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VALTHORNET DISTRICT LODGE LAKE MICHIGAN NO. 8

October 2010

District Master’s Message To all District 8 Lake Michigan Members, I hope everyone had a wonderful summer! Now it is time to get the Lodge meetings in full swing again and I am looking forward to visiting all of you!

I started out this summer by attending a meeting at Austin Lodge # 466. I really enjoyed the food, entertainment and fellowship with all the members!

June brought Midsommar at Vasa Park in South Elgin. What a wonderful day! My lodge, Viljan # 349 was in charge of decorating the maypole. Thank you Viljan members! The maypole received many compliments but the biggest compliment to me was seeing all the children in their Scandinavian costumes dancing around the maypole on that beautiful day at Vasa Park!

In July, I traveled to the Grand Lodge Convention in Washington, D. C. I was elected as a District Delegate to represent Lake Michigan District No. 8. This was my first time at a Grand Lodge Convention. I have to say that I didn’t know what to expect. I was truly impressed! I was amazed at the amount of work that goes on to accomplish presenting all of the motions that were proposed. I was appointed as Chairman on one of the four Constitutional Committees to present these motions. Everyone there had the same goal in mind, to keep the Vasa Order of America strong. We had to make a few sacrifices. All of the Grand Lodge Executive Board members spoke of the financial problem we were faced with but in the long run we came out of the convention a more united and focused organization.

Also, I was elected to serve on the Vasa Order of America – National Archives Board. I am honored to have this position and will work hard with the rest of the Archives Board to promote and expand this treasure we have.

I would like to congratulate my friend, Lake Michigan District No. 8’s own, Bill Lundquist, for being elected to be the Grand Master for the next four years. Good luck Bill!

The Lake Michigan District 8 Executive Board met in Milwaukee on August 29. We had a productive business meeting and are well on our way to becoming financially sound again. It will be a long road but our investments are moving in the right direction. We also had some fun after the business meeting by attending the Linde Lodge # 492 Annual Crawfish Party. My wife, Sue, and I had a great time sampling everything we could and making new friends with Linde members. A big thank you to Liza and Rolf Ekstrand for hosting the event! You did an outstanding job!

My family attended Scandinavian Day at Vasa Park in South Elgin, Illinois, on September 12. Everything was perfect. The day was in the 70’s and sunny. The people that attended had a great time and the entire Scandinavian community should be proud of keeping our heritage alive. I want to especially thank Mary Jean Nystedt for housing the group of Swedes that were in town to perform. She made them feel right at home and I know how great a cook she is so they didn’t go away hungry. When I spoke to the Swedish performers, they couldn’t thank Mary Jean Nystedt enough for her efforts and hospitality! Thank you from all of us Mary Jean!

The District Convention next year is back in Michigan City on May 13 – 15, 2011. The Lake Michigan District No. 8 Executive Board is preparing to put it on. I am asking all Lodges in District 8 to help. I will be sending a letter, to request help, to each Lodge. A sign up sheet of convention to do items such as, registration desk, gift bags, golf outing, the Friday night cultural event, hospitality area food and drinks (Friday), an MC for the banquet, the banquet meal, centerpieces, and band or DJ, to name a few. It would greatly help the District Executive Board to delegate any of these duties to a Local Lodge. Please sign up to help!

All District Local Lodges are beginning to meet again. I will do my best to visit everyone I can. Please keep sending me your monthly meeting notices. Thank you all for keeping our lodges strong and our heritage alive. Have a great Fall!

In Truth and Unity, Tom Cleveland District Master District Lodge Lake Michigan No. 8

****************************************************************************************** The Valthornet is available on the VOA web site. To access the quarterly Valthornet newsletters on the web, go to: www.vasaorder.org; click on "Lodge Directory" (left side); click on "DL Lake Michigan No. 8" (left column); click on "Lake Michigan No. 8"; click on "Newsletters"; then click on the date of the Valthornet desired. At times, the Newsletter on the web site may contain one or more additional pages than the USPS mailed version, because there is more news to report.

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DISTRICT LODGE LAKE MICHIGAN NO. 8 EXECUTIVE BOARD 2010 - 2011 District Master: Tom Cleveland 1117 Foxpointe Drive Sycamore, Illinois 60178 (815) 895 – 2102 Cell: (815) 739 - 3100 Email: tcleveland@cityofdekalb.com

Executive Board Member: Steve Westlund 55 West Joliet Street Schererville, Indiana 46375 (219) 322 – 5190; Cell: (219) 682 - 6932 Email: plncrazy@sbcglobal.net

Vice District Master: Edward L. Hultgren 13650 Amblewind Place Carmel, Indiana 46074 – 8227 (317) 733 – 3493 Email: nodjehult@att.net; nodehult@juno.com

Supervisor Of Children’s / Youth Clubs: Lynda Smith 1502 Azalea Drive Munster, Indiana 46321 – 3812 (219) 923 – 8777 Email: lamsmith@hotmail.com

District Secretary: Nancy Hult 14951 South Kenton Avenue Midlothian, Illinois 60445 (708) 687 – 8943 Email: stenanhult@ameritech.net Email: fruhult93@hotmail.com

District Cultural Leader: Andrea Wilczynski 4332 Maple Street Brookfield, Illinois 60513 Home: (708) 485 - 1516 Cell: (630) 750 - 8828 Email: andreawil@sbcglobal.net

Assistant District Secretary: Joella D. Hultgren 13650 Amblewind Place Carmel, Indiana 46074 – 8227 (317) 733 – 3493 Email: nodjehult@att.net; nodehult@juno.com

Past District Master: Sheila Lundquist 1456 Kennebec Road Grand Blanc, Michigan 48439 (810) 695 – 3248 (810) 845 - 5065 Email: wmlund1@aol.com

District Treasurer: Brent Erickson 4876 North Sheffield Avenue Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin 53217 - 5962 Home: (414) 962 - 8920 Email: berickson73@gmail.com

District Chaplain: Inez Törnblom 1301 Providence Circle Elgin, Illinois 60120 - 5076 (847) 695 – 9890 Email: eskilstuna@wowway.com

Hospital Fund Secretary: Linda S. Tylk 1960 West Richton Road Steger, Illinois 60475 - 1394 (708) 747 – 4717 Cell: (708) 805 - 3040 Email: Lstitcher1@sbcglobal.net

Master of Ceremonies: Lars Jenner Archivist, Vasa National Archives, Incorporated 109 South Bishop Hill Street P. O. Box # 101 Bishop Hill, Illinois 61419 - 0101 Voice / Fax: (309) 927 – 3898 Cell: (309) 883 - 0322 Email: vasaarchives@winco.net

Executive Board Member: Susan Cleveland 1117 Foxpointe Drive Sycamore, Illinois 60178 (815) 895 – 2102; Cell: (815) 546 - 1097 Email: mrandmrsc92@comcast.net

HÄR OCH DÄR

by Lillemor Horngren

NORRBOTTEN You will find Norrbotten way north in Sweden. Norrbotten borders Finland in the northeast and the Gulf of Bothnia in the east. Norrbotten shares a border with Norway on the northwest corner. Norrbotten is one of the least populated provinces in Sweden and yet it covers ¼ of the whole Sweden.

Climate is usually harsh but because of the long days during the summer months the crops can be harvested in 2 - 3 months.

Timber and minerals are important industries and Norrbotten played an important role in the industrialization of Sweden.

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District Historian: Iva Lynn 627 Conner Creek Drive Fishers, Indiana 46038 (317) 596 – 1496 FAX: (317) 596 - 1937 Email: ivalynn30@aol.com; lraylynn@aol.com Inner Guard: Gene M. Kiesel 1426 Kennebec Road Grand Blanc, Michigan 48439 (810) 695 – 2563 Email: dgkiesel1@att.net Outer Guard: Timothy Ogrentz 12849 South Manistee Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60633 (773) 646 - 0279 Email: timothy.ogrentz@gmail.com Auditor: Herb Smith – 3 years 1502 Azalea Drive Munster, Indiana 46321 – 3812 (219) 923 – 8777 Email: hwsmith3@hotmail.com Auditor: Paula Stopka – 2 years 115 Crissey Avenue Geneva, Illinois 60134 (630) 208 - 9850 Email: plundberg1066@aol.com Auditor: Eric Swanson – 1 year 8433 North McKinley Road Flushing, Michigan 48433 (810) 639 – 6705 Email: ceswan@centurytel.net VALTHORNET Editor: Joella D. Hultgren 13650 Amblewind Place Carmel, Indiana 46074 – 8227 (317) 733 – 3493 Email: nodjehult@att.net; nodehult@juno.com

Luleå and Piteå are the two largest cities and although there are many rivers, the ones worth mentioning are Torne, Lule, Kalix, and Pite rivers.

Luleå’s Gamla stad (old town) has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Norrbotten is close to Lappland and Finland, and Norrbotten culture and language are varied with influences from those places and it also includes Sweden and the Sami’s. The Sami language has an official minority status in several of the municipalities.

The people living in Norrbotten are proud to proclaim, “I am not a Swede…I am a Northbothnian”.

