instructions on how to 7309 New Hampshire Pl send and pay for Obituaries. Hammond, IN 46323

Easy, easier and easiest but sometimes made a bit harder through umlauts / p28

The Swedish Newspaper in America ––––––––– the vasa star (usps 657-020)

is proud to be of assistance in presenting The Vasa Star, Vasastjärnan in a new format, in print and digitally. Spring 2014 Nordstjernan has been reporting on current events in Swedish America since September, 1872. Vol. 106, No. 2, Serial 848 Published by The Vasa Order of America www.vasaorder.com

HEADQUARTERS Kenneth T. Jackson, Professor of History at Columbia University and Editor-in-chief, Grand Secretary / Joan Graham The Encyclopedia of New York City, said it best: 5838 San Jose Avenue Richmond, CA 94804 “Over the past century and a half, more newspapers were published in New York than in any other city in the world, in (510) 526 5512 large part because of the huge foreign-born community and the variety of publications that the different ethnic groups [email protected] spawned. Most had a brief and almost ephemeral life, but Nordstjernan has been remarkable for its long life and high quality. It not only helped Swedish immigrants adjust to life in a new world and a giant city, but it set a standard that Grand Master / Bill Lundquist 1456 Kennebec Rd. other newspapers worked hard to emulate.” Grand Blanc, MI 48439 Phone: 810-695-3248 | (810) 845 5065 [email protected] www.nordstjernan.com • 1.800.827.9333 ext. 12 Vasa Star Editor / Amanda Robison (Call now for a special if you are a Vasa member) Send articles, photos & memorials to: The Vasa Star PO Box 8193 Pittsburgh, PA 15217 [email protected] Family Tree Släktutredningar Remember the Vasa Archives Circulation Manager / Joan Graham 5838 San Jose Avenue I am a member of the Vasa Order in Sweden and an expert when you are making a memorial donation Richmond, CA 94804 (510) 526 5512 in Swedish genealogy. Over the years I have helped many Send your donations to: Vasa members to find their roots in Sweden. If you want my [email protected] Vasa National Archives Send address changes and bottom section of help to find your Swedish ancestors, please email me for application for new members to Joan Graham. further information: [email protected] PO Box 101, Bishop Hill, IL 61419 Membership Chairman / Art Bjorkner 31 Vasa Drive Hackettstown NJ 07840-5314

Managing Editor / Dan Berubé-Arbello to the Education & Scholarship Funds P.O. Box 8193 Donate Pittsburgh PA 15217 Send your donations to: Vasa Order of America, Joan Graham, Grand Secretary Advertising Call 1.800.827.9333, ask for Vasa Star rates 5838 San Jose Ave., Richmond, CA 94804 [email protected] Layout & production: Nordstjernan, Swedish News, Inc. page 2 Spring 2014 / the vasa star Archive News

Now we are head- involved. Could we not start ‘groups’ that Then, for the first time have we reached kan hjälpa nya företag/företagare att etablera ing towards a won- will be there for the newer generation? a goal to establish and combine the “old” sig , eller en grupp inom data, en grupp för föräl- derful and much Maybe there could be a group that can help with the “new” and the organization, Vasa drar med tonårsbarn, vi måste försöka samla needed spring and new businesses to get established; or a group Order of America, can grow strong again. upp den grupp där tonårsbarnen börjar att ge summer. It will be within computers; or a group for parents sig ut på egna vingar, där föräldrarna undrar time to go out and who have teenage children. We must try Nu går vi mot en underbar välbehövlig ”vad ska vi gör nu” när barnen börjar flyga ut. work in the gar- to start up a group when teenagers begin vår och sommar, man ska ut och arbeta i Kanske en grupp för dagens nya emigranter, jag, den, and hope that to spread their wings and parents wonder trädgården. och man hoppas att blommorna tillsammans med dom har massor av frågor och the flowers will “what should we do now” when the children ska titta fram, lika fort som man sätter lökarna i funderingar hur man ska lösa olika situationer i begin to grow just begin to “fly out”. Maybe there could be jorden. Utomhus grillen ska fixas och rengöras mitt nya hemland. as quickly as when bulbs are planted in the a group for today’s new immigrants who, inför de sköna ljumna kvällarna. Det är något Vi har otroligt många äldre medlemmar som soil. Outside the grill will need fixing and together with me, have a lot of questions visst med våren!!!! besitter kundskap och visdom som skulle vara cleaning before the arrival of the nice, warm and thoughts about how to solve different Vi har en ny säsong framför oss på arkivet, till en enorm nytta för den yngre generationen, evenings. There is certainly something very situations in a new homeland. We have an med många nya besökare, jag önskar att alla tänk om dessa kunde fungerar som mentorer special about the Spring. amazing number of older members that nya besökare skulle skriva på ett medlemsan- och svara på olika frågor till den yngre gen- We have a new season ahead of us at the have knowledge and wisdom that could be sökan till logerna i USA, Sverige och Kanada, erationen, vilken styrka de yngre skulle känna, Archives with many new visitors. I wish of enormous help to the younger genera- vi behöver många flera nya medlemmar till vår och det skulle säker ge den äldre generationen that all the new visitors would complete tion. Suppose these older members could organisation!!! en glädje att kunna hjälpa. Då som först har vi a membership form to the lodges within function as mentors and answer the differ- Arkivet bevarar det ”gamla” för att föra det nått ett mål och en styrka att förena det gamla Sweden, Canada and U.S.A. We need more ent questions from the younger generation. vidare till nästa generation, men för att föra det med det nya! Och organisationen Vasa Order Of new members in our organization. What strength of mind that would give the vidare måste vi ju också få in den nya genera- America kan växa sig stark igen. The Archives preserves the “old” so that younger generation and it would surely give it is available for future generations, but to happiness to the older generation to be able tionen. Borde vi inte starta grupper som är till för viktoria almgren, archives manager do that we have to get the next generation to help them. kommande generationer, kanske en grupp som

Vasa Order of America’s1 Swedish-American of the Year (continued from Front Page) work for promot- Dr. Henry Kissinger. Institute for International Economics i sin chef och han var biträdande ing good relations between Sweden and the Dr. Bergsten was born in 1941. His grand- Washington DC. Peterson Institute, som finansminister under President US or Canada, partly it is meant to highlight parents of the father emigrated from Sweden Bergsten grundade år 1981, är det ledande Jimmy Carter. Han har skrivit ett Sweden America. to Kansas in 1886. forskningsinstitutet i USA som ägnar sig 40-tal böcker om internationell By now 54 persons have been rewarded Dr. Bergsten received a Ph.D. degree from åt internationell ekonomi och den mest ekonomi. with this recognition. They represent a wide the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at inflytelserika tankesmedjan för internationell Bergstens utmärkta gärning inom interna- area of competition and talents, women as Tufts University, and its Distinguished Alumni ekonomisk politik i Washington DC. tionell ekonomisk politik, analys av ekonomiska well as men. Leadership Award in 2010. Delegationer från Finansdepartementet, Riks- frågor i ett globalt perspektiv samt skapandet banken och enskilda svenska affärsbanker orien- av Peterson Institute presenteras i verket C. Fred (1) Vasa Order of America is a non-profit organization teras årligen av Bergsten och hans kollegor om Bergsten and the World Economy. started by Swedish Emigrants’ in the USA in 1896. Dr. Bergsten has authored, co-authored Since 1924 there is a Swedish branch of the Vasa Order or edited forty-one books on international det ekonomiska tillståndet i USA och världseko- 2013 tilldelades C. Fred Bergsten Kungliga of America. economic issues. Dr. Bergsten was the most nomin. Bergstens farföräldrar utvandrade från Nordstjärneorden. widely quoted think-tank economist in the Kumlatrakten till Kansas 1886. Därav hans stora Det är en stor ära för Vasa Orden av Amerika world during 1997-2005. Dr. Bergsten’s intresse för vårt land. Hans svenska kontaktytor är att få tilldela C. Fred Bergsten utmärkelsen Årets C. Fred Bergsten is Senior Fellow and Di- many contributions to US and international omfattande, såväl politiskt som ekonomiskt och Svenskamerikan 2014. rector Emeritus of the Peterson Institute for economic policy, to analysis of a wide range han besöker regelbundet Sverige. Mottagare av denna hedersutmärkelse de International Economics. He was its founding of global economic issues, and to the cre- Bergsten har fungerat som ekonomisk rådgi- senaste åren: 2008 Barbro Osher, generalkonsul, Director from its creation in 1981 through ation and development of the Institute are vare såväl åt republikanska som demokratiska 2009 Anne-Charlotte Hanes Harvey, dramapro- 2012. The Institute is the only major research elaborated in C. Fred Bergsten and the World administrationer och genom honom har svenska fessor, 2010 John E. Norton, statsvetare/historiker, institution in the United States devoted to Economy. regeringar hållit sig informerade om viktiga förän- 2011 Kerstin Lane, museichef, 2012 Ingvar Wik- international economic issues. In 2013 Dr. Bergsten received the Royal dringar i USA och världsekonomin till gagn för vårt strom, entreprenör för svensk matkultur, 2013 Dr. Bergsten is a member of the President’s Order of the Polar Star from the Government land. Martina Arfwidson VD Face Stockholm. Advisory Committee on Trade Policy and of Sweden. Bergsten är filosofie doktor (PhD) från Fletcher Negotiations. He was Assistant Secretary The Vasa Order of America has the great School vid Tufts University. Han har haft flera vik- catherine bringselius nilsson, chairman for International Affairs of the US Treasury On behalf of the Swedish American of the Year honor to recognize Dr. Bergsten as the Swed- tiga ekonomiska nyckelpositioner i den amerikan- during 1977-81. During 1969-71, starting at Committee 2014 ish American of the Year 2014. ska administrationen. Som 27-åring koordinerade age 27, Dr. Bergsten coordinated US foreign Information: Ordförande/chairman Årets Svenskamerikankommitté economic policy in the White House as As- han USA’s internationella ekonomiska politik i Na- C. Fred Bergsten, tills nyligen chef för Peterson tionella säkerhetsrådet med Henry Kissinger som Tel.: +46(0)470-28588 sistant for International Economic Affairs to E-mail: [email protected]

