Renowned local accordion player Hans Aschim and Anne Rockefeller at the 1968 Nordic Fest. Photo courtesy of Ruth Ann Sacquitne
In 1968, Nelson Rockefeller was seeking the Republican nomination for President of the United States. His Sogne, Norway-born daughter-in-law Anne took a campaign respite by attending the 1968 Nordic Fest, her first visit to Decorah. As the Iowa Caucus approaches in 2016, it's hard to imagine a campaign break for anyone involved!
Anne was especially attracted to Nordic Fest via the Folk Music Festival hosted by the Norwegian-American Museum, now known as Vesterheim. She participated in the festival via singing and playing the zither, an lifelong instrument of interest for her.
Norwegian American Museum board members Peter Strong and Berent Friele were close associates of Anne's who helped make her Nordic Fest visit happen. She also served on the Broadway benefit committee for the Museum in 1966.
For her visit, she was accompanied by Mrs. Lorina Cooper, president of the American-Scandinavian Foundation.
Also of note from the 1968 Nordic Fest: A committee chaired by Mrs. Roy Carlson, Mrs. Karl Norgaard and Mrs. J.W, Ylvisaker planned a Saturday evening dinner at First Lutheran Church. A total of 840 guests were served.
Also of note from the 1968 Nordic Fest: A committee chaired by Mrs. Roy Carlson, Mrs. Karl Norgaard and Mrs. J.W, Ylvisaker planned a Saturday evening dinner at First Lutheran Church. A total of 840 guests were served.
Which special Nordic Fest guests come to mind when you reflect on your Nordic Fest experiences?
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