NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2008 - Vasa Order of · PDF fileComplete mailing address of the headquarters of general business office: ... Letter from the Editor ... Vasa Star. Vasa Star November-December

Official publication of

THE VASA ORDER OF AMERICA

A Swedish-American Fraternal Organization

Organized September 18, 1896

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2008

The GrandMaster’s Message

Vasa brothers and sisters!Lucia and Christmas greetings to you from Marty

and me! We wish you all a wonderful time with your lodge activities

and celebrations as well as a time of refreshment and recreationwith family and friends. May you stop long enough in your workto give thanks for the blessings received from and passed on toothers in our life of mutual exchange of God’s love.

Aren’t you glad that all the political ads are now history,resulting in a historically important election of an African-American President for the USA.

Marty has been looking through old issues of the Vasa Star tocollect published information by our local lodge, Nobel-Monitor#130, as well as DL Pennsylvania # 9, precipitated by both cele-brating their 100th anniversary in 2008. I reviewed theDecember 1988 issue now 20 years old. GM Carl G. Lindquistwrote the GM message talking about his goals “for strengtheningVasa’s position as the leader in offering Scandinavian fellowshipwith culture and heritage to qualified, prospective members.”That goal seems to repeat itself to every Grand Master. I notedthat the Swedish Language lesson was written by Lillemor andRichard Horngren (Lesson 33), so some things stay the same. Itwas also interesting to read the Christmas greetings from manyof the lodges, some of which, sadly, are now dissolved.

The only district meeting attended in the last two months wasDL Pennsylvania # 9’s 100th anniversary convention held at theMarriott at Metro Center, Washington, DC, the same hotel thatwill be used to host the GL Convention in July 2010. I wish tothank the members of Drott Lodge #168 for a great job inorganizing the district meeting and the tours offered prior to theconvention. See the write-up later in this magazine for moredetails.

Please read the highlights of the GL Executive Board meet-ing, held in May 2008, written by GS Joanie Graham, found laterin this issue. I wish to emphasize two items. Item 8: Local anddistrict secretaries, please be diligent in getting the annual formsfilled out and returned by the date requested. This becomes moreimportant as the IRS is taking more active notice of non-profitorganizations these days and the information you supply is usedto file IRS documents. Item 14: GL Youth Director for the USAand Canada, Lynda Smith, has just sent information to the rele-vant youth leaders concerning the Youth Seminar planned fornext July in Chicago. We will publish more specific informationon this in the Jan/Feb 2009 issue so that anyone interested canparticipate if desired. Further, I will discuss item 15, concerningweb developments, in more detail in the next Vasa Star.

I thank all of you that sent in donations to the GL EducationFund as requested when the education stamps were received. GSJoanie informs me that our income is up over previous years;good news indeed. If you have not yet sent in your contribution,please take time to do so.

The printing and distribution of the Vasa Star in Sweden forthe Swedish households was carried out without any significant

problems of which I am aware. Thank you to all involved. Forthose of you in Sweden who now receive the magazine by post Iwould like to hear from you as to what this means to you. Inresponse, as we now have a much larger reading audience inSweden, so we will consider printing more pages in Swedish,hopefully with English translation.

Vasa Syskon!Lucia och Julhälsningar från Marty och mig!Vi önskar Er alla en trevligt tid tillsammans i era gemensam-

ma loge aktiviteter och firanden samt tid till avkoppling och vilamed nära och kära. Försök att stanna upp en stund och tacka förde välsignelser vi fått och fört vidare till andra i vårt liv genomett gemensamt utbyte av Guds kärlek.

Är ni inte glada nu när all politisk annonsering är historia ochsom resulterade i, ett historiskt sett, viktigt val av en afrikansk-amerikansk president för USA.

Marty har tittat igenom gamla upplagor av The Vasa Star föratt kunna samla publiserad information om vår lokala loge,Nobel-Monitor #130, samt DL Pennsylvania # 9, i och med attbåda firade sina 100-års jubiléer under 2008. Jag tittade igenom1988 års december upplaga, det är alltså 20 år sen. GM Carl G.Lindquist skrev i sitt GM message om sina mål “för att stärkaVasas position som en ledande organisation genom att erbjudagemenskap innehållande vårt kulturarv för att kunna värva nyalämpliga medlemmar.”

Detta är ett mål som återkommer under varje Stormästaresledning. Jag lade också märke till Svensklektionerna som varskrivna av Lillemor and Richard Horngren (Lesson 33), så vissasaker är precis lika som nu. Det var också intressant att läsaJulhälsningarna från de olika logerna, tyvärr är många av dessaloger upplösta.

Det enda distiktsmötet jag närvarade vid under de sista tvåmånaderna var DL Pennsylvania # 9’s 100-års jubileum somhölls i the Marriott vid Metro Center, Washington, DC, sammahotell som vi kommer att använda oss av vid Storlogemötet ijuli, 2010. Jag vill tacka Drott Lodge #168s medlemmar för ettmycket fint arbete med att organisera distriktsmötet och förutflykten som anordnats innan mötet. Se artikeln som handlarom detta för mer detaljer.

Jag vill tacka Er för alla donationer till StorlogensUtbildningsfond som vi bad om att få efter det att “utbildnings-frimärkena” skickats ut. GS Joanie berättade för mig att vårainkomna bidrag detta år är högre än tidigare års, fantastiskt godanyheter! Om ni inte skickat in era bidrag ännu, så var snäll och taer litet tid och gör det.

Tryckningen och distributionen av The Vasa Star i Sverigetill svenska hushåll har fungerat utan större problem, av vad jagvet. Ett varmt tack till alla er som hjälpt till med detta! Jag villgärna höra vad det betyder för er i Sverige som nu får tidningenhem i brevlådan. Tack vare detta har vi nu störra läsarsiffror iSverige så vi kommer antagligen att erbjuda fler sidor på svens-ka och förhoppningsvis med engelsk översättning.

Rolf Bergman

Vasa Star November-December 2008 Page 3

THE VASA STAR NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2008

Cover:“Jultomtar” in Bishop Hill, home of The Vasa Archives during “Lucia Nights,” Jesper Jenner,Bishop Hill, Sally Christianson and Josh Christianson, Wataga.

Jultomtar i Bishop Hill, hem till The Vasa Archives, under Lucia Firandena, Jesper Jenner,Bishop Hill, Sally Christianson and Josh Christianson, Wataga.

Picture by: Mike Wendell of Bishop Hill, Bishop Hill Lodge #683Submitted by: Lars Jenner, Archivist/Manager, VOA National Archives, Bishop Hill

THE VASA STAR (USPS 657-020)November-December 2008Vol. 101, No. 6, Serial 847

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

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

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

Circulation Manager:(Address Changes)

Cathy Anderson13194 N. Woosnam WayOro Valley, AZ 85755Phone: 520-219-9433E-mail:[email protected] bottom section of white copy ofapplication for new members to her.

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

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

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

Published by:Vasa Order of America

vasaorder.com

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

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

10% discount for Vasa Lodges and Members

U.S. Postage Service Statement of OwnershipManagement and Circulation

1. Title of publication: Vasastjarnan, The Vasa Star. 1A. Publication No. 65-0702.2. Date of filing 10/1/08. 3. Number of Issues Published Annually: 5 3A. No. of issues published annually: 5. 3B. Annual subscrip-

tion price: Members’ dues include magazine; subscription-$10 yr.4. Complete mailing address of known office of publication: 5838 San Jose Ave., Richmond, CA 948045. Complete mailing address of the headquarters of general business office: 5838 San Jose Ave.,

Richmond, CA 94804.6. Names and complete addresses of publisher, editor and managing editor. Publisher: Vasa Order of

America, 5838 San Jose Ave., Richmond, CA 94804. Editor: Marie Carlson, 9560 Curberry Dr., Mentor,OH 44060. Managing Editor: Rolf S. Bergman, Grand Master, 3236 Berkeley Ave., Cleveland Heights,OH 44118

7. Owner: Vasa Order of America, 5838 San Jose Ave., Richmond, CA 948048. Known bondholders, mortgagees and other security holders owning or holding 1 percent or more of

total amount of bonds, mortgages or other: None.9. The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for Federal

income tax purposes has not changed during preceding 12 months.10. Extent and nature of circulation:

Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months. A. Total no. copies: 12,400. B. Paid orrequested circulation. 1) Sales through dealers, carriers and counter sales: 0. 2) Mail subscription:9,450. C. Total paid and/or requested circulation: 9,450. D. Free distribution by mail–0. 3) Other classesmailed through the USPS: 0. E. Free distribution outside the mail: 2,950. F. Total free distribution:2,950. G. Total distribution: 12,400. H. Copies not distributed: 0. I. Total: 12,400. J. Percent paid and/orrequested circulation: 76.

11. I certify that the statements made by me above are correct and complete: Joan Graham, BusinessManager, 5838 San Jose Ave., Richmond, CA 94804.

Deadlines for The Vasa Star:Jan./Feb. is Dec. 1st

March/April is Feb. 1st May/June is April 1stJuly/Aug. is June 1stSept./Oct. is Aug. 1stNov./Dec. is Oct. 1st

Deadline for Christmas ads: October 15th. Deadline forLucia articles is Dec. 24 – picture and article, 200 words or less.

AN IMPORTANT REMINDER: Obituaries received after July 1st, 2008,the cost structure will be changed. The cost for up to one column inch will be$8.00; longer obituaries will be charged at the flat rate of $25.00.

AUDIO-VISUAL DIRECTORTodd Anderson

1383 Middlebrook Way • Rohnert Park, CA, 94928Cell Phone: (707) 694-1345

E-mail: [email protected]

The Vasa website at www.vasaorder.com contains a “materials button” which has thelisting of audio visual materials available.

If you are unable to use the Vasa website, you can still ask that a listing be sent to youby mail.

Page 4 Vasa Star November-December 2008

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Letter from the Editor.................................................4Archives News ..............................................................5Swedish Language Lessons ........................................6Grand Lodge News .....................................................7Highlights of the May 2008 GL Executive

Board MeetingBarbro Osher - Årets Svensk-Amerikan 2008Thank YouDistrict Lodge News.....................................................9DL Minnesota #7DL Pennsylvania #9Lodge News.................................................................11Norden Lodge #1Diana Birger Jarl Lodge #3North Star Lodge #106Thule Lodge #127Runeberg Lodge #137Tegnér Lodge #224Brahe Lodge #245Lindbergh Lodge #494Quinsigamond Lodge #517Vinland of Cape Cod Lodge #703Tre Kronor Lodge #713Jubileum Lodge #755Nordic Red Rocks Lodge #760Christmas Greetings..................................................16Swedish News .............................................................19Logen Höganäs Nr 634Logen Enköping Nr 646Logen Härnösand Nr 673Vasavänner från Sverige besöker Vasavänner i USAEmigrationskonferensen “Hands Across the Sea”

i MellerudYouth News.................................................................23Vasa Jr. Folk Dancers Linnea #14In Memory Of ............................................................23Karl PedersenKathleen WendellWalter Reinhold JohnsonBook Review...............................................................24Crimson SnowCulture ........................................................................25Artwork Unveiled in Memory of the Emigration

from the County of BlekingeLuciaRecipes ........................................................................27Santa Lucia Bread with FrostingSweet Swedish HardtackJanssons DelightCinnamon and Rice PuddingWelcome to Our New Members ...............................28Happenings.................................................................29Politically Involved, No Matter What AgeMy New Vasa ConnectionIn Memoriam .............................................................30

PAGE 23

PAGE 29

Letter from the Editor

Brev från Redaktören

Since I last wrote we have a new President Elect, and as we all know,this was an election that will be well noted in our history books. Mediaall over the world have followed this event more than usual, and US par-ticipation hit an all-time high record.

One of our stories in this issue is not about a Vasa event, but it doesshow the spirit and involvement of the oldest member of the newestlodge here in the USA....and how Swedes are always thinking about thefuture - even at the ripe old age of 92. Look under Happenings!

Featured in this issue is also Barbro Osher, Swedish-American of theYear 2008, quite a remarkable woman. The text is mostly in Swedish,thus this is a great opportunity to practice your Swedish!

Since Christmas is “knocking at the door,” and Lucia will shortly payus a visit, I have in the Culture section an article about Lucia celebrations now and then, plus itsorigin. Our own Vasa Lucia’s will be featured in the next issue. I did receive one submissionregarding a Lucia, and she happens to have roots from the province of Jämtland, in Sweden, justas I do. There are also some yummy Christmas recipes for you to try in this section. Rememberthat you need to have your Lucia pictures and stories in to me no later than 24 December tohave it published in the Jan/Feb Vasa Star.

In September, DL Pennsylvania #9 had their DL Convention as well as their 100thAnniversary celebration. I had the honor of participating in this great event, and I also had achance to meet many of my contacts in person. I now have a face to go with a name. DrottLodge #168 had arranged, for us early arrivals, an outing to visit The Kennedy Center, where thecountry of Sweden was represented through it’s donation of numerous chandeliers lighting upthe area where the bronze bust of President Kennedy is prominently displayed. We also had achance to visit House of Sweden, a real treat! Read about this in the District Lodge Newssection!

My next letter to you will be in the Jan/Feb 2009 issue; 2009 already!!!!!!!!!

Merry Christmas to all….and to all a Good Night! Marie

“I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we, too, will beremembered not for our victories or defeats in battle or in politics, but for our contribution tothe human spirit.”

– John F. Kennedy

Sedan jag skrev sist har vi valt en ny president, och som vi alla vet, var detta ett val somkommer att noteras väl i våra historie-böcker. Media över hela världen har följt denna till-dragelse mer än vanligt och antalet valdeltagare här i USA har varit rekord stort.

En av våra artiklar i denna upplaga har absolut ingen anknytning till något Vasa evenamang,men det visar hur en av våra äldsta medlemmer i en av våra yngsta loger här i USA, men själoch hjärta, har engagerat sig och visat hur vi svenskar alltid tänker på framtiden, trots dengyllene åldern, 92 år. Titta under Happenings!

Aktuell i denna upplaga är också Barbro Osher, Åreta Svensk-Amerikan 2008, en anmärkn-ingsvärd kvinna. Texten är mestadels på svenska, men ett utmärkt tillfälle att träna svenska!

Eftersom julen “står framför dörren” och Lucia snart kommer på besök, har jag i Culturesektionen en artikel som handlar om Lucia firanden nu och förr, plus varifrån det härstammar.

Våra egna Vasa Lucior kommer att finnas med i nästa upplaga. Jag har fått ett bidragangående en Lucia och hon råkar ha sina rötter i Jämtland, precis som jag har. Det finns ävennågra smaskiga julrecept för dig att prova på. Kom ihåg att ni måste skicka era Lucia bilder ochtexter till mig senast den 24 December för att kunna publicera det i Jan-Feb upplagan av TheVasa Star.

