Budstikken Volume 48 Issue 5 Budstikken May 2013 Wergeland Lodge #5/028 P.O. Box 3591, La Crosse, WI 54602-3591 Next Meeting - Thursday, May 2 Fra Presidenten: Syttende Mai Banquet Drugan’s Supper Club God Dag Hwy 53 north of Holmen WI What a wonderful turn out we Social Hour 5:00 pm had at our April meeting and with Dinner 6:00 pm all the different foods we had the privilege to try. I hope everybody had a good time. Wergeland Celebrates 110 Years and Syttende Mai with Banquet Have you got your ticket for Drugan’s Castle Mound Country Club on Highway 53 our Syttende Mai Banquet yet? It is at Drugans on High- north of Holmen is the site of our annual banquet honoring way 53 Thursday May 2, 2013. We will be celebrating the Norwegian Constitution Day. This 110th anniversary of our 110th anniversary of our lodge. Your president looks for- lodge would be an opportunity to wear those Norwegian ward to seeing you at the banquet. sweaters or . The program for May will be called "A Pictorial History May is a busy month for our lodge. We will be raising of Holmen: Establishing a Norwegian Community in La the Norwegian flag at the city hall in La Crosse on May Crosse County." It will include a PowerPoint presentation of 17 at 9:00am, we than will go to Ardie’s for breakfast, historic photographs of Holmen and discuss how many early Norwegian immigrants helped make Holmen what it is today. than unto the Campbell Cemetery to honor Martin Dock. Hannah Scholze, archivist of the Holmen Area Historical th Society has prepared the presentation. She is the daughter of On Sunday May 19 at 1:30 pm our lodge will be Ruth and Ed Scholze, granddaughter of Sherman and Nita represented in Westby’s Syttende Mai parade by our offi- Witte, and graduate of Wartburg College. cers and the Wergeland Dancers.

WERGELAND KALENDER I don’t think anybody would argue with the fact that a May 2: Syttende Mai Banquet at Drugan’s - healthy lifestyle consists of a proper diet along with exer- Social hour 5 pm, Dinner 6 pm cise. I ran for forty years before I wore out my right knee. May 14: 8:30 am - Board Meeting at Perkins on I took up swimming after that. I found out a couple of Hwy 16 near the Mall months ago that our sports program started medals for May 17: Norwegian Constitution Day swimming. I have record cards that Sons of sent 9:00 am - Flag Raising at City Hall me. If you would like one let me know. Consider entering May 19: Syttende Mai Parade in Westby at 1 p.m. our sports medal program, if you can, and its variety of May 20: Deadline for Budstikken Articles activities. Jean Davis is our Sports Director. May 29: Budstikken mailed to Members June 6: Concert with Pie & Ice Cream Social at North See you at our Syttende Mai Banquet at Drugans on Presbyterian Church, La Crosse May 2.

Index Fraternally, Monthly Program, Kalender, President’s Letter...... P.1 Eugene Johnson, Looking Ahead, Birthdays, Minutes ...... P.2 President Member News ...... P.3 Library News, Looking Back, ...... P.4 Member News ...... P.5,6 New Members, Bunads ...... P.7 Read more about Syttende Mai Jokes(?) Page ...... P.8 on P-9 Language/Culture, Norway News...... P.9 Present Officers, Norskedalen Events ...... P.10 P-2 Budstikken May 2013

Gratulerer Wergeland Has Annual Syttende Mai Ceremony on 17th. Med President Eugene Johnson contacted newly elected La Crosse Mayor Dagen! Tim Kabat to arrange the raising of the Norwegian flag at City Hall at 9:00 am on the 17th. The short ceremony is followed by breakfast at Ardies Restaurant (Happy and then to the grave of immigrant Martin Dock in the Campbell Cemetery. Birthday) Meet in front of City Hall at 9 a.m. if you will participate.

