TTHHEE VVAASSAA SSTTAARR VVaassaassttjjärnan

Publliicatiion of THE VASA ORDER OF AMERIICA SSEEPPTTEEMMBBEERR--DDEECCEEMMBBEERR 22001100 wwwwww..vvaassaaorrderr..ccoomm The Grand Master’s Message

Bill Lundquist

Dear brothers and sisters Kära Vasa bröder och systrar! I shared my vision for the Vasa Order of America many times Jag delade med mig av min vision för Vasa Orden av Amerika during the eight years I had the pleasure of serving on the Grand många gånger under de åtta år som jag hade nöjet av att vara Lodge as a board member throughout my travels in the US, styrelseledamot för Storlogen , när vi reste runt i USA, Kanada Canada and Sweden. As Grand Master I will continue to do that och Sverige. Som Stormästare kommer jag att fortsätta med det as I meet with you as often as possible at your District så ofta som möjligt på era Distrikts möten och genom mina Conventions and via my articles in the Vasa Star. Throughout the artiklar i Vasastjärnan . Under de kommande åren planerar jag att coming years I plan to help promote Vasa Passion in our mem - främja Vasa Passion till våra medlemmar. Våra medlemmar bers. Our members must find a spark to rekindle the fire that måste återigen tända den gnista som gjorde att de ville bli made each of us become members of the Order. We must address medlemmar i vår Orden. Vi måste satsa på att tillföra ny energi in complacency with vigor and bring energy into our local lodges. i våra lokallogar. We can look forward to new and exciting opportunities to Vi kan se fram emot nya och spännande tillfällen som kan enhance our current endeavors. Soon you will be receiving Fund främja våra strävan. Snart kommer ni att få en förfrågan som Raising requests both for the Vasa National Archives and the gäller en insamling som är till för att främja Vasa Arkivet och Education Fund via the Stamp Campaign. Please review the Utbildningsfonden via försäljning av frimärken. Var vänlig och informative Vasa National Archive video, shown on the web site, titta på Vasa Arkivets informativa film som visas på nätet, vasaorder.com . Click the audio visual link to see and hear more vasaorder.com . Klicka på audio visual länken för att se och höra about the Vasa National Archives and tour the historic village of mer om Vasa Arkivet samt ta en tur genom den historiska byn Bishop Hill, IL. Successful Stamp Campaigns are essential for us Bishop Hill, IL. En framgångsrik försäljning av frimärkena är to once again begin giving college scholarships to our students, nödvändig för att vi än en gång ska kunna ge högskolestipendier the future leaders within our Order. I think you will be happy to till våra studerande, våra framtida ledare inom vår Orden . Jag tror post this year’s stamp enhancing our theme, Preservation of att ni kommer att vara nöjda med årets frimärke som framhäver Unity on your mailings. I urge you to give especially generously vårt tema, Preservation of Unity (bevarande av samhörighet) på to both these projects. era brev. Jag ber er att vara generösa gällande dessa båda projekt. It is my hope that we channel some of our energy into becom - Det är min önskan att vi kommer att ägna en hel del energi ing more visible in our local communities. Emphasis on a major till att bli synligare i våra kommuner. Speciell uppmärksamhet event would allow each of us at the local lodge level to Promote bör ges vid störra aktiviteter som anordnas för att Främja Vasa Vasa Passion and encourage participation. Lucia is just around Passion och uppmuntra deltagande. Snart har vi Lucia . Julen the corner. Christmastime brings out strong connections to our återblickar vårt förflutna och väcker barndomsminnen . Det här är past and the things we hold onto from our childhood. This is per - kanske den bästa tiden på året för att annonsera vår svenska haps the best time of the year to advertise our Swedish culture. kultur. Kom ihåg att alla tycker om att äta. Involvera så många Remember, everyone loves to eat. Get as many of your members medlemmar som möjligt! involved as possible! Ett stående ämne som diskuteras inom vår Orden är Perhaps the most constant issue the Order faces is the decline nedgången av medlemskap. Om huvudintresset för att in membership. If the major reason people belong to Vasa is to männniskor vill tillhöra Vasa ligger i att främja, bevara och fira promote, preserve and celebrate our Swedish Heritage in all our vårt svenska arv i alla kulturella evenamang, utbildningar samt Cultural, Educational and Social Endeavors and offer fellowship sociala tillställningar och erbjuda gemenskap för våra for our members we must adjust our mindset to be more positive medlemmar , måste vi anpassa oss, vara mer positiva och and progressive. Members of our Order are adapting to change progressiva . Medlemmarna i vår Orden anpassar sig vid and opening their minds to new ideas. So it is time to stop saying, förändringar och är öppna för nya idéer. Sen är det dags att sluta “this is the way it has always been done” and entertain new säga: “att så här har vi alltid gjort ” och i stället komma med nya ways of doing things. Make a difference in your local lodge. sätt att göra saker. Gör något av betydelse i din lokala loge . There are plenty of concerns in the world and our Order, but it Det finns många problem i världen och i vår Orden, men det is a tremendous time for us to show the resilience to lead, for us är en fantastisk tid för oss att visa vår starka vilja att leda, för oss to invite new and current members to take the initiative and to att bjuda in nya- och egna medlemmar , ta initiativ och uttrycka develop a positive attitude to strengthen Vasa and our ties en positiv attityd för att stärka Vasa samt våra band mellan våra between our members in the US, Canada and Sweden. Our medlemmar i USA, Kanada och Sverige. Våra grundare klarade founders rose to challenges and so must we. Be passionate about av många utmaningar och det måste vi också göra . Gå med själ your obligations and excited about the new programs ahead. och hjärta inför dina uppgifter och var entusiastisk över våra nya In Truth and Unity, program som kommer. Bill Lundquist, Grand Master I Sanning och Enighet , Bill Lundquist, Stormästare THE VASA STAR (USPS 657-020 ) THE VASA STAR SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER 2010 September-December 2010 Vol. 103, No. 5, Serial 848 VASA DIRECTORY OFFICIAL ADDRESS LIST Published by: It is the listing for every lodge in the Vasa Order, with meeting locations and officers, and addresses and telephone numbers for all Grand, District, and Local lodges as well as all Vasa Order of America Children’s Clubs and Activities Clubs. vasaorder.com SEPTEMBER 2010 In an effort to cut costs, the Vasa Directory will be provided to every district and local lodge HEADQUARTERS: via an email attachment. It has been re-formatted so that it can be printed on your home c/o Joan Graham printer, on 8 1/2 x 11 paper. Please take it to your local office supply store to make copies Grand Secretary for those in your lodge who don’t have computer capability. It can be copied “double sided,” 5838 San Jose Avenue and put into a binder or notebook. If no one in the lodge has the capability of printing the Richmond, CA 94804 Vasa Directory, please contact the Grand Secretary Joanie Graham, and a paper copy will be Phone: 510-526-5512 sent to you. E-mail: [email protected] DIRECTORY IS ON THE VASA WEBSITE Grand Master: You can also check the Vasa website www.vasaorder.com to locate Grand, District, and Bill Lundquist Local Lodge information. 1456 Kennebec Rd. Grand Blanc, MI 48439 Phone: 810-695-3248 Deadlines for The Vasa Star: Cell Phone: 810-845-5065 E-mail: [email protected] Jan.-March deadline is Jan. 1; April-June deadline is April 1; July-Sept. deadline is July 1; Oct.-Dec. deadline is Oct. 1 Editor: Marie Carlson Deadline for Christmas ads is Oct. 1 9560 Curberry Drive Price for Christmas Greetings – $30.00 column inch Mentor, OH 44060 Deadline for Lucia articles is January 1 Phone: 440-255-4665 E-mail: [email protected] Picture and article, 200 words or less. Circulation Manager: (All Address Changes) CORRECTION Gail Olson In the May/Jun 2010 issue on Page 24 under Happenings REVIEWING SWEDISH 654 Western Highway CHILDHOOD, Growing up in Sweden in the Shadow of World War II by Lilly Setterdahl: Blauvelt, NY 10913 Phone: 845-598-2773 should have mentioned it can be found on Amazon.com . Email: [email protected] In the Jul/Aug 2010 issue on Page 23 under New Members, DL Mass #2. The three [email protected] members listed for Nordic #611 belong to Viking #756. Send bottom section of white copy of application for new members to her. Membership Chairman: FILING OF THE ELECTRONIC IRS FORM 990-N OPEN I have completed the filing of the IRS Form 990-N for every lodge in the United States. Some lodges have already filed their own forms – please continue to do that each year. For those that cannot file, I will do that for you. In Truth and Unity, Joanie Graham, Grand Secretary

Orders for advertising should be sent to: THE VASA STAR U.S. Postage Service Statement of Ownership Marie Carlson Management and Circulation 9560 Curberry Drive 1. Title of publication: Vasastjarnan, The Vasa Star. 1A. Publication No. 65-0702. Mentor, OH 44060 2. Date of filing 10/1/10. Phone: 440-255-4665 3. Number of Issues Published Annually: 6 3A. No. of issues published annually: 6. 3B. Annual subscrip - E-mail: [email protected] tion price: Members’ dues include magazine; subscription-$10 yr. 4. Complete mailing address of known office of publication: 5838 San Jose Ave., Richmond, CA 94804 5. Complete mailing address of the headquarters of general business office: 5838 San Jose Ave., Advertising Prices: Richmond, CA 94804. 6. Names and complete addresses of publisher, editor and managing editor. Publisher: Vasa Order of Full Page Black and White $500.00 America, 5838 San Jose Ave., Richmond, CA 94804. Editor: Marie Carlson, 9560 Curberry Dr., Mentor, Half Page Black and White $275.00 OH 44060. Managing Editor: William L. Lundquist, Grand Master, 1456 Kennebec Rd., Grand Blanc, MI Quarter Page Black and White $150.00 48439 One Column Inch $ 30.00 7. Owner: Vasa Order of America, 5838 San Jose Ave., Richmond, CA 94804 Half Page Color $500.00 8. Known bondholders, mortgagees and other security holders owning or holding 1 percent or more of total Full Page Color $800.00 amount of bonds, mortgages or other: None. Available only for inside front cover, inside 9. The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for Federal income back cover or back cover. tax purposes have not changed during preceding 12 months. 10% discount for Vasa Lodges and Members 10. Extent and nature of circulation: Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months. A. Total no. copies: 8,917. B. Paid or requested circulation. 1) Sales through dealers, carriers and counter sales: 0. 2) Mail subscription: 8,741. THE VASA STAR (ISSN 0746-0627) is C. Total paid and/or requested circulation: 8,741. D. Free distribution by mail–0. 3) Other classes mailed published bi-monthly by the Vasa through the USPS: 0. E. Free distribution outside the mail: 176. F. Total free distribution: 176. G. Total Order of America. Periodicals postage distribution: 8,917. H. Copies not distributed: 0. I. Total: 8,917. J. Percent paid and/or requested circula - paid at Richmond, CA, and additional tion: 98%. entries. 11. I certify that the statements made by me above are correct and complete: Joan Graham, Business Manager, 5838 San Jose Ave., Richmond, CA 94804. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Vasa Star, 654 Western Cover: Tomten Highway, Blauvelt, NY 10913. Submitted by: Steven Michelsen (see Tomte Poster ad on the Inside Back Cover) Vasa Star September-December 2010 Page 3 Letter from the Editor This issue of The Vasa Star is actually two issues combined into one, Sep-Oct and Nov-Dec. During the Grand Lodge Convention in Washington DC, it stood pretty clear that due to economically difficult times, the Order has to find ways to cut cost in several areas, one of them is The Vasa Star. If you had sent articles to me that do not appear in this issue, it might appear in the next Jan/Mar 2011 issue. There will be four issues of The Vasa Star next year; it will become a quarterly publication. This is an issue where many write about their experience from the Grand Lodge Convention, all positive comments. Under Culture, there are Christmas related articles, giving you somewhat of a background to why we do certain things during Christmas, where the ideas stem from. I find it quite interesting . I had thought I was going to write this editorial from beautiful St Lucia in the Caribbean PAGE 5 where we moved at the end of August this year with our youngest son. As I am writing this I am sitting in Mentor, Ohio, where we arrived a little over a week ago . Hurricane Thomas hit St Lucia pretty hard back in October, and devastated part of the country which caused massive TABLE OF CONTENTS landslides in several areas destroying roads and water supply. The following week we had an incident at our house in St Lucia where we lost several belongings, among them our computers Archives News ...... 5 and backups, so any e-mail that was sent to me after the 1st of October this year, especially Swedish Language Lessons ...... 5 Lucia articles , please resend them to me. I lost all my contacts! I appreciate all your kind comments during the year, regarding The Vasa Star ! Thank You! Grand Lodge News ...... 6 Enjoy your Family and your Friends! Marie District Lodge News ...... 9 “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas………” - Irving Berlin Lodge News ...... 11 Brev från Redaktören Christmas Greetings ...... 18-19 Lodge News (cont) ...... 20 Den här upplagan består faktiskt av två upplagor som kombinerats till en, Sep-Okt och Nov- Dec. Under Storlogemötet i Washington DC, stod det ganska klart att eftersom vi befinner oss i Swedish News ...... 22 en ekonomisk svacka måstes det göras besparingar inom flera områden, ett av dem är Welcome To Our New Members ...... 26 Vasastjärnan. Om ni har skickat in artiklar till mig, som inte finns med i denna upplaga , kommer de antagligen med i nästa, Jan /Mar 2011 upplaga. Det kommer att bli fyra upplagor av Youth News ...... 27 Vasastjärnan nästa år som kommer att ges ut en gång i kvartalet. I denna upplaga har många skrivit och berättat om deras erfarenheter från Storlogemötet i Culture ...... 28 somras, alla har positiva kommentarer. Under Culture finns det jul-relaterade artiklar som kan Christmas in Sweden ge dig något av en bakgrund till varför vi gör vissa saker under jul, var idéerna kommer ifrån. The Christmas Stocking Lucia of Syracuse Jag tycker de är väldigt intressanta. Jag hade trott att jag skulle skriva den här ledaren från härliga Saint Lucia i Karibien, dit vi Happenings ...... 30 flyttade i slutet av Augusti detta år med vår yngste son. Men i skrivandets stund sitter jag här i Årets Svensk-Amerikan besöker Norrköping Mentor, Ohio, dit vi kom för drygt en vecka sedan. Orkanen Thomas gick fram rätt hårt över Sverige-Amerikadagen i Önnestad Saint Lucia i Oktober, det förstörde stora delar av landet som orsakade massiva jordskred i flera Annual Sweden Day in the Bronx Swedish members visit USA områden vilket i sin tur förstörde vägar och vattentillförsel. Veckan därpå hade vi en incident i New York State Festival vårt hus i Saint Lucia där vi förlorade många av våra tillhörigheter bland dem våra datorer och våra “back-ups” så jag ber er att all e-post, som skickats till mig efter 1:a Oktober i år, speciellt In Memory Of ...... 32 Lucia artiklar, skicka dem till mig igen . Jag har förlorat alla min kontakter! Jag uppskattar alla era fina kommentarer under året gällande Vasastjärnan ! Njut av familjen In Memoriam ...... 34 och era vänner ! Marie Titbits ...... 35 “Jag drömmer om en jul hemma………” - Irving Berlin

VASA STAR UPDATE FROM THE GRAND MASTER AND MEMBERS OF THE GL EXECUTIVE BOAR D Prior to 2008 there were 6 issues of the Vasa Star delivered to your homes. In 2008 and 2009 there were 5 issues delivered and 1 “on line.” Five issues were mailed to members in 2010 instead of six. (No “on line” issue) There will be four issues of the Vasa Star created this year. The Grand Lodge is now discussing the number of those issues delivered to members’ homes versus the number offered “on-line.” Please contact your regional board member to express your personal wishes and concerns as soon as possible so your input will be considered when the decision is made. This issue is under discussion as the board plans for the needs of members to communi - cate taking fiscal constraints into consideration. Thank you Bill, GM PAGE 27

Page 4 Vasa Star September-December 2010 ARCHIVES NEWS Swedish Generous Gift in Memory of Daughter Language Archives inventory one year, a big job Lessons indeed. In later years, Sten, as an officer of By Lillemor and Richard Horngren District Lodge Lake Michigan #8, approached the Finance Committee for donations to the Archives. The District We are grateful to The Vasa Star Lodge has funded many projects: a chair - Editor, Marie Carlson, for giving us this lift, new driveway, with porches and side - opportunity to share these lessons with walk repairs, a complete renovation of the you for the last four years. gallery are among the large projects funded The idea to have Swedish language Sten Hult, Jake Gruel and Nancy Hult. by DL #8. lessons in the Vasa Star originally came We had a sad passing in our Vasa family Nancy was recently elected District to Richard in 1985 when he was serving this summer. Susann Monica (Hult) Secretary. Sten is PDM and was elected at on the Grand Lodge board. He asked Thyberg, daughter of Sten Hult, lost her the Grand Lodge Convention to the Grand Alice Carlsson, the Grand Master at that long battle with cancer July 3rd, 2010. Lodge board, Mid-West Region representa - time, and she accepted his offer on the There was a memorial service for her at the tive. Sten also continues as a board member condition that he would keep it up. The Lutheran Church in Iron River, WI on July of the Vasa Order of America National first few years the Vasa Star came out 11 31st. Since Sten and wife Nancy are Life Archives. times a year and we wrote close to 150 Members of the Vasa Archives, fund rais - In August, Sten and Nancy gave lessons until the period 2003-06. Since ers, and dedicated volunteers, it seemed fit - $10,000 to the Vasa National Archives in starting up again in 2007 we have sub - ting to share information with Vasa Star memory of daughter Sue. The Hults thus mitted 24 lessons. readers about Sue’s life and the contribu - became one of two recent Visionary-level This has been one of the most reward - tions of the Hults to the Vasa Order. donors to the Archives, the other being ing experiences we have undertaken in all Susann Monica Hult was born in District Lodge #8. Their gift is a moving of the 50 plus years we have belonged to Karlskoga, Värmland, Sweden on March celebration of Sue’s life and their steadfast the Vasa Order. The contact with the 16, 1959. She, along with her parents, commitment to the work of the Vasa members and their feedback is something arrived in New York from Göteborg via the National Archives. we will treasure forever. Knowing that ship “Gripsholm” in June 1962. Sue grew we in some small way have helped mem - up in Chicago, Calumet City and Dolton, Svensk Sammanfattning bers and friends, perhaps to decipher IL. In 1969-1970 she performed in pro - Vi fick sorgliga nyheter i sommar, some old writings from the “old country” grams with Solstralen #17 (a Vasa Order Susann Monica (Hult) Thyberg, dotter till or just practice their newfound skill dur - Children’s Club). She was a member of Sten Hult, hade förlorat sin kamp mot can - ing the popular pratstund sessions at Harald Viking Lodge #13 I.O.V. and joined cer den 3 juli 2010. Sten och hans fru many lodges. Even the Swedes have been its drill team. In 1983 she became a mem - Nancy har länge varit aktiva inom Vasa using the lessons to practice their ber of Siljan-Mora-Tuna Lodge #134 Orden, Distrikt #8, och Vasaarkivet. English…an unexpected bonus for them V.O.A. and received her 25-year Vasa Susann, Sten och Nancy, var medlemmar i and us. membership pin in 2008. Siljan-Mora-Tuna Logen #134 och Susann At times it has been a challenge to Susann worked as a branch manager at fick sitt 25-års märke 2008. Hon hade tidi - come up with new material and we have Citi-Financial. She had over 25 years of gare varit medlem i barnklubben Solstrålen come to realize that some of the words service for the company. Sue loved to trav - #17 och gjorde musik samt dansprogram that where OK many years ago are no el, especially to Sweden, visiting relatives med gruppen. Susann föddes i Karlskoga, longer used in Sweden. Then we read in and friends. She made at least ten trips. Sue Värmland 16 mars 1959, och åkte på skep - the minutes from a District Lodge No. 8 could converse in Swedish very well. She pet Gripsholm över Atlanten med sina board meeting, where a member of the was a movie buff and loved bird watching. föräldrar och växte upp i Chicago, Calumet Grand Lodge was quoted saying that the Susann married Theodore Thyberg in June City, och Dolton, IL. Hon arbetade som Grand Lodge would pursue offering of 1987 and in September 1997 they moved föreståndare vid Citi-Financial och bodde Internet language lessons to the members. to Iron River WI, were they built their med sin man Theodore Thyberg i Iron There is no way we can compete with house. They loved to be in the country. Ted River, WI. Hon älskade att resa utomlands, that. works for Larson-Juhl, a well known pic - särskilt till Sverige, för att hälsa på familj So we have decided that now is the ture frame factory in Ashland, WI. och vänner. Hon pratade bra svenska och right time to end our long run writing the Sten and Nancy became Vasa National deltog ofta i svenska kulturevenemang. I Swedish lessons in the Vasa Star. Our Archives Life Members in the eighties and augusti gav Sten och Nancy Hult $10,000 hope is that you will continue with your started fund raising at the request of then USD till minne av Susann till Vasaarkivet. studies. There is so much material out President, Bertil Winström. Computers/ Deras gåva är en rörande gest till minne av there. If we can help in some way please Printers and carpeting were some of the Susanns liv samt att det stödjer arkivets do not hesitate to contact us. items purchased by approaching individuals arbete. Submitted by: and local lodges. The Hults even did an Submitted by: Lars Jenner, Archivist Lillemor and Richard Horngren

Vasa Star September-December 2010 Page 5 GRAND LODGE NEWS Highlights of the Grand Lodge Convention Washington, D.C. – July 2-8, 2010 It was an amazing week in Washington, D. C. when the Grand Lodge met in session at the 37th Quadrennial Convention. Vasa members from the Sweden, Canada and the United States gathered for business and social fellowship. While it is not possible to list every action and motion approved, here are some highlights of the meeting:

1. The Grand Lodge extends many thanks and appreciation to District Master Bruce Elfvin, to the Chairman of the Host Committee C. Richard Overberg and the Convention Committee, and all the members of DL Pennsylvania #9 for the wonderful week they arranged for our gathering. Job well done!

