The Swedish North Star, continuously published since 1872. Price per copy $3.50. Volume 148 No. 03, March 01, 2020.
THE VASA STAR pages 23-34
STOCKHOLM
in the off-season p 14
dashboard | march 01, 2020 SCANDINAVIAN QUIZ
well-known export was first 1 What made popular at home in Sweden, not
6 What did Swedes used to call fathers who took time off work to be with their children? A) Teddy bear dads B) Sugar dads C) Velour dads D) Lego dads
only for its fashionable support and stability but also its quick and easy on-and-off? A)clogs B) bookshelf C) 7 Which of the Scandinavian countries are monarchies? A) Finland, Sweden and Norbicycle D) bra
‘I strumplästen’
When you enter a private Swedish home, it is expected that you will be i strump-lästen, “in your socks.” This means you will take off your shoes and be “in socks, without shoes.” This etiquette is a sign of respect for the host and home, and is very common. It’s also very common that the first time you are invited to someone’s home, you’ll likely be taken on a husesyn, “house tour,” it’s just what Swedes do. So make sure you take off your shoes and place them in the proper place – probably in front of the existing collection of shoes under the coat rack. Those practical Swedes, they know that leaving potentially street-dirty shoes near the door means less time spent vacuuming, and everyone will always know where their shoes are. It goes without saying that whenever you’re in Sweden, you’ll want to be prepared for the likelihood of getting invited to someone’s home – so always wear nice socks that don’t look (or smell) like Swiss cheese. Name’s Days of the Swedish Calendar Namnsdagar i Mars
March 01 March 02 March 03 March 04 March 05 March 06 March 07 March 08 March 09 March 10 March 11 March 12 March 13 March 14 March 15 March 1
Albin/Elvira Ernst/Erna Gunborg/Gunvor Adrian/Adriana Tora/Tove Ebba/Ebbe Camilla Siv Torbjörn/Torleif Edla/Ada Edvin/Egon Viktoria Greger Matilda/Maud Kristoffer/Christel |
New York Chicago Stockholm Kiruna Lund Los Angeles 2 NORDSTJERNAN
4 Which Nordic country promoted the celebration of name days over birthdays, making them even more popular today (than in other countries)? A) Sweden B) Denmark C) Norway D) Finland 5 Who was the first Christian king in Scandinavia? A) Eric the Saint B) Harald Fairhair C) Sweyn Forkbeard D) Harald Bluetooth CULTURE
Namnsdagar
8 What song did ABBA win the Eurovision song contest with, launching their career in 1974? A) Arrival B) Take a Chance On Me C) Dancing Queen D) Waterloo
9 In Norse mythology, the Valkyries select the most heroic of those who die in battle and take them to Odin’s Hall, called what? A) Edda B) Asgard C) Akalla D) Valhalla
10 Which Nordic country is the only one to use euro currency? A) Finland B) Norway C) Sweden D) Denmark
Mars
Tora – March 5 Tora is an Old Norse name, the female version of Tor, which means “the thunderer.” Tora might also be a short form for Viktoria, which means “victorious.” Tora occurs on rune stones, but in older generations it’s fairly uncommon. The trend for the name Tora has been rising, however, since the 1990s. Today there are 2,840 women and two men in Sweden with the name Tora. Viktoria – March 12 Just like its male counterpart Victor, the female name Viktoria/Victoria stems from the Latin word “vincere” which means victory. Spelling it with a “c” is more common among younger Victorias. The name was very fashionable during the 1980s and had its peak in 1993, when it was number 32 in the top 100. There are 66,750 women and 6 men in Sweden with the name.
founded in new york city in september 1872
Sunrise & Sunset
6.29 am 6.24 am 6.43 am 6.56 am 6.57 am 6.20 am
3 The first university in Scandinavia was established in 1477 in what city? A) Lund B) Roskilde C) Uppsala D) Copenhagen
way B) Denmark, Finland and Sweden C) Sweden, Norway and Denmark D) Norway and Sweden
Answers: 1:A, 2:A, 3:C, 4:A, 5:D, 6:C, 7:C, 8:D, 9:D, 10:A
The custom of removing your shoes when entering someone’s home in Sweden may originate in olden days, when shoes of family members working outside were often heavily soiled.
2 What is the name of the Danish candy maker, famous for his chocolate liquors? a) Anton Berg b) Anton Fazer c) Anton Marabou d)Anton Cloetta
5.47 pm 5.41 pm 5.17 pm 4.47 pm 5.42 pm 5.49 pm
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this week…
March TO DO 03.03 MANDELKUBBENS DAG / The translation to “almond bun” doesn’t tell the story of this classic Swedish bitter sweet pastry. Recipe, p35. 03.04 THE DAY OF THE BANANA: BANANENS DAG / Although far from indigenous and for reasons unknown, Swedes eat a lot of them—100 per person and year: a lot of bananas! The Swedish “Bananklubben” commemorates the day the Banana King founded The Banana Company AB in 1909 when the import of the exotic fruit started. Its popularity doesn’t mean you should bring bananas next time you visit, however. /p 4,35. 03.07 EUROVISION SONG CONTEST: MELODIFESTIVAL / A televised finale from Stockholm where Sweden’s contender for this year’s contest in Tel Aviv, Israel will be decided. It’s Sweden’s favorite television show and one of the longest running programs in the world. Streaming is available through svtplay.se 03.08 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY: INTERNATIONELLA KVINNODAGEN / All days of the year should of course be for both women and men....
Finding the perfect spot for a stop in Stockholm in the off-season. /p14zz
Dashboard, p4-5
Facelift for the Öresund Bridge / May Flower of the year in fiery colors / Swedish American World Record / Bananas / Textile industry sustainability/ Single women’s shopping habits / Say cheese ... vegan cheese!
Events calendar, p6-10
What’s going on in Swedish America.
03.12 NATIONAL DAY OF THE REPUBLIC JÄMTLAND: REPUBLIKEN JÄMTLANDS NATIONALDAG / Observed, albeit not celebrated until July 23 when the republic’s flag was initially raised and the Storsjöyran celebration reinstated.
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Restaurant Makalös, truly unrivaled in creating a bit of Paris in Stockholm. /Page 16
Stay informed in a Swede way. Nordstjernanis published every other week with the exceptions of Jan.-Feb. and July-Aug.
The music maker’s choice, p12
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The untold story of the Scandinavian psalmodicon instrument.
Discover Swedish, p19 Swedish News, p18, p22
Social democrats at historically low level / Downward revised GDP / “Swedish army must grow” / Heavy tax on plastic bags.
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The classic, distinctly Swedish “mandelkubb.” The Exchange Rate:
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MARCH 01, 2020 3
dashboard | march 01, 2020
The Öresund Bridge needs a facelift after 20 years in harsh weather conditions. The repainting is a challenging task since several of the trains that cross the bridge travel 180 kilometers per hour and have a power supply of 27,000 volts. The project is not expected to be completed until 2033; it will cost about SEK 420 million but will not affect the prices for travelers across the bridge as maintenance was budgeted from the start.
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:
Chipp Reid - Ted Olsson - Leif Rosqvist - Kitty Hughes Ulf Kirchdorfer - Valorie Arrowsmith Bo Zaunders - Göran Rygert - James Kaplan - Gunilla Blixt publications director:
Mette Barslund Mårtensson (mette@nordstjernan.com; 800.827.9333, ext 12)
nordstjernan p.o. box 1710 new canaan ct 06840 contact us at 1.800.827.9333 ext 10 for reader services, email: subs@nordstjernan.com; ext 12 for advertising, email: ads@nordstjernan.com www.nordstjernan.com 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
12-year-old Elin Eisele designed the year’s Majblomma, the May Flower (inset).
May Flower of the year in fiery colors This year’s May Flower will feature the colors orange, red and pink: a flower in fiery colors for a burning issue, according to the May Flower secretary general Tove Lindahl Greve. The 12-year-old Elin Eisele, who designed the year’s flower, had no special thoughts when choosing the colors other than they were beautiful and stuck out, she says. Her flower was selected from over 30,000 proposals. Majblomman, the May Flower, is a little pin sold by children ages 9-12 to collect money for poor, sick and handicapped children. May Flower founder Beda Hallberg (1869-1945), was a socially conscious woman who worked as a volunteer among the poor in Göteborg. In those days, prior to Sweden’s welfare system, nobody paid much attention to the sick and poor. The main concern at the time was tuberculosis. Whatever help existed was insufficient and often given at random. Hallberg wanted to focus her help on children,
and founded Förstamajblommans Riksförbund in Göteborg in 1907. Her idea was to give a little flower as a “receipt” to the children who donated money to her foundation. The flower was to be sold on the first of May every year at such a low price that everyone could afford it. And so the Majblomma became the children’s flower. Sweden is a different society today, but there are still children who need help. Today the Förstamajblommans riksförbund has 800 local organizations, each working with their local school system as well as medical and health services to help children who suffer from illness, handicap or difficult social circumstances. Allowances are given to single children, projects or research. The first majblommor were sold in Göteborg in 1907 for 10 öre each (a little over 1 cent) – 139,000 were sold that year. In 2017 around 100,000 children all over Sweden collected 60 million Swedish kronor in two weeks.
Bananas
Swedes consume more than 35 pounds per person annually ... their closeness to nature may contribute to this affinity for bananas. Do not bring a bunch of bananas, however, to the hostess of a party. Flowers will be more appreciated, which is proven by the fact that 150 million tulips are sold annually, making Sweden the number one nation in this respect. Exerpt from [The] Swede, a book written with the intent of introducing Sweden and Swedes to English speakers ... from allemansrätt to housewives, hugging, humor and husesyn— what does it mean to be un-Swedish? What about Swedish sin, is it a real thing? Are Swedes boring? Are they serious? Over 250 brief chapters, usefully organized like a dictionary, will make you a better Swede or at least better understand your Swedish friends, family or colleagues. So far only available through NORDSTJERNAN, [The] Swede, a blueprint for being Swedish: Not too little and not too much. 1.800.827.9333
Drawing: Bo Zaunders
Facelift for the Öresund Bridge
dashboard | march 01, 2020
Swedish American World Record Hats off to New Orleansbased Swedish athlete Armand Duplantis! The 20-year-old broke a sixyear-old world record in the pole vault at an indoor meet on February 8. Duplantis cleared 6.17 meters (20 feet and Duplantis after nearly 3 inches) in Torun, winning the gold at Poland. France’s Renaud last year’s European Championships. Lavillenie held the previous overall record of 6.16 meters, set at an indoor meet in Ukraine in 2014. Duplantis, who grew up in Lafayette, Louisiana USA, has athletics in his blood. His father Greg was one of USA’s best pole vaulters in the 1990s, while his mother Helena (née Hedlund) competed for Sweden in the heptathlon in the 1980s. He was born in the U.S., but as a dual citizen represents his mother’s birth nation, Sweden. “I’d like to bring a resurgence back to Swedish track and field,” he said in an interview with IAAF. “I’d like to make my mom proud.”
Textile industry unsustainable? The need for new textile fibers is expected to increase 150 percent by 2050—but it is unsustainable if the industry does not switch to new technology, according to a report from the Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (IVA). Most of the fibers used today are water-requiring cotton and oilbased synthetic fibers. IVA wants to see more use of cellulosic residues and hopes that a market for these will emerge. IVA also proposes tax relief for the rental and subscription of clothing and for textile production from recycled material.
Single women’s shopping habits Women are more environmentally conscious than men. Despite this, women in single households emit 37 percent more greenhouse gases per year than men in a similar situation when shopping for clothes. According to figures from the research program Mistra Sustainable Consumption at the Royal Institute of Technology, women emit 74 kilos of greenhouse gases per year and men 54 kilos per year. An average Swede emits 62 kilos of greenhouse gases per year linked to clothing purchases.
Noquo scientists at the Södertälje laboratory.
Say cheese ... vegan cheese! We’ve recently covered a great deal of alternative foods. The Swedish oat-based milk Oatly came up in conjunction with SACC New York’s Sustainology conference in December, as did IKEA’s drive to create more plant-based alternatives for their restaurants. Consumers want to eat healthier and more sustainable foods, and that goes as much for us in the U.S. where Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods, which produced the Impossible Whopper are among the better known brands here. Vegan cheese is something of an unsolved mystery, however. Vegan cheeses are nowadays often based on cashews or coconut fat, and several products on the market lack the desired taste and texture, melt poorly or are tough in texture. At the same time, interest in plant-based alternatives is growing, and by replacing the animal based cheese, the carbon dioxide footprint can be significantly reduced. In early 2019, Stockholm-based Sorosh Tavakoli founded Noquo Foods together with biotechnologist Anja Leissner. They have since set up a lab in Södertälje south of Stockholm, hired researchers, met with various players in the food industry and tried different concepts. One of the founders has compared animal food production with coal power plants: It can be produced in a much better way. “We love cheese. We love yogurt. Ice cream too, and so many other animal-based products that are fundamental to our culture and heritage. But using animals to produce these goodies is extremely wasteful and destructive,” the company says in its mission statement.
Founders Anja Leissner and Sorosh Tavakoli.
The plan is to launch a cheese before 2021, most likely through select restaurants. But in the long run they have big goals. “We start with cheese but want to continue to innovate and create truly cutting-edge products. We want to build a company that can take a dominant position globally in the dairy industry,” Tavakoli has said. The serial entrepreneur with education from both Stockholm School of Economics and the Royal Institute of Technology became a multimillionaire when he sold software company Videoplaza in 2014. True to the founder’s vision, the company name Noquo stands for “Not accepting status quo” and aims to fundamentally change the dairy industry. “We refuse to accept that milk must be used from cans to make cheese. There must be better alternatives, from the environmental, health and animal welfare aspects. Making a good vegan cheese has proven to be very difficult but not many have tried, either. That’s what is so exciting about what we do.” For more info, see www.noquofoods.com
Curious about vegan cheese? While waiting for the Noquo varieties you may want to try some
American made products. For cream cheese lovers, there’s Kite Hill cream cheese (we tried the flavor with chives and white pepper) and for sliced cheese, try Field Roast’s Chao Creamery Original, both available at Whole Foods, Stop & Shop and many other regular supermarkets. MARCH 01, 2020 5
local events
Local Events California San Francisco Oskar Stenmark: Exciting evening where old meets new and tradition meets innovation through 10 generations of Oskar’s family’s music that brings ancient melodies from his ancestors in Sweden mixed with rhythm and harmony of flugelhorn, piano, bass and drums. The Black Cat, 415.358.1999 / www. oskarstenmark.com, www.blackcatsf. com Thousand Oaks 04.04-04.05, 10 AM-5 PM The 45th Scandinavian Festival: The festival celebrates the cultures of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and the Sami people from the Arctic regions of Scandinavia, with music, dancing, food, lectures, demonstrations, vendors, a Viking Encampment and Sami Village, and activities for families and people of all ages. At California Lutheran University, mksmithers@sbcglobal.net / www.scandinavianfest.org
Florida Clearwater 03.05, 11:45 AM- 2:45 PM Suncoast Scandinavian Club Luncheon with entertainment by accordionist Richard Lehners. Lunch is $17/visitor. RSVP required to 732.546.7756 or sunscanclub1965@gmail.com / www. facebook.com/Suncoast-ScandinavianClub-Inc-639715096132281 Davie 03.07, 6-10 PM Broadway, Jazz and Nordic Love Songs:
Oskar Stenmark at the Black Cat
evening where old meets new and tradition meets innovation. Oskar is the tenth generation in his family to play music and bring ancient melodies from his ancestors in Sweden mixed with rhythm, feel and harmony that you can only find in New York and now in San Francisco.