I September hade DL Pennsylvania #9 sitt distriktsmöte och firade samtidigt sitt 100-årsJubileum. Jag hade äran att närvara vid detta evenemang och hade även tillfälle att möta mångaav mina kontakter personligen. Jag har nu ett ansikte som går till ett namn. Drott Lodge #168hade arrangerat, för oss som kom litet tidigare, ett besök till The Kennedy Center, där Sverigevar representerat genom en gåva bestående av många hängade glas armaturer som lyste uppområdet kring President Kennedys uppenbara brons byst. Vi hade också tillfälle att besökaHouse of Sweden, jätte kul! Läs om detta i District Lodge News sektionen!

Mitt nästa brev till Er kommer i Jan/Feb 2009 upplagan, 2009 redan!!!!!!!!!

God Jul till Er alla……och till alla en God Natt! Marie

“Jag är säker på att när dammet efter alla århundraden svept över våra städer, att vi ocksåkommer att bli ihågkomna, inte för våra segrar eller nederlag i strid eller i politik, utan förvåra bidrag till den mänskliga andan.”

– John F. Kennedy


ARCHIVES NEWSGenealogical Resources

The Vasa National Archives has as partof its mission to aid VOA members andothers in their genealogical research.Anyone doing family research knows thatinformation necessarily comes from a hostof different sources. I thought it would beworthwhile to devote a column to high-lighting some of the resources the VasaArchives has at its disposal to get peoplestarted in genealogical research or add towork already done.

Two sources unique to the Vasa Orderare the membership and family registerdatabases. The membership database con-tains files, in theory, on all people whohave ever been a member in the VasaOrder. At present there are ca 93,000entries, and that number is growing as wework through our backlog and add newlyinitiated members. These files hold basicinformation about each member, such ascurrent address (at time of initiation), birthplace and date, occupation, and lodgeinformation. In time we add also deathinformation, place and date, and in thenotes field, ways that the membercontributed to the Order, offices held andhonors.

The family register is a genealogicaldatabase of mainly, but not exclusively,Vasa members and their ancestry goingback 2-3 generations. Currently holding ca52,000 entries, the aim of this data projectis to trace ancestral links of our members.In the case of our Swedish-Americanmembers, the path typically connects aline from pre-immigration familiesthrough the immigrant generation to thepresent, when information was submittedto the Archives.

Genealogists will often find a great dealof information on ancestors around thetime of emigration, because records ofemigrant departure and passage across theAtlantic are fairly abundant and easy toaccess. But information on what happenedafter the immigrant reached American soilcan be much harder to come by. With thefamily register at our National Archiveswe hope to fill in as much as possible thehistory of those families.

New members are given a genealogyform to fill out and send to the VasaArchives for our database. If you have notyet filled out such a form, please do so.The more data we can enter, the better ourresearch capabilities will be. Genealogyforms are available through your locallodge secretary, the Grand Lodge, or the

Summary of Notes, Bonds and Certificates of Depositas of April 30, 2008

Due Purchase Yield Maturity National Total MarketDate Description Date % Value Archives Cost Value20088/15 Ford Motor Credit Corp. 11/01 6.75% 30,000.00 30,770.70 30,770.70 29,722.8020157/15 Federal National Mortgage Assn. 9/06 4.0 30,000.00 27,755.00 27,755.00 30,018.0020202/12 Federal National Mortgage Assn. 7/06 6.0 20,000.00 19,920.12 19,920.12 19,876.0020241/30 Federal National Mortgage Assn. 9/05 4.25 20,000.00 19,089.28 19,089.28 19,461.0020257/11 Federal National Mortgage Assn. 8/05 6.0 71,000.00 72,728.08 72,728.08 71,383.402029Units Investment Trusts:2603 Claymore Sec. Defined #364 --- --- --- 25,014.10 25,014.10 25,014.103203 Claymore Sec. Defined #383 --- --- --- 30,011.95 30,011.95 32,964.943327 Claymore Sec. Defined #367 --- --- --- 33,007.83 33,007.83 33,044.423059 Claymore Sec. Defined #371 --- --- --- 30,021.74 30,021.74 31,315.871245 Claymore Sec. Defined #347 --- --- --- 13,302.10 13,302.10 13,123,04__________ ___________ __________TOTAL 301,620.90 301,620.90 305,923.57

Vasa Archives. Feel free to contact us atthe Archives if you need forms. Whateveryour ancestry we would like to registeryour information.

Meeting minutes and member booksfrom local lodges either on microfilm or inthe original can also be tremendously use-ful genealogical sources. Here one mayfind initiation ceremonies, address infor-mation, members’ work on committees,offices held, death notices, among otherinformation.

The Archives also keeps a number ofbasic manuals on Swedish immigrationresearch on hand as well as very usefulCD-ROMs of emigrant records, includingEmigranten Populär (Emigrantregistret inKarlstad and Göteborgs-Emigranten inGöteborg), a collection of different data-bases and passenger lists, and Emibas(Svenska Emigrantinstitutet in Växjö andSveriges Släktforskarförbund), whichshows basic birth information, occupation,and date emigrants left their home parishas well as emigration group travelingtogether. We also have the 1890 and 1900Swedish Census, a most valuable resourceto see who was living in the same house-hold at the time the census was taken.

These and other resources available atthe Vasa Archives can help locate “miss-ing puzzle pieces” in your genealogicalresearch. We are also happy to refer you toother institutions and resources in order totake those next steps in your ongoing fam-ily research. Feel free to contact us withyour inquiries!

Sammanfattning på svenskaVasa Arkivet har till sitt förfogande

resurser som är mycket hjälpsamma närdet gäller släktforskning. Alla som släkt-forskar vet att sökandet leder oss tillmånga olika ställen, därför tänkte jag detvore givande att skriva lite om några käl-lor som är tillgängliga vid Arkivet.

Två källor unika till Vasa Ordern ärsläktregistret och medlemskapsförteck-ningar som ingår i vårt dataprogram.Dessa databaser utökas ständigt och erb-juder information om nuvarande ochdåvarande medlemmar dessutom visar deofta släktkedjan mellan familjer i Sverigeoch de i Amerika. Vi försöker att görainformationen så komplett som möjligt,därför är det mycket viktigt att skicka ossdin geneologiska information, om du interedan har gjort det.

Protokoll från logerna som vi har antin-gen på mikrofilm eller på originalet kanockså vara mycket intressanta för släkt-forskare. Vi har till och med några böckerom släktforskningen som process ochnågra mycket hjälpsamma CD-ROMskivor, till exempel, Emigranten Populär,Emibas, Sveriges Befolkning 1890 och1900 och Sveriges Dödbok 1947-2003.

Med dessa och andra medel på VasaArkivet har ni möjlighet att finna “pussel-bitar” som saknas i din släktforskning. Vikan också hjälpa till med hänvisningar tillandra institutioner och källor. Kontaktaoss gärna!

Submitted by: Lars Jenner,Archivist/Manager

Continued on page 15

Archives Treasury Report


This lesson we will continue using the words presented in lesson 13.In lesson 14 we worked on the first batch making sentences. We tried tomake them simple and are hoping they were not too difficult. It canbecome discouraging if they are. As soon as you have learned a new wordyou may want to repeat it every time you are made aware of it as you goabout your daily schedules. You know that is how we all learned to speakas babies. Our parents or siblings kept repeating over and over againwhatever words they wanted us to learn. This is the true and tested formof learning any skill including a new language. Good Luck – Lycka till!!!

NYA ORD NEW WORDS

att använda, använder, använde, använt to useskuggan, -n, skuggor shadejag har I havebalkong, -en, er balconymin, mitt, mina minebil, -en, -ar carfå rum have room (enough space)garage, -et, --- garagevi ska we will (shall)vår, vårt, våra ouri dag todaygoda goodvän, -nen, -ner friendatt besöka, besöker, besökte, besökt to visitatt komma, kommer, kom, kommit to comeatt hänga, hänger, hängde, hängt to hangstor, stort, stora big, largeatt leka, leker, lekte, lekt to playkanske maybe, perhapsatt sitta, sitter, satt, suttit to sitmånga manyhink, -en, -ar pailspade, -n, spadar shovelalla all, everyonetörstig thirstyis icevuxen, vuxna grown-up(s)yngre youngervädinna, -n, värdinnor hostessatt placera, placerar, placerade, placerat to put, to placeservetterna the napkinsfamilj, -en, -er familypapperstallrikar paper platesmatbestick, -et, --- flatwareinte notplast plasticsvårt difficultatt äta, äter, åt, ätit to eatplastbestick plastic flatware

korg, -en, ar basketmånga manygäst, -en, -er guestta fram bring outvärd, -en, -ar hostnytt newatt behöva, behöver, behövde, behövt to needfemton fifteenköksstol, -en, -ar kitchen chairmat foodefter afteratt diskutera, diskuterar, diskuterade, diskuterat to discusstrevlig nice, enjoyablebland amongvälkomna tillbaka all welcome back

SVENSKA OCH ENGELSKA SWEDISH AND ENGLISH

Solstol literally “sunchair”En solstol kan användas i skuggan A lawnchair can be used in the shadeJag har en balkong I have a balconyMina bilar får inte rum i mitt garage My cars have no room in my garageVi ska använda vår utegrill i dag We will use our barbeque grill todayGoda vänner kommer på besök Good friends are coming for a visitVi har hängt upp en stor gunga We have hung a big swingBarnen kan leka på en gungbräda The children can play on a seesawEller kanske sitta i gungstolen Or perhaps sit in the rocking chairSandlådan har många hinkar och spadar

The sandbox has many pails and shovelsNu är alla törstiga Now everyone is thirstyTillbringaren har lemonad och is The pitcher has lemonade and iceDe vuxna får ett glas The grown-ups get a glassDen yngre generationen får en kopp The younger generation gets a cupVärdinnan placerar en duk på bordet

The hostess puts a tablecloth on the table Duken är röd The tablecloth is redServetterna är blå och vita The napkins are blue and whiteFamiljen ska använda papperstallrikar The family will use paper platesMatbesticket ska inte vara plast The flatware shall not be plasticDet är svårt att äta med plastbestick It is hard to eat with plastic flatwareKnivar, gafflar och skedar ligger i en korg

Knives, forks and spoons are in a basketKorgen står på bordet The basket stands on the tableDet är många gäster There are many guestsVärden fick ta fram ett nytt bord The host had to bring out a new tableDe behövde femton stolar They needed fifteen chairsNågra satt i köksstolar Some sat on kitchen chairsFamiljen satt i solstolar The family sat in lawn chairsEfter maten lekte barnen After the food the children playedDe vuxna diskuterade böcker The grown-ups discussed books Det var en mycket trevlig dag bland vänner

It was a very nice day among friendsAlla är välkomna tillbaka Everyone is welcome back

Swedish Language Lessonsby Lillemor and Richard Horngren

LEARNING SWEDISH – LESSON 15


The Grand Lodge Executive Board held its second annual meeting in Frankenmuth, Michigan on May 13-15, 2008. Specialthanks go to VGM Bill Lundquist, wife Sheila, and GS Joan Graham for making all the meeting arrangements. All the board mem-bers stayed on to attend District Lake Michigan #8’s 100th Annual Convention the following weekend.Highlights from the meeting are as follows:1. The Executive Board (GLEB) continues to research the issue of the IRS 990-N E-filing by local lodges, many whom have

received notification to do so. It is the GLEB current understanding that lodges fall under the Grand Lodge filing and thus donot need to file the form. The Annual Reports, submitted by every local lodge, includes information pertinent to the IRS.Please see that the Yearly Reports are submitted by the deadline of March 1st, so as to not endanger our non-profit status.Several lodges have yet to turn in their reports and dues/assessments for 2007/08. Further, the Annual Report Form will berevised for 2009 to include more information pertinent to the 990-N form.

2. GM Rolf Bergman reported on how the GL was doing on income/expense vs. budget. Due to our declining membership,income is not keeping up with some budgeted items. The major problem is the increased cost of the distribution of the VasaStar, most notably to Sweden and Canada. Taking urgent action to curb the cost, the Board decided to not print theJuly/August issue this year and in 2009, but to publish it on the Vasa web site (www.vasaorder.com). Hopefully members withcomputers will be kind enough to print a copy for members with no computer access.

3. As a response to the high cost of bulk postage of the Vasa Star to Sweden we have worked out a cost-effective way for theVasa Star to be printed in Sweden and mailed directly to member’s homes. This greatly improves the quantity and timing ofthe distribution in Sweden.

4. Questions received from Vasa members have prompted the GL to initiate an ongoing FAQ column in the Vasa Star. Topics offinancial interest will be addressed.

5. A New-Delegate Orientation will be developed for the 2010 Grand Lodge Convention to help new GL delegates understandthe workings of the Grand Lodge and their role as active participants in the meeting. This gathering will be held the morningbefore the Opening Ceremonies, possibly over breakfast.

6. Several districts have fewer than the required number of local lodges, so the Board is exploring the possibility of consolidatingseveral to form new combined districts. Also discussed was how to involve lodges that are far removed from other lodges intheir district, but closer to neighboring districts.

7. Support was given to a Member Exchange Program between Sweden and USA/Canada promoted by DM Karen Snowberg ofDL New York #4. Information will be published in the Vasa Star.

8. Reports from Appointed Grand Lodge Officers shared the common frustration, also held by district and GL secretaries, of thelack of cooperation by Local or District Lodge officers in sending in reports that are required by the Constitution. CulturalLeaders, Historians, Activities Clubs, as well as Local Lodge Secretaries – please get those reports in by their due dates. We’reall volunteers in this organization and part of a larger organization made up of fellow members who are trying to completetheir responsibilities. Let’s help each other.

9. District Lodge Lake Michigan #8 has designed a Distinguished Service Ring for presentation to a very deserving member intheir district. Approval for the use of the Vasa emblem was given. This ring will be available for special order by other districtswishing to honor a member in this way. District #8 felt that a ring could be worn anywhere, where a Vasa jewel could only beworn to Vasa events.

10. A new Vasa decal/sticker will be designed and made available to all members. This sticker can be displayed on a car windowto help advertise the Vasa Order of America. The three flags (USA, Canada, and Sweden) and contact information(www.vasaorder.com) will be included. In addition, a media/publicity packet will be developed to help lodges promote Vasa,and a Vasa business card template will be made available on the to-be-developed members-only web site for all officers andmembers.

11. The 2007 Education stamp mailing to benefit the Sjölunden Language Village capital campaign was successful. Vasa membersdonated almost $13,000 to help build the new village. Many thanks to all who contributed to the campaign.

12. The 2008 Education Stamp design was accepted. Jake Gruel, GLEB member, had taken a photograph of his “Dalahäst” cov-ered with snow last winter and it was selected as the design for this year’s scholarship fund/Christmas stamp fundraising cam-paign. All income will go directly to the Education Fund.