Norrbotten’s flora and fauna: Animal lavskrika Siberian jay Flower åkerbär arctic raspberry Mushroom stenmurkla morel Fish siklöja vendace Bird sångsvan whooper swan Insect praktsammetslöpare praktsammetsrunner

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GRAND LODGE CONVENTION 2 – 8 July 2010 Washington, D. C. GRAND LODGE DELEGATE REPORT Thank you officers and delegates for electing me a delegate to the Grand Lodge Convention held in Washington, DC, July 2-8, 2010. Thank you also for the monetary support to help absorb some of the cost (airfare, $354.00 round trip, and hotel room, eight nights totaling $1,274.00). At the Saturday morning opening session, the convention began with the flag ceremony by the "Vasastjärnan Youth Club" from DL New Jersey # 6. After the opening of the convention, the Grand Master asked for a moment of silence in memory of departed members: PGM Alice Carlson, Phyllis Johnson spouse of PGM Eric Johnson, and Susann (Hult) Thyberg who had just passed away that morning.

The next thing on the agenda was the introduction of Grand Lodge Officers. New delegates were then installed and committee assignments were designated, including yours truly as a member of the Finance Committee. Our job was to set up an operating budget for the next four years and to act on several of the recommendations. The finance committee worked many long hours making sacrificing cuts, but ended the proposed budget with a small surplus. I was appointed by the Grand Master to serve as the Assistant Master of Ceremonies during the convention. The busiest day was on Thursday when our committee presented the budget and then I assisted during the election of the Grand Lodge Officers. Our other delegate Tom Cleveland was chairman for Constitution Committee # 3 and he also served on the Archives Committee. Our District Lodge can be very proud of District Master Tom Cleveland. Of the 94 total motions, six of them involved an increase in the OA&B from $2,000.00 to $3,000.00. One motion for the increase (from Viljan Lodge #349) was accepted. NICE WORK, TOM. The total amount of votes was 42. Many discussions and questions came from the floor about the lack of money in the education and scholarship funds.

Another item of concern was the Vasa National Archives --there were many suggestions about fundraising and donations. We all had one thing that we unanimously agreed upon: to have a secure future for our Vasa members, the Vasa National Archives, and the Grand Lodge of the Vasa Order of America.

The following Grand Lodge officers for 2010 - 2014 were nominated and elected: Grand Master: William “Bill” Lundquist; Vice Grand Master: Tore Kellgren; Grand Secretary: Joan Graham; Grand Treasurer: Keith

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Hanlon; Vice Grand Secretary: Gail Olson; Executive Board Member - Eastern Region: Arthur Björkner; Executive Board Member - Midwest Region: Sten Hult; Executive Board Member - Western Region: Ed Netzel; Executive Board Member - Sweden: Ulf Alderlöf; and Executive Board Member - Canada: Ken Banks. (left) Grand Master William Lundquist from District Lodge Lake Michigan No. 8 and Viking Lodge No. 730.

Elected and appointed officers to the Vasa National Archives are: President: Rolf Bergman; Vice President: Lennart Petersson; Secretary / Financial Secretary: Jake Gruel; Treasurer: Keith Hanlon; Board Members: William “Bill” Lundquist, Tore Kellgren, Sten Hult, Gunnar Mossberg, and Tom Cleveland; and Archivist: Lars Jenner.

In Truth and Unity, Sten Hult PDM District Lodge Lake Michigan No. 8 Grand Lodge Executive Board Member- Midwest Region July 18, 2010

GRAND LODGE DELEGATE REPORT I attended the Grand Lodge Convention as a Grand Lodge Delegate from District Lodge Lake Michigan No. 8. I have some good news to report. I was asked to chair one of several Constitution Committees to bring forward a number of motions to the Grand Lodge Convention floor. One of these was Viljan No. 349’s motion to increase the OA&B (Old Age and Benefit) limit from $2,000 to $3,000. The motion passed and we were successful in increasing the OA&B lifetime benefit to $3,000.

There has been much discussion in regard to the Grand Lodge investment losses. All the Grand Lodge Officers were questioned by the delegates at the Grand Lodge Convention, and all expressed their sincere apologies for these losses. They admitted that they believe the Grand Lodge needs to ask more questions and conduct more thorough credential checks going forward. All delegates from across the nation, Canada, and Sweden accepted their answers and applauded them for their forthright answers and putting closure to this unfortunate loss of the Grand Lodge and VASA National Archives monies.

I believe it’s time to look forward to the future and make VASA strong again.

In Truth and Unity, Tom Cleveland Chairman, Viljan Lodge No. 349 District Master, District Lodge Lake Michigan No. 8 Grand Lodge Delegate, District Lodge Lake Michigan No. 8 July 12, 2010

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CHAPLAIN’S CORNER

KAPLANENS HÖRNA

THE STORY OF CHARLOTTA, Part 2

CHARLOTTAS HISTORIA, Del 2

John Root was an adventurer, born in Stockholm, now on his way North after fighting in the America-Mexico War, without any special plans or assets. He immediately noticed the girl with the pails. He saw the well-ordered community and heard his mother tongue spoken in the streets. This looked like a friendly place.

Lotta was receptive to his charm. Root introduced himself to Erik, the leader, and got permission to stay. He had a rifle, and guns were forbidden in Bishop Hill, but Erik decided that it might benefit the colony to have someone who could hunt, in case the harvest failed and they needed meat to eat. So Erik made an exception. And when his cousin begged for his blessing to marry Root, he agreed again, even though Root was not a believer.

Charlotta and John Root made their home in Bishop Hill. She was happy. At the height of summer, when all Janssonists, men and women, worked hard with the harvest, Root wandered the prairie with his rifle and brought home a rabbit and now and then a boar.

And when Lotta with the congregation listened to Erik´s sermon, Root preferred playing cards at the tavern in Cambridge.

Lotta noticed that Root was getting restless. He wanted to move to Chicago. She did not want to leave Bishop Hill. It was her home, her people, her faith. And she was expecting a child. Root threatened to forcibly put her in a carriage and drive to Chicago. She went with her husband. They lived with one of Charlotta´s sisters who had married and left her fellow believers. Lotta had the comfort of being with her sister, but felt like a beggar, for it was unclear how her husband planned to support his family.

Her son was born and now Little John Root made her happy, even if his father mostly caroused during the nights and was brutal or slept during the days. When life with Root became unbearable, Charlotta, somehow, got a message to Bishop Hill. Three men from there traveled to Chicago by horse and carriage, almost 200 miles, on roads which were hardly more than muddy ruts on the prairie. They fetched home Charlotta and her baby and she was once more safe among loving family and friends in the faith. Root pursued them and wanted his wife back. Erik said: "No!" The Bishop Hill people hid Lotta and infant under the floor in the dairy and smuggled in food, while Root raged and threatened.

Prejudice against the Janssonists, which had existed in Sweden, was also among their Swedish American farmers-neighbors in Illinois, so Root was able to gather friends to help him. They reasoned that it was not right that his wife had left him. Gangs of farmers and townspeople marched on Bishop Hill, pulled some boards out of the walls of the church and threatened to burn down the village.

In May of 1850, both Jansson and Root were at the Court House in Cambridge. Root screamed: "Give me my wife!" Jansson shouted back: "I´ll give you a sow for a wife. That´s good enough for you."

Root drew his revolver and shot Jansson through the chest. He died immediately.

Root was arrested and, in view of a certain feeling of sympathy for him in the county, sentenced to only two years in prison. After he had had an opportunity to practice his charm on the Governor´s daughter, he was released after six months. He went to Chicago, where he died after some years of riotous living.

Charlotta lived out her life in Bishop Hill. Little John Root was brought up by a loving mother and helpful brothers and sisters in the faith. He grew up to be one of the pillars of the community and founded The Old Settlers Association. When you visit Bishop Hill, you must look at the sidewalk in front of the General Store. There, in the cement, you will see an imprint of a dedication to John Root The Younger.

Inez Törnblom, Viljan No. 349, District Chaplain

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John Root var äventyrare, född i Stockholm, nu på väg norrut efter att ha deltagit i Amerika-Mexikokriget, utan några särskilda planer eller tillgångar.

Han märkte genast flickan med hinkarna, och han såg det välordnade samhället och hörde sitt modersmål talat på gatorna. Detta såg ut som en vänlig plats.

Lotta var mottaglig för hans charm. Root presenterade sig för Erik, ledaren, och fick tillåtelse att stanna. Han hade ett gevär, och skjutvapen var förbjudna i Bishop Hill, men Erik beslutade att det kunde vara bra för samhället att ha någon som kunde skjuta vilt, utifall att skörden slog fel och de behövde kött att äta. Så Erik gjorde ett undantag. Och när hans kusin bönföll honom om att få gifta sig med Root, gav han sitt bifall igen, fastän Root inte var troende.

Charlotta och John Root satte bo i Bishop Hill. Hon var lycklig. På högsommaren, när alla Janssonister, män och kvinnor, arbetade hårt med skörden, strövade Root omkring på prärien med sitt gevär och kom hem med en hare och ett och annat vildsvin. Och när Lotta med församlingen lyssnade på Eriks predikan, spelade Root hellre kort på krog i Cambridge.

Lotta märkte att Root började bli rastlös. Han ville flytta till Chicago.

