The Swedish North Star, continuously published since 1872. Volume 146 No. 12, September 15, 2018. Price per copy $3.50.
THE VASA STAR pages 31-46
sweden’s tuscany
Photo: Karin Seastone Stern
A civilized walk along Österlen’s east coast.
Österlen, the southeastern part of the Swedish province of Skåne, home to artists and writers, and famous for the many songs and poems created for its beauty. /P16
Österlen’s east coast
In southeastern Skåne is a Swedish paradise known as Österlen, its name derived from its location “east of the route,” where the Baltic glitters along beaches as far as the eye can see. It’s a popular area for hiking all year round, with trails that go inland from the coast – through apple orchards, quiet lakes, several cultural heritage sites, even vineyards. A Swedish writer and photographer team put on their hiking boots for a walk along Österlen’s east coast, where they find the Swedish Tuscany. / P16 Sweden loves Lucy, too / p10 Nordic impressions in DC / p12 Searching for treasure in the Swedish woods / p21
Page 21
A new perspective in understanding Bergman’s films / p22
Late Gustavian Style
King Gustav III’s time on the throne in the late 1700s left an enduring influence on Swedish decorative arts. Even as a youngster he loved the theater, and when he inherited Drottningholm in 1777, he was very involved in its life and productions; the royal theater remains the oldest operating European theater today. His Gustavian style of decorative arts in general – and Drottningholm Palace in particular – inspired the American Decorative Arts Trust to travel in Sweden and follow the legacy of King Gustav III. / P14
dashboard | september 15, 2018 SCANDINAVIAN QUIZ
raised Swedes’ interest in mush1 Who rooms when he observed they were a vi-
A) Öland B) Norrbotten C) Hälsingland D) Östergötland
able food source during times of famine 6 What Nordic palace houses today’s oldest operating European theater? A) Norway’s Skaugum in the early 1800s? A) Gustaf Unonius B) Sweden’s Drottningholm C) Denmark’s B) August Strindberg C) Jean-Baptiste Hirschholm Bernadotte D) Karl Svamp
September 1 September 2 September 3 September 4 September 5 September 6 September 7 September 8 September 9 September 10 September 11 September 12 September 13 September 14 September 15 September 16 September 17 September 18 September 19 September 20 September 21 September 22 September 23 September 24 September 25 September 26 September 27 September 28 September 29 September 30 September 15
New York Chicago Stockholm Kiruna Lund Los Angeles 2 NORDSTJERNAN
Samuel Justus/Justina Alfhild/Alva Gisela Adela/Heidi Lilian/Lilly Regina/Roy Alma/Hulda Anita/Annette Tord/Turid Dagny/Helny Åsa/Åslög Sture Ida Sigrid/Siri Dag/Daga Hildegard/Magnhild Orvar Fredrika Elise/Lisa Matteus Maurits/Moritz Tekla/Tea Gerhard/Gert Tryggve Enar/Einar Dagmar/Rigmor Lennart/Leonard Mikael/Mikaela Helge |
Sunrise & Sunset
6.36 am 6.30 am 6.15 am 5.55 am 6.38 am 6.36 am
7.04 pm 6.59 pm 7.08 pm 7.11 pm 7.25 pm 6.59 pm
7 What is the English title of the 1981 Swedish com-
edy, Göta Kanal? A) 1000 Boats B) Who Pulled the Plug? C) Anderson’s Boat Yard D) Men with Boats
sions and even imported for King Gustav Vasa’s wedding in 1552? A) saffron B) salt C) cinnamon D) ginger
8 What does “Stockholm syndrome” really mean?
Zoo introduce to the U.S. in 1959? A) pygmy goat B) Dala horse C) Barnevelder chicken D) musse pig
9 The publisher had to “stop the presses” for the
3 What animal did Stockholm’s Swedish National
4 In what country would you receive a pepper shaker
and get called Pepperman or Peppermaid if you turn 30 and are not yet married? A) Denmark B) Finland C) Norway D) Sweden
5 In what Swedish province, where King Gustav
Vasa built Vadstena Castle, is the swan revered?
CULTURE
Namnsdagar
A) being homesick for Stockholm B) winning the Swedish lottery C) emotional bonding with captors D) a virus that causes rapid height growth very first issue of Nordstjernan to add what latebreaking news in September 1872? A) A diplomat was seeking a Swedish “domestic” and would pay $25/month B) congratulations to Chicago, whose Swedish population was bigger than Sweden’s C) the death of King Carl XV D) arranged marriages had been banned in Sweden
September
Siri – September 15 Siri is a woman’s name, a form of Sigrid. Both names have been in use in Sweden since the 17th century. Sigrid, an Old Norse name, is a combination of two words meaning victory (sig) and beautiful (frid). Siri was a fashion name around the turn of the last century. Today there are 9,280 women and 7 men in Sweden with the name Siri. (Siri von Essen, 1850-1912, was a Swedish-speaking Finnish noblewoman and actress and the first wife of Swedish author and playwright August Strindberg with whom she was married from 1877 to 1891.) Helge – September 30 A name with Nordic origins, the man’s name Helge means “holy” or possibly “fortunate.” Helge was a common name at the early 1900s but is quite uncommon today. In 2005 there were 10,083 people with the name Helge in Sweden.
founded in new york city in september 1872 Nordstjernan (ISSN 1059-7670), founded in New York City in September 1872, is published by Swedish News, Inc., 570 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10022 • Readers services and editorial submissions: P.O. Box 1710, New Canaan, CT 06840 Periodicals Postage paid at New York, NY, and additional mailing offices. www.nordstjernan.com, Nordstjernan is published semimonthly, except for the months of January, February, July when it is monthly and Augustwith no issue. POST MASTER: Please send address changes to Nordstjernan, P.O. Box 1710, New Canaan, CT 06840 Subscription rates: 1 yr. = $55, Two yr. = $99, outside US 1 yr. = $167.
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Photo: Karin Seastone Stern
Name’s Days of the Swedish Calendar Namnsdagar i september
2 What spice was used for pastries on special occa-
Answers: 1:C, 2:C, 3:A, 4:A, 5:D, 6:B, 7:B, 8:C, 9:C
It’s that time of year when the forests of Sweden are abundant with mushrooms. Swedes wait all year for this chance to return to their secret spot to forage for mushrooms, especially chanterelles – of course Allemansrätten allows citizens to do so freely in the forest (although in this case, prime chanterelle hunting spots are sacred to some, and newcomers may be asked to wear a blindfold so they can’t find their way back). Veteran foragers recommend using scissors to pick them; this leaves the root in the ground for more growth. And don’t pick the small ones - leave them and come back in a week or two after they’ve grown. At home, Swedes fry them in butter, add salt, throw them in a sauce, eat them on bread or enjoy them just as they are. / p21
this week…
September TO DO 9.02 DON YOUR RUBBER BOOTS: SVAMPENS DAG / Mushroom day. If you are not out foraging for mushrooms, particularly chanterelles (a common activity in Sweden), you should make every effort to eat them. Or both. 9.09 SIT ON THE EDGE OF YOUR SEAT: It’s election day in Sweden. The results are predicted to have a bigger impact on Sweden than any election in recent history. 9.15 ON THIS DATE*: The immensely popular King Gustaf VI Adolf, born Nov. 11, 1882 dies on this day in 1973 and is succeeded by his grandson, the present king, H.R.H. Carl XVI Gustaf. 9.16 EAT A LEISURELY BRUNCH WITH LOVED ONES: BRUNCHENS DAG / According to Svenska Akademiens Ordlista, brunch is a meal served in the late morning - a combined breakfast and lunch. On this day it is hoped more people will socialize and enjoy a long meal together - at a restaurant or at home. 9.18 ON THIS DATE: In 1905, the laborer Karl Alfred and homemaker Anna Lovisa Gustafsson give birth to their third child, a daughter name Greta. After working at the PUB department store, Greta was accepted to acting school and discovered by Swedish director Mauritz Stiller. She arrived in New York on S/S Drottningholm in 1925 with a new last name, Garbo. The rest, of course, is movie history. *King Carl Gustaf Folke Hubertus, King of Sweden, Duke of Jämtland, was born on April 30, 1946. His father, Prince Gustaf Adolf, died in a plane crash in 1947 when Carl Gustaf was just 9 months old, leaving him Sweden’s new crown prince and heir apparent to the throne. After his grandfather King Gustaf VI Adolf died in 1973, H.R.H. Carl XVI Gustaf became Sweden’s Head of State. As of April 26 of this year, King Carl XVI Gustaf is the longest-reigning monarch in Swedish history.
New (and old) roundabouts in Sweden have very decorative sculptures reflecting local resources, like this one in Leksand, known for its wrought iron industry. /p5
Dashboard, p4-5
Happy birthday, Ikea / Sniffing out wildfires / Swedish phenom’s NYC debut / Princess Madeleine is moving to Florida / Summer greetings from the Crown Princess family / International Roundabout of the Year
Events calendar, p6-9
What’s going on in Swedish America
Readers Forum, p10-11
Comments and reminiscences from readers, including a Sweden trip diary
Welcome back
... after a trip, vacation or a quieter, slower time during August! And, welcome back to Nordstjernan after our regular August print hiatus. We’re back to every other week now until Christmas, so sit back, relax and enjoy a Sweder trip than ever during this, our soon-to-be 147th year of continuous publishing. An exciting year for sure. Politically, Sweden’s election will be over when you read this, but with the turmoil of recent years the formation of the next government in Sweden will be interesting to follow. Immigration and the integration of immigrants has been at the top of the political agenda. While the number of refugees has fallen in recent years the issue preoccupies many voters and almost all mainstream parties have shifted to the right based on the success of the Sweden Democrats, which is expected to be anywhere from first to third largest party with at least 20% of the vote at the election. As in previous elections, the other parties have vowed not to cooperate with SD so expect a minority government, at present according to pollsters, lead by the Moderate leader Ulf Kristersson of The Alliance parties (The Moderate, Center, Liberal and Christian Democrat parties). Whoever it becomes will face a tough job putting together ad hoc majorities to legislate. It’s safe to say our own midterms in November will be equally fascinating, and we have so many cultural events to look forward to. The much hailed Gudrun Sjödén exhibit covered in issue 11 is now open at ASI, Minnesota. The exhibition of an almost forgotten treasure: “From the heart, made by hand” (p8)—handmade, woven textiles from every Swedish province that were presented to the American Swedish Historical Museum in Philly for its opening and arranged by Dr. Hanna Rydh at the time, opens on Sept. 16. A few days later the glamour of the disco era takes over House of Sweden in DC with the opening of Hasse Persson’s photography from Studio 54 (p6). Few things are as fulfilling as seeing readers, friends succeed — our cover photograph by New York based Karin Seastone Stern was taken this summer during her stay in the Österlen region. Her summer photo exhibition in Skillinge was so successful she returns to Malmö to exhibit at Rådhuskällaren during Malmö Gallery Night on Ulf Barslund Mårtensson September 29-30: www.skane.konstframjandet.se/projekt/ Editor & Publisher malmogallerinatt
Feasting on a September standard: fresh mushrooms /p21
Art and Culture, p22
#Bergman100: Interpreting Bergman through dance and music
Swedish News, p28
Migrants boost economy / GE Healthcare in Sweden/ Feminist handbook / Toxic algae thrives in heat / History repeats itself / Royal jewel heist / Melting mountain peak / Hungry moose / Youth plan fires for fun / Expedition Arctic Ocean 2018
The Exchange Rate:
$1.00 = SEK 9.15 (08.31.2018)
SEPTEMBER 15, 2018 3
dashboard | september 15, 2018
Grattis, Ikea! Ingvar Kamprad, born in 1926, died in his beloved Småland, Sweden in January of this year, the same year his legacy would turn 75. Kamprad registered Ikea in 1943. In an interview with Nordstjernan not long after Kamprad celebrated his own 75th birthday, it was clear the ideals the humble Swedish entrepeneur maintained in his personal life had direct influences on the way he ran his successful business: Is being frugal a prerequisite for the success of the business? “Yes, without a doubt. It directly supports Ikea’s business philosophy of creating well-designed furniture at acceptable prices for the majority of people. How are you going to be able to keep a profile of acceptably low costs unless
you keep your own costs down?” What is your favorite piece of furniture? “The Poäng armchair – an everyday joy.” Why did you deal with furniture? “It sold.” An early pioneer in mail order, Kamprad started replacing smaller items with locally produced furniture. The rest is history. It is now 75 years since Ikea opened its doors to creating a better everyday life for people. It’s a great task and responsibility – something the Swedish company doesn’t take lightly nor expects to ever be finished doing. In fact, as a company Ikea continues to work hard to stay curious and playful, just as its namesake and founder did three-quarters of a century ago.
In celebration, Ikea-USA is bringing back select favorites from different decades of the Gratulera collection this fall. The vintage collection features furniture, lighting, tableware and more — but it’s all limited in quantity, so if you like something, act fast. www.ikea.com/ms/en_US/ikea-collections/gratulera-50-60/index.html
Sniffing out wildfires
The stories, the traditions, the people behind the news. founded in new york city in september 1872 executive editor & publisher:
Ulf Barslund Mårtensson (editor@nordstjernan.com) editor:
Amanda Olson Robison (editor@nordstjernan.com) managing editor & production: Everett Martin graphic design: Nadia Wojcik (design@nordstjernan.com) contributors:
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Among the many who worked to put out the wildfires in Sweden this summer are two dogs, specially trained to find still-burning embers. The dogs can sniff out embers and hotspots several days before they start burning again. Swedish trainer Malin Kyllesjö took her dog Ripa, right, to several fires where the fire had been put out three days before, but Ripa found 20 embers in four hours. Firefighters were called to drown the hotspots in water, denying the fires an opportunity to flare up again. Kyllesjö started training dogs to detect embers in the ground last summer, now six dogs have been trained, and another 30 dogs and handlers are signed up for the course next year. “We are the first in Sweden to do this, and I have not heard of anyone else doing it abroad,” Kyllesjö told Radio Sweden. Find out more at www.herrgardskliniken.se
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Mette Barslund Mårtensson (mette@nordstjernan.com; 800.827.9333, ext 12)
Swedish phenom’s NYC debut
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Daniel Lozakovich, the 17-year-old Swedish violin sensation from Stockholm, performed a heartrending Chaconne from Bach’s Partita No. 2 during his sold-out New York debut performance at Lincoln Center on Aug. 1. Lozakovich is hailed as one of the most exceptional young musicians in the world; he began playing the violin at age 6 in 2007, and made his concerto debut in Moscow just two years later. “My goal as a violinist is to help people with music. No one hates classical music. Some just don’t know it,” he says, adding he also enjoys jazz music. He is currently studying in Geneva, and in his limited spare time enjoys playing football, boxing, tennis and chess.
Covering three worlds: Sweden, America and Swedish America. Order your own copy, $55.00 for a year (18 issues) Choose ‘subscribe’ at www.nordstjernan.com or call 1.800.827.9333, ext 10 4 NORDSTJERNAN
dashboard | september 15, 2018
An unexpected visit!
Bonni Donaldson, Linda Infante, Lori Adams and Kathy Castellani (above), four sisters about to embark on their first trip to Sweden, visited our booth at Scandinavian Folk Festival. The sisters are going to the meeting of the Strindberg family and are 2nd cousins, 5 times removed from one of Sweden’s most hailed authors ever - 19th century icon August Strindberg. Are you related? Check www.strindbergska.se
Greetings from the Swedish Crown Princess family (with Viktor the pony), at the royal summer residence Solliden on Öland. Photo: Anna-Lena Ahlström/Kungahuset.se
Photo by Anna-Lena Ahlstrom
Scandinavian Folk Festival in Jamestown, NY— our favorite spot at the end of July! Above, prime organizer Don Sandy with grandchildren on his knees, ATV driven by Scott Axelson. For future events in the region, see www. scandinavianjamestown.org
International Roundabout of the Year
Princess Madeleine and her husband Christopher O’Neill are moving to Florida with their children Leonore (4), Nicolas (3) and Adrienne (5 months) this fall. They lived in New York City when Princess Leonore was born, and their property in Palm Beach, FL was recently sold; the location of their new home hasn’t been released. The family will maintain residence in Stockholm but decided to settle in the U.S. to grow O’Neill’s business (he turned down a royal title to continue his career in finance); the move also allows Princess Madeleine to continue working with the World Childhood Foundation in the U.S.
