Swedish-American Society  Newsletter, June 1999 Edition President: Leland Peterson 489-7061 Web master: Larry Leonardson 721-6827

7:00-7:30  Cleanup this time may involve bringing furniture from the outside into the storage rooms, so we will need a good number of helpers   It is indeed heartening to see the energy that goes into the cleanup after the meeting.                          LOST AND FOUND Has anyone lost their glasses?  We found a pair left on the serving table.  How about a thermal bag? Blue with several pockets, cold packs inside.  Larry Leonardson has both items. Call him at 721-6827 to claim ownership.                  DIRECTIONS TO OUR MEETINGS If coming from the peninsula, take I-64 across the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel, follow 64 to 264 East. Follow 264 to the Witchduck Road exit, after exiting, turn left onto Witchduck Road. About 1/4 to ½ mile is Ruritan Drive (fire station light is there). Turn left on Ruritan, go the end of the street, building is on the left.                            CLUB OFFICERS President - Leland Peterson 489-7061 Vice President - Alise Dilworth Secretary - Georgie Unser  Treasurer - Don Lundquist Newletter Editor - Nellie Leonardson Web Master-Larry Leonardson 721-6827                     OUR ADDRESS ON THE WEB:                https://members.tripod.com/~SweAmer

WHEN LAST WE MET Monthly meeting was held on May 16th.    Our president, Leland Peterson, introduced our visitors, Sharon Anderson’s son, and Ted Johnson’s friend Sandy.  Preceding the meal at 5:00, as is now customary, Ted Johnson led us in song, which was followed by our Swedish table grace.  The meal consisted of Swedish meatballs, meat oaf and an assortment of vegetables.  Our dessert included a birthday cake to celebrate the 22nd anniversary of the local Swedish-American Society.  At the conclusion of the meal, Nellie took the children to an adjoining room where they made their individually colored mugs.   Leland began the business meeting by telling some Swedish jokes.  He also recommended a book he had found on Swedish Immigration,  “A Community Transplanted”by Robert C. Ostergren. Don Lundquist gave the Treasurer’s report.  Plans were discussed for the next meeting.  We will have a picnic.  Each member is asked to bring their own meat and a side dish.  Don Lundquist read a Memorial List of those who had died since 1981.  We rose during this time for a prayer and moment of silence.  This tribute was in keeping with our Independence Day or Memorial Day celebration this month.  Nellie announced that at next month’s meeting the children will be making May Poles and she needs small (tiny) dried flowers.  She also asked that we save any oyster shells that we may come across during the summer for the children’s fall project.  Leland discussed “A Modest Proposal” to have a raffle beginning in May 2000 for a drawing of $1,000 to fund travel expenses for one person’s two week trip to Sweden.  After some discussion, Bob Olson sponsored the motion, and Don Lundquist amended it, that a committee be appointed to study the proposal, and report on it in June. The final report of the committee will be given in Oct.  The motion was seconded, voted on and the motion was carried. The meeting concluded with a Sing- Along led by Ted Johnson.  There were 40 adults and 7 children in attendance.  The meeting was adjourned, followed by the raffle.  The program ended at 6:50 p.m., with clean up completed by 7:00 p.m.

 
 

CHILDREN’S CORNER The children will be  making miniature Midsommar poles. We will be using twigs, glue, spanish moss and small dried or silk  flowers.  Nellie  has not attempted this before so be prepared to help your children complete this project at home if we are unable to do so at the meeting.    MEMBER NEWS Hans and Margit Thunander have gone to Sweden for the summer. We can expect to see them again in the fall. Don & Joanne Lundquist left on the same plane with the Thunanders for a 2- week driving tour of Sweden. They expect to be back for our June meeting. We’re hoping for a full report with photographs!

Swedish Folk Dancing      Some of the members may wonder if the shottische and polka qualify as native folk dances.  They undoubtedly came to the United States with the Swedish immigrants in the 19th century.  One thing is certain, they were not included in the baggage of the Swedish Baptist's who came from Dalarna, despite Dalarna's reputation even today as a center for folk dancing. Swedish Baptist's in the town where I first saw the light of day had strict prohibitions against dancing,  drinking and the use of tobacco.  There was no dancing in Stanchfield, nor in any of the surrounding towns.  As I translate  the opening lines of Johan pa Snippen, I read that Johan bought himself an accordion and became  such an enthusiastic and accomplished player at dances that he neglected the prayer meetings.  I suspect that a prejudice against dancing prevailed with the Dalarna Baptist's because some people would rather dance than pray..      However, in the 1930s, there were numerous dance halls in the countryside away from the towns.  In one of these in my high school years I first saw the enthusiastic dancing of the shottische and polka and heard the strains of Johan pa Snippen played with great enthusiasm  by the small orchestra of accordions and fiddles.  Though  my dancing  years are far behind me, I have never lost a spirited appreciation of those who danced with  vigor, unlimited energy, and fun. I never dreamed that they were Swedish folk dances.  Are you ready to whoop it up a little bit?