Hon ville inte lämna Bishop Hill. Detta var hennes hem, hennes folk, hennes tro. Och hon väntade barn. Root hotade att sätta henne i vagnen med våld och köra till Chicago. Hon följde med sin make. De bodde hos en av hennes systrar som hade gift sig och lämnat sina trosfränder.

Charlotta hade trösten att hon var hos sin syster, men kände sig som tiggare, för det var oklart hur hennes make planerade att försörja sin familj.

Hennes son föddes och nu gjorde lille John Root henne lycklig, även om hans far mest slarvade om nätterna och var brutal eller sov om dagarna.

När livet med Root blev outhärdligt, fick Charlotta på något sätt bud till Bishop Hill. Männen där färdades till Chicago med häst och vagn, nästan 200 miles, på vägar, som knappast var mer än leriga hjulspår på prärien.

De hämtade hem Charlotta och hennes barn och hon var säker igen bland älskande släkt och trosvänner. Root förföljde dem och ville ha tillbaka sin hustru. Erik sade: "Nej!" Bishop Hillfolket gömde Lotta och spädbarn under golvet i mejeriet och smugglade in mat, medan Root rasade och hotade.

Fördomar mot Janssonisterna, som hade funnits i Sverige, fanns också bland deras svensk-amerikanska bönder-grannar i Illinois, så Root kunde samla vänner att hjälpa honom. De resonerade att det inte var rätt att Roots hustru hade flytt från honom. Gäng av bönder och Cambridge-bor marscherade till Bishop Hill, drog några bräder från kyrkans väggar och hotade att bränna byn.

I maj 1850, befann sig både Jansson och Root på rådhuset i Cambridge.

Root skrek: "Ge mej min hustru!" Jansson ropade tillbaka: "Jag ska ge dej en sugga till hustru. Det duger åt dej!" Root drog sin revolver och skjöt Jansson genom bröstet. Han dog omedelbart.

Root blev fängslad och, med hänsyn till en viss känsla av sympati för honom i omnejden, dömd till bara två års fängelse. När han haft tillfälle att utöva sin charm på guvernörens dotter, blev han utsläppt efter sex månader. Han for till Chicago, där han dog efter några år av vilt leverne.

Charlotta levde ut sitt liv i Bishop Hill. Den lille John Root uppfostrades av en älskande mor och hjälpsamma trossyskon. Han växte upp till att bli en av pelarna i Bishop Hill samhälle och grundade Old Pioneer Heritage Association. När Du besöker Bishop Hill, ska Du titta på trottoaren framför diversehandeln. Där, i cement, ser Du en dedikation till John Root Den Yngre.

Inez Törnblom, Viljan 349, Distrikt Kapla

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So much has happened at the Vasa Archives over the last several months, it is difficult to choose what to include here, dear Valthornet readers. The most dramatic change is how space is used in the facility. Volunteer work crews have been organized by Distinguished Service honorees David Tollin, Jake Gruel, and Sten Hult (yes, they keep giving) to arrange displays and archival storage to better handle our collections. Having taken a hard look at storage versus display, we decided a couple of years ago to move toward expanding the document storage capacity. Jake Gruel and I put up the last of our heavy duty shelving units in the office this summer, so we have completed the shift, including several related display moves, so that our linear feet of document storage has more than doubled what it was in 2007.

In the wake of our recent financial debacle, Vasa members from our district and across the Order have steeled their resolve to support the Archives all the more and keep its operations running. We have received many donations ranging from individual annual contributions all the way up to visionary-level gifts, all of which are deeply appreciated. Our equipment wishlist, published earlier this year in the Vasa Star, was met with commitment from many quarters. District Lodge Lake Michigan # 8, first among them, made a visionarylevel gift making it possible now to purchase the microfilm scanner that we named as our highest priority going forward.

Any archivist will tell you that 1) preservation and storage and 2) capacity to dispense information to patrons are the core of properly functioning archives.

We are fulfilling these missions with renewed strength, even in a shaky economy. I think our district should be proud of its continued commitment to making its national archives the best it can be.

The VOA National Archives Board of Directors, a strong group of farsighted individuals, continues to be composed of more than fifty percent District #8 leaders.

This is only appropriate. But they have never viewed the national archives as a district archives on steroids, but a place representing the entire Vasa Order. The board has seen to it that all districts and lodges have a stake in the Archives in Bishop Hill.

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Visitors here will see that we are now flying the national flags of our order higher than before, having added three twenty-foot flag poles to the front yard. The Canadian Maple Leaf Flag was always displayed on the inside of the Archives, but it now joins the American and Swedish flags on the outside, flapping vigorously in the prairie wind.

Lars Jenner, Archivist Vasa National Archives

SCANDINAVIAN DAY FESTIVAL AT VASA PARK

The 31st Annual Scandinavian Day Festival was held at Vasa Park, South Elgin, Illinois on Sunday, 12 September 2010. This year’s theme was “Celebrating Nordic Authors & The Tales Of Scandinavia”. Visitors came to celebrate the Culture, Heritage, and Traditions of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. Highlights included: Traditional Scandinavian foods; crafts; games; gifts; vendors; and Scandinavian entertainment, including the Sun City Concert Band; Ole & Sven with their humorous music from Madison, Wisconsin; Normennenes Singing Society and Leikarringen Heimhug Folk Dancers; FREE Pony Rides for the children; Living History Display; and Sweden’s Telge Glima “Vikings” presenting Old Nordic Games. A church service started the day at 10:00 am.

HANDS Ͳ ON HISTORY AT VASA PARK! A live Ͳ action timeline, honoring and illustrating the long history of Scandinavian immigration to America, was again a featured exhibit of this year's Scandinavian Day festival.

Well Ͳ informed and entertaining historical reͲenactors explained and demonstrated the clothing, tools, weapons, and day – to Ͳ day life of Leif Ericsson's Newfoundland explorers, the 17th century colony of New Sweden, and 19th century Scandinavian immigrants.

Specially featured, and new this year, was an exciting group of Civil War reͲenactors from Wisconsin who portrayed the famous 15th Wisconsin "Scandinavian" Regiment. This Union regiment, composed mainly of recent immigrants from Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, won personal praise from Abraham Lincoln for skill, courage, loyalty, sacrifice, and service to their adopted nation. As done during the Civil War, the men demonstrated their period manual of arms and musket firing drill, to commands in both English and Norwegian!

The all day festival, held rain or shine, was presented by the Scandinavian Day Festival Committee. Visitors were given Free Parking, and FREE ENTRY, if wearing a full Traditional Scandinavian Costume.

VASA PARK is located on Route # 31 along the Fox River, South Elgin, Illinois.

Check out the Website: www.vasaparkil.com.

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Spanish Language Exceeds Swedish Among Swedish Americans Changes have taken place among Swedish Americans and the languages they speak at home. With the discovery of a new resource data base at the Minnesota Population Center at the University of Minnesota, it is now possible to discover the complexities of linguistic abilities and the trends in the use of languages in the homes of all ethnic groups in the United States. The Integrated Public Use Microdata Series (IPUMS) is a treasure trove of data that has yet to be fully realized by researchers. Several different data bases are available, and draw on every surviving United States census from 1850 to 2000 and from the American Community Survey of 2000-2008. The IPUMS provides consistent variable names, coding schemes, and documentation across all the samples, facilitating the analysis of long-term change. Best of all, the data is available free of charge and can be accessed by anyone at http://www.ipums.org/.

Based on data made available through IPUMS, it has been determined that according to the 1980 US Census data, 91.6% of all Swedish Americans spoke English at home and 2.1% spoke Swedish (Table 1). Over the years, English language use has remained very high, with some 3.6 million (91%) speaking English in 2000.

The use of Swedish, however, declined from 88,000 (2.1%) people in 1980, to 52,000 (1.3%) of all Swedish Americans in 2000. As the Swedish language has declined, a dramatic increase in the use of Spanish has taken place. The use of Spanish ranked third in the 1980 Census with 0.6% of the Swedish American population, but by 2000, an increase of over 29,000 people led to a total of over 55,000 (1.4%) Spanish speaking Swedish Americans. Thus, Spanish was spoken by more Swedish Americans than the Swedish language! Among Swedish Americans who spoke Spanish, the highest concentrations were found in New Mexico (3.7%), Washington, D. C. (3.4%), and Oklahoma (2.7%). Swedish Americans spoke a total of 76 languages, and among the first ancestry respondents, some of the more common languages included French, German, Italian, Norwegian, and Finnish. Some of the numerous other languages that were spoken in smaller numbers included Persian, Kurdish, Bengali, Sinhalese, Thai, Japanese, Chamorro, Arabic, Mande, and Cherokee.

What will happen in the 2010 Census? Based on the trends shown here, it is most likely that the use of Spanish language will increase while the Swedish language will continue to decline. How will this reflect itself among Swedish American organizations, events, and life? Only time will tell, but it will be important to recognize this change in language patterns, and consider what it may lead to in years to come.

Table 1. Languages spoken by Swedish Americans in the U.S., 1980-2000.

