Sons of Norway marks 40th anniversary

Norhaven 536, the local Sons of Norway lodge, has been celebrating its 40th anniversary since March 1 with the showing of the movie, Kon Tiki. The event was held at Christ Lutheran Church.

A variety of Scandinavian treats were available to mark the occasion.

The next celebration takes place on Saturday, April 12, at Hatlen Hall located on Garden Street.

Current, charter and former members as well as invited guests are encouraged to attend.Doors open at 5 p.m. with dinner planned at 6 p.m. prepared by lodge members.

At 7:30 p.m. there’ll be listening and dance music by For God and Country. A painting by Hilda Hatlen also will be given away during the festivities. Persons wishing to attend should call 293-3386 or 293-4310 by April 1 to save their reservation.

At 4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 26, the Norwegian language class will be followed by the business meeting.

At 8 p.m., Linda Coleson’s second- and third- graders (FINDerS Club) of Kootenai Valley Christian School will present a program for Norhaven members, Nordicfest Board and the children’s families. The class will sing, dance and display their research books they’ve worked on during the school year.

Sons of Norway and Nordicfest have been co-sponsors of the FINDerS Club at the Christian School since 2008. The purpose is to educate students about Scandinavian heritage and culture. The club’s director is Freda Howard, a Sons of Norway and Nordicfest Board member. She receives and appreciates help from members of both organizations as well as nonmembers in the community, who generously donate time and talents.

Festivities continue on May 17. The lodge is tentatively planning to participate in the Kiwanis’ Family Fun Day at Firemen’s Park.

After the Sons of Norway meeting that evening the Junior Girl Scouts, led by Charlene Snyder and Kelsi Chambers, will present their program for families, Nordicfest and Sons of Norway members. The girls have been learning about Norway since last December. Their program will include a song, poetry and research display board. This educational endeavor happens because of the efforts of Nordicfest and Howard.The troop meets weekly at Hatlen Hall.

May 17 is always a big day of celebrating in Norway. It’s their Constitution Day. On that day in 1814 their constitution was signed, so, since that was 200 years ago, Norwegians around the world will be doing a lot of celebrating this year.

When Norwegian immigrants settled in America they founded Sons of Norway to preserve their heritage and cultures.

The local organization owes it’s existence to the hard work in the early 1970s by Harold and Hilda Hatlen and others. The Hatlens had moved to Libby from Somers where they were active Sons of Norway members and wanted  to organize a lodge here. It was tough going and at times they wanted to give up. However, they were patient and persistant. On April 27, 1974, the hard work paid off and the organization was officially instituted with 188 charter members. Meetings were held at the Venture Inn until 1988 when Norhaven purchased a ceramic shop on Garden Road. The mortgage was burned by Harold Hatlen and Don Howard in 1991.

Currently, the monthly meetings are usually held on the third Saturday. No meetings are held in the summer. The group enjoys getting together in July for a picnic.

A free Norwegian language class taught by Harald Sharnhorst of Moyie Springs is offered to the public from October to May. Business and social events begin at 7 p.m.

During the years, there have been classes in rosemaling, hardanger and woodcarving. Members spend the winter getting ready for Nordicfest. They recently finished making 142 dozen lefse under the supervision of Barb Desch and Marge Moe.

Making the Vikings will take place next under the leadership of Chloe Adamson.