2. During the meeting there were several opportunities to discuss the loss of the Education Fund and Archives investments due to the embezzle - ment by Enrique Villalba. Many questions were asked, each member of the GL Executive Board gave explanations, and expressed regrets and apologies. The desire of the delegation was to not look back and seek punishment, but to move forward in the best interest and survival of the Vasa Order. (In September, Mr. Villalba was sentenced to 105 months, 8.75 years, in Federal prison, and must make restitution to those he swindled. It is hoped that there will be money left to pay back).

3. Grand Lodge Distinguished Service Awards were announced and will be presented by the recipient’s home district: Charlotte Ruser of DL New Jersey #6, Linnea Lodge of DL Alberta #18 and Verna Larson of DL Alberta #18.

4. 94 Motions were voted on during the meeting. Most of the Officers Recommendations were referred to the incoming Grand Lodge Board for action since time grew short. Here are some of the decisions made: a) The Grand Master will continue to send birthday greetings when notified by the Local Secretaries of birthdays of 70 years and above. b) Qualifications were set in the Constitution for District Lodges for election of delegates to the Grand Lodge Convention – DM, VDM, DS, DFS, DT, DCL, or Member of the Executive Board. If there are not a sufficient number of nominees, then active members of the district will qualify. c) A new member initiated into a lodge is to receive the Vasa Handbook, the cost covered by the initiation fee. In another motion, the Vasa Handbook is to include the Constitutions, Ritual, and Instruction Manual. d) When a lodge with no district affiliation (under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge) disbands, those members wishing to continue their Vasa membership may remain members by paying dues directly to the Grand Lodge (Grand Secretary). Currently, when a lodge within a district disbands, the members may continue their membership by paying dues to the District (District Secretary.) e) The Old Age and Benefit maximum allocation was increased from $2,000 to $3,000. f) A District may vote to donate up to 5% of the district’s Old Age and Benefit allotment to the Vasa National Archives. g) Past Grand Lodge Officers will now be entitled to voice and vote at Grand Lodge meetings. No compensation will be provided for costs associated with attendance at the meetings. h) All Grand Lodge investments shall be invested with Bank of America. In another motion, the investment of Vasa Funds must be approved by 2/3 vote by the Executive Board. i) The Grand Lodge Executive Board was reduced in number from eleven members to ten, removing the At Large position. The EBM- Eastern Region will also represent the Southeastern Region and the Florida Lodges. The EBM-Midwestern Region will also represent the Central Region. j) A Grand Lodge Historian for Sweden (appointed officer) was added. k) The section in the Constitution for Grand Lodge relating to the Old Age and Benefit Fund was clarified, adding text to define the differ - ences between the allocated funds and unallocated funds. l) Further to the OA&B section, new text was added to provide procedure should there be no members in the Fund (no members in Vasa). The remaining Trust Fund will provide funding to the Archives and provide scholarships to eligible students from the US and Canada enrolled in Nordic Study Programs. m) Wording in the Initiation of New Members was added. n) The District Ritual was re-written. Printed copies will be provided to the districts.

5. There will be no increase in Grand Lodge Per Capita and Assessments.

6. The budget for 2010-2014 was adopted. The one budget item affecting the general membership was the cut of the Vasa Star budget by 50%. The incoming Grand Lodge Board will have major decisions to make concerning the publication of this valuable communication tool.

7. Newly elected Grand Lodge Officers are: Grand Master Bill Lundquist, Vice Grand Master Tore Kellgren, Grand Secretary Joan Graham, Grand Treasurer Keith Hanlon, Vice Grand Secretary Gail Olson, EBM-Eastern Region Art Bjorkner, EBM-Midwestern Region Sten Hult, EBM- Western Region Ed Netzel, EBM-Canada Ken Banks, and EBM-Sweden Ulf Alderlöf.

8. Newly elected Archives Board Members are: Jake Gruel, Lennart Petersson, Gunnar Mossberg, and Tom Cleveland.

The complete minutes of the meeting will be printed in the Record of Proceedings and will be mailed to elected and appointed officers, delegates, and to every District and Local Lodge. Respectfully Submitted: Joan Graham, Grand Secretary

Page 6 Vasa Star September-December 2010 GRAND SECRETARY’S REPORT May 1, 2009 through April 30, 2010 # Mbrs Per Capita OA&B Archives Education Year DL Connecticut #1 279 $3,627.00 $69.75 $418.50 $279.00 (2010) DL Massachusetts #2 714 $9,282.00 $178.50 $1,071.00 $714.00 (2010) DL Rhode Island #3 336 $4,368.00 $84.00 $504.00 $336.00 (2010) DL New York #4 657 $8,541.00 $164.25 $985.50 $657.00 (2010) DL New Jersey #6 1003 $13,039.00 $250.75 $1,504.50 $1,003.00 (2010) DL Minnesota #7 218 $2,834.00 $54.50 $327.00 $218.00 (2010) DL Lake Michigan #8 1177 $15,301.00 $294.25 $1,765.50 $1,177.00 (2010) DL Pennsylvania #9 605 $7,865.00 $151.25 $907.50 $605.00 (2010) DL Superior #10 150 $1,950.00 $37.50 $225.00 $150.00 (2010) DL Rocky Mountain #11 80 $1,040.00 $20.00 $120.00 $80.00 (2010) DL Golden Gate #12 1019 $13,247.00 $254.75 $1,528.50 $1,019.00 (2010) DL Pacific Northwest #13 1038 $13,494.00 $259.50 $1,557.00 $1,038.00 (2010) DL Pacific Southwest #15 1212 $15,756.00 $303.00 $1,818.00 $1,212.00 (2010) DL Iowa-Nebraska #17 133 $1,729.00 $33.25 $199.50 $133.00 (2010) DL Alberta #18 592 $7,696.00 $148.00 $888.00 $592.00 (2010) DL Norra Sverige #19 1697 $22,061.00 (2010) DL Sodra Sverige #20 1392 $18,096.00 (2010) DL Arizona #21 338 $4,394.00 $84.50 $507.00 $338.00 (2010) LL Facklan #248 43 $559.00 $10.75 $64.50 $43.00 (2009) LL Facklan #248 42 $546.00 $10.50 $63.00 $42.00 (2010) LL Strindberg #259 53 $689.00 $13.25 $79.50 $53.00 (2010) LL Miami #554 94 $1,222.00 $23.50 $141.00 $94.00 (2010) LL Miami #554 93 $1,209.00 $23.25 $139.50 $93.00 (2009) LL Miami #554 92 $1,196.00 $23.00 $138.00 $92.00 (2008) LL Miami #554 93 $1,209.00 $23.25 $139.50 $93.00 (2007) LL Jubilee #692 43 $559.00 $10.75 $64.50 $43.00 (2010) LL Nordic #708 116 $1,508.00 $29.00 $174.00 $116.00 (2010) LL Carl XVI Gustav 716 63 $819.00 $15.75 $94.50 $63.00 (2010) LL Carl Larsson #739 82 $1,066.00 $20.50 $123.00 $82.00 (2010) LL Carl Larsson #739 94 $1,222.00 $23.50 $141.00 $94.00 (2009) LL Carl Widen #743 53 $689.00 $13.25 $79.50 $53.00 (2010) LL Travelers #758 * (2010) LL Travelers #758 35 $455.00 $8.75 $52.50 $35.00 (2009) Individual Member under GL 1 $13.00 $0.25 $1.50 $1.00 (2010) * 2010 Assessments from LL Travelers #758 was received after April 30, 2010 fiscal year close.

Student Loan Repayments: Christopher Boyd $1,500; Frederick Cullum $750.00; Dana Elfvin $1,000; Jennifer Johansen $500; Christian Ljunggren $1,500; Jillian Ljunggren $1,008; Abigail Sten $375; Natalie Sten $300.

GENERAL FUND OLD AGE & BENEFIT FUND Per Capita Assessments $177,281.00 Assessment 2,637.00 Sale of: Printed Material 177.50 Return of Benefit 500.00 Rituals, Constitutions. 533.00 Total Old Age & Benefit Fund 3,137.00 Jewelry & Emblems 5,996.85 Flags & Regalia 83.65 ARCHIVES FUND Postage 298.09 Assessments 15,822.00 Misc. (wire transfer fees) (154.00) Total General Fund $184,216.09 VASA STAR FUND Transfers from OA&B Fund 175,470.00 Advertisements 3,406.50 Obituaries 876.31 REIMBURSEMENT FUND INSURANCE 1,361.50 Subscriptions 90.00 Mail Fee/Postage 77.80 EDUCATION FUND Miscellaneous 799.00 Assessments 10,548.00 Total Vasa Star Fund 5,249.61 Stamp Donations 17,607.89 GRAND TOTAL RECEIPTS $425,090.37 Loan Repayments 6,724.00 Memorials 0.00 Deposited – Wells Fargo Bank, Minneapolis, MN Scholarships 1,760.00 Deposit numbers 1 through 39 Miscellaneous 3,194.28 Total Education Fund 39,834.17 Joan L. Graham Grand Secretary

Vasa Star September-December 2010 Page 7 Året Svenskamerikan 2010 hyllad

Firandet av Årets Svenskamerikan 2010 John E. Norton blev en spännande odyssé. John har sina rötter i Gästrikland. Hans farfars farfar Olof Nordin tillhörde prästen Esbjörns utvandrargrupp, som utvandrade till Amerika 1849 för att motarbeta Erik Jansson och hans anhän - gare. John E. Norton (Nordin blev Norton i USA) har gjort betydande insatser för kontakterna mellan USA och Sverige. Kanalerna till Sverige har varit många. John har studerat i Sverige och behärskar det svenska språket. Han har tagit emot många svenska delegationer i Svensk- Amerika och ordnat resor till Sverige. Han är statsvetare och numera pensioner - ad överste. John har hela livet intresserat sig för emigrationsforskning och sin svenska bakgrund. Hans djupa intresse har givit värdefulla bidrag till svensk Växjö Kommun välkomnar Årets Svenskamerikan. Från vänster Årets Svenskamerikan 2009 emigrantforskning. Anne-Charlotte Hanes Harvey, John E. Norton, Borgmästare Nils Posse, Janet Norton, Årets Huvudarrangemanget för Årets Svenskamerikan 2006 Agneta Nilsson och ordförande Årets Svenskamerikankommitté Svenskamerikan hölls i Växjö. Paret Catherine Bringselius Nilsson. Norton hann dock med några dagar i Ambassaden William Stewart. Telegram inleddes med den amerikanska national - Värmland och Gästrikland innan från Hans Majestät Konungen upplästes. sången i speciell körsättning under Hans Landshövding Kristina Alsér välkomnade De svenska distriktens gemensamma Lindens ledning. Årets Svenskamerikan John E. Norton gåva, två ljusstakar i kristall från Orrefors På Minnesotadagen i Utvandrarnas med hustru Janet till Kronobergs län. med Vasa Ordens emblem i gravyr, över - Hus, Emigrantinstitutets högborg, mottog Borgmästare Nils Posse välkomnade dem lämnades till Årets Svenskamerikan av John E. Norton insignierna på till Växjö kommun. Programmet i Växjö Distriktsmästare Catherine Bringselius utmärkelsen, den gyllene plaketten och inkluderade ett besök på Nilsson, Södra Sverige, och diplomet, samt avtäckte tavlan med tidi - Linnéuniversitetet med föreläsning om Distriktsmästare Einar Savolainen Grön , gare Årets Svenskamerikaners namn, nu indianer. Glasriket besöktes också med Norra Sverige. John E. Norton tackade kompletterad med hans namn. guidning i såväl hytta som utställningar i varmt för hyllningen och den uppmärk - Hyllningen av Årets Svenskamerikan Kosta och i Åfors. Kosta Art Hotel samhet som utmärkelsen inneburit för 2010 avslutades i Stockholm med lunch visades och väckte beundran. honom och hans livsverk, forskningen på UD och avskedsfest med goda vänner. Vasa Ordens bankett till hyllning för kring den svenska emigrationen till USA. Submitted by: Catherine Bringselius Årets Svenskamerikan hölls i närvaro av Kören Växjö Vocalis stod för banket - Nilsson, Ordförande Årets vice ambassadör vid Amerikanska tens högklassiga underhållning, som Svenskamerikankommitté

Minnesotadagen På Minnesotadagen i Växjö fick David Newkumet, bördig från Duluth, Minnesota, mottaga Logen Carl von Linné Nr 678:s hedersstandar och diplom vid en ceremoni på Utvandrarnas hus. Distriktsmästare Catherine Bringselius Nilsson överlämnade utmärkelsen med motiveringen: “ För att han har lyft Växjös musikliv till stor glädje för stadens invånare i otaliga sammanhang. I advent 2009 blev David rikskänd genom TV-sändningen av Växjö Domkyrkas Årets Svenskamerikan mottar sin utmärkelse Lucia-konsert. Denne man utstrålar stor på Minnesotadagen Växjö. Distriktsmästare energi och glädje.” DL 20 Catherine Bringselius Nilsson, Årets Svenskamerikan John E. Norton och Insänt av: Distriktsmästare DL 19 Einar Savolainen DM Catherine Bringselius Nilsson DM Catherine Bringselius Nilsson och David Grön. Bild av: Göran Nilsson Newkumet.