Congratulations to the town of Mjölby, Sweden, for winning the December spot in the Roundabouts of the World calendar 2019! The UK Roundabout Appreciation Society agreed Mjölby’s superb, quirky, giant King Edward potato traffic island deserved a place in the popular calendar, capturing the coveted December page. Kevin Beresford, president of UKRAS (aka Lord of the Rings) had this to say to the people of Mjölby: “I personally feel this traffic island perfectly sums up all that is great about the one-way gyratory. Yours is truly a gyratory galactico. Well done for achieving such
a high roundabout accolade. You should feel very proud.” The potato island symbolizes and celebrates the local regional potato industry … though in Sweden it has also been voted one of the ugliest roundabouts, of which there are many with location-identifying sculptures, most of them clever and attractive curiosities. Of course UKRAS may have a special affinity for Mjölby’s roundabout, since King Edward potatoes are well known in the UK as one of the oldest varieties still grown commercially. SEPTEMBER 15, 2018 5
local events
California
Iceland, Norway and Sweden! Featuring entertainment by Dancing Queen: A Tribute to the Music of ABBA, The Nordic Folk Dancers of Chicago, Swedesong Girls Ensemble, Leikarringen Heimhug Dancers, DeKalb Foot Stompers, Ron Eckberg and the Chicago Swedish Glee Club. A morning church service, activities for children and a living history display along the riverfront. Scandinavian walkway with vendors and displays and Scandinavian food and beverage vendors. Scandinavian Park, 847.358.1527 / cmhoidahl@gmail.com / www.scandinaviandayil.com
09.08, 5:30 PM Fårö Document (1979): Bergman’s followup documentary about his beloved Fårö offers a more optimistic portrayal of the islanders, as well as fascinating glimpses of community rituals and age-old traditions. BAMPFA, www.bampfa.org
Chicago 09.21,11 AM Hejsan Story & Craft: Come explore the literary world of “Flicka, Ricka, Dicka Go to Market” by Maj Lindman. All ages are welcome to attend with a caregiver; free (with admission). RSVP to snyman@samac.org. Swedish American Museum, 773.728.8111 / www. swedishamericanmuseum.org
Local Events Berkeley 09.01, 6 PM Fårö Document (1970): See Ingmar Bergman’s first foray into nonfiction filmmaking in this portrait of the remote Baltic island of Fårö, which had become his refuge and the location for a number of his films. BAMPFA, www.bampfa.org
San Diego 09.08, 5-9 PM Annual Crayfish Party: SACC-San Diego offers you an evening with bright red Swedish style crayfish, drinks, Swedish food, singing and a lot of fun! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be a part of our proud tradition. Please RSVP, this is a 21+ event. $45-$55, House of Sweden in Balboa Park, 858.285.9434 / www.sacc-sandiego.org
Illinois
South Elgin 09.09, 10 AM - 6 PM 39th Annual Scandinavian Day Festival: Celebrate the cultures of Denmark, Finland,
09.29, 3-5 PM Pippi Longstocking movie: A mysterious young girl moves into the abandoned Villa Villekulla - the redheaded Pippi, living alone but for a monkey called Mr. Nilsson and her horse Little Old Man, befriends two neighbor children, Tommy and Annika. Soon inseparable companions, the three youngsters embark upon a series of colorful escapades, which turn the small Swedish town upside down. Fun for the whole family; the film is in English. $2 includes popcorn. Swedish American Museum, 773.728.8111 / museum@samac. org / www.swedishamericanmuseum.org
*Bergman100 - see pages 9 & 22 for movie reviews and more info on The Year of Bergman / www.ingmarbergman.se
Interwoven: The Blended Heritage of Nordics and Native Peoples Enjoy the first of two lectures the new Nordic Museum in Seattle has planned for the Interwoven oral history project, a collection of a dozen oral history interviews from subjects with mixed Nordic and Native American heritage. On Sept. 15 at 12 p.m., a panel of four will discuss the Interwoven interviews and broader themes relevant to the project. Following the panel session, audience members are invited to participate in a tour of the museum’s new Cultural Resource Center and enjoy a buffet-style lunch. $10, Nordic Museum, www.nordicmuseum.org
Hasse Persson’s photographs from the late 1970s and early ’80s New York nightclub will be in an exhibition at House of Sweden, DC, starting September 19. Close to 40 photographs have been carefully selected by the photographer who’s recently worked as artistic director and curator at several museums. This new exhibit is a collection of the renowned photographer’s work from his time in the U.S. at the end of the 1970s at the decadent Studio 54 in New York. His quarter century in the Above: This photo was taken in the U.S. created five photography ladies’ room of Studio 54 in 1977. In the very far left you can see the books. Persson has received His photographer – “I didn’t know at the Majesty the King’s Medal for his time that I was in the picture,” says aesthetic achievements as a phoHasse Persson. tographer. The exhibit runs through Hasse Persson’s spectacular 2014 December at House of Sweden, Right: book on the 1970s club that started the 202.536.1500. For more info, see retrospective interest in the glamour, www.hasseperssonphoto.com or energy and wild creativity that was New York City and Studio 54 at the time. www.houseofsweden.com 6 NORDSTJERNAN
Photo: Hasse Persson
Studio 54
10.03, 6:30-9 PM Chicago Film Festival: See the Scandinavian box office hit, “Waltz for Monica,” a drama that chronicles the life of popular Swedish actress and jazz singer Monica Zetterlund. From small town telephone operator in the 1950s to hard-won stardom, the film tracks the performer’s tumultuous life, in New York and Stockholm, on stage, TV specials, film roles and collaborations with jazz greats - all the while, leaving a trail of failed love affairs and broken dreams. In Swedish with English subtitles. Chicago Cultural Center, kabercrombie@samac.org 10.08, 12 - 3 PM Herring Breakfast: A traditional fried herring breakfast with meatballs, potato sausage and much more, catered by Tre Kronor restaurant. Prepaid and confirmed reservations are required for this popular event. $30/members, $35/non-members. Swedish American Museum & Tre Kroner Restaurant, 773.728.8111 / museum@samac.org/ www.swedishamericanmuseum.org Rockford 09.08, 7-11 PM Swedish Crayfish Party: Join us for this very traditional Swedish late summer party where slurping is expected, singing is mandatory, paper hat and bib attire is required! This seasonal feast
local events features traditional delicacies including crayfish, salmon, meatballs, cheeses, and “västerbottenpaj” (cheese quiche). Come ready to eat - and dance, too! Swedish Historical Society, 815.963.5559 / www. swedishhistorical.org
Maryland
Baltimore 09.07-10 The Draken Experience: An arrival ceremony at 6 p.m. kicks off a four-day stopover in Baltimore, as the Draken Harald Hårfagre Viking ship tours the American east coast. The stop promises visitors an engaging look at the modern-day Viking spirit. Tour the ship, interact with the crew, explore the free photo and video exhibition, and more. www.drakenhh.com/baltimore
Massachusetts West Newton 09.22, 11 AM-3 PM Nordic Bites: Join us for our biggest event of the year – the Nordic Food Festival! Enjoy tastes from Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Iceland while visiting Nordic vendors, listening to live music and taking part in other food fun! Don’t forget the return of everyone’s favorite Vikings - visit their encampment, listen to their music and watch them fight to the “death.” $7-$20. Scandinavian Cultural Center, 617.795.1914 / www. scandicenter.org 09.29, 1 PM Max Holm Quartet: The renowned young jazz pianist with Swedish and American citizenship plays with his quartet. In Nordic Hall, Scandinavian Cultural Center, 617.795.1914 / www. scandicenter.org Minnesota
Minneapolis 09.06 and 10.11, 7-8:30 PM Curated Cocktail Tour: Experience the exhibition, Gudrun Sjöden – A Colourful Universe (thru Oct.28), with curated cocktail creations and specialty lite-bites from FIKA Café. Come for an exclusive, after-hours tour and a journey of the senses, inspired by Gudrun – her bold use of color, her ecoconscious approach, her global impact. American Swedish Institute, 612.871.4907 / info@asimn.org / www.asimn.org 09.08, 1-3 PM Swedish Hiking Club: Get outdoors and take a skogsbad in the forest at area parks. We walk through the woods and stop for fika.Each hike has a different theme and discussion topic. Conversations will be held på svenska, but this program is open to all and there will be discussion points for all language levels to join in. Meet at the destination, more info online or 612.871.4907. American Swedish Institute / info@asimn.org / www.asimn.org 09.09, 2-3 PM Nordic Table: Swedish food historian and lecturer Daniel Serra returns to ASI to explore the foods of medieval and renaissance Sweden in all levels of society. American Swedish Institute, 612.871.4907 / info@asimn.org / www.asimn.org Ongoing Ulla the Baker: Anders Suneson’s cheerful, illustrated children’s books come to life and families are transported to winter in
From peasant hearths to feast tables The foods of Medieval and Renaissance Scandinavia: A Nordic Table Lecture
Swedish food historian and lecturer Daniel Serra returns to the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis on September 9 to explore the foods of medieval and renaissance Sweden in all levels of society. As Scandinavia moved out of the Viking Age, increased contact with the rest of Europe had enormous impact on the food culture of the upper classes. Daniel Serra is a Swedish archaeologist who works with ancient food and will soon hold a doctorate in Viking cuisine. He is passionate about cooking techniques, culinary practices and tastes, from the Viking age to the Renaissance. Serra’s current projects include the translation of Scandinavia’s earliest known cookbook from the 13th century, and he will draw on the revelations from that translation as well as archeology and his longtime scholarship in Scandinavian food history to paint a picture of Swedish society and cuisine during an era of transformation. Serra offers talks and leads cooking workshops where students cook a menu from the Viking Age, working in a communal atmosphere from Daniel’s interpretation of the Just $5 for ASI members, $10 for non-members. To dishes. He also shares the background behind the process, register, contact the ASI at 612.871.4907 / info@ practice and ingredients. asimn.org /www.asimn.org Östersund, Sweden, with Ulla, who has her own bakery. Step into Ulla’s world through wooden sculptures that Suneson carved onsite, see Ulla and her cinnamon buns, meet the dog, see the chicken and climb onboard a snowmobile by Suneson - all in ASI’s Family Gallery’s intergenerational, imaginative play environment. American Swedish Institute / info@asimn.org / www.asimn.org Scandia 09.08, 10 AM & 1 PM A n n i e ’ s S w e d i s h C o f f e e Pa r t y : Gammelgården’s oldest resident, Annie, is the inspiration behind our traditional Swedish 3-course Coffee Party, perfect for birthdays, a field trip or a special treat for yourself and a friend. September dates include tours of our five historic buildings. $15, reservations required. Gammelgården Museum, 651.433.5054 / www.gammelgardenmuseum.org
New York
New York 09.07 & 09.14, 7 PM Live Jazz at Tavern on the Green: Swedish flugelhorn player Oskar Stenmark revives the music of his family’s ancient music tradition with a contemporary flair, along with Fleur Seule. Tavern on the Green in Central Park, www.tavernonthegreen.com / www.oskarstenmark.com 09.08-9, 12- 4 PM Controversial and Colorful: The groundbreaking Swedish underground exhibition opens at the Brooklyn Antiquarian Book Fair Sept. 8 and 9. With 100 exhibitors, the Brooklyn Antiquarian Book Fair isthe largest fair of its kind in the country; it holds a major exhibition of artwork and photography produced by leading counter-culture Swedish and Scandinavian artists of the
1960s and 70s. Hear Johan Kugelberg’s tour and talk, humorously titled, “Why is The Swedish Underground Important: I Don’t Speak Swedish,” on September 9 at 2 p.m. The tour and talk is free with pre-registration at www.brooklynbookfair. com. Brooklyn Expo Center, 845.676.3198 or 212-691-7297 / infieldlia@aol.com
Do you know about an upcoming event in Swedish America? Submit it any time to our online calendar at www.nordstjernan.com/ calendar
09.12-15, 10 AM - 10 PM Swedish university fair: Want to study in Sweden? A number of Swedish universities want to meet students who are interested in studying in English (or Swedish) in Sweden. For venues and registration information, see www.su.se/english/ about/events/education-fairs/meet-usin-the-usa-1.392939 / helene.komlos. grill@su.se / www.studyinsweden.se
Norsk merchandise, plus a fine dining establishment lead by guest chefs. Scandinavian Heritage Park is the only park in the world representing all five Nordic countries, 701.852.2368 / hostfest@minot. com / www.hostfest.com
09.26, 6:30 PM Ullmann on Bergman: Celebrated actress, director and partner of director Ingmar Bergman, Liv Ullmann discussed the legendary Swedish filmmaker’s life and work. This event opens our fall series Ingmar Bergman: A Tribute in Film, in celebration of the centenary of Bergman’s birth. The event begins with an introduction by Ullmann, followed by a screening of Saraband, Bergman’s final film and the sequel to his iconic Scenes From a Marriage. $10-$15, in Swedish with English subtitles. Scandinavia House, 212.847.9729 / chelsea@amscan.org / www.scandinaviahouse.org/events/ ingmar-bergman-tribute-film
North Dakota
Minot 09.26-9.29 Norsk Hostfest: The 41st annual fall festival features world-class entertainment, a u t h e n t i c S c a n d i n av i a n c u i s i n e , Scandinavian culture and handcrafted
Oregon
Portland 09.21, 6:30 PM Fall Harvest Dinner: Mark the end of summer and the beginning of Norse Winter with a bountiful harvest feast dedicated to Freyr, who is said to bestow peace and pleasure. It’s the first Fall Equinox Harvest Dinner, or Haustmandur, with local fruits and vegetables, smoked fish, roast meat and more. $50, presented by Broder Soder at Nordia House, 503.977.0275 / www. broderpdx.com
Pennsylvania
Philadelphia 09.04, 6 PM Deep Dive: Dr. Jan Holmberg, CEO of the Ingmar Bergman Foundation in Stockholm, discusses the series “Autumn Sonata: An Ingmar Bergman Centennial Retrospective.” His latest book is Forfattaren Ingmar Bergman (Ingmar Bergman, the Writer). Light Box Film Center, 215.895.6590 / www. lightboxfilmcenter.org
SEPTEMBER 15, 2018 7
local events
Treasures from women of Sweden
Through
NORDSTJERNAN 1.800.827.9333 Ext 10
Augusta’s Daughter Ever wonder what made so many emigrate from Sweden in the nineteenth century? Judit Martin’s novel, “Augusta’s Daughter,” about 19th century Swedish peasant life made such an impression on us, we decided to offer it to the Nordstjernan readership. call 1.800.827.9333 for your own copy ($24.90 incl. S&H to continental U.S.).
Handmade textiles presented to the American Swedish Historical Museum in 1938 from every province of Sweden From the Heart, Made by Hand: Treasures from the Women of Sweden is an exhibition of the handmade textiles from every province of Sweden. This collection was a gift upon the museum’s opening in 1938 from Swedish archaeologist and politician, Dr Hanna Rydh, who is known for fighting for 09.16, 4:30 PM Exhibit Opening - From the Heart, Made by Hand: Treasures from the Women of Sweden. This exhibition includes selections of the handmade textiles presented to the museum in 1938 from every province of Sweden. Exhibit opening is free with museum admission. American Swedish Historical Museum, 215.389.1776 / www.americanswedish.org
National archives and library for Swedish-American historical research Publishers of Swedish American Genealogist 639 38th Street Rock Island, IL | 61201-2296 309-794-7204
www.augustana.edu/ swenson 8 NORDSTJERNAN
09.18, 10:30am-11:30am Toddler Time: Toddlers get a hands-on experience picking their own fresh fruit and we read Jamberry by Bruce Degen. Pick real apples from our heritage Rambo apple trees, practice counting lingonberries, and drink apple and lingonberry juice! Registration is recommended, but not required. American Swedish Historical Museum, 215.389.1776 / www.americanswedish.org
Texas
Dallas 09.08, 6:30 PM Fresh Crayfish Party: Enjoy a fantastic evening with astonishing views and singing and a traditional Swedish Style Crayfish dinner. Sky Lounge floor 6, 1400 Hi Line Dr. $55/SACC & SWEA members,
$70/non-members. RSVP via dallas@ sacctx.com or www.sacctx.com
Virginia
Norfolk 09.13-16 The Draken Experience: An arrival ceremony at 4 p.m. kicks off a four-day stopover in Norfolk, as the Draken Harald Hårfagre Viking ship tours the American east coast. The stop promises visitors an engaging look at the modern-day Viking spirit. Tour the ship, interact with the crew, explore the free photo and video exhibition, and more. www.drakenhh.com/norfolk
Washington
Seattle 09.06, 10 AM Nordic Stories: Children’s stories from the Nordic countries, along with fun craft projects, centers this month around: Gracie & Grandma Underwater by Iben Sandemose Free. The Nordic Museum, nordic@nordicmuseum.org / www. nordicmuseum.org 09.08, 6-9 PM Crazy for Crayfish! The Swedish Club’s annual kräftskiva crayfish party, complete
women’s rights. To celebrate the museum’s 80th anniversary, this exhibition opens with a gallery talk at 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 16 with curator Trevor Brandt.Exhibit opening is free with museum admission. American Swedish Historical Museum, 215.389.1776 / www.americanswedish.org
with paper lanterns is catered by Chef Malin Jonsson and Borgstrom Catering, and includes locally caught crayfish, snaps, snapsvisa singing and dancing the night away. $75, RSVP to 206.283.1090/ malinj@ comcast.net / www.swedishclubnw.org/ Events/Crayfish.htm 09.14, 7:30-10:30 PM Scandinavian Folkdance and Lesson Pat McMonagle teaches a folkdance at 7:30 p.m., followed by dancing to live music from 8:15 to 10:30 p.m. Swedish Club, 206.283.1090 / www.swedishclubnw.org
Wisconsin
New Berlin 10.06, 10 AM - 6 PM The 28th Annual Indoor Scandinavian Festival: Ethnic Scandinavain foods and candy, vendors (many new ones), geneaology, language classes, children’s activities, raffles, music and dancing. Headline entertainment: The duo Vidar Skrede (Hardanger fiddle) and Randy Gosa (guitar), and the Swedish-American Children’s Choir, as well as other local performers. Reagan Elementary School near Milwaukee, 262.366.9152 / lekstrand@wi.rr.com
local events :
The Year of Bergman 2018 celebrates the rich legacy of Swedish filmmaker Ingmar Bergman, who would have celebrated his 100th birthday on July 14, 2018. www.ingmarbergman.se
Ingmar Bergman 100 movie screenings California BAMPFA, 2155 Center St., Berkeley / www.bampfa.org 09.15, 5:30 PM: The Devil’s Eye 09.29, 8 PM: The Rite Illinois The Art Theater, 126 W. Church St., Champaign / www.thearttheater.org 09.03, 7:30 PM Summer with Monika 09.10, 7:30 PM: Persona 09.17, 7:30 PM: Fanny and Alexander Kentucky Speed Cinema, 2035 S. Third St., Louisville / www.speedmuseum.org 09.07, 6 PM: Wild Strawberries (Smultronstället) 09.07, 8 PM: Summer with Monika (Sommaren med Monika) 09.08, 1 PM: Brink of Life; 3 PM: Summer Interlude; 6 PM: Smiles of a Summer Night 09.09, 3 PM: The Seventh Seal (Det sjunde inseglet) 09.14, 6 PM: Persona 09.15, 1 PM: Through a Glass Darkly; 3 PM: Shame; 6 PM: Hour of the Wolf 09.16, 3 PM: The Virgin Spring (Jungfrukällan) Massachusetts The Coolidge, 290 Harvard St., Brookline / www.coolidge.org 09.05, 7 PM: Smiles of a Summer Night 09.12, 7 PM: Through a Glass Darkly 09.19, 7 PM: Cries and Whispers 09.26, 8 PM: Wild Strawberries (+ Stand By Me)
NORDSTJERNAN MAIL TO: P.O. Box 1710 New Canaan CT 06840 or CALL 1.800.827.9333 - ext 10 Stay informed in a Swede way. Nordstjernan is published every other week with the exceptions of Jan.-Feb. and July-Aug.
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Massachusetts Harvard Film Archive, Carpenter Center for the Visual Arts 24 Quincy St., Cambridge / www.hcl.harvard.edu/hfa 09.07, 7 PM: Summer with Monika; 9 PM: The Magician 09.08, 7 PM: Hour of the Wolf; 9 PM: Shame 09.09, 7 PM: Sawdust and Tinsel 09.15, 6 PM: The Magic Flute; 9 PM: The Devil’s Eye 09.16, 7 PM: The Virgin Spring 09.21, 7 PM: Persona; 9 PM: All These Women 09.22, 9 PM: Through a Glass Darkly 09.23, 1 PM: Scenes from a Marriage 09.24, 7 PM: Winter Light 09.29, 7 PM: The Silence; 9 PM: The Passion of Anna 09.30, 1 PM: Fanny and Alexander New York Scandinavia House, 58 Park Ave., New York /www.scandinaviahouse.org 09.28, 6:30 PM: Smiles of a Summer Night (Sommarnattens Leende) 10.03, 7 PM: Wild Strawberries (Smultronstället) 10.05, 6:30 PM: The Magician (Ansiktet) 10.10, 7 PM: The Virgin Spring /Jungfrukällan 10.12, 6:30 PM: Through a Glass Darkly (Såsom I en Spegel) Pennsylvania Lightbox, 3701 Chesnut St., Philadelphia / www.lightboxfilmcenter.org 09.06, 7 PM: Wild Strawberries 09.07, 7 PM: The Seventh Seal 09.08, 2 PM: Through a Glass Darkly; 5 PM: Winter Light; 8 PM: The Silence
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SEPTEMBER 15, 2018 9
readers forum
InBox
Dear Editor, In the last issue, there was a little box with cultural events in Sweden that listed the play, Anna Sward, based on the story by that name, written by Selma Lagerlöf. It is in the theatre at Sunne. By the time she was 80, Lagerlöf was the most widely translated Swedish writer ever. Fellow readers might like to know that there is a fresh translation of Anna Swärd, and the Löwensköld Trilogy, by American Linda Schenck. Linda has just received a prestigious translator’s award from the Swedish Academy for her translator’s expertise with Swedish literature. Anna Swärd and many other English translations can be obtained from norvik.press@ucl.ac.uk. Their website is www.norvikpress.com. Thanks for Nordstiernan to which I have subscribed for many years. Patricia Lindquist, San Diego CA
Hello again Ulf, This is a picture taken in 1961 of my great-grandfather napping on the porch of the farmhouse on his 1,200 acre farm in Jamestown. That’s me next to him on the right. He immigrated to the U.S. from the Kronoberg region in Småland around 1901. Once arriving in the U.S. he lumber-jacked, worked on the Pennsylvania Railroad, then became a farmer. He was legendary for his strength. He died in 1979 at the age of 101. When he left Sweden he promised his sister Maria he would return to Sweden to visit her on his 75th birthday. He did in 1952. If/ when I apply to the show Great Swedish Adventure (Allt för Sverige) it will be, in large part, in honor of him. Steve Green, Warwick RI
Photo taken at the RKO Movie Studios, Hollywood, CA in 1939. L-R: Cleo Smith (Lucille Ball’s cousin whom she grew up with in Jamestown, NY); Karl Hjalmar Lundquist; Lucille Ball; Fred Ball; Desiree Ball.
