An Example of Evolving Costs Over 50 Years of Nordic Fest

An entry by Decorah artist Norma Wangsness in the National Rosemaling Exhibition hosted by Vesterheim during Nordic Fest

Discovered during #nordicfest50 book research is a May 12, 1967 letter sent by the Norwegian-American Museum in Decorah promoting their classes with renowned Norwegian rosemaler Sigmund Aarseth, who came to Decorah during the first Nordic Fest time frame. 

Highlights of this letter are an interesting illustration of evolving costs over 50 years: 

• Sigmund taught two week-long classes just after Nordic Fest holding up to eight students each. Week long course registration was $40.

• Students could stay at Luther College for $7.50 for six nights, or $8.50 for seven nights.

• Rooms at the Hotel Winneshiek cost $6.00 and up per night for air conditioned rooms and $4.00 per night for rooms with no air conditioning. 

Sigmund also served as a judge at the first National Rosemaling Exhibition during the first Nordic Fest. The committee that organized this first event included:

• Peg Wright, chair
• Dorrie Olson
• Lila Nelson
• Marion Nelson