Page 8 Vasa Star September-December 2010 DISTRICT LODGE NEWS Ogonoski. There is no end to his list of danced their way into our hearts to the DL Connecticut #1 projects and enthusiasm. Well done Art! accompaniment of pianist Valerie Cook. We had another successful Vasa Day We are looking for volunteers to take They ended their program to a very up- “Midsommar “ on June 27. There is a sig - over the 20 Week Club. This is an activi - beat rendition of Abba’s “Dancing nificant amount of effort that goes into ty that helps support the park. After 5 Queen.” putting on a Vasa Day and your atten - years of running the 20 Week Club On Saturday morning, Nordik Folk dance makes it all worthwhile. Needless Roberta Gauld and Judy Fisher will be Chairman, Steven Westlund, opened the to say thanks go out to all who helped. stepping down. They will remain avail - 102nd Annual District Convention by On June 26 we had a work day at the able to provide guidance and encourage - welcoming delegates and officials, and park . Thanks go out to all the ladies for ment, but have requested a little time off. introducing the Nordikids Teens who per - the food preparation and all who worked We extend our best wishes to Roberta formed the Opening Flag Ceremony. It to insure that the park was well main - who was recently hospitalized and wish was a moving ceremony, with the waving tained and in good order. her a speedy recovery. flags of all the Nordik countries dis - I would like to thank Rabbi Michael Submitted by: Paul Ljunggren, DM played on screen while the anthems Kahn of Meriden who joined us as we played. rededicated our memorial brick walk to Among the business covered during the memory of Raoul Wallenberg. One DL Lake Michigan #8 Saturday’s convention proceedings were thing I want to add is that we are propos - the nomination and election of the ing to establish a lodge in Meriden at Michigan City, IN District Officers. During the District Vasa Park. The name of the lodge would The 102nd Annual Convention of business proceedings, a different kind of be LL Raoul Wallenberg. District Lodge Lake Michigan #8 was meeting was taking place down the hall. Sunday was a full day for the kids. held May 14th - 16th in Michigan City, “Nordikids Camp,” sponsored by Nordik There were pony rides, a clown, a trea - IN, along the beautiful shores and dunes Folk, was held for children ages 4 - 13. sure hunt, and a raffle. There was also of Lake Michigan. The event, hosted by Nordik Folk members Phyllis Kalajian singing, the decoration and parading of Nordik Folk Lodge #761, emphasized and Barbara Hannigan coordinated a day the Maypole, good food, of course raffle “Nordic Folk Art” and also hosted a of activities with the help of the Nordik of prizes, a 50-50 raffle, and Wivan “Nordikids Camp” for children ages 4 - Teen Group. Seventeen children signed Sundman with her accordion. 13 which took place during the Saturday up to enjoy Scandinavian stories, crafts, We had quite a few new faces at the Convention meetings. songs, and a very special program by park for Vasa Day thanks to our advertis - Friday morning saw about 14 golfers Viking Re-enactor David Nordin of ing in the press and on the radio. Let’s at the Michigan City Municipal Golf Naperville, Illinois, who treated the chil - keep this up! Everyone is welcome. course teeing off in somewhat soggy con - dren to a Viking program they will never Thanks to our vendors who showed up ditions but with the sun shining. forget! They sailed a Viking ship through with their Scandinavian goods. This helps The Cultural Room was in full swing stormy waters, traded with distant vil - to make it special . Those items for sale by 5 p.m. and featured a full-sized Nordik lagers, and battled with foam swords. included a bake sale provided by you, the Arts timeline showcasing Scandinavian The festivities continued Saturday members. Sale of those baked items goes authors, film makers, and artists. Local evening with a social hour in the banquet to our scholarship fund. This is the fifth Lodges displayed their folk art under the hall and a delicious sit-down dinner. year we have been able to give out schol - coordination of our District Cultural Master of Ceremonies, Timothy Ogrentz, arships to students seeking a higher edu - Leader, Andrea Wilczynski kept the evening moving as awards were cation. We are able to give out two The real treat came Friday evening presented. awards per year and this year our first when Nordikids #208 took the stage The big honor of the evening went to awardees were Tyler Gabriel. Tyler will under the direction of Mrs. Lynnea Grand Lodge Deputy/Past District Master attend Stevens Tech in New Jersey and Sinwelski to perform their cultural pro - Sten Hult of Siljan-Mora-Tuna #124 who will study electrical engineering. Tyler gram “Swedish Music In America…. was awarded 2010’s Distinguished and his mother Debbie joined us for Vasa through the years.” Nordikids sang and Continued on page 10 Day. Tyler’s grandfather, Frederick Falk is a member of Norden and Past Chairman of Klippan Lodge of Torrington, CT. Tyler received the Ivar A. Erickson Scholarship which is supported annually by Arthur and Todd Erickson of Beecher Bennett in Hamden, CT. There is one 2010 scholar - ship left which will be awarded later this year. While you were at the park I hope you took the time to look around and take note of the continued improvements which are due to our Park Chairman Art Officers for 2010 - 2011 Vasa Star September-December 2010 Page 9 DL Lake Michigan #8 fine greeting, an explanation of Sweden’s educational goal is a Masters degree in role in the European Union and message Education. Continued from page 9 of encouragement to the Vasa Order. Cecelia McKinnon, Gold Nugget Service Award by upcoming District “Barnklubben Elsa Rix #1 Children’s Lodge #662, Paradise, CA Chairman Tom Cleveland of Viljan #349. Club performed traditional Nordic Cecelia enters the University of New The Sunday Memorial Service was led ances. This Children’s Club began in d Mexico this fall, with likely concentra - by Marvin Anderson of Svea #253 and 1921! Everyone enjoyed their skill and tion in the performing arts. One of her Inez Törnblom of Viljan #349. Wesley youthful enthusiasm.” career goals is performance design. Hanson of Svea #253 led the Vasa Choir The highlight for our district, howev - Cecelia attended the Sjölunden Swedish in the anthem “Day by Day.” Departed er, which demonstrates our fierce dedica - language camp and hopes to spend time members of the district were memorial - tion to the preservation and growth of the studying in Sweden. ized in a lovely candle ceremony led by VASA order as a whole, is that four Inez Törnblom who also read The Lord’s members of our district were elected to Erika Skovron, Nord Lodge #392, Prayer in Swedish and English. positions within the Grand Lodge. They Stockton, CA After the Memorial service, the meet - are: Tore Kellgren, Vice Grand Master; Erika Skovron is a member of Nord ing commenced. Newly elected officials Joanie Lindquist Graham, Grand Lodge #392 Stockton, CA, a student in were installed. A lovely Sunday send-off Secretary; Keith Hanlon, Grand the College of Nursing at Seattle of sandwiches and chips were offered by Treasurer; and Edward Netzel, Member University (SU). Her goal is to achieve Nordik Folk members before everyone of the Executive Board Western Region. an excellent nursing education which in said their good-byes. Well-done all! We look forward to a turn will open a wide variety of job Submitted by: Linnea Ogrentz, Nordik prosperous year of growth, integrity, and opportunities for her in the nursing field. Folk # 761, Convention Chairman ingenuity under your guidance and ser - Recently she was accepted to be on the vice, along with all of the other leaders in Dean’s List for her high GPA. DL Golden the Grand Lodge. Submitted by: Ann Marie Richardson A unique opportunity is available to us Gate #12 in the San Francisco Bay Area, in that DL Pacific California one of our members, David Seaborg, from Sveaborg Lodge #449 in Concord, Northwest #13 It is with much pride and enthusiasm is available to speak to our local Vasa that we welcome home our representa - The Pacific Northwest District #13 Lodges on his Swedish heritage and his Lodge Spring Executive Board Meeting tives from the Grand Lodge meeting held Swedish-American father, Nobel-Prize- this July in Washington DC. was held in Missoula, MT, on April 23 winning chemist, Glenn Seaborg, discov - and 24, 2010. The District encompasses Representative and now Grand Treasurer, erer of Plutonium, the element on the Keith Hanlon reported: “We extend our British Columbia, Montana, Oregon and Periodic Table used in nuclear reactors Washington, the Executive Board tries to thanks and congratulations to District and the atomic bomb, and used to end Lodge Pennsylvania # 9 for a superb job meet each spring at a distant Local World War II. Glenn Seaborg also Lodge. This has enabled the Executive of hosting the 37th Grand Lodge revised the Periodic Table with a big sci - Convention. The opening reception made Board and Local Lodges to meet face-to- entific breakthrough, and helped give us face and to gain a better understanding of everyone feel welcome and the perfor - the Test Ban Treaty that stopped the test - mance by the Vasasjärnan #1 children’s’ problems each has, and what resources ing of nuclear weapons in the atmosphere each has to offer the other. Tegnér Lodge club set just the right tone. and helped start the environmental move - “The evening visit to House of #224 invited our board members and ment, being the first international envi - guests to join them for their monthly Sweden was a cultural highlight that ronmental treaty. Glenn Seaborg was provided both historic and contemporary meeting on April 23rd, for a delicious proud of his Swedish heritage, and David “authentic” Hawaiian Luau, Montana perspectives to Swedish Culture. The will share his father's many links to and House of Sweden is adjacent to the style. love of Sweden, and relate anecdotes rel - The next morning the Executive Board Swedish Embassy and provides a venue evant to these. David will also read a few for diplomatic and cultural events. It is a Meeting convened and Officer and poems from the poetry book he wrote. Committee reports were given and acted stunning example of contemporary Contact Ann Marie Richardson at Swedish architecture The Swedish upon. Two 2010 Scholarships of $750 [email protected] each will be awarded for the next school Embassy is the only Embassy on the and she can facilitate contact between Potomac River and the rooftop views year. District Officer’s recommendations David and your lodge. were discussed and acted upon or provided a panoramic view of our beauti - For events and opportunities during ful Capital. deferred. Discussion followed on the rest of the year, contact the lodge in Resolutions to be brought before the “The tour of Mt. Vernon once again your area for more information. reminded us of our National Heritage Grand Lodge and voting directions were and exceptional leadership of President District 12 Scholarship Winners: given to our Grand Lodge Delegates. The George Washington. He was truly the meeting adjourned with District Master father of our Nation and a moving force Nora McKinnon, Gold Nugget Lodge Alice Iverson and the Executive Board for our great U.S. Constitution. #662, Paradise, CA Members heartiest thanks to Tegnér “The Grand Banquet provided a Nora starts her second college year at Lodge #224 for their outstanding support cordial, gracious, enjoyable close to the Evergreen State College in Olympia, of the meeting. Convention. Swedish Ambassador Jonas Washington. Nora’s career goal is to Submitted by Stephen Matthews, Hafström opened the Banquet with a teach English Literature or Art. Nora’s PNW District 13

Page 10 Vasa Star September-December 2010 LODGE NEWS North Star Lodge #106 the “Make a Wish Foundation” and other Thule Lodge #127 notable causes. We will greatly miss him Los Angeles, CA at North Star. Len leaves a daughter Jamestown/Bemus Point, NY Gunilla Godebu and her family; step - daughter Eva Andersen; and his very dearest friend and companion Felicity Harper. This is a great loss to our lodge. At our past two meetings, we were honored to have Vice District Master Susan Premo. We also have two new members, Nel and Bob Solt, who are dual members from Scandia. They are both district officers. We are so fortunate to have them. “VÄLKOMMEN!” Our “Julfest” (Christmas Party) will be December 12, 2010. Cara Shore will be our Lucia. She is the granddaughter of Jean Ahlin Shore. Our Christmas “smörgåsbord” will be catered by Jane Thule Lodge #127 members recognized for Hendricks of “Nordic Fox Catering.” We their July birthdays at the lodge meeting are: will celebrate a traditional Swedish outer guardsman Nels John Nelson, past cul - Christmas with music and song. “God Jul tural leader Allie Nelson Withers, and lodge och ett Gott Nytt År!” historian John Sipos. Submitted by: Elinore Thornton (Computerized version by daughter, Hello from Thule Lodge #127 in the Jeanette Engstrom) Jamestown/Bemus Point area. Our lodge Members at the Scandinavian Autumn Fest. has seen a wonderful sunny and warm Greetings from all of us go out to all summer this year, and our activities to our Vasa friends. North Star continues Fylgia Lodge #119 preserve the Swedish heritage continue. along under the excellent leadership of San Francisco, CA Meetings and refreshments, along with Chairman Erik Lindberg. We resumed special dinners are held at the lodge at On May 11th, Steve Wilson, a mem - our summertime meeting in August. 4123 Pancake Hill Road. ber of Svea Lodge #348, San Jose, CA, In September, our new secretary, Edwin Sandberg, who served as gave a talk on “Mimeca kalla,” a fasci - Felicity Harper, was welcomed aboard. District Master, is our lodge chairman, nating monument at Sveadal, with a stone However, at the time she was vacationing and always welcomes everyone to the wall built to contain the cool spring in Sweden. We commended our past sec - meetings. Members are always greeted at water, plus a pipe, a bronze plaque, an retary, Helen Greenlees, for her many the door by our outer guardsman Nels unusual vitreous enamel garden basin and years as faithful secretary. “Tack så John Nelson, who makes everyone feel canopy, and a miniature dolmen. This mycket,” Helen. welcome. Alberta Nelson is our treasurer, was woven together in 1939 by Sveadal’s In September, North Star participated with Donna Sandberg as our financial first settler, Alfred Celander, as a legacy in the Scandinavian Autumn Fest with secretary. Lucile Marsh is our secretary, to future generations. “Marknad” celebration at the Vasa Park. and Diane Shaw is our chaplain, always June 8th was “Fylgia’s Bakery Night” North Star and the Golden Valley Lodge reminding all that there is strength in and the members brought their favorite prepared the breakfast. In addition to the unity. baked goods from their Scandinavian traditional breakfast there was omelet Cultural leader Fanchon Fuller keeps kitchens, and they shared their recipes. with meatballs! “Tack” to all of the will - all informed on the upcoming lodge Delicious indeed. ing volunteer workers. events, and always includes an interesting On June 19th the members celebrated Sadly and very recently we heard message about life in Sweden. Fanchon Midsummer at Sveadal (the Swedish news that our active member Len Gohrn usually has a display of Swedish items to Recreational Center near Morgan Hill). passed on. He had just returned from show with her message. Past cultural Our Chairman, Dr. Ted Olsson and Sweden and Russia. Len was our chap - leader Allie Nelson Withers leads all in Astrid, his wife, arranged the day and lain and long time member. He always the Swedish blessing prior to any refresh - there were two picnic tables set up under gave interesting updates on Sweden and ments. the trees for a delightful potluck lunch, contributed articles to the Vasa Star. Len Friday night dinners will continue at contributed by all the members attending. was a wonderful, friendly member and the lodge through September. Thule The weather was beautiful and comrade - asset to our lodge. He was a world travel - Lodge participated in the annual ship prevailed. er. He supported children in South Scandinavian Festival, during July, this Our website is www.scandinavius. America and other developing countries. year being held at the Rodeo grounds in com/vasa/fylgia. In addition, he was an ardent supporter of Gerry, NY. Their famous Swedish meat - Submitted by: Jean Nelson Continued on page 12

Vasa Star September-December 2010 Page 11 Thule Lodge #127 Monitor Lodge #218 Continued from page 11 Sacramento, CA ball dinner was served, and appreciation member Susan W. Sipos and Chaplain In November Tom Anderson gave a is extended to the many for their planning Diane Shaw for this special occasion. presentation on his past history with and assistance with the dinner. Recognized were outer guardsman Nels Sweden, also Violet De Bord and Albert Thule Lodge had a pancake breakfast John Nelson, past cultural leader Allie Mitchell celebrated their one-year in August, a Swiss steak dinner in Nelson Withers, and lodge historian John anniversary. September, and the famous Harvest din - Sipos. A fun time was enjoyed by all. On April 9, Monitor celebrated its ner in October. The special dinners In October, the lodge meetings will 98th anniversary, where they held a silent always inspire some new members when change to the third Saturday afternoon, auction and raffle of items donated by they see the happy times of the lodge. and continue through the winter months. members. Monitor is currently working At one of our meetings, three lodge If you are in our area, we would welcome on a website for their lodge, and hopeful - members were recognized and honored you for a visit to our lodge. “God dag” to ly it will be published soon for all of us to for their recent birthdays in July. A large all. learn from and enjoy. birthday cake was provided by lodge Submitted by: John Sipos, Historian In the midst of Monitor’s busy spring and summer their meeting place, the Odd Linne Lodge #153 Fellows Hall, was vandalized. Peculiarly, this was the second time in 12 years this South Bend, IN exact act of vandalism has caused them to move their meeting location. Having occurred just a few days before their May meeting, you can imagine the extra effort this caused the dinner team. Highlights of the year so far include member Louise Center receiving her 60- year pin. It was surely very exciting for all members present to see her clutch her pin to her heart in happiness at the momentous presentation. Also a truly remarkable honor, this time a 50-year pin each, was awarded to Lennart and Britt- Marie Andersson at the banquet Saturday night at the District 12 annual convention in South San Francisco. On June 6, 2010, Linné Lodge #153 Chairman Judi Parmley installed 6 new members into the Submitted by: Ann Marie Richardson lodge. Congratulations and WELCOME to the following new members: From left to right: Ken Huggett, Gordan Westergren, Karen and Lowell Peterson, Carol Hawley, and Harry Tegnér Lodge #224 Ofverstedt. Missoula, MT Submitted by: Lorraine Cooper On the 24th of April, Missoula Tegnér Monitor Lodge #163 Lodge #224 hosted the Pacific NW #13 Ishpeming, MI Spring Executive Board Meeting at the local Quality Inn Motel. On Friday night the lodge arranged for an authentic Hawaiian Luau with original Hawaiian dances provided by Kelly Neumeyer. Members were given several recipes to create for the luau, and they all turned out just wonderful. Of course we had excel - lent cooks! This year our lodge celebrated our 98th year at the Benson farm for Midsummer, as it has been a tradition for several years. The lodge awarded two scholarships this year to Jenni Comstock, the daughter of Bill and Alice Comstock, which was our in house scholarship, and to Kelcie Foshag the winner of the com - Monitor Lodge #163 recently had the Annual Chicken and Corn Feed. This was held at the munity scholarship. Larson home on August 31st. The corn came from Jim Sodergren’s garden. We had 61 attend - Our members are busy planning fall ing members and some guests. This gathering resulted in three new members! activates, including our own personal Submitted by: Ted Swanson Continued on page 13 Page 12 Vasa Star September-December 2010 Tegnér Lodge #224 in your hand while trying to aim for a tar - Continued from page 12 get approximately 15 feet away. The crowd was tense and at the end of the regulation three rotations of the teams, the score was tied 2-2. Into overtime they went, steely eyed with jaws set. Both teams looked much the same, except for the yellow and blue of the Swedes and the red and blue of the Norwegians. They resemble each other probably because so many Swedes are married to Norwegians and vice-versa. The crowd cheered wildly and the Swedes prevailed, with the score ending at 4-2. The traveling trophy once again will have a home with the Swedes for another year. The competition amongst the two groups doesn’t last long. Everyone laughs and looks forward to next year. The Sons Back row - left to right: PDM Gordon Swanson, Board Members PDM John Erickson, Steve of Norway has invited the Göta Lejon Matthews, PDM Laurie Harris, Derrick Watson, Andy Toth, Helge Anderson, Doug Hanson, Lodge to their annual picnic at Split Rock PDM Judy Rust, Jeri Matthews. Front row: District Master Alice Iverson and Grand Lodge Deputy Bernice Pearson. State Park on Lake Superior and they will celebrate the Christmas season together heritage, and the Story of the Stones, era, and tell stories of that person’s life. with a festive holiday dinner. Take note which are stories of early citizens of our Our lodge has had a great year with all world, this is the way to world peace! community that lived years ago. The peo - the events, and there is more planned. Submitted by: Patricia Olson, ple assume the identity of the person they Submitted by: Rick Swanson Recording Secretary are portraying, wearing clothes from that Pictures by: Steve Matthews

Brahe Lodge #245 Svea Lodge #253 Rockford, IL Indianapolis, IN Depicted in attached photo are our The meeting on June 6, 2010, featured August kitchen staff who prepared our a popular group of Viking Re-enactors meal consisting of delicious Illinois organized by Jim and Mandy Schutte of sweet corn, brats and hot dogs, fruit Indianapolis, IN. This family event was salad, potato chips, lemonade, coffee, and held on the grounds of the Latvian cake for dessert! Twenty-six members Center, and members invited children, certainly enjoyed the meal and fellow - grandchildren, and friends to this outdoor ship. Afterwards members discussed activity. We participated in typical lodge business and plans for future meet - Viking living conditions, and watched ings. demonstrations of wood carving, coin Submitted by: D. G. Eksten making, spoon making, weaving, knit - ting, cooking, individual craftsmen, August Kitchen staff. Göta Lejon Lodge #251 hand-to-hand combat, and war games. Thirty Brahe Lodge #245 members Two Harbors, MN The delicious “smörgåsbord” refresh - attended our annual “midsommar ments were provided by Lou and Marvin smörgåsbord” in our Vasa Park in On a beautiful sunny day in Two Anderson, Sophia and Daniel Anderson, Rockford, IL, the evening of June 24, Harbors, MN, the local Swedish lodge, Katherine Gagné, Joella and Edward 2010! “Sill” and other delicious food Göta Lejon #251 once again took on the Hultgren, Barbro and David Jarrell, Janet were readily eaten by our members. local Sons of Norway lodge, Terje Jegen, and Jean and Jim Tygum. Eva Music filled the air as we ate and chatted Vierken, at the annual “Lutefisk Toss” on Berglund contributed the Gevalia coffee. with old friends. Later we held our July 9. This has become more and more A combined “Midsommar” and monthly business meeting. of a crowd pleaser each year and the Father’s Day celebration was held on a After the meeting some of us strolled competition rises as teams of Swedes (or beautiful summer afternoon at the through our beautiful park, reminiscing partial Swedes) and Norwegians (or par - Latvian Center on June 20, 2010. The of decades of earlier “midsommar” cele - tial Norwegians) face off in front of the event began with music played by Ole brations we had held in our Rockford bucket, aiming for that ringer and the Vesterqvist and a potluck picnic with Vasa Park. cheers of their many fans. Lest you scoff dozens of delicious and tempting appetiz - We celebrated our annual corn boil that this is not that difficult a feat, we ers, salads, meat, vegetables, and suggest you try holding a frozen but Thursday evening, August 26, 2010, in Continued on page 14 our beautiful Vasa Park! quickly melting chunk of frozen lutefisk