Swedish 1980 1990 2000 Total %ge Total %ge Total %ge plus/minus 3,809,080 91.6 4,191,365 89.7 3,647,970 91.0 -161,110 English 26,000 38,495 55,292 Spanish 0.6 0.8 1.4 29,292 88,160 61,925 52,381 Swedish 2.1 1.3 1.3 -35,779 TOTAL POP 4,157,740 4,672,153 4,008,237 -149,503 Source: Author tabulations from http://usa.ipums.org/usa/

By Dr. Mika Roinila Assistant Professor of Geography Bethel College, Mishawaka, Indiana

UPDATE YOUR MAILING LIST! Local lodges should update their mailing list regularly. Membership lists change frequently because of initiations, moves, and deaths, and there may be

errors from previous lists. Misdirected mail results in added expense for the Grand Lodge, the District Lodge, and your Local Lodge. You may request a

current list of who receives the VALTHORNET and the VASA STAR by contacting Cathy Anderson, Circulation Manager, 13194 North Woosnam Way, Oro Valley,

Arizona 85755; e-mail: circulationvasastar@gmail.com. Cathy Anderson will update your mailing list with your help. Please keep the list current and correct.

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NEWS FROM LOCAL LODGES KRONAN # 179 26 September 2010: Our lodge was pleased to achieve our 100th year Anniversary, celebrating “Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow”.

Our celebration was held at the Holiday Inn Chicago North Shore in Skokie, Illinois. We had a delicious catered meal that included Roast Sirloin of Beef, Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms, Salmon Filet, Garden Salad, Green Bean Almandine, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Anniversary Cake, Ice Cream, Rolls, Butter, and Coffee.

Everyone enjoyed reflecting on the past 100 years in existence through photographs, documents, and speeches. Thank you to all who attended and joined in the 100th Anniversary celebration. submitted by Louise Nygard

SVEA # 253 20 June 2010: A combined Midsommar and Father’s Day celebration was held on a beautiful summer afternoon at the Latvian Center, in Indianapolis, Indiana. The event began with music played by Ole Vesterqvist and a pot-luck picnic with dozens of delicious and tempting appetizers, salads, meat, vegetables, and desserts.

Beverages included lingonberry saft, lemonade, coffee, tea, and iced cold water. (right) Ole Vesterqvist played the accordion.

Tack Så Mycket to Dennis Danielson, David Duff, Barbro and David Jarrell, and Joella and Edward Hultgren for setting up the dining room and kitchen; to Donna Bergstrom and Patricia Hoffmann for helping in the kitchen; and Michelle, Josh, and Eric Escalante for making the amazing dalahäst piñata and organizing the outdoors activities and games for children and adults. Many folks decorated the Majstång, and most everyone participated in the Majstång

parade and traditional Midsommar dancing around (right) Dalahast Piñata the Majstång, led by Ingeborg Lundberg, Iva Lynn, and Eija Vesterqvist, and accompanied

by Ole Vesterqvist on the accordion.

17 July 2010: Two of our members tied the knot! Carol Atherton and Glen Scott Clarkson were married at the home of

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his father Glen Clarkson, a minister, who officiated at the ceremony. (left) Scott's Father, Glen Clarkson, officiated; Jenni Clarkson (sister of the groom); Scott Clarkson and Carol Atherton.

Hjärtliga lyckönskningar (Heartfelt congratulations)!

Vi önskar er ett lyckligt äktenskap (We wish you a happy marriage)!

28 July - 1 August 2010: Barbro and David Jarrell brought home two prizes when he took his Z car to the Nashville, Tennessee ZCON car show, held in front of the Nissan Corporation Headquarters, to celebrate 40 years of the Z car. The two awards presented to David Jarrell were the 1st Place award for “Best In Class Stock 370Zs” and the “Best Of Show”. Congratulations!

David Jarrell says, “It's all about many hours of ‘detailing’. I worked on it for a few days before we left, interior stuff and under the hood, and did the exterior on site, again a full day of detailing that I spread over two days because of the heat. Every speck of dirt, dust, and lint is removed and then everything except the cloth is polished with spray wax or plastic / rubber polish. It is truly way better than ‘brand new’ after that. (right) David Jarrell with “Best In Class” and “Best Of Show” awards.

A five man team of judges looks over the car searching for paint chips, dirt, dust, and anything that is not ‘stock’ from the factory.”

7 August 2010: Our annual Kräftskiva celebration was held at the beautiful home and gardens of Charlotte Swenson in Indianapolis, Indiana. A record number of 62 members and guests joined in the fun, singing, and eating. Several members helped with set-up and decorating, and many others brought the items that made up the delicious outdoors picnic of Kräftor, lemon-pepper grilled chicken tenderloins, Tygum heritage potato salad, Bergstrom salad, smoked salmon appetizers, green bean casserole, beets, Swedish brown beans, tomatoes, cucumbers, rye bread with cream cheese, rolls, butter, various pies of summer fruit, ice cream, aqvavit, beer, wine, sodas, lemonade, and iced water. Tack Så Mycket to Viola Abbott, Lou and Marv Anderson, Eva Berglund, Donna Bergstrom, Faye and John Bevelhimer, Carol and Scott Clarkson, Dennis Danielson, Michelle and Josh Escalante, Katherine Gagné, John Gundersen, Patricia Hoffmann, Joella and Edward Hultgren, Sue and Tom James, Barbro and David Jarrell, Sarah and Eric Swanson, Susie Swanson, Charlotte Swenson, and Jean Tygum for preparing the fabulous meal! Tack Så Mycket also to Eija Vesterqvist, assisted

by Kristina Grasso and Ole Vesterqvist, for leading the singing of

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8 Helan Går and other traditional Kräftskiva songs. We enjoyed the relaxing company of fellow members and welcomed guests: Alec, Drew, Jay, and Kelly Bevelhimer; Kristina Grasso; Anne Heighway; Emily and Lily Jervis; Lorne Lewellen; Leora Meehan-Numminen; Saritiina Numminen; Diann Ryan; Annika Swanson; Erin Swanson; and Linus, Miko, and Ole Vesterqvist.

12 September 2010: A business meeting, program, and smörgåsbord were held at the Latvian Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. We draped the charter for recently deceased members Charles Lindgren and Thomas Klubens. Following our business meeting, Joella and Edward Hultgren took us on a cruise to the island of Saint Barthélemy part of the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean Sea. France ceded Saint Barthélemy to Sweden in 1784 for shipping rights and a warehouse in Gothenburg, and then bought it back in 1878. This beautiful island still flies the flag of Sweden in its harbour, and there is a wonderful historical Swedish Museum in the capital port town of Gustavia. We celebrated the 50th wedding anniversary of Sophia and Daniel Anderson.

Refreshments were provided by Katherine Gagné, Sue and Tom James, and Carin Young. Gevalia coffee was provided by Eva Berglund.

28 September 2010: The Tuesday luncheon group met at Marquette Manor, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Several of our members reside at Marquette Manor, and we were the guests of Helen Burnett. Tack Så Mycket to the coordinators Eva Berglund, Donna Bergstrom, and Patricia Hoffmann, and especially to Helen Burnett.

VILJAN # 349 27 May 2010: The annual Memorial Service was held and the Convention Report was given at Bethany Lutheran Church, in Batavia, Illinois. Members joined together to remember and celebrate the lives of those members that have preceded us.

Thank you to refreshment coordinators Florence Olsen and Dorothy Patzer for the delicious meeting refreshments, and to Convention delegates Jack Grandin, and Dee and Don Radtke, for their convention reports. Congratulations again to our newly elected District Master Tom Cleveland. We wished him well as he prepared for the Grand Lodge Convention in Washington, DC this July.

19 June 2010: The Scandinavian Midsommar Celebration and Maypole Decorating Party were held at Vasa Park, located along the Fox River, South Elgin, Illinois. We enjoyed a light Scandinavian picnic lunch for Viljan members, and the members joined in our tradition of Maypole Decorating in preparation for raising the maypole and traditional dancing around it. Flowers picked from gardens or purchased bouquets all combined to make a beautiful maypole. This was a great event to attend, under the majestic oak trees of Vasa Park, to celebrate the beauty, heritage, and summer traditions of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. Many members stayed to enjoy the festivities and natural beauty of Vasa Park’s meadows and riverside setting, including the Children’s Parade in Folk Costume, live musical entertainment, children’s performances, food, crafts representing all Scandinavian countries, flower arranging, rosemaling demonstrations, free pony rides, storytelling and the “Hunt for the Ugly Duckling”, games, and culminating with luminaria, a bonfire, and traditional toast at sunset. Tusen Tack to Ken Johnson and the Stopkas for providing grapevines for the maypole; to Barb Olson and Paula Stopka for coordinating a lovely Swedish - style picnic lunch and decorating; to all the members who brought flowers and helped decorate the maypole for the Midsommar celebration. It was a great day to be at the park and enjoy the start of summer.

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20 June 2010: Good Templar Park in Geneva, Illinois, hosted its Swedish Day. The cottages were open for limited tours, and the Viking ship was also opened to tour.

22 – 27 June 2010: Several members participated in Swedish Days in Geneva, Illinois. Lots of festivities were planned throughout the week, culminating with a parade.