The Grand Master’s Message (continued from Front Page) while others Masters. These individuals have devoted of the Order. You must be sure the decisions District No. 4 who will host the upcoming offer adult scholarships to help members countless hours to the Order and want suc- you make are for the “Good of the Order” not Grand Lodge Convention in Rye, New York advance their cultural interests. Some enjoy cess for its future. I felt they deserved simply good for you or your District. and hope to see many of you there. Above a short formal meeting with a longer social advance communication regarding the condi- My wife, Sheila and I have made lifelong all, I’m grateful to our family, our three time while others put less emphasis on the tion of the Order and the need for the changes friends through the Vasa Order of America. daughters, sons-in-law and seven grandchil- social event and conduct very formal meet- that have been made over the past four years. Vasa has enhanced our lives and opened the dren who have been supportive, patient and ings. Some Districts have active Children’s I have Past Grand Master Erik Johnson, DL door to travel in Sweden. Our fond memories understanding of the time required of my role. Clubs that perform beautiful programs while Golden Gate No. 12, to thank for being in- of all of you will give us plenty to share in the Thank you all for giving me the opportunity other have wonderful musicians. Memorial strumental in my initial involvement at the future. We express our heartfelt appreciation to have served as your Grand Master. services vary from District to District but Grand Lodge level in 2002. for your generous hospitality as we’ve trav- God Bless you, the United States, Canada all lead us to reflect upon the hard work and I wish all elected delegates to the 2014 eled across the US, Canada and Sweden and and Sweden and the Vasa Order of America. sacrifice of our departed members. Grand Lodge Convention success and satis- hope to visit with you at our homes in either in truth and unity, I am grateful for the support I’ve received faction. I ask you to take this important op- Michigan or Wisconsin or at future District bill lundquist, grand master and continue to receive from Past Grand portunity seriously as it relates to the future conventions. We are thankful for New York

page 3 the vasa star / Spring 2014 GRAND LODGE NEWS

How to submit Grand Lodge Convention: July 4-11, 2014 Photos to the Just a month from now, the Grand Lodge a paper copy to individual members. your ideal. Vasa will never be greater than will be gathering in Rye, New York to Changes to the Vasa Order will be made. your perception of it. People today have Vasa Star make strategic plans for the future of our Changes have been made since our founding many things vying for their time, and we Order. Motions have been submitted by in 1896. At first, membership was for Swed- must make Vasa attractive to them so they individual Vasa members, Local Lodges, ish men only, ages 16 to 50, and meetings will choose to spend their time and effort to Occasionally photos are District Lodges, and the GL Executive were conducted in Swedish. Obviously, be a part of the Vasa family. We are a frater- submitted to Vasa Star that are not Board, each carefully thought out and with changes have been made over the years: the nal organization in that we provide mutual usable, and you’re disappointed when your photo isn’t used. the expectation that each will ensure that age requirement was broadened, wives were aid and assistance through our Old Age and Here are some guidelines to follow: Vasa will advance and grow. allowed to join – even non-Swedish wives, Benefit Fund, the various Sick Benefit and All motions have been mailed to every meetings were conducted in English, Nor- Hospital Benefit funds, and our Scholarship 1. Best photos are taken with a digital local lodge, to be discussed at length at your wegians were allowed to join and then other Funds; but we also celebrate and learn about camera or a cell phone camera. meetings. Please let your delegates know Nordic peoples, Sick and Funeral benefits our cultural heritage, and we enjoy social These are perfect when down- your thoughts and opinions concerning these were discontinued, Rituals were made less interactions with one another – which makes loaded to a computer and emailed motions. The delegates will vote, not only in formal, and now non-Nordic people with us a social club, too. directly to the Editor. Please don’t the best interest of your districts and lodges, a commitment to Swedish culture are wel- With our membership dropping each year, try to modify them, no tweaking, no but also in the best interest in the future of comed into membership. With each change, we have to bring about some major changes changing to black and white. our Order. If you haven’t read the motions there has been controversy – many were in order to reverse this decline. Come to the

yet, please contact your local lodge secretary opposed, but many more voted in favor of convention with an open mind and a willing- 2. Photographs can be scanned, but be sure they are good quality to read the copy that was mailed to the lodge. these changes. ness to make changes that will make more photographs, at least 4x6 in size. Or, you may contact me at [email protected] Create a picture in your mind about what secure the future of our Order. If you scan them, be sure they are and I will email a copy to you. In an effort Vasa should look like. Then, set you mind submitted by joanie lindquist graham, saved as a .jpeg and 250-300 dpi. If to save extra cost, I will not be able to mail and your energies toward making Vasa into grand secretary you are not sure of the size, mail the original photograph.

3. Photos pasted into a Word docu- Stormästarens Budskap ment are difficult to work with, so Kära Vasasyskon whenever possible don’t use this method. Send the photos sepa- Det här blir mitt sista meddelande efter mina Jag har besvarat medlemmars frågor, rett ut mästaren Erik Johnson, DL Golden Gate No. rately, as an email attachment or by fyra år som Grand Master. Det är med stolthet några bekymmer och klarat ut missförstånd 12, för att ursprungligen ha blivit engagerad i regular mail. jag kan rapportera att Vasa Ordens medlem- på varje convention jag besökt. Storlogen 2002. mar enats under den här perioden på ett sätt Det finns inga rätt eller fel när det gäller Jag önskar alla årets delegater till 2014 års 4. Most importantly, be sure to in- jag tidigare inte trott möjligt. Vår Orden gick genomförandet av ett distriktsmöte. Några Storlogemöte all framgång och lycka. Jag vill clude a caption naming each person igenom ett avsevärt finansiellt bakslag för fyra distrikt lyfter fram sitt distrikts historia, andra be er ta uppgiften och den möjlihet den in- (if it’s a small group.) år sedan. Uppgiften att få leda organisationens lägger tonvikten på kultur och inkluderar ett nebär på fullaste allvar eftersom det handlar arbete mot de positiva förändringar som kulturellt program som kan vara en mindre om ordens framtid. Ni måste känna er säkra Editor’s email: krävts för att säkra ordens framtid får mig att utställning, ett seminarium eller en presenta- på att de beslut som fattas är för ordens bästa, [email protected] känna stor ödmjukhet. Det har skett med hjälp tion. Några har utmärkta stipendieprogram för inte bara för det distrikt ni representerar. Address: av ett starkt och kompetent verkställande college eller Sjölunden medan andra erbjuder Min hustru Sheila och jag har skapat livslån- Vasa Star utskott i Storlogen. vuxenstipendier för att bistå medlemmar som ga vänner genom Vasaorden. Vasa har berikat P.O. Box 8193 Några av dessa förändringar möttes först vill utöka sina kulturella intressen, Några inled- våra liv och öppnat dörren för Sverigebesök. Pittsburgh PA 15127 av tveksamma reaktioner men resultatet er med ett kort formellt möte för att sedan ha Våra kära minnen av er alla bär vi med oss för har blivit att vi nu har riktlinjer som reglerar mer tid över för att vara sociala medan andra alltid. Varmt tack för all gränslös gästfrihet framtida säkra investeringar och en rättvis lägger mindre vikt vid det sociala för att hålla under resor genom USA, Kanada och Sverige. hantering för alla medlemmars bästa. Vår längre formella möten. Det finns distrikt som Vi vill också tacka New York District No. 4, som utbildningsfond har dubblats i jämförelse med har aktiva barngrupper som uppträder medan är värdar för Storlogemötet i Rye, New York tiden före 2010 och vårt stipendieprogram has andra har duktiga musiker. Minnesstunder och hoppas på att få träffa många av er där. startat upp igen. Vi har ett ömsesidigt givande varierar också mellan distrikten men får oss Men, framför allt är jag tacksam över vår familj, samarbete med Nordstjernan för att publicera alltid att tänka över våra avlidna medlemmars våra tre döttrar, deras män och sju barnbarn, Vasastjärnan. Fyra år kan tyckas som en lång uppoffringar och hårda arbete. som varit ett stöd och alltid visat tålamod och tid men har ändå inte varit tillräckligt för att Jag är tacksam över det stöd jag fått och förståelse för den tid min roll tagit i anspråk. nå alla mina mål avseende våra kulturella fortsätter få från mina företrädare som Tack alla, för att ni givit mig möjligheten att program och en tryggare framtid för våra Stormästare. Det är personer som ägnat tjänstgöra som er Stormästare. Nationella Arkiv. oräkneliga timmar åt Vasa och önskar oss allt Gud bevare er, Amerikas Förenta Stater, Mitt besök till nästan varje Distriktsmöte väl i framtiden. Jag kände att de förtjänade Kanada, Sverige och Vasaorden. har varit både givande och känns som ett att få förhandsinformation om hur allt stod till i sanning och enhet privilegium. Resorna har givit mig möjlighet med Orden och behovet av förändring under bill lundqvist, stormästare att uppleva ett smakprov på det verkliga Vasa. de gångna fyra åren. Jag kan tacka f.d. Stor-