Vasa Star September-December 2010 Page 13 Svea Lodge #253 There were about 25 ladies participating. Svea Lodge #348 Continued from page 13 Some brought friends and relatives too. Berit gave us prepared sheets, paint San Jose, CA desserts. Beverages included “lingonber - and brushes and we “set to work” – In March, Sveaborg member Flo ry saft,” lemonade, coffee, tea, and iced no one said “I can’t do it!” Then we Spanier gave a fascinating presentation cold water. “Tack Så Mycket” to Dennis tried small florals on cardboard on the Ice Hotel in Kiruna, Sweden. She Danielson, David Duff, Barbro and David with acrylics. Results were very good, has slept on their ice beds twice! Jarrell, and Joella and Edward Hultgren and many planned to frame them! According to Chairman Perr Cardistam, for setting up the dining room and I will tell you about a couple of our “…their frozen assets are no match for kitchen; to Donna Bergstrom and Patricia summer activities that were much Global Warming, it would seem…” Hoffmann for helping in the kitchen; and enjoyed. Most of us have heard Vicki Thurman also gave a presentation Michelle, Josh, and Eric Escalante for about IKEA stores, but never visited one on social networking. making the amazing “dalahäst” piñata – so we took a “field trip” to Pittsburgh. Kikki and Jan Nordin are the proud and organizing the outdoor activities and Carpooling worked well. Upon arriving grandparents of a new grandson, Matias games for children and adults. Many we immediately planned to have Michael Nordin, born January 24. Parents folks decorated the “Majstång,” and most lunch at the cafe. There were wonderful are Michael and Bouree. Congratulations! everyone participated in the “Majstång” meatballs with potatoes and lingon- Lilian and Rolf Rejbrand announced the parade and traditional Midsommar danc - berries. Some of us brought crayfish to birth of their second granddaughter, ing around the Majstång, led by Ingeborg enjoy at home with colorful bibs and Aevah Maeve Rejbrand-O’Reilly, born to Lundberg, Iva Lynn, and Eija caps to wear! One in our group, Lois their daughter Mikaela and her husband Vesterqvist, and accompanied by Ole Jordan, celebrated her 80th birthday that Ross O’Reilly on March 31. Vesterqvist on the accordion. day! In other news earlier this year, Ulrika Submitted by: Joella Hultgren One of our summer’s highlights is the Kellgren Friesen was bestowed her 25- annual Scandinavian Folk Festival held year pin by her father, Tore, and a special July 16-18 in Jamestown, NY. There is memorial celebration was held, honoring much to see, eat and buy. This year it was 15-year member Helen Riley. Helen left held at a new location – the Gerry Rodeo to Svea a 200-year-old Swedish diary, Grounds. There was ring dancing, a per - which was translated by Chairman Perr formance on a “nyckelharpa: from and made available to VASA members Sweden, five “gammeldans band” from via an email sent out earlier this year. Minneapolis, Smörgåsbandet from New May brought a slide presentation by York City, the Leif Ericson Viking Ship, Helen Nilsson about Swedish contempo - a half-size replica of an actual Viking rary artist Lena Linderholm. Also the ship. The crew of the ship shared knowl - topic of much discussion, planning, and edge of the Viking Era. Lectures were eager anticipation was the SAPL given by Ben Olander from Gothenburg (Swedish-American Patriotic League) Viking makes pewter spoons. (subject Raoul Wallenberg) and a lecture 116th Annual “Midsommar” celebration on 19th century Swedish immigration to held at Sveadal in Morgan Hill in June. Svea Lodge #296 America. Svea’s own Sara Lipscomb was elected Maid of Honor for this event. Svea cele - Erie, PA Submitted by: Linda Collin brated its 94th anniversary in August. New members so far this year are Larry Skarset and Janet Hukegaard. Submitted by: Ann Marie Richardson

Buying “felted” hats at Jamestown Festival. Linda Collin, Berit Benacci and friend. One of our final events for the spring was a Swedish rosmaling painting demonstration and class practice. We met for lunch at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center (TREC) for Seeking Your lunch. Swedish Roots?? Then Berit Benacci, who is well versed in this procedure, gave us the his - E-mail: [email protected] tory and showed examples of her work.

Page 14 Vasa Star September-December 2010 Solidaritet Lodge #396 Flores, a new high school graduate. She Sveaborg Lodge #449 is not member-related but she has been Mount Vernon, WA volunteering her time as a dishwasher at Concord, CA The month of May and early June has our lodge’s monthly pancake breakfasts. At a recent meeting of Sveaborg been the rainiest in many years here in She is planning to study social/human Lodge in Concord, CA, members were Northwest Washington. Fortunately services at Skagit Valley College. entertained with Swedish folk dances by though, the weather cleared just before After the award ceremony more music its youth group, Vasablad . Rosemary the weekend of our “Midsommar” and on and dancing followed, and absolutely no Fassl is the leader of the group. During Saturday June 13 we were able to have one left before the advertised closing the year they study Scandinavian culture, our “Majstång” celebration on the mead - time of 5:00 pm. The band actually learn folk dances, songs, and culminate ow of our lodge. Vasa members and sev - played on till 5:30 when finally the musi - with the annual “Julfest” in December. eral guests decorated the pole with birch cians, and the few remaining dancers, One member is chosen to be Lucia. branches, ivy, and a variety of flowers gave up due to exhaustion! All in all it Submitted by: Ann Marie Richardson brought by members. When finished, the was a wonderful “Midsommar” celebra - Picture by: Bob Burman pole looked very colorful, especially due tion! to the magnificent pink and deep-red Submitted by: Willy Evans peonies brought by one of the members from her garden. While the decorated Framåt Lodge #405 pole was being raised the Skandia Kapell Oakland, CA band from Seattle strolled out of the In reading through Framåt’s newslet - lodge playing their instruments. ters this year, the same warm sentiments Meanwhile more members and guests are expressed as I see in all the other were arriving and many of them joined in newsletters I receive… each meeting is a “Långdans” around the pole. The Vasa well-attended, the volunteers provide dancers, plus some dancers from other delicious meals and beautifully-decorated groups danced a couple of Schottisches facilities, and special cultural programs on the grass before everyone went into are presented, garnering praise and the lodge. thanks from members. Earlier this year, Mid-afternoon we had a potluck lunch John and June Hopkirk presented their Vasablad break with a great variety of Swedish- trip to Sweden, providing pictures and and other food items. The lodge provided descriptions of the places their relatives Lindbergh Lodge #494 meatballs and scalloped potatoes, and still live. “It was almost like being participants brought side dishes and a there!” said Chairman Robert Homer. Los Altos, CA great many desserts. The hall was set up Marie Ann Hill, from Tegnér Lodge February saw two new members, by our cultural committee like a terrace came in June and spoke about her experi - Mark and Jessica DeMartini joining café, with white patio tables and chairs ences while living and teaching for two Lindbergh Lodge. Cultural Leader Dean around the ample dance space. years in China. A beautiful tribute to Babcock gave an interesting talk about Before the music and dancing Mother’s Day ensued, and Chairman Bishop Hill, IL, where the archives of the resumed, a short ceremony was held to Robert brought pink carnations for all the Vasa Order of America are kept. Ted honor this year’s three scholarship recipi - ladies. Olson of Fylgia Lodge has proposed that ents, two of whom were present. Our On July 24, Framåt hosted the annual next year they also join us and Svea lodge awards $250 scholarships to chil - tri-lodge picnic at Roberts Park in Lodge for the installation of officers dren of members to help them further Oakland. Members from Tegnér, which will be at Lindbergh in 2011. In their education, as well as occasionally to Sveaborg and Framåt enjoyed the food, March, Evelyn Filbeck and Loren Filbeck teenagers who have done something spe - fellowship and the annual “Kubb” tourna - were sworn in as members of the lodge cial to help our lodge. This year’s recipi - ment. and Order. Cultural Leader, Dean ents were David and James Anderson, Congratulations to Yvonne Segerberg Babcock presented the program on both studying music, David at Eastern on the birth of her great grandchild “How Meetings Were Conducted in the Washington University and James at the Torsten Potter Segerberg. Old Days” using a DVD of a lodge meet - Cornish School of Arts, and Martha Submitted by: Ann Marie Richardson ing in Sweden. Lindberghers again enjoyed a rousing Sunday after Easter, bottling their own wine at Thomas Kruse Winery in Gilroy. An efficient assembly-line soon began the process of getting the wine into the bottles, corking them, affixing the foil seal, and drinking whatever spillage occurred. However, we were not as “drunk” as you think we were. Other lodge events worth mentioning included the June Mother’s Day dinner, An asosrtment of flowers for the Midsummer prepared by the men of the lodge. pole! Submitted by: Ann Marie Richardson

Vasa Star September-December 2010 Page 15 Lindbergh Lodge #494 birthday singing and the welcome addi - tion of two new members Marie Palo Alto, CA Johansson and Jean Dugan. June is such an exciting time for all Our lodge met in September for the Swedes. We had our usual fine dinner at usual back to school festivities and a the June meeting. Potluck always brings return from all those balmy lazy summer out the splendid culinary talents of our days to more serious activities. We had a members. There were over 60 people at lovely dinner with good food cooked by this meeting and all of us enjoyed a won - our member chefs. After pre-prandial, derful dinner. beverages, meeting and dinner our pro - The program was about the two big gram began. Our Chairman Dave Jansson events this year…both on the same day. gave an interesting talk about the Our Crown Princess Victoria was married Swedish Finns who emigrated from 25+ year members: Back row: Myran and it is Midsummer. The former Finland here years ago. Their first desti - Swedberg, Wade Montgomery, Helen Swedish Ebenezer Lutheran Church gave nation was the Finnish Lutheran Church Johanson, Regan Bergstrom, Lorne Swedberg, and Connie Swedberg Front Row: the Swedish people of the Bay area the in the Bronx. The film presented showed pictures of many of the early immigrants Barb Wiberg, Carol Montgomery, and Judy beautiful Wedding Crown that was on Bergstrom. exhibit at the World’s Fair in San telling their stories about coming to the Francisco in 1939/40. The church no new world. Conversations were in both Phoenix Lodge #677 longer has a Swedish connection and they Swedish and English. Many other Phoenix, AZ were kind enough to let us have the Scandinavians took advantage of good Crown. It will be on exhibit at the fellowship at the church. There was help An overview of Nordic explorers, past Swedish Hall. The ceremony of the bride available for them at the church with the and present, provided Vasa members an having a Crown on her wedding day many problems that new Americans interesting hour the evening of the probably harkens back to making her faced. It was quite wonderful to hear their Phoenix lodge’s May meeting. Highlights Queen for a Day. The Crown is usually accents and expressions, most of those on about contributors to the world’s new owned by the church and available to the films were from early in the 19th cen - information on people and environments members for wedding ceremonies. Many tury. The meeting ended with appropriate from the Arctic to the Silk Road were of our San Francisco brides have worn Birthday songs for those celebrating dur - covered by Sara Nilsson and LaVonne this Crown and we are so pleased to have ing current month. Members were alerted Lindall. They summarized information it back in loving Swedish hands. It was a to an upcoming barbeque/wine tasting they had gleaned from presentations very usual custom in past centuries, but party to be held at our favorite Winery … given by present day experts at the annual no longer seems to be in vogue. One of the welcomed perks for California Nordic Spirit Symposium, California We also heard about some of the old Swedes. We also had a chance to hear Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks, customs surrounding the Midsummer fes - from our members who were in Sweden CA, in February 2010. The lives and tivities in earlier times. Young ladies this summer for the wedding… one gen - explorations of interesting adventurers gathering seven flowers and sleeping on tleman member complained that he did were reviewed in the following talks: them would dream of their future hus - not get to kiss the bride. Sherrill Harbison - “Polar Exploration bands. Decorating the house and barn and Submitted by: Muriel Nelson Bero and the Heroic Imagination;” Roland everything else with greenery and flow - Thorstensson and Anders Björling - ers. A sprig of mistletoe placed the barn Norden Lodge #513 “Skåne to Lappland, Travels through would protect the livestock from the Meeting Creek, Alberta, Canada Sweden with Carl Linnaeus;” Daniel C. trolls. Dew gathering in a cemetery on Waugh - “Deconstructing Sven Hedin, Midsummer Eve had special medicinal Norden Lodge recently celebrated Great Explorer, Reckless Adventurer, or properties. The “Majstång” decorated their 80th Anniversary and awarded its Self-Promoting Foreign Devil on the Silk with flowers and greenery, raised up for members long time membership awards. Road;” Gisli Pålsson, “Traveling all to dance around is a custom that it still Submitted by: Carol Montgomery, Passions, The Life and Work of observed. We were all looking forward to Cultural Leader Vilhjalmur Stefansson in the Canadian the Sveadal Midsummer celebration Arctic;” Tommy Dickey, “The which took place on June 19. The setting Inspirational Life of Fridtjof Nansen, was perfect … a recreational park with Polar Explorer, Anthropologist, lots of beautiful redwood trees. There Oceanographer, Diplomat and was Swedish music, dancing, singing Humanitarian.” In addition, related and around the Maypole. We had lots of bou - more current subjects in a lighter vein tiques with ethnic goods. A dinner in the were also reviewed: Kristin Folsland evening … eating and drinking. Last of Olsen and Ingebjoerg Tollefsen - “Baffin all dancing under the starts at an outdoor Babes, 80 Days on Skis in the Arctic;” dance floor. This is an all day celebration Larry Johnson - “Saving a Billion Lives, on this, the longest day of the year when The Life and Achievements of Norman the sun rises to its highest point in the Borlaug, Agronomist;” Magnus heavens. After, long dark winters, it is a Martensson, Conductor and Music day to celebrate. President Jerry Lee and 50-year members Director of the Scandinavian Chamber The meeting closed with our usual Ruby Swedberg and Ken Johanson. Continued on page 17

Page 16 Vasa Star September-December 2010 Phoenix Lodge #677 20 - Scandinavian Heritage Day with the Norden Lodge #684 Continued from page 16 Solskinn Lodge Palm Desert/Sons of Norway, on March 27 - Coachella Valley Fresno, CA Orchestra of New York - superb musician Museum Heritage and on April 15 - In April, Norden celebrated Easter who combined his artistry with humor for International Day at College of the with a potluck, and in May they had a the audience's enjoyment. Desert. All of these events were a great special cultural presentation of Swedish Thank you, Sara and LaVonne for pro - outreach for the Lodge and Vasa. wedding traditions, just in time to viding us a program packed with valuable Submitted by: Linda Kosvic enlighten everyone about the royal wed - information in an entertaining, quick and ding that took place in June when Crown easy “dose.” Bishop Hill Lodge #683 Princess Victoria was married to com - The evening was punctuated by the Bishop Hill, IL moner Daniel Westling. serving of homemade Madeleine cakes In May there was a special Swedish provided by Sara whose hard work earlier Bishop Hill Lodge #683 held its picnic Festival in Kingsburg, California, and in the day made possible this lovely treat and potluck at the Galva Park District. June was celebrated with a program enti - with our coffee and punch. Despite the hot weather and rain on tled “Midsummer, Myth and Magic.” Submitted by: LaVonne Lindall, Friday evening, this group of members, Submitted by: Ann Marie Richardson Cultural Leader family and guests enjoyed some good food. They also celebrated Mary On August 13th we had our annual Desert Viking Lodge #682 Christianson’s birthday. Crayfish and Shrimp Potluck. This year Palm Desert, CA instead of the crayfish we enjoyed the At the DL #15 Convention in next best thing, “Salmon.” We February, two of our members were Scandinavians love our salmon. awarded scholarships, Linda Lunstrum Following our delicious potluck and busi - Kosvic, Ellen Bergstone and Lauren ness meeting our Cultural Leader, Lunstrum and Raymond Johnson. In Monica Shipley, gave a wonderful pre - addition, one of our youth members, sentation about birch bark and how the Matthew Kosvic, is the DL #15 Vi-King. Swedes harvest it from the trees and At the March meeting the theme was transform it into many lovely and useful Easter. The members were invited to items. She showed us examples of these dress up as Easter witches, decorate and wonderful wooden crafts; candle holders, color Easter eggs. Refreshments baskets and wall decorations. “Sillsexa”/Easter Feast were provided by Members Mike and Corky Peterson Susanne Pepper, Kerstin Hakansson and and Roselind Gaviola just returned after Viola Wyler. “Tack ska ni ha!” Thank spending a lovely time in Sweden. Their you! tour group was led by an experienced During the April meeting, we had a guide that specialized in genealogy. Hobo theme and several members Those in attendance at our meeting were dressed in Hobo costumes. Following the treated to a wonderful photo tour of their meeting, the members were served a din - trip. Many of the photos were taken in the Midsommar Queen 2010 - Sally Christianson. ner of Hobo Stew provided by Viola old Swedish churches. It’s a beautiful Wyler. The members shared their experi - Sally Christianson, Midsommar sight to see the huge chandeliers still with ences with Hobos, and Viola talked about Queen 2010, daughter of Dave and Patty real candles hanging from the ceiling. Hobo’s in Sweden. Candy cigarettes were Christianson of Wataga, wore a Leksand Mike stood next to a baptismal font that passed around like stogies. We were dress that was a gift from Lillemor many, many years ago was used to bap - entertained by our members, Arne Horngren, founding member of Pride of tize his great-grandfather. It’s an amazing Ljunggren and Olof Wester, who are also the Family Vasa Youth & Children’s feeling walking in the footsteps of our Golden Valley members. We all got club. Sally helped to introduce Swedish forefathers. I remember traveling to involved with the sing-along, singing folk dancing to over 5,000 people. She is Sweden a few years ago and walking “King of the Road” and “Happy also interested in politics, plays piano, through the home where my father grew Wanderer.” electric bass guitar and violin. She is up in Småland. They are fond memories. On May 10th we celebrated our 43rd employed as a housekeeper for Galesburg Our 42nd Anniversary of Norden Anniversary at the Rock Garden Café in office of Hein Construction. Sally attends Lodge was celebrated on September 11th. Palm Springs. Several members were rec - Bethel Baptist Church in Galesburg and There were 19 who attended the fun ognized with member awards. Our May celebrated her 13th birthday on August event including our District Deputy, Paul 18th meeting was about Scandinavian 23. Jevert from Jenny Lind Lodge #388- Countries and we had a Taste of Submitted by: Jeff Anderson Turlock. The event was held in the club - Scandinavia, along with a program about house of member Helen Fosdick. Good Denmark (Marilyn Vik), Finland (Viola food, fellowship and memories. Wyler), Iceland (Arne Ljunggren), Seeking Your At the October 1st meeting we had a Sweden (Susanne Pepper), and Norway Swedish Roots?? cultural presentation called Runes/Viking (Linda Lunstrum Kosvic). alphabet by Ron Vaughan from the For our outreach, the members have E-mail: [email protected] Stordalen Lodge, Son’s of Norway- participated in several events. On March Continued on page 20

Vasa Star September-December 2010 Page 17 Holiday Greetings Unite Members and Lodges

District Lodge Lake Michigan #8 God Jul och wishes all our Vasa friends God Jul och Gott Nytt År Tom Cleveland, DM Gott Nytt År Ed Hultgren, VDM Nancy Hult, DS VASA ORDER OF AMERICA Joella Hultgren, ADS Brent Erickson, DT GRAND LODGE EXECUTIVE BOARD Steve Westlund, EBM Grand Master - William Lundquist Susan Cleveland, EBM Vice Grand Master - Tore Kellgren Linda Tylk, DHFS Grand Secretary - Joan Graham Andrea Wilczynski, DCL Grand Treasurer - Keith Hanlon Lynda Smith, DSCYS Vice Grand Secretary - Gail Olson Sheila Lundquist, PDM MEB-Eastern Region - Art Bjorkner Inez Törnblom, DC MEB-Midwest Region - Sten Hult Iva Lynn, DH MEB-Western Region - Ed Netzel MEB-Sweden - Ulf Alderlöf MEB-Canada Ken Banks