13. The board approved the printing and mailing of the revised Youth Club Handbook to all Children’s Club Leaders, Supervisors,Local Lodges, and District Lodges. It is hoped that having this in the hands of the lodges will inspire them to pursue the forma-tion of new Children’s Clubs.

14. GL Youth Director Lynda Smith presented the details of her plans for the Youth Club Seminar which will be held July 18 and19, 2009 in Chicago. This seminar is a result of a recommendation made by the past GL Cultural Director USA/Canada Ann-Charlotte Harvey and approved at the GL meeting in San Diego. This seminar will be for Children/Youth Club Leaders andSupervisors and those interested in forming clubs in their lodges.

15. Continued development of the Vasa web site is coming along. The homepage will be redesigned. A members-only web page isin the planning stage and will be password protected. All members will have access to the password. The template for districtand local lodges to set up their own web pages, at vasaorder.net, will be redesigned.

If you have an interest in any topic discussed, please contact the Grand Secretary for more information ([email protected]).

Highlights of the May 2008 GL Executive Board MeetingGRAND LODGE NEWS


besökt av många vänner och släktingar tillmiddagens hedersgäst Barbro Osher.

En stråkkvartett slog an tonen förkvällen med charm och finess. Tal höllsoch gåvor överlämnades. De båda svenskadistriktens gemensamma gåva till ÅretsSvenskamerikan, ett par kristalljusstakarfrån Orrefors, överlämnades av de bådadistriktsmästarna, som även överlämnadetill Årets Svenskamerikan sina distriktsrespektive standar. Barbro Osher tackadeVasa Orden av Amerika för utnämningentill Årets Svenskamerikan och för degåvor som hon mottagit. Hon varöverväldigad av all hyllning och uppmärk-samhet.

Kvällen avslutades med stämningsfulldiktläsning av vasamedlemmen ochdramaprofessorn Anne-Charlotte Harveyfrån San Diego.

Dagen efter banketten blev ÅretsSvenskamerikan traditionsenligt guidad avprofessor Ulf Beijbom på UtvandrarnasHus. Vid Vänföreningens årsmötesmiddagsamma kväll var Barbro och BernardOsher hedersgäster.

Söndagen den 10 augusti firadesMinnesotadagen. Dagen började medsvensk-amerikansk högmässa iDomkyrkan. Biskop Sven Thidevall ochdomprost Jan-Olof Johansson var blandde medverkande.

Det publika evenemanget i Musei-parken, fick på grund av ostadig väderlek,flytta in i Utvandrarnas Hus. Barbro Osherfick ta emot ett diplom som bevis påutmärkelsen och avtäcka tavlan med nam-nen på Årets Svenskamerikaner, komplet-terad med hennes namn.

En stor publik hade kommit för att seoch lyssna till Årets Svenskamerikan.

Hennes tal handlade finstämt om läng-tan. Barbro Osher avslutade det så här(citat):

“Jag tänker också ofta på alla dem somflyttat, frivilligt eller ofrivilligt till vårtland. Vi har lätt att förstå svenskars hem-längtan - men förstår vi något av våra nyalandsmäns och landsmanninors? Och kanvi idag i grunden förstå hur man egentli-gen hade det när man tagit farväl för evigtav marker och fränder. När längtan blirför stark efter människor, natur och histo-ria tar jag planet hem. Det kunde inte KarlOskar och Kristina!”

Carl von Linné var temat för denutflykt, som ordnades för Barbro ochBernard Osher.

Barbro OsherÅrets Svensk-Amerikan 2008

Vasa Orden av Amerika har valtBarbro Osher till Årets Svenskamerikan2008.

Motivering till utmärkelsen“Barbro Osher har på ett synnerligen

förtjänstfullt sätt verkat för goda relation-er mellan Sverige och USA, dels genomsina konsulära uppgifter, dels genomdonationer till stöd för utbildning, kulturoch medicin.

Barbro Oshers arbetssätt är visionärtoch handlingskraftigt. Det har banat vägför många intressanta projekt och forskn-ingsmöjligheter.”

Den svenska delen av Vasa Orden avAmerika är stolt över att förära BarbroOsher denna utmärkelse.

Barbro Osher -Swedish American of the Year 2008Vasa Order of America has chosen

Barbro Osher as the Swedish American ofthe Year 2008.

Motivation for the award“Barbro Osher has in a most remark-

able way worked for good relationsbetween Sweden and the USA, partlythrough her consular mission, as well asthrough donations supporting education,culture and medicine.

Barbro Osher with the golden plaque.Barbro Osher med den gyllene plaketten.

Barbro Osher’s method of work isvisionary and purposeful. It has paved theway for many interesting projects andresearch opportunities.”

The Swedish part of the Vasa Order ofAmerica is pleased to honour BarbroOsher this award.

Barbro Osher -Året Svenskamerikan 2008 hylladFirandet av Årets Svenskamerikan

2008 Barbro Osher blev en succé. Detmediala intresset har varit stort och BarbroOsher har uppmärksammats i flera tid-ningar och i radio- och TV-intervjuer.Utrikesdepartementet berömmer valet avBarbro Osher. Hennes arbete som gener-alkonsul i San Francisco betyder oerhörtmycket för kontakterna mellan USA ochSverige. UD ordnade en lunch till BarbroOshers ära och Amerikanska Ambassadentog traditionsenligt emot ÅretsSvenskamerikan på en mottagning iStockholm.

Huvudarrangemanget hölls i Växjö.Växjö kommun välkomnade BarbroOsher med make Bernard Osher genomsina högsta företrädare Nils Posse och BoFrank. Till Kronobergs län välkomnadesparet Osher av Landshövding KristinaAlsér.

Den största begivenheten ur VasaOrdens synvinkel var banketten den 8/82008 i Växjö. Den hölls i KonserthusetsRestaurang. Distriktsmästaren förDistriktslogen Södra Sverige Nr 20Catherine Bringselius Nilsson var kvällensvärdinna och hälsade alla välkomna å debåda svenska distriktens vägnar. Sverigeskulturråd i USA Mats Widbom,Ambassadör Ulf Hjertonsson vid Sverigesgeneralkonsulat i New York och kulturat-tachén vid Amerikanska AmbassadenRichard LaRoche var långväga gäster,som Distriktsmästaren hade äran att hälsavälkomna. Landshövdingeparet Kristinaoch Jan Alsér hedrade banketten med sinnärvaro liksom Stormästarens representanti DL 20 Knut Rosenkvist. Distrikts-mästaren för Distriktslogen Norra SverigeNr 19 Gunnar Gustafsson delade värd-skapet med Distriktsmästare CatherineBringselius Nilsson. Stormästarens repre-sentant i DL Norra Sverige Nr 19 EwaPilhammar Andersson var också blandkvällens gäster liksom medlemmen iStorlogens Exekutiva Råd Tore Tellberg.Vasamedlemmar från DL 19, DL 20 ochUSA deltog i banketten, som också var väl Continued on page 9


De kände väl till Linnés Hammarbyutanför Uppsala och uppskattade den emi-nenta guidning som bjöds av Carl vonLinné själv, alias Anton Härder. Barbrooch Bernard imponerades av det tålmodigaoch gedigna arbete som krävs för att åter-skapa och bevara det odlingslandskap,som var typiskt för Linnés tid. Råshult(några mil söder om Växjö) är ett levandemuseum över 1700-talets sätt att bruka jor-den. Utflykten avslutades i Möckelsnäsmed besök på det nybyggda orangeriet,enligt 1700-talsritningar, och med en rep-resentativ mångfald av växter från dentiden.

Firandet av Årets Svenskamerikan avs-lutades högtidligt med en audiens påKungliga Slottet i Stockholm.Kronprinsessan Viktoria överlämnade dengyllene plaketten till Barbro Osher.

Submitted by: Catherine BringseliusNilsson/Göran Nilsson

Varmt tack till våra sponsorer

Amerikanska Ambassaden, StockholmElite Park Hotel, Växjö

Emigrantinstitutet VäxjöEmigrantinstitutets VänföreningGlasriket – Orrefors Kosta Boda

Karlson´s GoldLinnés Råshult

Länsstyrelsen i Kronobergs LänOrangeri och kunskapscentrum Carl von

LinnéRiksföreningen SverigekontaktSAS Scandinavian AB Sverige

UtrikesdepartementetVasa Orden av Amerika - Storlogen

Växjö Kommun

Barbro OsherContinued from page 8

Barbro Osher mottar plaketten på utmärkelsen Årets Svenskamerikan på Slottet. Från vänster:Göran Nilsson, Catherine Bringselius Nilsson, Kronprinsessan Victoria, Barbro Osher.

Grand Lodge Education FundAnnual Christmas Stamp Campaign

Tack Så Mycket!Thank You! Thank You!

We have received many contributions to theAnnual Christmas Stamp Campaign. Thank youto each one of you who has sent a donation largeand small. Every gift is important and very muchappreciated. If you haven’t sent in your contribu-tion yet, please do so when you are able.

“I will always be grateful to Vasa for the act ofkindness in awarding me a scholarship. At the time, I had no idea how Iwould pay for school.”

A Vasa Scholarship Recipient 1978Submitted by: Joan Graham, Grand Secretary

Thank You

DISTRICT LODGE NEWSMinnesota District #7 held its 100th

Anniversary this past April inMinneapolis, MN. We were very honoredto have Grand Lodge representativesGrand Master Rolf Bergman and his wifeMarty, Vice Grand Master WilliamLundquist and wife Sheila, MidwestRegion Representative and FinancialSecretary for the National Archives JakeGruel and wife Marjorie and DistrictMaster Michigan #8 James Nysted andwife Mary Jean.

The weather for our convention wasnot very cooperative. Grand LodgeMembership Chair Tore Tellgren’s flight

from California was cancelled. Our ViceDistrict Master Mae Moore was unable toattend because of the snow. DistrictMaster Helen Anderson was unable toattend related to her job in Jackson Hole,WY. Our Past District Master BertilErickson took charge and the conventionwent along very smoothly.

Our Historian, Carolyn Spargo, pre-sented a history folder for the past 100years to the delegates and anyone elsethat would be interested in having one.

After the session closed we had aMemorial Service for those members thatpassed away during the past 2 years. Thememorial address was read by PastDistrict Master Kenneth Larson.

Our banquet was very elegant and fes-tive, and of course, the food was great.There was a table displayed with memo-rabilia from the different lodges. I amsure a lot of reminiscing went on thatevening. A toast was made with souvenirwine glasses designed by Kristine Frostand for members to take home.

The Vasa Junior Folk Dancers, Linnea#14, and Vasa Kornet #16, presented theprogram for the evening. The Vasa JuniorFolk Dancers have been active for over80 years and in that time span they havebeen lucky to have live music for allthose years.

Submitted by: Janice Lehman,District Secretary

DL Minnesota #7


The celebration of the 100thAnniversary of District Lodge PA #9 of theVasa Order of America took place onSept. 27th and 28th, 2008, in Washington,DC. Drott Lodge #168 hosted theconvention.

On Friday the 26th, Drott Lodge hadarranged for us to visit The KennedyCenter located near the Potomac River, aunique living monument. This NationalCultural Center was designated as thenation’s memorial to President Kennedyfollowing his assassination in 1963. Thebronze bust of President Kennedy isprominently displayed. We found out thatthe spectacular lighting above, which con-sists of numerous glass chandeliers wasdonated by the country of Sweden.Designed and made by Orrefors, eachstrand weighs about 1000 lbs.

We also stopped by the House ofSweden where we had a chance to “gobehind the scenes” and once again wasmet by our great, very Swedish tour guide,Anna Järborg. Before touring House ofSweden we received information abouthow it came about. The use of glass andwood throughout the building conveys auniquely northern sensibility and commu-nicates the message that Swedish govern-ment and politics are characterized bytransparency and openness. The screen-printed glass comes from Sweden andresembles early morning mist in theSwedish countryside. The wood, howev-er, is fake, echoing the old Swedish tradi-tion of imitating wood and marble in whatused to be a rather poor country. Fauxwood was used as a way to minimize anyproblems that would occur to real wood inthe high humidity of Washington, DC.

House of Sweden has a fantastic loca-tion along the Potomac River. Further upwe saw an example of what an apartmentthat the embassy rents out, looks like, verySwedish and of course decorated withIKEA furniture. We toured the roof over-looking the Potomac River and the sur-rounding areas. Performances and concertsare performed on the roof of the building.

Back at the hotel we gathered in theevening for an informal cocktail hour tomeet some of the other lodge membersand played the “guess who – or what am Igame.”

District Master, Linda Josefsson Smith,called the convention to order on Saturdaymorning and visiting Grand Lodge officersWilliam Lundquist, Tore Kellgren withwives Birgitta Kellgren and SheilaLundquist performed the flag ceremony

and presented the flags of the USA,Sweden, Canada and the VOA.

All visiting GL and DL officers wereintroduced and the DM report was given.

During the Saturday afternoon session,GL Cultural Director for USA andCanada, Ingrid Hanright, gave a presenta-tion titled “Sweden Now and Then.”

GL Deputy, Ken Alexy was elected asthe Grand Lodge Delegate to the 2010 GLConvention with Bruce Elfvin as alternate.

Tore Kellgren, GL Membership chairpresented DL PA #9 with three 1st placeGL membership awards for 2007: the 1stplace prize for the District gaining themost new members; the 1st place prize fora Local Lodge initiating the most newmembers – LL Drott #168; and theIndividual 1st place prize for sponsoringthe most new members – Betty Johnson,of LL Drott #168.

VGM Bill Lundquist talked about thescholarship program and how to developyouth programs. There is now a handbookon how to start a children’s club and howto teach culture, language and customs.

We enjoyed a banquet that was held inthe evening where GM Rolf Bergmanopened by making a toast for the 100thanniversary of PA District #9. CulturalCounselor Mats Widbom from theEmbassy of Sweden attended with his wifeAnnette and was the speaker of theevening. VDM Bruce Elfvin presented theDistrict monetary membership awards tolocal lodges. The Nordic Dancers enter-tained with a variety of complexScandinavian folkdances.

DL Pennsylvania #9

Newly installed officers.

On Sunday morning the MemorialService organized by Oscars Borg Lodge#172, was held, they displayed picturesand short biographies of each of thedeceased members.

Newly elected DM Bruce Efvin, ofNobel-Monitor Lodge #130, invited every-one to Cleveland for the 2010 Districtconvention.

