Nordic Fest brings out the best in Decorah: Guest post

The following copyright editorial appeared in a post-Nordic Fest 2000 edition of the Decorah Newspapers and was authored by the late Margaret Gulsvig. 

Used with permission. 

To learn more about Margaret's life, click here

A cousin from Minnesota called me early Sunday morning Nordic Fest weekend.

"I've been calling you all weekend," she said, "and I never get an answer. I walked up and down Water Street looking for you, asking people I met if they knew you." 

Now she was on her way home and we wouldn't meet vis-a-vis...

Well, that's Nordic Fest for you. And I hadn't left town as a few opt for doing to avoid getting involved. Instead, I am pretty much in the thick of things, hosting at Vesterheim one day and dishing up rommegrot at Bethania another day.

I frankly didn't know I had this third cousin in Minnesota. But, if a strange lady named Myrtle stopped you on Water Street to ask if you knew me, saying I was her cousin, well, now you know what that was all about.

In short, there was so much for me to do I even missed the parade entry from Westby, Wis., where I lived 50-some years before returning to the home of my heart, Decorah.

Sadly, however, I never had time to visit the site of the woodcarvers, some of whom are also my friends from Westby. Meanwhile, I had this heavy heart for two Westby people who have contributed so much to Nordic Fest - both monetarily as well as serving on the board of Vesterheim. Serious illness prevented their coming, but a banner hanging on the outside wall of Vesterheim proclaimed their top monetary contribution. 

Actually, by Sunday I was a bit tired. But along with being tired there was a feeling of wonder at how great the weekend had been, even bringing my childhood playmate, Dorrit Dale, all the way from Roanoke, Virginia, to reunion as we have done for the last 25 years.

Also, it brought a rosemaling friend all the way from Boise, Idaho, winning no special awards but selling all five of her entries, and going home weighted down with the proceeds.

In retrospect then, who does one thank? Everyone! Naming one person or group obviously can't be done, either, do I'll just hit the high spots and let you find your niche.

The Nordic Fest Board stands tall in the lineup, adding fabulous musical groups to the sit-down entertainment. If you missed the Norwegian musicians, you have my sympathy. To my dismay, I missed the choral group but heard glowing critiques of their performance. 

The college, as usual contributed more than people realize by staging a week-long type of elderhostel, providing rooms for participants, as well as classes, of which I attended, envying all the students who have one Dr. Jim Rhodes as a teacher.

Baker Village accommodated attendees of the week-long session, many of whom stayed to enjoy the Fest, as well as housing a yearly Scandinavian session and later the musical groups who added so much.

Last but not least, whoever was in charge of the weather may now stand up and take a bow. It was beautiful.

As a walker, I virtually get lost here in Decorah trying to pick out the most beautiful tree, the most entrancing habitat, the best-cared-for flower beds, and the churches with their majestic spires, all provided every day in Decorah.

But do not forget people, especially those who plan the Nordic Fest weekend, all the people in Decorah who contribute to make the Fest such a double-whammy affair. This includes all who served in any way.

In short, it's all there, even the afterglow fireworks boom-booming in the background as one drifts off to dreamland. Has anything been omitted? Please forgive any special lack of mention.

"Are you glad to be here?" Wisconsin friends ask, leaving me absolutely tongue-tied. Where do I start to explain how much I love it here? In my mind, I still pose as Julie Andrews, arms flung wide and signing, "The world is alive..." always, here in Decorah, but especially with the sounds of Nordic Fest. 

Monday afternoon addendum: As I walked the track at Carlson stadium early this morning, there was this gentleman walking backwards. It was a first I'd ever seen, but I think he'll be okay. He was obviously trying to relive a happy weekend choosing this manner of walking to bring back pleasant memories. Signed, Attending Physician Andrew.

Ta det med ro! 

(Take it easy!) 

Nordic Fest is a Feast for the Eyes

Photos copyright Decorah Newspapers, used with permission. 

Taken during 2002 Nordic Fest. 