God Jul och Gott Nytt År Completing 103 Years in to All Our Vasa Friends Southwestern New York from God Jul och Thule Lodge #127 Best wishes for a happy and Gott Nytt År 4123 Pancake Hill Road • Bemus P{oint, NY healthy new year in 2011 Från Bishop Hill Lodge #683 God Jul och Ett Gott Nytt År Bishop Hill, Illinois from Siljan Mora Tuna Lodge #134 Chicago Area We Wish You All a Merry Christmas God Jul och Gott Nytt År And a Happy New Year från from Wishing you a Holiday Officers and Members Svea Lodge #296 Carl XVI Gustaf season filled with warmth, Lodge #716 happiness and cherished moments Erie, Pennsylvania God Jul och Gott Nytt År Dallas, Texas Oscars Borg Lodge #172 Philadelphia, PA

God Jul och Gott Nytt År God Jul och Gott Nytt År to our sister Merry Christmas and God Jul och Gott Nytt År Lodge Mälardrottningen #563 Happy New Year! and to all our Vasa Friends From all of us at Carl Widen Lodge #743 from Frihet Lodge #401 Austin, Texas Nobel Lodge #184 Seattle, Washington

Page 18 Vasa Star September-December 2010 Jul – och Nyårshälsningar från Distriktslogen Södra Sverige Nr 20 tttttttttttttttttttttttt tttttttttttttttttttttttt tttttttttttttttttttttttt ttttGod Jul och Gott Nytt År tt tttttillönskas alla Vasasyskon tt ttttGod Jul och Gott Nytt År ttKnut Rosenkvist ttDistriktslogen Södra tttt Maj-Lis Friedman tillönskas alla Vasasyskon ttSverige Nr 20 ttttLogen Skåne Nr 570 ttttLogen Höganäs Nr 634 tt Golden Valley Lodge #616, CA ttGod Jul och Gott Nytt År tttt tttillönskas tttttttttttttttttttttttt tttttttttttttttttttttttt ttalla Vasasyskon ttExecutive Board Members: tttttttttttttttttttttttttt tttttttttttttttttttttttt ttCatherine Bringselius Nilsson tttt ttÅke Mellnert Olle Wickström ttttGod Jul och Gott Nytt År ttIngrid Cannerhagen Bengt Hammargren ttGod Jul och Gott Nytt År tttillönskas alla Vasavänner ttAgneta Västerstjärna Bengt Åberg tttillönskas alla Vasasyskon tti USA, Kanada och Sverige ttMaureen Bengtsson Anita Nilsson ttLogen Höganäs Nr 634 ttGunnar och Siw Mossberg tt ttttPGLMEB tttttt tttttttttttttttttttttttt tttttttttttttttttttttttt tttttttttttttttttttttttt

tttttttttttttttttttttttt Distriktslogen Norra Sverige Nr 19 tt ttGod Jul och Gott Nytt År tttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt t t tttillönskas alla Vasasyskon Unite Members and Lodges ttGöran och Catherine t Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year t ttBringselius Nilsson t to All Our Vasa Friends in the US, Canada and Sweden t t Lisbeth H. Qvarfordt and Inge Hallberg, HM t ttDD DL Nr 680 och DM DL Nr 20 ttt FDM LL751 Norrköping t tttttttttttttttttttttttt tttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt

Vasa Star September-December 2010 Page 19 Norden Lodge #684 Scandia Lodge #728 Continued from page 17 Prescott, AZ Tulare, CA. Our Cultural Leader, Monica On June 27, 2010, Scandia Lodge Shipley, had planned for us to make our #728 held its Midsummer celebration. own runic stones. There were 25 members in attendance Once when touring in Jylland, who celebrated the occasion with barbe - Denmark, I had the opportunity to see cued brats and hot dogs; these were some of these interesting runic stones up accompanied by great potluck sides close and personal. They were made by brought by the participants. After enjoy - King Gorm whose significance stems ing their meal, they danced around the from the fact that the Danish royal line Maypole. proceeds unbroken to the present Danish Left to right: Margareta Hammarström, Submitted by: Dennis Malarkey monarch, Queen Margrethe. Monica Eklund, Jan Eklund, Pam, Sten Submitted by: Carole Ann Sell, Ekberg, and Carolyn Bagheri. Historian tions. Some of the containers were hidden in the park. Of course there was the usual “antiquing” at the shops in nearby Dillsboro and the Indian reservation in Cherokee. On Saturday evening there was a great cookout on the lawn and afterwards sing- along with Sten Ekberg leading the singing with his guitar. Altogether 17 guests were there to enjoy the weekend. Submitted by: Dale Nordin Busy in the kitchen. Glenn T. Seaborg Lodge #719 Sierra Kronan Lodge #737 Dallas, TX Roseville, CA Ron Vaughan and our Cultural Leader Glenn T. Seaborg Lodge #719 was In January, there was a joint installa - Monica Shipley did the presentation about busy at the “Marknad”-fest in Vasa Park, Rune stones. tion of officers and dinner with Monitor Agoura Hills, CA, held on Sunday, Sept. Lodge #218 of Sacramento. Their 24th 19. Seaborg Lodge prepared 300+ meat - Anniversary Luncheon was held at Marie Skogen Lodge #700 balls for the big Meatball Contest at Vasa Callendar’s Restaurant in Citrus Heights Park. Although they didn’t win, their Redding, CA on Sunday, February 21st. A short pre - Absolut Meatballs were a huge hit! sentation by “Swede” Englund from Once again, Skogen Lodge held its Seaborg also ran the Beer “Stuga” Skogen Lodge in Redding proved very annual picnic and fun day at (Swedish and American beers, soft informative. He showed us an example of Whiskeytown Lake. drinks, lingon punch and water), which a wooden shoe fiddle or “Träskofiol”; an Submitted by: Ann Marie Richardson was very successful. The day was a per - instrument originating in Skåne, Southern fect 80s fall day, with many Swedes from Sweden. It was very interesting to learn all over Southern California enjoying a Nordic Lodge #708 that this type of fiddle was generally relaxing day. made from well-worn left shoes. Atlanta, GA Submitted by: Phyllis Brandon Cultural co-chairs, Blanche Bradley In July, 2010, a group from Nordic and John Pearson continue to offer excel - Lodge spent the weekend in the moun - lent programs and have lined up a num - tains at the Nordin’s place in Bryson ber of presentations for 2010. In March, City, NC, for a Weekend Retreat. Their after a corned beef and cabbage dinner property is located close to the boundary prepared in observance of St. Patrick’s of the Smoky Mountain National Park. Day, Keith Hanlon from Svea Lodge On Saturday some of the activities that #348 in San Jose talked about the “The the guests participated in were tubing in Viking Invasion of Ireland.” Points of Deep Creek, hiking the trails along Deep interest included the time frame of the Creek and a sport called geo catching. Viking raids, which lasted from about This sport uses a GPS locator to find con - 795 AD to 1100 AD, the colonizing tainers hidden in various locations. The process, the founding of Dublin in 834, coordinates for these hidden boxes may and the fact that the Viking’s woolen be found on the internet. Then using underwear and oiled goatskin outerwear these coordinates and a GPS, the hidden Seaborg members working at the booth were were superior to modern cold weather box may be located. Inside the box there Mim Curtis, Elizabeth Busick, and Phyllis gear. is some kind of prize or further instruc - Brandon. Continued on page 21 Page 20 Vasa Star September-December 2010 Sierra Kronan Lodge #737 Jubileum Lodge #755 Continued from page 20 Madison, WI Cultural chairperson, Blanche Our 2010 “Midsommar” celebration was held at Arbor Covenant Church on Bradley, was initiated in 2007 and Saturday, June 19th. Summer is really just getting started in the American Midwest on became very involved in the activities at “Midsommar,” so we’re never really sure what the season holds in store. They day Sierra Kronan and continues to be a great itself wasn’t as hot and humid as the last few, but the summer of 2010 has turned out asset to the Lodge. In April, she present - to be warm and wet. ed a talk on Leif Eriksson entitled As usual, the dancers started out numerous and energetic and ended few and not so “Looking Back at History.” energetic. We were blessed with lots of visitors, especially the extended family of In May, Gwen Myers, a new member member Gunilla Rubasch, and Kjell-Eric Anderson warmed our hearts with Swedish who joined in November of 2009, pre - accordion music throughout the afternoon. sented a genealogical adventure called “Looking for Morfar.” Gwen is the co- leader of the Sun City Roseville Genealogy Club and is also Vice President of the Sacramento area Historical and Genealogy Council. Submitted by: Ann Marie Richardson

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E-mail: [email protected] The “smörgåsbord” featured some world-champion Swedish cheese. We in Wisconsin wondered about that, but had to agree it was “not bad.” The summer fruit The Vasa website at salads practically brought tears to my eyes. Thanks to all who provided us with food www.vasaorder.com contains and drink. a “materials button” which I suppose that in times of famine, war, epidemic, and personal bereavement the gathering with family and friends, putting up the pole, dancing, singing, and sharing has the listing of audio visual the food, lift the spirits. materials available. We started our 2010-2011 year with a short September program on Sunday the 12th at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Our Historian, Robert Merrill, reported from the Lake Michigan District Lodge #8 convention, and repeated the “Vasa 101” presenta - tion from a year ago. It describes the history and organization of the Vasa Order. If you are unable to use the We’re easing into autumn (we take our summers seriously in Wisconsin) so atten - Vasa website, you can still ask dance was low, but we did welcome a visitor and enrolled a new member. He looked that a listing be sent to you by us up because his mother back in Connecticut introduced him to her local lodge, he liked it, and sought us out. Thanks, Mom! mail. Submitted by: Robert T. Merrill

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Vasa Star September-December 2010 Page 21 SWEDISH NEWS Logen Skåne Nr 570 Logen Carlskrona Nr 601 och duka upp den medhavda matsäcken. Snart hördes glatt samspråk runt borden. Amerikaafton. Höstens första möte Som avslutning bjöds vi, också en tradi - hölls fredagen den 10 september, vi var tion, på tårta dekorerad som USA:s flag - 27 medlemmar som samlats denna kväll, ga. ritualenligt möte leddes av VO br. Per Tack till alla som ordnat denna trevli - Dahlman. Under punkt Kontakt Amerika ga utflykt! berättade KL br. Olle Olsson om Insänt av: Elsa Arvidsson. svenskättlingen Leroy Anderson, Leroys Foto: Lars-Åke Sjöberg farmor och farfar Hanna och Nils utvandrade till Amerika 1882. Leroy Anderson blev känd som kompositör av “poppig konsertmusik” och dirigent. Hans musik spelades av orkestrar världen över. Hans Blue Tango sålde över 2 miljoner exemplar och nådde 1:a plats på USA:s Hit Parade 1952. Han har även en stjärna på Hollywood Walk of Två bröder som underhåller. Fame . Lördagen den 12 juni firade logen Efterkapitlet började med kräft Carlskrona Nr 601, 15-års jubileum på och räkfrossa med tillhörande snaps Hässlegården hos Kärstin Holmberg- 4:e juli firande. och naturligtvis snapsvisor. DD Gunilla Jönsson. Ett 40-tal logesyskon trotsade med make Sven Broddessson berättade väder och vind denna dag. Logen hade om deras 7-veckors resa i Amerika, besök av Logen Skåne Nr 570 och logen Logen Höganäs Nr 634 de körde inte mindre än 1200 mil, de Ronneby Nr 630. berättade även om Storlogemötet. Som vanligt samlades vi kl. 15,00 då Vi var 10 stycken från Logen Höganäs som begav oss till USA för att vara med Årets utflykt för medlemmar i vår loge Sy. Kärstin hälsade all välkomna. på den 37th Grand Lodge Convention 2-8 gick i år till norra delen av Skåne. Jordgubbstårtorna smakade utmärkt och alla åt med god aptit. July 2010 Washington DC, som gäster. Samlingspunkt var vid Munka Ljungby Vi var alla förväntansfulla och vi fick där en av många Heagårdar är belägna Lekar och tävlingar med sång och musik avgjordes under tiden som grillen verkligen vara med om en fin vecka. Vi (Heagård betyder gården på heden). var och tittade på House of Sweden och Denna Heagård är ett museum sen 36 år blev varm, kön blev snabbt lång och stämningen var hög under hela kvällen. på Mt. Vernon där USA:s förste presi - tillbaka, man får en känsla av Herrgård dent, George Washington, bodde. Vi när man ser det pampiga bostadshuset i Efteråt samlades vi på lövad loge där dansen började, innan goda rabarberpajer firade även 4 juli i Washington DC med tegel med hög gråstensgrund och stora med vaniljsås och kaffe serverades, lot - raketer av stora mått. ekonomibyggnader i korsvirke, den är teri med fina vinster. Innan kvällen var Sista kvällen i Washington var det byggd år 1862. Hela husets inredning slut bjöds vi på underhållning av två bankett. Där pratade vi med många står intakt som det var för över 100 år bröder som agerade varvsarbetare som vasavänner och många kontakter togs. Vi sedan. Den parkliknande, välbevarade samtalade under sin kafferast. fick en ny vänloge, Kronan Lodge Nr 1800-tals trädgården i tysk stil är härlig Ett stort tack till Er alla som gjorde 433, Saint Paul, Minnesota. att promenera i. sommarfesten till ännu en fin Vasaträff. Vår färd gick vidare per bil, och vi I ekonomibyggnaderna finns en Insänt av: Göran Svensson begav oss till Johnstown där Höganäs AB fungerande gammal bysmedja, ett polis - har en fabrik som vi besökte. Resan fort - museum och ett brandkårsmuseum. Logen Eskilstuna Nr 633 satte och vi åt en middag hos Amishfolket , vilket var en upplevelse. Vi Färden fortsatte därefter till Bjärnum Logen firade som vanligt 4:e juli, i år där vi besökte museét som är ett av körde vidare efter en god nattsömn och vid Jädersgården. Vi var kanske inte lika hamnade på Pine Tree Barn , Wooster Sveriges finaste med anor från 1800-talet. många som vanligt, men hade en mycket Där finns också byggnader från 1600- Ohio. Ett ställe som odlade granar, men trevlig eftermiddag med vasasyskon, hade en liten shop med servering. Helt talet. gäster och även vasasyskon från USA. underbart ställe! Nästa stopp var Niagara På eftermiddagen åt vi god buffé på Vi började med att hissa den Fallen. Det går bara inte och beskriva hur Restaurang Tre Hammare. Eftersom amerikanska flaggan och sjöng USA:s fint det är. untertecknad bor i Bjärnum bjöd vi hem nationalsång. Här fordras nog lite mer Vi körde runt Fingersjöarna och stan - deltagarna på kaffe och kakor och som då övning, men vi jobbar på detta. nade där för att besöka Swedish Hills också avslutade denna utflykt. Jag rek - Så blev det en tipspromenad och en Vineyard . Där blev det vinprovning och ommenderar varmt besök på dessa femkamp. Alla gav sig in i leken med vi kom fram till att det vita vinet var ställen. samma entusiasm. godast. Insänt av: Olle Olsson, KL Sedan var det dags att samlas inomhus Continued on page 23

