Evening star., 1926-10-31
N0RWEC|ANS PLAN
FETE FOR SOCIETY
District Organization to Pre-
pare for 25th Anniversary
- Celebration Soon.
BY MARGARET b. DOWNING.


ton is the Oldest of these numerous
organizations formed Of foreign-born
citizens or those of foreign descent, In
order to perpetuate their national ira
ditions and observe the holidays Of
the mother country. AS it exists to-
day. the Norwegian Society will soon
celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary
Of its establishment and this present
organization rests on an older founda-
ton, going back perhaps 80 years.
It was In February, 1902, that the
Norwegians OF Washington, after
many preliminary meetings, effected
an organization, and this was mainly
on the initiative of A. Fl. o. Role,
then chief clerk of the Census Office.
Washington was much preoccupied
with State societies about this date,
and, though there were many claim
ing the old Viking land as home, they
also had affiliations in the various
States, and were soon busy trying to
carry these clubs to success.
Mr.. Role, however, is a native of the
District, and having no allegiance
among the cOmmonWealths, he fore
gathered some 10 or IL leading Nor
wegians of Washington, some in the
Senate and House, others in scientific
circles, the Library Of Congress and
among the Capitals most revered
business men. About IL responded,
and an election of officers resulted in
R. S. NJ. Sartz who was a specialist
in the Department of Agriculture, be-
ing made president. M. +. HalvorSen
was chosen vice president. He was an
official Of the House Of Representa-
tives clerical staff. Juul Dieserud and
Torsteim Jahr were named secreta-
ries, corresponding and recording. the
former taking over the office of treas
urer. Both Of these officers are con-
nected with the Library of Congress
and continue their Jealous work for
the society.
Others Who Assisted.
Others who assisted in this first
gathering held in a private home near
the Congressional Library. were j. &.
NJ. Hansen, then chief Of the catalogue
division Of the Library and now chief
librarian in the vast building where
the University of Chicago houses its
printed treasures: NJ. l.. Eidsness,
venerable doorkeeper in the Senate,
and the late NJ. F. Holther. 1t was
determined at this first meeting to
elect all Senators and members of Nor
weTian blood as honorary members
and to make them an advisory board
The much lamented Senator Nelson of
Minnesota was among these. and from
the beginning he manifested the most
cordial interest in the Norwegian So
ciety and gave it his earnest support.
Representative Gilbert NJ. Haugen,
who still represents Iowa in the lower
chamber. was among the early attend
ants of the Norwegian Society and re-
mains and enthusiastic member.
From the beginning the society set
aside May II as their day of most
elaborate celebration. This is the Nor
wegian Fourth of July and commem-
crates the severance of the political
bonds which Joined the country to
Denmark and the ultimate adoption Of
the Norwegian constitution. This oc
CURED in 1914, and each year the cere
monies have become more largely at
tended and have taken on an aspect
Of the merrymaking at home. The
weather usually permits dancing in the
open, and the old national dances are
revived and the dancers gOwned in
flnery handed down the generations
make the hearts of all beholderS beat
with tender memories.
One of the most beautiful is called
the Spring dance, and the graceful
young daughter of the present presi-
dent, Karl Eidhammer Of Alexandria,
won all honors at the last celebration,
May II, this year. There are a num-
ber Of social meetings all through the
year, dances and suppers, at which
beloved Norwegian dishes, like lutte
fish, Is served, and all the spiced and
odd-shaped cakes so familiar in Nor
way are piled on the board. The Nor
wegians made as the special object Of
their society to maintain the haHowed
traditions of home and to establish a
social bond between the sons and
daughters Of their blood residing in
Washington. They include every sort
OF service to each other. and of late
years they have made the entertain
ment of distinguished visiting Nor
wegians a part Of their program.
War Cut Down Activities.
The society met regularly until the
Great War -divided some of it's mem
bers. Among the early presidents
were Torstein Jahr Of the Geological
Survey, NJ L. Eidsness, J. O. Petersen,
Martin Solem and NJ. J. Elverhiern.
During the years of the World War
the social affairs relaxed as they did
in every other society in Washington
but there were a few held during
each of those four doleful years from
1914 to 1918. Jens Bitterness was
mainly responsible for the holding to-
gether Of the members, and at his
ings at times and an effort made to
reach all Norwegians bereaved by the
casualties Of war. He was then sec
retary TO Senator Sterling and was q
resident Of South Dakota. Mr..
Bitterness is now in business in Wash
ington and one of the firm props of
the society.
Since 1920 the Norwegans have
gathered momentum and their func-
L,.;ll
as those of the most prosperous State
society. Since the young people have
increased in numbers there are as
many dances as there are more staid
affairs like addresses and receptions
TO dignitaries in official life At the
slsoperS the national dishes are
served, but with a bountiful supply
of the things which appeal to the
young people of today. Many Of
these have been born in this country
and have become accustomed 10 the
food served here, whilst they taste
the dishes beloved of their elders only
occa sionally. However. when the
Norweg!ans have a real banquet they
set forth board to tempt the most
exacting. goose roasted golden brown,
with the most delicious dressing and
gravy; vegetables boiled or baked in
cream, and marvels Of pastry. confec-
tfonary and the most appealing Of
dessert made Of spun sugar and con-
served fruit.
Present Officers Listed.
At the annual election last January
the following officers were chosen:
Karl Eidhammer of Alexandra,
president: Juui Dieserud, vice presi-
dent, and Miss klara Kammarude,
secretary and treasurer. A meeting
has been called for November 13, at
which final arrangements Will be
made to celebrate the silver jubilee
of this society. Recently many of
era social events have been held in