A musical journey from Carmen to Broadway, and jazz to Nordic love songs featuring Anna-Lisa Jakobsson, mezzo soprano. Jakobsson got her start with the Finnish National Opera and celebrates 40 years on worldwide stages. Based now in the U.S. she performs with Dr. Robert Sharon, piano, and Laura Olsson, soprano. Music by Alfven, PetersonBerger, Rangström, Sjöberg, Grieg, Bernstein, Sondheim, Porter, Puccini, Offenbach, Garner, Mackeben. Swedish Church in Florida, 561.271.8121 / kickan@ bocaswede.com
Illinois
Oskar Stenmark is coming back to San Francisco for his debut night at the Black Cat on March 25. Don’t miss the opportunity for an exciting
SAN FRANCISCO Söndag 8 mars kl 11.00
GUDSTJÄNST
i Norska Sjömanskyrkan på Hyde Street. Mary Philipson predikar och Zaida singers medverkar. Efteråt serveras kyrkkaffe som SWEA bjuder på.
Torsdag 19 mars kl 18.30
SOPPA OCH SAMTAL med Mary Philipson. “Att falla uppåt” Anmälan till kristin.hamren@svenskakyrkan.se.
Söndag 21 mars kl 15.00
GUDSTJÄNST
i Los Altos Lutheran Church. Mary Philipson predikar och Therese Brewitz är pianist. Efteråt serveras kyrkkaffe med semla. Se Facebook för mer info!
SVENSKA KYRKAN SAN FRANCISCO Norska Sjömanskyrkan, 2454 Hyde Street, San Francisco Tel: 415-632-8504 Epost: sanfrancisco@svenskakyrkan.se Hemsida: www.svenskakyrkan.se/sanfrancisco 6 NORDSTJERNAN
The Oskar Stenmark Quartet: Oskar Stenmark , flugelhorn; Javier Santiago, piano; Daniel Fabricant, bass; Hamir Atwal, drums. One night engagement only: To make a reservation, call 415.358.1999 or go to “Reservations” in the top right corner at www.blackcatsf.com.
Chicago 03.01, 12-2 PM Herring Breakfast (at lunch): Join us for a traditional fried herring breakfast which includes meatballs, potato sausage and much more. The brunch is catered by Tre Kronor Restaurant. RSVP to Swedish American Museum, 773.728.8111 / museum@samac.org / www.swedishamericanmuseum.org 03.06, 7:30 - 10 PM Scandinavian Dances: Learn to dance or take your dancing to the next level emphasis is on basic dance techniques one step at the time. Beginners learn to recognize music, connect with a partner, lead and follow. Advanced dancers build a foundation to develop additional dance skills and improve technique. Four Fridays: March 6, 13, 20 and 27; attendance at each class is not required but highly recommended. No partner needed and any experience level welcome. Each class is $10/members, $15/non-members; save on all 4 classes $32/members, $52/nonmembers. Swedish American Museum, 773.728.8111 / museum@samac.org / www.swedishamericanmuseum.org 03.13, 11 AM-3PM Soup & Pancake Pop-up Cafe Mazarin Pop-up Café: The Mazarin is an almond filled pastry that is a classic on the Swedish fika table. Not everyone is brave enough to attempt to bake it at home but it is nevertheless a favorite among young and old. In honor of Mazarin Day the Museum will host a pop-up café. Anyone looking for something new to bake can pick up the special little tins needed to create this pastry and a recipe in the
Dreamscapes at Gallery 9
Swedish born landscape painter Cecilia Mases is March’s featured artist at Gallery 9 in Los Altos, California, with an opening reception on Friday, March 6 at 5-8 p.m. The show features Mases’ colorful new works in oil and acrylic. “Lately I have been exploring different colors and shapes of nature. I have been experimenting with acrylic paint and palette knife, but also with different perspectives in oil. This show is a mix of different ways I see the landscapes and seascapes around us. Some are truer to nature; others are more abstract. They are all a created with a love of nature. They are all dreamscapes,” she says. On view March 2-29 at Gallery 9, 143 Main Street, Los Altos, 650.941.7969 / www.ceciliamasesart.wordpress.com / www.gallery9losaltos.com
local events
The Messiah Festival of the Arts This ten-day festival of art, music, and theatre is put on by the Bethany Oratorio Society and Bethany College and features the roles of women in the arts, through the theme “Messiah 2020: Celebrating Women in the Arts.” Enjoy J.S. Bach’s “Passion According to St. Matthew” on Good Friday, April 10 and G. F. Handel’s “Messiah” on Easter Sunday, April 12. During Holy Week each year in Lindsborg, Kansas, the more than 300-member community chorus and orchestra are joined by five professional operatic guest soloists. Guest soloists for this year’s concerts include: James Reese, tenor, Elisa Sutherland, mezzosoprano, Anna Christofaro, soprano and Brian Mextorf bass. Brad Vogel will be the guest conductor for the Bach performance. This is the longest running performance of the Messiah in North America, now in its 138thyear. 785.227.3380 / www.messiahfestival.org The Bethany Oratorio Society has been performing Handel’s “Messiah” since 1882, and Bach’s “Passion” since 1929.
Museum Store. Come try a mazarin and a beverage for $6. Swedish American Museum, 773.728.8111 / museum@samac. org/ www.swedishamericanmuseum.org 03.14, 9 AM Pa n c a ke s w i t h P i p p i : J o i n P i p p i Longstocking for Swedish pancakes, crafts, singing and dancing. This is a unique opportunity to meet Pippi and learn how to make pancakes Pippi-style! All ages are welcome, $15/members, $20/non-members, $5/12-24 months, free/infants. Prepaid and confirmed tickets are required. American Museum, 773.728.8111 / museum@samac.org/ www.swedishamericanmuseum.org 03.19, 6:30- 9:30 PM Swedish Heritage Night with the Blackhawks: The Chicago Blackhawks are excited to invite the Swedish community to the United Center when they take on the Minnesota Wild. Tickets are $70 and include an autographed puck by Swedish defenseman, Erik Gustafsson. Swedish American Museum, museum@samac. org / www.swedishamericanmuseum. org/2.0/event/swedish-heritage-nightwith-the-blackhawks/ 03.20, 11 AM Hejsan! Story & Crafts: Join us at the Brunk Children’s Museum of Immigration for story and craft time on the third Friday of each month. The theme for the 20192020 school year is animals. Come meet a different animal every month. All ages are welcome to attend with a caregiver for this free (with admission) program, reservations appreciated. Swedish American Museum / 917.495.8396 / www. swedishamericanmuseum.org 03.25, 11 AM-3PM Waffle Day Pop-up Café. The Swedish Våfflor differ from other types of waffles with their thinner appearance and texture more similar to pancakes. They are
particularly known for their classic heart shape and even have their own special day on March 25 Våffeldagen (Waffle Day). Recipes varied widely. Some include eggs (Äggvåfflor), and some don’t and are crispier and light (Frasvåfflor). Others incorporate carbonated water, sour cream, or even heavy cream. Come get yours for $6. Swedish American Museum, 773.728.8111 / museum@samac.org/ www.swedishamericanmuseum.org Rock Island 03.06, 12-1 PM Swedish Language Classes: New Swedish language classes are designed for community members--adults and children wishing to learn skills in reading, writing, listening comprehension and speaking for travel, personal enrichment or to honor their heritage. Classes meet once a week through April 9 in Denkmann Memorial Hall, Augustana College. Swenson Swedish Immigration Research Center, 309.794.7204 / lisahuntsha@ augustana.edu / www.augustana.edu/ swenson/classes 03.10, 6 PM Nordic Book Club: Discuss books on Nordic topics or by Nordic authors; March’s book is “A Nearly Normal Family” (“En helt vanlig familj”) by M.T. Edvardsson, translated by Rachel Willson-Broyles. We will provide coffee and tea and a welcoming environment! Books chosen are available in both Swedish and English, with the discussion in English. Swedish language learners can continue practicing Swedish reading skills while non-Swedish language learners are welcome to read in English. Didn’t have time to finish the book? Join us anyway! Registration is suggested via www. augustana.edu/about-us/events/2019/ nordic-book-club-0, 309.794.7204 or lisahuntsha@augustana.edu. At Swenson Swedish Immigration Research Center, Augustana College.
Life Made Sweder (where it really counts)
The “Wettex disk trasa,” a Swedish invention, will make life much Sweder in the kitchen - guaranteed! 6 3/4” x 8”, machine washable (use it over and over again) 100% biodegradeable. Two designs: God Jul for Christmas and Life Made Sweder for all year round. Mix and match designs, get five cloths for $20.
Price: $4.95 — order five now for $20.00 Incl. S&H (in continental U.S.)
Please send me ____ Life Made Sweder dish cloth(s) x $4.95 = ______ m 5 dish cloths at $20
____ God Jul dish cloth(s) x $4.95 = ______
(When ordering 5 or 10, please mark how many of each version you’d like) Total: ______
Name __________________________________________________________ Address ________________________________________________________ City State Zip ___________________________________________________ Tel.______________________________________
m Check enclosed payable to Nordstjernan m Please charge my credit card: Card# _________________________________ Exp. Date: _______ / _______ Signature _____________________________________ SSC Code:_________ Mail to: Nordstjernan, P.O. Box 1710, New Canaan CT 06840
MARCH 01, 2020 7
local events
Don’t miss Timbuktu’s very special book & tour Jason “Timbuktu” Diakité is on tour, this time with his book, “A Drop of Midnight.” The Swedish artist will stop in various U.S. cities. Born to interracial American parents in Sweden, Jason Diakité grew up between worlds—part Swedish, American, black, white, Cherokee, Slovak and German, riding a delicate cultural and racial divide. It was a no-mans-land that left him in constant search of self. Even after his hip-hop career took off, Jason fought to unify a complex system of family roots that branched across continents, ethnicities, classes, colors, and eras to find a sense of belonging. In “A Drop of Midnight,” Jason draws on conversations with his parents, personal experiences, long-lost letters, and pilgrimages to South Carolina and New York to paint a vivid picture of race, discrimination, family and ambition. His ancestors’ origins as slaves in the antebellum South, his parents’ struggles as an interracial couple, and his own world-expanding connection to hip-hop helped him fashion a strong black identity in Sweden. What unfolds in Jason’s remarkable voyage of discovery is a complex and unflinching look at not only his own history but also that of generations affected by the trauma of the African diaspora, then and now. Most events will include a reading from his book and Q&A time.
Minnesota Minneapolis 03.07, 2-4 pm Teen Träff – Lördagsmys: Melodifestivalen Finale Viewing Party: Introducing this new activity group for teens interested in Swedish culture. During each meeting, students will participate in a different Swedish cultural activity such as baking cinnamon buns, watching Swedish films, doing slöjd (handcraft), attending cool ASI events and more. Vi ses! American Swedish Institute, 612.871.4907 / www. asimn.org
MAR 5: Seattle - 7-8:30 PM: Nordic National Museum, 206.789.5707 / www.nordicmuseum.org MAR 11: Chicago - 6-9 PM: Swedish American Museum, 773.728.8111 / www.swedishamericanmuseum.org MAR 12: New York - 6 PM: Barnard College, www.barnard.edu APR 17: Minneapolis - 7 PM: American Swedish Institute, 612.871.4907 / www.asimn.org
Kansas
Massachusetts
03.06-03.13, 10 AM Fika Friday: Sip coffee and snack with the Swedish Friendship group every Friday morning at Bethany Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall. There may even be some Swedish spoken. Drop by! www.facebook. com/pg/VisitLindsborg/events
West Newton 03.14, 1-2 PM Swedish Music: Boston-based Swedish singer, harpist and composer Anna Jalkéus performs with Aaron Dutton. They interpret Swedish folk songs and hymns in an atypical duo setting with pedal harp, voice and saxophone. Well-known melodies and folk-ínspired compositions are played in unique arrangements, music and words create a beautiful and soaring soundscape. Scandinavian Cultural Center, 617.795.1914 / kerry@ scandicenter.org / www.scandicenter.org
03.21, 7 AM-4 PM Våffeldagen: Spend the day in Lindsborg eating waffles and waffle-y treats. Originating in Sweden, Våffeldagen is an entire day dedicated to the delicious waffle and the upcoming arrival of spring De smakar mycket goda! (They taste very good!) 785.227.8687 / travelinfo@ lindsborgcity.com / www.facebook.com/ waffledaylbk
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
Jaerv folk music concert: The award winning Swedish quintet, Jaerv, offers a lively stage performance where fivevoiced tunes blend in with energetic dances and free improvisations. They blend centuries old Scandinavian folk songs with original songs and stylings, showcasing their homogenous, vivid sound which has established Jaerv on the folk music scene as well as in many other forums. At Calvin University, 616.458.0420 / www.sahswm.org/ upcoming-events
Michigan Grand Rapids 03.07, 6-9 PM
Ellen Lindström “The Swedish Meatball”
Happy Spring! Adding fun & musical flavor to every event!