The new officers fro DL PA # 9 are:District Master - Bruce Elfvin, Nobel-

Monitor #130Vice District Master - David Williams,

Harmony #465District Secretary - Sharen Swanson

Tizzano, Nobel-Monitor #130Vice District Secretary - Carol Whitley,

Drott #168District Treasurer - Richard Erickson,

Nobel-Monitor #130District Chaplain - Lori Ackerman,

Oscars Borg # 172District Executive Board - John

Ekeroth, Fokus #681District Executive Board - Margaret

Schueman, Drott #168District Trustee, 2008-2012 - Linda

Mullenbach, Drott #168District Historian - Sandra Miller, Svea

#296District Cultural Leader - Linda Alexy,

Oscars Borg #172District Master of Ceremonies -

Darlene Nelson, Nobel-Monitor #130Ass’t Master of Ceremonies - Dorothy

Overberg, Svea #169Submitted by: Marie Carlson,

Editor, The Vasa Star


LODGE NEWSNorden Lodge #1

West Hartford, CTThis spring Norden celebrated the

125th year anniversary of the founding oftheir lodge with a brunch. The lodge wasfounded on March 1, 1883. At the brunchMarion Anderson was recognized for 60years of Vasa membership and EdithJohnson was recognized for 65 years as aVasa member. Also recognized was EthelSaaf for her 38 years of service to Norden#1 as Financial and Vice FinancialSecretary. Well done ladies and congratu-lations to Norden #1!

Submitted by: Paul Ljunggren, DM

North StarLodge #106

Los Angeles, CAIt was welcome back time at North

Star after a July break. It was good towelcome home Erik and Birgit Lindbergfrom their Sweden trip to visit family andspend happy hours at a lakeside “stuga.”Also a big welcome to Eleonora Nygrenwho had great adventures in Sweden,including a swim in the Baltic Sea at16C!

A very warm summer and there wasgood news and not so good news. Welost several members since springtime:Monica Eiserling who had moved toArizona. We remember Monica when shebrought her spinning wheel out to VasaPark for the Autumn Fest Marknad – shewould spin and instruct. She is survivedby her talented glassmaker son. HazelJohnson Hultberg, who ‘grew up’ inNorth Star. She had been as a child in theSWEA Barnklubben, she learned Swedishfolk dance and was a member of NorthStar’ s Drill Team . She met DaveHultberg at Angelica Lutheran Church,they married and produced eight children.She also leaves grandchildren and hersister Eleanore.

Then it was Knut Pattersson wholeaves his wife Jeanine. Knut was often atour meetings. James Moore who residedin Malibu with his wife Virginia ... allwill be missed by us.

Then at this meeting it was necessaryto drape the charter again. Our veryactive member, Walter Johnson, diedrecently. Walt leaves his wife Lois,daughters Barbara and Gail, and grand-children, also a great-grandchild. Walterhad joined as a youth in 1932. Afteralmost a lifetime in Los Angeles, theyhad moved to northern California.

Walt had held many offices in thelodge, especially known for his financialexpertise: serving as treasurer for severalyears. He not only wore the title of “Mr.North Star,” but with Lois, as “Mr. andMrs. Vasa Park” for all their efforts, dedi-cation and constant “labors of love” forVasa Park.

Donations to the Vasa Archives inmemory of those mentioned above.

The good news! Jennifer Larson repre-sented North Star and was selectedSWEA for our southern CaliforniaSwedish Midsummer, and Richelle

Thule Lodge #127Jamestown/Bemus Point, NYHello from Thule Lodge #127 in the

Jamestown/Bemus Point, NY area!Our fall season has had mild tempera-

tures, with the fall season gently enteringour area. Thule Lodge has been veryactive with events, and is nearing its101st year in the area. Eugene Johnsonserves as the lodge chairman, and greetsall with a friendly welcome. As the win-ter time is approaching, the lodge haschanged to its winter schedule of meet-ings. Beginning in October, the lodgemeetings will be on the third Saturday ofeach month in the early afternoon. Aftereach meeting, refreshments are alwaysserved.

Long time lodge member Nels JohnNelson was this year's recipient of theScandinavian award. The special recog-nition is to honor a person who has donemuch for the good of preserving theScandinavian heritage.

Each year during the month ofSeptember, the past chairmen conduct themeeting of the lodge. Past chairmanDorothy Peterson opened this specialmeeting with a welcome to all, and JohnSipos led the group in the pledge of alle-giance. The current chairman EugeneJohnson was a part of the audience at thismeeting. Past chairman Trudy Kraft gavethe chaplain's message, and past chair-man and past district master EdwinSandberg reported that all officers were

Daniel, our young member who repre-sented Nordic Lodge was selected asMidsummer Queen. I will mentionColumbia too – Amber Dobos, whosegrandfather was John Bergstrom ofViking Lodge and a great friend of NorthStar!

Jennifer is the daughter of Valerie andAllen Larson and granddaughter ofPeggy Pages, Midsummer Queen 1945.Richelle’s grandparents were Dorothyand Erold Silver (PDM). Her parentsare Richard and Marilyn Daniel.The other princesses were beautiful tooon the very warm traditional MidsummerDay.

Sunday, September 21, the Vasa DayAutumn Fest was held at Vasa Park.

Submitted by: Elinore Thornton

Pictured above are Marion Anderson andEdith Johnson along with Dale Youngstrom,Vice Chair Norden, and Paul Ljunggren, DM.

Earlier this year Diana Birger Jarl #3members enjoyed an evening potluckdinner at one Connecticut State’s 19vineyards. The Gouveia Vineyard islocated high on 140 sun-kissed acres, andis built of stone and old timbers. Thevineyard commands a 360 degree view ofthe Wallingford, CT countryside withwoodlands, open fields, and pristine hun-dred-year old farms. It is also a spectacu-lar location to observe an evening sunset.“Bon Appetite” or should we say “Skål!”

Submitted by: Paul Ljunggren, DM

Diana BirgerJarl Lodge #3

New Haven, CT



Thule Lodge #127Continued from page 11

at their stations for the meeting. SecretaryLucile Marsh gave the roll call of offi-cers, and treasurer Alberta Nelson gavethe financial report. Past chairman DonnaSandberg gave a report of a recent dinnerheld at the lodge. Past chairman JohnMarsh conducted the monthly drawing.Past chairman Donna Johnson reportedon the children's dance team. Past chair-man and past cultural leader Allie Nelson

Withers gave an overview of theScandinavian studies program held eachmonth in Jamestown. This special meet-ing continued in the tradition of thelodge.

Thule Lodge sends greetings for ahappy new year to all in 2009. If you arein our area, we welcome you. “God dag”to all!

Submitted by: John Sipos

Shown are past chairmen of the Thule Lodge #127. Seated are: Donna Johnson, Allie NelsonWithers, Donna J. Sandberg, Dorothy Peterson and Trudy Kraft. Standing are: John A.Johnson, Lucile Marsh, John Marsh, current lodge chairman Eugene Johnson, EdwinSandberg, Nels John Nelson, and Alberta Nelson.

Runeberg Lodge #137Minneapolis, MN

Emma Thofson, member of Runeberg Lodge #137 and member of the Vasa Jr. Folk Dancers(Linnea 14), in Minneapolis, was the recipient of the Vasa Sjölunden Scholarship. Emma, alongwith her sister Sara, have been members of the Jr. Department for over 10 years. Grand LodgeDeputy, George Carlson, presented this award at Swedish Day. Emma is a sophomore atMedford Public School.

Submitted by: Janice Lehman, DS

Tegnér Lodge #224Missoula, MT

In June we had our Midsummer meet-ing which was held at Benson’s farm.After indulging in the famousScandinavian foods that are always pre-sent at these gatherings, we had ourscholarship finalists read their essays.One of our finalists, Steven McLaughlin,was unable to attend so his motherCathleen read the essay. LindseyGalipeau, the other finalist, read heressay to the members. Each received$500 to be used at the school they willattend. Steven will attend the Universityof Washington and Lindsey will attendthe University of Montana in the fall.

Later we gave out pins to members foryears of membership. The following pinswere given out: Bruce Swanson and JimGalipeau for 25 years; Dick Lindborg for40 years; Agnes Nelson, Rick Swansonand Ina Swanson for 60 years. After themeeting members enjoyed a pleasantevening of fellowship.

Submitted by: Rick Swanson

Brahe Lodge #245Rockford, IL

Our Vasa Brahe Lodge #245 met forfood and fellowship at our Vasa Park inRockford, IL, on Thursday evening,August 28, 2008.

“Majs” (corn-on-the-cob) was themain summer treat on the menu alongwith brats, hot dogs, watermelon, potatochips, brownies and cake for desert, cof-fee, and lemonade. We ate our food andchatted with old friends in our little old“stuga.” The ladies of Vasa did a greatjob preparing and serving the food!

On a cool, cloudy fall afternoon onSeptember 28, 2008, 25 members waitedin line for eating “sill och potatis” in ourold “stuga.”

Left to right: Bruce Swanson, Jim Galipeau,20-year members; and Dick Lindborg, 40-year member.



Our new clubhouse is near completion.

The construction of our new club-house has continued primarily inside thebuilding. Progress has been slow duemainly to seemingly endless governmen-tal red tape, including permits and inspec-tions. Chairman Scott Johnson and thebuilding committee are to be commendedfor all their hard work!

Our newly constructed lodge in ourVasa Park is finished on the outside andis nearing completion inside. ChairmanScott Johnson and the building commit-tee are to be commended for all their hardwork! Completion of our new lodge isestimated in six weeks! Hurrah!

Submitted by: D. G. Eksten

Brahe Lodge #245Continued from page 12

August festivities included lovelysalads as the refreshments. Dr. ThomasRossing, professor of music at StanfordUniversity presented a wonderful talkabout the music of Norway. They special-ized in Hardanger fiddle, dragspel andfolk guitar. Edvard Grieg was their mostfamous composer and his music is stillrevered and enjoyed by everyone. He canevince the haunting feeling of awe at theNorwegian landscape. It puts one in themood for stories about trolls and tomtes.

Grieg lived on an island near Bergenand his home is now a national shrine.Ole Bull famous Norwegian violinistactually visited San Francisco and wasentertained by the Scandinavian Societyin the 1800s. Another musician of notewas Kirsten Flagstaff for her Opera per-formances. More recently one ofNorway’s beloved singers is SisselKirkebo who sang for the NorwegianOlympics and lately with opening of theOlympics in China. It was a very impres-sive evening for all Scandinavian musiclovers.

September regular meeting was a Backto School Night with apples decorating allthe tables. The program featured severalmembers who were teachers, of Swedishand in American schools. There were lotsof stories about their adventures, bothwith children and with adults.

We all looked forward to a picnic laterthat month at the Thomas Kruse Wineryin Gilroy as a fine introduction to thewinter season and festivities to come.

Submitted by: Muriel Nelson Beroza

Lindbergh Lodge #494Palo Alto, CA

QuinsigamondLodge #517

Worcester, MASunday, July 20, 2008, was a day of

celebration of Quinsigamond Lodge #517as members, friends and familiesgathered at The Manor in West Boylstonto celebrate the 80th Anniversary of thelodge. All who attended were greeted byGordon F. Hohne, Chairman ofQuinsigamond Lodge. After a social hourof reminiscing about the “old days” withfamily and friends, everyone enjoyed awonderful luncheon buffet.

The lodge was honored to have the fol-lowing dignitaries present at the celebra-tion: Grand Lodge Executive BoardMember Pamela Genelli, District MasterDawn Briggs, District Deputy CarlJohansson, Vice District Master LarryStidsen, District Treasurer Glenn Schedin,District Trustee Michael Bagnulo andDistrict Auditor Don Peterson.

Grand Lodge Executive BoardMember Pamela Genelli presented a spe-cial greeting to Quinsigmond Lodge fromGrand Master Rolf S. Bergman congratu-lating the lodge on its 80th Anniversary.Special greetings were also received fromDistrict Secretary Merial Doyle, DistrictCultural Leader Shirley French, DistrictLodge Rhode Island #3, and PDMMerlene Mayette, District #3.

Membership jewels and pins wereawarded to several members who werepresent. Doris Lindstrom received her 65-year jewel in recognition of her 67 yearsof membership and Gordon Forsbergreceived his 60-year jewel for 62 years.Several members who were in attendancereceived their membership pins: 40-year


GLEBM Pamela Genelli presentsQuinsigamond Lodge Chairman, Gordon F.Hohne a congratulatory award from GrandMaster Rolf Bergman.

The ScandinavianClock Maker

Traditional Swedish designhandcrafted in Eugene, OR,

by Walt Schullstrom

Custom painted to orderin any folk art style.

For details541-461-0329

[email protected]


pins were given to Muriel Schedin (46years), William Palmer (43 years),Eleanor Palmer (43 years) and WendyHohne (43 years); a 25-year pin was pre-sented to Pamela Genelli (35 years).Members not present at the event willreceive their pins at a local lodge meet-ing. Gifts were given to the oldest

member present, Evelyn Anderson and tothe youngest member present, NicholasGenelli.

The afternoon concluded with a draw-ing for the centerpieces. It was a wonder-ful afternoon and truly a milestone worthcelebrating.

Submitted by: Pamela Genelli

Quinsigamond Lodge #517Continued from page 13

Pamela, Nicholas and Matt Genelli cut the 80th Anniversary cake for its members.

What a delight it was to see that one of Vinland Lodge’s members made the frontpage of the Cape Cod Times! The article featured a lengthy write-up about AlmaBracket, a long-time member of the Lodge. This dynamic Swedish-born lady, whoseninety-six years old, has the energy and drive most people 40 years younger don’thave. In addition to her good looks, she is blessed with a very sharp mind and a keeneye for evaluating donations to her church’s Thrift Shop. Alma has volunteered therefor many years and is one of the valuable treasures in the Shop. Right on, Alma!

Coffee and dessert followed our October meeting after which members piled intocars and formed a caravan over to the bay side of Cape Cod. Our destination: Annie’sCrannies – a spacious and beautiful cranberry bog. The owner of the bog and the farm-house on the property is a young woman whose grandparents originally owned anddeveloped the bog.

Annie, a charming and knowledgeable woman, made us most welcome, and gave avery interesting talk on the development and maintenance of cranberry bogs. SinceAnnie is also a beekeeper, we were treated to an interesting presentation on keepingbees. As far as I know, none of the members are pursuing that field!

Our Program Chairman, Elsa Erickson, arranged the bog tour. Elsa never fails tocome up with interesting programs, and we are fortunate to have this former teacher asa member.

By the time you read this we will be in the midst of Christmas Season.We wish all of you a Peaceful and Joyous Christmas, keeping in mind what

Christmas is really about.God Jul och Gott Nytt År!

Submitted by: Marion S. Borgman

Vinland of Cape Cod Lodge #703Cape Cod, MA

Tre KronorLodge #713

Salem, OR

JubileumLodge #755

Madison, WI

Tre Kronor Lodge #713 of Salem, Oregon,had a Swedish Pancake booth at the PolkCounty Fair this summer. The photo showsAudrey Cameron, Chairperson, Glen Ostrom,and Stephanie Cameron-Barth tending thegriddle on August 10, 2008.

Submitted by: Barry Ostrom

We from Jubileum Lodge #755 beganour 2008-2009 year with a Fish Boil atthe home of Ralph and Martha Strom-quist, in Oregon, WI, on Sunday,September 15. The couple who preparedthe Fish Boil told us, “We don’t usuallydo this. You can borrow the pots, baskets,and poles and do it yourself nextyear!” So we paid closer-than-usualattention.