Do you have a question for the Grand Lodge? Ever wonder why or how or when…? Send your questions about anything Vasa-related to [email protected] and then watch for the FAQ Column in The Vasa Star.

page 4 Spring 2014 / the vasa star District lodge news

DL Pacific Southwest No. 15 District Officers and outgoing and incoming of the Past District Master’s Club served a Swedish Easter Lunch and Program. The the time of witches in Sweden was narrated Local Lodge Officers got together on Janu- very nice ham dinner. Past District Master menu was terrific – homemade beet salad by Skandia Chairman Dr. Beau Stocking to ary 5, 2014 at Skandia Hall, in Pasadena, Jackie Ahlen was in charge of the kitchen. prepared by Nel, Jackie’s special deviled the delight of all. Guests were welcomed California. Approximately fifty members The dinner served as a fund raiser for the eggs, smoked salmon with special mustard to make the Easter feather branches with gathered for a great afternoon. It felt a little PDM’s Club which is hosting the Conven- sauce, herring, a hot plate with roast beef, directions and samples by DCL Nel and like a pre-convention with the real thing tion. District 15 is celebrating its 100th Nel’s special Swedish cream potatoes, fresh her crew. A really happy event and one it is coming up at the end of February. anniversary this year and many attendees vegetables, and Maidie’s homemade semla hoped will continue. Grand Lodge Deputy Tom Jahn thanked are expecting a little something extra. buns with Inga’s whipped cream for dessert. submitted by nel solt the outgoing officers for the past year and Then on March 29, 2014, District 15 Cul- Included in the festivities was the parade of installed the incoming with a short and tural Leader Nel Solt welcomed the District the Paskkarringar – the Swedish Witches – easy ceremony after which the members members and friends to a great seasonal what fun – prizes were awarded. The story of

lodge news

Diana Birger Jarl #3 Fylgia Lodge #119

new haven, ct / At our rytale character of Swedish folklore and the san francisco, ca / For Fylgia Lodge the mous, or infamous, Aquavit Infusion Event. March meeting LL Di- Author’s desire to reconnect to her heritage year started by a gathering of several lodges This is serious business because many of ana Birger Jarl #3 had in an enchanting tale. on February 22 at Nordic House in Berkeley, the participants will be entering their secret a presentation by Carol She described the story explaining it CA to make Kroppkakor (potato dumplings). recipes in the competition at the District’s Skog. Carol is a gradu- includes a Nobleman Count Bonde as well Labor intensive, but delicious! In February Sweden Day Picnic at Sveadal the end of ate of Pacific Lutheran as an elusive wood sprite named Skogsrå, we met at The Fairmont Hotel for a lecture May. See you all at the District Convention University with a degree This engaging story envelops the reader in by Nani Lofstrom on the Sami culture and in April. In May we will be picnicking in in Scandinavian Studies historical lifestyle and customs that will art. March 11 we met with Asa Sjoberg, Walpurgis- all lodges are welcome. In June and is the author of a leave you longing to experience your own Deacon of the Church of Sweden in San Ted Olsson will be giving a Historic Walk- book entitled Enchant- family heritage, customs, and traditions. The Francisco to discuss the background of the ing Tour of Swedish San Francisco. August ment Ädventyr (carolel- book includes three of the most celebrated church and its role in the US. The cooking brings our traditional Crayfest at Nordic izabethskog.com). Carol traditional Swedish holiday, their customs, class for March at Nordic House was Blue House. Everyone is welcome to joins us for discussed her motivation and their special foods. Mussels with Fennel and Roe Topping and food, music and dancing. for writing this book, The members of Diana Birger Jarl expe- Shrimp and Trout Roe Deviled Eggs. Deli- submitted by dianne dahlberg asking if we have ever rienced an enjoyable and informative eve- cious and refreshing. April brought the fa- wondered about our an- ning after which we were able to purchase cestors? Who they were? How they lived? autographed copies of the book and enjoy How they experienced the customs and further discussion with the author over cof- traditions they celebrated? This is the basis fee and dessert. Tegnér Lodge #149 for her magical story which takes the reader submitted by paul ljunggren oakland, ca / At its January meeting, Teg- supper. Then Chairman Ken Weissenborn on a journey back in time, blending a Fai- nér Lodge No. 149 hosted the installation conducted an initiation ceremony for new ceremony for new officers of the three East member Debbie Woods and reinstated his Bay lodges – Tegnér #149, Framåt #405, daughter Marta as a member. Three other and Sveaborg #449. Tegnér Chairman Ken new members had been initiated last No- Weissenborn introduced the three instal- vember: Eric Olsson, and dual membership lation officers: District Deputy to Tegnér awarded to Robert Laaback (Sveaborg) and Lodge Robert Homer (also Chairman of Nani Löfströn (Framåt). The lodge is very Framåt Lodge), District Deputy to Framåt happy to have these new members. Lodge Rob Laaback (also Chairman of Sve- For our program in February, Marta aborg Lodge), and Grand Secretary Joanie Weissenborn gave a very interesting talk Graham. After the installation, refreshments about Sweden’s master painter, Anders Zorn, were served by the host lodge. and showed slides of many of his paintings. In February, Tegnér members enjoyed submitted by ann tennis a pea soup (made by Marie Anne Hill) and pancake (made by Ingrid Anderson)

portunity for Learning” scholarship. Donna the waterfront. Eva Dunhem, a Göteborg shared stories and photos from her time native, shared an extensive history of the in Sweden. She is pictured here outside city itself and then took us on a wide-ranging the guesthouse in Kronobers län, about 30 photo journey around the city and out into minutes southwest of Växjö, where she and the archipelago in the North Sea. The pre- her sister stayed for almost a week, setting sentation was supplemented with videos and off each day in a different direction to find music, and was a joint venture prepared with family farms, some days with volunteers husband Arne Dunhem (born and raised in Drott Lodge #168 from the local historical society guiding southern Sweden), whom she met while they washington, d.c. / Drott Lodge began 2014 tree before carrying it out the door). them and other days on their own. They were both students at Chalmers University. with a holiday celebration of a different In February, member Donna Dyhrkopp were even served fika on a farm once owned The photographs left this member wanting sort, a Tjugondag Knut, a closing out of the Clarke presented a program on “Finding by their great-great-grandfather. to go home and immediately book tickets holiday season 20 days after Christmas with Family Farms in Sweden.” Donna trav- The annual “Ärtsoppa och Pannkakor” for a return visit to this amazing city. singing Christmas songs, dancing around eled to Sweden, Denmark, and northern (Pea Soup and Plättar Dinner) was our submitted by carol whitley the tree, enjoying sweets and then the Jul- Germany in 2013, a trip partially funded by March activity. This year we traveled back gransplundring (plundering the Christmas PA District #9’s “Scandinavian Cultural Op- to Göteborg and dined in a modern café on