917-968-2926
TheSwedishMeatballs@gmail.com
www.TheSwedishMeatballs.com
03.07, 1-4 pm Melodifestivalen Finale Watch Party! Watch the finale of Melodifestivalen 2020 with us on the big screen during a fun afternoon with Sweden’s most popular TV program! The finale will start at 1 p.m. Minnesota time. FIKA café will be open throughout the event, so feel free to grab a drink or some food to bring to the showing. Attendees are encouraged to dress up! Free.American Swedish Institute, 612.871.4907 / www.asimn.org 03.14, 9 AM-12 PM Spoon Carving: Get introduced to spoon carving in a relaxed setting with all supplies provided. Start with a wooden blank and learn how to shape it into a spoon with a variety of carving strokes and then how to finish it. The wood used in this class is locally sourced, taken from fallen branches, tree trimmings, and trees that had to be felled. This class is ideal for firsttime carvers. The instructors will start you at a place where you can comfortably complete the spoon during the workshop. $80. Ingebretsens, 612.729.9333 / www. ingebretsens.com/classes Ongoing Frederick D. Somers: Borders & Betweens: Exploring then, now and when, this exhibition is a retrospective of the work of Minnesota-based artist Frederick D. Somers. From his time in Sweden to the woods near his home in Northfield, Fred’s oil and pastel paintings reflect themes from the land and are recognized for their peaceful sensitivity. Through March 22 at American Swedish Institute, 612.871.4907 / www.asimn.org
New York New York 03.05, 6-9 PM The Kegelstatt Trio: A performance of
local events contemporary and classical compositions includes new works by composers Edward Smaldone and Anders Koppel (as well as Mozart and Schumann). Named for the renowned piece composed by Mozart, one of the most popular chamber music works ever written, The Kegelstatt Trio features clarinet, viola and piano. Scandinavia House, 212.847.9729 / www. scandinaviahouse.org 03.07, 1:30 PM Melodifestivalen 2020 NYC Watch Party (Swedish Eurovision): Watch the musical insanity of the gradual elimination of songs leading to the best of Sweden submitted to Euroviosion. Hosted by Swedes in New York and Scandinavians in New York at Tonic Times Square, www. facebook.com/events/489765968315712 03.12, 6:30-7:30 PM Swedish Homage to Spring: Internationally acclaimed Swedish pianist Helge Antoni presents a celebration of spring’s arrival with music. “Antoni’s technique is ample, his tone richly colored; his understanding of the composer’s special sound world absolute”—The American Record Guide. Scandinavia House, 212.847.9729 / www. scandinaviahouse.org 03.19, 7-10 PM Keyboard Conversations - The Romantic Connection: Internationally acclaimed pianist Jeffrey Siegel celebrates the 13th season of his popular Keyboard Conversations series. An informal commentary on music by Chopin, Schumann and Liszt, is followed by a performance of each work, and a short Q & A session. Chopin, Schumann and Liszt are three of the greatest composers of the romantic 19th century, all born within months of one another. Scandinavia House, 212.847.9729 / www.scandinaviahouse.org/events/theromantic-connection Shelter Island Through May 2020 Helena Hernmarck exhibit: Shadow and Light is showing at Shelter Island Historical Society, 631.749.0025 / www. shelterislandhistorical.org
Oregon Portland 03.10, 6:30 PM Cook & Eat - The Secrets of Curing (gravlax and pickled things): Guest chefs Mike O’Bryant and Sandra Nelson Miller will explore the age-old preservation methods of salting to make gravlax and pickling to make pickled beets and other vegetables., so widely recognized now in New Nordic Cuisine. You will use these methods again and again in your home kitchen. Nordia House, 503.977.0275 / www.nordicnorthwest.org 03.27, 7:30 PM The Nordic Fiddlers Bloc: This fiddle trio masterfully blends the traditions of Norway, Sweden and the Shetland Islands.
New Nordic Cuisine New Nordic Cuisine is the defining exhibition of one of the most important cultural phenomena to come out of the Nordic countries in recent decades. It focuses on a value-driven food system that has captured the attention of worldfamous chefs and home cooks alike in the past 15 years. The 2004 Nordic Food Manifesto articulated a set of values for approaching food through the lenses of local production, seasonality, ethical production, and innovation. The manifesto and reactions to it have sparked a robust dialog about food culture, both in the Nordic countries and around the world. By examining Nordic food trends in a fun, interactive format, this exhibition introduces visitors to contemporary Nordic food and its driving values today. American Swedish Historical Museum, 215.389.1776 / www.americanswedish.org Olav Luksengård Mjelva (Norway), Anders Hall (Sweden) and Kevin Henderson (Shetland Islands), have swiftly gained a reputation for their gripping and unique blend of fiddle music since the inception of the Bloc in early 2009. They maintain a firm focus on the traditions of their home while developing a sound with a clever use of harmony, rhythm, riffs and bass lines that leaves the listener enthralled. $20/members, $25/non-members. Nordia House, 503.977.0275 / www. nordicnorthwest.org
Pennsylvania Philadelphia 03.17, 10:30-11:30 AM Toddler Time – The Five Senses: Specially designed program for children ages 18 months to 4 years old that helps young minds grow through interactive stories, engaging handson activities and social i n t e ra c t i o n . $ 5 /c h i l d or free/members and accompanying caregivers. American Swedish Historical Museum, 2 1 5 . 3 8 9 . 1 7 7 6 / w w w. americanswedish.org 03.21, 7-10 PM extrABBAganza! ABBA Dance Party: Break out bell bottoms and platform shoes! What better place to celebrate the iconic m u s i c o f A B BA t h a n the American Swedish Historical Museum. DJ Robert Drake will spin the throwbacks as everyone lets out their inner Dancing
Blue-fin tuna, purple radish, myoga with salted tomato vinaigrette served at Frantzen, Stockholm.
Queen. Highlights of the evening will include a dancing and costume contest along with a few surprises! Tickets include food, cash bar. Be sure to register early before tickets sell out! $30 members, $35 non-members. Costumes are welcome, but not required. American Swedish Historical Museum, 215.389.1776 / www. americanswedish.org
Washington Seattle 3.01, 6:30 PM Nordic Lights Film Festival: Last date of the 11th annual Nordic Lights Film Festival, featuring
contemporary, award-winning films from all the Nordic countries. At SIFF Cinema Uptown, www.nordicmuseum.org/nlff 03.05, 5:30- 7:30pm Social Justice Fika Pop-Up: Join us for kaffe (coffee) and a sweet treat to connect and
37th Annual Sacramento Scandinavian Festival Saturday, April 18, 2020 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Scandinavian Food, Baked Goods and Merchandise • Information about the Nordic Countries • Music, Entertainment and Door Prizes • Scandinavian Folk Dancing and Exhibits • Children’s Area with Arts & Crafts Outside - Viking Camp and Ship
SCOTTISH RITE MASONIC CENTER 6151 H St, Sacramento, CA 95819 (near Sac State) Adults $5 • Children under 12 free www.facebook.com/SacramentoScandinavianFestival/ PLEASE NOTE: Some food items may sell out early
MARCH 01, 2020 9
local events
the most popular films and tv shows from sweden
swedish dvd releases Order Swedish language movies on DVD. All videos are in the original language with English subtitles.
Price
9.95 d: $1
ce
redu
Becoming Astrid: About the life of the creator of Pippi Longstocking, Sweden’s beloved author Astrid Lindgren.
Immerse yourself and family in swedishness with the latest dvd releases from Sweden. Becoming Astrid $29.95 = _______ A Man Called Ove ($29.95) $19.95 = _______ The Last Sentence ($29.95) $19.95 = _______ The 100 Year Old Man ($29.95) $19.95 = _______ The Dragon Tattoo Trilogy Extended Boxed Set $39.95 = _______ Wallander Series 2 Boxed Set ($74.95) $59.95 = _______ Max Manus: Man of War (in Norwegian) $19.95 = _______
Please send me:
Total = _______
Incl. S&H (in continental U.S.)
Name ____________________________________
MELODIFESTIVALEN 2020 NYC WATCH PARTY (Swedish Eurovision) on March 7 at Tonic Times Square, doors open at 1:30 p.m. Melodifestivalen: "The Melody Festival" is an annual music competition organized by Swedish public broadcasters Sveriges Television and Sveriges Radio. It determines the country's representative for the Eurovision Song Contest, and has been staged almost every year since 1959. Since 2000, the competition has been the most popular television program in Sweden. Most famously we can thank (or blame depending on your opinion) Eurovision for bringing us ABBA. Only venue in New York to show it live! www. facebook.com/events/489765968315712 discuss how Nordic culture and policies compare and contrast to those in the United States, particularly as it relates to social justice. This event is facilitated by Michelle Gislason and Fleur Larsen, social justice consultants and National Nordic Museum Members. We will discuss the premise of the book The Nordic Theory of Everything: In Search of a Better Life, which we enthusiastically suggest you read ahead of these conversations. Nordic National Museum, 206.789.5707 / www. nordicmuseum.org 03.05, 7-8:30 PM Book Talk - A Drop of Midnight with Swedish Hip-Hop Artist Timbuktu: Join us for the book launch of world-renowned hip-hop artist Jason “Timbuktu” Diakité’s memoir A drop of Midnight. Nordic National Museum, 206.789.5707 / www. nordicmuseum.org 03.07, 2-5 PM Felting with Flóra: Learn the basics of feltmaking as you craft a threedimensional coin purse. In this playful class you will learn how felting happens through the “wet” feltmaking process, using water, soap, and your own two hands! This is the first of a series of felting classes with Flora in the new year. Nordic National Museum, 206.789.5707 / www. nordicmuseum.org
03.08, 8 AM- 1 PM Swedish Pancake Breakfast: Come for all the fixins - in addition to the menu of pancakes, ham, lingonberries, strawberries, drinks and condiments, there’s also music and folk dancing. Kids under 5 still eat free. Swedish Cultural Center, www.swedishclubnw.org 03.27, 8 PM ABBA Night 2020: Come and dance the night away Swedish style! The ABBAgraphs will sing live ABBA music, and Haffi Haff— of the Icelandic version of “Dancing with the Stars”— will curate an amazing program. The top floor into a disco with classic ABBA spins all night long. Swedish Cultural Center, rsvp@ swedishclub.org / www.swedishclubnw. org
Wisconsin Milwaukee 03.14, 1:30 PM Our Swedish Food Heritage: Join SAHSWI members as they explore our Swedish food heritage and family recipes with stories of Swedish foods of our childhood and samples for tasting. Redemption Lutheran Church, 4057 North Mayfair Rd. Swedish American Historical Society of Wisconsin, 262.781.6113 / www.sahswi.org
Address __________________________________ City, State, Zip ______________________________ Telephone Number ___________________________ Check enclosed payable to Nordstjernan
Please charge my credit card:
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NORDSTJERNAN P.O. Box 1710 New Canaan, CT 06840 or call 1.800.827.9333 Ext. 10
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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.).
Through
NORDSTJERNAN 1.800.827.9333 Ext 10
readers forum
InBox Elisabeth, Karen, Joyce and others: This one’s (below) for you! A seasonal crossword in Swedish. Although ... Sweden has quite frankly been far from frozen this year. /Ed.
Dear Editor, I thoroughly enjoyed your article on Drottninggatan. It took me quickly back to my own time in Stockholm, ’61-’62, when that street was very familiar to this American student on limited funds! Great memories. Was happy to see that The Real Group will return to Augustana College in Rock Island on 11 February, for a Wallenberg Hall concert, after an absence of many years!
Was equally happy to see that my old friend Johan Thunberg is thriving on the public acceptance of his very naturalistic art from Gävle and Högakusten. Fine website. He was working on a Chinese exhibit for next year, but that may be put on hold because of the epidemic scare. Was equally pleased to see the resumption of the Jenny Lind Stipend Tour Program of North America, after
Fruset Land
a year’s absence because of funding issues. It looks like the Royal Music School will join hands financially with Folkets hus och parker, to make it work. Their winning soprano this year is a Finnish Swede, Tessan-Marie Lehmussari, who has remarkable credentials. Next year Bishop Hill will celebrate its 175th year, hopefully with strong representation from Sweden. They are enjoying success with restoration work, thanks to having a board headed by retired Swedish Honorary Consul General Kerstin Lane of Chicago, and her site supervisor Todd DeDecker, a fine museum-trained administrator. Janet and I head back north from Mesa wintering in mid April. I hope to stop briefly in Lindsborg to take another look at the remarkable Sandzén Memorial Museum, and again try to get them and the Augustana Teaching Art Museum to work on a joint Sandzén exhibit. Augustana has a substantial Sandzén collection! Hope also to share a few stories about Ernst Skarstedt’s 1910 sentimental journey back to the Midwest to hear his son Marcus give his valedictorian speech at Augustana, while enjoying the 50th anniversary of the Augustana Synod! Both Bethany and Augustana were treated well by Ernst! John Norton, IL Bishop Hill 175—the fascinating aspects of Pastor Jansson and his followers in the prairie utopia never fails to amaze us. Looking forward to the commemorative book by Lilly Setterdahl! Skarstedt was editing Nordstjernan around the time of his trip to Augustana. /Ed.
Crossword key on p22 MARCH 01, 2020 11
feature
Swedish psalmodikon found in western New York My search for the Swedish psalmodikon and the origin of the fretted dulcimer began in New York’s Saratoga County in the late 1960s. I used to hitchhike to Caffè Lena in Saratoga Springs, where I first saw and heard the fretted dulcimer. A defining moment in my search came many years later during a 2003 trip to Sweden to visit relatives in Stockholm and Mora. My wife and I took the opportunity to visit the cultural museum Skansen on Djurgarden, a large island just off Gamla Stan, Stockholm. Skansen, established in 1891 as the world’s first open-air museum, shows more than 150 houses and farm buildings from 14th- to 19th century Sweden, portraying the life of both peasants and landed gentry. We were in the Älvros farmhouse, a typical 19th century northern farmstead and one of the museum’s sites for regularly scheduled folk music performances, when my wife tapped me on the shoulder and said, “Look at that!” Hanging on a log wall inside the main living area was a psalmodikon, the first I had ever seen in person. Inside the instrument, written in thin ink and a very delicate script, was an illegible Swedish name, but the written date—1842—was very clear.