May Birthdays Long-Time Members to be Honored 1 Frances King Wergeland’s newest Golden Members and 25 Year 3 Nancy Borgen Members will be honored at our banquet. To be 7 Joseph Haugen “Golden”, members must be over the age of 65 and have been a member for 30 years. 8 Claire Everson Golden Honorees 10 Joyce Halvorson Burdonna Drugan, Kent Drugan, Ingeborg Gerber, Elnor Haugen, and Tim Ofte Elnor and Tim are credited for earlier membership in Helgedal 12 Ardelle Ender Lodge in Coon Valley. 12 Benjamin Skogen 25 Year Membership Honors Ingrid Fowler, James Halvorson, Charlene Harnish, Carol Marking, 16 Adrian Hagen Leif Marking, Sandy Mattie, Anna Morris, Tim Ofte, Vilda Olsen, Don Peterson, Vivian Sacia, Shirley Schoenfeld, and Leann Theisen 22 Trygve Mathison

23 Alex Stekel Sekretær Notater…. 25 Helen M. Nelson Abbreviated Minutes - 25 Sarah Nokken April 4, 2013 - 7:00 pm - General Meeting

26 Hazen Ames Meeting called to order by President Eugene Johnson. The Pledge of Alle- 26 James Gums giance was said and the 3 national anthems were sung. Our Charter was draped to honor: Breanna Dixit, Wesley Bangsberg, Robert 26 Rod Ofte Everson and Raymond Lokken. 26 Mary Welda Guests were introduced. Treasurer’s Report was read by Treasurer Marilyn Rudser. 27 Lindsey Piechowski New members : Mary Jane Berg, Judith A. Konop and Agnes Zwada were welcomed. 28 Brian Rainer Vice President Dave Glomstad gave a recap of the New Members Breakfast. 29 Allan Guberud Announcements were read- May Syttende Mai banquet will be on May 2, 2013 at Drugan’s Castle 30 Betty Bjorge Mound Supper Club with dinner being served at 6 p.m. 30 Erling "Pete" Sherry Youth Group showed the Norwegian Flags they made. Good of The Order statement by Leif Marking 31 Ruth Anderson Lottery drawing: $150 split between Lottery drawing winner, a Member’s Name drawing, and the Lodge. 31 Bonnie J. McCann Happy Birthday was sung to those with April Birthdays. Program by Finn Brobakken from Snertingdal, Norway told of emigration 31 Jean Vail from there to U.S. Dismissed by Doris Hagen for lunch. Can you offer a ride to an Older Person? Respectfully submitted, Christine Hansen, Secretary Many would like to continue to attend meetings but no Attendance: 116 Foundation Collection: $70 longer like to drive at night. Lunch Table: $220 P-3 Budstikken May 2013 Dis og Dat ….

Don and Mary Hanson arrived back from Ari- zona on April 3. Leaving 87 degree temperatures, they think they are bringing warm air following them.

Beth Rock spent three weeks in DelRay Beach FL recovering from back surgery.

Jean Davis spent two weeks with her son Robert in Arizona in March. She enjoyed the sunshine, going to baseball games, and a golf tournament.

Phyllis Galstad and Bev Nelson thawed out in Florida in March. “It’s a great way to break up the winter.”

Arlan and Doris Henderson entertained daughter Susan and her husband Aaron, and their sons Noah and Announcing the Sami Display at Vesterheim Nathan from Indiana in early April. Fishing was poor but the boys covered most corners of the farm while Wergeland Members are “Yesterday’s the ladies enjoyed shopping. They also visited a sheep Youth” at Sugar Creek farm where the little lambs had arrived. Sugar Creek Bible Camp was the site of the Yesterday’s Youth program featuring Laurann Gilbertson from Vesterheim Charlene Harnish has vacationed in Hawaii, and vis- Museum of Decorah IA on April 8. She gave slide presentations ited at her sister in-laws in Jefferson WI. We had a fun on the “History of Norwegian Sweaters” and the ”Sami Rein- time, lots of sun and shopping. deer People of Alaska”. She explained the history of Norwegian sweater patterns and symbolism in her first talk. After the break Al and Julia Forde cele- she told of how Sami deer herders were brought from Norway to brated Al’s April 8th 80th Alaska to start the practice of reindeer farming. Attending from Wergeland were Jean Davis, Dorothy Paulikas, Dian Fossum, birthday with a dinner and Laura Gonia, Doris Hagen, Pete and Annette Sherry, Kent and dance at the Concordia on Mary Sween, Doc and Jan Brudos, and Joe and Carol Stekel. April 6th with 130 family members and friends. Laurann explains the symbolism on Wishing both of you contin- the sweater she was wearing. She said ued health and happiness! she would be available to do the talks at Vesterheim to a group. Perhaps a Wergeland group would like to go Til Minne Om ….. down for a presentation. Transporta- tion could be pooled. If you are inter- Wesley Bangsberg, age 69, Sparta, died ested in something like this, let Carol March 29, 2013. He was a member 17 years and Stekel know by phone or email (on Marshal this year. He was also a dedicated back page) and we could see if there is member of Wergeland Lodge and was helpful in sufficient interest. getting his friend, 96 y/o Julia Nordby to the meetings. Picture is from his January 2013 in- stallation as a marshall.