Page 22 Vasa Star September-December 2010 Logen Höganäs Nr 634 slutade vår resa och vi var hemma igen Continued from page 22 den 24 juli. Vi har haft vårt första logemöte för hösten. Vi var 45 Vasasyskon och 6 gäster som träffades. O Sy Evy Lindstrand hälsade oss all välkomna, då speciellt vår DD Br Alf Nilsson med fru, Sy Ingrid. O Sy Evy Lindstrand lämnade en rap - port från Storlogemötet i Washington DC. KL Sy Ingrid Berg läste upp häl - Dr. Beijbom and Vilhelm Moberg (bust). sningar från våra vänloger, Three Crowns Lodge Nr 91, Massachusetts och från -/ I was particularly fascinated by Tucson Lodge Nr 691, Arizona och rap - Moberg’s ability to make the past come porterade från besöket i Worcester och alive. /---/ Moberg’s postscript in ‘The Boston. Last Letter to Sweden,’ where with a cer - Alla vi från Logen Höganäs Nr 634. Högst LH Br Gunnar Lindstrand berättade tain exaggeration Moberg concluded that upp från vänster: Hasse och Berit Bogren, a larger historical work was still lacking Bengt Jönsson. Nedanför från vänster Ulla om tjänstemannakonferensen i Ljungby där han tyckte det var intressant att höra on the more than one million Swedish Jönsson och Ingrid Berg. Nederst från vän - America-immigrants, struck deeply in me ster: Jan Berg, Gunnar och Evy Lindstrand hur andra logehistorier arbetade. Han gav och Leif och Bodil Larsson. oss även en tillbakablick på gamla and became a challenge. One can say that logemöten. my interest in history made a kick-turn Vi träffade vasavänner i Worcester från Efter högtidlig ljussläckning avslu - from the Great Power period to the peas - Nordic Lodge Nr 611 och kontakten där tades mötet och salen dukades om till ants of the 1800s. Several years later this var med Larry Stidsen. Vi besökte också efterkapitlet.Våra gäster hälsades was to lead me onto an almost boundless Tre Kronor Nr 91 i Boston. Vi blev myck - välkomna av O Sy Evy Lindstrand. Vid research field and the unsettling acquain - et väl omhändertagna på båda ställena. kaffet fick vi lyssna till en intressant tance with Vilhelm Moberg. As a histori - Färden fortsatte och vi hamnad ei reseskildring genom Bohuslän i ord och an mocked by him, I was to become, in a Boston. Där åt vi naturligtvis hummer. bild av Karlo Pesjak från Hässleholm. way, one of the workers in his garden.” Nu började vi närma oss New York och Dansen till “husbandet” satte igång Today, Dr. Beijbom, on both sides of där var vi våra sista 4 dagar på vår resa . och som avslutning den sedvanliga lot - the Atlantic, is an authority in the vast Ellis Island var en av platserna vi teridragningen. field of Swedish Emigration history. The besökte, Rockefeller Center ett annat. En Insänt av: Ingrid Berg, KL, Logen decisive factor seems to have been his kväll var vi och såg Mama Mia. Där Höganäs Nr 634 Uncle Albert in America who, unaware, set the final course concerning his future direction across the academic obstacle course at the request of Uppsala history professor Sten Carlsson. It was Uncle Albert who in the summer of 1946, with a shining American eagle on his uniform hat, came home to visit and later, after his nephew had documented his knowledge of the USA in his student essay “The United States” Development into a Great Power,” met Ulf in New York when he arrived with 10,000 cards containing information about Swedish immigrants in Chicago that eventually resulted in Alla svenskar med sin regalier. “Swedes in Chicago” in the Carolina University library dissertation register. Logen Kristina Nr 656 Concerning his cousin Carl’s understand - Kristinehamn ing of the old world’s idyll, synonymous with the city of Sollefteå in the old days, The House of Emigrants (The Swedish their kin in North America. Dr. Beijbom has, nonetheless, kindly Emigration Center) in Växjö, Småland is Since 1988 Dr. Ulf Beijbom has been tried to avoid shattering the illusion. For a widely known Swedish stronghold of a professor of Emigration History, and Americans of Swedish ancestry, it would emigration research, and, after The during his 36 years as head of the appear that it isn’t always the current Swedish American Center in Karlstad, Swedish Emigrant Institute in Växjö, he Swedish conditions that are interesting, Värmland, the second oldest institution in has authored some 30 books. His interest but rather the old origins that capture our Sweden carrying on documentation of was aroused at an early age in fiction attention. emigrant history to promote emigration authors, and as he now reflects “Vilhelm When, in early summer, Lodge research, in addition to strengthening the Moberg offered an epic reading experi - Kristina #656 of Kristinehamn, Värmland ence that beat what I had found earlier. /-- ties between Swedes from Sweden and Continued on page 24 Vasa Star September-December 2010 Page 23 Logen Kristina Nr 656 Logen Härnösand Nr 673 även nästa år. Han har ju inte fyllt mer än Continued from page 23 80 ännu. Sommar och sol, ja ett riktigt härligt Insänt av: Barbro Sundgren, KL made the members’ journey of 2010, in sommarväder hade vi som vanligt den 4:e Photo: Barbro Sundgren, KL addition to other activities and fellowship juli. Den dag då familjen Wigert enligt I strålande vackert väder med +25° enrooted, the final destination was tradition återigen inbjudit till Sverige- Växjö’s House of Emigrants where Dr. inleddes hösten 2010 som vanligt med Amerika-dag på sin farm i Brunne, bouletävling den 14 augusti på Beijbom graciously welcomed the group, Stigsjö. made a presentation and led a guided tour Kanaludden. Karl Wigert inleder dagen med att Ett tjugotal deltagare gjorde sitt bästa through the permanent exhibition (“The hälsa dryga hundratalet logesyskon och Dream about America”) on the premises. för att få kloten så nära lillen som gäster välkomna. Amerikas och Kanadas möjligt. Efter första omgången var det Guests and members from Lodge Skövde flaggor hedras och Du gamla du fria #626 were also invited to take part in this dags för medhavd picknick där Kjell sin sjungs. vana trogen ställde upp med allsång som two-day excursion under heavenly blue Från Mälardrottningen kom Rolf och skies and in fulfillment of the fact that Bosse Selin spelade till på sitt dragspel. Greta Öhgren på besök. Rolf gav en liten Sedan följde ytterligare en our Order is a Swedish-American återblick på hur Vasa Logen bildades i Fraternal and Cultural Organization. spelomgång och vilket lag som vann, ja Amerika för att hjälpa våra emigrerade det var ju inte det väsentligaste utan att Submitted by: Alf Brorson, landsmän som kommit i trångmål kanske Assistant Cultural Leader som vanligt ha en trevlig samvaro med på grund av sjukdom. Många Loger bil - logesyskon. dades där efterhand och så lite även här i Logen Tre Hjärtan Nr 665 Vice ordförande Bengt Nyberg tack - Sverige. ade värdarna Pia och Kjell Hamrin samt Dagens andakt hölls av prästen Anders Aina Lindström för att som vanligt ha Sundqvist. Han berättade bl.a om en icke ställt upp med anordnandet av denna dag. så kyrklig svensk på besök i Amerika där I tacket instämde alla deltagande för han hörde en psalm som han tyckte var så en trevlig eftermiddag där samtliga sken vacker att den måste han ta med hem för ikapp med solen och sa sig se fram emot att få översatt till svenska så den kunde nästa möte. sjungas även i Sverige. Lite snopen blev Insänt av: Bo Selin, Vice Kulturledare han nog när han fick höra att det var en svensk psalm nämligen O store Gud. Vi fick sen tillsammans med Anders förträf - fliga sång och gitarrspel sjunga den vack - ra psalmen. Sverige Amerika Dagen firas. Familjen Krantz hade sen stort pådrag Sverige Amerika Dagen den 4 Juli. med instrument trakterade av far och Det va 16 medlemmar från logen och söner samt med sång av dotter Ellen.Vi 4 gäster, DD Olle Olsson med hustru Sy. förflyttades till andra sidan pölen med Inga-Britt och Sy. Gertrud och. Br. Sven hennes härliga sångarglädje och texter på Åke Sjöstrand från logen Skåne Nr 570 rätt språk. Sen kom Trio Mylta och sjöng som samlades hemma hos paret Sy. och spelade cittra. Gunnel och Elis Ljungek, som har en En paus i all underhållning för picnic Ulla och Sture Weserlund myser i solen. gård en bit utanför Halmstad. Vi mottogs gjordes och där bjöds de uppträdande på med franprydd grind vid ingången till en en festlig buffelunch av Wigerts. Logen Kongahälla Nr 702 vacker, med avsikt vildvuxen trädgård, Eftermiddagen inleddes av Knut Den sedvanliga Vikingadagen, i Logen med massor av blommor ur vår vilda Nordkvist som kom med bl.a dikten Kongahälla Nr 702, var i år lördagen den fauna. Ordf. Br. Elve Lensvall höll ett Hängbjörken . Han kan sina många år till 21 augusti. kortare tal om vår orden och hälsade oss trots, recitera nästan hur många dikter I ett vackert väder kunde de nära 60- välkomna, efter detta spelades Sveriges som helst på ett alldeles utmärkt sätt. talet deltagarna, många i tidstypisk och Amerikas nationalsånger under det Krantzs återkom och kunde nu riva av vikingaklädsel, samlas vid Inlandsgården i att fanorna paraderades. Efter en många fler låtar med en skönsjungande Kärna, för att bl.a. utse Årets Viking och välkomstdrink bjöds det på buffé med söt dotter Ellen och spelande och doande Årets Hedersvikingar. Biträdande matjesill och potatis, kassler med potatis - söner. Ett verkligen skönt gäng som såg Vikingahövdingen Br Jan-Eric Berntsson gratäng samt jordgubbar till dessert, det ut att trivas med både musiken och varan - inledde som vanligt kvällens festligheter smakade utmärkt gott att intaga detta i dra. Härligt att se och höra. med en trumpetfanfar varefter denna härliga trädgård. Eftersom vi var Sen dök helt plötsligt Elvis Presly upp Vikingahövdingen Br Sune Börjesson häl - på en gård som Br. Elis och Sy. Gunnel med några av sina stora hits. Han kallas sade alla deltagarna hjärtligt välkomna. Så bedriver hästuppfödning på och har visst för Kjell Eriksson ibland. var det då dags för det spännande flera sorters djur kunde vi studera hästar, Nu kom Kalle Wigert och inbjöd alla ögonblicket där Br Sune Börjesson skulle kor, ankor, höns, kycklingar m m. till ett fantastiskt kaffebord med massor tillkännage namnen på de utsedda Det var en trevlig och avkopplande efter - av läckra hembakta kakor. Sen tackade vikingarna. middag. Vi tackade Sy. Gunnel och Br. ordf. Kalle Bäcklund å allas vägnar, för Till Årets Viking utsågs vår Br Karl- Elis. en fantastiskt trevlig och innehållsrik dag. Eric Magnusson. Br Karl-Eric har varit Kalle Wigert lovar att välkomna oss Insänt av: Olle Olsson, DD Continued on page 25

Page 24 Vasa Star September-December 2010 Logen Kongahälla Nr 702 Logen Filbyter Nr 714 Continued from page 24 Linköping medlem i vår Loge sedan 1974 och har Vid årets Barkerydsdagar fick logens under många år innehaft ett flertal medlem sy Inga-Lisa Calissendorff och tjänstemannauppdrag inom vår Loge, henne framlidne make Gusten samt såsom Kaplan, Kulturledare, Vice makarna Evert och Gunnel Jonsson en Ordförande och Materialförvaltare samt alldeles särskild uppmärksamhet. Det var varit Logens Distriktsdelegat vid The Swedish Club of Houston och Texas Distriktsmöte. Således ett mycket bra val Lucia som till Hembygdsföreningen som av Årets Viking. gåva överlämnade två gjutjärnssoffor. Även Årets Hedersvikingar, Sy Märtha Detta till åminnelse av det enastående Här avnjutesdet medhavda kaffet med ladugår - Albinsson och Sy Marianne Claesson, arbete som ovannämnda par utfört när det den i bakgrunden inrymmande spinneri, väveri, utställnings- och butikslokaler. var mycket välmeriterade för sina gäller Texas Lucias årliga besök vid utmärkelser. Sy Märtha och Sy Marianne Barkerydsdagarna. Årets besök var det tju - gånger givit företaget utmärkelsen har varit mycket aktiva i Logens goandra i ordningen. Sofforna som placer - “Utmärkt Svensk Form.” Representation Damklubb “Sabina,” från starten 1973 ats på verandan vid den så kalladee på Världsutställningen i Sevilla och lever - fram t.o.m. 2009, då Damklubben förkla - “Sethastugan” är försedda med skyltar anser till Harrods i London är exempel på rade sig vilande tills vidare. Damklubben med paren Calissendorffs och Jonssons den internationella etableringen. har under alla åren varit ekonomiskt stöd - namn och skall påminna om hur mycket Ullfiltar i modern formgivning, beredda jande för såväl vår Loge Kongahälla Nr fint arbete som sker i det tysta. enligt gamla hantverksmetoder har blivit 702 som våra två Aktivitetsklubbar Insänt av: Arne Samuelsson, företagets signatur. Med filtar gjorde man Vasakören Nr 10 och Vasa Folkdansare Ordförande entré på den japanska marknaden på från Kungelf Nr 11. Damklubben har även utställningen Swedish Good Design i under åren skänkt stora penninggåvor till Tokyo 1997. I ladugården finns förutom olika hjälporganisationer samt arrangerat Logen Knallen Nr 745 tillverkning också utställningslokal och Logens vårfester på Valborgs- En vacker majlördag drog vi åstad med butik. En fantastisk liten nisch i svensk mässoaftonen. vår buss på den vårliga utflykten.Våra exportindustri. Denna del av ceremoni avslutades med resmål var i år något mer avlägsna än van - Innan vi lämnade Storeryd avnjöt vi att Sy Birgitta Haraldsson läste varannan ligt. Vi lämnade sålunda Sjuhäradsbygden vårt medhavda kaffe på gårdsplanen Vårt vers och gästerna sjöng varannan vers ur och satte kurs på Östergötland, närmare nästa mål var Ellen Keys Strand vid “Vikingabalken.” bestämt Östergötlands Ullspinneri och Ombergs sluttning mot Vättern. Ellen Key Efter denna ceremoni var det dags att Ellen Keys Strand, båda i närheten av (1849-1926) känner vi som samhällsdebat - gå in i Inlandsgården för att inmundiga Ödeshög. Vi hade emellertid inte vädergu - tör i främst kvinnosaks-, barn-, skol- och kvällens måltid som bestod av grillat kött, darna med oss på framresan. Regn och familjefrågor. Hon gav ut flera böcker och grönsaker och potatisgratäng samt dessert dimma skymde den vackra utsikten från betraktas som en av våra mest inflytelseri - av glass med kaffe. motorvägen norr om Jönköping, av många ka författare inom dessa områden, även För musiken denna dag, till såväl ansedd vara en av de vackraste utanför landets gränser. Någon skönlitterär allsången som den efterföljande dansen, motorvägssträckorna i Sverige. produktion ägnade hon sig inte åt. Efter ett svarade vår musiker Kenneth Fagerberg. När vi så småningom på slingrande intensivt och kringflackande liv sökte hon Under kvällen blev det naturligtvis skogsvägar nådde Storeryd, någon mil välbehövlig ro i sitt vackra Strand, som även tid för kaffe med god tårta samt öster om Vättern, bröt solen fram och byggdes 1910. Här tillbringade hon sin tid dragning på kvällens lotterier. Åter igen en visade sig sedan i stort sett resten av fram till sin död 1926. Strand finns i stort lyckad Vasaafton. dagen. Här har vi Östergötlands sett oförändrat som museum men också Insänt av: Rolf Claesson Ullspinneri. Ulla-Karin Hellsten och Börje upplåtet för författare och kulturella sam - Norberg bor på den gamla lantgården och mankomster. driver företaget sedan 1981. Omgivna av Vi fick en intressant guidning genom betande finullsfår på fälten och den gamla det vackra hemmet, präglat av bl a ljusa ladugården, upprustad och tillbyggd för enfärgade tapeter och mjuka, avrundade själva produktionen och med bara en linjer. anställd. Här kardas, spinns och vävs Efter en rundtur på vackra, mäktiga maskinellt men i stor utsträckning med Omberg och en välsmakande lunch gick maskiner, som övertagits från nedlagda färden hemåt, dock med ett kort uppehåll i fabriker, inte minst i Sjuhäradsbygden. Gränna för, naturligtvis, besök i polkagris - Här finns t ex “Spinning Jenny,” en gam - bageri och -butik. En kaffepaus strax norr mal spinnmaskin, äldst i Sverige i produk - om Jönköping vid Vätterns strand, och vi tion men enligt Börje överlägsen alla mod - var snart hemma i Borås på planerad tid erna maskiner. Garnet blir fylligare, efter en synnerligen intressant och Årets Viking Br Karl-Eric Magnusson (sit - upplevelserik dag. Stort beröm och tack tande) med Årets Hedersvikingar: Sy Märtha jämnare och starkare, men det tar tid att Albinsson (t.v.) och Sy Marianne Claesson framställa. Här finns också tre gamla till arrangörerna Leine och Rune (t.h.). Dessutom fr.v. O Br Sune Börjesson, Sy jaquardvävstolar i full drift. Det produc - Johansson med hjälp av Lilian Ewe Birgitta Haraldsson samt Vikingavakterna, Br eras stickgarn, strumpor, tröjor och filtar. Ericson. Gerhard Arvidsson och Br Lars-Åke Larsson. Speciell design och kvalitet har fyra Insänt av: Ingvar Carlén

Vasa Star September-December 2010 Page 25 Welcome To Our New Members

On behalf of the Grand Lodge and members of the Vasa Order of America, I am pleased to welcome you to membership in these local Vasa lodges. If you are new to the Vasa Order of America we bid you welcome. If you are transferring or are a dual member, your new lodge bids you welcome. We hope you will enjoy your membership and will participate in all of the activities planned for you. Tore Kellgren, Grand Lodge Membership Chairman 5971 W. Walbrook Dr. San Jose, CA 95129 E-mail: [email protected]

GRAND LODGE JURISDICTION Denise DiDomenico DL GOLDEN GATE NO. 12 Carl Widen #743 Dagmar Heien Framåt #405 David Vassberg Jimmy Heien Mimi Holtermann-Docto Charly Pedersen Sveaborg #449 DL CONNECTICUT NO. 1 Diana VanYahres Judith Onopchenko Karl XII #103 George VanYahres Norden #684 Linda Anderson Grethe Zarnitz Inger Jernberg Maureen Kenney Joseph Zarnitz Jacquelyn O’Keefe Henry Paski Lyckan #507 Karen O’Keefe Robert Olson Valhalla Scandinavians #746 DL MASSACHUSETTS NO. 2 Viking #735 Mardelle Ann Probasco Viking #756 Annelise Kuld Smith Kyle Bostrom Anna Elizabeth Sunnergren DL PACIFIC NORTHWEST NO. 13 Kristina Athey Frihet #401 Donna Jackson-Kohlin DL LAKE MICHIGAN NO. 8 Jon R. Helgren Sigurd Kohlin Linne #153 Karla M. Hemingway Sinikka Lisbe Roinila Harmoni #472 DL RHODE ISLAND NO. 3 Kronan #179 Gunilla Orr Svea #362 Marjorie Johnson Emily Conlogue Viljan #349 DL PACIFIC SOUTHWEST NO. 15 Thomas Conlogue Jason Lekander Viking #256 Janice M. Johnson Hagar #721 Jan Stenstrom Kenneth R. Johnson III Edwin C. Backman Golden Valley #616 Susan Tavares Karen W. Rudnick Dorothy Burns Jane E. Tetrault Jubelium #755 Brad Fagerstrom Mikie Kuhman Mary Elizabeth Fagerstrom DL NEW YORK NO. 4 Walton Orvyl Schalick, III Inga Francis Thule #127 Amanda Marie Holstein Timothy Cudney DL PENNSYLVANIA NO. 9 Amanda Polutanovich Roger Johnson Nobel-Monitor #130 Gunilla Polutanovich Leslie Larson Dorothy Johnson Broz Larry Polutanovich Gordon Lund Philip Johnson Dagny Svensson Ruth McKinley Oscars Borg #172 Laurie Taylor Kathleen Peterson Susan Sjostrom Rebecka Michelle Thorsen David Phelps Svea #296 Delphine Trowbridge Amy Sanderson Linda Lee Graffius Lindsey Wendt Olympic #235 Northern Light #620 Linnea Abrahamsen DL SUPERIOR NO. 10 Judith Blumberg Nancy Dahlstrom-McCann Superior #423 Joanne Stolpe Shirley Bergman DL NEW JERSEY NO. 6 Lois Bressette Arlington #62 Kelly Fay Andrews Kathleen Ann Eger Eric James Groething Please remember the Grand Lodge Scholarship Fund Willamina Maj Groething Catherine Hind and the Vasa National Archives when making a James H. Johnson Judy D. Johnson memorial donation. Vasa Scholarship Fund, Joan Gary M. Moore David Mullen Graham GS, 5838 San Jose Ave., Richmond, CA Maryalice Mullen Roberta Olson Michael A. Trapani 94804 ~ Vasa Archives, Jake Gruel, Financial Frithiof #63 Ronald Brooks Secretary, 13716 W. Lilac Lane, New Berlin, WI Michael Charey Christine Davies 53151. Gary Davies Page 26 Vasa Star September-December 2010 YOUTH NEWS passed out gifts to the Kristina Kids and for a few days, to make the trip to this Kids Jeopardy was gracious enough to allow his picture 7,00 foot camping area. Kristina Club #161 and RI District #3 to be taken with them. Long live the Several people are to be thanked for are proud to announce that one of our King! all their efforts: Myrtle Widmark, Gail children is a nationwide celebrity! Submitted by: Lily B. Zarli Nemy and Betty Newstrom; the latter of On Thursday, July 8, if you were DCL - District #3 whom is responsible for getting so many watching TV you probably saw our own of her family together for this entertain - Jessica Anderson on Kids’ Jeopardy. ing weekend. And, if you want to partici - Jessica went online a few months ago, pate in “Swedish Train,” Scott Matthews took tests, etc., and was flown out to is your man. California to meet with Alex Trebek. She This year was cooler than usual due to and the other 10-to-12 year old contes - the late melting of the heavy snow pack. tants answered questions in various cate - When the camp opened in early July gories that I’m sure would stump most of there was a lot of snow still on the us. Although not the big winner, Jessica ground which brought out the much pro - did a great job and apparently had a super tected and very vivid red Snow Flower. time meeting Alex, the other kids and Edy thanks all of you for your support doing a lot of sightseeing. When ques - and hopes to see all of you again next tioned before the program, Jessica’s year. Tack så mycket! answer to the question “What are you Submitted by: Edy Anderson doing this summer?” was, “I have set a goal to read 20 books a week” (that’s right, I said WEEK)! And knowing Jessica, I’m sure she reached her goal. Back Row: Michael Gomez, Erik Halvarson, Submitted by: Lily B. Zarli Meghan Anderson, Marissa Anderson. Front DCL - District #3 Row: Hope Halvarson, King Ray Johnson, and Emily Gomez. Trollebo Swedish Family Summer Camp On July 29, 2010, camps participating in the 8th annual Trollebo Swedish Family Summer Camp arrived at Silver Camp participants. Lake Campground. There was a smaller group this year, but everyone took advantage of the many activities we offered. There were lan - KIDS guage/cultural events, Kubb, crafts (knit - ting, wreath making, tie-dyeing). In addi - tion many took advantage of the out - Jessica Anderson with Alex Trebek. CORNER standing fishing and hiking opportunities offered in this beautiful setting the High Kristina Club #161 Sierras. Apparently the witches had their Although the temperature Gods were Kids Corner GPS(s) working on Walpurgis Eve when somewhat unfavorable, most of the group Contest Winner they passed over Little Rhody Park on participated in an enjoyable star-gazing the way to Blåkulla because they decided experience to watch the arrival of the full Nancy Thenstedt , to drop in and have a snack with the kids moon and planet Jupiter. Assistant Secretary, from Kristina Club #161! They didn’t Director Edy Anderson extends a very Viking Lodge #735, stay very long though and they were big “welcome” to all Vasa members and was the winner of the chased out in good fashion before the friends to join next year’s camp, July 28- Kids Corner Contest evening was over. Witches weren’t the 31, 2011. She emphasized that although for submitting her only visitors we had – the kids had been many school districts are already in ses - grandson Shaun Berry, learning the words to “Ja ma han leva” sion during this time, cabin sites will be Sjölunden Scholarship and were able to welcome an unexpected available. She cautions, however, that the Essay. visitor – none other than King Carl XVI reservation deadline must be adhered to. She was awarded a gift certificate Gustaf! Since the King was celebrating This is a wonderful time for anyone from the POSTCAKE COMPANY his birthday on April 30 we all joined in wanting to experience the beauty of the INC. with the birthday song. He (Ray Johnson) Sierra Nevada Range and just get away

