Lafayette County WI Archives History - Books .....Sons Of Norway 1976
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Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com November 1, 2007, 12:48 am

Book Title: A History Of Blanchardsville, Gem Of The Pecatonica

Sons of Norway

    It is one hundred fifty-one years since the first organized immigration from
Norway. The sloop "Restuaration" came with fifty-two immigrants from Stavenger,
leaving July 4, 1825 and landing in New York, October 9, 1825. They were
followed by thousands of Norwegians. Some left for religious and others for
political reasons. A good number probably left because of a sense of adventure,
and others to better themselves. The great majority of immigrants did not leave
Norway with a light heart. The simple and cruel truth was that their native land
did not have the opportunities to offer. Land and jobs were scarce. Then there
was America, the big and open new progressive democracy to the west.

    The new country gave them opportunities as well as new problems, but the
Norwegians were a hard working people who accepted the challenge. The many
family ties across the Atlantic created bonds between Norway and the United States.

    In their new country it was natural to band together for social and ethnic
reasons, and thus the Sons of Norway Lodge was organized.

    Elverum Lodge No. 338, Sons of Norway, was organized in the Village of
Blanchardville in the year of 1927. It was an active organization during its
existence and had a large membership. It sponsored 17th of May programs
including parades in Norse costumes. (A movie film of one of the parades is
deposited at the State Historical Society in Madison, Wis.) Several plays were
also given by members of the lodge, in the Norse language, in the surrounding
area, including Madison. The first officers were Olaus Knutson, President, and
Ed Thompson, Jr., Secretary.

    The "Vennelag #513" Sons of Norway Lodge was organized at Mt. Horeb,
Wisconsin, November of 1971.

    A few people from the Blanchardville area were members of the "Idum #74"
lodge in Madison. They were transferred to Mt. Horeb and became charter members.
There are about two hundred fifty members now.

    A new project for Sons of Norway is a "Ski for Light Program for the Blind".
They have a very good insurance program for their members. The main goal of the
Sons of Norway is to keep the Norwegian heritage alive.


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A History of Blanchardville, Gem of the Pecatonica

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