After the traditional and spectacular“boil over” (achieved by tossing dieselfuel on the fire to get rid of the scum), 33lodge members and their guests dined onboiled cod, red potatoes, carrots, andonions, followed by (store-bought,but still excellent) apple pie. We spent avery enjoyable afternoon catching up onthe events of the summer and viewingRalph Stromquist’s artistic photography,and his small collection of vintageautomobiles.

Two special guests were Leif andGunilla Stolt of Stockholm, on a two-week tour of the American Midwest.Gunilla lived with the Nordlings whenshe was an exchange student at MadisonMemorial High School (we won’t saywhen!), and Gunilla’s mother is a cousinof Trudy Nordling.

Submitted by: Robert Merrill


At the June midsummer picnic theMay pole was decorated by some of theladies. After lunch we danced around theMay Pole.

We had no meetings in July andAugust. We gathered in September to lis-ten to Sandra Schenholm as she informedus about the “Dala Hästen.”

October 26th was the date that hadbeen set aside to celebrate the anniver-sary of the fifth year of our lodge. Weplanned a catered lunch and a time togive thanks for our heritage and to thosewho have worked so hard to keep ustogether.

Nadine Murphy’s subject in Novem-ber was Nordic Languages, an interestingsubject. We are so fortunate to have peo-ple that are willing to speak on these dif-ferent topics.

Our lodge extends its sympathy toDavid Anderson. His wife Judy passedaway in June. Judy was our past lodgesecretary. Also from our lodge welost Ray Myrvold, who was a chartermember.

Submitted by: Carol Ingstad Bryant

Nordic Red RocksLodge #760

Sedona, AZ

Janell Brainard in her Swedish costume asshe welcomed us to our May meeting.

Treasury Report

Summary of Notes, Bondsand Certificates of Deposit

as of April 30, 2008National Archives

Wells Fargo Bank, Minneapolis:NOW checking account 138,162

Cash and Investments,Money Market Fund 2,072

State Bank of Toulee, IllinoisChecking Account 467

State Bank of Toulee, IllinoisSavings Account 84,968

Waukesha State Bank, Wisconsin 19,288Citizens National Bank, Galva, Illinois 1,339Petty Cash Funds 302Due Date Notes and Bonds and

at cost, per scheduleA attached 301,621

Stocks at cost, per ScheduleB attached (market value $410,462) 353,811

Archives Plant Fund Assets, at cost:Land 4,160Buildings (2+) 207,983Furniture and Equipment 39,620

Total 1,153,793

Submitted by: Jake Gruel

National ArchivesFund Balance 5/1/07 $1,101,930Receipts:

Dues & Assessments 48,371Investment Income 38,359Donations Received 11,397Other Receipts 27,639

_________Total Receipts 125,766Total Assets Available $1,227,696Disbursements:

Services:Archivist 35,494Archives Financial Secretary 1,200

Expenses for:Archives President 2,942Archives Financial Secretary 1,162

Accounting & Tax Preparation 1,150Cost - Bishop Hill Property 28,949Computer Related Expenses 2,814Legal Fee 192

________Total Disbursements $73,903Fund Balance 4/30/08 $1,153,793

ARCHIVES NEWSContinued from page 5

God Jul och Gott Nytt Årtillönskas alla Vasavänneri USA, Kanada och Sverige

Richard & DorothyOverberg, GLT

Holiday Greetings UniteMembers and Lodges

God Jul och Gott Nytt Årfrån

Nobel Liljan Lodge #64Brooklyn, NY718-238-1395

God Jul och Gott Nytt År from

Siljan Mora TunaLodge #134

Chicago Area

God Jul ochGott Nytt År

VASA ORDER OF AMERICAGRAND LODGE EXECUTIVE BOARD

Grand Master - Rolf S. BergmanVice Grand Master - William Lundquist

Grand Secretary - Joan GrahamGrand Treasurer - C. Richard OverbergVice Grand Secretary - Helen MingramMEB-Eastern Region - Pamela Genelli

MEB-Midwest Region - Jake GruelMEB-Western Region - Tore Kellgren

MEB-Sweden - Tore TellbergMEB-Canada Ken Banks

MEB-At-Large - Bertil Ericsson

God Jul och Gott Nytt ÅrTo All Our Vasa Friends

fromDistrict Lodge

Pennsylvania #9Bruce Elfvin

District MasterDavid Williams

Vice District MasterSharen Swanson Tizzano

District SecretaryRichard EricksonDistrict Treasurer

John EkerothMargaret Schueman

Members of District Executive BoardLinda Alexy

District Cultural LeaderSandy Miller

District Historian

God Jul och Gott Nytt Årfrom

Three Crown Lodge #38Stamford, Connecticut

Margit AndersonAnita BenardAlice BennettKarl S. Fritz

Barbara K. GardeckiHjalmar & Helene Henrikson

Phyllis JohnsonClara Larson

Ernest V. LarsonShirley Leopold

George and Ingrid LukachRichard J. Olson

Elizabeth ThomasEthel ThomasHelen Walding

Nobel-MonitorLodge #130Cleveland, Ohio

Christmas Greetings and Warm Wishesfor Good Health and Much Happiness

in the New Year to all our Vasa FriendsCarolyn Anderson

Emil & Betty ArvidsonEric & Maria Arvidson

David M. BensonRolf & Marty BergmanSarah Lundberg Blaser

Burton & Gunvor CarlsonDorothy Carlson

Bruce ElfvinDick EricksonJohn Esborn

Lennart & Marianne GotrichRalph & Marianne Johnson

Al & Val McAllisterDarlene Nelson

Marie-Louise NyborgGail K. SmithBill Sweigard

Sharen Swanson Tizzano

Greetings and God Julfrom the officers and members of

Bessemer Lodge #203Britt Nilsson, Chairman

Bibi Swanson, Vice ChairmanCarol Steuber, Vice ChairmanChristine Kilstrom, Secretary

Barbara Olson, Financial SecretaryMyrtle Orlando, Hosp. Fund Sec.Susan Nilsson, Cultural Leader

Patricia Pelzman, Chaplain & M. CSvea Agner, Guard & Auditor

Linda Tylk, TreasurerJames Pelzman, TrusteeBruno Nilsson, Auditor



God Jul och Gott Nytt ÅrMerry Christmas and a

Happy New Year to all of youfrom all of us at

Carl XVI Gustaf Lodge #716Dallas, Texas

God Jul och Gott Nytt År

Carl Widen Lodge #743Austin, Texas

God Jul och Gott Nytt Årtill alla VASA Syskom

frånMayflower Lodge #445

Inglewood, California

Warm Christmas Wishesfor a year filled with happiness to allVasa Members in the United States,

Canada and Swedenfrom

Skandia Lodge #549Edmonton, Alberta Canada

Holiday Greetings UniteMembers and Lodges

God Jul och Gott Nytt Årfrån

Officers and MembersSvea Lodge #296

Erie, Pennsylvania

God Jul och GottNytt År

To members and friendsin Sweden, Canada and USA

från

Linde Lodge #492Skansen Children’s

Club #113Milwaukee, Wisconsin

God Jul och GottNytt År

från

Bishop HillLodge #683

Bishop Hill, Illinois

Silent Night, Holy Night!All is calm, all is bright’Round yon virgin mother and child.Holy infant so tender and mild,Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent Night, Holy Night!Shepherds quake at the sight.Glories stream from heaven afar.Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia,Christ the savior is born,Christ the Savior is born.

Silent Night, Holy Night!Son of God, Love pure light.Radiant beams from thy holy face.With the dawn of redeeming grace.Jesus, Lord at thy birth,Jesus Lord at thy birth.

SILENT NIGHT


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God Jul och Gott Nytt Årtillönskas alla Vasasyskon

Logen Skåne Nr 570Malmö

God Jul och Gott Nytt År tillönskas alla Vasasyskon

Logen Nybyggarna Nr 698Ängelholm

Logen Ronneby Nr 630 önskar sina Vasasyskon

och Vänloger

En God Vasa Jul ochEtt Gott Nytt Vasa År


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God Jul och Gott Nytt Årtillönskas alla Vasasyskon

Logen Höganäs Nr 634


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Distriktslogen SödraSverige Nr 20

God Jul och Gott Nytt Årtillönskas

alla VasasyskonExecutive Board Members:

Catherine Bringselius NilssonÅke Mellnert Per-Olof Brink Olle Wickström Bengt HammargrenIngrid Cannerhagen Ulf AlderlöfBörje Gunnarsson Margareta BergMorgan Pålsson

God Jul och Gott Nytt År tillönskas alla Vasavänner

Bertil ochAnn-Margreth Ericsson

GLMEB

God Jul och Gott Nytt År tillönskas alla Vasavänner i USA, Kanada och Sverige

Gunnar och Siw MossbergPGLMEB

God Jul och Gott Nytt År tillönskas alla Vasasyskon Göran och CatherineBringselius Nilsson

DD LL Nr 680 och DM DL Nr 20

Logen CalmareNyckel Nr 628

önskar alla Vasasyskonen God Jul och ett Gott Nytt År


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Unite Members and LodgesMerry Christmas and

A Happy New Yearto All Our Vasa Friends in the

US, Canada and SwedenLisbeth H. Qvarfordt

och Inge HallbergFDM. LL751 Norrköping

God Jul och Gott Nytt Årtillönskas alla Vasasyskoni USA, Kanada och Sverige

Knut RosenkvistMaj-Lis Friedman

Grand Lodge Deputy - DL Nr 20

Jul – och Nyårshälsningar frånDistriktslogen Södra Sverige Nr 20

Distriktslogen Norra Sverige Nr 19


SWEDISH NEWSLogen Höganäs

Nr 634Sverige-Amerikamöte 28 juni 2008

Ett 60-tal Vasasyskon samlades till etttraditionellt sommarmöte på VikensHemgård. Ordförande Br Leif Larssonhade glädjen att hälsa Sy Ann-MarieKinnison från Tucson Lodge Nr 691,Arizona, USA, välkommen till Sverigeoch vårt möte. Ett flertal gäster från andraloger hälsades också välkomna.

Br Ola Sandberg gav en utförligredogörelse om Vasagolfen och BKL SyIngrid Berg rapporterade om den lyckadeutfärden till Åhus.

En stilfull fanparad utfördes av SyBodil Larsson, Br Hans Bogren, SyGertrud och Br Kjell Green, prologen tillfanorna lästes av Sy Ewy Blomgren.

Vid den efterföljande middagenserverades traditionsenligt kokt lax medtillbehör samt jordgubbar, glass och visp-grädde. Kvällen fortsatte med dans tilltonerna av Niklas Larssons fina musikoch sedvanlig lottdragning. Vid åretsdragning av Drömreselotteriet tillföllhögsta vinsten 5.000:- Sy Mona och BrBengt Bengtsson.

Kulturmöte lördagen den 13 sept. 2008VO Sy Evy Lindstrand ledde med

bravur kvällens förhandlingar. KL BrHans Bogren berättade om närhöganäsarna “gick till Jeppssons shop” iWorchester och LH Sy Birgit Olsson gavoss en roligt och intressant återblick tillVasaåret 1979.

Efter en god måltid med sjömansbiff,kaffe och kaka startades kvällensprogram med att vi fick lyssna till närÖsten Warnerbring sjöng om Kiviksmarknad och om kvällens ämne, FritjofNilsson Piraten, varefter Owe Bernenfelthöll ett intressant kåseri om sin tid somjournalist och sitt samarbete med FritjofNilsson Piraten. Vi fick också höramånga och roliga episoder ur dennaförfattares liv.

Efter en stunds dans till husbandetvidtog den sedvanliga lottdragningen ochlyckliga vinnare fick vin, choklad ochblommor ur det rikliga vinstbordet.

Brödernas AftonInte mindre än 110 Vasasyskon, varav

58 gästande Ordenssyskon, samlades tillBrödernas Afton den 11 oktober. Störredelen av antalet gäster kom från LL

Westervik Nr 679 och LL Blå JungfrunNr 749.

O Br Leif Larsson höll en stämnings-full parentation över bortgångna Sy BrittaStåhlberg, Kl Br Hans Bogren läste ettintressant brev från en man som på 1870-talet emigrerade till New York och LHSy Birgit Olsson gjorde en rolig tillbak-

Gertrud Green med Vasafanan vid den vackrafanparaden

ablick på forna tiders Brödernas Aftnar.Vid efterkapitlet framförde bröderna ettbejublat program med sång, sketcher ochhistorier, vilket framkallade många gladaskratt och varma applåder.

Kvällen fortsatte med dans till 4-man-naorkestern Accord-centralen och avslu-tades med att Br Leif sjöng tillsammansmed orkestern “We’ll meet again.”

På söndagsförmiddagen bjödHöganäslogen sina gästande Vasasyskonfrån Västervik och Oskarshamn på enrundtur i Kullabygden med förnämligguidning av Sy Magdalini KalivasJönsson.

Ett besök hos en av bygdens keramik-er, Peter Nilsson, blev mycket uppskattatoch turen avslutades med kaffe påAlbertsgården i Farhult innan de gäs-tande Vasasyskonen återvände hemåtmed sin buss.

En fantastisk helg i sann Vasa-anda,som visar hur fint ett utbyte mellan loger-na kan vara.

Submitted by: Berit och Hans BogrenPicture by: Christer Hultberg

Logen Enköping Nr 646 börjar sitthöstprogram med att samlas hos sy Ingridoch br Alan Tammerfors för att njuta avaugustis kräftor.

Tillsammans började vi kvällen medlite allmänbildande frågesport därsegraren blev Torbjörn From. Vi bjödssedan till kräftbordet där två stora fatljuvligt röda kräftorna låg upplagda föratt intagas.

Våra kräfthattar kom på och sångernabörjade klinga ihop med surplandet avkräftorna och drycken.

Vår hedersmedlem Thore Gryseframförde deltagarnas tack förden trevliga tillställningen och kvällenfortsatte sedan med gemensam samvarotillsammans med kaffe och dopp.

Submitted by: Elisabeth Agge

Logen Enköping Nr 646

Kräftkalas hos Ingrid och Alan Tamerfors.


Logen Härnösand Nr 673Lördag den 5:e juli var Vasa Ordens

medlemmar med vänner traditionsenligtinbjudna till familjen Wigert i Brunne föratt där tillsammans fira en gemensamSverige-Amerika-dag i anslutning till attAmerika firar sin Independence day den4e juli. Kalle Wigert hälsade alla välkom-na och inledde dagen med parad för bådavåra flaggor och en gemensam. “Dugamla du fria sjöngs.”