Hej Editor! It was so nice to see Nordstjernan at the Scandinavian Folk Festival in Jamestown, NY in July. I thought I would share this picture of my grandfather, Karl Hjalmar Lundqvist with Lucille Ball. She was from Jamestown, and my grandfather immigrated there in 1896. He and his wife were friends with her mother and step-father. She and my father played together as children. This picture was taken in 1939 at the RKO studios in Hollywood. My grandparents drove cross-country - in the days before superhighways - for two weeks to get there. My grandfather was 60 years old and was a prominent clothier in Jamestown. The picture shows her cousin Cleo Smith, who was like a sister to her, my grandfather, Lucille Ball at about age 28, her brother Fred and her mother, Desiree. Richard Lundqvist, Jamestown NY
Thanks for sharing, you should definitely apply to the show, Steve, www.greatswedishadventure.com (you’re perfect and Thanks for sharing Rich, The Lucy Show became one of the first huge successes on Swedish television as well, and a Swedish version of its predecessor, I Love Lucy, called Älskade will have a blast) /Ed. Lotten, was created 35 years after the original aired in the 1990s. /Ed. Scandinavian Quiz, June 1 Dear Editor, Book recommendation The last Vasa King of Sweden was Karl XIII. I do not know who Augusta’s Daughter and Kajsa by Judit Martin Johan II Casemir was, but Johan III was Gustav Vasa’s middle son, I can’t recommend these two books highly enough! Even if you are and Gustav Vasa began the Vasa Dynasty. Always enjoy the Quiz! fortunate enough to trace your family tree back to the mid 1800s, the Inez Thörnblom, Elgin IL stories of what it was like to live 100-200 years before you were born are missing. Judit Martin, through interviews and extensive historiJohan II Casemir was the son of Sigismund II Vasa, who cal research, has woven an amazing story of three generations of a ruled Sweden and the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth as family living in Sweden, 1835-1952. Her novels are full of footnotes a composite monarchy as King of Poland until his death in explaining Swedish words and concepts, and a bibliography documents 1632 and King of Sweden between 1592-1599. Sigismund the research she used to make the story historically accurate. You can lost the Swedish crown to his uncle, a younger brother of vividly imagine your own family’s story and I guarantee you will not want to put these books down. Johan III, Karl IX after civil war erupted in Sweden in 1597. Nancy Kingston, San Clemente CA Johan II Casemir was the Swedish king by title only due to the Each book $24.90 including S/H (as a subscriber) coronation of a different line of descendants of Gustav Vasa. Order your books at 1-800-827-9333, ext 10 or /Ed. Nordstjernan, P.O. Box 1710, New Canaan, CT 06840 10 NORDSTJERNAN
4 DAYS ON THE GÖTA CANAL Göteborg to Stockholm on the M/S Juno Dear Editor, Last winter, while planning a summer trip to Scandinavia, I saw a photo of the the M/S Juno. Built in 1874 in Motala, the Juno is famous for being the oldest registered ship with overnight accommodations. My husband and I were fascinated. So we began our journey of traveling thousands of miles from California to Göteborg to experience the magic of stepping back in time on the Göta Canal. Here is my diary of our trip.
Day 1 In Göteborg, there were blue skies when we boarded the Juno just after 8:00am on July 10th. The crew welcomed us aboard and escorted us to our “cozy” cabin furnished with a sink and surprisingly comfortable bunk beds. We only slept and changed clothes in our cabin because there was so much to see and do. In the early afternoon we slipped into the first lock at Lilla Ebet. Built in 1607, this was the location of Sweden’s first lock. We had our first excursion from the ship to the Throllhättan Canal Museum. The Göta Canal opened in 1832 after 22 years of construction employing more than 58,000 workers. Later we arrived at Lake Vänern, Europe’s third largest lake. Day 2 So many choices at the breakfast buffet. Lunch and dinner were delicious and elegant, served on white table clothes with fresh flowers. After breakfast we had the opportunity to walk beside the ship as it is moved slowly through a series of locks. The countryside was a landscape of meadows, birch forests, tiny cottages, and bicyclist. We passed through Lake Viken, then an area of
canal and small lakes full of water lilies. At Forsvik we were serenaded with songs by the Kindbom family, a religious group, which has been greeting ships this way for over 20 years. From here, the ship began its descent. The highest point was over 300 feet above sea level. In the late afternoon after normal visiting hours, we received a special tour of the massive Karlsborg Fortress. In the evening we entered Lake Vättern. We enjoyed a long lingering sunset across the water. The ship anchored at Motala, for part of the night, leaving again at 4:00am. Day 3 During breakfast the ship crossed a busy highway by means of a aqueduct. At Berg we descended through 7 connected locks to Lake Roxen. During the slow decent, we went ashore for a tour of a church and the ruins of a convent dating back to the year 1100. Later we were delayed to allow speeding passenger and freight trains to pass on a main railway line. A digital sign notified the ship when the bridge of tracks for the electric trains would let us pass. We were always surrounded by beautiful landscapes. Today we passed farms with gently rolling fields and giant red barns.After dinner we toured the historic and picturesque town of
Söderköping. The town was important during the time of the Hanseatic League and later as a spa. Close to 11:00 pm we gathered on the upper deck for an ABBA sing-a-long and music provided by our very talented ship’s crew. Day 4 During the cruise we passed through a total of 66 locks! On this last day we passed through Scandinavia’s largest lock (443 feet long) to enter Lake Mälaren, Sweden’s 3rd largest lake. During the age of the Vikings this lake was part of the Baltic Sea. Before lunch we visited Birka, regarded as Sweden’s first town. Abandoned before the year 1000, it is today on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. Families come for a few days of vacation to live in a reconstructed Viking village. Wearing homespun garments, there were women weaving and children played with simple toys. We passed the stately Drottningholm Palace, home of the Swedish royal family and also on the World Heritage list. During quiet periods we were invited to visit the ship’s bridge. On this last day on board we had a chance to tour the engine room and galley. The former steam engine was replaced by a diesel engine in 1956. Exactly on time, at 4:00pm, we arrived at the dock in the Old Town of Stockholm. The wonderful crew who made our travels so effortless and enjoyable lined up to bid us farewell. All during our canal journey we felt like celebrities, with people stopping to wave and take photos. When people saw the Juno, you could tell they felt lucky to see this grand old ship. The Juno had completed another remarkable journey and we felt very fortunate to have been part of it all. Nancy W. Schroeder, Auburn, CA SEPTEMBER 15, 2018 11
feature art and culture
Braiding Her Hair by Christian Krohg (Nasjonalmuseet, Oslo)
For the first time in 36 years, Washington, DC is hosting a large exhibit of art from the Nordic countries. Not since 1982 has Washington, DC been the host city of a large, comprehensive exhibition of art from the Scandinavian countries. That pivotal show, titled “Northern Light: Realism and Symbolism in Scandinavian Painting, 1880-1910,” was on view at the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, DC in the fall of 1982, and was curated by Kirk Varnedoe. It traveled to The Brooklyn Museum and the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, and left as a long lasting legacy a catalogue that has been an important resource on Scandinavian art. This fall, 36 years later, the nation’s capital will again be the location of a large exhibition of Nordic art. This time, the venue is the Phillips Collection of Art, often called “America’s first museum of modern art.” Located near Dupont Circle in downtown Washington, DC, the Phillips Collection is known for its 19th century and modern art, including Renoir’s famous “Luncheon of the Boating Party,” and works by van Gogh, Picasso and Lawrence. The curator of the 2018 fall exhibit is Klaus Ottmann, the deputy director for Curatorial and 12 NORDSTJERNAN
Nordic Impressions in DC
Academic Affairs at the Phillips Collection. This exhibition, titled “Nordic Impressions: Art from Åland, Denmark, the Faroe Islands, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, 1821-2018,” will be on view October 6, 2018 to January 6, 2019. The Phillips Collection of Art, as well as other museums in the nation’s capital, such as the National Museum of Women in the Arts, has featured exhibitions on Nordic artists over the years, but they have not been as broad in scope as “Nordic Impressions.”
This is a rare opportunity to see works of many Nordic artists in one place on this side of the Atlantic. There is, of course, the natural inclination to compare the two exhibitions, “Northern Light” (1982) and the upcoming “Nordic Impressions” (2018). Northern Light focused on the dynamic creativity and innovation of the late 19th and early 20th century, specifically the years 1880 to 1910, viewed as a golden age in Scandinavian art. It featured outstanding Scandinavian painters from the
Born in Germany, curator Klaus Ottmann received a Master of Arts in philosophy from the Free University in Berlin, and a PhD in philosophy from the Division of Media and Communications at the European Graduate School in Switzerland. He previously served as a curator at the Parrish Art Museum in South Hampton, NY. Dr. Ottmann has curated over 50 international exhibitions, primarily on mid-20th century and contemporary art. Since joining the staff at the Phillips Collection, he has curated many exhibitions, including shows on Pollock, Ossorio and Dubuffet, as well as Danish artist Per Kirkeby. One work by Kirkeby will be included in Nordic Impressions this fall. Creating and organizing an exhibition like Nordic Impressions is a long process and an expensive endeavor dependent upon private and public support. The Phillips Collection has collaborated with the Nordic embassies in Washington, DC and is working with art museums in Scandinavia. In August of 2015, Dr. Ottmann traveled to Scandinavia to meet with professional staff from art museums and artists. The works on view this fall are on loan from museums and collections in Scandinavia, and also from galleries in New York City. Karin Alexis
both politically linked to Denmark, eight are Icelandic, and eight are Norwegian. This exhibit also includes indigenous art, such as Sami, and a significant percentage of works are by women and important early 19th century masters. There may still be changes to the list of works. In Nordic Impressions, each artist is represented by one work of art. Among the Swedish artists are several from the golden age of the late 19th and early 20th century period, such as Anders Zorn, Helmer Osslund, Fanny Brate and August Strindberg. Strindberg, known primarily for his writing, was also an accomplished painter. Works by Swedish modern artists Öyvind Fahlström and Karin Mamma Andersson will also be on view. By Dr. Karin Alexis, art historian Dr. Karin Alexis, PhD, art historian, is an expert on Scandinavian/Nordic art and architecture. She has lectured extensively on Nordic art and architecture, including at the Foreign Service Institute of the United States Department of State for 25 years, the Smithsonian Associates, and the Society of Architectural Historians (Latrobe Chapter). She has taught broad survey courses on the region, covering medieval to modern, and lectured on 19th and 20th art and architecture, as well as topics such as National Romanticism, Zorn, Larsson, Milles and Scandinavian modernism, among others. She presented a comprehensive lecture program on Scandinavian art and architecture in December 2017 at the Smithsonian Associates. She is also the vice president of the Swedish American Cultural Union and active in Drott Lodge.
Swedish American Cultural Union
Anders Zorn: The Girl from Älvdalen (Flickan från Älvdalen) c. 1911 / Minneapolis Institute of Art.
five Nordic nations who were influenced by the currents of realism, Impressionism, Post-Impressionism and Symbolism. Many of them achieved international and critical recognition. Among these were Sweden’s Anders Zorn, Norway’s Edvard Munch, Finland’s Akseli Gallen-Kallela, Denmark’s Vilhelm Hammershoj and Iceland’s Thorlaksson. Nordic Impressions, this fall’s exhibit, includes some of the outstanding artists of the turn-of-the-last century and covers a broader time period, spanning 200 years from the early 19th to the 21st centuries. It is comprised of approximately 60 works, including paintings, sculptures and photographs. The most striking difference between the two exhibitions is the emphasis on modern and contem-
porary art found in Nordic Impressions. Ottmann, whose area of expertise is mid- and late 20th century and 21st century modernism, highlights modern and contemporary movements influenced by abstraction and conceptual art. As the title of the exhibit suggests (in naming not only the nation states themselves, but also the self-governing islands, such as Greenland, the Faroe Islands and Åland), Ottmann is emphasizing regional identities and contributions within the broader context of the Nordic realm. Of approximately 60 works, nine are Swedish, 11 are Finnish, one is from the Swedish-speaking Finnish island of Åland, 12 are Danish, 11 Norwegian, one is from the Faroe Islands and one from Greenland,
The Swedish American Cultural Union (SACU) is an organization in the nation’s capital that offers monthly lecture programs on topics related to Sweden and Swedish America, from economics, science and policy issues, to art, literature and culture. Among its recent speakers are Her Excellency Karin Olofsdottir, Swedish Ambassador to the United States; The Honorable Jay Cohen, Rear Admiral, USN (ret.) and former Under Secretary for Science and Technology, Department of Homeland Security; Richard Stenelo of Lund University; His Excellency Andras Simonyi, Hungary’s former ambassador to the United States; Barbro Osher, Sweden’s Consul General in San Francisco; Göran Lithell, Deputy Chief of Missions, Swedish Embassy; Reidar Jönsson, author of “My Life as a Dog,” and Ulf Mårtensson, editor of Nordstjernan. The format of its programs is a luncheon followed by a lecture. SACU events usually take place at the Key Bridge Marriott, conveniently located in Rosslyn, which is along the Potomac River, just across from Georgetown, in the District of Columbia. This location even offers a bird’s eye view of the House of Sweden in Georgetown. The September 2018 program will be a panel discussion of the Swedish elections. SEPTEMBER 15, 2018 13
feature “Good day, fine masked man” and shot him in the back. With a bang (and two weeks of painful septicemia), Gustav III’s reign of culture had ended. His time on the throne, however, left an enduring influence on Swedish decorative arts. In many ways, the Decorative Arts Trust’s trip through Sweden followed the life and legacy of King Gustav III. During their first days in Sweden, Trust members explored Drottningholm Palace. The current residence of the royal family and Gustav’s childhood summer home, Drottningholm is a commanding Palladian structure dating to the late 17th century. Gustav’s mother, Louisa Ulrika of Prussia, received the palace as a wedding present when she became the crown princess of Sweden. Louisa Ulrika completely redesigned the structure’s interior, and it was beneath the grand sophistication of the French Rococo that Gustav developed his passions for poetry and history.
A love for the performing arts
Members of the Decorative Arts Trust in the United States met dozens of figures from Scandinavian history in a recent Study Trips Abroad program that took them to Sweden and Denmark.
D
uring their spring 2018 trip to Sweden and Denmark, members of the Decorative Arts Trust explored estates scattered around the Stockholm archipelago, spent an evening at the lakeside retreat of Danish royals, and learned that stories of Northern Europe are inextricably bound to deeply fascinating people. The figure uniting so many of the sites, and deeply ingrained in northern Neoclassicism, however, is King Gustav III of Sweden.
French influences and decorative arts
Carl Gustav III ruled Sweden from 1772 until his assassination in 1792. An enlightened despot and cousin of Frederick II and Catharine the Great, Gustav III oversaw one of Sweden’s most cultur14 NORDSTJERNAN
ally expansive periods. An explosion of French and Italian Neoclassicism spread through the nation via his inner circle of French-born designers such as Louis Masraliez and Louis Jean Desprez. Simultaneously, influence from Enlightenment thinkers led Gustav III to pursue economic and social liberalism. Gustav’s influence was so broad that an English traveler, upon seeing a Grecian temple in the far north, noted its “magnificence and taste, like that monarch, … [have] nothing in common with the country in which it has arisen.” While the building programs and reforms pursued during Gustav’s reign were dramatic, his death was even more so. At a masquerade, the costumed king was surrounded by a group of disgruntled noblemen who accosted him in French:
Louisa Ulrika’s building program at Drottningholm inculcated another passion in her young son—a love for the theater. The palace’s original theater burned in 1762, and the queen’s new theater opened in 1766. When Gustav inherited the palace in 1777, he involved himself in its operations by hiring new acting troupes and encouraging Swedish-language plays. Gustav even wrote and directed several of its performances. Today, this building remains the oldest operating European theater. Trust members explored the actors’ chambers and the massive foyer where Gustav enjoyed lunches while at the theater. Trust members were even treated to thunder and wind special effects from the original stage machinery. This room—featuring Palladian windows and faux-marbled walls typical of Swedish interior design—eventually stored unused furniture after Gustav’s death. In this space, beneath original chandeliers and a blue balustrade ceiling mimicking the sky, the king’s furniture languished for nearly 200 years. Young Gustav’s love for Swedish theater did not keep him bound to Drottningholm. The prince was studying in France in 1771 when his father died suddenly (supposedly after eating 14 servings of Swedish semla pastries). Anti-absolutists within the Swedish parliament attempted to seize power, but Gustav succeeded in a bloodless coup d’etat and was crowned shortly thereafter. Both for personal taste and as a nod to legitimizing French absolutism, Gustav III popularized the early Neoclassicism seen at the court of Louis XVI. While exploring this style, Trust members visited Tullgarn Slott, a hunting manor south of Stockholm. Constructed in the 1720s, Tullgarn was redesigned by French-born architect, Louis Masraliez in the 1770s for Gustav’s brother, the Duke of Östergötland. An active royal hunting lodge, Tullgarn features a blend of 18th- through 20th century spaces. Elements contemporary with Masraliez include fine Marieberg tile stoves and servants’ beds hidden behind false walls.
Sweden’s Late Gustavian style
King Gustav’s preferred style evolved with the times. Trips to Herculaneum and Pompeii in 1783-1784 drew the king more fully into Pompeiian Neoclassicism, known in Sweden as the Late Gustavian style. Trust members fully immersed themselves in this style at Haga Park in Stockholm. Here, the king created several pavilions including massive Roman and Ottoman copper tents and the king’s own pavilion. With its white and gold faux-marbled columns, gilt klismos chairs and painted Roman friezes, this structure exhibits the most extravagant elements of the Late Gustavian style. Truly, Gustav III’s Pavilion in Haga Park is as much Pompeiian playhouse as palace. Gustav III deeply influenced late 18th century Swedish high style, and Americans also celebrated the ill-fated Culture King. Gustav’s courtier, Axel von Fersen, worked his way into American hearts as a general in the French Expeditionary Force and aide-de-camp to Rochambeau during the American Revolution. von Fersen’s legacy is remembered at the American Swedish Historical Museum in Philadelphia, where a mural of the nobleman ensures that his victories in America are not forgotten.
Decorative Arts Trust scholarship recipient Trevor Brandt was especially touched to find a final nod to Gustav III on his last day in Sweden. A professor of archaeology at Gothenburg University led Trevor to a secluded monument within a quiet park. Topped by a copper bust of the king, the monument is inscribed with the words: “In Memory of Gustavus III: The First Monarch to Extend the Hand of Friendship to the United States of America, Erected by American Citizens July 4th, 1923.” Trevor Brandt Trevor Brandt is a member of the Decorative Arts Trust and curator at the American Swedish Historical Museum in Philadelphia. As a graduate of Delaware’s Winterthur Museum’s M.A. program on American Material Culture, Brandt’s studies
have long focused on the experience of the immigrant in the colonial and early-Republic MidAtlantic region. His award-winning Master’s thesis focused on German-language printers in the greater-Philadelphia area, research for which led him to a genre of religious texts and surprising early Swedish connections. As ASHM’s new curator, Brandt brings energy and ideas to one of Philadelphia’s unique cultural treasures. Recent projects include opening a Scandinavian glass gallery, constructing an IKEA-designed refugee shelter on the museum’s terrace, and installing the museum’s first Sami-related exhibition in more than 20 years. He plans to widen the museum’s perspective to include all Nordic peoples and better engage visitors. He is particularly excited to design new galleries for the museum’s centenary in 2026.