Historic journey
In 1633 the New South Company was formed by Dutch and Swedish investors to establish a settlement in America. They first settled near present-day Wilmington, Delaware in 1637 and named the area New Sweden. The second great wave of immigration from Sweden to the United States followed poor harvests and overpopulation in the early 1840s, when thousands of Swedes were encouraged by their government to settle in America. They traveled north, south and west through Boston, New York and Philadelphia. Chicago became the American Swedish population center, with more than 40,000 Swedes in 1880, followed by Minnesota, Maine, Kansas and western New York. Three late 19th-century Swedish psalmodikons found in the area of Jamestown, New York, are in the private collection of master craftsman Dennis Dorogi’s family, Brocton, New York. Jamestown’s significant Swedish population started growing in 1846 with Swedish immigrants who settled in the area after diminished resources and sickness forced them to curtail their westward movement along the Erie Canal to the Great Lakes. Close examination of the Dorogi psalmodikons found in the Jamestown, NY - Erie, PA area revealed no maker’s signatures or dates and no information yet indicating how they made their way to WNY. But there is ample data documenting Scandinavian immigrants, especially Swedish, traveling on the early 19th century Erie Canal from Albany to Buffalo and then on to the Great Lakes. 12 NORDSTJERNAN
Period folk instruments
The fretted dulcimer, also known as the lap, mountain or Appalachian dulcimer, initially emerged in the southern Appalachian Mountains. The fretted dulcimer is often confused with the hammered dulcimer, a multi-stringed harp played with small wooden hammers. The word “dulcimer” may have entered 16th century English through Latin translations of the Bible (Daniel 3:5), and was broadly applied by Appalachian settlers. With a diatonic fret pattern and a raised fretboard, the fretted dulcimer is easy to play and can be considered a true “folk” instrument. The dulcimer’s distinctive design and musical qualities link it to several 16th- to 20th century Swedish folk instruments. My research has revealed obvious Swedish musical ancestors to the fretted dulcimer as it exists in the United States today. Detailed links substantiate the theory that immigrants from the region of Lake Siljan in central Sweden and south to Malmö brought their folk music and instruments (the psalmodikon, hummel, and perhaps the diatonic key pattern of the moraharpa) to America beginning in the 18th century. More than any other immigrant group, these musicians sparked the development of the fretted dulcimer. Two medieval ballads—“Systrarna” (Sisters), a medieval Swedish murder ballad, and a 1656 English ballad called “The Twa Sisters” (Child ballad #10)—share similar references to supernatural restoration of a broken soul through music. In the
ballads, a maiden is drowned by her jealous sister, and through a viol or harp (a fiddle is the usual instrument in Scandinavian ballads) furnished by some part of her body, she reveals the identity of her killer. Among the English texts is the “hair” incident: “He’s taen three locks o’ her yellow hair, An wi them strung his harp sae fair.” And in Swedish: “Spelmän tog hennes gullgula har, Och gjorde där harposträngar av.” (The fiddler took her golden hair, And made harp strings from it.) In one Swedish version and in nearly all the Norwegian texts, the maiden is restored to life. The harp is dashed against a stone or upon the floor, and the maiden stands forth disenchanted. “The Twa Sisters” has a similar reference: “And when she died, the fiddles played, Her father heard how she had been slayed.” A version of this text was collected by John Jacob Niles in eastern Kentucky in 1932. The textual similarities between the Swedish, English, and later American forms of these ballads illustrate how literary themes survive centuries of crosscultural generation—and how traditional craft and music can persist together across time and place.
A musical paradox
The violin—in Swedish, fidele—was banned by the Lutheran Church in Sweden in the early 19th century for leading to dancing. Following a spelmän (fiddler), young girls might be enticed to dance or to go into the woods or near the waters. In a rural culture with dances and music for almost every occasion and holiday, and where deep spruce woods and cool fresh waters are everywhere, that ban was somewhat paradoxical. The church encouraged choral singing, but for rural congregations that could not afford a piano or an organ, musical accompaniment was a problem. In 1828 Swedish Lutheran pastor Johan Dillner learned of the Estonian mollpill, a long variously shaped musical instrument with one string over a raised fretboard, held on the lap or table top and played with a short horsehair bow. Dillner wrote a special psalmbok for his improved psalmodikon, using the sifferskrift or tablature method (playing by fret number). With the psalmodikon, he taught rural Swedish choirs hymn singing and four-part harmony. Dillner was ordained in 1839 in the Östervalla parish of Uppsala, just north of Stockholm, where he encouraged his parishioners to hantverk—build their own—and play their psalmodikons. Before long, there were more than 10,000 psalmodikons in his area. Sifferskrift psalmbooks are today very collectible and clear evidence of a nonsecular cultural heritage. The Swedish Museum of the Performing Arts in Stockholm has a unique collection of Scandinavian folk music instruments including hundreds of Swedish psalmodikons. Spruce trees grow straight and tall in central Sweden, and it is the dominant wood, followed by
The psalmodicon (psalmodikon or salmodikon) is typically a single-stringed musical instrument, developed in Scandinavia for simplifying music in churches and schools, and providing an alternative to the fiddle for sacred music. The instrument could be plucked or bowed. Beginning in the early 19th century, it was adopted by many rural churches in Scandinavia; later, immigrants brought the instrument to the United States. At the time, many congregations could not afford organs. Dance instruments were considered inappropriate for sacred settings, so violins were not allowed. The psalmodikon, on the other hand, was inexpensive to build, was not used for dancing, took up little space, and could be played by people with little musical training. Its slow, melodic quality worked well with the hymns of the period. Examples of older printed music from these churches often have numbers written over the words, corresponding to numbers painted on the fret board of the psalmodikon. This system, known as siffernotskrift, allowed players who could not read standard musical notation to accompany hymns. As churches saved money for organs, however, psalmodikons became less common; by the late 20th century, they were rarely seen outside museums. (Wikipedia) birch. During the holiday of Midsommar, the third founded the Augustana Lutheran Synod in North weekend of June and the summer solstice, people America. Other players and pastors carried their decorate homes, boats, streets and poles with green psalmodikons to America through the 19th and birch boughs, but spruce is the wood of choice for 20th centuries. Psalmodikons can still be found more practical construction. Fine straight spruce in Swedish museums and private collections in logs were sometimes given as rural wedding gifts New York, Illinois, California, Pennsylvania, New and were then used to make utensils, furniture, Jersey, Minnesota, Maine, Tennessee, the Virginias shoes ... and musical stringed instruments. and elsewhere. The psalmodikon was often made entirely of Nils R. Caspersson spruce, sometimes joined with handwrought metal or wooden nails or hide glue and dovetail joints. The absence of fretwire, readily available today, forced ingenious solutions with carved fret markers, alternately colored tone marking, and floating bridges. Strings were made of gut or tightly wound fibers. L. P. Esbjorn learned in 1846 to play the psalmodikon from the wife of Pastor Olaf Forsell of the Östervalla parish. Esbjorn immigrated three years later to the United States, perhaps down the Erie Canal, where he The author playing his psalmodikon in the snow. MARCH 01, 2020 13
feature
STOCKHOLM
in the off-season
14 NORDSTJERNAN
Off-season = a time of year other than the busiest season for a specific activity when fares are usually lower. Most people travel in the summer. And yet, every major city has a lot to offer, no matter how busy it is, no matter the season. With at least one quarter of all foreign tourists visiting Stockholm during the summer, the city’s offerings grow and change almost daily. In this and our next issue we explore what Sweden’s capital has to offer the creative, curious or adventurous. It does matter where you stay, depending on whether you’re looking for activities, interesting tours, shopping, nightlife or want to explore as many museums as possible. If you’re looking for a bit of everything, there’s no better place than downtown. With well over a hundred hotels to choose from, we found a facility where history meets new energy, much like Stockholm itself—and minutes from major museums, theaters, shopping and many of the renowned Stockholm eateries.
T
he first thing we saw was a crystal chandelier, one of the largest in Europe, with more than 11,000 handmade prisms. My wife Roxie and I had just checked in at Hotel Kungsträdgården, where we would stay for the next three days. We were entering its 18th century courtyard, now turned into the multi-floored Brasserie Makalös, at the top of which hung the magnificent chandelier under a glass roof. It was amazing, but far from the only remarkable thing about this recently renovated hotel named for and situated next to Kungsträdgården, the King’s Garden, in the very center of Stockholm. The original building was constructed for Countess Eva Bielke in the 1760s in a style known as Gustavian, often described as a twist on French Classicism. Little has changed. Eva Bielke’s presence is still felt, making you feel as if you’re back in the 18th century. Our room was so Gustavian it made the television look out of place. It also featured a chandelier, albeit a small one, and offered a view of Kungsträdgården. I noticed the park’s small pond being turned into a skating rink, an indication that winter was about to set in. It was late October, and definitely off season. Still, as we were to find out, there were plenty of things to do in the Swedish capital.
Location, location, location
That brings to mind the great location of the hotel. The Royal Palace and the Old Town are about a fiveminute walk away, and just around the corner are the Opera House and nearby Nybroviken where ferries depart for the archipelago. As for shopping, the Gallerian Mall is practically next door, and a few minutes stroll will bring you to the department store NK. Also within easy walking distance is Kulturhuset, the House of Culture, with a profusion of offerings throughout the fall: theater, dance, concerts, design, literature, film, exhibits – the list goes on. Before joining Roxie for dinner at Brasserie, I spoke briefly with the concierge, Linus Nerman, who told me of the painstaking job the founder of the hotel, Jörgen Björnstad, had done to transform the old courtyard into a spectacular restaurant. Every effort had been made to make it truly French. A wrought iron balcony and wall-climbing plants helped make us feel as if we were in a Parisian courtyard, but that seemed of little consequence compared to what the food and drink were all about. Our dinnertime meal was scrumptious. My appetizer: Crème bruleé au foi gras. It came with figs and croutons and was absolutely delicious. As for Roxie, she chose Saint-Jacques au pastis, and toContinues on next page Previous page: Hotel Kungsträdgården’s 18th century courtyard, now turned into the multi-floored Brasserie Makalös. This page: our room with a view of Kungsträdgården, The King’s Garden, was so Gustavian it made the television look out of place.
MARCH 01, 2020 15
feature gether we shared some Riesling Classic Josmeyer. For a main course I picked boeuf bourguignon, said to be the restaurant’s most famous dish, and Roxie decided on cuisse de canard grille. Wine: Chateau le Fleur de Pins Rouge. Quoting my wife: “It was wonderful.” More insight into the workings of Brasserie Makalös followed when, on the next day, I met with Rayan, the Toulouse-born chef, and watched him whip together one dish after the other. Amazingly specific about his likes and dislikes, he even let me know which were his favorite dishes, marking them on the menu. Not surprisingly, the crème brulée was on his list, and so was cuisse de canard grille. Not altogether unexpectedly, the bouef bourguignon was not. Though very satisfactory, I didn’t think it met with the incredibly high standard of the restaurant. Incidentally, the word makalös means peerless or unrivaled, and refers to the colloquial name of a grand mansion once situated south of Kungsträdgården. As for peerless or unrivaled, the morning croissant was the most delicious I’ve ever eaten.
Theater and more dining
A booklet introduced us to Syster Disel, the play we were about to see: “Meet the nurse from Hell, who gives you both first and last help. This comedy is a reckless pursuit of all the clichés of well-brought-
Sw eden
up nurses and nimble-fingered physicians. Décor and movie bits are mixed with well-known songs.” The somewhat scatological performance took place in the slightly cramped space, Under Fontänen (Under the Fountain) at Sergels torg, and included lunch for everyone at small tables with red checkered tablecloths. The nurse, played by Åsa Danielsson, kept us captivated, occasionally mingling with the audience or, during movie clips, disappearing behind the screen. Even Roxie, who understands only a few words of Swedish, was entertained. As for the lunch, it consisted of celery and truffle soup with pickled carrots and fresh bread, and was tasty indeed. It may have been off season - there was a noticeable lack of tourists - and not overly crowded, but there was a lot of action. After five years renovation and refurbishment, the National Museum, Sweden’s premier museum of art and design, had re-opened its doors and was featuring a number of exhibits. We went in, and I was especially reminded of how Dutch paintings from the 17th century were abundantly represented. The same can be said of the museum’s collection of French paintings from the 18th century. And there were also all the Swedish classics: Carl Larsson, Ernst Josephson, C.F. Hill and Anders Zorn, whose work I understand the museum is about to showcase as
a whole in 2020, the year marking the 100th anniversary of his death. During a leisurely walk in Gamla Stan, the Old City, both Roxie and I were struck by how alive it all felt. Had this been summer, the cobblestone streets would have been packed. Now they were just lively, not overcrowded, giving you enough space to fully enjoy yourself. What a lovely mix of classic old with a bit of new. Earlier we had passed Den Gyldene Freden (since 1722) - the world’s second oldest restaurant to have the same surroundings according to Guinness World Records - and were now approaching Vapiano, serving pastas, pizzas and more, and very much a 21st century euro chic phenomenon. The last time we visited Stockholm we had a wonderful time at Den Gyldene Freden. This time around we thoroughly enjoyed a freshly-made gourmet pizza. Text & Photography: Bo Zaunders www.hotelkungstradgarden.se www.nationalmuseum.se/en/ www.kulturhusetstadsteatern.se/Teater/Soppteatern For more general information on Stockholm: www.visitstockholm.com
Experience
in 2020
TASTE OF SWEDEN & NORWAY
July 9 - 18 Stockholm, Uppsala and Dalarna with visit to home of Carl Larsson as well as Oslo, Norway’s fjord country and Bergen
CAPTIVATING SCANDINAVIA
July 18 - 31 Bergen, Norway’s fjord country, Oslo, Copenhagen, the Swedish Glass District, Gothenburg and Stockholm For additional tour options and booking, please contact:
WWW.BREKKETOURS.COM
1-800-437-5302 / tours@brekketours.com 16 NORDSTJERNAN
Above: Rayan, the Toulouse-born chef of Restaurant Makalös, brings a bit of Paris to Stockholm.
Next page, clockwise, beginning with Rayan preparing one of the rstaurant’s signature dishes, the bouef bourguignon / The magnificent entrance to the newly renovated Nationalmuseum / For a change of scenery you may want to catch a trip by boat / Guard outside the Royal Palace at Lejonbacken, “The Lion’s Slope.”
The total number of guest nights at commercial housing facilities in Sweden in the summer of 2019 amounted to 29.4 million, and not surprisingly, those three summer months account for about 40 percent of annual guest nights. In the summer of 2019, guests in Sweden from the U.S. increased by 14 percent compared to the same period the previous year, which, with close to 425,000 guest nights, makes the U.S. Sweden’s fifth largest foreign market.
MARCH 01, 2020 17
news in brief
Social democrats at historically low level
BORTA BRA MEN HEMMA BÄST Känn dig hemma med Original Swedish Snus. GeneralSnus.com/Find
The Social Democrats are the big losers after the party ruled the country for a year, shows the SVT-Novus latest voter barometer. Nearly 150,000 S-voters have moved to the Left Party and 110,000 have gone to the Sweden Democrats, so their success is largely due to the losses of the Social Democrats, according to Novus. S has lost over seven percentage points and is at a historically low level of just over 24 percent. And 490,000 voters left S in the past year. Otherwise, the opinion picture is relatively stable.
Löfvén wants to lead s in the 2022 election
Prime Minister Stefan Löfven writes on Facebook that he intends to remain as party leader for the Social Democrats until after the next parliamentary election. “I look forward to leading the Social Democratic Party in the 2022 election and the important work of the labor movement to continue to build a stronger and more equitable society,” Party leader and prime minister Löfven writes. The party has poor opin- Stefan Löfvén intends to remain in ion figures and it has been speculated his position for the 2022 election. on how long Löfven will lead the party. He became party leader in 2012 and has been prime minister since 2014.
Downward revised GDP
The government is predicting a slowing Swedish economy. Finance Minister Magdalena Andersson expects unemployment in the country to rise from 6.8% last year to 7% this year and next. Andersson expects GDP to increase 1.1% this year and 1.6% in 2021. In connection with the budget proposition last autumn, GDP growth was projected at 1.4% this year and 1.8% in 2021. “We see that growth in Sweden is now slowing down, and it is clear that the international economic slowdown is affecting the Swedish economy,” the finance minister said at a press conference.