Kjell Hamrin, som var dagens toast-master, fortsatte med att presenteraBrunne spelmän som underhöll med bådesång och spel. Dagens sommarbetraktelsehöll Katarina Brunnström och där fick vifölja med henne på en cykeltur längsGöta kanal allt inramat av sång med ack-ompanjemang av av Per-Åke Söderkvist.Knut Nordqvist kom från Timrå ochkunde trots ett antal år på nacken reciteradikter med verklig inlevelse. Katarinasberättelse påminde honom om dikten somockså handlar om Göta kanal vilken vi dåockså fick höra. Dagens aktörer inbjödspå en härlig sommarbuffe där varkengravlax eller jordgubbar saknades.Picknicken smakade bra även den och attmöta olika vänner samt få sig ett gottskratt tillsammans, gjorde alla gott.

Sundsvalls Logen deltog som vanligtoch i år med fler deltagare än förra året,ett bevis på att man även där uppskattaratt få träffas i Wigerts trevliga miljö.Kalle blir både glad och stolt över att seett ökande intresse och han lovar attbjuda oss åtminstone ett par år till. Lillatvå-åriga barnbarnet deltog nu för tredjegången.

Under ledning av Ulla-Britt Nordinmed ackompanjemang av Bosse Selinoch Sven Forsström deltog alla glatt idagens allsång som bestod av diverse finasommarsånger.

Familjen Wigert bjöd sedan på ett dig-nande kaffebord där alla försåg sig av alltdet goda som bjöds. Ordf. KalleBäcklund framföra ett från alla hjärtligttack för fantastisk dag.

Höstens första möte hölls den 19:eseptember. Kvällens ordförande BengtNyberg hälsade alla hjärtligt välkomna. Idagens dagordning ingick ballotering fören ansökan om medlemskap i logen. FrånAmerika hade brev kommit från JohnDalmas North Star Lodge #145, LennartGohrn, North Star Lodge #106 ochMonica Shipley, Norden Lodge #684.Det är alltid lika roligt att höra om vadman sysslar med i Logerna i USA.

Barbro Sundgren är den som håller kon-takten och berättar om vad vi gör här i“the old country.”

Efter genomgången dagordninginbjöds vi till efterkapitel där kvällensvärdpar dukat upp till en välsmakandemåltid. I vanlig ordning såg Kjell Hamrintill att det blev ett muntert sjungande tillbåde mat och dryck. Senare gav han ossen lektion i trafik genom exempel på vadsom händer och vad vi kan göra för attförbättra den pågående hemska statis-tiken. Han hade införskaffat skrifter översådant som gäller i trafiken, något somalla kan få gratis från Vägverket iBorlänge och från NTF. Kjell medbenäget bistånd av hustrun Pia ska hadagens eloge för en mycket trevlig menallvarlig lektion som väcker till efter-tanke.

Bland vinster i kvällens lotteri fannsexempelvis en reflexväst. En som vanligtglad och trevlig samvaro gav denna dagnågot extra viktigt som gäller alla.

Submitted by: B. SundgrenPicture: Ulla-Britt Nordin Margit Nilsson Hjälper Kjell med sången.


Under sista veckan i augusti 2008 pas-sade medlemmarna från Logen EnköpingNr 646 Karl-Erik Axlesson, Anne-SofieHjort, Elisabeth Agge tillsammans medlogemedlemmarna från LogenMälardrottningen Nr 563 Lars-Åke ochHillivi Sjöberg att besöka Logen LindeNr 492. Vi bodde hos Jake Gruel ochMarge Gruel i Linde Lodge som vi käntlänge.

På lördagen var vi tillsammans medmedlemmar från Linde logen till en kräft-skiva hos Vasavännerna Rolf och LisaEkstrand. Vi bjöds på kräftor med tilltuggoch hade det mycket trevlig tillsammansvilket gör det trivsamt inom Vasa Ordenav Amerika.

Under de följande dagarna fick vigenom Gruels dotter Jan med make VernKamholtz, möjligheten att besöka enClassic car utställning vid namnMasterpeice 2008. Där fanns många finaveteranbilar av mycket hög klass. Senarevar vi inbjudna av Marion Bruce på lunchdär vi pratade “Vasaminnen” samt omhennes avlidne man och Vasavän KenBruce som gjort betytt mycket för Vasainom Linde logen. Han hade bl a snickratihop stora Dalarhästar och målat demsjälv, de såg ut som om de var tillverkadei Sverige!

Vi träffade vidare Vasavännen KarenMalm som tillsammans med sina barn ärVasamedlemmar i Linde logen. Vidarebesökte vi Wisconsin Club där FamiljenMalm bjöd på middag. Vi hade myckettrevligt tillsammans och Karen passadeäven på att visa oss runt i detta exklusivaklubb-hus mitt i Milwaukee.

Harley Davidssons 105 års-jubileumfirades den 29 augusti mitt i Milwaukee,7500 motorcyklar deltog i paraden ochdet var ca 300 000 motorcyklar som hadesamlats.

Under veckan umgicks vi med mångaVasavänner och deras familjer, och visvenskar kan inte med ord beskriva förandra hur det är att få sådana trevliga ochkära vänner genom Vasa och Lindelogen. En stor del har varit genom dengästfrihet som familjerna Gruels ochEkstrand visat oss under våra besök.

Submitted by: Elisabeth Agge, LLEnköping Nr 646

Vasavänner frånSverige besöker

Vasavänner i USA

Våra Vasavänner och andra vänner i Milwaukee.

Axelsson, Agge, Hjort och Sjöberg framför en Inter-State 45 Touring från 1913.

Solen sken efter veckor av regn, närmänniskor strömmade till Emigrations-konferensen på Kulturbruket i Mellerud.Konferensen som varade i två dagar, des-ignades på ett sätt som skiljer sig från tra-ditionella konferenser och som blevmycket lyckat. Fredagens konferensbestod av en rundtur med buss, därföreläsningarna hölls på olika platser iDalsland. Lördagen inbjöd till öppet husför alla intresserade, både från närområdetoch längre bort ifrån. Det erbjöds under-hållning, hantverk, släktforskningsinfor-mation, bokförsäljning, föreläsningar,kaffe och lotterier.

Fredagens bussresa började vidÖrtagården i Dals Rostock, där man ficklära om örter och höra musik på nyckel-

harpa. Därefter besöktes Lästviks Säteridär deltagarna lärde sig mer om Salt LakeCity och Swenson Center av ElisabethThorsell och samtidigt beundrade unikaväggmålningar i stora salen. Färdengick vidare till Gästis i Färgelandaför lunch och som efterrätt höllSläktforskarförbundets ordförande TedRosvall föreläsning om svenska släkt-forskningskällor. Därefter reste man tillba-ka till Melleruds Museum där LillySetterdahl berättade om och visade sven-skar i Amerika, en rundvandring i museetoch ett besök på avdelningen för släkt-forskning. Kvällen avslutades med middagpå Skötteruds gård tillsammans medVasaordens medlemmar.

Emigrationskonferensen”Hands Across the Sea” i Mellerud



rant in Färgelanda for lunch and a semi-nar by Ted Rosvall on the Swedish geneal-ogy sources. Then back to MellerudsMuseum and a seminar by Lilly Setterdahlon Swedish emigrants in America, a tourin the museum and a visit to the depart-ment for genealogy. The day ended withdinner at Skötterud Farm, where moremembers from The Vasa Order ofAmerica Mellerud Lodge #644, joined thegroup.

On Saturday about 250 visitors came toKulturbruket på Dal. The opening con-tained a much appreciated theatre piece,The Letter from America, created and per-formed by the chair of Vasa Order ofAmerica Mellerud Lodge #644 and thechair of the Genealogy organizationSläktforskare på Dahl. Another appreciat-ed performance was Owe Clapson, whoacted as Fridolf Rhudin and Olle iSkratthult. In the evening the conferenceguests were invited to a Swedish buffet at

Dalslands gästgiveri in Ånimskog, with amagnificent view over Lake Ånimmen.Olle i Skratthult and his musicians alsoentertained during the dinner. On Sundaythose who wished were invited to a serviceat the church in Skållerud. All theAmerican guests joined the bountiful ser-vice. Some of them had connections to theparish.

The organizers would like to thankboth the visitors and the functionaries.They are very happy that so many visitedthe conference and that so many of theirmembers came to help. The collaborationwith the genealogists has given the VasaOrder of America Lodge 644 Mellerud anadded value. They now have a list of peo-ple who are interested in joining the lodge.The organizers are planning a possibleconference within two years in 2010.

Submitted by: Anneli AnderssonArticle written by: Eiwor Backelund,

Logen Mellerud Nr 644

Alla deltagare samlade framför Lästvik, Steneby i Dalsland.

Emigrationskonferensen”Hands Across the Sea”i MellerudContinued from page 21

Under lördagen kom cirka 250besökare till Kulturbruket. Invigningenbestod av ett uppskattat teaterstycke,Amerikabrevet, skapat och framfört avordföranden för Vasa Orden av AmerikaLogen Nr 644 Mellerud och ordförandenför Släktforskare på Dahl. Ett annat omty-ckt inslag var Owe Clapson, som upp-trädde som Fridolf Rhudin och Olle iSkratthult. På kvällen bjöds det på ensvensk buffé på Dalslands gästgiveri iÅnimskog, med fantastisk utsikt över sjönÅnimmen. Även här deltog Olle iSkratthult och hans musikanter. På söndagfanns möjlighet att delta i högmässan iSkålleruds kyrka för den som önskade det,och det gjorde våra amerikanska deltagare,varav vissa hade anknytning till Skållerud.

Arrangörerna vill gärna tacka bådebesökare och funktionärer. De är mycketnöjda med att så många besökte konfer-ensen och med att så många medlemmarhjälpte till. För Vasa Orden av AmerikaLogen Mellerud Nr 644 har samarbetetmed släktforskarna givit ett mervärde. Nufinns en lista på människor som gärna villbli medlemmar i logen. Arrangörernaplanerar nu för eventuellt en ny konferensmed liknande design om två år, alltså2010.

The Emigration Conference HandsAcross the Sea in Mellerud

The sun started shining after weeks ofrain, when people flocked in large num-bers at the Emigration Conference atKulturbruket in Mellerud. The conferencethat lasted for two days was designed in away that differs from traditional confer-ences, which proved to be very successful.On Friday the conference included a bustour, where the seminars were held in dif-ferent locations across Dalsland. Saturdayinvited to an open house where anyonewho was interested could join, both thosewho lived nearby and further away. Therewas entertainment, handicraft, and infor-mation about genealogy, book stores, sem-inars, coffee and lotteries.

The bus tour on Friday started at theHerb Garden in Dals Rostock, where youcould learn about herbs and listen to keyfiddle music. The participants then visitedLästvik Manor where they learned fromElisabeth Thorsell about Salt Lake Cityand Swenson Center, while looking at theunique wall paintings in the large meetingroom. The tour went on to Gästis restau-

Samling på Dalslands gästgiveri njuter av den vackra vyn.


YOUTH NEWS

IN MEMORY OF

Vasa Jr. Folk DancersLinnea #14

Minnesota #7Emma Thofson was selected as our

2008 Lucia and has been a member of theJr. Folk Dancers for 10 years. She, alongwith her parents, David and Suzanne, aremembers of Runeberg Lodge #137, inMinneapolis, MN. Emma is a sophomoreat Medford High School and enjoysdoing artwork for set designs for the the-ater department. She started learningSwedish from her grandmother as a tod-dler. In 2006, along with her family, shevisited Håsjö, Västanede, Jämtland,Sweden, the area of her maternal great-grandmother. This past summer shereceived the Vasa Sjölunden CampScholarships.

Submitted by: Janice Lehman, DSEmma Thofson

Karl Pedersen, a long-time member ofVinland Lodge of Cape Cod, passedaway on September 2nd, 2008, after along illness. He was seventy-seven.

He is survived by his wife of fifty-fiveyears, Dolores Lorentson Pedersen, adaughter, Elaine Soares and her husbandPatrick, of Richmond, Surrey, England, ason, Karl Pedersen and his wife, Lynne,of Ogdensburg, N.J., and four muchloved grandchildren, Hannah and Thomasof England, and Erik and Kelsey of NewJersey. He also leaves a sister, SonjaHayes of Corpus Christi, Texas, andmany loving nieces and nephews.

Karl was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., theson of the late Ludvig and Gina Pedersenof Norway. Karl served in the Navy dur-ing the Korean War, spending over threeyears aboard the USS Worcester

A graduate of Bentley College, heretired from the John Hancock MutualLife Insurance Company AuditDepartment in 1991.

Karl was a member of the BaalisSanford Masonic Lodge of Brockton andhad been serving as Treasurer of VinlandLodge. He was also an active volunteer atCape Cod Hospital until his illness.Before moving to Bourne a few yearsago, Karl and Dolores had beenSandwich residents for 23 years.

and the family, including 17-month oldersister Karen, moved a few times beforethey settled in Montebello in 1947.

During Kathleen’s childhood, the fam-ily made several trips to St. Anthony, IA,where her mother, Irma, was born andraised. Kathleen and Karin have manyrelatives there, and enjoyed spendingtime on Aunt Ruth’s farm. The familyalso enjoyed an extended visit from Karinand Kathleen’s Swedish grandparents,Anders and Anna Wendell, whenKathleen was 4 years old. Her father wasborn in Helsingborg, Sweden, and thegirls still have relatives there.

Kathleen was a Vasa 1961 GrandLodge Scholarship winner, and her col-lege years were spent at Mt. San AntonioJunior College.

In the summer of 1961 Kathleen waselected Svea for the annual Midsummerweekend. In December she representedOscar II Lodge as the traditional Lucia.Vasa, and the Swedish community andheritage as a whole, were very importantto the family.

At the beginning of Kathleen’s teenyears she joined the Montebello Eaglets4-H Club and was a member until shewas 21 years old. Her projects includedclothing and sheep.

She had an ewe who gave birth to twinlambs during one of their meetings. Shewas always very active in the club and itwas a wonderful learning experience. Shelearned to ride a horse and became anexpert horsewoman, along with two ofher 4-H buddies, Pat and Linda. Theyalways attended the 4-H fair in Pomonaeach fall and were winners of several rib-bons through the years. After they left the4-H Club the girls traveled the rodeo cir-cuit in California and bordering states.

Kathleen’s teen years were busy withanother fun project – the Vasa JuniorFolk Dance Club, which her father orga-nized for his young daughters and otherSwedish boys and girls of that age. Hewas the director of the club. It was a fam-ily activity and the girls enjoyed dancingat various events, including during theopening week at Disneyland in 1955.

Kathleen majored in Business in highschool and college and was a whiz at typ-ing and shorthand (it was before comput-ers).

When Kathleen was 21, there was tobe a big Vasa tour for six weeks toSweden, with performances by Americanteenagers of Swedish descent. When herfather was chosen the tour leader, she andher mother hastened to buy their planetickets and go along for the ride. It was

To know Karl was to have affectionand respect for him. He was a physicallyand intellectually beautiful man with acharacter to match.