page 5 the vasa star / Spring 2014 LODGE NEWS

duties was to install two new members, Linda Mitchell and Richard Baldwin. Great start – New Year! February meeting was equally successful – the usual Peasoup and Pancakes dinner with Peggy Carlson and pancake expert Ed Netzel in charge. Four more new members were initiated: Dan and Dorothy Klosermann, James Shoemaker and Jan Volkoff. Jan and Jim are folk dancers. Jan is the granddaughter of Adolph and Hilder Benson, Monitor members from the past who organized the Scandinavian Folk Dancers in 1948. March had a Cabbage Pudding dinner; to the question – instead of the usual individual koldolmar, the cabbage and meat is layered into a baking pan for the oven. Our two hardworking ladies, (From left to right) David Tollin, Auditor; Donald Erickson, Chaplain; Charlotte Tollin, Financial Secretary/ Birgitta Ostlund and Annika Anderson, did Treasurer; Scott Johnson, Chairman; Marianne Ekstrand; Betty Rottman, Cultural Leader; Marlyn Ryall, Our star cooks for March: Birgitta Ostlund an a superb job. An interesting program was Guard/Trustee; and Gary Johnson, Vice Chairman. Annika Anderson presented by Nani Lofstrom from Framåt Lodge about the Sami People in northern Scandinavia with artifact displays. Several Brahe Lodge #245 Monitor Lodge #218 lodges have seen this program. Dinner out, rockford, il / We had to change the location Highlight of our meeting was the Installa- celebrating our 102nd anniversary, will sacramento, ca / Our year began with the of our February 23, 2014 planned meeting tion of our new officers for 2014 by Marianne be Sat. April 5th at the Dante Club so our installation of officers for 2014 preceded in our VASA Park with its now ice-covered Ekstrand from DL Lake Michigan No. 8. kitchen people can rest. with a potluck dinner. The gavel was handed driveway to the nearby business location of Refreshments were served by Vivian over to Charles Rea and one of his first submitted by arlie veis David and Charlotte Tollin! Anderson and assisted by Tess Anderson to Acting Recording Secretary Tess An- all attending 14 members after our lodge derson read the minutes of our last meeting meeting! held in December 2013, and then Financial submitted by dennis g. eksten Secretary/Treasurer Charlotte Tollin re- ported our financial transactions since our December meeting.

(Topmost) Miss Columbia Melissa Demarjian and her court. / (Above) Certificate of Appreciation recipients. Skandia Lodge #247 pasadena, ca / Skandia Lodge celebrated our Skandia member Melissa Demarjian (Topmost) Elmer “Swede” and Pauline Molund. / (Above) Ulla and Stan Underwood were presented with their pins at their home by Norden President Marcia Aagaard. 101st Anniversary on March 22nd at Beck- has been selected to represent the lodge at ham Grill in Pasadena. Scholarship Chair- the Swedish American Central Association man Bob Solt presented three scholarships at the 2014 Midsummer Pageant and was Norden Lodge #233 to members Eddie Yankowsky, Kristina elected Miss Columbia at the court selection Cepielik and Emmanline Mauretsen. Certifi- and coronation conducted at Skandia Lodge. tacoma, wa / Four members of Norden Lodge have been members for 50 year and were cates of Appreciation were presented to ten presented their 50-year jeweled pins. Congratulations to all! submitted by dr. jacqueline e. ahlen members for their special and outstanding photographed by ray demarjian and submitted by marilyn mahnke assistance with the 100th Anniversary year. joan johnson page 6 LODGE NEWS Spring 2014 / the vasa star Lindbergh Lodge #494 los altos, ca / Fifty people attended our On Friday, February 14, Chairman Mar- January meeting. With the background of tin Omander conducted a brief meeting after our own Lindbergh Lodge swing jazz quar- which eleven guests were introduced. Lee tet, we began as usual with beverages and and Smiley Nelson provided a delicious conversations. Following a brief meeting, pea soup dinner followed by chocolate cake six guests were introduced. Dinner was our and meringue cookies baked by Susanne traditional January Potluck with excellent Omander. Claire Noonan, a resident of Los and abundant tempting dishes. The Swed- Altos, provided the program with wonderful ish and English birthday songs were sung pictures of her five-week stay in Sweden. to those with a January birthday. Those who had birthdays in February were Also in January, the San Francisco Bay serenaded with Happy Birthday in both Area was treated to an exhibit of the artwork English and Swedish. of 19th century Swedish artist Anders Zorn. We are looking forward to the March Linde Lodge #492 Zorn was known for his amazing work in meeting with its St. Patrick’s Day theme new berlin, wi / On March 15, 2014 the watercolor, and in particular for his exper- and a dinner of corned beef and cabbage. lodge had a Peasoup and Pancake dinner at tise in painting light on water. Zorn favored The program will be based on the harmonica Liza & Rolf Ekstrand’s home. The highlight making his own frames for his paintings and collection of member Jim Dinkie. of the event was the outstanding presenta- those that were on display showed the clean, submitted by betsy nilson tion by two of our new 2013 members Allan spare lines for which Scandinavian design Stenmark and Cris Rosario. The program is still renowned. was about skiing, various methods of skiing, i.e. skate-skiing, and even more skiing. Allan was introduced to skiing by his father Gus Stenmark. He has been in the American Birkebeiner race for 33 consecutive years and has the medals/pins to show for it, as well as all the stickers on his skis. (Topmost) John Bevelhimer working at the archives Cris is newer to skiing, and he introduced on research / (Above) The Vasa Archives, outside view. himself as a Caribbean born guy, married a Finn-Swede (Susanna), and quickly adopted some of her interests. He is such a ski enthu- Svea Lodge #253 siast these days, and even though he has not indianapolis, in / On January 12, new been in the Birkebeiner race, he went there members James and Irene Nelson this year as a spectator. Do not be surprised were initiated. Officers for 2014 were if you see him in the race next year. installed: Chairman, Jean Tygum; Vice The picture shows Chris Rosario, left, Chairman, Ulla Williams; Treasurer, and Allan Stenmark, right. PDM and GL Marvin Anderson; Recording Secretary, EBM Sten Hult and his wife Nancy Hult (District Secretary) joined us for the soup Janet Jegen; Assistant Recording Secre- and pancakes, and were very impressed with tary, Brenda Miller; Financial Secretary, the interesting program. This is how we man- Douglas Krantz; Chaplain, Carol Clark- age friendship between lodges, within the son; Master Of Ceremonies, Dennis Dan- District and the overall VASA organization. ielson; Inner Guard, Faye Bevelhimer; submitted by liza ekstrand Cultural Leader, Carin Young; Assistant Linnea Lodge #504 Cultural Leader, Jay Hook; Technical petaluma, ca / Happy New Year! Our year In February we had our “Pea Soup & Assistant to Cultural Leader, Amy John- started out with our “Installation of Offi- Pancake Dinner and Scholarship Auction”. son; Historian, Jenne Swain; Hospitality/ Phoenix Lodge #677 cers and Pot Luck Dinner”. Oscar Carlson Our auctioneers were Don Christensen and Refreshments Committee, Jean Bang phoenix, az / Sara Nilsson served as cultural gave a great and witty sendoff presentation Rich Johnson who kept us on our toes and and Ulla Williams; Trustees: David Duff leader for the September 2013 meeting. The to our gracious, hardworking, long time kept us all laughing. A fun night was had (2014), Charlotte Swenson (2015), and cultural program centered on the subject of member Ruth Duffy, as she has relocated by all. Jeff Peterson (2016); and Auditors: Scott lighthouses...in particular, those in Sweden. to be closer to her children. Our dignified If you would like to check out our web- Our virtual journey started in Göteborg, then Clarkson (2014), Ken Allen (2015), and District Deputy Scott Schulkin from Fylgia site, please go to https://sites.google.com/ continued on the northeastern coast and fin- Lodge #119 in San Francisco, swore in the site/vasalinnealodge504. Patricia Hoffmann (2016). ished in the area of Lakes Vänern and Vättern. John Bevelhimer presented the pro- officers and gave Ruth an Honorary Life Låt de goda tiderna rulla! Some were quite “cute” and others were very Membership to Linnea Lodge. gram “Bishop Hill and the Vasa Ar- strange looking structures sticking out of the submitted by linda olson pearl chives”. Bishop Hill, founded in 1846 by surrounding body of water! Clara Strode, Swedish immigrants led by Erik Jansson, cultural leader for the October 2013 meeting, today is a living community of Swedish- began her presentation by spinning fleece into laguna woods, ca / At a recent Glenn T. American heritage. Some inhabitants wool yarn while giving a brief description of Glenn T. Seaborg Seaborg meeting we made miniature Swed- are descendants of the original Swedish how she became interested in Scandinavian fabrics and costumes. Many members shared Lodge #719 ish gardens. The theme was, “Dreaming of settlers. their colorful costumes, hats and scarves a Summer in Sweden.” Each member was On February 2, 2014, delegates to from various areas of Sweden. Sara Nilsson, provided a small red wooden cottage, blue the upcoming District Convention were cultural leader for the Feb. 2014 meeting, glass chips representing water, a sailboat, elected: Marvin Anderson, Scott Clark- presented a program on New Sweden (1638- tiny stones for walkways, weathered wood son, Dennis Danielson, and Jean Tygum; 1655), the first permanent Swedish settlement for docks, a small Swedish flag, soil, a low alternate is Carol Clarkson. Also attend- in the Americas. New Sweden was begun as a growing groundcover, and a miniature tree ing the District Convention will be Ed- base for the Sweden West India Company as that will grow to one foot tall and one foot ward Hultgren (District Master), Joella a way to bypass the French and English trade wide and bloom with one flowers. Each Hultgren (Assistant District Secretary), centers. Without consistent support from the member brought a ceramic pot of their and Iva Lynn (District Historian). The homeland, the general settlement didn’t have choice and added any miniature deer or much chance. The colony as a whole was bro- bunnies they desired. Everyone said it was program “Genealogy” was presented ken by Dutch forces. Many of the modern cit- by Douglas Krantz, an enthusiastic and one of the most fun events and they loved ies that have roots in New Sweden are located having a garden they could take home. For knowledgeable genealogist. in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. information of where to get supplies, contact submitted by joella d. hultgren submitted by sara nilsson Nancy Kingston, [email protected].