The Decorative Arts Trust is a non-profit organization dedicated to the study of the decorative arts through educational programming, collaboration with museums, historical societies and preservation organizations, and underwriting scholarships, grants and internships to assist graduate students and young professionals. The Trust relies on the support of its membership to remain a vibrant organization in the decorative arts field; members come from all over the United States and share an appreciation for the decorative arts, history and culture. The Trust also supports the Study Trips Abroad program, a mainstay of their annual calendar, expanded in 2018 to include three travel opportunities which offer education, excitement and entertainment with friends and colleagues. www.decorativeartstrust.org
Previous page top: Arriving at Drottningholm Palace (built on Lovön, Lake Mälaren) by boat. Photo: Gomer Swahn. // Previous page bottom: The Queen’s stately bedroom at Drottningholm Castle. Photo: Alexis Daflos. // Below: The author in front of an 18th century Blekinge cottage at Kulturen in Lund.
SEPTEMBER 15, 2018 15
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Hiking through the
Swedish Tuscany Österlen, in Sweden’s deep south, with apple orchards, parks and white beaches, is an alluring destination. Writer Emil Sergel and photographer Roger Borgelid put on their hiking boots for a civilized walk along Österlen’s east coast in Skåne, where, among the rolling vineyards they found the Swedish Tuscany.
We
step lightly off the bus in Brösarp. We’re usually lugging heavy backpacks with camping stoves, tents and sleeping bags, but not today. The backpack weighs just a few pounds as we walk across dewy hills looking for the big red mark of the so-called Skåneleden (the Skåne trail). We have decided that pleasure and delight are the central goals of this hike with relatively short day trips, great accommodations and long dinners — the first stop is in southern Vitemölla, followed the next day by Simrishamn, where the car is waiting. Österlen was first conceived in 1847, in a note by the priest Nils Lovén. There are no exact boundaries to the area, and the concept of Österlen is widely used in tourist brochures. But according to an old 16 NORDSTJERNAN
distinction, Haväng constitutes the border in the north and Simrishamn in the south — the distance of a little over 15 miles, which we plan to walk. The dew and mist create a special atmosphere when we climb over the fence in the cow pasture, following the red marks that mean we are heading in the right direction. The slopes billow just enough to create some variety in the walk, and the small contrasts are interesting. We cross the meadows and walk through forests and along rivers as fog lifts to reveal a blue sky. Lonely oak trees in large meadows are an amazing sight and we expect Ferdinand the Bull to show up any minute. When the cows do turn up, it feels rather like we are walking through a movie.
Written by Emil Sergel Photographed by Roger Borgelid
It wouldn’t be Tuscany without wine
The landscape of Österlen is beautiful — sometimes called Sweden’s Tuscany, or Sweden’s Provence — and when we suddenly wander along rows of vines in the vineyards and see the wineries, it’s hard to believe we are still in Sweden. As a Swede, I did not even know grapes could be grown here, let alone established, thriving vineyards. Österlenvin is a popular wine from the area which has won some awards. If you ever have the craving for locally produced Swedish wine with a regional flair, it can be ordered at Systembolaget — most of the vineyard’s wines pick up the local lingo with names such as “Per Ols Blanning” (mixed wines) “Per Ols Vida” (white) or “Per Ols Röa” (red). We descend to the sea, and set our sights on Skepparpsgården (The Skipper’s Farm), a hostel under the auspices of STF (Svenska Turistföreningen, a 125-year-old memberbased Swedish tourist association). It is an idyllic farm near the sea with great sandwiches and coffee. The farm originates from the 1700s and is a perfect starting point for hikes. The village name is Haväng (meaning sea-meadow) and for good reason, since its green meadows meet white sandy beaches and open, green sea. If it had not been fully booked, we probably would have chosen to stay
there but we won’t be disappointed by our nearby accommodations. We walk a couple miles barefoot along the beach as the fog temporarily returns, rolling in above the waves of the Baltic. Everything is still and I get associations with other foggy scenes in my mind, from movies such as The Titanic, Casablanca, even D-Day in Normandy while Roger takes photographs, becoming lyrical and creating his usual photo magic. We have arrived at today’s final destination — the small village of Vitemölla. We see our first apple orchard, sit under a tree and devour a few apples while lying in true “Rasmus på luffen” style (“Rasmus and the Vagabond,” the English title, is one of the early novels by Astrid Lindgren, a combination of Tom Sawyer and
Oliver Twist). They are the best apples we have ever tasted. Vitemölla is an old fishing village that was first populated during the early 1700s. Today it is probably best known for Vitemölla Seaside Hotel, where we stay the first night. Vitemölla is known for its cuisine, and after a refreshing shower, we are taken to the glass restaurant. A delicious, fivecourse menu awaits us here. It proves to be a bacchanal of flavors with each new dish surpassing the previous in flavor, taste and appearance. Venison fillet, wild mushroom consommé and beet ice cream are just some of the delights. We scramble down to our rooms completely satisfied and are lulled to sleep by the sound of waves breaking onto the beach a couple hundred feet away. SEPTEMBER 15, 2018 17
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Nature’s surprises at every turn
We’re expecting a day full of contrasts on our second day, but it starts in a slow and pleasant way. We allow ourselves luxurious stops during the first hours, which means we will have to cheat a little for the last kilometers at the end of the day. We begin with a leisurely 15-minute stroll to Buhres Fish in Kivik, which is just half a mile from the hotel. Their choices of freshly fried herring and mashed potatoes are too good to pass up as an early lunch. Our gastronomic journey continues another half mile before it is time for the next stop. Café Sågmöllan, the oldest café of the area, is housed in an old sawmill. If you look up the Swedish word “idyll,” you get a picture of this utopian café. We treat 18 NORDSTJERNAN
ourselves to coffee with homemade cinnamon rolls before we can be found ambling along a couple miles to the south. The roads are now lined with apple orchards and as can be expected, Kiviks Musteri, a cider and apple juice producer. Despite full stomachs and the fact that we’ve only covered less than three miles by 2 p.m., we must, of course, buy a little apple juice in the farm shop. Everything here revolves around apples, including books, tastings, orchards and information about their red fruit. Kiviks offers guided tours of the Apple House where you can learn about everything from apple juice to Calvados, and apples and apple cakes are sold there. We bought apple juice, but it will have to be enjoyed along the way for now we have to get mov-
ing. We will soon reach today’s main attraction: Stenshuvud National Park. We walk into a magic forest of conifers and moss-covered rocks and take aim on the national park’s heart, the 97-meter-high Restberget. Nature shifts to the hardwood and it almost gives us a sense of rainforest. That’s how lush and green it is. The afternoon light sprinkles down on the foliage and we hear the sea in the distance. The trail climbs up to the top and the view to the south is magnificent. Restberget is the only thing that breaks an otherwise flat coastline so the view is far ranging in every direction. In the distance we make out Simrishamn in the south, today’s final goal, which we hope to reach before dark. There are a lot of options for wandering around the
park — everything from short walks of less than half a mile to trails of one to two miles. It’s not a large national park but it is immensely beautiful and a welcome break in the otherwise flat landscape. A special treat is to walk here in the spring when the entire area is filled with wood anemones. The next contrast is waiting as we exit the forest on the south side of Stenshuvud and walk down to the sea. Nature changes again and we take off our boots to walk along the white beach with the cool waves of the Baltic soothing our sore feet. Now, just another stop before we reach Simrishamn — in Knäbäckshusen. We walk south along the coast and follow Skåneleden. The trail offers a total of 60 miles of hiking all over Skåne, with this section part of a much longer “North Sea Trail,” which goes through Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Germany, Holland and the UK and is over 300 miles. If you’re less inclined to use the luxury of hotels, there are 80 shelters to choose among for spending the night along the Skåne trail. We’re now hiking the Österlenleden trail, which is a total of 117 miles that begin and end in Ystad. “Knäbäckshusen was supposed to be here, have we gone too far?” asks Roger. We have walked a bit on the beach and want to arrive at Knäbäckshusen in the soft afternoon light but now it is getting rather late.
We finally glimpse some houses just above the beach and note that we are in the right place. The picturesque houses of Knäbäckshusen contain an interesting historical detail: In 1957, the Swedish Ministry of Defense was planning to expand the nearby Ravlunda firing range, and they simply moved the entire village. Today it is as much a living village as it is a tourist attraction. It feels like walking around in a tale by Astrid Lindgren, a feeling that becomes even stronger when I spot three cute little old ladies strolling along the main road of the village. We’re beginning to run out of time. Our table reservations at the restaurant En Gaffel (A Fork) in Simrishamn is in just two hours and we realize we will not have time to go all the way if we want to arrive on
time. We walk out along the undulating and verdant slopes to the main road to Simrishamn. Sure of myself after experiences of hitchhiking in many other countries I feel certain we can hitch a ride for the last stretch of road. After my many years and countries of hitchhiking I consider myself an expert in the field. We find the perfect spot and I start waving to cars. Without success. It is not until Roger steps in and succeeds on the first attempt that we start moving in the direction of Simrishamn. Sometimes it’s smarter to be humble. The strong feeling of being in Tuscany remains when we drive by the lush green surroundings, a wonderful, new experience after so many hikes in Sweden’s north.
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facts
Getting there: It’s convenient to reach Österlen by public transportation. The so-called Pågatågen trains will take you to Simrishamn from Malmö, Kristianstad or any of the other cities in Skåne. After that you can continue by an hourly local bus to Brösarp. Actually, driving is an unnecessary hassle since your car needs to be parked and picked up. Public transportation: Check online or download the app for Skånetrafiken (The Skåne Traffic, www.skanetrafiken.se) where you can easily buy tickets to avoid having to use a car. There are plenty of trains and buses. Accommodation: There are plenty of accommodations along the way. Vitemölla Spa hotel is a good option; a slightly more basic accommodation is the Kockska Gården Inn in Simrishamn. They are often fully booked during the peak season so be sure to make a reservation. Food: It’s hard not to mention Buhres Fish, a fish smokehouse with lunch food that’s enjoyed a few steps from the sea. Next time I do this hike I will bring a thermos and sandwiches, for there are perfect picnic spots under the oak trees and in paddocks, or at Stenshuvud National Park. Equipment: It was liberating to avoid having to carry a tent; we hiked with 12 pounds on our backs and carried a change of clothes for the evening, rain gear, some extra clothing and water. Do not forget swimwear if you prefer not to swim in the buff. Tour suggestions: We went from Brösarp to Simrishamn, which is about 35 kilometers. www.skaneleden.se gives detailed information about hiking all around Skåne including Österlen. Maps: Maps are sold at Skåne tourist offices and well-stocked bookstores.
Swedish mushroom omelet Ingredients 1 handful of wild mushrooms 1 onion 1 large pat butter 4 eggs 1/4 cup (60 ml) cold water salt and freshly ground black pepper Instructions Cut the mushrooms into small pieces and finely chop the onion. Fry the mushrooms, onion and butter in a frying pan over medium heat for 5 minutes or until soft. Whisk together the eggs and water in a bowl, and season with salt and pepper. Increase the heat to high and pour the eggs over the mushroom mixture. With a fork, draw the sides of the egg toward the middle. The omelette is done when it’s still a bit runny in the middle. Serve immediately. - from Homegrown Swedes by Sanna Fyring Liedgren
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Treasure in the Swedish woods
Mushroom lasagne with saffron aioli Ingredients 4 lasagne sheets 3-1/2 ounces mixed mushrooms 1 shallot, diced 1 tablespoon butter 1 cup cream pinch caraway 1/2 tablespoon fennel seed 1 tablespoon mushroom bouillon 1/2 teaspoon thyme salt and pepper 1/4 cup cheddar, grated 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
Come September, the Swedish truffle doesn’t cost more than a few litres of gas. Maybe less. Foraging for mushrooms is an easy expression of Swedes’ natural desire to commune with nature. Come September, cars are parked on the edges of forests, and mushroom pickers are stooping low between the trees in search of treasure (though people can be very secretive about their favorite picking spots). Swedes become expert pickers as children, in part because they’re an asset to the hunt: Being close to the forest floor is helpful in spotting mushrooms. Some mushrooms are more prized than others, and in Sweden it’s the golden chanterelle (kantarell), the king of all mushrooms - Swedes value them the way others value truffles. And most Swedes have their favorite way of preparing and eating them, but they all capitalize on the flavor of the fresh fungi - a delicacy for their flavor as much as for the tradition. It’s common to add them to omelettes or pasta, eat them on toast, or sometimes just fry them up with a pat of butter and a dash of salt. Not all of us have easy access to woods with mushrooms ready for the picking, but finding fresh mushrooms at farmers’ markets and grocery stores is certainly easy, and we can make delicious recipes with store bought Chanterelle toast mushrooms as well. Ingredients 1 pound mushrooms (Swedes recommend chanterelles) 2 tablespoons butter 1/4 cup heavy cream 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon white pepper 1/2 teaspoon distilled white vinegar 4 slices bread, toasted
Instructions Boil lasagna sheets in lightly salted water then set aside. Clean and fry the mushrooms in butter with the shallot. Add cream, caraway, fennel, thyme and bouillon, and reduce; add salt and pepper to taste. Arrange two lasagne sheets in ovenproof dish, place mushrooms on lasagne, then add remaining lasagne and sprinkle cheese over top. Bake in 400 oven for about 5 minutes until golden. Sprinkle parsley, serves 8. Saffron aioli Mix 2 egg yolks with 1 pinch saffron, 1 minced garlic clove and 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar. Add 1 cup canola oil in a thin stream while whisking, adding salt and pepper to taste.
Instructions Gently rinse the mushrooms and dry them with paper towels. Melt the butter and add the mushrooms, cooking over medium-high heat for a few minutes. Add the cream, salt and pepper, and continue cooking, stirring occasionally until most liquid has been absorbed. Stir in the vinegar and cook another minute or two. Plate the toasted bread and top each piece with one quarter of the mushrooms. Serve immediately. Makes 4 servings. - from A Swedish Kitchen by Judith P. Rosenberg
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art and culture
Bergman 100:
Dance and music
Interpreting Bergman: Influences upon and by Bergman help us to better understand the man and his films.
This summer, during the Year of Bergman, two important events in San Francisco gave new perspectives on the Ingmar Bergman centennial. The first of these presented a Swedish film from 2016 in which four of Sweden’s leading choreographers expressed their interpretations of Ingmar Bergman and his works. The second was an illustrated lecture and recital on Bergman’s use of classical music.
Dance
In cooperation with the Consulate General of Sweden and with a generous grant from the Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation, Dance Film/SF presented at San Francisco’s Jewish Community Center “Ingmar Bergman Through the Choreographer’s Eye.” This 51-minute film, directed and produced by Fred Stattin, demonstrated the creativity of four of Sweden’s leading choreographers: Alexander Ekman, Pär Isberg, Pontus Lidberg and Joakim Stephenson. All the ballets were filmed during performances in a private airplane hangar on Bergman’s island home of Fårö, Sweden. Bergman’s home, 22 NORDSTJERNAN
called Hammar, is the namesake of the production company for this film, for which Ingmar Bergman, Jr. is executive producer together with MarieLouise Sid-Sylwander from the Royal Swedish Ballet. All the dancers came to this beautiful island with its quiet, cold energy, to attune themselves to the spirit of the director and this place, so important to him and his films. The film was shot during two days of rehearsals and two of live performances. All eight of the Bergman’s living children own and direct the Ingmar Bergman Foundation, which owns Hammar. The children and foundation have instituted the annual Ingmar Bergman Week, during the last week of June on the island, to commemorate their father and his work. It was Ingmar Bergman, Jr. who thought of inviting choreographer Ekman to conceive and perform a special ballet for an earlier celebration. Unfortunately it rained and was performed aboard an island ferry. Then in 2016, they invited several other choreographers. This time, they avoided inclement weather and performed their ballets in the hangar, filmed the performances
and edited the film to show at dancefilm festivals around the world in time for this centennial year of Bergman.
Dance as language
The film shows the stark beauty of the island and begins with a prologue by Ingmar Bergman, pairing him as a fellow choreographer: “Throughout his films and his theatre works, one could sense his refined choreographed language – in the beautiful movement of a head, or an arm, in the blink of an eyelid – Bergman’s ‘invisible hand’ constantly directing the actor in a slow dance around the room.” The first ballet was a solo performance by Alexander Ekman, an honored guest at the JCC for the panel interview. Of international repute, his works were recently performed in Australia, the Paris Opera and Chicago’s Joffrey Ballet. His solo was dramatic. Dressed in jeans and a sleeveless shirt displaying his physique, the film catches the dancer outside in the sunlight hoisting a rug across his shoulders. With this stretching out beyond him he approaches the hangar’s doorway, wrestles with his burden blocking
his entrance until he enters sideways, whereupon he hoists and drops his load, unrolling the rug. This was somewhat symbolic: The character is confronted with a problem, seeks a solution and expresses itself. He displayed emotions as isolation and companionship, sexual love and rejection. Then he strolled into the audience with impish playfulness that marks his creativity. And that, after all, is precisely what Bergman tried to accomplish with his films, regardless of how unusual they might be. He was always asking viewers not to merely comprehend his films but to also see how they applied to themselves and to humanity in general. The second ballet was an unusually athletic workout by Pontus Lidberg, the choreographer himself. He rode into the hangar on a pony with an attendant walking and waiting with the animal, all part of the performance. His dismount launched him into dance, which concluded by remounting the pony and riding out into the sunlight. The ballet, which only a superbly fit dancer could perform, perhaps illustrated the great discipline and energy the director
art and culture
“One could sense his refined choreographed language – in the beautiful movement of a head, or an arm, in the blink of an eyelid – Bergman’s ‘invisible hand’ constantly directing the actor in a slow dance around the room.” must have expended in conceiving and directing his team to perform to his demanding standards. Or the performance may have reminded us of how we placidly become involved with a Bergman character whose exertions exhaust or engage us during a film, until we are released from its spell.
Translations in dance
The third ballet’s title, Onapers, is a transposition of the film Persona, with a twinning pun that emphasizes the basic duality of this pair of dancers – although they looked nothing like Bibi and Liv in Persona’s famous bedroom scene, the dancers’ different heights emphasized the duality of their pairing, their movements as one. Of the four “acts” in this film, this one drew directly upon a specific Bergman scene. Only two of the ballets in the film used classical music, so typical of Bergman. The second and third ballets used contemporary music composed by Stefan Levin, but the first ballet was performed to the music of Chopin; the fourth ballet, performed to a Bach sarabande, was the longest and perhaps most beautiful of all. Descending from the wing of the lone plane in the hangar were two dancers, dressed in travel attire and looking like a young couple at the beginning of their romance. They dance their relationship with joy, tension and then reconciliation. Tentative and passionate, forlorn and ultimately joyous, they suffer the spectrum of passion in a relationship. Their longing for a child is tested, but they are carefree once again as they exit through the slit between the hangar doors and disappear into the blinding sunlight. Accompanied by Bach, they fluidly yet mutely evoked such a range of human feelings, rather as Bergman in his own films could do.