Unassuming and quiet though he was,Karl was an outstanding individual.

He will be missed by all of us.Submitted by: Marion S. Borgman,

Vinland of Cape Cod Lodge #703

Karl Pedersen

Kathleen WendellSept. 5, 1943 - July 18, 2007

Ellen Kathleen Wendell was born onSeptember 5, 1943, in Los Angeles, CA,the second daughter of Andrew and IrmaWendell. She was a World War II baby, Continued on page 24


1964. A Flying Tiger Line propellerplane was chartered.

After picking up people in SanFrancisco, it took 35 hours to arrive inSweden. The group returned in Augustand the following day Kathleen left forHawaii where she lived for the next twoyears. She returned to California in 1966to be a part of her sister Karin’s wedding.Kathleen then moved to Hollywoodwhere she lived and worked for the next34 years.

In the 1970s, two very importantevents happened in Kathleen’s life. Shebecame an aunt to Jeffrey in 1971 andDavid in 1975. The whole family waselated. Kathleen enjoyed and loved hernephews immensely. Also fulfilling wereher friendships. Kathleen had manyfriends and from many different areas,and interests, which were maintainedthrough many years, she valued herfriendships, and was supportive andloyal.

Kathleen’s dream for retirement wasto move to the desert, Tucson or PalmDesert, and work 2 or 3 days a week insome kind of job with animals. She want-ed to live a simpler life, filled with fami-ly, friends, cats, laughter and good times.

She was a bright star among us and weare better people because she walked onthis earth and touched our lives. Weloved her so.

Kathleen’s mother, Irma, was DM forPacific Southwest #15 in 1975. Her fatherAndy was Grand Master, VOA, in 1978-1982. Kathleen was a member of theMayflower Lodge, she also won a GrandLodge Scholarship.

Submitted by: Elinor ThorntonWritten by: Mother Irma Wendell

Kathleen WendellContinued from page 23

Walter ReinholdJohnson

Oct. 30, 1916 - June 21, 2008

Walter Johnson, a member of NorthStar Lodge #106, Los Angeles, CA, wasan active member and contributed to thegrowth of our lodge especially with hisfinancial expertise. Having served in sev-eral offices, his major role was asTreasurer.

Walt was born in Kingsburg, theSwedish-American farming communityin the Central San Joaquin Valley. Hewas born to Swedish immigrants, Carland Nellie Johnson. He spent his schoolyears in Southwest Los Angeles, attend-

ing Manual Arts High School and UCLA.Walt worked in aircraft and later

became a building contractor, followingthe footsteps of his father. He marriedLois Nelson, they had two daughters,Barbara and Gail, grandchildren Hilaryand Joshua, and now a great-grandchild.

In addition to his North Star involve-ments (he had been leader of North Star’sDrill Team), Walt became involved withVasa Park since its inception and wasinstrumental with the development of thePark. Originally, ten acres were devel-oped near the road and many years later,Walt supervised the development of anadditional ten acres. Through his effortsand many labors of love, we have a beau-tiful Park. He will always be rememberedfor his strong dedication to Vasa Park. Itseems rather fitting that he should leavethis world on the Midsummer weekend.

During the many years of involve-ment, people gave 100% of their timevoluntarily. We appreciate all that Walthas done not only for North Star, but forVasa Park as well. Walt and Loisdeserved the title of Mr. and Mrs. VasaPark.

Walt was interested in horticulture.We enjoyed the many orchids he provid-ed for our lodge occasions. He enjoyed

Walter Reinhold Johnson, member since 1932.

BOOK REVIEW

Those familiar with Jeanne M. Dams’historical mysteries have doubtless madethe acquaintance of Hilda Johansson, thespunky Swedish-American maid turneddetective who has gained fame solvingcrimes in early 1900s South Bend,Indiana. (For reviews of the first fourseries titles as well as other fictionalworks with a Swedish-American theme,see pp. 31-32 of the Nov./Dec. 2003 issueof Vasa Star.) Hilda’s sleuthing skills areonce again put to the test in CrimsonSnow when she is drawn into a caseinvolving the murder of a local school-teacher. This case has a personal side to itsince Hilda’s 13-year-old brother Erik,who debuted in Silence Is Golden, wasone of the teacher’s students.

Up to now Hilda has always managedto solve the cases that come her way.This time, however, the killer is provingexceptionally tough to track down. With

school suspended for the time being, Eriklends his aid in the case. As the secondJohansson to take up crime solving, he isa character well worth watching.

As if Hilda didn’t already haveenough complications in her life, herIrish-American sweetheart is pressing herfor marriage, a move opposed by bothfamilies. Following her heart may welltake just as much courage as tacklingmysteries.

Ms. Dams’ Crimson Snow offers a lit-tle of everything – suspense, romance,and a historic look at the small-town mid-Western life of a century ago. Those whopick up this book are sure to be in for athoroughly engrossing read.

On a side note: The mystery in thisstory is based on a real-life murder case.

Submitted by: Cindy [email protected]

Dams, Jeanne M. Crimson Snow.Palo Alto & McKinleyville, Calif.:

Perseverance Press/John Daniel & Co., 2005. 246 pp.

sports, was an avid skier, hiker and fish-erman and he loved his adventurous tripswith his entire family.

Walt also belonged to Vasa SportsClub and held offices there. Friends havemany fond memories of him. In additionto leaving his family, he also leaves anelder brother, Harold, also in northernCalifornia. So long Mr. North Star – solong Mr. Vasa Park.

Submitted by: Elinore Thornton


CULTUREI södra Sverige ligger Eringsboda, ett

litet samhälle i Blekinge, Sveriges minstalandskap. Det kallas ibland för “Sverigesträdgård” på grund av sin vackra, leendenatur.

Som bekant utvandrade många sven-skar till Amerika mellan åren 1850 och1920, även många från Eringsboda.

Ann-Christine Wernersson – Wiberg,som är lärare, har bedrivit en omfattandeforskning om emigrationen till Amerika.Då hon skulle fylla 50, önskade hon siginte några presenter för egen del. Honhade en bättre idé. Hon ville ha pengar,en grundplåt, till ett monument somskulle påminna om de mångaEringsboda-bor, som lämnat Sverige förett förhoppningsvis bättre liv “overthere.”

Den 3 maj 2008 fick hon se sin önskanuppfylld. Vid en högtidlig ceremoni vidhembygdsmuseet i Eringsboda avtäcktesen minnessten i närvaro av ett stort antalmänniskor.

Ann-Christine Wernersson – Wibergtalade och även ordföranden i samhälls-föreningen Anders Kjersgaard. Han sadebl.a.: “Eftersom det är fyra generationersedan utvandringen från Eringsboda star-tade, skulle det i dag kunna finnas 50.000personer i Amerika med rötterna iEringsboda. Vilken återvändardag detskulle kunna bli!”

Bland de närvarande vid ceremoninfanns också konstnären och stenhuggarenNiels Elley, som fick mycket uppskat-tning för sitt konstverk.

Ann-Christine Wernersson-Wibergsfödelsedagspresent har blivit en gåva tillhela bygden, ett konstverk som i mångaår kan ses och beundras av besökare frånbåde Sverige och utlandet.

Källa: Blekinge Läns Tidning, Submitted by: Gun Lith, SLKL

Konstverk invigt till minne av utvandringen från BlekingeArtwork unveiled in

memory of theemigration from thecounty of Blekinge

In southern Sweden is Eringsboda, asmall village in Blekinge, the smallest ofSweden’s counties, famous for its beauti-ful scenery, sometimes called “TheGarden of Sweden.”

As we know, lots of Swedes immigrat-ed to America from about 1850 until1920, and so did many people fromEringsboda. Ann-Christine Wernersson –Wiberg is a teacher having done extensiveresearch of the emigration to the US.

When she was turning 50, she didn’twant to have any birthday presents.Instead of gifts she had a better idea. Shewished for money to lay the base for amonument made in memory of all thosewho left Eringsboda for, hopefully, betterlives ‘over there.’

On May 3rd her wish was fulfilled.Many people had come to the park to

watch the unveiling ceremony at the oldhomestead museum of Eringsboda. Ann-Christine Wernersson – Wiberg made aspeech and so did Mr. AndersKjersgaard, the chairman of the society.He said: “As it’s about four generationssince the emigration from Eringsbodastarted, it’s possible that about 50,000people in America could have their rootshere in Eringsboda. What a grand home-coming day it could be if they allreturned at the same time!”

Present at the ceremony was, ofcourse, Mr. Niels Elley, the artist andstone mason, whose work was very muchappreciated.

Ann-Christine Wernersson – Wiberg’sbirthday present turned out to be a gift forthe entire area, a piece of artwork that canbe seen and be admired by visitors fromSweden as well as other countries formany years to come.

Source: Blekinge NewspaperSubmitted by: Gun Lith, GLCD Picture by: Gunnar Mossberg

Minnesstenen i Eringsboda.


Sweden is an egalitarian place thesedays, so any child can be chosen as Luciafor the annual procession at the local day-care centre, not just pretty ones with longblonde hair. The boys usually prefer to bebrownies (tomtar) or “star boys” (stjärn-gossar) in the procession, while quite afew girls agree to be Lucia’s handmaid-ens (tärnor).White gowns stars and candles

The real candles once used are nowbattery-powered, but there is still a spe-cial atmosphere when the lights aredimmed and the sound of the childrensinging grows as they enter from an adja-cent room.

Tradition has it that Lucia is to wear“light in her hair,” which in practicemeans a crown of electric candles in awreath on her head. Each of her hand-maidens carries a candle, too. Parentsgather in the dark with their new digitalcameras at the ready.

The star boys, who like the hand-maidens are dressed in white gowns,carry stars on sticks and have tall papercones on their heads. The brownies bringup the rear, carrying small lanterns.Competing to be Lucia

Competition for the role of Lucia canbe tough. Each year, a national Lucia isproclaimed in one or other of the TVchannels, while every town and villageworth the name chooses its own Lucia.Candidates are presented in thelocal newspaper a couple of weeks inadvance.

Staunchly opposed to privilege,Sweden has always sought to avoid rank-ing people, which is why beauty contestsand “homecoming queen” events are rare.The Lucia celebration, however, has beenan exception. Every year, local newspa-per subscribers are invited to vote for oneor other of the candidates.

You can no longer count on the blondewinning, although many a Miss Swedenhas started out as the local Lucia. OnLucia Day, the winner is announced andis then driven around town, preferably ina horse-drawn vehicle of some kind, tospread light and song in food stores,factories, old-age homes and medicalcenters.Lucia — the bearer of light

Alongside Midsummer, the Lucia cel-ebrations represent one of the foremostcultural traditions in Sweden, with theirclear reference to life in the peasant com-munities of old: darkness and light, coldand warmth.

Lucia Lucia is an ancient mythical figurewith an abiding role as a bearer of light inthe dark Swedish winters.

The many Lucia songs all have thesame theme:

The night treads heavilyaround yards and dwellings.In places unreached by sun,the shadows broodInto our dark house she comes,bearing lighted candles,Saint Lucia, Saint Lucia.

All Swedes know the standard Luciasong by heart, and everyone can sing it,in or out of tune. On the morning ofLucia Day, the radio plays some rathermore expert renderings, by school choirsor the like.

The Lucia celebrations also includeginger snaps and sweet, saffron-flavoredbuns (lussekatter) shaped like curled-upcats and with raisin eyes. You eat themwith glögg or coffee.

The Feast of St. Lucia, celebrated onDecember 13, starts the Christmas sea-son. St. Lucia is a symbol of light, mark-ing the return of lighter days.

In the old almanac, Lucia Night wasthe longest of the year. It was a danger-ous night when supernatural beings wereabroad and all animals could speak. Bymorning, the livestock needed extra feed.People, too, needed extra nourishment

and were urged to eat seven or ninehearty breakfasts. This kind of feastingpresaged the Christmas fast, which beganon Lucia Day.

The last person to rise that morningwas nicknamed ‘Lusse the Louse’ andoften given a playful beating round thelegs with birch twigs. The slaughteringand threshing were supposed to be overby Lucia and the sheds to be filled withfood in preparation for Christmas. Inagrarian Sweden, young people used todress up as Lucia figures (lussegubbar)that night and wander from house tohouse singing songs and scrounging forfood and schnapps.

The first recorded appearance of awhite-clad Lucia in Sweden was in acountry house in 1764. The custom didnot become universally popular inSwedish society until the 20th century,when schools and local associations inparticular began promoting it. The oldlussegubbar custom virtually disappearedwith urban migration, and white-cladLucia’s with their singing processionswere considered a more acceptable, con-trolled form of celebration than theyouthful carousals of the past. Stockholmproclaimed its first Lucia in 1927. Thecustom whereby Lucia serves coffee andbuns (lussekatter) date back to the 1880s,although the buns were around longbefore that.

Source: www.sweden.se


Santa Lucia Breadwith Frosting

Ingredients:One package yeast1/4 cup lukewarm waterOne cup scalded milk, cooled to luke-

warm3-3/4 cup sifted flour1/4 cup melted margarine1/2 cup sugarOne egg, well beaten1/2 tsp. salt1/2 tsp. almond extract1/8 tsp. crushed cardamom seedsFrosting:One egg yolk, slightly beaten1-1/2 tsp. water1-1/2 tsp confectioners sugar

Dissolve yeast in the water. Stir in 1/4of milk. Add 1/2 cup flour, beat well,cover and let rise until light and puffy.Add rest of milk and two cups of flour,mix well, let rise again. Add margarine,sugar, beaten egg, salt, almond extract,cardamom seeds, and one cup of flour,knead on breadboard with remaining 1/4cup of flour. Cover, let rise again. Eitherdivide into three long ropes, braid and letrise again, or shape into small balls, placeon greased baking sheets and let rise.Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Letcool. Mix egg yolk, water and confec-tioners sugar, frost lightly.

Sweet Swedish HardtackIngredients:Two cups buttermilk1/2 cup shortening, butter-flavored pre-

ferred3/4 cup sugar1/2 tsp. baking sodaPinch of saltAbout three cups flour

Cream sugar and shortening. Add but-termilk, baking soda and salt. Form intosmall balls and work flour into each ballas you roll them out with a rolling pin,enough flour so the dough does not s tickto the rolling pin or table. Roll doughabout 1/8 of an inch thin, bake on greasedbaking sheets at about 325 degrees forfive minutes, checking frequently so theydon’t burn.

Submitted by: Pat OlsonGota Lejon Lodge #251

From the Duluth News Tribune

Janssons DelightI did not know where the name

“Jansson’s Temptation” comes from. Inolder Swedish cookbooks it is simplyAnchovy Casserole, Anchovies auGratin, or Ansjovisgratin. The saltinessworks well in this dish. If you don’t havea taste for anchovies, smoked salmonworks, but you lose some of the saltiness.I usually crumble salmon, mix it with thebread crumbs and butter to top off thecasserole.