Robert J. Everson, age 76 from Bangor, who passed away Weds. March 20th at his home. Picture is At left are from his January 2012 installation as a Sami costumes marshall. His write-up was also in the and items as a last Budstikken. part of the Sami Display Raymond Lokken, (previous member 1998-2007) died at Vesterheim March 28, 2013. He had originally transferred from a lodge in McAllen TX

P-4 Budstikken May 2013 Looking Back Through the Budstikkens By Historian Karen Broadhead

Fem år siden (5 years ago) -May 2008

Following the Syttende Mai banquet, the program was presented by four board members of the International Friendship Gardens. They informed us of the planned Nor- Last month we were intro- wegian Garden which will soon be built and will honor our duced to the Torvald sisters, sister city, Førde. Jean Davis and Marilyn Hammes co- Ruby and Opal, in Book chaired the banquet. Golden members honored at the May meeting were Jan One, "Ruby" of Lauraine Brudos, Morgan Jostad, Mabel Klimpen, Frieda Nowland, Snelling's Dakota Series. Annette and Pete Sherry, Sandra Kawatski, Ruth Jostad, They journeyed to the Wild Jean Marck and Florence Moe-Olson. West to see their father, Per The Sons of Norway float and Wergeland dancers par- Torvald. It was his dying ticipated in the Westby Syttende Mai parade. wish to see his two daughters Top three boy names in Norway this year are Mathias, one last time and pass on to Jonas, and Markus, and top girl names are Sara, Thea, and them their inheritance. His Emma. wish was fulfilled. However, the riches that they might Ti år siden (10 years ago) -May 2003 have dreamed about turned out to be a run-down bor- The Syttende Mai banquet was held at the American dello. What would two proper Norwegian ladies do Legion hall, and catered by the Baus Haus. The program with that? was a parade by members and guests. We learned of

We continue the story in Book Two, "Pearl". the background, tradition and guidelines of bunads. Through determination and hard work these immigrants President Vivian Sacia reminded members to read “The Guide to Scandinavian Festivals” in the May Viking maga- turn Dove House on the Little Missouri River in the zine to find opportunities to get in the Norse spirit of fun, Dakotah Territory into a respectable establishment. The including the Norskedalen Fest June 21-22. thriving town advertises for a schoolteacher and Pearl Olga Christiansen, Florence Engelke, Ray and Ruth Hossfuss from Chicago travels to apply for the job. She Knutson and Evelyn Ustby were introduced as new Golden is 22 years old and eager to make a new life, but hiding members. They have been members for 30 years and are secrets of her past. Her Father has marriage plans for over the age of 65. her in Chicago, disapproving of her reckless idea to Elsie Bye donated five new books to the Wergeland head west to teach. Pearl likes her new life, especially library. after meeting handsome carpenter, Carl Hegland. Who Femten år siden (15 years ago) -May 1998 will win out, Pearl or her Father? Check out "Pearl" Mrs. B catered the Syttende Mai banquet, serving beef from the library to find out. This story will continue tips and all the trimmings. The banquet was held at the with "Opal" and "Amethyst". Harry J. Olson Center. Two Norwegian exchange students, Silja Mælkæ, from Wadso, and Hannah Heggheim, from Karen Scarseth, Stavanger, spoke about Syttende Mai in Norway and their Librarian experiences in America. Mayor Medinger raised the flag with Sons of Norway members on May 17, followed by members enjoying break- fast at Ardies and a visit to the gravesite of Martin Dock, an early immigrant from Norway. Sign Up Pies for June Concert

Pie and Ice Cream Social The June 6 meeting of Wergeland Lodge will be a

concert and pie and ice cream social held at North Westby Parade on Sunday, May 19 Presbyterian Church in La Crosse. There will be a The Syttende Mai Parade in Westby starts at 1:00 p.m. sign-up sheet at our May banquet for people to bring Wergeland Lodge will have a unit in the parade. If pies to the Pie and Ice Cream Social following the you can participate, contact President Eugene Johnson Piano Concert and Slide Presentation by Chris Fal- for more information and about meeting at the parade teisek of Hastings MN. site.