page 7 the vasa star / Spring 2014 LODGE NEWS Norden Lodge #708 Swedish news Swedish Style Schnapps Song Contest Svensk-Amerikanska atlanta, ga / The Nordic Lodge #708 in Atlanta, GA, invites everyone to participate Arrangemang 2014 in its popular Swedish Style Schnapps Song Distriktslogen Södra contest. It will now happen for the fourth consecutive year and is open to anyone Sverige nr 20 who lives in the United States or Canada. Last year’s winner was Thomas Martin, Wheeling, IL. The winners will be announced and the winning schnapps songs performed at the Nordic Lodge meeting on Sunday Sep- tember 28th, 2014, at St. Luke Lutheran Church, 3264 Northside Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30327. The event will start at 5:30 pm. Sverige-Amerikadagen på Kalmar Slott Söndagen den 8 juni Here are the rules: Kl 14.00 Gudtjänst på engelska/svenska 1. Write a Swedish Style Schnapps Song, i Slottskyrkan but it must be in English. Kl 15.00 Underhållning i Gröna Salen Norden Lodge No. 684 2. Theme: No theme this year. på Kalmar Slott 3. You are welcome to provide more than Fanparad, högtidstal och folk- fresno, ca / Norden Lodge No. 684 installed Row: Assistant Secretary, Judith Harless; one entry. dans new officers at the January 3, 2014 meet- Membership, Helen Fosdick; Assistant MC, 4. You don’t need to be a member of the Kl ca.16.30 Ostkakegille med underhålln- ing. Julgransplundring was also celebrated Ev Yanura; Trustee 1 yr., Karen O'keefe; Nordic Lodge. ing i Krusenstiernska Gården after the potluck. The children and families Vice Chairman, Mikael Peterson; Secretary, 5. These are the requirements for a good Kontakt: Britt-Marie Lindeblad 0480-47 19 enjoyed the candy and treats. Roselind Corky Peterson; Chairman, George Sell; Swedish schnapps song: 44, 070-390 49 29 / Logen Calmare Nyckel Gaviola started the Sunshine list. She Financial Secretary, Frances Johnson; Vasa Nr 628 sends out birthday, get well, and sympathy Star Corresp., Clyda Dehn; Trustee 3 yrs., 5a. It must be written to a well-known melody so that everyone can sing along, cards to members of the Lodge. The 2014 Jim Dehn; and Past Chairman, Roselind Swedes as well as Americans. Sverige-Amerika Logemöte officers for Norden Lodge No. 684 are Gaviola. Some members were not present. Lördagen den 28 juni i Vikens Hemgård, pictured are: Front Row: Historian, Carol 5b. It must be short. Four lines are per- submitted by clyda dehn Viken. Sell; Chaplain, Rev. Arlynne Turnquist; and fect, eight lines are OK, more than that Kontakt: Karl-Axel Bengtsson tel 042-28 Cultural Leader, Monica Shipley. Second is not good. 5c. It should be about schnapps or at 03 26 / Logen Höganäs nr 634, Höganäs least somewhat related to the drinking a schnapps. Don’t write about whiskey, beer or wine! 5d. The lines should be put into rhyme. The winners of the first and second prize will each get a bottle of Swedish vodka – or, if the winners are not able to attend to this event, on September 28th, each will get a check for $25.00. The judges will be Prof. Jay Lutz and Barkerydsdagen – “Vi går till marknad” Göran Rygert. Söndagen den 3 augusti kl 14.00 – 18.00 Entries must be received by Friday Hembygdsgården i Barkeryd September 19th, 2014. Kortege med Tranås musikkår, Almesåkra teatersällskap, Texas Lucia 2013, musik DO THIS: m.m Put your entry – NOT your name on that sheet! – in an envelope without the sender’s Minnesotadagsfirandet name, and send it to: Söndagen den 17 augusti i Ljuder Jan Rygert Årets Svensk-Amerikan hyllas 4390 Ivywood Dr NE Kontakt: FDM Catherine Bringselius Nils- Marilyn Sohoel is describing the details of the tapestry held by PDM Larry Stidsen and Dorothy Kean. Marietta, GA 30062 son tel 0470-285 88 Include a smaller envelope including the Välkommen till Sverige i sommar! Vinland of Cape Cod Lodge #703 title of the song outside and your name and address inside. maureen bengtsson dennis, ma / Our Installation of Officers on and promoted fellowship for our volunteers district cultural leader Now start sharpening your pencils and [email protected] Jan. 18 was a familiar event with Judith Pe- at the Cape Cod Community College Multi- write some words to a well-known melody. terson and Marilyn Sohoel as Chairman and Cultural Fair. About 2500 people attended Remember that sometimes simple is better! Vice Chairman, respectively. Our District the 14th annual event that our Lodge has Deputy PDM Larry Stidsen led the Instal- participated in each year. Our two display submitted by göran rygert Family Tree lation with Marlene Ekstrand as Master of tables were filled with traditional decorative Släktutredningar Ceremonies and Bob Ekstrand as Secretary. household items, foods and literature. Sev- Marilyn Sohoel gave a presentation on eral people expressed interest in our Vasa I am a member of the Vasa King Harald’s Saga about the Norwegian Lodge. Upcoming meetings will feature Order in Sweden and an expert battles in 1066. The book cover displays Scandinavian Trivia, “A Bake and Preserves in Swedish genealogy. Over the an illustration of one of the Baldishol tap- Walk”, a Danish exchange student, a high years I have helped many Vasa estries from the Oslo Museum of Applied school student’s trip to Sweden and our members to find their roots in Art. Marilyn brought a reproduction of this Midsummer Fest on June 21. Sweden. If you want my help painted on burlap-like cloth by Marilyn’s to find your Swedish ancestors, submitted by dorothy ann-ellner please email me for further Norwegian mother-in-law, a talented artist. kean / photos by david swanson Our members shared “Fabric Stories” about information. family heirlooms after our February meet- [email protected] ing. Many hands and hearts made light work page 8 section Spring 2014 / the vasa star LANGUAGE & CULTURE