22 July 2010: The annual Fish Boil was held at Vasa Park, South Elgin, Illinois. The delicious menu included: Icelandic cod, potatoes, onions and peas, assorted salads, apple slices, coffee, soda, and water. Thank you to Sue and Tom Cleveland for coordinating the event.

14 August 2010: A Steak Fry and Crayfish Sampling event was held at Vasa Park, South Elgin, Illinois 26 August 2010: A meeting and Ice Cream Social were held.

Thank you to the Stopka’s for providing the sweet frozen treats.

We all scream “hooray” for ice cream and Vasa!

12 September 2010: Our Viking lodge members participated in the Scandinavian Day Festival at Vasa Park, South Elgin, Illinois.

This was a great day to visit and enjoy Vasa Park! There was Scandinavian entertainment, a Living History Display, Scandinavian food, and vendors. This was our lodge’s major fund raising event and we sold Swedish meatball platters and Swedish waffles. Several members joined us in the kitchen to help! Many hands made light work! Tack Så Mycket to the coordinator Ruth Beck.

23 September 2010: The lodge presented “A Night Of Music” with the Swedish American Children’s Choir at Bethany Lutheran Church in Batavia, Illinois. Members and invited friends welcomed this terrific choir as they performed for us. It was a pleasure to listen and watch as they sang traditional Scandinavian songs and danced traditional Scandinavian dances. They also provided delicious refreshments after their performance! A doubly sweet treat for us! These young people are talented and a great reminder that our cultural heritage is alive and vibrant.

GO VILJAN! The new year will soon be upon us and planning is already underway. Interested in a more active role within the lodge? Have program ideas? Want to help with refreshments?

Please share your ideas with a lodge officer. If you’re interested in becoming more involved in the lodge there are many roles that don’t require lots of time, but provide a great sense of fulfillment.

Please talk to Tom Cleveland, Ruth Beck, Ralph Beck, Mary Jean Nystedt, or Paula Stopka. submitted by Susan Cleveland

LINDE # 492 27 June 2010: Unfortunately, Midsommar at Old World Wisconsin didn’t happen this year. It was cancelled due to a tornado coming through the area, just a couple of days before the event was scheduled. The area we use was severely damaged, and the parking area was totally leveled of trees. Old World Wisconsin was closed for a month.

4 July 2010: Swedish members Hillivi and Lars – ǖke Sjöberg

(above) Proud Eskilstuna members and four guests from the USA. (right) Lars - ǖke Sjöberg is having a good time while showing his true colors on his patriotic shirt.

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9 sent us pictures from their visit to Lodge Eskilstuna in Sweden when they celebrated the 4th of July.

25 July 2010: A planning meeting for 2011 was held at the home of Marge and Jake Gruel.

July and 4 August 2010: Congratulations to Marge Gruel for successful cataract surgery this summer. “The world is so much prettier now!”, says Marge Gruel.

28 August 2010: The annual Kräftskiva – Crayfish party was held at the home of Liza and Rolf Ekstrand in New Berlin, Wisconsin. In addition to the traditional Kräftor and beverages, there were many delicious side dishes brought by members.

Guests included eight members and friends from Swedish lodges, several members of the District No. 8 Executive Board, and Maxi who is Julie and Steve LeBlanc’s German student for this year.

11 September 2010: A business meeting and annual picnic were held at Christ The Victor Church, New Berlin, Wisconsin.

Members shared tasty dishes and brought a white elephant gift for fun and laughs. We also played Swedish Bingo.

25 – 26 September 2010: This September weekend was AgDays (Jordbruksdagarna) in Bishop Hill, Illinois. Some members of Brahe Lodge # 245 in Rockford, Illinois joined us on this weekend trip. Saturday activities included lunch at several venues, touring the town, exploring the many stores, shopping at farmer stands, and visiting the park and museums. We gathered at the Vasa National Archives District Gallery for a free sit down dinner and program sponsored by our lodge. On Sunday morning, we toured the Vasa National Archives, met with the resident archivist Lars Jenner, enjoyed coffee, and had time to tour the town and the Kranz Museum. There were lots of activities, celebrations, and festivities.

Contributors Liza Ekstrand and Marge Gruel

Children’s Club, and helped to introduce Swedish folk dancing to over 5,000 people.

(above) Bishop Hill’s Midsommar Queen Sally Christianson.

Sally Christianson is interested in politics, plays piano, electric bass guitar, and violin. She is employed as a housekeeper for the Galesburg, Illinois, office of Hein Construction, and attends Bethel Baptist Church in Galesburg, Illinois.

Sally Christianson celebrated her 13th birthday on 23 August 2010.

23 July 2010: The lodge held its picnic and potluck at the Galva Park District. Despite the hot weather and rain on Friday evening, this group of members, family, and guests enjoyed some good food. They also celebrated Mary Christianson’s birthday. Grattis På Födelsedagen, Mary! The Refreshments Committee included Jeff Anderson, Chairman, and Patty Christianson.

SATELLITE # 661 August 2010: A crayfish party was held.

12 September 2010: A meeting was held at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Kalamazoo, Michigan, to plan for two of the major lodge activities remaining in the 2010 calendar year: the Fish Boil on 3 October 2010 and Luciafest on 11 December 2010.

Both activities require substantial support and assistance from lodge members to be successful. Refreshments included a Smörgåsbord; members were asked to bring a Scandinavian dish to share.

Information was received from the Swedish – Finnish Historical Society regarding the Finnish genes of Prince Daniel Westling of Sweden. Apparently, some of his ancestors migrated from Russia through Finland and on to Sweden. If you are interested in the genealogy of Prince Daniel, it can be found on the internet at the following IP address: http://theesotericcuriosa.blogspot.com/2010_06_24_archive.html There are now two Scandinavian detectives on the third WGVU channel – 35.3 and 52.3. Varg Veum, a Norwegian detective was scheduled on Sunday, 19 September 2010. Kurt Wallender, the creation of Swedish writer Henning Mankell, was scheduled on Sunday, 26 September 2010. Both programs had English subtitles. submitted by Bruce C. Muller Newsletter Editor

BISHOP HILL # 683 26 June 2010: Sally Christianson was selected as Bishop Hill’s Midsommar Queen for 2010. She is the daughter of Patty and Dave Christianson of Wataga, Illinois. Sally Christianson wore a Leksand dress that was a gift from Lillemor Horngren. She was a founding member of “Pride Of The Family”, a VASA Youth and

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Front row: Roger and Judy Anderson, Lloyd and Donna Anderson, and Sally and Harlan Nelson; back row: David, Mary, Sally, and Patty Christianson, Jordan Simpson, Josh Christianson, and Ian Le.

August 2010: A Crayfish Party was planned.

24 September 2010: A wiener roast and potluck supper were held at the VASA National Archives. The program included musical entertainment. The Refreshments Committee was chaired by Ann and Lars Jenner, and included Jim Asplund, Cecil Duffy, Andy Larson, Sam Lindberg, and Gail and Jeff Olson. submitted by Jeff Anderson

JUBILEUM # 755 19 June 2010: Summer in Madison, Wisconsin is a quiet time for clubs like Vasa. Between the departure of 30,000+ students from the University, time for summer travel for those with school aged children, and the knowledge that summer is short and it’s time to be outside, summer has an entirely different feel.

Vasa’s only summer event is also a high point of our year and the Swedish year—Midsommar! Our celebration was held at Arbor Covenant Church. The day itself wasn’t as hot and humid as the last few, but the Summer of 2010 which followed turned out to be

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10 warm and wet in the American Midwest. We enjoyed a good harvest of many of our crops.

We seemed to be moving a little more slowly than usual, but we got the Majstång decorated and raised well. I had a special privilege. Our Cultural Leader and keeper of the Swedish flag, Hans Fride, was traveling, so I dashed home and returned with my Swedish wind sock to finish off the Majstång. It looked really good, if I say so myself!

As usual, the dancers started out numerous and energetic and ended few and not so energetic. We were blessed with many visitors, especially the extended family of member Gunilla Rubasch. Kjell-Eric Anderson warmed our hearts with Swedish accordion music throughout the afternoon.

The smörgåsbord featured some world-champion Swedish cheese

(upper left). We Wisconsinites quietly took exception, but had to agree it was “not bad.” The summer fruit salads (top center and lower right) practically brought tears to my eyes. Thanks to all who brought the food and drink. The whole is greater than the sum of the parts. Is there such a thing as a sad Midsommar?

12 September 2010: Even though this is nominally the June August news, I thought I would slip in our short September program now and save some space later for the fullness of Autumn. At our September meeting, I (Robert Merrill, Historian) reported from the Lake Michigan District Lodge # 8 convention, and then reprised the “Vasa 101” presentation from last year, describing the history and organization of the Vasa Order. We’re easing into Autumn so there weren’t many of us there, but we did welcome a visitor and enroll a new member, who looked us up because his mother back in Connecticut introduced him to her Local Lodge. Thanks, Mom! Swedes aren’t always the most assertive people. Sometimes you have to give them a bit of a nudge. As the Grand Master, William Lundquist, has noted, the Order is losing members to lack of interest faster than to passing. So we need new members, but more importantly, we need to become what our current and prospective members want us to be about. We have a great heritage, a common love of Sweden past and present, and a wonderful story to tell. submitted by Robert Merrill Historian

THANK YOU NOTE We wish to thank everyone for your condolences and prayers during our grief and sorrow. Your expression of sympathy via cards, e-mails, or telephone calls, has supported us since the passing of our daughter Susann (Hult) Thyberg.