©2019 Swedish Match North Europe AB
Expansion of the army
WARNING: This product can cause mouth cancer. 18 NORDSTJERNAN
The army must grow in size. This was stated by Defense Minister Peter Hultqvist in his speech at the national conference of Folk och Försvars (Society and Defense, www.folkochforvar.se) in Sälen in January. Ahead of the parliamentary decision on defense later this year, the government’s line is that the number of conscripts should increase from 5,000 to 8,000 in 2025, he said. In that case, the increase will take a year longer than the Defense Committee proposed. Politicians from the Christian Democrats and the Liberals have criticized Hultqvist for decreasing the defense of Stockholm, from a brigade to a combat group.
New CEO at H&M
CEO Karl-Johan Persson succeeds his father Stefan Persson as H&M’s chairman of the board, and the family installs Helena Helmersson as new CEO in connection with the general meeting this spring. The change on the board of H&M means Stefan Persson will leave his position in the clothing empire after 20 years at the post. Most analysts consider it a signal that the restructuring of the company is over. For the fourth quarter, which ended in H&M’s broken fiscal year in November, the clothing chain Helena Helmersson reported a pre-tax profit of SEK 5,403 million. In the corresponding period last year, the company made a profit of SEK 4,352 million. The increase in profit was greater than expected. Sales amounted to SEK 61,694 million, compared with SEK 56,414 million a year earlier.
language & culture
Lesson 6 (Har haft) (has had/have had Discover Swedish is not a regular language course. Teachers and other professionals in the language field may object to the fact that it leaves out bits and pieces, and simplifies language learning. That is a calculated move: These lessons are for regular readers, maybe even beginners, trying to get a grip on another language. Subscribers eager to look back at earlier lessons, numbers 1-5, please check our online digital content in issues 16-18, 2019 and 01-02, 2020: www.nordstjernan.com/digital_issues Discover Swedish concentrates on grammar, hopefully in a playful way, but serious at the same time. The playfulness is illustrated in the examples and exercises. It aims at pointing out similarities but also differences between the two languages. Apart from grammar and the overall structure of Swedish, these lessons also teach how to use your own experience with vocabulary. Discover
Swedish demonstrates shortcuts, mainly based on the influences of Latin and Greek—languages that are the foundation of English, Swedish and the Germanic languages. The lessons will include crosswords, fill-in sections, personal questions, Odd Man Out, word groups (like family, colors, animals), jokes, silly translations, short texts in Swedish, all in a kind of Swedish atmosphere. By partaking in Discover Swedish you will no doubt get a grip on Swedish and you may even learn a lot about svenska (the language) och svenskarna (the people of Sweden). Christer Amnéus
Perfektum/the perfect “I have had a good time in Stockholm.” Ordlista i slutet av varje övning/Vocabulary at the end of each exercise Sammanfattning/Conclusion: Again, notice that the Swedish grammar can be quite simple. HAR HAFT in English, would be either “has had” or “have had.” As you’ll find out, the names of the colors are pretty much the same too. Silly translation: “Shot around yourself” “Shot around yourself” would be “Sköt om dig,”meaning “Take care.” Sköta / sköta om: take care of. In a somewhat different spelling but same pronunciation, skjöt/skjutit means (has/have) shot. Övningar / Exercises on page 21.
Uses:
jag har haft du har haft han har haft hon har haft den har haft det har haft vi har haft ni har haft de/domhar haft
I have had you have had he has had she has had it has had it has had we have had you have had they have had
1. Löpande text/Running text:
Ordförråd/Vocabulary röd: red / grön: green / gul: yellow / blå: blue / brun: brown / svart: black / vit: white / trädgård: garden / i dag: today / regn: rain / månad: month
Vi har haft en röd bil, en grön trädgård och en gul villa. Vi har också haft en blå bil, en grön trädgård och en brun villa. Vi har också haft en svart Volvo och en vit Saab och i dag har vi en brun gräsmatta. Vi har inte haft regn på en månad.
Continues on page 21
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,
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MARCH 01, 2020 19
local events
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language & culture 1. Katter och hundar/Cats and dogs. Jag har haft tre katter. Du har haft två fruar. Hon har haft tre män. Vi har haft ett hus i San Diego. Har ni haft en Volvo eller en Tesla? De har haft en cockerspaniel.
Ordförråd/Vocabulary tre: three / katt: cat / två: two / fru: wife / män: husbands/men
Continued from previous page 5. Röd, grön och blå/Red, green and blue. Vilken färg har…/What color is … (Välj den mest typiska färgen på svenska/ Choose the most likely color – in Swedish)
2. Ford och bondgård/Ford and farm. Översätt/Translate: 1.
I have had a (en) cat.
3.
John has had a (en) wife.
1. natten
___________
Old MacDonald has had a (en) farm.
3. blodet
___________
3. En dålig dag/A bad day. Översätt/Translate:
5. oceanen
2. 4. 5.
Sue has had a (ett) house.
2. gräset
They have had a (en) Ford.
4. solen 6. albatrossen
“Har du haft en bra dag?”
7 björnen
“Nej, jag har haft en dålig dag. Vi har haft influensa i familjen.” “Har du också haft influensa?”
“Nej, men jag har haft en tuff dag på jobbet.” “Har du haft mycket att göra?”
“Nej, jag har förlorat mitt jobb.”
Ordförråd/Vocabulary bra: good / dag: day / dålig: bad / influensa: flu / också: too/also / på jobbet: at work / mycket: a lot / att göra: to do / förlora: lose
4. Jobb och bilar/Jobs and cars. Rätt (R) eller fel (F) / Right (R) or wrong (F)?: (Ge dina personliga svar/Give your personal answers.) Jag har haft tre jobb.
R F
or Min man har haft fyra fruar.
R F
Min fru har haft fyra män (husbands). Alla har haft en mamma och en pappa. Vi har haft mer än två bilar.
Jag har haft mer än ett jobb. Min bror har haft tre katter. Vi har haft ett hus i Florida.
Min familj har haft denna bostad (house/apartment) i mer än två år.
R F R F R F R F R F R F R F
(två färger/two colors)
___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________
Ordförråd/Vocabulary natt: night / gräs: grass / blodet: the blood / sol: sun / oceanen: the ocean / albatrossen: the albatross / björnen: the bear
KEY
Löpande text / running text We have had a red automobile/car, a green garden and a yellow villa. We have also had a blue car, a green garden and a yellow villa. Now we have a blue car, a green garden and a brown villa. We have also had a black Volvo and a white Saab and today we have a brown lawn. We have not had rain for a month. KEY 2. Ford och bondgård/Ford and farm. 1. Jag har haft en katt. 2. Sue har haft ett hus. 3. John har haft en fru. 4. De har haft en Ford. 5. Old MacDonald har haft en farm.
nice / morgon: morning / röd: red
KEY 3. En dålig dag/A bad day “Have you had a good day? “No, I have had a bad day. We have had the flu in the/my family.” “Have you had the flu as well?” “No, but I have had a tough day at work.” “Have you had a lot to do?” “No, I have lost/I lost my job.”
5. Colors. Skriv rätt svenskt namn under resp färg/ Write the correspondent name of the color in Swedish below the squares.
KEY 5. Färger/Colors (L-R) 1.röd, 2. grön, 3. blå, 4. gul, 5. vit, 6. brun 7. svart
vit – brun – blå – röd – grön – gul - svart
KEY 6. Röd, grön och blå/Red, green and blue. 1.svart, 2. grön (grönt), 3. röd (rött), 4. gul, 5. blå, 6. vit, 7. brun/svart
Jag har haft en fin morgon. Vi har haft en röd bil.
R F R F
Ordförråd/Vocabulary bil: automobile/car / mer än: more than / år: year/s / fin: fine,
Välkommen till nästa övning. Welcome to the next exercise, on Vokabulär/Vocabulary 1 - Internationella ändelser/International endings in issue 04, 2020. 1 ________ 2 ________ 3 ________ 4 ________ 5 ________ 6 ________ 7 ________ MARCH 01, 2020 21
news in brief
Swedish News Bio fuel for aviation
By 2030, one-third of aviation fuel should consist of biofuels, according to a study from last year. Already by 2022, the percentage should be one percent. However, it is unclear whether the government supports the proposal. The government is planning a bill on biofuels this spring but there are several uncertainties: The technology is expensive and requires large amounts of raw forest material. There is also no fullscale facility in Sweden. A municipal test facility in Gothenburg was closed due to lack of profitability.
Tax on plastic bags
The Swedish parliament Riksdagen has decided to tax plastic bags used in stores to carry purchased goods. The tax will be three kronor and will result in a plastic bag costing between SEK 6 and 7 for the customer (just under $1). The tax goes into effect on March 1 this year. According to the government, it will generate a tax revenue of SEK 2.7 billion annually which will be used to reduce the tax on work. The trade organization Svensk Handel (Swedish Trade Federation) is critical in part because most of the bags are reused for garbage and later burned.
More to be jailed in home countries
The government wants courts and prisons to act faster to move more convicted foreign citizens to prisons in their home countries. The aim is to free up capacity at congested correctional institutions in Sweden. Today there are approximately 1,400 foreign nationals in Swedish prisons. “We have a lack of efficiency which means that some people who should be serving prison sentences in their home countries do not,” said Interior Minister Mikael Damberg.
Missed broadband access target
The government’s broadband target was for 95 percent of households to have 100 mbits of broadband in 2020. The Swedish Post and Telecom Agency estimates that a total of SEK 22 billion is needed to reach the next targets for 2023 and 2025. The government has announced 650 million in the budget. Digitization Minister Anders Ygeman does not believe that more government money will be needed: “Broadband expansion must primarily be market driven.” He wants to see a tougher stance toward operators that don’t deliver as promised.
Support for adopted
Adopted persons seeking their biological family should be able to receive support in the future. The Government for Family Law and Parent Support is commissioned to run a pilot project for three years, the government says. The agency will receive SEK 2 million for the project, and will be able to provide all internationally adopted people practical help and guidance. 22 NORDSTJERNAN
New January heat records in Sweden Several heat records were set for the month of January in the middle of the month. The highest, according to SMHI was measured in Oskarshamn, which reached 12.1°C (54°F), a new record for the city and the month. Örebro broke its week-old record of 10.5°C with a new one on January 15 at 11.2°. Harstena in the Östergötland archipelago was another record with 11.8°. The year 2019 was the second warmest year on record after 2016, according to the World Meteorological Organization’s consolidated analysis of leading international datasets. 2016 remains the warmest year on record because of the strong El Niño effect that year. A press release from the organization shows average temperatures for the five-year (2015-2019) and 10-year (2010-2019) periods were the highest on record. Since the 1980s each decade has been warmer than the previous one. This trend is expected to continue because of record levels of heat-trapping greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Averaged across the five data sets used in the consolidated analysis, the annual global temperature in 2019 was 1.1°C warmer than the average for 18501900, used to represent pre-industrial conditions. Modern temperature records began in 1850. WMO uses datasets (based on monthly climatological data from Global Observing Systems) from the United
Key to crossword, page 11
States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies, and the United Kingdom’s Met Office Hadley Centre and the University of East Anglia’s Climatic Research Unit in the United Kingdom. It also uses reanalysis datasets from the European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasts and its Copernicus Climate Change Service, and the Japan Meteorological Agency. This method combines millions of meteorological and marine observations, including from satellites, with models to produce a complete reanalysis of the atmosphere. The combination of observations with models makes it possible to estimate temperatures at any time and in any place across the globe, even in data-sparse areas such as the polar regions. The spread between the five data sets was 0.15°C with both the lowest (1.05°C) and the highest (1.20°C) being more than 1°C warmer than the pre-industrial baseline. For more info, see www.wmo.int
THE VASA STAR VASASTJÄRNAN
winter 2020 Publication of The Vasa Order of America
Young members of Linde Lodge No. 492 in Wisconsin during the 2019 Christmas program. Photo: George Katsekes.
MESSAGE FROM THE GRAND MASTER dear vasa members,
National Archive News
More than 74,000 pages of genealogy and lodge records are now digitized and available for viewing. / p25 archive news » 25
Welcome to 2020! Hoping everyone had a GREAT time celebrating the holidays, attending festivals and Lucia pageants. Nancy and I attended Bishop Hill Archives and enjoyed the Living Julgran fundraiser and meeting the local population. I was very surprised
to see so many people visiting Bishop Hill. The main street was completely full of cars and shoppers. The Vasa Archives was excellently decorated, thanks to our Archivist Kathy Cuff. Wow!! Very impressive. Kathy has done a great job fitting in with the locals in addition to being Chairman
of Lodge Bishop Hill #683. The lodge rented the local one-room schoolhouse and had a dinner and Lucia that was wonderful, at least 80 members attending. In addition, many members of Lodge Brage #764 Peoria were also in attendance. If you have not been to our
Grand Lodge News
Local Lodge News
Swedish News
The Local Lodge Ritual has been revised to facilitate the increase of more visitorand guest-friendly lodge meetings. / 25
new rituals for handbook » p25
/ continued on p26
Our favorite time of the year was celebrated Our Swedish brothers and sisters celebrate with Lucia and dancing frogs, smörgåsbords, the holidays, and their growing membership is a testament to our organization. / p33 hockey and so much more. / p27
grand lodge news » p26
in memoriam » p26
local lodge news » p27
swedish news » p33
THE VASA STAR / Winter 2020
EDITOR’S MESSAGE
issue highlights
As I write this, my daughter is venturing out into Stockholm for the first time in her life. She got off the plane a couple hours ago and is right this minute walking the historic streets of our motherland’s capital city. She’ll have time for sightseeing tomorrow, but she doesn’t want to waste a moment of the hour she has to spare right now: She decided it’s the perfect opportunity for a proper introduction to Sweden – and has found a charming café for her first proper Swedish fika in Sweden. I think she will have spent her first hour very well. Perhaps especially if that bakery hasn’t already sold out of the daily semlor, which I hear are no longer reserved only for Fettisdagen (Fat Tuesday) but are nowadays enjoyed all throughout these “oxveckor” (the weeks between the Christmas holidays and Easter). We are catching on to that in the U.S. as well – and if you’re lucky, you can take part in a Vasa lodge
meeting or field trip that includes a semla or two sometime during these oxveckor. That might not be explicitly mentioned in the pages here, but other things certainly are, not the least of which are the beautiful Swedish Lucias and all that “Swedish jul” we are so proud to share. Meantime, while you are enjoying all the photos of our beloved Swedish Lucia holiday in this issue, make a note to take photos at other events you host or attend – and send the best ones along with your contributions to vasaeditor@gmail.com. The Vasa Star offers your lodge the chance to mention what is coming up (semla anyone?) and what our Vasa brothers and sisters can plan to attend, or perhaps get ideas for their own meetings. Thanks to many of you who are already doing that! If your lodge is taking a hiatus or your calendar isn’t flush with details, share a (large, clear digital) photo of a member’s trip to Sweden or a special recipe your lodge uses. I hope you get to enjoy that very tasty part of our heritage as well – perhaps during fika with friends.