Q&A on dance
The discussion which followed the screening on the film was led by three
The panel to discuss the film, “Ingmar Bergman: through the Choreographer’s Eye,” consisted of (L-R): Katja Bjöner, Alexander Ekman and Ingmar Bergman, Jr. Photo: Alexander Reneff-Olson
experts: Ingmar Bergman, Jr., the son of the director by his third wife and a career airline pilot, who in retirement co-founded Hammars Drama Productions (Stockholm) to produce performing art and dance films and TV programs; Alexander Ekman, the acclaimed choreographer known for his witty and joyous choreography, music and set- and costume design; and moderator Katja Björner, who danced with the Dutch National Ballet and then the Royal Swedish Ballet until she retired in 2015. Acclaimed as Swedish “Dancer of the Year” for 2004, and recipient of several international awards and scholarships, Björner was followed for five years, from her intensive training at the Royal Swedish Ballet to international prominence, in Donya Feur’s award-winning film The Dancer (1994). Björner began with questions for Ekman, noting that like Bergman’s own astounding fecundity and productivity of 137 theater productions (in addition to his films), this choreographer too outdistances many international rivals. But Ekman’s works are distinguished by his creative wit and joy. He said that in addition to this hallmark, he
believes creativity is necessarily linked to productivity. The mark of a true artist is not to be occasionally artistic. Rather, consumed by this passion, one must continually express oneself, communicating with others through your medium. Ekman said that other than knowing of Bergman as a national icon in cinema, he didn’t understand the films he had seen as a young adult – because one needs to have experienced life as an adult and lived some, before you can reckon with Bergman. What he did notice was Bergman’s slow timing and intense focus upon characters and their reactions to circumstances. So, his study of Bergman was not one of motion as much as of emotion, with Bergman’s great emphasis upon individuals (a comment with which Bergman, Jr. agreed) and his meticulous care in staging his actors and scenes. The movement is of a different order of magnitude than in contemporary dance, where there is almost perpetual motion interrupted with brief stances. What really stood out to the dancer was that in Bergman’s films loneliness is absolute. When Ingmar Bergman, Jr. was
introduced, he explained that before marrying his mother, the cinematic icon had already fathered five children. He said he was an adult before he really knew his father, for his parents were divorced as a result of the film Summer with Monika, during which his father had a long affair with its star, Harriet Andersson. In retrospect, he saw his father’s films as music — and indeed that is how the senior Bergman always thought of his films, as if conducting his orchestral score rather than in rehearsing a script. Bergman, Jr. remembered his father had said he needed only listen to his actors perform; he often didn’t need to see them, for their voices told him if they got the emotion in the interaction correct; if so, they would act it correctly, because of their great gifts as actors, this was all of a matter of absolute discipline with their instrument, their entire body. Björner noted that she had previously stressed Bergman’s underappreciated role as a writer. What was as apparent in his scriptwriting as in his directing was how personally disciplined and rigorous he was when working on any aspect of the film. Not SEPTEMBER 15, 2018 23
art and culture merely was he in his element, but he also cherished this process of cinematic creation — all aspects of film making: from writing, to directing, to review and retakes, to finally editing the film.
Music
The second interpretation and explanation of Bergman’s films relative to other art forms was the illustrated lecture and recital that Dr. Anyssa Neumann presented at the Swedish American Hall, also generously sponsored by Consul General Barbro Osher. Neumann is a concert pianist who is also an academic expert on the film music of Bergman, having earned her doctorate in 2017 from Kings College, London, on the topic of classical music in the films of Ingmar Bergman — her topic for the evening’s entertainment.
The role of music
Most of Bergman’s critics are neither musicians nor musicologists. And without that rigorous discipline, she feels many of them merely opine on his music, displaying their personal prejudices. While acknowledging his
statements, she starts from the music. She is interested in how his musical choices changed and evolved. She searched for the patterns within his films and found that Bergman was an unreliable narrator (common among fiction writers), yet he was consistent upon particular themes and in the music he chose. Throughout his life’s work in films he returns to using classical music in several ways: when the characters listen to it; when the characters are haunted by music; and when the characters perform it — which is of particular interest to Naumann. She uncovered the basic framework of nearly all Bergman’s portrayals of performing musicians, one that belongs to the ritual of humiliation. Bergman’s memoirs document this common theme of humiliation throughout his own life. Onscreen performance rarely ends well for his characters; central to nearly every instance of Bergman’s cinematic representation of performance is an exposure of the musician before a judgmental audience. Whether amateur or professional, talented or
mediocre, in public or private spaces, these musicians in the act of performance reveal their musical, physical or emotional weaknesses and thus open themselves to criticism and ridicule. A prototypical case is the ringmaster in Sawdust and Tinsel as well as Jof in The Seventh Seal. Both are humiliated and must acquiesce publicly, so as to doubt themselves as artists and as worthy humans. They are forced to pick themselves up, somewhat disillusioned by the experience, in order to continue. They are not able to prove their own self-worth to the public. An exception to this occurs at the conclusion of The Magician, when the humiliated conjurer is publicly called upon before his tormenters to abandon the town in disgrace, only to leave them in triumph to perform by royal decree before the king, an obvious deus ex machina, a contrived device.
Influences
After a brief intermission the pianist performed half a dozen pieces (all but one of which were from Bergman films: Liszt’s Liebestraum; Schumann’s Auf-
Performers and film crew of “Ingmar Bergman Through the Choreographer’s Eye.” 24 NORDSTJERNAN
schwung; a Bach Sarabande from the Goldberg Variations; Chopin’s Prelude No.2; Schubert’s Waltz in B-minor; and concluding with Dohnanyi’s Rhapsody. It was a virtuoso performance, also chronicled on a CD which she sold as a keepsake from the memorable event. Readers wishing to engage her for their own Scandinavian community events may find her information and schedule at www.anyssaneumann.com) I found Dr. Anyssa Neumann to be as charming offstage as she is accomplished before an audience. She began playing the piano at age 3½ in Sacramento, California. While she also played other instruments in school, her moment of confidence in and commitment to the piano came at age 15 when she won her first piano competition. Thereafter she focused on getting admitted to the Manhattan School of Music’s conservatory then followed a masterful teacher to Berlin and studied there with him privately. She loved that period, for living and cultural experiences were inexpensive, but she realized more education was necessary to have a fulfilling career so she pursued
art and culture a Master’s degree in musicology and performance at Oxford University. Even before all this, a fellow student a MSM had introduced her to the films of Bergman, beginning with The Silence — and from that moment she was fascinated with how the film maker used music. She felt she could write a whole paper, or even a book just on the scene of Autumn Sonata’s dueling duet between mother and daughter. Neumann’s study in Berlin also allowed her to see many German films and familiarize herself with those from Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union. She was intrigued with Bergman’s use of classical music as another voice in his films. And while not a huge fan of Bergman himself, she recognized she need not love him to evaluate his work and cinematic stature. Unlike some of his slavish, strident and subjective admirers, she knew her historical perspective of music allowed her to approach his work studiously. She could do so objectively. And since he died in 2007, unlike his contemporary critics, she was able to view his entire output
comprehensively, with yet another decade of informed perspective. She believes Bergman’s preference for German actors started with The Life of the Marionettes (even before exiling himself in Germany to avoid the government’s fraudulent tax case against him), because his Swedish troupe was too committed to their theatrical roots rather than to the demands of cinema. Others I have interviewed believed the contrary: that his Swedish actors were so natural on camera, indoors or outdoors, compared with U.S. film stars — because Bergman’s staging and closeups require refined cinematic skills that cannot be honed in a theater where the audience is so removed. Neumann also considers Marionettes one of his finest films because the German actors were subtle and discreet. This film is also distinctive for his mixes of jazz, classical and film music, as well as soundtrack music (which we hear but the characters do not). By the 1960s he rejects such Hollywood-style soundtracks, though he remains enamored with jazz.
Part of the narrative
Neumann remarked that people bring their own associations to music, particularly instrumental music, since there is no text (other than possibly a title) to aid their interpretation. “The Bridal Chorus” from Wagner’s Lohengrin in Bergman’s It Rains on Our Love, is used explicitly to signify the celebration of that moment in the character’s lives. Similarly, Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” from his Ninth Symphony is made to order for Bergman’s film To Joy. As for dance in his films, two of his wives were dancers, presumably exerting a strong educational influence upon him, and one of his wives was a concert pianist, who both acted and played in several of his films, even long after their divorce. He admittedly learned much from her and was strongly influenced in his choice of music. Neumann feels some of Bergman’s choices in classical music were somewhat cliché - for both him and
Pomona’s Lost Children, A Book of Uncommon Antique Fruits By Jay Stratton
Jay Stratton’s book is a comfortable mix of memories, facts, trivia and hundreds of recipes, but also a revelation for a variety of reasons. If you grew up in the countryside or with access to a summerhouse or garden in Sweden, you have most likely grown up around red and black currant bushes along with gooseberries, elderberries and all sorts of other fruits that these days, as we’ve learned, are considered super berries. Having grown up in upstate New York, it turns out Stratton’s childhood was all about these widely forgotten fruits and berries—and quite a few we weren’t aware of, such as the Jostaberry, the Pawpaw or the Saskatoon.
“The mix of tips on growing, on cooking with memories, mythology and ethnobotany of Pomona’s Lost Children makes it an easy read and the hundreds of recipes are a welcome bonus.”
Augusta’s Daughter Ever wonder what made so many emigrate from Sweden in the nineteenth century? Judit Martin’s novel, “Augusta’s Daughter,” about 19th century Swedish peasant life made such an impression on us, we decided to offer it to the Nordstjernan readership. call 1.800.827.9333 for your own copy ($24.90 incl. S&H to cont. U.S.). The sequel,
Kajsa
“One can arrive at a newly nuanced understanding of how music, particularly pre-existing classical music, functions in cinema by assessing the richness and significance of the role it plays in Bergman’s films.”
was just released. The story of 15-year-old Elsa-Carolina’s illegitimate daughter Kajsa,who was cast out into the world from a foster home at the age of 8.
his audiences. However, he uses that common favoritism to his advantage. A more ambitious musical piece would likely fall on deaf ears and lose all the associations that he was angling for. Neumann concluded with these thoughts on the function of classical music in the films of Ingmar Bergman: … [it] demonstrates how music can be part of both the narrative fabric and the technical apparatus, functioning as structure, sound, act, presence, content, and even a kind of religious philosophy, all within the same film, [for] us as spectators to share musical experiences and musical histories with onscreen characters. Ted Olsson
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SEPTEMBER 15, 2018 25
local events
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local events
College reunion, Swedish style Every year, alumni of Chalmers University in Gothenburg gather for a reunion in the U.S. The annual meeting of the Chalmersska Ingenjörsföreningen USA-Canada (CING) took place in Seattle, Washington this year. About 60 alumni, all graduated from Chalmers University of Technology in Göteborg, met for several days in May, enjoying study visits and partying. I was among them, starting with a seminar at the University of Washington, one of the largest universities in the U.S. and home of seven Nobel laureates – two in physics and five in medicine. There is a lot to see in Seattle. In our welcome packages, attendees received information about buildings in Seattle designed by Swedish architects born before 1900 – examples from my up-coming book “Swedish Architects in the United States.” For instance, the Mayflower Hotel (on the list of Historic Hotels in America) was designed by Eric Rising, who was born in Stockholm in 1892. Other examples are the Medical Dental Building, designed by John Creutzer, born in Sweden in 1873 and the Pioneer Hall, designed by Gustav Eckloff, born in Stockholm in 1867. We didn’t have enough time to see everything, though we tried. Some of us wanted to get to the top of the 605-feet-tall Space Needle, built in 1962 for the World’s Fair, but a two-hour wait shelved those plans. Worth the visit, however, was the comprehensive collection of Dale Chihuly’s fantastic glass works at the Chihuly Garden. The two-minute tour with the Monorail was fun, as was the visit to Seattle’s brandnew Nordic Museum. We went to Everett to see Boeing’s assembly plant, the largest manufacturing building in the world. The main building now encloses 472 million cubic feet of space; we saw the production of the 787 Dreamliner and other big planes: Boeing’s average production is one of those mammoth planes every two days! We also visited the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation which was launched in 2000 and is said to be the largest private foundation in the United States, holding $38 billion in assets. The foundation invests predominantly in health-related areas. At these annual CING events we do have an annual meeting. The CING USA-Canada organization has about 600 members. The real number of Chalmers alumni in the United States and Canada is, however, several times larger. This year, after 10 years as CING’s chairman, Åke Hellström retired. Markus Sandholm from New York was unanimously voted Åke’s successor. The other members of the board are Urban Ziegler, Stefan Pall, Lennart Thörnquist, Göran Rygert, and Åke himself as chairman emeritus. The highlight of the weekend is always the so-called “gasque,” Chalmers’ term for a dinner party. Seattle’s Swedish Club, overlooking Union
Lake, was the great location for the gasque. And as always this Swedish style party was filled with singing, toasting, talking and laughing. We all had a great time and already look forward to next year’s meeting, which will take place somewhere at the east coast. Göran Rygert (Below) Some of the CING alumni on a study visit. // (Bottom) Dexter Horton Building, Seattle, designed by Swedish architect Erik Rising. It is a Seattle Historic Landmark. // (Right) A Swedish exhibition case at the Nordic Museum, Seattle.
SEPTEMBER 15, 2018 27
news in brief
Migrants boost economy
BäSt
The best-selling snus in the world, and still climbing.
The 600,000 refugees and migrants who arrived in Sweden over the last few years have created a new demographic of interest to Sweden, not least for their contributions to the country’s $540 billion economy: They’ve helped elevate Sweden’s growth rate to be among the highest in Europe. Gross domestic product increased more than 3 percent in the first two quarters of 2018, which is considerably faster than the euro zone’s 2 percent growth. “These refugees and immigrants came at precisely the right time,” said economist Lars Christensen, who added that they will also help address the challenges of an otherwise aging population in Sweden.
GE Healthcare in Sweden
GE Healthcare, the American multinational conglomerate based in Chicago, is building an innovation center in Uppsala, Sweden. The Swedish government has invested SEK 100 million (nearly $11 million) in Testa Center, a national and international testbed open to academia, start-ups and industry. It is built for verifying digital, technical and biological innovations in an authentic production setting, and with a bioprocessing lab that with GE Healthcare technologies will test new discoveries for the production of biopharmaceuticals, the world’s fastestgrowing class of medicines.
Feminist handbook
©2018 Swedish Match North Europe AB
Sweden became the first country in the world to launch a feminist foreign policy in 2014. Initially created “in response to the discrimination and systematic subordination that still mark the daily lives of countless women and girls around the world,” it applies a systematic gender equality perspective throughout the whole foreign policy agenda. Just ahead of Sweden’s general election, the government released a resource for international work relating to gender equality and all women’s and girls’ full enjoyment of human rights. It showcases lessons from four years of work to place gender equality at the heart of the country’s international agenda, and promotes economic emancipation, fighting sexual violence and improving women’s political participation. The 111-page handbook, in English, is available at www.government.se/reports/2018/08/ handbook-swedens-feminist-foreign-policy
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news in brief
Swedish News Toxic algae thrives in heat
Sweden’s extremely hot summer broke a lot of records. It also allowed toxic blue-green algae to thrive — making it difficult to secure clean drinking water. Caroline Dirks, a chemist with the Swedish Food Administration, said, “It can end up in the drinking supply because we produce a lot of our drinking water from surface water, and if there is a severe algae bloom then there is a risk that it can enter the drinking water.” She is recommending drinking water producers do risk assessments and take measures to face the algae threat.
History repeats itself
Not only does Leo Borg look like his father, but he also plays tennis like his father. The son of Swedish tennis legend Björn Borg, Leo, 15, seems to be following in his father’s footsteps, recently claiming the under-16 outdoor tennis championship in Sweden. For the second year in a row, Leo took home the junior title; last year, he won both the singles and doubles national championships for 14-year-olds.
Expedition Arctic Ocean 2018
While Swedish emergency services got help from European partners to fight the blazes of this summer’s record breaking wildfires, a group of 40 researchers got onboard the Oden, Sweden’s most prominent icebreaker, and pushed through the last miles of sea ice to reach the top of the world to study how the formation of clouds in the Arctic affects the climate. The Oden is moored to a large ice floe through the end of September. Researchers are taking measurements and collecting vital statistics from the sea, ice and air, trying to find out how the varying parts of the complex Arctic systems are linked together. With a better knowledge of how climate changes affects the Arctic, they hope to get better methods to predict climate of the future. Arctic Ocean 2018 is conducted in collaboration with the United States’ National Science Foundation. Follow them at www.facebook.com/polarforskningssekretariatet
Meteorologists determined that July 2018’s heat wave in Scandinavia broke all recordings of monthly temperatures dating back to 1756.
Melting mountain peak Björn Borg (right) was a teenage sensation at the start of his career in Stockholm, not unlike his son Leo (left). Björn helped drive the popularity of tennis and went on to become one of the greatest in the history of the sport.
Royal jewel heist
A gold orb and two jewel-encrusted royal crowns were stolen from Strängnäs Cathedral near Stockholm in a daring daytime heist on July 31. Alarms sounded as thieves smashed the glass but they escaped in a small motorboat across Lake Mälaren. The crowns, worn by Karl IX and Queen Kristina, were made in 1611 and worn by the couple during their reign in the early 17th century. The priceless items were buried with the king and queen but later exhumed and put on public display in a glass box, their exact value unknown. Swedish police launched a manhunt on water, land and air, and eventually identified one of the two suspects after traces of blood were found at the site of the broken display case.
The icy summit of Kebnekaise’s south peak was once Sweden’s highest point, but the summer’s extreme heat melted part of the glacier there. Now, the northern peak, standing at 2,097 meters, is the highest summit. Glaciologist Per Holmlund has been measuring Kebnekaise’s peaks since the 1980s. For nearly a decade, scientists have expected the southern tip to shrink below the northern one but it was Holmlund’s calculation in August that showed it had happened. “It’s the same pattern we can see on all other glaciers here in the surroundings,” he told Radio Sweden. “For the last 20 years, they have been shrinking. And this south summit has responded in exactly the same way.”
Hungry moose
Moose in Sweden’s northern forests have contributed to record damage to trees this year. Last winter brought deep snow that caused moose to have limited range and mobility, leaving areas they were in with “extreme levels of damage,” according to the Swedish Forest Agency. Those conditions, followed by the dry weather that caused fires
in the summer, reduced the amount of ground vegetation available for the animals. This left damage of more than 10 percent and up to 50 percent after moose fed on pine trees, according to an annual inventory by the agency. The target is less than 5 percent. Christer Kalen, a game specialist said that while the damage doesn’t usually kill the pine trees, growth slows and quality worsens. “This is completely dreadful,” he said.
Youth plan fires for fun
Police in western Sweden say an attack coordinated on social media helped torch the fires of 80 cars in the Gothenburg area as well as 10 in Stockholm and Uppsala. Witness information led police to two suspects, ages 16 and 20, both of whom are known criminals. Another suspect was arrested as he tried to flee to Turkey. Border police stopped the 18-yearold; he was flown back to Sweden for questioning. Theories about the unrest are circulating around Sweden, but police say it may simply be considered “cool” to set fire to cars a week or so before the start of school, as other youth have done in recent years. SEPTEMBER 15, 2018 29
local events
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THE VASA STAR VASASTJÄRNAN
summer 2018 Publication of The Vasa Order of America
Newly elected Grand Lodge Officers, seated, L-R: Vice Grand Secretary Marlene Patient, Vice Grand Master John Hanright, Grand Master Art Bjorkner, Grand Treasurer Keith Hanlon, Grand Secretary Joanie Graham. Standing, L-R: EBM-Midwest Region Tom Cleveland, EBM-Eastern Region Debbie Larsson, EBM-Canada Donna Englund, EBM-Sweden Connie Grön and EBM-Western Region Ed Netzel.