Nordic Fest remains remarkably consistent in its presentation and authentic cultural celebration focus throughout its 50 year history. The three photos above are good examples of such focus:

1. Luren Singers riding in the Saturday morning grand parade

2. Nordic Dancers performing in the Saturday morning grand parade 

3. A weaving demonstration at Vesterheim, where tremendous National Folk Art Exhibitions take place each year

All three photos are beautiful illustrations of three quite popular, authentic, important and beautiful parts of Nordic Fest. All three of these parts of Nordic Fest have been cornerstones of its rich 50 year history. 

What are your favorite parts of Nordic Fest? Share your experiences in the comments section below. 

Fest magic

Nancy Lerdall of Simply Antiques (left) presents Gary Kruger with a Naval footlocker that belonged to his grandfather, Commander A. F. Fritchen. Decorah Newspapers photo by Sarah Strandberg.

This 2005 Copyright Decorah Newspapers story by Lissa Greiner, used with permission is a nice example of community spirit and Fest magic: 

The draw of Decorah is strong for some people. For many, it's the scenic Upper Iowa; for others, it's the Fest and time with family. 

For Gary Kruger of Nevada, it was a trip to find his roots - to rediscover the town where his family was from. Little did he know his visit would result in something magical - something he would later refer to like a "Rod Serling experience."

Kruger and friend Jane Carducci of Winona arrived in Decorah on Saturday, July 23 to "bum" around. Kruger is the grandson of the late Dr. Arthur Fritchen, who practiced medicine in Decorah in the 1930's and 40's. He knew that Fritchen has lived in the Ben Bear house at the northwest corner of Mechanic and Broadway, and wanted to see the place for himself. 

In addition to wanting to learn a little bit about the community, Kruger and Carducci decided to investigate some of Decorah's antiques. Kruger is an avid antique radio collector and decided to visit Nancy Lerdall's Simply Antiques shop at the east end of Water Street.

"We were in there looking for old radios, and she had a wall full of them."

Kruger wasn't too interested in anything he saw until he happened upon a "farm set," a radio that ran on a battery, which old-timers would rig up to charge via windmill.

"The interesting things about it is that it was a Dewey Tatro...It was not only the kind and style of radio I like, but it was in perfect condition." 

Kruger said the Dewey Tatro radio was manufactured in Decorah between the years of 1928 and 1945. The factory was located in Woolen Mill Apartment building, behind the Decorah Chamber of Commerce.

Although he was intrigued by the radio, Kruger refrained from buying it, but after a few days, something called him back. 

"I decided I wanted it, so I went down to visit Nancy," he said.

During the transaction, the two engaged in friendly conversation about Kruger's family connection to Decorah. 

"When I told her I was the grandson of Dr. Fritchen, she looked at me and said, 'I have something I want to give you - it belongs to you.'" 

Puzzled by Lerdall's comment, Kruger anxiously awaited her return. When she came back, she handed him a Navy footlocker, labeled 'Commander A.F. Fritchen.' 

Kruger couldn't believe it, "I still can't," he said, recounting the tale.

According to Kruger, his grandfather, a Navy doctor, was in charge of a surgical MASH unit during World War II.

Kruger was emotional as he processed the significance of the gift Lerdall had given him. 

"This trunk was at Pearl Harbor," he said in amazement. 

Preserving history
Strangely enough, Lerdall said she had the trunk in her possession since the early 70's. "I had a house in the historic district of Decorah. After the auction of Doc Fritchen's things, I saw this sitting on the curb for the garbage man to collect," she said.

Lerdall said she's not in the habit of taking other people's things, but she could not stand to think of something like that being thrown away. 

"I thought it had a place in Decorah history, so I took it and it has been in my house ever since," she said.

Lerdall, who makes her living selling antiques, couldn't say for sure why she never put the footlocker up for sale.