P-5 Budstikken May 2013

Above: Finn brought “rakfisk” wrapped in . It was the first time many had sampled this delicacy. There were Finn Brobakken from Snertingdal Norway spoke many good comments. during our April meeting. We hope he visits again! “The word “rak” comes from the word “rakr” in the Norse Some members even had a tiny language, meaning moist or soaked. Raking of fish is a pres- sample of “aquavit”, a 83 proof ervation method where there is a fermentation process Norwegian liquor. (water of known back for thousands of years. Most use trout, life). Some say that this brand scrubbed so all the slime is gone, removing the gills and “made a trip across the equator guts, and rinsing well so that all the blood is washed away. in oak barrels in the hold of a After the fish is rinsed, it is put into a vinegar solution for ship so that it would get gently about half an hour and then in a tub with straight sides, close rocked and aged more quickly side by side with the abdomen up. The abdomen is filled with ocean salt, 60g per kg fish. Then the fish is put under thereby.” pressure with a lid that fits down into the tub with a rock, Mange Takk, Finn for alt! and placed in a chilly place for two to three months. Up until lately, it was to be bought in barrels, but now you may also buy the fish vacuum packed with the head, tail and skin removed”.

Finn’s remodeled barn in Snertingdal..

Interior. Does this look like the barns we know in Wisconsin or Minnesota? It can be rented for parties with serv- ing of a buffet or Remember the Three Billy Goats and the Troll play just sandwhiches. presented by our Wergeland youth group in March? The original bridge shown above from which the story comes is in the Snertingdal area.

(From slide by Finn Brobakken.) P-6 Budstikken May 2013

Florence Johnson writes “Here are some pictures (left) from our trip to Florida. Our daughter Margaret Rocher, a former S/N dancer who lives in Orlando and teaches at Trinity Lutheran School, planned the event and we were asked to bring down the Dancer outfits for her and the twins to use. The boys buttered and sugared lefse as a treat. Margaret said it is not available down there and several of the Norwegian parents and school workers were so excited over it that they requested if she had any leftovers. They had served a multi-cultural potluck dinner as part of the event which went over very well and they are planning to hold it again next year again.” Also shown are twin sons, 10 y/o Erick and Julian. Incidentally, they were born on Grandpa Eugene Johnson’s birthday.)

Gratularer to Lee Grippen Who Received Norskedalen Award

The 30th Annual Norskedalen Award & Fundraising Cele- A Norwegian and a German (or Swede, Englishman, th bration took place on Saturday, April 6 , 11 a.m. at the etc.) entered a chocolate store. As they were busy looking, Radisson Center in La Crosse. This year’s event honored the German stole 3 chocolate bars. Lee Grippen for his years of dedicated time and talent to As they left the store, the German said to the Norwe- enrich Norskedalen in an exemplary manner. (Taken from gian, "Man I'm the best thief; I stole 3 chocolate bars and Norskedalen news release.) Lee is presented the award by no one saw me. You can't beat that." by Ron and Frieda Nowland. The Norwegian replied: "You want to see something better? Let's go back to the shop and I'll show you real stealing." Happy Mother’s Day So they went to the counter and the Norwegian said to the shopkeeper, "Do you want to see magic?" The shopkeeper replied, "Yes." M is for the million things she gave me The Norwegian said, "Give me one chocolate bar." O means only that she’s growing old The shopkeeper gave him one, and he ate it. The Norwegian asked for a second bar, and he ate that as T is for the tears she shed to save me well. H is for the heart of purest gold He asked for the third, and finished that one too. The shopkeeper asked: "But where's the magic?" E is for her eyes with lovelight shining The Norwegian replied: "Check in my friend's pocket, and R means right, and right she’ll you'll find all three bars of chocolate." always be. You just CAN'T beat a Norwegian! Put them all together, they spell MOTHER

(Thanks to Vilda, Shirley and others for this.) A word that means the world to me.