Vasa Star September-December 2010 Page 27 CULTURE Christmas in Sweden and drinks vary from region to region other presents. However, Nicholas throughout Sweden. always gave his gifts late at night, so that Here, the Christmas celebrations begin After Christmas Eve dinner, a family his identity would remain a secret. He did with the first of Advent. The Swedish member or a friend dresses up as "tomte" not like to be seen when he gave away Christmas jubilations are similar to the or Christmas gnome sticking a white presents, so the children of the day were Norwegian Christmas festivities in that it beard, wearing red robes and giving away told to go to sleep quickly or he would starts with "Luciadagen,” the Saint Lucia from his sack gifts, many of which have a not come! Nicholas was eventually ceremony. As in Norway, on the morning funny rhyme attached on them that hints named the patron saint of children and of 13th December, the boys dress up as at their contents. sailors (because of his concern for sailors star boys in long white shirts and pointed Christmas Day in Sweden is a quite and ships) and came to be known as Saint hats and carry star wands. The youngest day, compared to Christmas Eve. Some Nicholas. daughter from each Swedish family puts people attend the “Julottan,” a church ser - Through the centuries many stories on a white robe with a red sash and wears vice held on the early morning of and legends have been told of Saint a crown of evergreens on the head with December 25. Churches are lit up entirely Nicholas' life and deeds. One popular long, illuminated candles attached to it. by candles for this service. Many people account tells us of a poor peasant who With other children, she wakes her par - indulge in an extended Christmas Eve lived happily in a small cottage in Patara, ents and serves them with coffee and celebration on this day, going to restau - Saint Nicholas' hometown, with his wife Lucia buns. rants and amusement parks with their and three daughters. But their happiness In Sweden, the windows of almost friends or loved ones. was short-lived when the wife suddenly every shop are seen to be lit up with elec - On January 13, known here as died of an illness one day, leaving the tric candles and glowing stars by mid- “Knutdagen,” the Christmas celebrations poor man and his three daughters in December. In Swedish homes, Christmas come to an end and all Christmas decora - despair. All the burden of household trees are usually brought in one or two tions are removed. chores now fell upon the daughters while days before Christmas. Everyone in the their father trudged on with his life with a family actively participate in decorating The Christmas Stocking heavy heart. the tree with candles, apples, Swedish A Christmas stocking refers to an When the daughters reached a mar - flags, straw ornaments and even small empty sock or sock-shaped bag that riageable age, the poor father became figures representing gnomes wearing red children hang on Christmas Eve in the even more depressed for he knew he tasseled caps. The indoors of houses are belief that it is to be filled with presents could in no way marry them off to good adorned with flowers such as red tulips. by Santa Claus. The gifts are generally of men. In those days a young woman's The festival, however, is observed a small nature, consisting of small father had to offer prospective husbands most grandly on December 24, or toys, goodies like candies and fruits, something of value - a dowry. Without a Christmas Eve. As in other nations, coins or other such items that are often dowry, this poor man's daughters were Christmas here is a holiday celebrated in referred to as stocking stuffers or stock - unlikely to marry. The helpless father the company of friends and family mem - ing fillers. The bigger gifts are wrapped looked around desperately for some solu - bers. Delicious dishes serve to make the in paper and placed near the Christmas tion while her daughters did their own occasion more enjoyable. "Risgrynsgröt,” tree. cooking, sewing and cleaning. rice porridge specially prepared during The tradition of Christmas stockings is Meanwhile, Saint Nicholas had come Christmas here, and is enjoyed by many said to have originated from the actions to know of the poor peasant and his people. Hidden in it is an almond; the of a kind noble man named Nicholas, daughters. Knowing the financial condi - person who finds it in his or her bowl is who was born in 280 AD, in Patara, a tion of the father, the kindly saint decided believed to marry in the coming year. city of Lycia, in Asia Minor. While still to help him. But he wanted to do this The custom is similar to the tradition of young, his wealthy parents died in an epi - secretly. So he went to the peasant's having "lillejulaften" in Norway. The demic. A true follower of Jesus Christ's house one night with a bag of gold and Christmas Eve dinner may be a principles, Nicholas became a Christian waited for the family to go to bed before “smörgåsbord” (julbord), or buffet with a priest and used all his riches to help the he could throw the bag through the open display of several Christmas food items. poor, the needy, the sick, and the suffer - cottage window. The "julbord" traditionally consists of ing. He dedicated his life in the service of That night, after finishing their wash - such delicacies as small meatballs, pick - God and was made Bishop of Myra at a ing for the day, the daughters had hung led herring, spareribs, small hot dogs, lut - young age. Bishop Nicholas became their stockings by the fireplace to dry. fisk, pork sausage, salmon, “Janssons known throughout the land for his kind - Little did they know that their benefactor frestelse” (potatocasserole with anchovy), ness and generosity. A true celibate, was hiding nearby, waiting for them to go and rice pudding. Drinks usually served Nicholas never married and had no chil - to sleep. A little later, as they turned of with these dishes are “julmust,” dren of his own. But he loved children the lamps and fell asleep, St. Nicholas Christmas beer or snaps. A Scandinavian greatly and often gave gifts to the kids of tiptoed to the cottage window and peeked specialty is the “glögg” (mulled and his hometown. This is why, he became inside. In the light of the moon, he saw spiced wine with almonds and raisins), known as the gift giver of Myra. A rich the daughters' stockings hanging close to which is served hot in small cups. It is to man, he traveled across the country help - his reach. He carefully put in his bag of be remembered however, that the dishes ing people, giving gifts of money and Continued on page 29 Page 28 Vasa Star September-December 2010 The Christmas Stocking stitching the name of each family mem - his fiancé vowed to remain a virgin and Continued from page 28 ber to the stocking so that Santa knows distributed her fortune to the poor, he which stocking belongs to which family went into a fit of rage. gold in one of the stockings and went member. He then denounced her to the consul away as stealthily as he came. In some countries, the contents of the of Pascasius as being an enemy of the When the father found the bag the Christmas stocking are the only gifts that deities of the Roman Empire. Persecution next morning and opened it, he was a child receives at Christmas from Santa was very popular at the time and the ecstatic. There was enough gold in the Claus. Western Christmas tradition dic - judge happily received this motion. Lucia stocking to pay for the dowry of one tates that a child who behaves badly dur - was then ordered to renounce her catholic daughter. It seemed like a godsend to ing the year will not get a gift in their faith. When she refused, the consul was him. Who could have sent it, he won - Christmas stocking and will receive a so enraged by her courage that he decided dered. With this timely gift the father was piece of coal instead. to torture her. He wanted to bring her to a able to provide for his eldest daughter In many places, the Christmas stock - place of ill repute so that she would be and saw that she got married to a nice ing is to be stuffed by a gift that will raped by debauched people and in this groom. stimulate the five sensory organs. way she would lose her virginity. But On another night Saint Nicholas set Traditional celebrations of Christmas nobody was able to move her, even with off with one more bag of gold, and threw demand that the stocking be hung on the a thousand men and a thousand cattle. it carefully into another stocking, so that fireplace mantel. However, since many Furious, the counsel then poured on the second daughter was provided for. contemporary homes do not have fire - her peas, resin and boiling oil and then he When his daughters excitedly brought places, stockings are hung in almost any sentenced her to be burnt at the stakes. the bag to their father the following location. When the flames were lit, the fire had no morning and opened it, he could not Today, children all over the world effect on her and she continued to sing believe his eyes. With this gift the father continue the tradition of hanging from within fire. was able to marry off his second daughter Christmas stockings. Kids of all nations The consul then trust his dagger thrust too. look forward to Christmas and when the into her throat but she did not die and it is But by this time, the father had grown stockings are hung, they know the most only after a priest administered Holy eager to discover his mysterious benefac - anticipated time of the year is not far Communion that she expired. tor, and next night he kept on the lookout. behind. In reply to him denounced her, accord - Then, for the third time Saint Nicholas ing to sources, Lucia that she extracted came with a bag of gold upon his back Lucia of Syracuse her eyes herself sending them in a box to and walked on to the window. The old her fiancé. That is the reason she is lord at once recognized his fellow towns - frequently invoked to cure ocular sick - man. He fell on his knees before the kind - nesses and is represented in paintings car - ly Bishop, cried out in joy and gratitude rying her eyes on a plate or in a cup. and thanked him with all his heart. With Others invoke her against sore throats or his blessings of Saint Nicholas, the poor haemorrhages. father was able to see his three daughters get married. He lived a long and happy life thereafter. And this is how the tradition of Christmas stockings is said to have start - ed in the European countries. It is also believed that Santa Claus is actually an alteration of this same Saint Nicholas, Santa standing for Saint and Claus for Nicholas. Since then children have been hanging Christmas stockings or putting out shoes, eagerly waiting for gifts from Santa Claus. Originally, children simply used one of their everyday socks, but with According to legend, Lucia came from time special Christmas stockings were a noble and very rich family of Syracuse created for this purpose. Today, and she lived with her mother in Italy. Christmas stockings of a wide variety of Wile there, Lucia revealed to her mother styles and sizes can be found in gift that she had secretly vowed to remain a stores across countries. There are also virgin. She asked her mother for permis - special Christmas stockings available in sion to distribute to the poor anything the market. that was due to her from her father's In modern culture, Christmas stock - estate, which her mother granted. Lucia ings are also a popular homemade craft. gave to the poor daily everything she Some families design unique stockings possessed. for each family member. Many families Her mother had promised Lucia to a create their own Christmas stockings young man and so when he learned that

Vasa Star September-December 2010 Page 29 HAPPENINGS tionerna och berättade att Enköping från tidigare plakettmottagare om en fin Årets Svensk- ansågs av honom som hans första hem - dag hade anlänt från Anne-Charlotte Amerikan 2010 Mr stad i Sverige. Han kom till Enköping Harvey, Lilly Zetterdahl och Erik John E. Norton 1958 då han skulle börja studera på Gustavson. Även framfördes hälsning Biskops Arnö, men då var det ännu inte från DM Cathrine Bringselius Nilsson, besöker Enköping färdigbyggt, så chefen för Domus i Växjö. Enköping vid namn Erik Bäckström med Under eftermiddagen bjöds på coun - sin familj, tog hand om honom tills han trymusik av Bengt Lindekvist från kunde börja studera på Biskops Arnö. Asarum. Ett antal hantverkare fanns på Han berättade att det var på Biskops Arnö plats och bjöd ut sina alster till försäljn - han blev intresserad av svensk- samt ing. Logen Christian Nr 617, Önnestads Skandinavisk historia. Hembygdsförening och Släktfor- Efter lunchen kunde vi åka utflyktståg skarföreningen presenterade under dagen med kunnig guide runt Enköping. Dagen sina verksamheter. Återigen fick vi uppl - avslutades sedan med en kopp kaffe hos eva en fantastisk fin dag vid den vackra Dr Westerlund. minnesstenen i Hembygdsparken i Insänt av: Elisabeth Agge, PS Logen Önnestad över bygdens store son, Hans Enköping Nr 646 Mattson. År 2011 högtidlighålls denna dag den 21 augusti. Sverige-Amerikadagen Submitted by: Karina Holmqvist, I Dr Westerlunds trädgård gratulerade ord - Logen Christian Nr 617 i Kristianstad förande Karl-Erik Axelsson samt sekr. i Önnestad Erlisabeth Agge, årets Svensk-Amerikan Mr Traditionsenligt startade dagen med Several NY Vasa Lodges John E. Norton som besökte staden Enköping. gudtjänst i kyrkan, en mycket fin cere - Participated in the 70th moni där fyra tjejer spelade fyra hymner Tisdagen den 3 augusti 2010 anord - Annual Sweden Day nades en lunch för Årets Svensk- på harpa. Folkdräktsklädda logesyskon Amerikan 2010, Mr John E. Norton. Som bildade fanborg i kyrkan. Åhus in the Bronx arrangörer för denna dag var Enköpings Blåsorkester ledde marschen med fanbor - Vasa members from; Barnklubben Kommun, Logen Enköping Nr 646, Vasa gen till Hembygdsparken där välkomsttal Elsa Rix #1, Nobel Liljan #64, Göta Orden av Amerika och Bishop Hill hölls av v. ordföranden Karin Holmqvist. Lejon #84, Freja #100, Olympic #235, Sällskapet. Därefter följde nationalhymnerna och Svea #340, Lindbergh #505 and Stenland Under trevlig samvaro intogs lunch i flagghissning. #727 were all present to help celebrate Dr Westerlunds bostad som dessutom är Efter lunchuppehållet hölls invign - Swedish Midsummer at the Manheim Enköpings Kommuns representationshus. ingstalet av CPT Jan E. Nilsson från Club in the Bronx, the “Scandinavian Under lunchen gratulerade kommun - Amerikanska Ambassaden i Stockholm. Secret on the Sound.” The gates opened fullmäktiges ordförande Jessika Årets mottagare av Hans Mattson plaket - at 11am on June 12 for the 70th annual Vilhelmsson, Mr John E. Norton till sin ten f. generalkonsuln i New York, Olle Sweden Day and the tastefully decorated utmärkelse. Hon berättade också lite om Wästberg, var förhindrad att närvara maypole looked fantastic with the staden Enköping och att det är en av de denna högtidsdag. Plaketten kommer att American and Swedish flags, Swedish snabbast växande kommuner i landet. överlämnas personligen av en represen - wimples, blue skies and the Long Ordförande för Bishop Hill Sällskapet, tant från Amerikanska Ambassaden. Island Sound in the background. Tommy Andersson samt ordförande för Högtidstalare var vår f.d. plakettmotta - Smörgåsbandet , consisting of Jeanne logen Enköping Nr 646, Karl-Erik gare, flygkaptenen och reseledaren Carl Eriksson Andersen, Wayne Soderlund Axelsson, framförde också sina gratula - Werner Pettersson från Brinkelid, Åseda i and Chad Widman, supplied lively music tioner till Mr. Norton. Logen Enköping Småland. Han kan på ett entusiastiskt sätt for the day's activities. There were deli - Nr 646:s ordförande berättade under sitt berätta om hur man kan finna släktingar i cious Swedish and American entrees, tal, att Mr Nortons är medlem i Bishop Amerika. Själv fick han år 1973, 200 nya ample beverages, Suzie’s Coffee Breads, Hill logen av Vasa Orden av Amerika i släktingar däröver. Han värnar om kon - Barnklubben Elsa Rix's Swedish gift USA, och som är vänloge sedan många år takterna med släktingarna och uppmanar table and a wide variety of raffles avail - med logen Enköping Nr 646. Han be- alla att göra detsamma. Han menade able all day. rättade vidare att den första utmärkelsen vidare att ett brev betyder så mycket, som Susan and Ken Olson, members of till Årets Svensk-Amerikan var 1960 och då hans släkting, som förde dagbok varje Lindbergh Lodge #505 were honored as det var samma år som Logen Enköping dag, lite kortfattat skrev “körde gödsel Couple of the Year for their years of ded - Nr 646 bildades för 50 år sedan. Som och skrev brev till Sverige.” Det var två ication to the Swedish/American commu - avslutning överlämnades gratulation - viktiga händelser den dagen. nity. There was a private reception, actu - stelegram, logen Enköping Nr 646:s stan - Av tidigare plakettmottagare hedrade ally a friendly, good natured "roast" of dar samt boken om Vasa Orden av bildkonstnärinnan Lisa Fajersson, Åhus Suzy and Ken. Suzy and Ken then led the Amerika i Sverige, “Kontakt Amerika.” och Tommy Swanson, Swanson´s Travel parade of flags and costumed folk i Osby, oss med ett besök. Hälsningar Mr. Norton tackade varmt för gratula - Continued on page 31

Page 30 Vasa Star September-December 2010 Sweden Day in the Bronx were six lovely and very articulate young celebrations. Enköping is very special to women. The judges did not have an easy him since it was one of the first places he Continued from page 30 time choosing the winner from this high - visited during his very first stay in ly deserving group. During the judge’s Sweden when he went to school at deliberations, the guests were treated to a Biskops Arnö. folk dancing performance by the Swedish Before returning to Sweden we had Folk Dancers of NY . The results were the opportunity to visit Birgit and Jim then announced and the winners were Moxon, members of Linde lodge. Birgit presented with their prizes and beautiful was one of the leaders when Karl-Erik bouquets of flowers. Kathryn Brown and Elisabeth went on a Vasa bus tour (Olympic Lodge #235) was crowned during 1996 when a bus of Swedes from Miss Sweden Day 2010 and Katie different local lodges went around the Hansen (Nobel Liljan #64) was named central part of America to visit local First Runner-Up. The dance floor opened lodges and historic places. It was a plea - once again before everyone was wished sure to meet again, and Birgit and Jim goodnight until next year. visited Karl-Erik and Elisabeth last year Go to Swedenday.com to see more when they where over to Sweden. Barnklubben Elsa Rix #1 folk dancing (Jade and keep visiting for an announcement The best thing with The Vasa Order of Emerson left and Mary Russo right). Jade is about Sweden Day 2011. For information America is the chance you have to get the daughter of Carl Emerson of Lindbergh about our talented photographers, Chrissy friends across the continents and share Lodge #505 and granddaughter of Miriam and Christian, go to Onsightphotos.com. the same interest in the Order and to keep and Ed Emerson of Lindbergh Lodge and Submitted by: Elaine McGrath the history of the immigration from Mary is a member of Olympic Lodge #235 Picture by: Christian and Chrissy of Sweden alive. (her mother Rebecka is also a member). Onsight A heartfelt Thank You goes out to dancers around the property to open the Linde lodges members and especially to main program. The recipients of the T. Jake and Marge Gruel from all of us: Edward & Avalene P. Karlsson Swedish Vasa Members Elisabeth Agge, Karl-Erik Axelsson, Scholarships were then announced. Vasa Anne-Sofie Hjort , Håkan Hjort, Lars- members David Brown, Kathryn Brown, Visit Vasa Friends in USA Åke Sjöberg, and Hillivi Sjöberg. Brian McGrath and Deirdre McGrath At the end of August and the begin - Submistted by: Elisabeth Agge, LL (members of Olympic Lodge #235) and ning of September Vasa members in Enköping #646 Ashley Smith (a member of Nobel Liljan lodge Enköping #646, Karl-Erik #64) were among the winners this year Axelsson, Elisabeth Agge and Anne- along with a non-Vasa member, Taleen Sofie Hjort together with Vasa friend Josefsson. Hillivi Sjöberg, Lodge Eskilstuna #633 The guests were treated to folk danc - and Lars-Åke Sjöberg, Lodge ing performances by VOA Barnklubben Mälardrottningen #563 went to Lodge Elsa Rix #1 accompanied by Linde #492 in Milwaukkee. Also from Smörgåsbandet and VOA Vasastjärnan Sweden was Anne-Sofie Hjorts husband Junior Club accompanied by Eric Håkan. During his stay in Milwaukee he Johanson. It is a joy to watch the younger joined Linde lodge as a new member. children and the teens carry out the folk The trip to Milwaukee started with a dancing of our ancestors. Everyone was Crawfish party with Linde lodge at Lisa Håkan Hjort LL #492, Karl-Erik Axelsson LL invited to join in the ring dancing around and Rolf Ekstrands home. We had a love - #646, Lars Jenner at the Archive, Jake Gruel the maypole with Jeanne Andersen lead - ly time, meeting many friends and also archive board and Lars-Åke Sjöberg LL #563 ing the calls. At the end of the main pro - got to know some new ones. at the Archive in Bishop Hill. gram, a Vasa Memorial Service, led by During the stay at Jake and Marge Robin Abrahamsen (Olympic Lodge Gruels home we also got invited to Bishop Hill for a celebration of Mr. John Lodge Stenland #727 #235) was turned into a Memorial Lucia and Jul Fest Moment for all guests to participate in. E. Norton, the Swedish-American of the Rose petals were thrown into the Sound year 2010. We had the opportunity to on as prayers were offered for our dearly meet Lars Jenner at the Vasa Archive SATURDAY, departed. where we saw the improvements that has After the Children's games, races and been done. The house was nicely painted, DECEMBER 11, 2010 some lively dancing around the dance and upstairs they have made a kitchen at 7:00 p.m. floor, Brother Carl Geffken, District and a guest room. Outside are three flag Master of NY District #4 presented their poles that look very nice. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church scholarship winners for 2010: Kathryn After the visit to the Archive we went 112 N. Main Street Brown and Deirdre McGrath, both from to lunch in Bishop Hill to celebrate Mr. Pearl River N.Y. 10965 John E. Norton. He was very pleased to Olympic Lodge #235 and Ashley Smith Donation $7.00 under 16 free meet people from Enköping where he from Nobel Liljan #64 were the proud Come for glögg, coffee, cakes, visited during his stay in Sweden during recipients this year. cookies and a raffle The Miss Sweden Day contestants the Swedish-American of the year 2010