THE GRAND MASTER’S MESSAGE
National Archive News
The archive’s board member Sten Hult honored - now Member Emeritus - at the Grand Lodge Convention / p33 archive news » p33
dear vasa members, It has been a few weeks since I was elected your Grand Master for the ensuing term. I was honored with a “send off” party by NJ District 6 Vasa Park Trustees, and I have begun forwarding messages to my Grand Lodge Deputies with updates for everyone. I am anxious to pass to all of you pertinent information from the GL Convention. The Delegates to the convention were hosted and toasted and worked very hard on your behalf to update and revise according to the actions and recommendations sent to
the convention from all of you! The planning and execution of the convention was excellent. Many thanks go to Victoria Fedor- Thurman, Chairperson of the convention and her District 12 member committees. From hotel management, tours and food, we could have not asked for anything better. I would especially like to thank the many Swedish members attending the convention, and I am looking forward to attending theirs in May 2019! The composition of the GL Executive Board is outstanding. Of the nine of them, I have known eight for at
least eight years, and they possess much usable Vasa knowledge for the Good of the Order. We are proud to announce the Order is officially on all three major social media platforms! Please share and join Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to help increase our social media presence. For additional questions contact our Social Media Director Chad Widman, chadwidman@gmail.com. Shortly after the convention First Lady (Nancy) and I headed off to the famous Jamestown Scandinavian
Grand Lodge News
Scholarship winners
Sweden America Day
Vasa members from Canada, Sweden and the U.S. meet at the 39th Grand Lodge Convention in Sacramento, CA / p34
grand lodge news » p34
gl scholarships » p36
The Grand Lodge announces the winners of this year’s awards with information on how to apply for next year / p36 district lodge news » p39
/ continued on p34
Calmare Nyckel No. 628 celebrates Sverige-Amerika-Dagen 2018 at Kalmar Castle, Kalmar Sweden in June / p45
local lodge news » p40
swedish news » p45
THE VASA STAR / Summer 2018
EDITOR’S MESSAGE It is always an honor to be asked to write the editor’s message, and this is perfect timing, as I was asked to participate in the Grand Lodge Convention in Sacramento in July. I can’t stop thinking and talking about it. It is hard to decide where to start to express the feelings for such a grand event, and I want to thank you for the opportunity to be there on behalf of Vasa Star. Thank you to the Executive Board and all the Delegates for their hard work while still enjoying everyone’s company and having fun together. And super kudos to Grand Secretary Joanie Graham and Chairman/Convention Host Victoria Fedor-Thurman for putting together such a spectacular event. I arrived on the fifth day and attended the Membership Seminar. At one time Vasa had 70,000 members; it’s now about 8,800, losing 4% every year. We continue to ask each member to bring in one new member; this could double the membership. Host interesting programs, even with other community groups, and events with lots of food. Publicize your events on social media – or magnets for the fridge and car with annual events may make other people ask about them. Ask friends if they had their DNA tested and if they have some Scandinavian blood, that could get the conversation going. “Steal” ideas from other lodges (read about them in every issue!) and celebrate together with other Scandinavian friends, i.e. attend a Syttende Mai parade. We must also remember our existing membership. Visit our sick and elders who are unable to participate.
Submit Material to vasaeditor@gmail.com
issue highlights
Help them feel involved, included and important. Many of them brought us to where we are today. A lot of their history – and much more – is part of the Vasa National Archive, which was discussed by Archivist Kathy Cuff at the convention. So many improvements and exhibitions, and a lot of community involvement have been developing at Bishop Hill. Make your plans for a field trip to visit! I joined the non-delegates on several interesting trips, too: a day in Lake Tahoe (where I talked with Swede Kjell Hansson and found out he is the “morfar” of Maja Larsson who stayed with me for a few weeks some years ago); the Sierra Nevada Gold Country and wine tasting in Sonoma; we were at the Railroad Museum in Sacramento on the 4th of July and had a beautiful dinner, music by Smörgåsbandet and fireworks. I was most impressed with all the friends I made. It was rewarding to meet people I only knew by name (from your submissions to Vasa Star), but now I have your face to go with it. And especially so many of you from Sweden. To all of you readers of Vasa Star, keep those articles and pictures coming. Just remember: Include only a little detail on past events – let the pictures talk – and then include more details in promoting your upcoming events to maximize attendance. And help your lodge bring in the next new member! In truth and unity, liza ekstrand, managing editor
Pancake breakfast at summer resort Sveadal with Svea No. 348 drew the usual vintage automobiles / p41
“Snow” in Arizona as DL 21 convenes. / p39
the vasa star Summer 2018 Vol. 110, No. 3, Serial 850 Published by The Vasa Order of America www.vasaorder.com
Grand Lodge Convention in California. / p35 (Victoria, main organizer with Ulrika, photographer)
Remember the Vasa Archives
when you are making a memorial donation Send your donations to: Vasa National Archives PO Box 101, Bishop Hill, IL 61419
Vasa Star PO Box 13331 Milwaukee WI 53213-0331
Midsummer court with Kern River member Bailey Reynolds at Vasa Park in Agoura. /p44
For our next issue:
By Nov. 1
DONATE to the Education & Scholarship Funds Send your donations to: Vasa Order of America, Joan Graham, Grand Secretary 5838 San Jose Ave., Richmond, CA 94804
HEADQUARTERS Grand Secretary / Joan Graham 5838 San Jose Avenue Richmond, CA 94804 (510) 526 5512 vasajlg@aol.com Grand Master / Art Bjorkner 31 Vasa Drive, Hackettstown NJ 07840-5314 Phone: (973)426-0776 bjorkner@verizon.net Editor / Amanda Olson Robison
Managing Editor / Liza Ekstrand Send articles, photos & memorials to: The Vasa Star PO Box 13331 Milwaukee WI 53213-0331 vasaeditor@gmail.com Circulation Manager / Joan Graham 5838 San Jose Avenue Richmond, CA 94804 (510) 526 5512 circulationvasastar@gmail.com Send address changes and bottom section of application for new members to Joan Graham. Membership Chairman / Ed Netzel 2576 Old Kemare Rd, Lincoln, CA 95648 edlnetzel@att.net Advertising Call 1.800.827.9333, ask for Vasa Star rates vasaeditor@gmail.com Layout & production: Nordstjernan, Swedish News, Inc.
page 32
WWW.VASAORDER.COM
Summer 2018 / THE VASA STAR
ARCHIVES NEWS A message from the president of Vasa National Archives Dear Vasa Brothers and Sisters, Congratulations to Sten Hult who was honored at the Grand Lodge Convention as Vasa National Archives Board Member Emeritus. Sten has demonstrated an exceptionally high level of interest and care for the Archives since its origin, under multiple leadership terms. He has served with distinction and engaged in major volunteer and advocacy activities during his service. Sten has served the Vasa Order in many Local and District No 8 offices and was elected and served as Grand Lodge Board Member from the Midwest and served many terms on the Vasa National Archives Board. Sten and
his wife Nancy have offered significant philanthropic support to the VNA. They frequently visit and participate in events, volunteer and network on behalf of the Archives. I look forward to continuing to work with Sten on the Archives Board in his new role. Archivist Kathy Cuff and I presented a new video of the Archives and the village of Bishop Hill, IL during the Grand Lodge Convention in July. The video showed the progress made during the last four years. Future programs and exhibits were presented and instruction was given regarding digital access to all collections. This was Kathy’s first opportunity to meet Vasa members who
traveled from across the U.S., Canada and Sweden to attend the convention. Kathy has spent the past three years categorizing, cleaning and properly storing collectibles. Additional storage is our greatest challenge. Please contact Kathy Cuff at vasaarchivist@gmail. com if you wish more information regarding specific storage needs and about items you can donate. The Archives is an important branch of our Order and member support of our annual fundraisers is extremely important. Thank you to all members who have generously given to the Heritage Fundraiser that is under way. It’s not too late for you to make this important
donation this year. Thank you to the Grand Lodge Officers and Delegates who elected me to serve another four years on the Archive Board and to the current Archive Board who elected me as President. I will continue to do my best to support and improve the VNA and keep all members of the Order informed of the activities and progress made at the Archives. i n tru th a n d u n ity ,
b i ll lu n d q u is t
p g m a n d p res id en t
v na
Greetings from the Vasa National Archives In 1981, an interesting collection came into the Vasa National Archives: Augusta A. Berglund’s purse, immigration paperwork and a hair clipping with a red ribbon. The records about this donation don’t reveal much information on Augusta Berglund, but we can piece together some of her life from other records. Augusta was born around 1875 and lived in Lannerberga, Kalmar, Sweden. Her parents were Isaac and Anna H. Berlund. At the age of 19, Adolf U. Berglund paid for her passage from Gothenberg to New York and Boston. She signed an emigrant’s contract with Scandia Linen in New York on March 23, 1894, shortly after arrival and married Otto Westlund on Nov. 14, 1896. Their first child Flossie Amalia arrived, and their second child, Richard, was born three years later in 1900. Augusta worked as a domestic to help make ends meet in 1910 while Otto worked as a machinist for a piano company then at a wire company by 1920. Flossie obtained a job as a bookkeeper for a trucking company around 1920. She met George William Cockell during this time. George worked as a bookkeeper and later in radio repair and sales. Flossie and George married in Alton, NH on September 7, 1922. The newlyweds lived with Augusta and Otto for the first few years. Flossie’s daughter was born in 1924 and we can assume that Augusta spent many happy WWW.VASAORDER.COM
Augusta Berglund’s leather purse.
hours with her grandchild. The Head of Household status passed to George in 1930. Passing Head of Household to adult children is a fairly common practice in Sweden when the parents begin to seek retirement. George supported the family as a radio repairman. The 1930 census shows Otto continuing to work as a machinist and Richard working as a truck driver for a chain store. Otto died in 1936 at the age of 70. Otto’s death did not break up the family unit. Census records from 1940 show George, Flossie, their daughter Loraine, Flossie’s mother Augusta and brother Richard living together. George supported the family and Richard helped by working as a car mechanic. Flossie and Augusta maintained the home and raised Loraine. Sadly, Richard died in 1953. Flossie
Cockell joined Mayflower #445 in 1963 and died in 1982. My favorite part of the collection is Augusta A. Berglund’s simple brown leather purse with the lock of blonde hair and red ribbon. We have no information on who the hair belonged to or if Augusta planned to weave it into an item at some point. It was common to take locks of hair before leaving for a long trip when you didn’t expect to return. This artifact leads to conversations with visitors on what to bring on long trips and how you would remember places or people left behind. i n tr u th a n d u n i ty ,
k ath y c u f f , m an a g er - a r c h i v is t
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vas a n ati o n al a r c h i v es
Sjölunden Language Camp Awards The Grand Lodge is pleased to announce this year’s Sjölunden Language Camp awards. Bertha Kalm Sjölunden Language Camp Awards were awarded to: Anna Benson, DL #12; Ava Tomky, DL #8; Melissa Pearson, DL #8; Kristine Pearson, DL #8; Anya Hess, DL #12; Dmitriy Hess, DL #12; Clayton Lekander, DL #8; Katelyn Ogonoski, DL #1 Applications for next year’s awards MUST be postmarked February 10, 2019. An application online will be available at www.vasaorder.com and in the next issue of the Vasa Star.
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THE VASA STAR / Summer 2018
GRAND LODGE NEWS Highlights of the Grand Lodge Meeting Vasa members from Canada, Sweden and the U.S. gathered in Sacramento, California to attend the 39th quadrennial convention of the Grand Lodge - Vasa Order of America. It was an amazing week of greeting longtime friends, making new friends, visiting interesting and historic sites throughout northern California, and for the Grand Lodge Delegates and Officers, making decision that will affect the future of the Vasa Order of America. Your District Delegate can answer any questions you may have about specific motions discussed at the meeting. While it is not possible to list every action and motion approved, here are some highlights: 1. The Grand Lodge extends many thanks and appreciation to DL Golden Gate #12 Host Committee Chair Victoria Fedor-Thurman and her committee for a well run and very successful convention. Thanks also to District Master Sven-Ove Westberg, the District Executive Board, and the many hard working Vasa members throughout the District for their contributions to this successful endeavor.
2. Distinguished Service Awards were presented to four members nominated by their districts in recognition of their dedicated service to their districts and lodges. Three presentations will be made by the recipients’ home districts. I don’t want to spoil the surprise so won’t name them here. One recipient was in attendance and a very surprised Birgitta Kellgren thanked the gathering for this welldeserved recognition. 3. Honorary Life Membership, Grand Lodge was presented to Grand Treasurer Keith Hanlon, Grand Secretary Joanie Graham, and Webmaster Robert Anderson in recognition for their exceptional service to the VOA and the Grand Lodge. 4. The Grand Lodge Emblem was draped, and obituaries were read honoring Past Grand Master George Nord, Past Grand Lodge Board Members Gunnar Mossberg, Bertil Ericsson and Lennart Johansson, current Grand Lodge Deputy to the Central Region J Ben R Friberg, Past Grand Lodge Historian Robert Illig, Past Grand Lodge Cultural Director-Sweden Gun
The Grand Master’s Message (continued from page 31) Festival in New York. We enjoyed the friendship, music, food and exhibits. Don Sandy of Thule Lodge #127 did a great job organizing everything. If there are any festivals or exhibits in your area, endeavor to join in and have a “Vasa information” booth/ table. We cannot gain members without sharing our enthusiasm for the order! Have brochures, applications and pictures of your events. Also, suggest at least one attending member wear the traditional costume. If you do not have a local brochure, download the GL brochure shown on the GL web Membership page, and go to the Membership Guide and see a sample of a local district brochure. page 34
T h e n e w Vi c e Grand Lodge Secretary is Marlene Patient, marlenepatient@gmail.com. Contact her for jewelry, pins, new member packets (free) and other paper products. New membership applications are available online to download. In accordance with an approved motion at the convention, no recommendation is now required for membership, and the wording has been deleted. in truth and unity, art bjorkner,grand master
Lith, and Past Grand Lodge Activities Director Baxter Swaffar. 5. 120 Motions and Officer’s Recommendations were discussed and voted on. Of the 87 motions approved, 21 were referred to the incoming GL Executive Board for action. You can discuss details on specific motions with your district’s Grand Lodge Delegate or contact me (GS Joanie at vasajlg@aol.com). Here are some of the decision made: a. Bylaw changes made by a District Lodge in session become effective on approval by the District Lodge, provided they are consistent with the Constitution. A copy of the approved bylaw/s are to be sent to the Grand Secretary immediately following the close of the district meeting. b. The revised Constitution and the Record of Proceeding will be distributed by electronic means (email attachment) rather than printed, to all District and Local Lodge Secretaries, Grand Lodge Deputies and Grand Lodge Officers. All members may request a copy by email attachment from any of these listed or from the Grand Secretary. c. The ritual has been updated to be more welcoming to non-members and adds the Membership Chairman to the Installation of Officers ceremony. A revised Ritual will be printed and sent to the local lodges. d. The application procedure for Old Age and Benefit requests has changed. The application is now handled by the Local Lodge Chairman and Secretary and then sent directly to the Grand Secretary. Approval and signatures by the District Lodge are no longer required. Applications are available from the Local Lodge Secretary or the Grand Secretary. The “matrix” (based on age and years of membership for determining amount of the grant) is still in effect. e. Grand Lodge Delegates must now be elected before January 1 of the year of the Grand Lodge Convention. f. The number of Local Lodge Auditors is reduced from three to two.
Joanie Graham, Grand Secretary
g. When voting on a new member, now 1/3 No votes are required to reject an application, rather than 3 No votes. h. Incoming GL Executive Board will establish an anti-harassment policy. i. The scholarship for Elder Hostel has been reinstated, EH now known as Road Scholar. j. Quorum for the District Executive Board and the Grand Lodge Executive Board is set at “greater than 65% of all voting members of the board.” k. Local Lodges are to actively encourage and promote the election of younger members to be delegates to the District Meeting and to encourage them to run for district office. l. Grand Lodge Executive Board will expand presence on social media; seek better Google search response; update Wikipedia article on the Vasa Order. m. The newly designed Vasa website is very close to being launched. n. In order to promote the advancement of youth, one Grand Lodge Executive Board member will be appointed to focus on youth issues. o. A new Cultural Leaders’ handbook was distributed to each delegate to take to their District Cultural Leader. p. All District Historians are requested to provide material to the Grand Lodge Historian, Alice Iverson, for inclusion in the 125th Anniversary Book now in production. Please make
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Summer 2018 / THE VASA STAR
sure your District and Local Lodges are included in this permanent record of the 125th year (2021) of the Vasa Order of America. A list of the motions, along with the action taken on each motion, has been sent to each lodge, showing which were “Approved,” “Rejected” and “Moot.” Your Lodge Secretary has received this report and will share it at an upcoming meeting. 6. Great News: There will be no increase in Grand Lodge Assessments. Assessment remains at $20.75 per member.
Delegates and officers gather for a group photo at the 39th Grand Lodge Meeting in Sacramento, CA.
7. Newly elected Grand Lodge Officers are: Grand Master Art Bjorkner, Vice Grand Master John Hanright, Grand Secretary Joanie Graham, Grand Treasurer Keith Hanlon, Vice Grand Secretary Marlene Patient, EBM-Eastern Region Debbie Larsson, EBM-Midwest Region Tom Cleveland, EBM-Western Region Ed Netzel, EBM-Canada Donna Englund and EBM-Sweden Connie Grön. DM Sven-Ove Westberg welcomes the group.
8. Newly elected Archives Board Members are: Charlotte Börjesson, Bill Lundquist, Bruce Elfvin and Karen Snowberg. submitted by joanie graham, grand secretary
Lunch in Gold Country.
Organizer par excellence Victoria FedorThurman with FLOV in a borrowed hat.
Groupies from DL No. 6 celebrate Art Bjorkner’s election as Grand Master. Right: Charlotte Börjesson and Lee-Anne Hurtubise show their moves.
Most animated meeting minute taker and scribe ever, Carl Hurtubise.
A (now) relaxed immediate PGM Tore Kellgren.
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Kevin DeFeo of DL No. 6 joins the entertainment, Smörgåsbandet, for a riff on the ukulele.
Photography: Ulrika Friesen (nee Kellgren)
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THE VASA STAR / Summer 2018
WINNERS OF THE 2018 SCHOLARSHIPS The Grand Lodge is pleased to announce the winners of this year’s College or Vocational School Scholarship Awards. Alexandra attends University of Alabama majoring in occupational therapy. She is in a Fast-Track MSOT program and on the Dean’s List. An outstanding dancer since the age of 4, she now performs at all the university football games as a “Golden Girl.” Allie organized Sveaborg #446 Vasa Club in Alabama, and is the Chairman and Cultural Leader; she is seeking a volunteer to teach Swedish. During her spare time, Allie volunteers with outreach programs for disabled children, participates in local hospital programs and enjoys the beach.
Alexandra Bjorkner Sveaborg Lodge No. 446 DL New Jersey No. 6 Grand Lodge Scholarship, $1500
Elizabeth Cleveland Viljan Lodge No. 349 DL Lake Michigan No. 8 Grand Lodge Scholarship, $1500 Elizabeth is majoring in international and comparative politics and minoring in Parisian studies at American University of Paris. Eventually she plans on working in the human rights field. Elizabeth has been actively involved with Vasa and Vasa Park her whole life; both her parents have been District Masters. Elizabeth is a member of the National Honor Society, is a founding member of the High School FIDM Fashion Club, and the National Technical Honor Society.
Greta Amidon Viking Lodge No. 735 DL New Jersey No. 6 page 36
Harrison Ogrentz Nordik Folk Lodge No. 761 DL Lake Michigan No. 8 Grand Lodge Scholarship, $1500 Harrison is studying multimedia arts technology/music composition at Western Michigan University. He has been member of Nordikids Children’s Club since age 5, is a member of Nordik Folk Lodge and is currently Assistant Master of Ceremonies. Harrison is involved in community theater and does odd jobs helping the local elderly. After college Harrison plans to work in the field of sound engineering and music composition for video games, film and television.
Edith Gauch / Klinglof Scholarship, $1500 Greta is from Bethlehem, PA and is studying engineering at Penn State University. A Vasa member since 2016, Greta has helped her lodge with the famous Scandinavian Fest and has served as Lucia for the annual pageant. She is a member of the local Black Belt Academy and helps out in her church.