"It was upstairs in my guest room. I've always liked the fact it said Commander A.F. Fritchen. I knew he was a Decorah doctor. I just never sold it," she said

Aftershock
Carducci said after the incident, Kruger seemed to be in shock for quite some time. 

"We tried to eat lunch, but he was a little too freaked out," she said.

Kruger said he couldn't believe how events unfolded to lead him to the footlocker. 

"I'm still overwhelmed because it was all so serendipitous," he said, adding "It's been a whole odd day."

In addition to finding the footlocker, Kruger and Carducci had another interesting experience.

"We stopped in front of the courthouse and there were these two beautiful souls sitting on their porch, getting ready for Nordic Fest. We engaged them in conversation and found out Doc Fritchen had delivered two of their children. They obviously knew him. They said he liked to visit and he always talked about the war. They said he was never the same after Pearl Harbor."

From the heart
Kruger said he is grateful to Lerdall for all she did to save the trunk and for giving it back to him. 

"What's so profound for me is that I don't have anything from my grandfather," he said. "It's clear that the trunk was supposed to come back to me. Thankfully, Nancy was on a mission that this was part of Decorah history." 

"They said someone's trash is someone else's treasure, so it's going to back where it belongs, to the family," she said.

"The way I see it, she did two wonderful things. She saved a piece of Decorah history and then she gave it back to my family," said Kruger. 

Carducci said the entire experience in Decorah had been magical.

"And how wonderful that Nancy gave this to him It was a gift she gave from the heart." 

Moments and Memories from the 2005 Nordic Fest

Copyright images from Decorah Newspapers' coverage of the 2005 Nordic Fest 

ten years ago. Used with permission. 

This is the time of year where Decorah and everyone connected to making Nordic Fest happen lets out a sigh of relief for another job well done. In these week's post, we focus on three of literally millions of moments and memories made at Nordic Fest over five decades.

What is your favorite Nordic Fest memory? Share your experiences in the comments section below. 

Musical Volunteers at the First Nordic Fest

Paul Hexom performs at an early Nordic Fest

For nearly 50 years, the various pieces of the Nordic Fest experience have happened due to the continual commitment of Decorah area volunteers who conquer and divide work, with an "all hands on deck" spirit. 

The current Nordic Fest standard of the dozens of entertainers appearing under designated Water Street canopies each year - canopies  that protect both performers and attendees from the sun hasn't always been the case. For many years, Nordic Fest entertainers both roamed Water Street and paused on street corners, gathering an impromptu audience. 

Looking at the example of how roaming entertainment volunteers came together for the first Nordic Fest in 1967 is a nice illustration of both the "all hands on deck" spirit and the quality entertainment focus that has always been a part of Nordic Fest. 

The following information is shared in accordance with the 1960's standard of identifying married women by their husband's first names: 

Mrs. Robert Larson, assisted by Mrs. Adolph Streng, Jr. organized the strolling musicians who volunteered to informally play for Nordic Fest guests. The scheduled musicians before the Fest were (in alphabetical order):

• Hans Aschim, accordion and mouth organ
• Big Canoe Lutheran Church Junior Choir, directed by Mrs. Wilbur Stoen
• Mrs. Ransome Bolson, according
• Decorah Women Singers, directed by Mrs. Eleanor Haines 
• Mrs. Adrian Docken, violin
• Patty Kruger, accordion 
• Luther College Folk Singing Group, Ralph Kundson and Gary Saxviks 
• Martinson Family Singers
• Cheryl Massman, accordion 
• Recorder group of Mrs. Barlett Butler, Mrs. Adolph Streng, Jr. and Mrs. W. John Weilgart 
• Arvi Rebasso, violin
• Mrs. Adolph Steng, Jr., flute
• Kenneth Strinmoen 
• Lou Ann Sutton, accordion 
• Lois Swiggum, violin
• Mr. and Mrs. Joe Ulring, vocalists 
• Women's Trip of Ms. Arthur Branae, Mrs. Kermit Hendrickson and Mrs. Willard Linnevold
• Dennis Young, accordion