Varme Polse: The Only Nordic Fest Treat Available Since Year 1

Work is underway on the first Nordic Fest booths in 1967.

In the review of Nordic Fest archives to date, I noticed that only one food booth: the popular varme polse has been in operation continually since the first Nordic Fest, courtesy of the local chapters of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority. 

In a March 11, 2015 interview, Ruth T. Woldum, a sorority member who served on the committee that organized varme polse at the first Nordic Fest in 1967, shared several interesting insights:

• The Nordic Fest committee issued a call for nonprofit food booths in planning the first event. Beta Sigma Phi chapters responded, researched recipes, focused on authentic Norwegian sausage preparation, and a hit was born.
• Varme polses sold for 50 cents in 1967.
• Resources in Calmar, Provitin and Dubuque have helped prepare the sausages each year especially for Nordic Fest. 
• Proceeds from varme polse sales have been divided among participating Beta Sigma Phi chapters over the years. Each chapter votes on how to distribute all booth proceeds to community and charitable needs. Projects strengthened by Nordic Fest sales include the Decorah High School After Prom and Helping Services of Northeast Iowa, among many others.  
• Cake and ice cream cakes have previously been offered by Beta Sigma Phi at Nordic Fest. Varme polse remains the hit with the crowds. 
• Like many of the official nonprofit food booths at Nordic Fest, there have been years of running out and years of leftovers. Ordering supplies given uncertainties of year-to-year weather and crowds is a continual challenge.

Ruth said, "It was trying sometimes, long hours, taking roasters home at night to wash, and more. But the results were encouraging. We learned a lot in those early years. The committee has done a good job of getting it all down to a science now."

Thank you Ruth and all the members of Beta Sigma Phi over the years for both your yummy treats and for putting those proceeds to work in the community! 

Thank you, Darrell Piece: A Nordic Fest Founder Tribute

Nordic Fest founders Darrell Pierce and Jerry Aulwes and the daughters of Nordic Fest founder Phyllis Leseth being interviewed for the #nordicfest50 project in May 2014

Late last week, Nordic Fest founder Darrell Pierce gained a front row heavenly seat for the 50th Nordic Fest when he unfortunately lost his long battle with multiple myeloma. Darrell lived a beautiful lifetime enacting the Jaycee Creed that "service to humanity is the best work of life." To read more about Darrell's incredible life, click here. 

Darrell, his fellow Jaycees and community volunteer extraordinaire Phyllis Leseth partnered with Dr. Marion and Lila Nelson and Vesterheim Norwegian American Museum starting in 1966 to organize the first Nordic Fest in 1967. They modeled the Nordic Fest after a Junction City, Oregon Scandinavian festival that focused on non-commercialism and nonprofit benefit. Their core focus remains true for Nordic Fest nearly 50 years later. 

In May 2014, as pictured above, Darrell joined his fellow interviewees at Vesterheim just a few minutes late as he processed all the terrible realities that cancer treatment brings but still shared his key recollections for the project research. He brought a big a smile and added much to that morning. 

A small part of that interview is shared here:

Question: Darrell, what does it mean to you to have the 50^th Nordic Fest approaching?

Answer: Well, in my particular situation, I think I better put it on my short bucket list.  I hope – I hope that I make it and – and if you can’t have a sense of humor with cancer, I guess you’re already done for so – because that’s a year from this coming Fest.   I – I hope dearly that I’m able to make that.  But it means also that we’re – we’re all now in our – in our seventies, which seems incredible.  Because when we started it, we were so young, failure wasn’t even in our vocabulary.  I mean, we just didn’t think there was any way it could fail.  And then we were told once we get past the third year, it probably was going to sustain itself and keep going and how we do things.  So, for me, it’s – it’s very meaningful.  It’s -- In addition to our kids, it’s also part of our legacy.

And a personal note from Dawn: Darrell, many hearts are breaking in this terrible process of telling you goodbye. Decorah and Nordic Fest are so much stronger because failure wasn't in your vocabulary. Thank you for helping so with this project's research despite all you faced. Thank you for supporting me so when Dad passed ten years ago. You certainly leave a beautiful legacy for your incredible family. Thank you for your service to humanity that resulted in a beautiful Nordic Fest core. 

I bet you've already connected with Phyllis, Marion and my dad. May you all have the best seats in the house as you watch over us during the 50th Nordic Fest. You are loved and treasured. Always! 

Early Promotion of Nordic Fest: One Example

Renowned Decorah accordion player Hans Aschim at the Norwegian-American Museum during an early Nordic Fest. Photo courtesy Ruth Ann Sacquitne.

Early promotion of Nordic Fest took place largely via trips to then-common travel shows or related regional events to raise awareness and encourage visits to Decorah. One such example of dozens if not hundreds of volunteer efforts took place during the summer of 1970. A few notes from that visit:

• Nordic Fest and the Museum jointly attended the International Folk Festival in Bettendorf, Iowa. 
• Mr. and Mrs. Maron Nelson, Mary McGee, Darrell Henning and Steve Johnson attended, representing the Museum.
• Nordic Fest board chairman Gary Svenson, as well as Mr. and Mrs. Ivan Tjelta manned a food both that sold Norwegian dishes. The varme polse offering was quite popular. 
• 14,000 people attended the International Folk Festival.
• Many visitors to the Decorah contingency had good questions about Nordic Fest, the Museum and Decorah.

While attending the International Folk Festival, Miss Decorah, Cheryl Adrienne Brown, was named Miss Iowa. Miss Brown became the first African American to participate in the Miss America pageant. The Decorah contingent shared their pride in Miss Brown by adding a handmade sign to their area proudly proclaiming Decorah as the "home" (albeit college home) 

Did you first learn about Nordic Fest via a travel show or other personal regional appearance like the International Folk Festival? If so, please share your experiences in the comments below. 

Happy 98th Birthday Phyllis Leseth!

Phyllis Leseth receives the high volunteer honor of the Nordic Fest flag from board president Barb Amundson

Tomorrow marks the 98th year since Decorah was forever strengthened in many ways by the birth of the late Phyllis Leseth. Her tireless publicity efforts and deep passion for Decorah leaves a stunning legacy for Nordic Fest. To learn more about Phyllis's beautiful life, click here. 

In 1981, radio station KWLC sat down with all Nordic Fest founders to capture important history on the occasion of the 15th year. Phyllis's interview is known to survive and is shared with you today in honor of her birthday. The 18 minute interview full of interesting information, linked below, is courtesy of Vesterheim and Phyllis's family, digitization courtesy of Josh Holland. 

Happy Birthday, Phyllis! 

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."