Boone Denton Carl Widen Lodge No. 743 Central Region Ellis Hilner Scholarship, $1500 Boone will attend Abilene Christian University to study micro-biomedical sciences. He has been a Vasa member since 2016. Boone is a member of the National Honor Society has received many community awards for service. He was in the top 10 percent of his class, received awards in football, baseball and track, was Class Secretary in 2017 and Class President in 2016. In his spare time, Boone enjoys landscaping, reading and historical preservation. His goal is to become an ophthalmologist.
Heidi Abrahamsen Olympic Lodge No. 235 DL New York No. 4 Grand Lodge Scholarship, $1500 Heidi is majoring in architecture at New York Institute of Technology. She is a member of the National Honor Society and Art Honor Society. She joined Barnklubben Elsa Rix #1 in 2001 (age 3) and became a Vasa member at 14. She has participated in many Nordic events including serving as Miss Sweden Day (2017-18), performing at Midsummer in Battery Park City NY and local lodge/District events. Heidi is on NYIT’s Cross Country Track Team and is a member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee Board.
Elise Land Arlington Lodge No. 62 DL New Jersey No. 6 Grand Lodge Scholarship - $1500 Elise graduated from Mt. Olive High School in 2018, but she will be returning to her native Norway to study education and music at Stavern Folkehoyskole. Elise has been a very active member of Vasa since 2015. She has been a participant and instructor in both Skansen and Vasastjarnan folk dance groups. Elise is a member of the National Honor Society, is a member and performer in the Arlington Angels singing group, and is active in many music extra-curricular groups. Elise’s goal is to teach English in Norway.
Catherine Johnson Viljan Lodge No. 349 DL Lake Michigan No. 8 Grand Lodge Scholarship, $1500 Catherine has been a Vasa member since 2017. Since age 7, she has been a member of a Swedish Children’s Choir and the Children’s Club, and now mentors younger members. Catherine is a member of the National Honor Society, has served as Yearbook Editor and has been active in her church mission work. She plans to study education / Spanish / speech therapy at Illinois State University this fall and hopes of become a teacher or speech pathologist.
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Heidi Ekborg-Ott Facklan Lodge No. 248 Central Region Grand Lodge Scholarship, $1500 Heidi will be studying international relations at Simpson College. Heidi has been on the Honor Roll, Dean’s List, and was a foreign exchange student through the Rotary Youth Exchange in Japan and Italy. She speaks Swedish and has been a Vasa member since 2017 but has been active in Vasa for many years in the Lucia and Midsummer celebrations and also in the Danish Brotherhood.
Jessica Samuelson Skandia Lodge No. 549 DL Alberta No. 18 Grand Lodge Scholarship, $1500 Jessica is studying digital mediaIT web design and development at Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, where she is on the Dean’s List. A 12-year Vasa member, she
is also a volunteer for Skandia’s Children’s Summer Camp. Jessica has served her local lodge as Cultural Leader since 2014 and helps plan the Midsummer celebration held at Alberta’s Vasa Park. She is active in sports and serves as a DJ in her spare time.
The Grand Lodge 2019 Scholarship and Essay Contest The Grand Lodge of the Vasa Order of America offers scholarships to member students attending or planning to attend institutions of higher education. Applicants for the above scholarships must have become a Vasa member prior to February 15, 2018. Applications are available at the Vasa website until January 15, 2019.
To be eligible, the following items must be postmarked no later than February 15, 2019 to be considered. 1. Completed application with enclosures MUST be postmarked no later than 15 February 2019. 2. Complete “OFFICIAL” transcripts of grades through the first half of the senior year for high school students or fall semester of current academic year for college students. 3. Current passport style photo headshot (at least 4”x6”) or email a digital headshot photo to vgm@vasaorder.org 4. A letter of recommendation from applicant’s Local Lodge with date of initiation. 5. Letters of recommendation from two personal references dated 2019. 6. A letter of reference from your Dean, Principal, Teacher or Counselor, dated 2019. 7. An original, typed essay, not to exceed 1,000 words. Cannot have been submitted in prior years.
Please put in one envelope if possible
Katie Spaberg Evening Star Lodge No. 426 DL Pacific SW No. 15 Irma & Knute Carlson Scholarship - $1500 Katie got her undergraduate degree at California State at Northridge and continues her studies at Stanbridge University where she will graduate in 2019 as an occupational therapy assistant. She has been a Vasa member since 2011, participated in Sjölunden in 2010 and was a member of the local lodge children’s club. Katie has been working at a preschool and has been a volunteer in elementary school special ed programs. She hopes to specialize in pediatrics, working with young children with delayed development/disabilities.
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Choose an essay subject from the following list: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
What do you consider to be a role youth can and should play in Vasa? If you have visited a Nordic Country, what was the most impressive element of your visit and why? Explain the differences in Nordic music written by Sibelius, Kalle Jularbo and ABBA and which best suits you. How would you describe how social programs differ from each other in the Nordic countries? Describe the various economies of the Nordic countries and compare their success. Within the Nordic countries, choose what is a most popular tourist attraction, and provide your thoughts on its appeal. What Nordic invention appeals to you as being most important to mankind and why?
AWARDS ARE PAYABLE TO the institution in which the student is enrolled or accepted for enrollment. To qualify for the College or Vocational School Scholarship, a student needs to be enrolled in an accredited vocational school or institution of higher learning, taking no less than six (6) credits per semester or eight (8) credits per quarter in the academic year immediately following the award. In extraordinary circumstances, on petition to the Grand Lodge Scholarship Committee, payment may be postponed for a period not to exceed two years.
John Hanright, Vice Grand Master 47 Scandia Rd Hackettstown, NJ 07840 Phone: (973) 262-2412 E-mail: vgm@vasaorder.org
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THE VASA STAR / Summer 2018
Winners of Grand Lodge Scholarship
Jennifer Pearson Nordik Folk Lodge No. 761 DL Lake Michigan No. 8
District Lodge No. 8 Scholarship, $1500 Jennifer is attending Purdue University, Calumet, studying general communications. After graduation in May 2019, she hopes to work in the museum industry or in advertising for a hospital system. Jennifer has been a Vasa member since 2011 and was very active in Nordikids # 208. She continues to assist with the club and holds an office in the local lodge.
Marissa Childs Svea Lodge No. 253 DL Lake Michigan No. 8 Grand Lodge Scholarship, $1500 Marissa is majoring in engineering physics at Hanover College, with intentions of starting a career in energy and environmental engineering. Marissa has been a member of Vasa since 2014 and has participated in various lodge events including the Sankta Lucia Program. In high school, she was awarded Women’s Soccer Top Scholar Athlete, Track Top Scholar and was in the band. She was salutatorian of her graduating class, president of the senior class, and a National Honor Society inductee.
Matthew Anderson Nordic Lodge No. 611 DL Massachusetts No. 2 Einar & Edith Nilsson Scholarship, $1500 Matthew is studying history at College of the Holy Cross and hopes to become a high school history teacher. He completed the prestigious “Silent Hero” Normandy Project and is a member of the National Honor Society, Boy Scouts and Dean’s List. He received a Certificate of Achievement from the Military Order of World Wars in 2016, among other prestigious awards including two Presidential Awards for Academic Excellence. Matthew became a member of Vasa in 2016.
Sara Melendez Karl XII Lodge No. 103 DL Connecticut No. 1
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Gladys & Russell Birtwistle Scholarship, $1500 Sara plans to study medicine at Loyola University, Chicago. She has been a Vasa member since 2015, volunteering at local lodge parades and Midsummer celebrations. She has been an Honor Roll student, is a member of the National Honor Society, the Science- and Math National Honors Societies. She has worked at the Canton Public Library, helped found the Canton H.S. Writing Center, and coordinated Canton National Honor Society’s local involvement in Read Across America Day.
Katarina Prasso Nicole Hopkins Olympic Lodge No. 235 Monitor Lodge No. 218 DL New York No. 4 DL Golden Gate No. 12 Bo & Sigrid Bjorling Scholarship, Oscar & Mildred Larson Scholar$1500. Katarina is studying music ship, $1500 therapy and psychology at Loyola Nicole will be studying english University in New Orleans. A Vasa and economics at Montana State member since 2012, Katarina has been University, Bozeman, for which she active in Barnklubben Elsa Rix #1 received a Presidential Scholarship. since 2000, and she was Miss Sweden A Vasa member since 2013, she Day in 2016. Katarina was Outstand- served as Guard and Lucia and did ing Orchestra Student and recognized other volunteer work with her local by the National Society of Leader- lodge. Nicole was on the Honor Roll ship and Success. She participates in with a Merit Award for U.S. History. her community and provides music Her goal is to become a writer or join therapy services locally. the Peace Corps.
Kevin Shoemaker Drott Lodge No. 168 DL Pennsylvania No. 9 Grand Lodge Scholarship, $1500 Kevin plans to attend University of Mary Washington for international studies and hopes to work with the U.S. government as a military attache. He received the Gold Award for German; he studies Swedish, German and French. Kevin was designated Staff Sargeant in his JROTC unit and was on the drill team; he joined Vasa in early 2017 and assists his local lodge when he can.
Morgan Klintare Golden Valley Lodge No. 616 DL Pacific Southwest No. 15 Grand Lodge Scholarship, $1500 Morgan is a nursing student at Cuesta College. She is a licensed phlebotomist, and her long-term goal is to be a cardiovascular surgeon. Morgan has been a Vasa member since 2015 and has served as Lodge Princess and was Lucia for 3 years. She has received four national gold medals for rowing and was on the U.S. National Women’s Team for two years.
Trygve Nordby Nobel Lodge No. 184 DL Pacific Northwest No. 13
Grand Lodge Scholarship - $1500 Trygve plans to study mechanical engineering at Oregon State University. He has been a Vasa member since 2014 and participates in his local lodge; he is a former member of the dance group. Trygve has been involved in soccer, baseball, swimming and music, and was awarded Athlete of the Month from the Rotary Club. His goal is to work for an auto manufacturer. WWW.VASAORDER.COM
Summer 2018 / THE VASA STAR
DISTRICT LODGE NEWS DL No. 7 Minnesota The Biennial Convention of Minnesota District No. 7 was held in May at Lake of the Isles Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. After coffee, treats and time to greet everyone, District Master Kendra Nielsen opened the meeting and welcomed everyone with a brief history of VOA. The business portion concluded with the installation of officers. MN District No. 7 is so thankful for retiring Vice District Secretary JoAnn Thoreen‘s years of dedicated service. Following the meeting an impressive memorial service was held where a candle was lit for each person who died, and white carnation was placed in a vase as each name was read. Accordion music was provided by Carolyn Spargo. Carolyn also entertained with Scandinavian favorites during dinner. The day concluded with the presentation by Grand Lodge Deputy Franklin Dietrich of a 40-year-pin to Leslie Lien and a PDM emblem to Kendra Nielsen. submitted by eunice dietrich
Biennial Convention of Minnesota District No. 7, including new officers: District Master Antonio Spargo; Vice District Master Kristin Johnson; Jr. Past District Master Kendra Nielsen; District Secretary Leslie Lien; Vice District Secretary Kendra Nielsen; District Treasurer Eunice Dietrich; District Cultural Leader Donna Mae Jensen; Supervisor of Children and Youth Carolyn Spargo; District Historian/Membership Kari Dietrich Sifferle; and Auditor David Anderson.
DL No. 21 ARIZONA
Members of District No. 21 met in Oro Valley Community Center for a one-day convention in April. The meeting was hosted by Lodge No 691 Tucson and included the installation of new leadership and a luncheon. Marilee Mansfield played her Nyckelharpa and described the history of her instrument. Then-GM Tore Kellgren reported on administrative matters and two special awards were presented to GL Deputy Vito Pantaleo and Pat Flippen of Scandia for this. A Southern Arizona BBQ was followed by Aurora Borealis Folk Band and Vasa 691 Folk Dancers with a Nordic beat. submitted by sandra fogarty Lunch event with Marilee Mansfield and her nyckelharpa
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Vasa 691 Dancers (from left): Howard Yoffee, Lorien Tershy, Gary Spinks, Nancy Bannister, Phyllis Gracy, Sven Iverson, Denis Higbie, and Gayle Anderson - new DM.
DL No. 15 PACIFIC SW The inspiration to create a couple gnome homes came from a photo that appeared in the December 2016 issue of Nordstjernan. Someone had built a tiny restaurant that attracted residents in Malmö, Sweden to stop, lean over for a closer look, and smile. Members of a couple local lodges and District 15 Cultural Chairwoman Nancy Kingston thought it would be fun to hide a few of their own at the bases of trees throughout Vasa Park in Agoura Hills, CA. They got together at weekly workshops to create gnome homes, and soon more than 30 were constructed - and the idea for the Gnome Home Scavenger Hunt evolved. Torsten Olsson from Oak Leaf Lodge carved a troll for our event, and searching for gnome homes hidden throughout the park was so much fun that we have been asked to make this an annual event. Our district would like to challenge other districts to make some gnome homes and create a Gnome Home Scavenger Hunt in their area. submitted by nancy kingston
Torsten Olsson and his carved troll.
Ladies making gnome homes: Britt Potter, Kerstin Wendt, Birgitta Clark, Andrea Tabanelli, Delphine Trowbridge, Dorothy Burns, Lisa Dackow, Mona Steffan, Pia Blommer and Nancy Kingston.
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LOCAL LODGE NEWS North Star No. 106 los angeles, ca / On July 12, 2018 NS member Evelyn Earls turned 100 years old. Evelyn has been a member of NS for 87 years. In 1973 and 74 she was Chairman of the Lodge, and has held many other positions. She had five children of which two are still alive, seven grandchildren and numerous grandchildren. On her birthday she received three visitors in the morning, North Star’s V. Chairman Inga Francis, Secretary
Nobel Monitor No. 130
Maidie Karling and a friend from Golden Valley Lodge Birgitta Clark. They celebrated with Champagne that we drank in water glasses and presented her with flowers. A crown was put on her head and Evelyn looked so beautiful. She was asked what is your family doing with you. She said they are taking me to Pechunga (a casino), because that is where I want to go. submitted by maidie karling
Harpersville Covered Bridge
cleveland, oh / In July, Nobel Monitor joined Svea No. 296 from Erie, PA for a lunch at a winery near Geneva, OH. The weather was clear, the music was enjoyable and fellowship was joyous for all 36 of us. Several visited the Harpersville Covered Bridge nearby.
submitted by gary larson
Tegner No. 149 Celebrating with Evelyn: North Star’s V. Chairman Inga Francis, Secretary Maidie Karling and a friend from Golden Valley Lodge Birgitta Clark.
oakland, ca / Our members enjoyed the Midsummer celebration at Sveadal in June. As usual, Chairman Ken Weissenborn supervised the decoration of the Maypole and raised it in its place. Dancing around the pole was short because of the 100 degree heat. However, there were shady areas for picnic lunches and the crowning of the Midsummer Queen. In July, our lodge hosted the Bay Area Tri-Lodge Picnic at Redwood Regional Park, and we
were pleased to have guests from lodges outside the Bay Area. Marilyn Jackson (Framat Lodge) and James Little played Swedish songs on their violins for a sing-a-long; James also played his Swedish bagpipe, and Tegner lodge won the Kubb Tournament! We are looking forward to celebrating our 110th anniversary in November. Details announced soon. submitted by ann tennis
Thule No. 127
Three members were honored for their summer birthdays: Chairman Tom Eckberg, Past Chairman & Past District Master Edwin Sandberg and Historian John Sipos were recognized by the lodge members.
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jamestown/bemus point, ny / Spring was good to us with good weather, meetings and gatherings, and recently summer birthdays were celebrated with a special Swedish decorated cake for the occasion. At the meeting, Cultural Leader Sonja Pascatore told of an old Swedish dessert called Spettekaka, dating back 400 years. The ingredients included potato flour, beet sugar and lots of eggs. It was for special occasions such as weddings and births. The Thule Lodge build-
ing and grounds were recently sold, as the cost of maintaining them was too great. Meetings will be held in a local banquet hall. The annual Scandinavian Festival was held in Jamestown, with much music, dancing and plenty of Swedish food — — the wonderful, threeday event was enjoyed by many. We hope everyone has a wonderful and colorful fall season. God dag to all. submitted by john sipos
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Summer 2018 / THE VASA STAR
Linne No. 153 south bend, in / Member Chris Miller brought some beautiful handembroidered clothing from her grandmother to our May meeting. She wondered if anyone knew the name of the red trimmed apron-like article of clothing, since it had the dates 1874 on one pocket and 1914 on the other. (See the attached picture and let us know if you know or what it was used for.) Gordon Westergren gave a report on the district convention. He won the handmade afghan donated by Kathy Cuff, and Lori Cooper won the 1st place raffle drawing. In July we had our annual
picnic, and on October 7 we hope to have a meeting on the Presentation on Friends of The Viking Ship, which is located in Geneva, IL. We will have a presentation from Matt Baumgartner again in November, then December is our Christmas Party. We will miss member Becky Ferm and wish her well on her move to Ft. Myers. And congratulations and best wishes to members Beth Kemble and Ron Wood who are getting married at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church on September 15. submitted by lorraine cooper
Chris Miller brought hand-embroidered textiles - who knows anything about the apron?
Svea No. 253
indianapolis, in / Our upcoming meetings are: October 7, 2018: Anne Shaw Kingery presents Carl Standlund and Lustron homes. On November 4, 2018: Dr. Michelle Facos, “A Special Feeling for Nature: from National Romanticism to MooseBooties.” And on November 8-10, 2018: International Festival.
submitted by james hook Right: Svea No. 253 celebrating Midsummer with special music and dance.
Svea No. 348 san jose, ca / In April we celebrated Valborgsmässoafton at the San Jose Odd Fellows Hall. The evening started with Swedish pea soup and hors d’oeuvres, and the night featured a traditional bonfire and two wonderful performances by the fabled Zaida Singers led by Zaida Hansson Binetti. The Fourth of July Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser was held at Sveadal, a real celebration since the park had been closed all of 2017 after heavy winter storms last year. The annual event is famous for attracting vintage automobiles that make the windy drive into the Swedish summer resort tucked away in the beautiful Santa Cruz Mountains. The popular fundraiser was well organized by Keith and Marylin Crawford. As always, everyone enjoyed a wonderful day.
Svea Lodge No. 348 Fourth of July Pancake Breakfast
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submitted by jim melin
Svea Lodge No. 348 Valborgsmässoafton Bonfire
Vintage Cars at Sveadal
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LOCAL LODGE NEWS
THE VASA STAR / Summer 2018
Viljan No. 349
batavia, il / In March Reed Sheer talked about his explorations in Antarctica and the connection to tracking climate change. We also welcomed a new member, Kristina Karl, and in April membership was extended to her brother Christopher Karl, making them both 3rd generation members in their family. Also in April, the Lekanders provided us with Swedish music and gave a demonstration on the art of creating Dala horses; and 12 of our members visited the Swedish American Museum in Chicago and ate lunch at Tre Kronor. During the May meeting three of our students were recognized for receiving schol-
arships. This was followed by a recap of this year’s district convention by our delegates, and a small memorial service was held for Marilyn Thryselius. Clayton LeKander taught us about the Swedish game, kubb. The game was such a hit that we brought it back during our August picnic and ice cream social! Many of our members have been preparing for Scandinavian Day on September 9, during which our lodge will be selling Swedish meatballs.