Några tankar om svenskhet Some thoughts on Swedishness Kontrafaktiska reflektioner och välfärd Counterfactual reflections and welfare

tidigare artiklar har jag presen- the fifties as quiet as it was in terat några svenska författare, Sweden at the same time. I had I men den här gången kom- in high school a great time as a mer jag att utnyttja en välkänd sportsman, too. Then, in New- amerikansk författare som källa ark it was quite common to go för reflektioner om det verkliga to Upsala College (founded by livet och vad som kunde ha blivit Swedes, closed down in 1995) ett annat sätt att leva. Författaren in New Jersey for further educa- är Philip Roth och han är välkänd tion. For me Uppsala University i Sverige också. Sedan åtminstone north of Stockholm came in for ett decennium nämns han årligen the continuation of my studies. bland favoriterna till Nobelpriset i At a 45 year anniversary litteratur och han kommer troligen they met and were looking back att tillhöra den gruppen av förfat- in time. They tried to remember tare under de närmast följande their teachers, girl- and boy- åren. friends, education experiences, I sin bok Amerikansk Pastoral family formation, avoidance of från 1997 inleder han med en military service like Vietnam, beskrivning av unga människors and so on. Nathan Zuckerman, liv i Newark, New Jersey under the author’s standing protago- 1940- och 1950-talen fr.a. hur nist, describes the reactions on det var under gymnasieåren. En what had happened to most of av huvudpersonerna har fått his classmates, sometimes ex- smeknamnet “Swede”, vilket i pected, sometimes unexpected. någon mån understryker relation In general it is a narrative of a well organized society, far from till Sverige. Gymnasieålder bety- poverty and unemployment that der, att dessa ungdomar föddes i was the reality for many others. början eller mitten av 1930-talet. In the thirties many people Denna tid var den period när – för in Sweden had a hard time, too. första gången under den stora Real poverty was rare, but many emigrationsepoken – fler svenskar were unemployed. It was before our welfare återvände till hemlandet än de, som kom till välfärdsamhällets tid. Samtidigt som Franklin n earlier articles I have presented some society was formed. At the same time as Frank- USA. Det uppenbara skälet för detta var den Roosevelt introducerade The New Deal (!933), Swedish authors, but this time I will use a lin Roosevelt introduced The New Deal (1933) snabbt stigande arbetslösheten, som blev togs också i Sverige initiativ för att skapa ett well known American author as my source some initiatives were taken also in Sweden följden av finanskrisen 1929. Folket i Roths bok bättre samhälle. I förgrunden fanns några goda Ifor reflections on real life and what could have and some good brains were in the forefront, tycks inte alls ha drabbats av krisen. De flesta hjärnor, fr.a. Gunnar och Alva Myrdal. been another way of life. The author is Philip most of all Gunnar and Alva Myrdal. Gunnar av dem kom från välbeställda judiska familjer. Gunnar Myrdal (1898-1986) var professor Roth and he is well known in Sweden, too. For Myrdal (1898-1986) was professor of econom- Bland de återvändande svenskarna fanns 1932 i nationalekonomi och hans fru, Alva, var so- at least the latest decade he is annually men- ics and his wife. Alva, was a sociologist with mina föräldrar, när min far blivit en av dåtidens ciolog med starkt fokus på familjefrågor och tioned among the favorites to getting the Nobel strong focus on family issues and particularly 15 miljoner arbetslösa. Deras återvändande särskilt barnen. De två möttes som studenter Prize in literature and he will probably belong to children. The two met as young students and placerade mig ett drygt år för sent för att bli född och delade en vision om radikala förbättringar that group of authors during the following years shared a vision of radical improvements of the i närheten av Newark, där de bodde. Naturligtvis av samhället. De publicerade tillsammans In his book American Pastoral from 1997 society. In 1934 they published the book “Kris medförde inte detta något för den ofödde, men 1934 boken “Kris i befolkningsfrågan (The he starts his story by describing young people’s I befolkningsfrågan (The Population Crisis)” senare i livet har det framkallat reflektioner om Population Crisis)” , som blev den teoretisk life in Newark, NJ, in the forties-fifties, mostly that turned out to be the theoretical base for the en annan möjlighet. grunden för det kommande välfärdssystemet. dealing with the high school period. One of the coming welfare system in Sweden. One main Jag kunde ha varit samtida med ”Swede” och En utgångspunkt för denna bok var den vid main characters, the most brilliant sportsman has point for writing was the extremely low nativity hans skolkamrater i Newark, där de ägnade sin denna tid extremt låga nativiteten. För att få got the nickname “Swede” that underscores the at the time. fritid åt olika aktiviteter som baseball och andra sina teorier erkända och genomförda blev de Swedish connection a little. The high school age In order to bring the theories into practice idrotter. Jag hade under min gymnasietid också medlemmar i socialdemokratiska partiet, som means that these people were born in the early they joined the social democratic party that was en stark period som idrottsman. Det kunde ha hade makten i Sverige mellan 1932 och 1976 and mid thirties. The 1930s was the period when in power in Sweden from 1932 to 1976 and both varit en del av ett lugnt medelklassliv som det och båda blev under perioder medlemmar av – for the first time during the large emigration of them became ministers of the government for var i Sverige vid samma tid. I Newark var det regeringen. Förbättringarna genomfördes steg- – more Swedes returned to the homeland than shorter periods. The change to the better came vanligt att för fortsatt utbildning komma till vis under 1930- och 1940-talen. Båda makarna those coming to the US. The obvious reason was stepwise during the thirties and forties. Upsala College (grundat av svenskar, stän- blev också engagerade internationellt i FN och the rapidly increasing unemployment following The two Myrdals became also involved gde 1995) i New Jersey. För mig blev Uppsala arbetade för sociala förbättringar och fred. the financial crisis in 1929. The people in Roth’s internationally via UN and worked for social Universitet norr om Stockholm den naturliga Gunnar Myrdal belönades 1974 med Nobelpris book did not seem to suffer from the crisis. Most improvements and peace. Gunnar Myrdal was fortsättningen av utbildningen. i ekonomi (delat med Friedrich Hayek). Alva of them were of Jewish ancestry coming from awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics in 1974 well off families. Among the returning Swedes Vid ett 45-årsjubileum träffades de gamla Myrdal fick Nobels fredspris 1982, (shared with Friedrich Hayek). Alva Myrdal in 1932 were my parents with my father as one skolkamraterna och tittade bakåt i tiden. De Mina kontrafaktiska reflektioner är förstås was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1982. of some 15 million unemployed persons in the försökte komma ihåg sina lärare, flick- och po- ytliga och försöken till jämförelse mer eller My counterfactual reflections are, of course, states at the time. Their return made me one jkvänner, utbildningserfarenheter, familjebild- mindre omöjliga. Det kan ändå vara intressant superficial and the comparison more or less im- year behind to be born in the neighborhood of ning, undvikande av militärtjänst som Vietnam att föreställa sig möjligheten, som aldrig blev possible. Still it may be interesting to imagine Newark where they were living. Of course, this osv. Nathan Zuckerman, författarens stående av. En avslutande poäng är vår långa samman- the option that never occurred. One final point did not have any implication on me, but later in alter ego, beskriver väntade och oväntade hängande tid av fred. Det är i år 200 år sedan is our long period of peace: This year it is 200 life it has provoked some reflections on another reaktioner på vad som hänt. I allmänhet ger Sverige var inblandat i fientligheter och krig. Så years since Sweden was involved in hostilities option of life. berättelsen bilden av ett välorganiserat sam- det var allt annat än dåligt att växa upp på en and war. So it was obviously not too bad to I could have been contemporary with hälle, fjärran från fattigdom och arbetslöshet, bondgård i Sverige. grow up on a farm in Sweden. “Swede” and his schoolmates in Newark, som var en realitet för många andra. stig s. salgeback, glcd sweden stig sälgeback, slkl sverige where they devoted their free time to different Under 1930-talet var det hårda tider för [email protected] [email protected] activities like baseball and other sports. That många också i Sverige. Riktig fattigdom var could have been part of middle class life in sällsynt men arbetslösheten hög. Detta var före

page 9 the vasa star / Spring 2014 language & culture Svenska Språkhörnan The Swedish Language Corner