Submit Material to
Vasa Star PO Box 13331 Milwaukee WI 53213-0331
Folkdräkt display for a recent program at Runeberg No. 137 / p29
A very special Swedish anniversary cake. Tegner No. 149 / p28
the vasa star Winter 2020 Vol. 112, No. 1, Serial 852 Published by The Vasa Order of America www.vasaorder.com
bästa hälsningar, amanda
vasaeditor@gmail.com
Cooking class of winter comfort food – soup - with Roxanne Schulkin. / p27
Remember the Vasa Archives
Victoria Peterson (happy “Namnsdag” on March 12!), the Vinland No. 703 Lucia. / p31
For our next issue:
By April 15
Family Tree Släktutredningar
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
when you are making a memorial donation
I am a member of the Vasa Order in Sweden and an expert in Swedish genealogy. Over the years I have helped many Vasa members to find their roots in Sweden.
Send articles, photos & memorials to: The Vasa Star PO Box 13331 Milwaukee WI 53213-0331 vasaeditor@gmail.com
Send your donations to: Vasa National Archives PO Box 101, Bishop Hill, IL 61419
If you want my help to find your Swedish ancestors, please email me for further information: swedengen@telia.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.
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
Membership Chairman / Ed Netzel 2576 Old Kenmare 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 24
WWW.VASAORDER.COM
Winter 2020 / THE VASA STAR
ARCHIVES NEWS A message from the president of Vasa National Archives dear fellow vasa members and friends of the vasa national archives,
Thank you for donating generously to the successful 2019 Julgran Fundraiser. Some donations came after the Christmas holiday and those are being calculated now. I will give you the fundraiser details in my next article. The Archives Board held a meeting in Bishop Hill the first weekend in December. Seven members attended the meeting and shared in the festivities going on
in the village that weekend. Members of Bishop Hill Lodge No. 683 graciously invited all visiting Board members and their spouses to attend their annual Lucia Pageant and Smörgåsbord. As you know, the Archives is closed to the public during the winter. Kathy Cuff plans projects, exhibits and programs for the coming year; she sorts, restores and files donations and researches grant opportunities during these quiet months. The Library Collection inventory begun
last summer is now complete: 5,413 books were inspected and conditioned. Many were deaccessioned, resulting in donations to more appropriate venues; 2,833 books remain that are relative to the VNA Collection Policy. Kathy will update you regularly regarding the ongoing Digitization Project. There is still much to be done to complete this project and work is underway to secure available grants. Member donations toward this opportunity are
greatly appreciated. The Vasa National Archives will be its best when we all do our part. Thank you for your support of the Vasa National Archives. i n tru th a n d u n ity ,
b i ll lu n d q u is t
p r es id en t va sa n atio n al a rch iv es
Digitizing lodge and genealogical records The Vasa Order of America National activities of this Swedish-American Archives is pleased to announce more organization. The microfilmed records than 74,000 pages of Swedish-Amer- document activities that helped immiican lodge records are now available grants adjust to their new country, and online at www.umvphotoarchive.org. the efforts they made to keep Nordic These records document the largest traditions alive for future generations. and oldest Swedish-American fraternal During the 1980s and 90s, the Vasa organization and some of its predeces- Order hired Lennart Setterdahl to sor organizations. The records come microfilm Local Lodge and District from lodges located in Connecticut and Lodge records as he traveled on other Massachusetts and are dated between business. The work resulted in 690 1880s-1990s. The records are in English, microfilms from 687 local and district Swedish and a mix of the two languages. lodges. While 66 microfilms have The microfilms include minutes, been digitized and are available online financial ledgers, membership informa- at www.umvphotoarchive.org, all are tion, and activity information for the available for on-site research. Grants Vasa Order. The microfilm collection will be sought to finish digitizing the contains copies of records from the microfilms. earliest days of the Vasa Order and the The Vasa Order began gathering ge-
A ledger of protocols from the Lodge Linné of Middletown, CT, founded March 1, 1899.
nealogical records from lodge members in the 1980s and continues to do so today. The records come from across the Sweden, the U.S. and Canada. Most record three generations of a family and many contain more genealogical information. These records are avail-
able online at www.umvphotoarchive. org. Individuals are welcome to add their own research to the genealogical information to the Vasa National Archive records. Microfilm digitization was supported in part by an award from the Illinois State Historical Records Advisory Board, through funding from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission, National Archives and Records Administration. Contact the Vasa National Archives at VasaArchivist@gmail.com or 309-927-3898 for more information. i n tru th a n d u n ity ,
k ath y cu f f , m a n ag er - a rch iv is t
vasa n atio n al a rch iv es
GRAND LODGE NEWS Updated ritual available for Vasa Handbook Just as churches have rituals and ceremonies (Sunday services, Order of Worship, weddings, funerals, etc.), so do we as a fraternal organization have rituals. Our rituals include ceremonies such as Initiation of New Members, Installation of Officers, Memorial Services and the Order of Business. In recent years, our ceremonies and Order of Business have become less formal. In an effort to make our Order of Business more welcoming and less rigid, the Grand Lodge delegates and officers voted in 2018 to update the
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Opening of our Local Lodge Ritual and Vice Chairman. Members and to make it more visitor/guest friendly. Local Lodge Secretaries may order Non-members are welcome at our additional copies ($3.00/each) or the meetings and are no longer required complete Vasa Handbook ($14.00/ to leave the lodge room during the includes postage) from the Vice Grand Opening of a meeting. The Installation Secretary (VGS) Marlene Patient, 337 of Officers ceremony was updated, as River St., Leicester, MA 04824. well. The revised Local Lodge Ritual has been printed and is available to The Constitution for Grand Lodge, place in the Vasa Handbook (“white District Lodge and Local Lodge was book”). The hope is that members updated and is also available ($3.00) will be more comfortable using the from VGS Marlene to insert in your new ritual in our local lodge meetings. Vasa Handbook. Two copies of the updated Local Electronic versions of these docuLodge Ritual have been mailed to ments (Local Lodge Ritual and Coneach lodge for use by the Chairman stitution) are available, to any member,
by contacting the Grand Secretary Joanie Graham at vasajlg@aol.com. When emailing your request, please state your local lodge name and number. If we all use the Local Lodge Ritual, our meetings will run smoothly, and members visiting from other lodges will feel “at home” when they recognize the same format during the meetings. We are all part of the greater organization Vasa Order of America our “Vasa family.” submitted by joanie graham, grand secretary
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THE VASA STAR / Winter 2020
GRAND LODGE NEWS The Grand Master’s Message (continued from page 23) Archives, it is a place you should visit. Nancy and I were very busy visiting Vasa Districts and local Lodge Lucias every weekend in December. What a wonderful time we had. The children are fantastic! Our 125th anniversary is coming up. Please again send in your year-end reports, including the name of the cur-
rent District Master, to Alice Iverson, GL Historian at 285 23 rd St., Astoria, OR 97103. Sister Alice will pull out important information for the last 25 Year Vasa History Book update. We all need to put our yearly Vasa work schedule resolution in place. I recommend that District Masters attend other Districts’ conventions and
lodge members attend other lodge meetings. This exchange will assist you in discovering what Vasa is all about. ENTHUSIASM with camaraderie! Be sure to purchase the Grand Lodge Viking Pin to release the “inner Viking” in you! The pins are available from your Grand Lodge Deputy, a member of the Grand Lodge Executive
Cynthia B. Erickson, in memoriam Cynthia B. Erickson, Past Grand ored with a Grand Lodge Honorary Secretary, died December 16, 2019. Life Membership in 2006. Cynthia served as Grand Secretary Cynthia Bethel Fae (Hanske) Erof the Vasa Order of America for ickson was born near Lucan, Minthree terms, from 1994 to 2006. nesota (Redwood County) to Earl Her dedicated service to the Grand and Minnie Hanske on April 27, Lodge began in 1986 when she was 1931. She grew up on the family farm elected Grand Lodge Delegate from assisting with chores including drivDL Pacific Northwest No. 13. At that ing a tractor when she could barely GL convention in Tarrytown, NY, she reach the pedals. She stepped up to was elected Vice Grand Secretary, run the household when her mother thus beginning her 20 years as a was hospitalized, and her father was Grand Lodge Officer. She was hon- injured in a farm accident; every day
IN MEMORIAM
KANSAS
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= longer obituaries of 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.
CAROLYN R. GIBSON, August 17, 1940 - October 7, 2019. Carolyn was featured in a photo with her husband on a tandem bicycle in September 2019’s Nordstjernan/VasaStar - an ad for Lindsborg, KS where she has been a resident since 2000. She died shortly after the photo was taken. Carolyn was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church, Lindsborg Hospital Auxiliary, and Felicity Chapter #371 - Order of the Eastern Star. She is missed by her husband Butch.
CALIFORNIA
Richard will be missed by so many. CANADA
CAREY WINQUIST, 63, of Edmonton ANN TENNIS, September 25, 1919 - Alberta, died January 12, 2020. He will be November 9, 2019, died at the age of lovingly remembered by his wife Donna100. Sister Ann was born in Burt County, Mae, and their children, Eric, Courtney Nebraska, and joined Tegner Lodge No. and Josh; his mother, Sharon Twack; his 149 on February 14, 1984. She is sur- sister Sandra Burger; his brother Todd vived by her son Jon and his wife Terri (Marie) and children Zachary and SimTennis, her grandson Christopher and his one; his sister, Jody Ryan (Donovan) and wife Krista with their children (Ann’s children Thomas, Matthew and Michelle; great grandchildren) Roland and Arlo, his aunts June, Sonja and Doreen, as well her granddaughter Emily and husband as many cousins, extended family and John, and her granddaughter Rachel and friends. Carey was predeceased by his fahusband Alex. ther Erling Winquist, and his grandparents, Astrid and Albert Winquist. Carey enjoyed his family, hockey, reading, golf and his cabin at Vasa Park. He was a member of Skandia No. 549 in Edmonton since 1985. page 26
Cynthia drove her father to the doctor for penicillin shots before it was legal for her to drive. She graduated from Milroy High School in 1949 and was awarded a scholarship to attend Augsburg College in St. Paul, Minnesota where she met her husband John. She graduated from nursing school and went to work for the Northern Pacific Hospital (associated with the Northern Pacific Railway) until 1955. Cynthia and John married on December 21, 1952 while John was on furlough from the Army Corps of Engineers. With their two sons they moved to Renton, Washington in 1958 to be close to John’s father. Cynthia continued to work as a nurse primarily at Riverton Hospital and was the choir director at Highlands Community Church. They had another son and moved to Issaquah, Washington in 1965, about the time John started his own sales representative business. Cynthia left the nursing profession and managed the office as the business grew. Cynthia and John joined Skogsblomman Lodge #378 shortly
Board or me. They make great little gifts! Remember the Order needs a VIBRANT, ENTHUSIASTIC MEMBERSHIP – GET THE WORD OUT! TV TV TV (Talk Vasa) with ENTHUSIASM! in truth and unity, art bjorkner,grand master
after their move to Issaquah; she was elected as the local lodge recording secretary immediately after they joined. In her spare time, Cynthia served as secretary for the Thalia Symphony board of directors, directed the Issaquah Singers and was the secretary for Vasa Home Association (Vasa Park) for several years. She became more involved with Vasa Order of America, holding various offices as the District 13 Secretary and District 13 District Master. Cynthia and John retired in 1996 and started a snowbird lifestyle, shuttling between Issaquah and Apache Junction, Arizona until 2018. They moved to University House Issaquah and lived there until Cynthia suffered a fall around Memorial Day 2019. She entered hospice care in October but lived together with John at a retirement facility in Bothell, Washington. Cynthia died peacefully on December 16, 2019 from end stage Alzheimer’s Disease after seeing most of the extended family, all of whom she recognized up to the end. She is survived by husband John, sons John, Paul, daughter-in-law Gurpreet and grandchildren Angela, Paul, Michael, Per and Devon. Her son Phil preceded her in death by five years. A memorial celebration will be held at the Vasa Park Ballroom in Bellevue, Washington at a date yet to be determined.
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Winter 2020 / THE VASA STAR
LOCAL LODGE NEWS
Holiday greeting from Ingeborg.
Ingeborg No. 66
brockton, ma / It’s been a very pro-
ductive and exciting program year. September started with a welcome back luncheon and October’s program was “Christmas in Norway” by Barbara DeCarli, who made sandebakkels, hermits and Julekage. In November, members learned the art of cookie decorating, and December’s celebrations included IKEA’s Lucia Fest and a Christmas Julbord with a Swedish sing-along. In February we had officer installation and a Dala horse painting program. March’s program is “Sami people of Scandinavia,” and in April is Påsk - we’ll make Easter trees to take home. We have our annual banquet in May, Midsommar at SAC Park in Shrewsbury in June. We have fun sharing and learning the culture and traditions of Sweden - join us. Contact Secretary Lynne Kenyon for information
Fylgia soup cooking class with Roxanne Schulkin.
Fylgia No. 119
san francisco, ca /Our new year began with a January cooking class of winter comfort food - soup - followed by a business meeting to make some decisions for the year. Dwayne Erickson graciously invited us to his home to make korv and break bread January 18. In February the theme for the cooking class was sandwich cakes. We also made påskris at the Swedish American Hall in early February. The menu for March’s cooking class is undecided, but we’ll also have a business meeting and fika in March. We will join Dwayne again for his famous tour and whale watching at Devil’s Slide followed by fika at his house in April.
submitted by barbara decarli
Monitor No. 218
sacramento, ca / Monitor finished
submitted by dianne dahlberg Right: Dinner on Leif Erickson Day at Sveadal. Below: Aquavit contest participants and judges on Leif Erickson Day.
The 110th anniversary cake: A classic Swedish prinsesstårta
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VASA members at the 110th anniversary dinner.
the latter half of 2019 with many lodge activities including our annual Julbord and St. Lucia celebrations. We have been encouraging folks to follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ MonitorLodgeSacramento) which includes pictures of our activities. While Monitor added several new members over the year, we also lost several members, including Lillian Stafford (a 75+ member of Vasa) and Kathy Matthews (a long time member of both Monitor Lodge and Sierra Kronan No. 737 who was also very active as a Golden Gate District No. 12 official and as a member of the annual Sacramento Scandinavian Festival). Should folks be in the Sacramento area on April 18, 2020, please join us at our 37th annual celebration (www.facebook.com/sacramentoscandinavianfestival)! submitted by chuck johnson
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THE VASA STAR / Winter 2020
To accordion music provided by Don Sandy, members of the Thule Swedish dance team entertained at Dopp i Gryta after dinner, during which Vice Chairman Susan W. Sipos provided Swedish music.