P-7 Budstikken May 2013 History of Bunads---- There is a something special about owning a bunad and wear- ing it on Syttende Mai, Norway’s National Day. Let’s take a look at some of the history behind Norway’s national costume. Its roots date back to the Norwegian Romantic Nationalism period in the mid-19th century when, at that time, Norway was determined to secure a solid cultural identity. The Norwegian bunad is unique in that it is recognizable as one Norway’s official dress, but it is indi- vidualized based regional characteristics of color, pattern, style, and accessories. Since the 19th century the traditional costume has developed with the modern age and who are lucky enough to own a bunad are always proud to show it off at special occasions like confirmations, weddings, funerals and national holi- days. The original costume of Norway has evolved with deep-rooted traditions based on everyday folk attire of old rural farmers mixed with the festive characteristics of old-style customs and local crea- tivity. The interest for a traditional costume for men and woman was popularized when Norwegian Romantic Nationalism became widespread between 1840-1867, although there is evidence that the local folk costumes date back to the Middle Ages in Norway. Norwegians were eager to reinforce their own official cultural identity under Danish control and a strong part of that identity was obtaining a traditional costume that could symbolize national New Members Join at Breakfast, pride. March 23rd at Days Inn By the early 20th century the bunad movement was gaining Above, from left: momentum thanks in part to one woman’s inspiration, Hulda Gar- Judith A Konop borg. Garborg was a pioneer in promoting interest in the bunad 4051 Glenhaven Dr., La Crosse, WI 54601 tradition and rousing a strong Norwegian sentiment for national 608-788-6865 e-mail [email protected] pride. The appeal grew and eventually distinct regional styles of Referred to SON by Elsie K. Olson the costume were fashioned for not only rural folk but for the ur-

Mary Jane Berg ban elite as well. Regions of Norway designed special bunads 210 19th Ave. So., Bangor, WI 54614 based on the customs and traditions from their area. Descendants 608-486-2993 no e-mail must follow stylistic guidelines of their ancestor’s origins when Referred to SON by Carol Stekel making or purchasing a bunad of their own. Strict requirements are in place by Norway’s National Bunad and Folk Costumes Council Agnes "Aggie" Zwada (Bunad og Folkedraktrådet) who promote bunad knowledge, sus- 2700 No. Oxford, Apt. 119 - Saint Paul, MN 55113 tain traditions of the folk costumes and provide advice in the con- Aggie also spends some time in Viroqua. struction of new bunad models. 651-483-1984 no e-mail Today the bunad is widely recognized as one of the most au- Referred to SON by Shirley Schoenfeld thentic and popular traditional folk costumes in the world. Making or purchasing a quality bunad can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000 so it is often viewed as a status symbol for those who can afford them. The outfits are often passed down in families. Typi-

Barnebirke Success Reported cally when adolescents go through confirmation or turn 16 they The 2013 Barnebirkie children's ski race is now history. are given their own authentic bunad. Because of the hefty cost, it There were 886 children from the ages of 3 to 13 who par- is important that costumes can be easily altered for a lifetime of ticipated in this years event. The Sons of Norway's Fifth use. The fabrics used to make a bunad typically consist of wool District provided 25 volunteers, 1072 dozen cookies, and skirts for women and wool pants and jackets for men. The men’s gave donations totaling $580.00 in order to support this vests and the women’s bodices, aprons, bonnets and capes may be years event. Again I would like to thank all the volunteers, contingent on what was available when the bunad was first de- bakers, and donors who helped make this race possible for signed, but silk materials and lustrous woolen fabrics are most hundreds of children.. common, and don’t forget the cotton blouse to go underneath. The It is my hope that the lodges of the Fifth District will embroidery, color and shape give the bunad the most distinction support the the 2014 Barnebirkie as much or even more and character, followed, of course by the accessories and unique than this years event. jewelry called sølje that are key to any genuine bunad. It is truly a beautiful sight to see all the beautiful bunads out in Mange Tusen Takk, Norway on Syttende Mai. Folks line the streets waving flags, Andy Johnsen proud to show off their regional costume and excited to celebrate Fifth District Sports and Recreation Director their enduring cultural identity that their ancestors fashioned so long ago. SON Newsletter Service P-8 Budstikken May 2013 Joke Page…...Members have been sending jokes in to the editor. We haven’t always been able to work them in…..but here they are…..one entire page. We welcome them to be sent, and will work them in as we have room. Please - Clean jokes only….and not too derogatory! (Just a “litt” bit).