Introduction to Swedish – Chapter 5 Superlative, definite form which you have already seen in the previ- Positive! Comparative! Superlative, indefinite to compare & to be compared (after identifying words, both (basic form) (both singular and plural) (both singular and plural) ous chapter: form singular and plural) »»Comparison of adjectives »»Han går låńgsamt. Hon spélar váckert. Du är stark -t -a stárkare stárkast stárkaste »»Sentences to study strong stronger strongest (the) strongest ótróligt smart. He walks slowly. She plays beautifully. You » »Irregular comparative forms svag -t -a svágare svágast svágaste are incredibly clever. weak weaker weakest (the) weakest »»Some useful pronouns: Nobody, somebody, everybody, another hår/d -t -a hå´rdare hå´rdast hå´rdaste The comparison of such adverbs is in most hard harder hardest (the) hardest »»Adverbs – the ‘how/when/where’ words cases identical to the comparison of adjec- ful -t -a fúlare fúlast fúlaste tives with ett words: ugly uglier ugliest (the) ugliest Comparison of adjectives. It is very easy to »»Han gå´r låńgsámmare. Hon spélar váckrast compare things in Swedish, almost as easy vácker -t -a váckrare váckrast váckraste (av alla). beautiful more beautiful most beautiful (the) most beautiful as it is in English. (See Table 1) He walks more slowly. She plays most beauti- Unlike the basic form, which changes dyr -t -a dýrare dýrast dýraste ful (of them all). expensive more expensive most expensive (the) most expensive depending on gender and number, the There is also another type of adverbs, comparative has only this form. That is also énkel -t -a énklare énklast énklaste which do not have a special ending. The easy, simple easier, simpler easiest/simplest (the) easiest/simplest true for the superlative, with the exception word ‘igå´r’ (‘yesterday’) answers the of when the adjective is preceded by an Table 1 question ‘when?’ and is therefore an adverb. “identifying” word (like ‘this’, ‘that’, ‘my’); ‘Hémma’ (‘at home’) shows where some- Positive! Superlative, definite form thing takes place, while ‘sákta’ (another the ending -ast will then receive an extra -e. Comparative Superlative Notes: Like in English, some adjec- (basic form) (after an identifying word) word for ‘slowly’) defines how something is tives prefer or even require the words ‘mer’ bra bä´ttre bäst bä´sta done. The English words ‘very’ and ‘rather’ (‘more’) or ‘mest’ (‘most’) instead, to show good better best (the) best are also adverbs, like their Swedish equiva- that they are in the comparative or superla- då´lig sä´mre sämst sämsta lents ‘mýcket’ and ‘gánska’, respectively. bad worse worst (the) worst tive form. To this group belong all adjectives siv swan-pierson, gl language ending in -isk, which cannot take the end- líten míndre minst mínsta director, [email protected] ings -are and -ast, and some longer adjec- little smaller smallest/least (the) smallest/least tives, none of them very frequent, though. stor stö´rre störst stö´rsta big/large bigger/larger biggest/largest (the) biggest/largest Since the adjective itself remains its Swedish Proverbs – Svenska ordspråk basic form when it is combined with ‘mer’ gámmal ä´ldre äldst ä´ldsta A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Bättre and ‘most’, it will change like any other old older oldest (the) oldest en fågel i handen än tio i skogen. Better a bird in the hand than ten in the woods. adjective, depending on if it is referring to ung ýngre yngst ýngsta More haste, less speed. Skynda långsamt. Hurry young younger youngest (the youngest an n-word, an ett-word, or a word in the slowly. plural (Chapter 5). hög hö´gre högst hö´gsta The early bird catches the worm. Den som kommer In colloquial Swedish adjectives are often high higher highest (the) highest först till kvarnen får först mala. The one who comes first to the mill gets to do the milling first. combined with the word ‘jä´tte’ (literally: låg lä´gre lägst lä´gsta Man proposes and God disposes. Människan spår low lower lowest (the) lowest ‘giant’) to add emphasis: och Gud rår (rår [poetic], short for råder ). Man ‘jä´ttestór’ very big, huge lång läńgre längst läńgsta divines and God rules. ‘jä´ttelíten’ very small, tiny long, tall longer/taller longest/tallest (the) longest/tallest A blind man may sometimes hit the mark. En blind höna hittar också ett korn. A blind chicken also finds ‘jä´ttebrá’ very good, great tung týngre tyngst týngsta a seed. heavy heavier heaviest (the) heaviest A bold attack is half the battle. Friskt vågat, hälften Sentences to study Table 2 vunnet. Xxx dared, half (is) won. » A good fame is better than a good face. Ett gott -Din» bil är vérkligen mýcket ful, men den är samvete är den bästa huvudkudden. A clean ínte fúlare än min. Referring to persons Referring to ett Referring to any conscience is the best pillow. Your car is really very ugly, but it is not uglier and en words words words in the plural All is well that ends well. Slutet gott, allting gott. than mine. (If) the end (is) good, all (is) good. Nobody/nothing: Íngen ínget ínga »-Fast» déras bil är ábsolút fúlast, den fúlaste jag Somebody/something: nå´gon nå´got nå´gra See more at: home.swipnet.se/fel/main/ordsprak/ sett, fáktiskt. ordsprak.htm All, everything/ Though their car is absolutely (the) ugliest, all (rarely used) allt Álla the ugliest I (have) seen, actually. everybody »-Vad» týcker du? Det här är min fínaste jácka. Other, another someone/something Ánnan ánnat Ándra Är den tíllräćkligt fin för fésten i kväll? else What think you? This is my finest jacket. Is it sufficiently fine for the party tonight? Table 3 »-Den» är jä´ttefín! Íngen ánnan har nå´gon fínare. often ignored in everyday spoken Swedish, plural form): It is “giant” fine (i.e. absolutely beautiful)! though. »» Jag lä´ser tídningen en tímme várje mórgon. None other (i.e. nobody else) has anything »-Han» är min bä´ste vän. Han och hans bror är I read the paper one hour every morning. finer. mína bä´sta väńner. »»Vi å´ker till lándet på sómmaren várje år. He is my best friend. He and his brother is/ Family Tree Irregular comparative forms We go to the countryside in the summer every are my best friends. year. Släktutredningar Some of the most common adjectives have I am a member of the Vasa irregular forms in the comparative and the Some useful pronouns: Nobody, Adverbs: How, when, and where Order in Sweden and an expert superlative. These irregularities consist somebody, everybody, another words in Swedish genealogy. Over the mainly of a change of vowel, sometimes Since you already are acquainted with When a descriptive word in English is linked years I have helped many Vasa also a reduced length of vowel. Even though the rules for adjectives, you will have no to a verb or an adjective, it usually receives members to find their roots in the endings differ from the chart above, problems in learning the Swedish equiva- the ending –ly. These forms are called ad- Sweden. If you want my help they are throughout the same: -re in the lents of the pronouns like ‘nobody/nothing’ verbs, and they describe how, when, and to find your Swedish ancestors, comparative, -st and -sta in the superlative. and ‘somebody/something’; they follow a where something is happening. In Swedish, please email me for further (See Table 2) very similar pattern. (See Table 3) adverbs of this kind are identical to the ett When denoting one male person the information. »‘Várje’» – ‘every’, has like its English relative word form of the adjective (with the ending [email protected] -sta in the definite form of the superlative only one form (for natural reasons there is no -t), also in the comparative and superlative, is changed to –ste; however, this rule is

page 10 Spring 2014 / the vasa star New Members

On behalf of the Grand Lodge and members of the Vasa Order of America, I am pleased to DL LAKE MICHIGAN NO. 8 Monitor Lodge No. 218 Annica R. Lawrey welcome you to membership in these local Vasa lodges. If you are new to the Vasa Order, Linne Lodge No. 153 Daniel Klostermann Lisa A. Strugarevic we bid you welcome. If you are transferring or are a dual member, your new lodge bids Harvey John Holmes, Jr. Dorothy Klostermann you welcome. We hope you will enjoy your membership and will participate in all of the James Edward Shoemaker DL PACIFIC SOUTHWEST NO. 15 Svea Lodge No. 253 activities planned for you. Art Bjorkner, Grand Lodge Membership Chairman Irene A. Nelson Janice Ann Volkoff North Star Lodge No. 106 31 Vasa Dr., Hackettstown, NJ 07840 / [email protected] Maidie Birgitta Karling James Phillip Nelson Framåt Lodge No. 405 Maurice Conrad Oberg DL CONNECTICUT NO. 1 Max McClelland Viljan Lodge No. 349 Scandinavian Lodge No. 667 Norden Lodge No. 1 Richard E. Oberuc Elizabeth Kraakevik Williams Sandra Kay Oberg Edith Soderquist Anne C. Boettger Frithiof Lodge No. 63 Amy E. Johnson Sveaborg Lodge No. 449 Nordic Heritage Lodge No. 741 Karin Tamarkin Loretta G. Ortenblad Kate Bolstad Anna Kristine Carlson Linde Lodge No. 492 Kronan Lodge No. 2 Melissa Enright Janice Lynn Kamholtz George Wahbeh Bonnie Sue Gibson Rolf Linden Fredrick A. Camp Robert Eric Gustofson Crisostomo Alberto Rosario Lindbergh Lodge No. 494 Pia Christina Gille Justin J. Leahey Ellen Susanna Rosario Jacqueline Johnson Richard Eric Lindstrom Mark D. Lindberg DL IOWA-NEBRASKA NO. 17 DL MASSACHUSETTS NO. 2 Karin Lynn Schaefer Joe Harbor Lodge No. 534 Norskenet Lodge No. 331 Suzanne Marie Tjernlund Charles Rambeck Brage-Iduna Lodge No. 9 Kaitlyn Smith James C. Smith Joe McGuill Carla Grace Dempsey Linne Lodge No. 429 Bishop Hill Lodge No. 683 Linnea Lodge No. 504 DL ARIZONA NO. 21 Ingeborg Lodge No. 66 Phyllis Ryan Brown Marcia Lynne Anderson Katherine Ann Barnes Phoenix Lodge No. 677 Paula Marilyn Fedele Rolland Douglas Anderson Gothiod Lodge No. 486 Stephany Lauretta Kramer Carl Hamilton Bender Jason Peter Krushas Deb Jane Miles Stacy Ellyn Graham Eva Elisabeth Chamberlain Carla L. Provost Marilyn Sue Peterson Skogen Lodge No. 700 Kristina Ann Carlson Orlandi Kimber Vought Brace Sharon Kristine Ferris Hagar Lodge No. 721 Nordic Lodge No. 611 Candace Peterson-Phelps Hanna Gabrielson Karen Elise Frink Ilene F. Ham Virginia Louise Carlson Linnea Astrid Pierson Marcia Ann Griswold Birgitta Maj Johnson Mildred Hannah Hamilton Thorkild Jensen Wendy May Hurley Three Crowns Lodge No. 704 Alice K. Nilsson Ruth L. Hendrickson Sandra Sue Pike Angela Cazel Jahn Larson Yon W. Bostedo Glenna Rae Pearson Nancy A. Schultzberg Jamie M. Skidmore DL PACIFIC NORTHWEST NO. 13 Robert Eric Larson Nordik Folk Lodge No. 761 Amanda E. Warner Astor Lodge No. 215 Solstad Lodge No. 709 DL RHODE ISLAND NO. 3 Mark Ogrentz Kory E. Warner Megan Davis Elizabeth Dustman Svea Lodge No. 362 Mark J. Goldberg Viking Lodge No. 735 Virginia Elaine Sievers Roger Louis Tetreault DL SUPERIOR NO. 10 Melvin Henry Iverson Susan E. Amidon Svea Lodge No. 296 Alice Joyce Kienberger-Iverson Scandia Lodge No. 728 Pioneer Lodge No. 506 Allen L. Forsman Patricia A. Bellingham Peter Larsson Carol Kuhn Eric Daniel Halvarson Hatsie E. Forsman Tina Elizabeth Sweeney Virginia Larsson Dalahäst Lodge No. 742 DL GOLDEN GATE NO. 12 Lynette S. Shaw GRAND LODGE JURISDICTION Nordic Lodge No. 708, Atlanta GA DL NEW JERSEY NO. 6 Kimberly G. Abbes Tegnér Lodge No. 149 North Star Lodge No. 145 Robert Franklin Landin Arlington Lodge No. 62 Marta Weissenborn Debbie L. Woods Jenny-Ann Edgren Sandra S. Landin Virginia Margoli Dagny Christina Westerlund Kicken