God Bless, Sten and Nancy Hult

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CHICAGO SWEDES: THEY SPOKE FROM THE HEART Lilly Setterdahl, member of Nobel Lodge No. 288, Moline, Illinois, has released Chicago Swedes: They Spoke From The Heart, her 13th nonfiction book.

Chicago Swedes: They Spoke From The Heart is a collection of 340 short stories and 300 accompanying photos that tell the stories of Swedes who emigrated and made their lives in Chicago. Each story is just a snippet, giving a brief window into the person's life, but taken together, they offer a picture of emigrant life in Chicago, particularly during the years of the Great Depression.

The stories are summaries of oral interviews completed by the author’s husband over the course of four decades, and each lists the location of the original interview record. See also www.swedishcouncil.org.

Chicago Swedes: They Spoke From The Heart by Lilly Setterdahl has 324 pages, is soft cover 7” x 10” paperback, is $19.95, and is available from Amazon.com and swedishamericanmuseum.org.

Best Regards, Lilly Setterdahl www.authorlillysetterdahl.net

IN MEMORIAM Karin E. Hedman – Linde No. 492 Karin E. Hedman (nee Granath) passed away Wednesday, July 21, 2010, at 90 years of age. She was born September 30, 1919 in Uddevalla, Sweden. Karin Hedman arrived in the USA on the first commercial flight over the Atlantic Ocean after World War II. She was a member of Linde Lodge No. 492, Vasa Order Of America, for 49 years.

Karin Hedman was the beloved wife of Victor Hedman for 56 years; loving mother of Lars (Jody) and Eric; proud grandma of Erin; dear sister of Elisabeth Granath; aunt of Tomas (Christina) Granath; great-aunt of Anna; and also loved by other relatives and friends.

She will be missed.

Thomas H. Klubens – Svea No. 153 Thomas H. Klubens, 67 years old, from Brownsburg, Indiana, died July 10, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Born in Waterbury, Connecticut, he was a resident of Florida counties, Palm Beach and Martin, for more than thirty years. Thomas Klubens graduated from Martin County High School, Stuart, Florida in 1964. During the Vietnam War, he was a veteran of the United States Air Force, which included service in Southeast Asia.

Thomas Klubens began a career of 36 years in law enforcement in Florida with Jupiter, Police Department, Tequesta Police Department, and Watauga County Sheriff's Office, and Boone, North Carolina; he retired from Mangonia Park, Police Department, Florida, in October of 2004. He was a life member of the Fraternal Order of Police, Gulfstream Lodge #26, Florida, and a member of the Vasa Order of America Svea Lodge #253, Indianapolis, Indiana. Survivors include his wife, Lois A. Klubens of Brownsburg, Indiana; sons, James R. Klubens and

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11 Thomas A. Klubens of Greenwood, Indiana, and a sister, Shirley Scoville of Salt Lake City, Utah. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest J. Klubens and Doris H. Klubens who were residents of Martin County, Florida.

Charles Arvid Lindgren, Sr. – Svea No. 153 Charles (Chuck) Arvid Lindgren, Sr., 68 years old, of Indianapolis, Indiana, died Thursday, June 24, 2010. He was born in Billings, Montana on July 20, 1941 to August Lindgren and Harriet Burch Lindgren.

His father August Lindgren was born and raised in Malmö, Sweden, came to America in 1907 on the Lusitania, and his name is on a plaque on Ellis Island, New York. Chuck Lindgren was the youngest of five children; his siblings include Earl, Ted, Leonard, and Lula Lindgren, and half - siblings John, Faith, and Alberta Blackford. Chuck Lindgren attended a Lutheran college upon graduation from high school in Billings, Montana. In 1999 Chuck Lindgren graduated from Indiana University. After college he joined the Military serving his country for thirty – four years from 1962 – 1996. He retired as a Chief warrant Officer 4. He loved serving his country and his primary tours of duty were: Fort Ord, California; Fort Harrison, Indiana; Fort Bliss, Texas; Fort Riley, Kansas; MAAG China (Taiwan); Fort Knox, Kentucky; Fliegerhorst Kaserne, Hanau, Germany; McNair Kaserne in Hoechst, Germany; Phu Loi, Vietnam; 36th Artillery Group; 123rd Army Reserve Command, Fort Harrison, Indiana; 425th Personnel Services Company, Indianapolis, Indiana; 6th Battalion 68th Armory, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; and FORSCOM, Atlanta, Georgia.

Chuck Lindgren was an active member of the Svea Lodge / Vasa Order Of America, and served as Past Chairman and several other offices. In District Lodge Lake Michigan No. 8, Chuck Lindgren served as Master Of Ceremonies, Assistant Master Of Ceremonies, and Guard. He was also a member of MOAA, Nationality Council, American Legion, Veterans Of Foreign Wars, and was currently enrolled in the ISOM (Indiana School Of Ministry). He was a past Commander of the Brownsburg American Legion and was also the former President of the Nationalities Council. Chuck Lindgren was asked by Senator Richard Lugar’s office to do an oral history of his service in Vietnam, and he was proud to do this. He was also a DJ at WWKI radio in Kokomo, Indiana and his favorite interview was with Dolly Parton.

He served as a Therapeutic Foster Parent from 2003 – 2009. At Messiah Lutheran Church he was active in the Stephen Ministries. Chuck Lindgren was a member of the Lakeview Church and was a small group leader and Altar worker. Chuck Lindgren loved to travel, especially cruising with Royal Caribbean. He also loved to follow the Oak Ridge Boys in concert.

Chuck Lindgren passed away peacefully with his family surrounding him and the American Flag waving outside his hospital window. He is survived by his wife Marty Lindgren, children Craig, Joy, Joyce, and Charles Lindgren II, and Nancy Dyer; grandchildren Garrett, Robyn, and Destiny; stepchildren include Michael Scott and Alison Glinsboeckel, five step – grandchildren, and Damar client Robert Burcham who has resided with Marty and Chuck Lindgren for 9 ½ years. He is also survived by his brother Leonard who is eighty – two years old, his half sister Alberta Bartell, and several nieces and nephews. He had many friends and co – workers whom he cherished. He is also survived by his rescue boxer Libby.

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Anders S. C. Segerdahl – Linde No. 492 Anders S. C. Segerdahl was born on October 2nd, 1923 and died on July 14, 2010. Anders was an Honorary member of Linde Lodge No. 492, Vasa Order Of America, and was the Retired Chairman and CEO of the Everett Smith Group; Knight Commander of the Swedish Royal Order of the North Star; and Retired Swedish Consul for the State of Wisconsin. Andy was born in Linkoping Sweden and immigrated to the United States in 1956 along with his wife, Birgit and son Johan. He died after a valiant battle with a rare and aggressive form of lung cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family; Birgit (Nilsson) his wife of 60 years, his son Johan and wife Jane (Reilly) and grandsons Andy, David, and Charlie Segerdahl, and Craig Tomlinson. He is predeceased by his daughter and Craig's mother, Karin Noll.

Andy was educated in Sweden completing his MBA at the Chalmers Business School in Gothenburg, Sweden in 1946 after serving in the Swedish army. In 1948 he was sent by his father (a tanner) to meet with his international industry contacts bringing him first to Buenos Aires, Argentina, working for Ottero & Co. and finally to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to intern for Albert Trostel & Sons. After a brief return to Sweden in 1956, Andy and his new family decided to return to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Albert Trostel. As Trostel grew so did Andy's role. He took over a small unprofitable subsidiary in Michigan and transformed it with the help of a select team, into the leading supplier of auto upholstery leather in the world. Today this business remains an important part of the Everett Smith Group of businesses.

Eventually he became Chairman and CEO managing an internationally diversified corporation with thousands of employees. He served as President of the International Tanners Council, was a member of various clubs in the community and won the Theodore Roosevelt Award given by the U.S. government for his role in managing an industrial company in an environmentally responsible manner. He worked tirelessly as a Consul to maintain strong relations between the State and the local Swedish community. To his family, many friends, and business colleagues, he was "truly bigger than life". He loved people and had fun. Andy always spoke English with a pronounced Swedish accent and would invent English words and phrases to meet the occasion, a source of constant fun for all those around. As a child, his son Johan remembers his Dad lighting up a room. Now as a man of 58 years old, the most amazing thing was that Johan was still admiring his father as he moved into his 80s. He will be missed greatly but remembered warmly.