Lena is Puzzled Ole’s in Big Trouble with Lena Ole and Sven were visiting. Senior citizen Lena calls her Ole says, “Did you know I met Lena at a dance recently?” neighbor and says, "Please come over “No” said Sven. here and help me. I have a killer jig- “Yeah,” said Ole. “ I was so embarrassed. I thought she was saw puzzle, and I can't figure out how home with the kids!” to get started." Dem Daere Crazy Norwegians Her neighbor asks, "What is it supposed to be when it's finished?" Ole, Sven and Lars had been going to the Sons of Norway The little silver haired lady says, "According to the hall meeting as long as there had been a hall. Every month they picture on the box, it's a rooster." had an attendance drawing. And every month, wouldn't ya Her neighbor decides to go over and help with the know it, they didn't win a prize in the prize drawing, that is puzzle. until a meeting when all three won in the same night. She lets him in and shows him where she has the Sven was the first to get his name drawn. He won two puzzle spread all over the table. quarts of spaghetti sauce, 4 boxes of noodles and three pounds He studies the pieces for a moment, then looks at the of Swedish meatballs. box, then turns to her and says, "First of all, no matter Ole had his name drawn next. He got himself round-trip tickets to Duluth, a night's stay in the Dew Drop Inn and a pair what we do, we're not going to be able to assemble these of tickets to see the Inger Triplets Polka Ensemble. Ole thought pieces into anything resembling a rooster." He takes her he had died and gone to heaven. hand and says, "Secondly, I want you to relax. Let's Lars was the last to be drawn and he won a toilet brush. have a nice cup of tea, and then," he said with a deep At the next monthly meeting they sat down together to sigh… "Let's put all the Corn Flakes back in the box." check out how they had fared for the past month. Sven said "Uff-da I had dat pasghetti for tree days. It vas so good, Helga didn't have to buy any food for dem daere tree days." Ole said " Lena was so happy vhen I brought home dem Group Activities tickets. The trip up to Duluth vas nice, ve got to ride on da Suggested for Greyhound and ya know, dey got a built-in outhouse on dat dere bus. And dose Inger Triplets - if I didn't know better, I Wergeland Members would swear dae were sisters. Then Ole turned to Lars and asked him how his prize At the April Board Meeting, there worked out. Lars looked at them both and said, were two possible group activities sug- "Vell , dat daere toilet brush is nice, but I tink I'll go back to gested in which members might like to using paper." participate. If the weather relents and summer does finally arrive, it was pro- (Takk to Marilyn Rudser) posed that a “Wergeland at the Loggers Night” could be held. Not only would it allow members to enjoy an outing at When it rains it pours the baseball game together, but it would give the lodge exposure and might be a OLE answered the phone and useful membership recruiting aid. If came back to the living room you might be interested in this, contact crying. Dave Glomstad. (Phone No. on Back) "Well, Ole! What in the world is the matter?" asked the sym- pathetic Lena. "I just had bad news, Lena," Another suggestion was a group going to the Vesterheim Nor- said Ole, "My father just died." wegian-American Museum in Decorah, Iowa. The current Just then the rang again, Ole highlighted exhibition deals with the Sami reindeer herders went to answer it and came that were brought to Alaska to start the practice of raising back crying again. reindeer there and in Canada. See the article on P-3. "Well, now, Ole, what is the matter?" asked Lena. "That was my brother." said Ole. "His father just died too!" P-9 Budstikken May 2013 a little in English... Litt pà Norske.. Hurrah – for what? On the meaning of the Syttende Hurra - for hva? Om innholdet i 17. mai-feiringa Mai celebration 17. mai er Grunnlovsdagen - Grunnloven som ble Syttende Mai is Constitution Day – the Constitution vedtatt av Riksforsamlingen på Eidsvoll i 1814 og som that was ratified by the National Assembly at Eidsvoll med diverse endringer har fulgt oss til i dag. Som sym- in 1814, and has through some changes seen us through bol representerer Grunnloven også to andre store temaer, to today. As a symbol the Constitution represents also den nasjonale selvstendigheten, og den politiske friheten two great themes, national independence and political – demokratiet og borgerrettighetene. I norsk 1800- freedom – democracy and the rights of citizenship. tallspatriotisme, blir de to aspektene samlet i forestill- Norwegian patriotism of the 1800s tied these two as- ingen om "den norske friheten". Seinere har frihetsbe- pects together as the idea “Norwegian freedom.” Later grepet fått nye betydninger, for eksempel internasjonalt on this concept of freedom took on new meanings, for fredsarbeid. example international peace work. 17. mai er også en familiedag, men til forskjell fra Syttende Mai is also a family day, but the difference alle andre norske festdager ikke først og fremst det: Det from all other Norwegian holidays is first and foremost er den ene dagen da det meste og det viktigste foregår this: it is the only day the most important events take ute i det offentlige istedenfor enn innenfor hjemmets fire place out in the public space rather than in the four vegger. 17. mai har blitt en dag for barna, selv om det walls of the home. Syttende Mai has become a day for var ikke det i utg angspunktet. Barnetogene ble en stor the children, even though it was not originally. The suksess fra 1870 og framover, og har vært det mest children’s parades became a big success from 1870 on, populærte innslaget på 17 mai. Og med barna i sentrum and have become the most popular event on Syttende følger isen, brusen og pølsene. Mai. And with the children in the city center, The 2013 Recruitment Challenge! many other things follow: Help lead the lodge to victory! ice cream, Throughout 2013, the Sons of Nor- soda and way headquarters is searching for sausages. the top recruiting lodges – and you can help! Above: Constitution signing in Eidsvoll What can you do? By recruiting new full dues paying members to the lodge, you help the lodge achieve Improvements Planned victory! For every 1% increase in total membership, the for Palace Grounds lodge will receive 10 points. You can help the lodge Members of the Norwegian Parliament voted to fund a earn bonus points by recruiting a new member between NOK 70 million upgrade to the Royal Palace grounds the ages of 24 and 55. If you’re lodge is interested in in . Set to begin after the conclusion of the annual competing in the program, but needs some ideas for Syttende Mai parade, the upgrades will focus on im- successful recruitment and retention, be sure to contact proving drainage and onto nearby streets during heavy Joe Eggers, Membership Coordinator at (800) 945-8851 rainfall. Currently there is around 13,200 square meters ext. 697 or at [email protected] for more infor- of gravel surrounding the palace. Parliament members mation. agreed that the current ground cover "is not representa- tive" and that a more attractive solution should be found. A new permanent form of ground cover and an improved drainage system will be implemented and completed before Norway's bicentennial celebrations in 2014.