Vasa Star September-December 2010 Page 31 IN MEMORY OF Edith Anderson Hedberg ticed, and loved to share the many tradi - United States in 1966, where he contin - tions of her Swedish heritage, and was a ued his education at U.C.L.A., earning Edith Hedberg member of a number of Swedish- certification as a structural engineer. passed away at American clubs. Her church was also of Mr. Linden, his wife and two sons, home on Friday, great importance in her life. She was a Charles and Jeffery, moved to Atlanta in September 24, current and long-time member of Christ 1974. This relocation provided the oppor - 2010, at the age of the King Lutheran Church in Phoenix, tunity for Mr. Linden to develop his busi - 107. She was born and a former member of St. John’s ness acumen and create his own compa - in Lindome, Evangelical Lutheran Church in nies that provided structural cable, con - Sweden, on April Lincolnwood, IL, and Ebenezer Lutheran struction and engineering services. 29, 1903, and Church in Chicago. Edith is survived by Admired for his integrity, intellect and immigrated to the her daughter Ardith Anderson (David) leadership ability, Mr. Linden played an United States with Williams, and her daughter-in-law active role in expanding the social, edu - her brother John in 1924. Settling in Deborah Brome Anderson, six treasured cational and business functions of the Chicago, she met and married her devot - grandchildren: Lauren Williams (Paul) Scandinavian community. He confound - ed husband of 42 years, Sven Axel Ghaffari, David Andrew (Catherine) ed the Vasa Order of America’s Nordic Anderson, who passed away in 1973. In Williams, Julie Williams (George) Darcy, Lodge #708 in 1974 and helped start the 1974, Edith married John Hedberg. Their Cynthia Elizabeth Anderson, David Scandinavian Festival in 1994. The happy marriage of eight years ended in (Theresa) Anderson, and Peter (Deanna) Lindens frequently entertained and host - 1982 with John’s passing. Edith was also Anderson. She enthusiastically celebrated ed visiting Swedish dignitaries, including preceded in death by her beloved son, the arrival an loved the visits of each of the King and Queen of Sweden. He Arnold Anderson. Edith’s first residence her great-grandchildren: Christopher, served as the Swedish Envoy during the in Phoenix, AZ, was as a winter home Alex, and Lisa Ghaffari, Matthew 1996 Olympics, held in Atlanta, where he with Axel, and then following her mar - Williams, Grant, Madeleine, Olivia and received a medallion from the King of riage to John Hedberg, Phoenix became Matthew Anderson. In addition she Sweden. her permanent residence. She also main - remained close to many nieces and In addition to activities with various tained a summer residence in Pinewood, nephews in Sweden, and held many other civic, cultural and professional organiza - Munds Park, AZ. Edith was a multi- family members and friends dear to her tions, Mr. Linden’s interests included dimensional woman blessed with many heart. Edith was a special lady who membership in the Vasa Drängar men’s talents and interests. She loved entertain - touched many lives and will be greatly choir and the competitive challenge of ing and received accolades for her cook - missed by her family, friends and care - tennis, hockey and soccer. As coach for ing and baking. She excelled in sewing, givers. his sons’ YMCA soccer teams, Mr. both in design and execution, her cre - Submitted by: Stig Magnus, Linden enjoyed the rewarding experience ations, from hats to evening gowns, were Phoenix, AZ of teaching youngsters to develop their award winners. Gardening was another athletic ability. avocation she loved. Her geraniums grew Samuel Linden Those who knew Mr. Linden were into trees, and she landscaped her home Samuel Linden, struck by his affable personality, wisdom, with an abundance of cultivated and wild 72, of Stone and boundless energy. The Lindens’ leg - flowers. Many still enjoy the offspring of Mountain GA, endary hospitality and genuine interest in her gardens. In her lifetime, she engaged passed away on their community forged strong bonds in in many forms of athletic activities – vol - Friday, August 20, business, social, cultural and civic arenas leyball, swimming, jogging and hiking. 2010. An industri - and also helped introduce newly arriving She especially enjoyed hiking the trails of ous entrepreneur Scandinavians to the United States and Squaw Peak and the forests around and respected civic the metro Atlanta area. Pinewood. Travel with family or friends leader, Mr. Linden Mr. Linden is survived by his wife was another favorite activity. Edith made spent more than Barbro and his son Charles. 19 trips back to her homeland of Sweden. three decades Submitted by: Janet Rygert, She toured all of the United States, most building and managing successful con - Nordic Lodge #708 countries of Europe as well as many des - struction and engineering businesses and tinations in Asia, the Middle East, and worked tirelessly to strengthen Atlanta’s Africa. She celebrated her 95th birthday Scandinavian community. with a safari to Kenya and her 100th A native of Sweden, Mr. Linden grew birthday with her final visit to Sweden. up in Hallstahammar, and served in the Late in life she began a study of painting, Swedish Army before graduating with a and her efforts won many ribbons at the degree in civil engineering from the Coconino County Fairs. She loved to Stockholm Institute of Technology. In win, whether it was at a juried show, at a 1962, Mr. Linden married Barbro casino, or in a friendly game of bingo or Elizabeth Lingstrom, a native of rummy. Edith thoroughly enjoyed, prac - Filipstad, Sweden. He immigrated to the

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Vasa Star September-December 2010 Page 33 NILS OLAF PEARSON , died at his Lyndhurst, OH, home and Ruby (Dan) Carney, 9 grandchildren, and 6 great- on June 10, 2010, at the age of 76. Nils was born in grandchildren. She was part of “The Club Girls,” a sewing Waskish, MN, graduated from Case Institute of club for over 60 years. She loved to travel by the “Empire Technology, and was a research chemist for 36 years at Builder” train, taking a grandchild for a special treat. She In Memoriam Lubrizol Corp. Survivors are his wife of 47 years, Carol J. was a fantastic cook and was the “Lunch Lady” for school Till minne av hädangångna (Vago) Pearson, children Brent Nils (Diana) Pearson of and area hotels. Ruth was a North Star Lodge #145 mem - Largo, FL, and Ingrid (Andree) Poissant of Adrian, MI, ber for 32 years. Besides United States family, she is sur - ordenssyskon genom vilkas granddaughters Alexandra Rose and Veronica Elaine vived by first cousin Sonja Ericksson of bortgång syskonkretsen gjort Pearson, brother Vincent (Maryann), and sisters Lily Trollhättan,Värmland, Sweden. O’Hotto and Vivian (George) Buckingham. Nils joined en kännbar förlust Nobel-Monitor Lodge #130 on September 9, 2001. PHYLLIS (Giste) MELTON died on August 1, 2010, in Tacoma, WA. She was born in Hastings, ND, in In memory of our departed RADKA SWARD (nee Atanasoff) , died on May 30, 2010, November, 1928. Phyllis had been a faithful and active members who will be at the age of 88. She was born in Sofia, Bulgaria. She was member of Norden Lodge #233 in Tacoma, WA, sharing the beloved wife of the late Hugo, mother of Jana Friess her Scandinavian expertise in baking and cooking. Phyllis sorely missed (Eric), and Lisa, step-mother of Carl (Oksana), grandmother is survived by sons Ron and Steve and their families, and a of Hanna and Carl, aunt, cousin and friend to many. Radka host of friends. Bless the memory of Phyllis! joined Nobel-Monitor Lodge #130 on February 9, 1997. CALIFORNIA MARY ESTHER OLSON died on June 19, 2010, in PEGGY HIGGINS died on June 2, 2010. She was born on MILDRED E. VALAND , of Willoughby, OH, died on Spokane, WA, at the age of 81. She was born to Otto and October 21, 1923, in London, England, and was initiated September 2, 2010, at the age of 88. Mildred was born on Celinda (Bailey) Olson in Johnson City, NY, on August 30, into Gold Nugget Lodge #662, Paradise, CA, on January February 4, 1922, in Cleveland, OH, and joined Nobel- 1928. Her grandfather, Otto, born in 1871, emigrated in 13, 2004. She was a dedicated and loyal member. She was Monitor Lodge #130 on March 10, 1991. Mildred is sur - 1891 from their farm near Vedum in Östergötland, Sweden. predeceased by her husband Edgar, and her son Barry, and vived by her daughters Majken (Dale) Casamatta, and Mary’s grandmother, Lena Nelson, born in 1876 in is survived by a nephew and his family in England. Lesley (Ed) Lynch, grandchildren Eric, Kate, Dale, and Joe, Pennsylvania, was a first generation Swede. Her grand - and great-grandchildren Katelynn, Joe Jr., Talia, and mother’s parents were from Småland, Sweden. Lena and CONNECTICUT Gabriel. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph. Otto were married in 1892 in New York. Mary taught EDITH E. GRAHN died on May 31, 2010. Edith was school for many years in New York, Tucson, AZ, and born in Waterbury, CT, on April 5, 1911. She was the MASSACHUSETTS Joseph, OR. She rode her own motorcycle across the U.S., daughter of Gustaf and Hulda (Gustafson) Grahn. Edith KARL SEABURG . We are saddened that Karl died on and made many trips to Sweden. Mary was active in the was a proud member of the Order of Vasa and also a mem - March 5, at the Peabody Glen Healthcare Center after a Elder Hostel program and traveled to China, Great Britain, ber of the Mill Plain Chapter of AARP, Winona Rebekah short illness. Karl was born and raised in Malden, MA. He and Norway. She played and taught the Dulcimer, partici - Lodge #8, and a lifelong member of the Zion Lutheran attended Malden schools. His first job was at a gas station, pated in the Senior Serenaders, the Women’s Club of Church in Waterbury, CT. There are no survivors. which he started at 15 and worked until he was 18, at which Spokane, and Street Music Week. She sang with various time he joined the G.E. apprentice association program. He groups at two Vasa Christmas parties. Mary was a member ILLINOIS graduated while working for G.E. with a bachelor’s degree of North Star Lodge #145 of Spokane, WA, for 17 years. RUDOLPH “RUDY” G. LARSON died on June 14, from Northeastern University. At that time he was promot - She is survived by several first cousins. 2010, in Aurora, IL. He was born on June 27, 1920. Rudy ed to a Manufacturing Engineer at General Electric. joined Viljan Lodge #349, Batavia, IL, on May 26, 1983. Though he held several jobs during the following 44 years, NAN OSTROM died on July 20, 2010, at the age of 97. He was an active member and had served as chairman. He General Electric was where he stayed until retirement. Nan was born in Belden, ND, and moved to Elma, WA, as is survived by 2 sons, 3 grandchildren, and 1 great-grand - During his younger years, Karl was a busy person. In the a teenager. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, quilting, and child. summer time he camped on weekends with boating, swim - gardening. Nan is survived by a son, a sister, 5 grandchil - ming, mountain climbing and enjoying the outdoors. He dren, 10 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchil - NEBRASKA jogged every day, which eventually took its toll on his dren. She was preceded in death by her husband. GRACE MARIE PEARSON died on August 11, 2010. knees. In the wintertime, he skied almost every weekend at Grace was born on July 23, 1920. She was preceded in Cannon Mountain, Mount Snow and Wildcat Mountain. He ROBERT BLAIR TEDERMAN died on April 18, 2010, death by her son John. She is survived by husband, Doyle also had an affinity for big band music and enjoyed con - at Hospice House. He was born in Fresno, CA, on March R. Pearson, also a member of Lodge #330. Her survivors certs as often as he could go. This lasted throughout his 21, 1925, son of Axel Robert Tederman, whose father Axel also include two sons and daughters-in-law, 2 daughters lifetime. He married Marilyn when he was in his thirties, Emil Tederman immigrated in 1878 from Finnerödja, and sons-in-law, 18 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchil - bought a house which he lived in until he died. Marilyn and Skaraborgs Iän, and mother Christine C. Olsson, 1879, dren. Grace joined Omaha Lodge #330 on February 14, Karl have a son John, who is a chemist. When John went from Örebro, Vingåker to Missouri, where they met and 1993. She was in charge of our Santa Lucia Festival many off to college in 1986, Karl and Marilyn joined the Birka married. Axel Emil’s father, Carl Carlson Tederman, was years. Lodge and its dance group and the lodge as well. He was a born 1817 Karlskoga, Valåsen, Sweden, married Stina Charter member and Treasurer of the lodge, watching the Persfeldt (born 1820) in 1840 Rudskoga, Sweden. The fam - OHIO money like it was his own. He loved the Christmas Fair and ily occupation was “hammersmith” (blacksmiths). Axel WALTER J. HOLMES , of Mentor, OH, died on July 3, drove yearly to the Crown Bakery for their famous kaffee Robert homesteaded in Montana in 1910, married Edna 2010, at the age of 89. He is survived by his daughter, bröd and other baked goods and took care of the Christine Hamer, fellow homesteader, of English and Ginny (Jay) Waters, son, Gary, and grandchildren Heather Coffee/Dopp table at the Fair. Karl enjoyed people of all German descent in 1915. They moved to California, and (Jared Tomlinson) Waters, M.D., and Brit (Andrea) sorts and took them as they were. Consequently, he had a back to homestead near Denton, MT. Bob attended a one Waters. Walter was preceded in death by his wife of 62 lot of friends to warm his life. room school and then with crop failure, they moved to years, Helen M. “Mimi” (Larson), and his parents John and Idaho where he graduated, and entered the U.S. Army, sta - Anna (Seleen). He was a 73-year member of Nobel- OREGON tioned in England, France, and Belgium. At the end of the Monitor Lodge #130, Cleveland, OH, and served his lodge CARLOTTA MARIE STRANDBERG died on August war he was assigned to Military Police occupation work in for many years as Historian. Walter enjoyed playing his 14, 2010, in Astoria, OR, at the age of 75. Carlotta was Germany. He visited Denmark and could see Sweden accordion at some Nobel-Monitor meetings and events born in Astoria, OR, on June 27, 1935. She joined Astor across the channel. He attended the University of Idaho such as Midsommar. Walter was honored to be a Life Lodge #215 on September 26, 1970, and during her years earning his electrical engineer degree. He was employed at Member. of membership served as Lodge Chairman for 6 years, Vice Bonneville Power Administration for 35 years. He traveled Chairman for 3 years and also District Deputy for many throughout the U.S., Canada, Alaska, Hawaii, and Mexico. CAROLYN E. JENSEN , 82, of Swannanoa, NC, died on years. She was the wife of Past District Master, Peter Robert married E. Etta Pillers in 1954 and had daughters May 11, 2010. She was the beloved wife for 62 years of Strandberg, and has traveled with him to all of the lodges in Mary Shores Grier and Nancy Bunker, grandchildren Sara Albert Jensen. She is also survived by daughters Susan Pacific Northwest District #13. She was well known for her Shores Wilson, Patrick Shores, Ray and Megan Bunker, Johnson (Roger) and Gail Jensen. Carolyn was a devoted positive attitude and smiling face. We shall all miss her. and 2 great-grandchildren. They joined North Star Lodge grandmother to Kimberly, Eric, and Elizabeth, and great- Carlotta is survived by her husband, Peter, daughter, Carrie, #145 in 1988. Bob was Chaplain many years, auditor, grandmother to Jacob, Joshua, Aiden and Brylan. She was son, Peter, Jr., three grandchildren and one great-grandson. guard, and active in many other positions, setting up area a member of Nobel-Monitor Lodge #130, Cleveland, OH, for monthly meetings at his church. He was widely known joining May 2, 1987. PENNSYLVANIA for his beautiful smile and gentle disposition. EVELYN GERLING died on May 29, 2010, at the age of ALICE P. JOHNSON (nee Benson) died August 3, 2010, 91. She was born on December 5, 1918, in Philadelphia, at the age of 90. She was the beloved wife of the late Ken PA. Evelyn joined Oscars Borg Lodge #172, Philadelphia, Johnson. Alice is survived by two daughters, Sandra PA, on February 20, 1987. She was, in years past, a faithful MEMORIAL NOTICES Johnson and Barbara Johnson (husband Shawn Jones), and member of our lodge. She was preceded in death by her granddaughter Kristin Jones. She was born in Chicago on brother, Robert Gerling. We will remember Evelyn with should be mailed with check or money May 5, 1920, and joined Nobel-Monitor Lodge #130 in affection. Sov i ro. order to: Marie Carlson, 9560 Curberry 1991. Alice will always be remembered for her generous Drive, Mentor, OH 44060. The fee is $8.00 and kind spirit. WASHINGTON RUTH S. JEWELL , died on May 15, 2010. She was born for 1 column inch. Longer obituaries CALVIN D. LARSON died June 12, 2010. He was born on November 20, 1922, in Spokane, WA, of Swedish immi - will be charged a flat rate of $25.00. All grants, mother Alma Kylin, born in Blomskog, Värmland, on April 19, 1929, in Bridgeport, CT, and transferred from notices MUST be typed and WRITTEN in Blenda Sture Lodge to Three Crown Lodge #38 on June and father, John Swanson, born Mjöback, Västergötland. 17, 1988. He is survived by his two children and three Father died in 1932 and Alma raised Ruth and sisters Edith a format similar to those in this column. granddaughters. (deceased) and Hildur. Ruth married Thomas Jewell in NO newspaper clippings. 1942. In 1974 she took a trip to Värmland, Sweden. She had children Karen Ryan, John Jewell, Bob, died young,

Page 34 Vasa Star September-December 2010 x x

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