YOUTH CORNER District Lodge Lake Michigan No. 8 Children's Clubs are: Vårblomman #54 - North side of Chicago, Illinois: (773) 282-9423 Förgät Mig Ej #64 - Far Northwestern suburbs of Chicago, Illinois: (847) 516-3103 Skansen #113 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin and suburban areas: (262) 782-2238 Nordikids #208 - Northwest Indiana and southern suburban Chicago, Illinois: (219) 923-8777 Pride of the Family #209 - Bishop Hill area of Illinois: (309) 375-6844 In Truth and Unity, Lynda Ann Smith District Lodge # 8 Youth Supervisor / Grand Lodge Youth Director

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12

SKANSEN # 113 Skansen Children’s Club had their last rehearsal the weekend before they were to perform for Midsommar at Old World Wisconsin, and the Children were so ready to perform their Midsommar dances. The practice was held at the home of Liza and Rolf Ekstrand. We kicked it off with a pancake breakfast, and then danced on the grassy area in front of the house.

Unfortunately, a tornado tore through the park and cancelled the event. We’ll be ready for next year! submitted by Liza Ekstrand

NORDIKIDS # 208 Congratulations to Harry Ogrentz (age 12 from Chicago, Illinois), Melissa Pearson (age 8 from Hammand, Indiana), and Lisa Raddatz (age 15 from Munster, Indiana) for their colorful artwork that was featured in the THE VASA STAR magazine, July 2010 – August 2010, under “KIDS CORNER”, page # 27.

Well done artists!

Nordikids Musiklubb is a not-for-profit educational group supported in part by Vasa Order Of America, and in part by fund-raising. We strive to promote the culture of Scandinavia and all funds received are used to pay for educational opportunities for the children and to afford them materials and experiences that will increase their knowledge of their rich cultural heritage. submitted by Lynda Smith

DISTRICT SCHOLARSHIPS District No. 8 is proud to announce that it has two scholarship programs at this time. The District Scholarship, which was created and endowed during the past two years, will be available for the first time in the coming year. The South Side Lodges Scholarship is also poised to be able to offer at least one, and hopefully more, scholarships for the 2011 school year.

Any person who is a full time student (at least 12 credit hours) is eligible to apply for these scholarships if they have been a member of a Vasa local lodge prior to January 31, 2010! The application form will be available online and the deadline for completing and returning it will be February 1, 2011. Please share this information with your families and with all the members of your lodge.

Included in this issue, are thank you letters from each of our 2010 Scholarship Winners: Rachel Hannigan, Nordik Folk No. 761; Michael Pearson, Jr., Nordik Folk No. 761; and Chelsea Stolar, Viljan No. 349. These young folk are the future of our Vasa Order! Congratulations to them and their families. submitted by Lynda Ann Smith District Youth Supervisor Note: Scholarship application forms may be accessed and printed out at the following address on the Internet: http://www.vasaorder.net/news.cfm?lodge=D8

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Dear District Lodge No. 8, Please accept this letter of thanks, for choosing me as one of the winners of the South Side Chicago Lodges Scholarship. I am genuinely honored to be a recipient of this award.

The money will certainly come in handy, as I pursue my college education at Purdue.

Vasa has been a wonderful contribution to the skills I have gained in life. For this, I will forever be thankful!

Sincerely, Rachel Hannigan Nordik Folk No. 761 Dear Lynda Smith and Vasa members of District No. 8, My name is Michael Pearson and Vasa has been a part of my life for about nine years. I continue to participate in my local lodge and children’s group. I have met some one – of – a – kind people in my lodge and I’m very thankful for that.

As for the purpose of this letter, I would like to thank you all very much for the very generous scholarship I received this year. It is such a big help in paying the numerous fees that come with a college education.

The Vasa organization has been a very helpful support in my goal of obtaining a college degree. In turn, the Vasa organization is also helping me further my life by the doors a college education opens. For this, and many other reasons, I am very thankful to my fellow members in supporting the college fund.

I would like to especially thank Lynda Smith for selecting me for the scholarship. She is irreplaceable to our lodge and the Vasa Order. It is an absolute honor to have been selected.

Tack så mycket!

Michael Pearson, Jr. Nordik Folk No. 761 Dear Vasa District Lodge Lake Michigan Convention Delegates, Thank you so much for selecting me to receive one of the scholarships. I am so honored by this. I enjoyed my thirteen years as a member of Förgät Mig Ej Children’s Club and my four years as director of it.

I hope to give back after I finish school by again directing a children’s club and by being

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13 a participating member of my lodge. Thank you again so much and I want to give a special greeting to all the delegates from Viljan Lodge which is my lodge. Thank you, Mrs. Smith!

Gratefully, Chelsea Stolar Viljan # 349

Sjölunden Language Camp Three children from Skansen Children’s Club, Sophie Andersson, and Rex and Lola Wassermann, went to Sjölunden Language Camp for one week from 16 August 2010 to 21 August 2010. Skansen Children’s Club, via the Segerdahl fund, sponsored Sophie Andersson, while the District Lodge Lake Michigan No. 8 sponsored Rex and Lola Wasserman.

The three children were very excited about attending Sjölunden Language Camp, and they returned with lots of fun stories.

Dear Vasa Lodge and Skansen, Thank you for paying for me to go to Sjölunden. It was a good experience to go to the camp; I had a great time. (left) Sophie Andersson When I arrived at Camp, I had to choose a camp name; Ida Abborre was my name.

Abborre is perch and Ida after my grandfather’s Swedish grandmother.

We learned to sing the Swedish National Anthem “Du Gamla Du Fria”. Every morning started with a snabb dopp in the lake, then raising the Swedish flag.

Every night we had a bonfire (brasa) by the lake with smores, singing, and other fun activities. My favorite song was “Roligt Ihop” (“Fun Together”).

One night we had a disco where they played my favorite ABBA song, “Mamma Mia”.

We also had språk kurs (language course) each day, reading Swedish books and learning new words.

I’d like to go again; maybe next time as a family for the Family Week.

Tack så mycket :-) Sophie Andersson BIG THANKS to SKANSEN and Vasa for being so kind to provide funding for the Camp.

Kurt and Amy Andersson Dear Liza, Thanks to everyone who helped send me to camp. I had lots of fun at camp! I was sad to leave, and would like to come back next year. Thanks a whole lot.

Rex Wasserman

We had Swedish pancakes for dessert one night. The counselors were very nice, and I made lots of new friends. Here is a picture my brother took.

Hej då, Lola Wasserman submitted by Liza Ekstrand Skansen Children’s Club

Thank you DL Lake Michigan # 8!

My name is Jesper Jenner. This summer I received a scholarship from The Vasa Order of America, District Lodge Lake Michigan #8, to attend Sjölunden, the Swedish Concordia Language Village. I was much honored to receive this scholarship, and would just like to inform Valthornet readers about Concordia Language Villages, and what they do.

Concordia language villages are individual camps for foreign languages, teaching Swedish, German, French, Spanish, Norwegian, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, and so on. There are many activities in each camp, and towards the end of the stay there is an international day, where all of the camps come together in one of the camps and share festive food, a soccer tournament, and many activities. Even though the Concordia Language Villages are known for teaching languages, they also teach you how to be a Global Citizen. You are also taught about cultural differences, not directly, but when you are there you kind of learn things about different cultures even when you don’t know it.

(above) Jesper Jenner, front row third from right, with his cabin mates. (Photo taken by Sjölunden staff for the summer blog.)

That’s another thing about Concordia Language Villages, your mind is always working; if its your first year and you have no idea how to speak the language, your mind is still working to figure out what someone is saying, and you start picking up new words and phrases without knowing it, and that’s one of the greatest things about Concordia (also the food!).

Tack så mycket for giving me the opportunity to have this wonderful experience!

Jesper Jenner Pride Of The Family No. 209

Dear Liza, My favorite time at camp was taking walks in the beautiful woods, and every night we made big campfires and sang songs.

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14

A PERSONAL PLEA FOR THE VASA NATIONAL ARCHIVES For the past four years, Jake Gruel has served on the Archives Board as its Financial Secretary.

During that time, I have been visiting the Archives while he does his work there. I have noticed many things that needed to be taken care of. Thanks to many of our local lodges and District No. 8 monetary gifts, we have seen much progress.

There is still much to be done to make this a building that everyone in Vasa can be proud of.

We want to personally thank all the volunteers who have answered the call to help us. Without them, we would be back at square one! Some of the things that are completed: a removal of the old paneling in lower level --- getting rid of mold in the walls due to a former water problem and insulating the walls and covering them with materials that are impervious to the humidity, painting the walls a neutral color, suspended the ceiling and adding new lighting, remodeling the small kitchen in the lower level, purchased new tables to replace all of the ones that had seen their better days.

On the main level, new shelving was purchased to accommodate all the boxes that were stored on the floor due to lack of shelving. The office has been rearranged for a better work flow, a copier / scanner / fax was donated, and computer programs have been added to make our genealogy input user friendly. The many cabinets have been rearranged to give a new look when guests arrive.

The floors have been steam cleaned and a coat of Glo-Coat applied on them. Some pictures on the walls have been changed around to give a more positive impression to non – Vasa members. On the second floor, we have scrubbed all the carpeting and painted some of the walls. We have taken two of the glass cabinets from the first floor and arranged them in the first room at the top of the stairs. The other rooms open to the public are being worked on as we have time. Perhaps many of you do not know that there is an apartment and an office on the second floor. The office was repainted this past fall and rearranged for a friendlier working environment.

The kitchen refrigerator died last year and had to be replaced.