in memoriam

Memorial Notices should be mailed time, Lou joined into lodge activities Edith Swanson passed away was awarded the Order of the North WASHINGTON with check or money order to The Vasa and projects with enthusiasm. His on Jan. 20, 2014 in Greenwich, CT. Star (Nordstjärneorden) by order of Star, PO Box 8193, Pittsburgh, PA 15217. love of travel took him to several She was born on Aug. 20, 1916 to King Carl XVI Gustaf in 1979, he Email: [email protected]. The David William Cook, of fee is $8 for one column inch. Longer continents including trips to Swe- Katharine and Algot Frederickson. was named Swedish-American of Seattle, WA, died February 15, obituaries will be charged a flat fee of den where his daughter-in-law had She was the loving wife of Albert the Year in 1992 by the Vasa Order of 2014. Born in Seattle, August 10, $25.00. All notices must be typed and relatives. Lou is survived by his three Swanson. Edith is survived by her America, and in 2012 he received the 1941, Dave attended Roosevelt High written in a format similar to what you children, their families, six siblings, children Katherine Carabello and Great Achievement Award from the School. He worked for the City of see here. No newspaper clippings. nieces and nephews. Matthew Swanson and their families. Swedish Council of America. He was Seattle in the City Light Garage and She was a member Diana Birger Jarl instrumental in building up the Swen- Seattle Fire Garage. Frihet Lodge If you submitted an Obituary and it is not Gertrude Oakley passed Lodge #3. son Swedish Immigration Research listed here, please resubmit to be included #401 of Seattle had a great privilege away in Seal Beach, CA on March 10, Center, and served on the center’s in the following issue.. of having him as our Trustee for six 2014 at the age of 92. She was born Judith Johnson of Branford advisory board. He was honored last years. His wife Sandy, children Jeff September 14, 1921 in Chicago, IL passed away on Jan. 9, 2014. She September by the Swedish-American and Mar, and grandchildren Joelle and joined North Star Lodge No. 106 was the beloved wife of Tord Johnson Historical Society with the Carl CALIFORNIA and Asher survive him. in Los Angeles, CA on January 16, PDM. She was born in New Haven Sandburg Medal for his long-time 1951. She is survived by a daughter Jan. 11, 1939 to Arthur and Ingebor service to the Swedish American Donna Huttner, a 22-year David R. Siemens passed away and a son. Hallden PDM. Judith is survived community. He is survived by his member of Sierra Kronan Lodge January 14, 2014 at the age of 96. by her children Greg Johnson, Beth wife of 54 years, Elaine, son Randall, #737, entered into rest on January Dave was born September 28, 1918 John Henning Pearson, born Polastri, and Lisa Panczak and their daughter Sheryl, 5 grandchildren and 4, 2014. Donna was born in Min- in Lustre, Montana. Retiring from in Butte, Montana on March 24, 1930, families. She was a member of Diana 2 great-grandchildren. neapolis, MN in 1926 and like her Boeing in 1981, he spent more time passed away June 15, 2013. He taught Birger Jarl Lodge #3. Swedish mother, cherished every with his Ham Radio. Dave was a high school mathematics and later TEXAS friendship she made. She enjoyed a Frihet Lodge #401 Gold Star member worked as a programmer for Boeing MINNESOTA 20-year nursing career in Sacramento. since 1971. His wife June preceded and IBM. After retiring he pursued Helen Hammer was born in A member of the VOA for nearly 50 him in death. his true passion as a Pen and Ink Glen Brolander, 84, of Still- Maywood, IL on May 29, 1930. She years, Donna was one of the driv- artist. A six-year member of Sierra water, Minnesota and a Nordic Lodge died December 13, 2013 in Dallas, ing spirits of her lodge. She will be Lillian Voss Swenson of Kronan Lodge #737, John is well #708 Atlanta, GA member, passed TX. Proud of her Swedish heritage, dearly missed by her six children Seattle died March 5, 2014. She was remembered for his presentations as away peacefully on March 15. He Helen was a long time member and and their families, as well as by her born June 16, 1928 in Seattle, gradu- our Cultural Leader. He is survived served Augustana College from past chairman and cultural leader of Vasa friends. ated from Broadway High school in by his wife Anne-Marie, two sons, 1953-1992, including the latter 27 the Carl XVI Gustaf Lodge No. 716. 1946 and worked 43 years for US their spouses and his five beloved years as vice president for finance, Helen loved music and crafts. She is Louis Loera of Roseville, CA West. Lillian was a long-time mem- grandsons. retiring in 1992. His personal passion survived by her daughter Cheryl and passed away on September 11, 2013. ber of the Swedish Club, Telephone for Swedish activities and involve- son David. He was initiated on March 9, 2012 Pioneers, and a 21-year member of CONNECTICUT ment in the community led to many into Sierra Kronan Lodge #737. Frihet Lodge #401. dedicated roles of leadership. He Although a member only for a short

page 11 Vasa Order of America New York District No. 4 38th Quadrennial Grand Lodge Convention July 4, 2014 to July 11, 2014 Hilton Westchester in Rye, New York

There may be room available to reserve tours, the opening dinner, and the Grand Banquet. The website also contains a link to the Grand Lodge Convention web page on the Hilton website for rooms that may be available.

If you are unable to order via the convention website, please call the Hilton Westchester at +1-914-939-6300 and use reservation code “NYDL4V” to book your room, if available. At this time, orders can no longer by made using the order form as printed in the last edition of the Vasa Star.

Friday, July 4: Opening Dinner - July 4th Picnic Theme with Big Screen Display of Macy*s Fireworks. Price: $55.00 pp

Sunday, July 6: Tour of West Point with Lunch at the Hotel Thayer. Price: $100.00 pp

Monday, July 7: Shopping Excursion to Woodbury Common to Shop at Luxury Outlets. Price: $48.00 pp

Tuesday, July 8: Tour of Central Park, Lincoln Center, Harlem, St. John the Divine - Columbia University, 5th Avenue, Rockefeller Center, Union Square, the High Line, and Greenwich Village. Price: $68.00 pp

Wednesday, July 9: Tour of New York City, including the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the 9/11-Ground Zero Memorial, Wall Street, Brooklyn Heights, and Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center. Price: $130.00 pp

Thursday, July 10: Tour of Grand Central Terminal, the largest train station in the world, the Chrysler Building, Chinatown, SOHO, and a tour and lunch at the Scandinavian House. Price: $110.00 pp

Friday, July 11: Cocktail Reception and Grand Banquet. Price: $97.50 pp