Viljan Lodge trip to the Swedish-American Museum in Andersonville. Right: Julia Lekander demonstrating the art of decorating Dala horses.
submitted by kristina karl
Mayflower No. 445
torrance, ca / Zlatan in LA! The Swedish soccer star Zlatan Ibrahimovich was recruited this spring to play for LA Galaxy. Earlier, he was captain of the Swedish national team and had a successful career in the Netherlands, Italy, France and the UK. September 29 has been designated Swedish Heritage Night at Stubhub Center in honor of Zlatan. It’s going to be an exciting game buy your tickets soon if you wish to
be seated in the reserved sections. Section 103 is reserved for Vasa members; ticket prices are $25-$31 for front seats. After the game, Zlatan will visit with the Swedish contingent, and maybe he will run up the stairs and celebrate with us when he scores. More information is available at www.lagalaxy. com/sweden submitted by bertil winther
As we are gearing up for fall, we have several special events: Kräftskiva on Aug. 25 at the Ekstrand’s home, a twoday field trip to Bishop Hill and their Ag-Days (Jordbruksdagarna) on Sept. 29 & 30 - please join us! Our lodge is participating in the annual Scandinavian Festival in New Berlin, WI on Oct. 6 (See ad on another page). At the Nov. 3 lodge meeting, Liza will do a special
DL 8 Convention and Linde’s contribution to the culture program “God Jul”
presentation from her view of the Grand lodge Convention 2018; Dec. 2 is our lodge Christmas lunch, and later in December there will be, of course, a Lucia event! Contact us at lekstrand@wi.rr.com if you would like to be part of anything. submitted by liza ekstrand
Midsommar celebration with Linde members Mary Stetson and Carol Gustafson leading the procession with their violin music.
activities, and good food. Midsommar was a beautiful day at a new location, milwaukee, wi / Summer kicked off and a huge success. In July, Chairman with the DL 8’s Convention in May. We Liza went to the GL Convention in had four delegates participating, learn- Sacramento as the Vasa Star managing ing, enjoying great Vasa friends, fun editor, a special event (see editor’s note).
Linde No. 492
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Celebrating the 4th of July picnic at the GL Convention in Sacramento at the “Swedish” table. Some of the folks are: Charlotte Börjeson (front left), Kurt & Maggie Ahlin Thelin and Ulla-Britt Essgren front right. Liza Ekstrand in back center left, and GM Tore & wife Birgitta Kellgren far left in the back.
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LOCAL LODGE NEWS
Summer 2018 / THE VASA STAR
Bishop Hill No. 683
Norland Band with Ernie Sandquist (left to right).
Chairman Judy Anderson (left) and her granddaughter with a friend.
bishop hill , il / We celebrated Midsommar on June 23 at the Colony School. What a wonderful day it was, with music in the park all day.
members of the Swedish American Museum of Chicago, we danced many ring dances, Små Grodorna, Musikanter, Karusellen and the
At 4 p.m. it was time to put greens and flowers on the Maypole, many people were in the park to help. At the school, with the leadership of
Rocket. Ernie Sandquist and the Norland Band played the music; it was a wonderful time. submitted by jeff anderson
Norden No. 684 fresno, ca / Our activities have been keeping everyone involved in Vasa. In April many of us attended the 103rd convention Golden Gate District Lodge #12 in Milpitas. Tore Kellgren announced the great news that the Grand Lodge had $40,000 in scholarship money, and awarded 20 scholarships this year. How wonderful for our students. In August we gathered with our Vasa brothers and sisters, and Corky Peterson hosted the annual Crayfish and Salmon Potluck. On Sept. 1 at the Cattlemens Restaurant in Selma, CA was our 50th anniversary luncheon. Corky Peterson is presenting a Swedish Genealogy Presentation on Oct. 20; contact her at corksterr@att.net for details. And please come on Dec. 8 for our biggest fundraiser of the year: the Lucia and Lutfisk Celebration. The Svenska Kids Musik Club will entertain us and the beautiful Lucia Pageant will begin at 7 p.m. The Christmas Smorgasbord is always delicious with glogg and Christmas cookies for dessert. Save the dates.
submitted by clyda dehn
WWW.VASAORDER.COM
Ed Rice, Helen Fosick and Leona Rice celebrate August birthdays
Phoenix No. 677
phoenix, az / We look forward to finishing our long, hot summer and are ready to start our fall season with the following programs: Sept. 22 - Environmental issues in Nordic countries; Oct. 20 - Early immigration & the Seattle Nordic Heritage Museum; Nov. 10 - Jul Bazaar with other Nordic groups; and finally, Dec. 8 - Lucia Festival & Pageant. These programs will bring us to the end of the current year, during which Cultural Leader Judith Ahlberg has worked diligently to bring varied, informative programs. We will be saying so-long to our Vasa Bladet editor, Carol Blackwell, who is moving her publication base to be closer to family. We wish her well and will miss her a lot. Our Jul Bazaar is an occasion filled with the anticipa-
Mike and Corky Peterson Bar-B-Q-ing the Salmon
tion of the holidays to come. Various Nordic groups participate i n o ff e ring crafts, good food May meeting. and laughter. Then it’s time to prepare for the Lucia celebration. Visitors and guests are always welcome. Information can also be found at www.vasaorder.net/?lodge=677 submitted by romy solomonson
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LOCAL LODGE NEWS
THE VASA STAR / Summer 2018
Kern River No. 763
Midsummer Queen and Court this year are (L-R): Princess Bella Smedeby, Princess Vendela Smedeby, Princess Treslyn Smedeby, Princess Alexis Smykal, Princess Hannah Loessberg, Queen Sheldon Cornwell and Princess Britt Almquist
Glenn T. Seaborg No. 719
laguna woods, ca / Each year we celebrate a combination National Sweden Day and Midsummer with a BBQ held at Dana Point Harbor. Holding the event at such a popular location is a great way to attract new members. Our Midsummer Queen was Sheldon Cornwell.
submitted by nancy kingston
bakersfield, ca / Vasa Members from all over Southern California and Sweden celebrated our most treasured tradition in June – Midsummer at Vasa Park in Agoura. It was very special this year since one of our new members, Bailey Reynolds, represented Kern River Lodge in the Midsummer Court. Escorted by her brother Garrett, we were all very proud of Bailey as Miss Columbia. Every year it is memorable to see the procession of the Midsummer Court, Swedish Folk Dance Club of LA and the musicians coming down the walk … and later we all enjoy watching our Vasa members joining in with the folk dancers. The children had plenty of activities at the water slide, bounce house, tube sliding and more. Our next Vasa Park activity is the Höstmarknad/Fall Market on Oct. 16 where we have the big Meatball Competition together with Viking Reenactment, lawn games, vendors, etc.
submitted by laila jensen
Vinland No. 703
Vinland Midsummer celebration.
cape cod, ma / We think it is NOT supposed to rain on Midsummer! And certainly not two years in a row, but we learned it rained on celebrations in Sweden also. We placed our Maypole on three tables inside the hall and adorned it with fresh flowers and greens. Following our picnic lunches the showers eased so we set up the Maypole in the parking lot. Ahh, we could sing and dance to our traditional songs, especially Små Grodorna.
tended the lodge’s Breakfast Club for many
IN MEMORIAM years, and was an honored lifetime member. Memorial Notices should be mailed with check or money order to The Vasa Star, PO Box 13331, Milwaukee, WI 53213-0331. Email: vasaeditor@gmail.com. The fee is $10 - max. 40-45 words, and $25 for longer obituaries - 50-120 words. All notices must be typed and in a format similar to what you see here. NO newspaper clippings If you submitted an obituary and it is not listed here, please resubmit to be included in the following issue.
OREGON
SUSANNA BJORK-BELL died in Astoria on April 1, 2018 at the age of 67. Susanna joined Astor Lodge No. 215 on January 28, 2007 and was a willing worker who will be missed.
Top: Bailey Reynolds, Carolina Pall and Rachael DeLaurenti. Right: Garrett & Bailey - Miss Columbia
Our desserts included watermelon, pepparkaks cake, mandelkakor and other treats. At our July meeting, we shared photographs of our past events. In August, Clara Buttrick related her experiences and friendship with two Norwegian skiers who helped set up a Minnesota ski resort for handicapped skiers. Kajsa Brimdyr, our cultural
TEXAS
MARGARET “PEGGY” OLSSON died peacefully May 15, 2018 in Dallas. She is survived by her husband John of 62 years. Peggy was a remarkable woman and will be greatly missed by her loving family and everyone at Carl XVI Gustaf No. 716 Dallas, TX.
leader, sends information by email about events in Sweden as she travels there frequently for business. Upcoming meetings are Sept. 15, Oct. 20 and Nov. 10 with presentations by some members on their travels and Kajsa’s worldwide business interests. submitted by dorothy ann ellner kean
SHIRLEY OPAL RANEY, 83, died on May 8, 2018 to be reunited in heaven with her husband Robert, son Robert Jr, and daughter Susan Hamilton. Shirley is survived by Rose Raney, Robert, Chris and Braxton Hamilton. Shirley was a member of Svea No. 469 of Longview, WA. a daughter. WISCONSIN
NELLY NORRMAN was born May 18, PATRICIA NORDQUIST, 93, died on WASHINGTON 1919 in Umeå, Sweden. She also died in April 30, 2018. Pat is survived by her Umeå, on March 30, 2018, just short of DOREEN PARKER (4/18/1921 - daughters, sons- and daughter-in-law, her 99th birthday. Nelly lived in Astoria, 1/8/2018) passed away in Aberdeen. Be- grandchildren and great grandchildren. OR for a number of years and joined As- sides being a member of Norskenet No. She was a very active Linde Lodge 492 tor Lodge No. 215 on April 27, 1963. She 189, she was a lifetime member of Sons member until a few years ago. She will OHIO was one of the original organizers who, of Norway. Doreen had a great sense of be missed by family and friends. in 1967, started the Astoria Scandinavian humor and was very helpful. She will be SARAH BLASER, 105, an active and Midsummer Festival which is still going missed by family and friends. loved member of Nobel-Monitor No. 130 strong 51 years later. Though Nelly moved since 1982, died on July 26, 2018. She back to Sweden in the 1980s, she remained graciously sold our 50/50 raffle tickets, at- in touch and kept an interest in Vasa.
page 44
WWW.VASAORDER.COM
SWEDISH NEWS
language
SWEDISH NEWS Skåne No. 570
Calmare Nyckel No. 628
malmö, sweden / Sy Birgit Ekelund
Logen Skånes Hedersmedlem har blivit 100 år. Högtidsdagen firades på annan ort med släkt och vänner. Några dagar senare var logens Ordf. Sy Marie Wickström hemma hos jubilaren för att överbringa logens lyckönskningar. Sy Birgit är en trogen besökare på våra möten fast hon uppnått denna beundransvärda ålder. Sy Birgit har ett långt medlemskap i vår Orden med olika logetillhörigheter, Logen Mälardrottningen, Logen Småland och nu Logen Skåne. submitted by olle wickström
Ordf. Sy Marie uppvaktar Sy Birgit på hennes högtidsdag.
Höganäs No. 634 höganäs, sweden / Den 16 juni hölls det traditionella sommarmötet, SverigeAmerika mötet. Dagen till ära installerades fyra nya medlemmar i logen. Installationen skedde enligt den nya ritualen. Efter installationen genomfördes en vacker och högtidlig fanparad. Alla fick välförtjänta applåder efter Fanparad. väl utförd fanparad. Efter logemötet var det dags för bankett. Traditionsenligt utbringas kvällens första skål till HM Konung Karl XVI Gustav och Kungssången sjungs. Vidare enligt traditionen bjuds det på kokt lax med tillbehör med efterrätt jordgubbar med glass och grädde. När banketten är avslutad och borden är avdukade serveras kaffe och kaka, samtidigt som musiken spelar upp till dans. Att dans är nyttigt bekräftas av våra äldsta medlemmar Sy. Maj-Britt Carlsson och Br. Stig Nilsson. Trots att de båda är över 90 år finner man dem ofta uppe på dansgolvet. När sedan lördagen går över till söndag och lotteridragning klar, musiken har tystnat då var det dags att gå hem från ännu en trevlig kväll i Vasas anda och se fram mot Kulturmötet den 22 september. Ett kulturmöte där Ulrik Alm kommer att tala om ”Kvinnor som äventyrare och resenärer”
submitted by ola sandberg
Årets Sverige-Amerikadag 10 juni 2018, den 68:e på Kalmar slott. Dagen firades i strålande sol och började i Kalmar slottskyrka. Gudstjänsten inleddes med vacker musik - prästen Johanna Hajstad vid fiolen och Per-Ola Svensson vid orgeln. Gudstjänsten hölls delvis på engelska och innehöll, förutom sedvanlig gudstjänstordning, predikan med hänvisning till emigrationen där Johanna Hajstad berörde de umbärande de som lämnade Sverige fick utstå. Många lämnade åldriga föräldrar, syskon och vänner men också stor fattigdom. Musiken med anknytning till emigrationen, var komponerad av P Moreus och W Petersson-Berger. Sällskapet flyttade sig till ”Gröna salen”. Moderator broder Ole Torffvit hälsade alla välkomna och visade in fanparaden som med andaktsfulla steg äntrade salen. Syster Solbritt Allgren presenterade de olika fanorna varvid den svenska, amerikanska och canadensiska nationalsången och Vasasången sjöngs unisont. Ackompanjerade gjorde Calmare Brazz. Hälsningsanförande hölls av Kalmar kommunfullmäktiges ordförande Roger Kaliff. Från Amerikanska am-
bassaden kom David Lindvall, Charge’ d’affires och höll ett högtidstal. Kalmar Folkdanslag med Kalmar Spelmanslag framförde ett antal folkdanser inför en uppskattande publik. Calmar Brazz underhöll med bravur och avslutade med ”Så skimrande var aldrig havet”. Gemensam avmarsch med fanbärare företogs till Krusenstiernska gården där ostkakegille stod på programmet. Underhållning fortsatte med dans, musik och sedvanliga lotterier. Dagen var mycket lyckad i det varma och soliga vädret med väl genomfört program. submitted by marianne westman
Ovan till höger: De duktiga fanbärarna Lena Brissman, Asta Dahle’n, Valdis Nilhov, Solbritt Allgren och Monica Jernetz nu framme vid Krusenstiernska gården.
Stämningsfull gudstjänst i Kalmar slottskyrka.
Ovan: Fanorna presenteras av Solbritt Allgren, här med Vasaflaggan. Höger: Sedvanligt ostkakegille i Krusenstiernska parken.
Flitiga på dansgolvet, Sy. Maj-Britt Carlsson och Br. Stig Nilsson. SEPTEMBER 15, 2018 45
THE VASA STAR / Summer 2018
GRAND LODGE NEWS
Grand Master, Art Bjorkner Art Bjorkner was elected to the position of Grand Master of the Vasa Order of America during July’s Grand Lodge Convention in Sacramento. He is a long-standing member of the Vasa Order in two local lodges, Sveaborg #446 and Frithiof #63 in New Jersey District #6. Art was elected to the executive board representing the Eastern Region in 2010. In that position he wrote The Vasa Membership Guide which can be found and downloaded from www. vasaorder.com. During that term he served as Membership Chairman and as a member of the Finance Committee. He also assisted CT District #1 in rewriting its district constitution. Art was elected to the position of Vice Grand Master in 2014. Art graduated from the University of New York Maritime College with a BS in marine transportation and a Navy Commission. He later completed his MBA in finance from the University of New Haven. He is also a licensed Merchant Marine Officer.
managed a fleet of 26 tankers. Following a second retirement he accepted the role of executive vice president of an international ship registry with over 700 vessels and is currently the deputy commissioner for the registry. Art presently has an unlimited license for any size vessel sailing worldwide. Art is a member of the: Council of American Marines; City of New York The newly elected Grand Master and FLOV Nancy visit the Nordstjernan display at the Scandinavian Folk Festival in Jamestown Marine Society; NY (with Mette Barslund Martensson, right). Marine Accident Art spent 20 years in active duty in Investigators Interthe US Navy in the submarine service. national Forum; Naval Submarine After retiring from the Navy he spent League; Military Officers Asso10 years sailing the world as a captain ciation; American Legion; Disabled on tankers. Art “came ashore” and American Veterans; United States
Submarine Veterans; Honorary First Defenders Board; National Cargo Bureau; Masonic Order; and, Shriners. Art and Nancy have been married 55 years and have three children and six grandchildren. During their marriage they’ve moved 14 times. All of Nancy and Art’s family belong to Vasa. Art collects old Volvos and plays the trombone. He enjoys making repairs and yard maintenance in Vasa Park in Budd Lake, New Jersey, the residential community in which he and Nancy live and share strong friendships. Art and Nancy travel frequently to Sweden and enjoy visiting with relatives. Art feels enthusiasm is the lacking ingredient in membership growth and hopes to encourage all Vasa members to reignite the energy and excitement they felt when they joined the Order. He is looking forward to serving the Vasa Order as Grand Master offering leadership and guidance for the future. respectfully submitted by pgm, bill lundquist
STORMÄSTARENS MEDDELANDE kära vasasyskon, och jag ser fram emot att delta i deras Ha broschyrer, ansökningsblanketter och Det har gått några möten i maj 2019! bilder från aktiviteter. Också föreslå att veckor sedan jag valSammansättningen av Storlogens minst en deltagande medlem är klädd i trades till din stormästare Exekutiva Råd är enastående. Av de nio ditionell folkdräkt. Om du inte har en lokal för 4 år framåtr. Jag ombord har jag känt åtta åtminstone åtta broschyr, ladda ner Storloge-broschyren har blivit hedrad med år, och de har mycket användbar Vasa- som visas på Storloge-medlemmarnas ett “send off” - party av kunskap för Ordens goda. Vi är stolta att sida, och gå till Medlemshandboken NJ District 6 Vasa Park meddela att ordern nu officiellt finns på de online och se ett exempel på en lokal Trustees, och jag har börjat vidarebefordra tre stora sociala mediaplattformarna! Vän- broschyr. meddelanden till mina Storlogedeputer- ligen dela och gå med på våra Facebook, Den nya Vice Grand Lodge-sekreterarade med uppdateringar. Jag är angelägen Twitter och Instagram sidor för att öka vår en är Marlene Patient, marlenepatient@ om att alla relevanta uppgifter från Storlo- närvaro i sociala medier. För ytterligare gmail.com. Kontakta henne för smycken, gemötet kommer alla till del. Delegaterna frågor kontakta vår ansvarige för sociala nålar, nya medlemspaket (gratis) och antill Storlogemötet var väl omhändertagna media, Chad Widman, chadwidman@ dra formulär. Nya medlemsansökningar och uppskattade och arbetade mycket hårt gmail.com. finns tillgängliga online för nedladdning. för att uppdatera och revidera i enlighet Strax efter Storlogemötet närvarade I enlighet med ett godkänt beslut på Stormed de åtgärder och rekommendationer First Lady (Nancy) och jag den omtalade logemötet krävs ingen rekommendation som skickats till Storlogemötet från alla Jamestown Scandinavian Festival i New för medlemskap, och formuleringen har medlemmar! York. Vi njöt av vänskap, musik, mat tagits bort. Planeringen och genomförandet av och utställningar. Don Sandy från Thule Storlogemötet var berömligt. Många Lodge # 127 gjorde ett fantastiskt jobb för i sanning och enighet, tack går till Victoria Fedor-Thurman, att organisera allt. art bjorkner, stormästare ordförande för Storlogemötet, och hennes Om det finns några festivaler eller utkommittéer i District 12. Hotellarrange- ställningar i ditt logeområde, försök att gå mang, turer och mat kunde inte ha varit med och ha ett “VASA INFORMATION” bättre. Jag vill särskilt tacka de många bås eller bord. Vi kan inte få medlemmar svenska medlemmar som deltog i mötet, utan att dela vår entusiasm för ordern! page 46
THE VASA ORDER IS AMERICA’S LARGEST FRIENDSHIP AND CULTURAL ORGANIZATION FOR NORDICS IN NORTH AMERICA. WWW.VASAORDER.COM
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