The mission of Sons of Norway is to promote and pre- serve the heritage and culture of Norway, to celebrate our relationship with other Nordic countries, and provide quality insurance and financial products to its members. SONS OF NORWAY Non-Profit Organization May 2013 U.S.Postage Paid WERGELAND LODGE #5/028 Carol Stekel, Editor Mother’s Day - May 12 Permit No.22 P.O. Box 3591 La Crosse, WI 54601 La Crosse, WI 54602-3591 Syttende Mai - May 17 Memorial Day - May 27

OFFICERS TO CONTACT BETWEEN MEETINGS Norskedalen Activities President-Eugene Johnson ...... 608-783-1492 Thrune Visitor’s Center: 113 Church Dr., La Crosse WI 54603-1349 E-mail address: [email protected] Summer Hours: May 1 - Oct 1 Monday-Friday: 9 am to 5pm Vice President-David Glomstad ...... 608-461-0583 Saturday: 10 am - 5 pm 535 So. 6th St., La Crescent MN 55947 e-mail address: [email protected] Sunday: Noon - 5 pm

Membership Secretary - Saturday, May 4 - Shirley Lokstad Schoenfeld ……………..608-788-6596 2208 Sunrise Dr., La Crosse WI 54601-6831 Free! May Membership Madness e-mail address: [email protected] We invite you to see all that is Norskedalen 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Notices of deaths or address changes must go to the Membership Secretary Sunday, May 5 - 2:00 pm: Sometimes On A Secretary- Christine L. Hanson ...... 608-788-0999 Sunday Program - “Norwegian Architectural 5313 Sandpiper Ln., La Crosse WI 54601-2272 Traditions in America” by Darrell Henning Architectural tradition and change from the Editor-Carol Stekel ...... 608-486-2175 to the New World 1809 Buol Dr. Bangor, WI 54614 e-mail address: [email protected] Volunteer Opportunities! You will be trained. Call or email Norskedalen! SofN Fraternal Benefit Counselor- Helge Enok Vestnes ...... 715-878-9646 Norskedalen Phone: 608-452-3424 W1741 Easterson Rd. Eleva, WI 54738 Web Site: www.norskedalen.org e-mail: [email protected] E-mail Address: [email protected]