Thule No. 127
fun time was had by all. Officers in the Thule Lodge are planning events for Lodge concluded its 112th year in Dethe spring, beginning with a pea soup cember with its annual Dopp i Gryta. meal in March. Happy spring to all. A large variety of Swedish foods was served to the many in attendance. A submitted by john sipos jamestown/bemus point, ny / Thule
Tegner No. 149 oakland , ca / In November we celebrated Tegner’s 110th anniversary with PDMs Birgitta and Tore Kellgren, members of other lodges, and our Honorary Life Member Virginia Campbell who now lives in Portland, OR. In December we celebrated Lucia with a scrumptious Christmas smörgåsbord, wonderful homemade glögg, and the Tegner Singers entertained us with traditional songs. Therese Brewitz accompanied on the piano and entertained us with several songs in Swedish.
Folkdräkt program presenters Kari Dietrich Sifferle (left) and Amy Nordlander wearing their provincial Swedish folkdräkt.
Runeberg No. 137
minneapolis, mn / At the invitation of
Runeberg Lodge, Minnesota District No. 7 Twin Cities Lodges Stenbock No. 138, Kronan No. 433 and John Morton No. 488 came together for a combined meeting in October. Longtime college friends and Swedish heritage enthusiasts Kari Dietrich Sifferle (Runeberg member) and Amy Nordlander teamed up for a presentation on the history and cultural significance of the Swed-
ish folkdräkt (folk costume). They included an overview of the liturgical and socioeconomic meanings of the colors and styles, and slides provided imagery of the unique textiles. Members enthusiastically shared in the discussion and asked questions. There was time for socialization and partaking of pumpkin pie. submitted by kari dietrich sifferle and eunice dietrich
submitted by ann tennis Ann Tennis celebrated her 100th birthday at Tegner’s October lodge meeting, where she shared many events of her life. Sadly, Ann died just a few weeks later on November 9. // Right: Tegner’s 111th anniversary was celebrated with a luncheon at Pier 29 Waterfront restaurant in Alameda, CA. Linne Christmas luncheon at The Emporium - on the left from front to back: Elinor Huggett, Gary and Louise Amundson; front center: Judi Parmley and Harvey Holmes; on the right from front to back: Beth Kemble-Wood, Ron Wood, Gordon and Marlene Westergren.
Linné, No. 153 / Matt Baumgartner gave a presentation on the Tutonic Knights south bend in
at our October meeting. In November, our guest speaker Bruce Anderson gave a presentation on the Swedish Vikings and their ships. We held our Christmas Luncheon in December. Due to weather, there aren’t any meetings in January or February - our next meeting is March 1, 2020.
submitted by lorraine cooper Left: Linné No. 153 November meeting with Bruce Anderson.
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LOCAL LODGE NEWS
Winter 2020 / THE VASA STAR
Svea No. 348
Astor No. 215 astoria , or / Our annual Lu-
cia celebration is a potluck of Swedish foods and traditional ham, and the adults sing carols while the children dress for the pageant. The oldest girl, usually the next year’s Swedish senior princess for the Scandinavian Young and old made the Astor Lucia celebration Festival, is Lucia. The lights wonderful! (L to R): Landon Major, Bob Swenson, are dimmed and the procession Lodge Secretary Violet Hagnas, Master of Ceremonies parades around the seated guests Delores Nielsen, Lucia Kaisa Liljenwall, Liam Major. while Sankta Lucia music is repeated and sung. This year, there were so many activities on the same night that we were missing children and our attendance was low. What to do? We honored our hard working members who have watched so many Lucia processions in the past: The “over 80 members” helped continue our tradition. Bob Swenson, who is 91 and helps in the kitchen with the pea soup, said he “always wanted to be a star boy!”
Sharkey the mascot decides to take a bite of Kristina Seldal.
submitted by terry arnall
Svea No. 296
erie, pa / Svea enjoyed a meeting and lunch together at Hoss’s Restaurant in November. Hoss’s provides tickets, which if used on a particular day, offers a percentage of each patron’s bill to the sponsoring organizations. So, Svea gets a bunch of tickets, and we pass Lodge members enjoying lunch at Hoss’s Restaurant. them out around town with hopes that folks dine on our day, show their ticket, and earn our lodge 10-15% of the day’s total. Last year it resulted in about $75 for the lodge.!
submitted by gary larson
Pictured cheering on the mighty Sharks are: top row (L to R): Birgitta Kellgren, Jason Fedor-Thurman, Linda Hays, Carolyn Fedor-Thurman, Victoria Fedor-Thurman; bottom row: Kristina Seldal, Craig Hansen
san jose, ca / November 12 was Swedish Heritage Night in hockey, when the Sharks clobbered the Canadian Edmonton Oilers 6 to 3 at the SAP Center. Local Vasa members and many Swedes and friends from as far as Sweden itself were there to enjoy it like Vikings on a conquest! Swedish meatballs were the feast! Afterward many of us went onto the ice for a group photo with the Sharks team, who stood in front of the 200 or so Svensk revelers. To top it off we were awarded Swedish “sock” caps sported in the photo by Carolyn Fedor-Thurman and Craig Hansen.
submitted by jack knutson
Framåt No. 405
el cerrito, ca / Framåt members gathered to celebrate that favorite holiday - Sankta Lucia - and traditional smörgåsbord. Each member contributed delicious dishes for the potluck smörgåsbord. As Lucia, Audrey Rosen read Victor Rydberg’s poem “The Tomte” and everyone sang popular Christmas songs. Audrey’s sister Lily was her attendant; Audrey and Lily are the granddaughters of Framåt members John and June Hopkirk. Joanie Graham read the Lucia story. Many hands made this a beautiful Swedish Christmas evening. Audrey Rosen as Lucia and Lily Rosen as her attendant
submitted by joanie graham
with Cultural Leader Marilyn Jackson.
Vasa questions?
You’re welcome to send your questions about anything Vasa-related to vasajlg@aol.com
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More than 300 native Swedes and Swedish Americans attended the 4th annual Swedish Heritage night at the SAP Center in downtown San Jose. The image above, submitted by Jim Melin, shows Swedish players Tim Heed, Melker Karlsson, Erik Karlsson and Marcus Sörensen
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LOCAL LODGE NEWS
THE VASA STAR / Winter 2020
Linde No. 492 milwaukee, wi / Our November meeting included nomination of officers, milestone membership awards, welcoming new member Lillian Ray, and a presentation of Liza Ekstrand’s summer trip to Sweden, Norway and Denmark. In December we elected officers at our annual Christmas lunch, and the next day was the celebration of Lucia and a lovely program sponsored by SAHS-WI. Our January meeting was cancelled due to a snow storm and we usually take the month of February off, so our next meetings and programs are March 14 and April 18, both at 1 p.m. at Christ the Victor Lutheran Church. We are hoping to send our delegates to the District Convention in Indianapolis on May 29-31, 2020. We are finalizing programs and events, so check with Liza at lekstrand@wi.rr.com - you are always welcome to attend!
submitted by liza ekstrand
Lucia 2019 Hanna Cutler with her impressive court. Photo: George Katsekes.
For participants/recipients in the Vasa Scholarship program:
Dancing during the Christmas program after Lucia. Photo: George Katsekes.
SCHOLARS OF VASA
Study diligently the course of study that you have Chosen to follow; conscientiously applying all that you Have learned in your scholarly journey this far; Open your minds to the wealth of knowledge that surrounds you; Let this experience live with you as you travel through life; becoming Aware of all things; and Remembering your heritage, as you pass it along to everyone you meet; Seeking and learning more of your family’s Origin no matter where they came from, whether From the northern regions of Scandinavia to the other Various parts of this world who have made America great. Success to you in the future As you follow your dreams. submitted by christine kilstrom pdm & pgld district lodge lake michigan no. 8
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Christmas luncheon with (L to R): Melanie Herriges, Diane Repensek, Marianne Ekstrand, Mike & Margo Kinservik, Birgit Moxon, Les Touve. Inset (L to R): Mary Hahn, Marge Gruel, Gary & Brigita Roth, Elaine Johnson, Joy & Bill Shogren, Rolf Ekstrand. Liza Ekstrand is behind the camera.
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LOCAL LODGE NEWS
Winter 2020 / THE VASA STAR
Joe Harbor No. 534 st joseph, mi / The Joe Harbor Lodge
Nordic No. 611
worchester, ma / December’s Jul
hosted a Santa Lucia Celebration on December 15, our 2019 Lucia was Lorelei Gorman. Her attendant and star boy were Hana and Ben Bolinder. Lodge members sang during the Lucia procession, and Colleen and Dennis Lundgren, Nancy Wenstrand and Marcus Roll sang “Now Shine a Thousand Candles.” Lorelei, Colleen and Nancy performed a trio, “Jul, Jul” and everyone sang “Nu är det jul igen.”
potluck smörgåsbord was well attended and included all the Swedish delicacies (except lutfisk!) and glögg. It isn’t Christmas without glögg! Our entertainment was a Santa Lucia pageant, with outstanding singing and an informational presentation by Lucia, her maids and the baker boys. Christmas carols were sung by everyone until it was time for a gift exchange. We wel-
comed some dignitaries from other lodges, including Esther Johnson DM and Phil Johnson PDM, Linda Boylan Cultural Leader, Lynne Martin Treasurer, and from our own lodge Grand Lodge Vice Secretary Marlene Patient. Nordic Lodge members who couldn’t attend or live in nursing homes were brought lovely poinsettias by Marlene Patient and her committee. Tack så mycket & gott nytt år! submitted by åke jansson
submitted by dennis lundgren
Joe Harbor Luciatåg: Star Boy Ben Bolinder, Lucia Lorelei Gorman and attendant Hanna Bolinder.
Vinland No. 703
cape cod, ma / Our Luciafest in December was a memorable celebration of our culture and traditions highlighted by a Lucia Procession. Victoria Peterson, daughter of Elena and Russell Peterson, was our Lucia Bride. A short program provided information on The Legend of Saint Lucia, the Tomte, Julbok and Julenissen. Accordionist Betty Boothe provided Scandinavian music for singing, dancing and Sankta
Lucia. Breads, cakes and cookies filled two refreshment tables, and candy and straw ornaments were presented to all the children. The Installation of Officers was conducted on January 18 and program plans for 2020 were discussed. Vinland does not meet in February and March.
The 2019 Lucia program, with Lucia Serenity Ward and her court, was run by Sheri Parretti and her daughter Veronica Parretti.
submitted by dorothy ann ellner kean
2019 Lucia - Emma Nissen with attendants and starboys. Emma is an accomplished jazz vocalist with two sold-out concerts, and was an International Whistling Festival participant this year!
Phoenix No. 677
Lucia and her attendants, back row: Cara and Kamden Jolibois, Victoria, Amy and Nicole Peterson; front row: Haley Delp, Thea Antonucci, Jaxson Rising.
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phoenix, az / Our Luciafest was another and culture. outstanding affair, starting with Lars We moved our meetings to Our Savior’s Lagerman as our MC for the festivities. Lutheran Church, at 1212 E. Glendale Our 2019 Lucia was Emma Nissen, Ave., in February this year, and we will daughter of Maria and Brian Nissen, host the Biennial Convention in Tempe, and granddaughter of Margareta and April 17-18, 2020. Phoenix Lodge is Anders Flink. On December 18, Emma honored to have members from Grand began serving an 18-month mission for Lodge and National Archives as our her church in Sweden. She is grateful guests. for her Swedish heritage and excited to submitted by romy solomonson immerse herself in Sweden’s language
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LOCAL LODGE NEWS
THE VASA STAR / Winter 2020
Norden No. 684 fresno, ca / Our Norden Lodge Tomte Fest and Annual Lucia Celebration was enjoyed with glögg, coffee, Lucia buns and cookies. Our 2019 Lucia queen was Tiffany Johnson, Rosalind Gaviola welcomed us, Christin Holt and Kathryn Lack headed up the Svenska Kids Musik Club, Monica Shipley read the “Tomten” story, Anders Lindhe and Carole Sell read the “Tomtem” poem, and June Hess read the Lucia story. The evening continued with a raffle, dancing around the Christmas tree, and finally Tomten arrived (aka Dennis Donnelly).
submitted by clyda dehn
Nordikids perform the Lucia program.
Nordik Folk No. 761
munster, in / Nordik Folk held their Luciafest with a delicious luncheon that included Swedish meatballs, lingon, and pepparkakor with peppermint ice cream. There were crafts and baked good for sale, raffles for adults and kids, and a Juldans around the tree. The highlight of the afternoon was
a performance by the Nordikids. The Juldans around the tree. choir is composed of 20 members, ages 4 through 19, and Their parents are Dan and Annalisa they sang for 45 minutes in Swedish Blue, and their grandparents are Herb and in English. The 2019 Lucia Queen and Lynda Smith. was Abigail Blue, 10, and the Honored Star Boy was her brother Kenny, 12. submitted by lynda ann smith
Sierra Kronan No. 737 roseville , ca / In December we gathered together to enjoy the Lucia tradition of warmth and light, and Jultid with members and friends. The cultural presentation was inspired by the December issue of the Vasa Star in Nordstjernan—we were asked to solve a fun Swedish word scramble. Everyone enjoyed good fellowship and food, a warm cup of glögg and one of our favorite Swedish social traditions: sju sorters kakor – seven kinds of cookies. We’re pleased to note that Marian Halberg, a long-time member, turned 101 years old in November! She enjoys receiving our cards and letters and reading the Vasa Star. We celebrated our 34th anniversary in February with an authentic Swedish meal—torsk
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Norden Lucia 2019 Tiffany Johnson.