A new stove and refrigerator were donated by a member. The walls have been repainted and a new light fixture added so everything now looks cheerier. The bedroom had a much needed fan installed since there are no windows in the bedroom. That room is scheduled to be repainted in the near future. The paint is there waiting to be used by a volunteer.

We still have a long way to go on “our list” of things to do. Several of us have noticed that the sump pumps seem to be working overtime. Because of

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this, an inspection was made outside the building.

It was discovered that the grading around the building is incorrect. We feel this is part of the problem.

We will need several truckloads of dirt to bring it up to the level it should be, then the pitch can be made to drain away from the building, thus helping the pumps to work less.

Between the Archives and the residence, a shed was erected this past fall by ten volunteers. It will be painted this spring, the same color that the residence was painted last year. Much work was done in the residence also.

Both bathrooms needed work and that is completed. The kitchen cabinets were refinished by two of our volunteers.

Wood floors were laid in both bedrooms and the entire house inside was repainted thanks to the labors of two dedicated volunteers. There is still some work to be done at the residence too. The windows in the residence are single pane glass that does not conserve heat. All the windows need to be replaced in the near future. The winters in the Midwest play havoc on these wooden windows.

The driveway is desperately in need of repair also.

It will take at least one full truckload of gravel to fix that situation.

You ask “how can we help?”

We encourage everyone to make a donation to the Archives so the work can go on. Any donations are appreciated.

The work that was done was completed with funds that were available or did not cost anything to do.

We are aware that to go on, we must find more funds to complete the necessary projects. We have a wonderful Archivist who is very excited about the future of the Archives.

This is not only the repository for all the lodges in Vasa but also serves many genealogists who are looking for their roots.

As Past District Secretary, I have encouraged all the local lodge members to update their genealogy forms. If you have not visited the Archives lately, we would suggest that you make the time to come and see!!! It will be worth your time. We give our thanks to the many volunteers who have helped us on this journey. God bless every one of you!!

Jake Gruel plans to run for this position again at the Grand Lodge convention. We hope it will happen but if it doesn’t, we will still be at the Archives as often as we can to keep the spirit of Vasa forever burning within its walls!

In Truth and Unity, Jake Gruel and Marge Gruel Members of Linde Lodge No. 492 P. S. For the lodges that have already contributed, we say a personal thanks for your help!!! Your generosity is to be commended!

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UPCOMING EVENTS IN 2010 / 2011 Grand Lodge Convention

LOCAL LODGE CONTACTS Siljan-Mora-Tuna # 134

2014 - Hosted by District Lodge New York No. 4

LaGrange Park, Illinois

District Lodge Lake Michigan No. 8 Annual Convention 2011

Lisa Cianci

13 - 15 May 2011 – Michigan City, Indiana; hosted by DLLM No. 8 Executive Board

Thor # 147

Siljan-Mora-Tuna #134

lcianci@inlandbank.com 3 October 1908

Braidwood, Illinois Sandra Fletcher

17 October 2010 – Soup Supper and Hallowe’en Party

(815) 458 – 0974 sandyfletcher2001@yahoo.com

Linné # 153

28 November 2010 – Election of Officers and Holiday Party

Granger, Indiana

19 December 2010 – No meeting

Judi Parmley

16 January 2011 – Regular meeting

Kronan # 179

Svea #253

Skokie, Illinois

3 October 2010 – Andris Berzins of the Latvian Association presents “Latvia”

John Nygard

7 November 2010 – Iva Lynn, Jenne Swain, Rosanna Swanson present Svea history

4 February 1908 (708) 352 – 0042

20 September 1909 (574) 272 - 4625 judiparm@peoplepc.com 6 September 1910 (847) 877 – 5181 jenygard@comcast.net

Bessemer # 203

16 October 1911

17 – 21 November 2010 – International Festival at Indiana State Fairgrounds

Chicago, Illinois

(773) 239 – 1855

Viljan # 349

Brahe # 245

30 January 1913

Rockford, Illinois

(815) 601-3922

5 December 2010 – Lucia Fest: Smörgåsbord, Processional, Tomte, and Dancing 16 October 2010 – Vasa Park’s Fish Boil; www.vasaparkil.com for details 28 October 2010 – October meeting, Bethany Lutheran Church, Batavia, Illinois Satellite #661 3 October 2010 – Annual Fish Boil; music from Nyckelharpa and Hardanger Fiddle 7 November 2010 – National Parks In Sweden; Election of 2011 Officers; Wild Food 11 December 2010 – Luciafest Pageant & Christmas Celebration; Glögg & cookies Bishop Hill #683

Svea # 253 Edward Hultgren

nodjehult@att.net 19 February 1914

Moline, Illinois

(309) 797 – 6914

Linda Lootens

linloots@mchsi.com

Chicago, Illinois

7 October 1916 (815) 895 – 2102 tcleveland@cityofdekalb.com 6 April 1925 (773) 477 – 0875

Robert Oberg Linde # 492 Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin Brent Erickson

Central Swedish Committee of Chicagoland (CSCofC) Irene Strom Spejcher at 847-394-1108 Scandinavian.Pioneer@comcast.net http://centralswedishcommittee.com/

Joe Harbor # 534 Saint Joe, Michigan Eleanor Anderson Satellite # 661 Kalamazoo, Michigan

CONGRATULATIONS LINDA TYLK! Congratulations to Linda Tylk, our District Hospital Fund Secretary, who received the Central Swedish Committee of Chicago “Swedish American of the Year” Award at a ceremony celebrating Swedish Flag Day on June 6, 2010. The event took place at North Park University of Chicago. submitted by Sten Hult, PDM Check out the website for the most up-to-date information and upcoming events.

Robert Groesbeck Bishop Hill # 683

6 June 1927 (414) 962 – 8920 berickson73@gmail.com 27 April 1929 (269) 926 – 6303 pianoladyijg@yahoo.com 22 April 1961 (269) 544 - 0865 rgroesbe@dkschools.org 25 March 1968

Galva, Illinois

(309) 932-2068

Jeff Anderson

rj3640@verizon.net

Hagar # 721

12 November 1977

Des Plaines, Illinois Keith Emrikson Viking # 730 Flushing, Michigan Eric Swanson Lindgren # 754

VASA BRIDAL CROWN

Green Bay, Wisconsin

(847) 297-4645 kemrikson@comcast.net 15 May 1981 (810) 639 – 6705 ceswan@centurytel.net 14 October 1995 (920) 662 – 1088

Ray Suennen

Our District has a beautiful gold bridal crown available to members and their children and grandchildren. This crown carries the tradition of Sweden where many churches provide such a crown for the use of their congregations.

29 May 1913

Nobel # 288

Austin # 466

THE CENTRAL SWEDISH COMMITTEE OF CHICAGO

Anderson.Joyce@comcast.net (317) 733 – 3493

Thomas Cleveland

4 December 2010 – Christmas Party and Smörgåsbord; Lucia Program

BNils18878@aol.com

Indianapolis, Indiana

Sycamore, Illinois

19 November 2010 – Election of Officers; Antique Toys by Harlan Nelson

An

application to use it must be completed, and after the wedding, we ask that the crown be returned along with a photograph or two of the bride wearing it on her wedding day. If you or someone in your family is planning a wedding, consider Call me at 877–923–8777 (toll

free) or email at lamsmith@hotmail.com.

Lynda Smith District Supervisor of Children’s / Youth Clubs

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Scott Johnson

Viljan # 349

22 October 2010 – Hallowe’en Gotcha and Costume Party

taking advantage of this special opportunity.

Britt Nilsson

Jubileum # 755 Oregon, Wisconsin Gunnard Swanson

17 November 1996 (608) 835 – 5152 gunnardswanson@gmail.com

Nordik Folk # 761

29 January 2006

Schererville, Indiana

(219) 322-5190

Steven Westlund

plncrazy@sbcglobal.net

The list includes a name, location, telephone number, and/or e-mail address for each of the 19 local lodges in District #8. Please send contact information to Joella Hultgren (editor) at: nodehult@juno.com or nodjehult@att.net; (317) 733 – 3493; or 13650 Amblewind Place, Carmel, Indiana 46074 – 8227.

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16 District Lodge Lake Michigan No. 8 Vasa Order Of America VALTHORNET Joella Hultgren 13650 Amblewind Place Carmel, Indiana 46074 - 8227

NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Indianapolis, IN Permit No. 5677

SUMMER HAPPENINGS Grattis! to the Royal Couple, Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel Westling, who were married on Saturday, 17 June 2010 in Stockholm Cathedral.

Congratulations to Liza Ekstrand and Marianne Ekstrand, both from Linde No. 492, who became citizens of the United States of America in June 2010.

VALTHORNET is the official publication of the District Lodge Lake Michigan No. 8, Vasa Order of America, and is published in Indianapolis, Indiana. The VALTHORNET is published quarterly in the months of January, April, July, and October. All news items, photographs, and regular articles should reach the editor by the 15th day of the month before the month of publication, i.e.

15 March, 15 June, 15 September, and 15 December. All address changes should be sent to: The VASA STAR, Cathy Anderson, Circulation Manager, 13194 North Woosnam Way, Oro Valley, Arizona 85755; Email: circulationvasastar@gmail.com.

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