Ingredients:2 large onions, cut into 1/4 inch wide

strips14 fillets Swedish anchovies, or regular

anchovies6 potatoes, peeled and cut into strips1-1/2 cup heavy cream2 tblsp. dry bread crumbs1 tblsp. melted butter

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Butter a9x13 inch baking dish. Saute slicedonions in 1 tablespoon butter. Peel pota-toes and cut into lengthwise strips. Coverthe bottom of the dish with a layer ofpotatoes, then evenly top with onions,and then with anchovy fillets. Placeanother layer of potatoes on top of theanchovies (pour in a little juice from theanchovy can).2. Place onto a baking sheet to catch anycream which bubbles over.3. Bake in a moderate hot oven (400degrees). Add 3/4 cup cream after 10minutes, and the remainder after another10 minutes. Then, after 20 minutes (after40 minutes cooking time), mix breadcrumbs together with the melted butter,then sprinkle over top of the potatoes,reduce heat to 300 degrees F, and bake

RECIPESuntil done. Casserole is ready whenpotatoes are soft, the cream hasreduced and the dish has turned a deepgolden brown. About 45 minutes totalcooking time. Serve immediately frombaking dish.Preparation Time: 30 minutesCooking Time: 45 minutesReady in 1 hour and 15 minutesRecipe Yield: One 9x13 inch pan

Submitted by: Barry OstromTre Kronor Lodge #713

Cinnamon andRice Pudding

Anthony Bourdain, chef, author, andnow host of the Travel Channel’sShow, “No Reservations,” commentedon the show’s various culinary destina-tions and admitted being drawn to whathe called “...a *dark or kooky side” andsaid he learned his lesson from takingthe crew to Sweden, where “every-body’s happy and everything works.Hate that.”

Here’s another, much cheerier, itemfrom “EatSmart” by Jean Carper. Shequotes a Swedish study, which says,“Adding cinnamon to rice puddingslows digestion and steadies bloodsugar.” It goes on to say that “...rapidlydigested foods are more likely to spikeblood sugar and insulin, factors thatpromote diabetes and overeating.”Healthy people who added 2.5 tsps ofcinnamon to a 10.5 oz bowl of ricepudding had blood glucose levelsapproximately half as high (90 min.after eating) as those who ate plain ricepudding.

Source: Nobel Monitor #130October News Letter,

Cleveland, Ohio


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

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

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

DL MASSACHUSETTS NO. 2Nordic #611

Eunice KoontzEdward VoosenRuth Voosen

Birka #732Andrea HolmgrenRon Holmgren

DL NEW YORK NO. 4Nobel-Liljan #64

Mary Tursi

DL NEW JERSEY NO. 6Dalahast #742

Barbro BarnesSonja Ongsiako

DL MINNESOTA NO. 7 Stenback #138

Natalie BarryGota Lejon #251

Shaun Bendel

DL LAKE MICHIGAN NO. 8Viljan #349

Muriel Anderson Linde #492

Anne-Sofie HjortKay Nickolett

Svea #253Anne SharpJean KeithJohn Bevelhimer

DL SUPERIOR NO. 10Superior #423

Deborah BengryMary KratzkeMary Vertanen

Framat #463Connie Schmidt

DL GOLDEN GATE NO. 12Siena Kronan #737

Anne-Marie PearsonJohn Pearson

DL PACIFIC NORTHWEST NO. 13Norden #233

Dorothy BlackmunLarry Gerding Judy HamiltonMargaret MahonDale PalmbergHeidi StoneAmy Weisbeck

Solidaritet #396Dee Shimmel

Frihet #401Brenda BardIone BardMark BoehmGeorge BoxrzNicolaidis EvangelosErik FrandsenLisa LarsenJanelle MacDickenLois MorgensenRyan SwanSabrina Swan

Harmoni #472Deidre Meaney

Olympia #550William MayGreg Nordlund

Tre Kronor #713Carin HemshornClay MorodGeraldine MorodAlex WolfeLaura Wolfe

DL PACIFIC SOUTHWEST NO. 15 Skandia #247

Scott ShellyGolden Valley #616

Britta ErikssonGoran ErikssonJonas FornanderTyler HolsteinGertie LingstromSven-Olof LingstromJessica OsmanLena Osman

Stephen OsmanWilliam OsmanKristina ThorsenJustin Winokur

Glenn T. Seaborg #719Thomas JahnJennifer LarsonAshley VikanderJon Vikander

DL NORRA SVERIGE NO. 19Lidkoping #636

Camillia CarlssonThomas CarlssonGudrun LarssonOve Larsson

Kongahalla #702Birgitta AkerstromKjell JanssonDoris JohanssonBo JohanssonHolger NilssonInger Nilsson

DL SODRA SVERIGE NO. 20Calmare Nyckel #628

Agne HaggqvistBritt-Marie HaggqvistLeigh Thompson

Ronneby #630Ingemar Sergard

Nybyggarna #698Bertil BalssonLena BalssonGotran JohannessonInger JohannessonGoran NilssonInger NilssonBertil PalssonLena Palsson

ARIZONA NO. 21Scandia #728

Frederick LindquistNordic Rocks #760

Asa CarlomagnoSal Carlomagno


HAPPENINGS

Our entire country has been experienc-ing an increasing interest in the politicalprocess during this year’s Presidentialelection. People in Northwest Indiana areno different. The photo pictured showsthe scope of support being given toBarack Obama’s campaign.

Munster, Indiana resident, Ruth(Swanson) Mertes is ninety-two years“young” and the oldest member ofNordik Folk #761, expressed a desire tobe a part of this historic effort and spent aSunday, October 26, at the ScherervilleObama campaign office doing clericalduties such as sorting material and shred-ding documents.

In the photo next to her is twelve yearsold Aidan, the youngest campaign workerin the office, he enthusiastically volun-teered to make phone calls to local resi-dents, urging them to vote in the comingelection. These two individuals are eightyyears apart in age – yet they both sharethe same hopes and dreams for the futureof our America! Watching them both goabout their “jobs” was a real treat for therest of the many volunteers there onSunday afternoon. They both serve as aninspiration to all of us. Getting involvedin the political process is something thatevery citizen can do!

Submitted by: DM Linda JosefssonSmith of District Lodge PA #9

Politically Involved,No Matter What Age

The image of Barack Obama is taken in thefront of the campaign office where Ruth andAidan stood beside the life-sized cardboard cutout of the Democratic presidential nominee.

My New Vasa ConnectionI moved, two years ago, to

Minnesota’s famous Wilhelm Moberg’sarea of Kichi Saga. I still retain my 53years membership in Lodge Baltic-Framat #360, New Jersey District #6. Iwas also leader for 47 years of the formerChildren’s Club, Gullvivan #117.

There isn’t a Vasa lodge nearby, butthis area has a “Kichi Saga SwedishClub.” This club sponsors a children’sdance club, led by my daughter-in-law,Chris and with my son Karl playing theaccordion. They are both members ofKronan Lodge #433 in St. Paul. For thefirst time after many years, the KichiSaga Club sponsored a children’sSwedish language class. I organized thisclass for 15 local children, ages 5 to 11years. They all were descendants of theoriginal Swedish immigrants who settledthis very Swedish area. For five morningsat the end of July, I taught them simpleSwedish language and songs. I also hadsome friends help with with someSwedish crafts. The main item that eachchild made, to take home, was a beauti-fully decorated miniature wooden“Majstång.” It is amazing that this smallarea of “Kichi Saga,” consisting of fivesmall towns that the 15 children’s her-itage goes back: Småland, Blekinge,Östergötland, Närke, Uppland, Värmlandand Dalarna. Of course, Småland had themost, with nine children, just as WilhelmMoberg’s fictitious characters “KarlOskar & Kristina” and others came fromthere. On the last day of class of this oneweek, the enthusiastic children asked,“are we doing this again next year?”

Since the majority of these childrenwere unknown to me prior to this class, Iencountered a couple of interesting facts.First there was Erin Sandell, whosegrandmother (farmor) Irene Sandell, is amember of Framåt Lodge #166 inSandstone, MN. I had met her over a yearago when we visited that lodge. The Vasameeting was held at her home as theywere celebrating a member’s 90th birth-day with a party. On the last day of mySwedish class, Erin arrived wearing abeautiful Dalarna dräkt, which belongedto her farmor. This brief class reallysparked the interest of these children totheir Swedish heritage.

The other interesting fact is thatanother girl named Faith Freeman is aclose relative of the man, who in 1948,

let Wilhelm Moberg borrow his son’sbicycle. This son was still in the ArmedForces at that time. Moberg used thisbicycle to ride around this “Kichi Saga”area interviewing everybody who had astory or fact to tell. Moberg then incorpo-rated all of this into the fictitious charac-ters in his four novels. These books are sowidely read in Sweden that manySwedish tourists visit all the famous land-marks here every year.

I still enjoy passing on my knowledgeof Swedish culture to children. I am thedaughter of a Swedish born father fromSkåne and my mormor came fromSödermanland.

Since moving here, we have also visit-ed a Kronan Lodge’s meeting. We are anhour’s drive south from that lodge in St.Paul. Then we have about an hour and ahalf drive north to a Lodge Framåt meet-ing. So at our age, it is not an easy driveto attend these lodges on a monthly visit.

Submitted by: Charlotte Ruser

Erin Sandell with teacher Charlotte Ruser -July 2008.


NEBRASKAEDWARD E. IRELAND was born January1, 1927, and passed away April 13, 2008, atthe age of 81. He is survived by his wifeJackie, daughters Debbie and Heidi, sonKevin, and family friend Bernie Lainson. Edjoined Omaha Lodge #330 on October 14,1978.

MARJEAN F. SACK was born October 2,1947, and passed away March 11, 2008, at theage of 60. She is survived by her husbandNorm, mother, Norma Hansen, sisters andbrothers. Marjean joined Omaha Lodge #330on February 9, 1997.

OHIOELIZABETH D. PELLER (nee Kretz), wasborn in Malmo, Sweden, and passed away onAugust 21, 2008, one day shy of her 91stbirthday. She was the beloved wife of the lateHarry, mother of Dagny Gamm (Gregory)and Neal Peller (Kim), and grandmother.Elizabeth was a member of Nobel-MonitorLodge #130 since June 11, 2000.

OREGONROGER A. BERG passed away on August21, 2008, in Astoria, OR, at the age of 86.Roger was born in Willmar, MN, on May 13,1923, and was initiated into Astor Lodge#215 in Astoria on January 5, 1989. He is sur-vived by his wife Lorraine, three sons, fivegrandchildren, two sisters and one brother.

WASHINGTONEDWIN T. BULIN, 83, of Kelso, WA,passed away September 6, 2008, in Portland,OR. He was born July 14, 1925, in Kelso,WA. He is survived by his wife Hildur, oneson and one daughter, grandchildren and twogreat-grandsons. He became a member ofSvea Lodge #469 on October 14, 1966. Hewas also a member of the District PacificNorthwest #13.

WALLACE HELLMAN of Port Angeles,WA, passed away July 7, 2008, at the age of87. Wallace was a sargeant in the Army AirCorps from 1942-45 during WWII. He is sur-vived by his wife Dorothy, son Terry, anddaughter-in-law, Jodi. He was a member ofNorrskenet Lodge #189, Hoquiam, WA.

WISCONSINGEORGE CHILDERS of West Allis, WI,died August 16, 2008, at the age of 88. Hewill be dearly missed by his wife Arleen, chil-dren, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, andmany relatives and friends. George loved thegreat outdoors and took up woodcarving whenhe retired. He was a member of Linde Lodge#492 for 21 years and will be greatly missed.

JANICE TOUVE of Franklin diedSeptember 29, 2008, at the age of 77 years.She will be dearly missed by husband Les,children, grandchildren, and great-grandchil-dren, as well as many relatives and friends.Janice enjoyed all things Scandinavian, andwas a member of Linde Lodge #492 for 35years and will be greatly missed by all of themembers.

RALPH SCHEELE of West Allis died June9, 2008, at the age of 73 years. He left a wife,children, grandchildren and great-grandchil-dren behind as well as many relatives andfriends. Ralph was a member of Linde Lodge#492 for 2 years and will be missed by all ofthe members.

CANADADOROTHY EVELYN JOHNSON (neeGreen) was born April 5, 1915, in Wawanesa,Manitoba. Dorothy passed away in Winnipegon October 7, 2008, at the age of 93. She wasinitiated into Lodge Strindberg #259,Winnipeg, Manitoba, in 1988. She was veryactive in the Swedish community until herhealth started failing.

In MemoriamTill minne av hädangångnaordenssyskon genom vilkas

bortgång syskonkretsen gjorten kännbar förlust

In memory of our departedmembers who will be

sorely missed

ARIZONAUNO KASPERSON, member of MayflowerLodge #445, Inglewood, CA, passed away onJune 6, 2008, at the age of 93. He was born inNebraska on December 28, 1914 and joinedMayflower Lodge #445 on June 5, 1945. Hereceived his 25-year pin, Life Member, 40-year pin, and 50-year pin.

ELEANORE TOOMEY, member of TucsonLodge #691 since April 1997, passed away inTullahoma, TN, on June 1, 2008. She wasborn in Gladstone, MI, on April 3, 1920, andhas been buried next to her husband inTucson, AZ. She held many offices.

CALIFORNIAKENNETH KENYON passed away on July5, 2008, in Thousand Oaks, CA. He was bornon October 30, 1930, in Philadelphia, PA. Hebecame a Charter Member of Oak Leaf Lodge#685 on September 29, 1968. He served asChairman and held many other offices.Kenneth is survived by his wife of 49 years,MaryAnn, sons Kenneth Jr. and Norman,grandchildren, and two brothers.

FLORIDAPHILIP DAVID BROWN of Holly Hill, FL,passed away August 30, 2008. He was bornFebruary 8, 1921, in Toronto, Ontario,Canada, and is survived by two daughters andone son. Philip had been a dearly loved mem-ber of Vasa Jubilee Lodge #692 for 5 yearsand will be greatly missed.

CHARLES WARREN JAKOBSEN ofDeLand, FL, passed away June 2, 2008. Hewas born September 27, 1923, in Brooklyn,NY, and is survived by three daughters.Charles was a faithful member for 10 yearsand a Past Vice Chairman of Vasa JubileeLodge #692 in DeLand, FL. He will be greatlymissed.

MEMORIAL NOTICESshould be mailed with check or moneyorder to: Marie Carlson, 9560Curberry Drive, Mentor, OH 44060.The fee is $8.00 for 1 column inch.Longer obituaries will be chargeda flat rate of $25.00. All noticesMUST be typed and WRITTEN in aformat similar to those in this column.NO newspaper clippings.

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Documents

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2008 - Vasa Order of · PDF fileComplete mailing address of the headquarters of general business office: ... Letter from the Editor ... Vasa Star. Vasa Star November-December