Bishop Hill No. 683 Sierra Kronan’s December cultural presentation - Vasa Star clues.
med äggsås (cod with egg sauce) was prepared by member Fredrik Hillman, a native of Sweden. Gott Nytt År from everyone at Sierra Kronan! submitted by carol nesewich
bishop hill, il / We had our annual Christmas Smörgåsbord in the Colony School, the weather was wonderful for December. After a wonderful meal, Lodge Chairman Kathy Cuff handed out membership awards, with the help of Grand Master Art Bjorkner. Chloe Lindbom was our Lucia, and she gave cookies to all the guests with the help of her sister Hadley, plus Alivia and Leah Anderson and
Addy Yepson. Christmas carols were sung, and guests from the Archives, District, and Grand Lodge joined us. Lucia Chloe Lindbom, 20, is a junior at ISU majoring in journalism and communications. She is the daughter of Jason and Amy Lindbom of Lexington, IL and granddaughter of Ron and Dianne Lindbom of Kewanee, IL. submitted by jeff anderson
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SWEDISH NEWS
Winter 2020 / THE VASA STAR
SWEDISH NEWS Höganäs No. 634
Skåne No. 570
En liten tomte som logesyster Therese tillverkat. malmö, sweden / Med Knut åkte julen ut, allt enligt gällande rutiner och nu är det bara att invänta nästa advent. Men först ska det nya året komma igång och för Logen Skåne blir det i nya lokaler den 17 januari. Vi har flyttat till Siriusordens lokaler på Rundelsgatan 15 B i Malmö. Att vi flyttade innebar också att vi fick ändra på vissa planerade datum och programpunkter. Mötesdagarna den närmaste tiden är den 8 februari, den 13 mars och den 18 april. Vi tackar Odd Fellow och Romelebygdens catering för den tid som har varit. Vi ser också fram emot att slippa dryckesbiljetterna. Köket på Siriusorden sköts av Peter som verkar lovande och förnuftig. Kära Vasavänner, kom gärna och besök oss på våra möten. Besök Logen Skånes egen hemsida för att ta del av bilder, reportage, nyhetsbrev med mera. Googla på vasaorden LL570 eller klicka på länken på vasaorden.se eller vasaorder.com. GOD FORTSÄTTNING från LOGEN SKÅNE.
höganäs, sweden / 50-talet medlemmar och gäster från Logerna Kärnan nr 608 och Nybyggarna nr 698 samlades till julmöte i Vikens Hemgård i december. Glögg, pepparkakor och mingel i Gillestugan, innan O Sy Inger Bengtsson öppnade mötet. Slutnominering och val av 2020 års tjänstemän genomfördes och Br Jan Hassleryd rapporterade att medlemsvårdskommittén varit ute med julblommor till de medlemmar som inte kan närvara möten, vilket var uppskattat. BKL Br Hans Bogren berättade ett emigrant-öde från Ulf Beijboms bok Utvandrarkvinnor. Sy Berit Bogren läste brevet från Vasa Arkivet, Bishop Hill angående mikrofilmade handlingar och släktforskaruppgifter från Vasa Ordens start, nu tillgängliga online. Till tonerna av Stilla Natt utfördes ljussläckningsceremonin. Sen avsmakades läckerheterna på julbordet. Det sjöngs många snapsvisor, och därefter kom Ris ala Malta med saftsås. Br Leif Larsson med gitarr och alla sjöng vackra julsånger. Sy Britt-Marie Rönn och Br Jan Berg, har varit närvarande på samtliga möten under året och Sy Inger belönade dem med rosor och Trisslotter. Efteråt, stämningsfull stund när Sy Magdalini läste Julevangeliet, Br Leif sjöng ”In my father´s house” och kvällen avslutades med att tända var sitt ljus och tillsammans sjöngs ”Nu tändas tusen juleljus”. Många julkramar och God Julönskningar innan vi skiljdes åt efter en mysig julfest. Nu planeras firandet av 65-årsjubileumet den 13 juni 2020. Nästa logemöte, 25 januari då tjänstemännen ska installeras.
O Inger Bengtsson serveras glögg av tomtarna Calle och Kerstin Nilsson och Sixten Bengtsson.
submitted by berit och hans bogren
Ovan: Br Leif Larsson leder allsången. Till vänster: Evy Lindstrand, Lars Magneklint, Ewy Blomgren, Christina Magneklint, Åke och Mona Sennström samt Gunnar Lindstrand njuter av den goda julmaten.
submitted by bo västerstjärna
NEW MEMBERS IN SWEDEN On behalf of the Grand Lodge and members of the Vasa Order of America, I am pleased to welcome you to membership in these local Vasa lodges. If you are new to the Vasa Order, we bid you welcome. If you are transferring or are a dual member, your new lodge bids you welcome. We hope you will enjoy your membership and will participate in all of the activities planned for you. ~ Ed Netzel, Grand Lodge Membership Chairman, edlnetzel@att.net LL Skövde Nr 626 Ann-Christin Andersson Sheila Ingemarsson LL Karlstad Nr 632 Gun Olsson
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Eva Sundqvist Birgitta Modén Gunnar Modén LL Lidköping Nr 636 Dieter Olofsson Ingrid Olofsson
Britta Andersson Ireéne Weiner Fridén Birgitta Fridén Ingemar LL Härnösand Nr 673 Jeanette Georg
Ola Georg Christine Högberg Ulf Högberg Andreas Samuelsson Ann-Sofi Samuelsson Svante Olof Sjöllund LL Bråviken Nr 651 Gunilla Petersson Lars Petersson Anne-Maj Oscarsson Kurt Oscarsson
Britt-Marie Carlsson Håkan Carlsson Ingegerd Medberg Anders Jacobson Björn Edstav Hannelore Edstav Christina Kyndel Per-Otto Kyndel Carina Lindström Judy Wingren Per Wingren
LL Engelbrekt Nr 619 Monica Vatn Jon Vatn
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THE VASA STAR / Winter 2020
SWEDISH NEWS
Knallenkören sjunger under en paus i den supé som anordnades för att uppmärksamma 30-årsjubileet.
Knallen No. 745
borås, sweden / Logen firade 30-årsju-
bileum i oktober med Högtidsloge Ovan: Paret Berit och Bengt Swedmark och presentation av en jubileums- berättar om hur de har skapat Abecita skrift. Vid Jubileumssupén bjöds på Konstmuseum. O Br Jan Elgquist, flankerad av DD Sy en utsökt måltid för 111 deltagare, Topp: Lilian Julin . varav fyra från Storlogen Sverige. Många telegram och gåvor över- Tjänstemän för 2020 valdes. O Jan lämnades. Åtta chartermedlemmar Elgquist omvaldes liksom de flesta deltog och hedrades med blommor övriga tjänstemännen. Br Mats Brandt och en nyskriven jubileumssång, som inledde efterkapitlet med bakgrunOvan: Thanksgiving Day - Arrangörsgruppen avtackas efter framfördes av Knallenkören. Thanks- den till dagens firande. Puritanska väl genonfört efterkapitel. giving Day firades av 60 personer, pilgrimer kom till Amerikas ostkust Till höger: Chartermedlemmen Br Åke Swahn tar emot en inklusive DD Lilian Julin med make. 1620. De fick så god kontakt med ros från Sy Birgit Hellström. indianerna att dessa bjöds in till första årets skördefest. Detta firas främst i USA och Kanada, men även Knallen Borås fick avnjuta kalkonmiddag. Br Åke Swahn läste den proklamation kära vasasyskon, höll en middag och luciafirande för arbetet med Vasa uppfyllda. Jag rekomsom presidenten i USA alltid avger God fortsättning på åtminstone 80 deltagande medlemmar. menderar att Distriktsmästare besöker denna dag. 2020! Jag hoppas Också medlemmar från Logen Brage andra distriktsmöten och att enskilda Julsammankomsten i december lockalla haft en härlig tid #764 Peoria deltog i festligheterna. Om medlemmar besöker möten i andra ade 57 deltagare till Abecita Konstmed att fira helgerdu inte besökt vårt arkiv i Bishop Hill loger. Ett sådant utbyte gör det lättare museum. Vid ankomsten bjöds på na, besöka festivaler ska du absolut göra det. för er att upptäcka vad Vasa handlar om. glögg och mingel. Berit och Bengt och Luciafiranden. Nancy och jag var upptagna med att ENTUSIASM och kamratskap! Nancy och jag besökte Vasaarkivet besöka Vasadistrikt och lokala Luciafi- Försäkra dig om att du köper Storlo- Swegmark berättade om hur de i ca 50 år samlade ihop museets konsti Bishop Hill och uppskattade både randen på loger under hela december. gens Vikinganål för att släppa loss din insamlingen för Living Julgran och Det var en härlig tid. Barnen är helt inre Viking! Nålarna kan köpas genom verk. Samlingen växte och de byggde att möta lokalbefolkningen. Jag blev fantastiska! er Storloge-deputerade, en medlem av om tre våningar i sin textilfabrik till glatt överraskad över hur många som Det är snart dags för vårt 125-årsjubile- Storlogens Exekutiva Styrelse eller av museum. Här visas foto och grafik besöker Bishop Hill. Huvudgatan var um och jag vill åter igen påminna om att mig. De är en perfekt liten gåva! från Europa och USA samt nordisk full av bilar och julhandlande besökare. ni bör sända in årsrapporter inklusive Kom ihåg, vår loge behöver LIVLIGA textilkonst. Efter en guidad visning Vårt arkiv var vackert dekorerat tack namn på nuvarande distriktsmästare till och ENTUSIASTISKA MEDLEM- av samlingarna avnjöts välsmakande vare arkivets ansvarige Kathy Cuff. vår historiker i Storlogen, Alice Iverson, MAR - SPRID ORDET! PV (Prata jultallrikar med avbrott för allsång Wow, riktigt imponerande! Kathy har 285 23rd St., Astoria, OR 97103. Syster Vasa) TV TV TV (Tala om Vasa) med till maten och julen. Efter dragning i gjort ett fint arbete för att lära känna Alice kommer sedan att välja ut viktig ENTUSIASM! julklappslotteriet skiljdes deltagarna de som bor i området och är också information för att uppdatera de senaste nöjda med årets sista sammankomst..
STORMÄSTARENS MEDDELANDE
ordförande i Logen Bishop Hill #683. Logen hyrde stadens skolbyggnad och
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25 åren med Vasa. Vi behöver alla få våra nyårslöften om
i sanning och enighet, art bkorkner, grand master
submitted by hans holmqvist / bengt olsson
WWW.VASAORDER.COM
news in brief
Mandelkubb DID YOU KNOW? Banankungar. There are two “banankungar,” banana kings, in Swedish history. The Norwegian Carl “Banankungen” Mathiesen was the first to import bananas (which were called “Jamaica bananas” at the time) in 1909 to the port of Gothenburg. On March 4, 1909, Mathiesen founded “The Banana Company AB,” which later changed its name to “AB Banan-Kompaniet” (1923), today owned by Californiabased Dole Food Company. The later banana king was Folke Andersson (1903-1968), born in the Ödskölt village (population under 100) in the Dalsland province. He went to school in Göteborg and later started working in fruit imports and wholesale. After WWII, Folke Anderson invested in his own banana business. He, among other things, established huge crops in Ecuador for export to the U.S. and was soon nicknamed the Banana King in Sweden. He also founded the snack company Estrella after tasting potato chips during a U.S. sports event and started a factory in Alingsås in 1957 to introduce popcorn and potato chips—at the time a novelty— in Sweden. Estrella became very successful and was sold to Marabou in 1965 — most likely following a decline in Andersson’s banana business. Pest in the banana crops and falling prices caused the operation to be closed down, including in the town of Esmaralda in an area that had become completely dependent on banana exports. Andersson was murdered in 1968 under mysterious circumstances in his home in Ecuador. The local football arena in the town of Esmeralda still bears his name, Estádio Folke Anderson. Accepting foreign bodies. Osseointegration was developed in the early 1950s by Per-Ingvar Brånemark (1929-2014), a Swedish physician and research professor. It is based on the discovery that the human body, which normally rejects foreign bodies, permanently accepts the metal titanium. Today the invention is most widely applied in the form of the Brånemark System of dental implantation. The method also promises extensive use in other forms of surgery, such as in securing artificial limbs and joints. Nobel Biocare, the company which develops and produces these products has annual sales of some $900 million. Washington, DC based Danaher Corporation today owns Nobel Biocare. Handling cash. Sweden is fast turning into a cash-less society but this wasn’t always the case. In 1976 Leif Lundblad (b. 1938) was inspired to invent a machine for automatic cash handling—such as counting and dispensing bank notes, which he patented in 1978 (one of over 300 patents in his name). The machine was a major global success, and his company, Inter Innovation AB, grew rapidly. In January 1992, Inter Innovation was acquired by the British company De La Rue plc. Having made his first fortune developing some of the early technology behind automatic teller machines (ATMs) Lundblad claimed another innovation in his 70s and almost 20 years after selling Inter Innovation. The “Super ATM” called the Q-CashRouter and marketed by Banqit takes banknotes deposited by local businesses at their bank and automatically recycles them for withdrawal by other customers – greatly reducing the amount of cash that banks need to move to and from branches. Lundblad also founded Esbri, a Swedish non-profit institute for entrepreneurship, innovation and small business research in 1996, www.esbri.se.
Mandelkubb is a classic Swedish pastry, a bun, that can be served at fika. The kubb is bittersweet due to the bitter almond extract and the hjorthornssalt—the latter of which a) you have to turn to a Scandinavian or German specialty store to get and b) has a slightly unsavory smell while the pastry is in the oven. After it’s baked, the smell disappears and the pastry has no taste of it. We found the hjorthornssalt (also called ammonium carbonate or baker’s ammonia in the U.S.) at the Connecticut store Scandinavian Butik, www.scandinavianbutik.com Ingredients 100g butter (just under one stick, which is 113g) 1.25dl sugar (1/2 cup) 1 egg A pinch (approximately 8-10 drops) of bitter almond extract 2 tsp hjorthornssalt (ammonium carbonate) 2 dl (4/5 cup) sour cream 5 dl (just over 2 cups) all-purpose flour 0.5 dl (1/5 cup) pärlsocker (pearl sugar) Instructions • Measure out room temperature butter and sugar and stir together to a smooth batter, preferably use an electric whisk. • If you use whole bitter almonds, grind them. (Most bakers prefer using the extract which adds the right amount of bitterness.) • Add the egg, bitter almond extract, hjorthornssalt, sour cream (the original recipe calls for “gräddfil,” which is somewhat more liquified than sour cream or crème fraîche—add a tiny bit of heavy cream to liquify if needed) and all-purpose flour. • Work everything together into a smooth dough that should be a bit sticky. Use an electric whisk or a stand mixer with dough hooks. • Shape the dough into a roll and cut into 18-20 pieces. Add a little more flour if the dough feels sticky. Place the dough pieces on baking sheet and sprinkle with pearl sugar (another thing you may have to make or turn to a specialty store for. We were once again fortunate to be close to Scandinavian Butik). • Since the dough grows during baking, don’t place the dough pieces too close together; on the other hand they get a little thicker which might be better than allowing them to flatten on a larger pan. • Bake the mandelkubb in the middle of the oven at 400°F for about 15 minutes until they get a bit of color. Cut apart the almond cubes that have floated together. Let cool on a rack. MARCH 01, 2020 35
THE EXPERIENCE BEGINS IN SWEDEN
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