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The '''Norse-American Centennial''' celebration was held at the ] Grounds in St. Paul, Minnesota, on June 6–9, 1925. <ref>{{Cite journal |last=April |first=Schultz |date= |title=Ethnicity on Parade: Inventing the Norwegian American through Celebration |url=https://doi.org/10.1086/ahr/101.5.1639-a |journal=The American Historical Review |publication-date=1996 |volume=101 |issue=5 |doi=10.1086/ahr/101.5.1639-a |issn=1937-5239 |via=Oxford Academic}}</ref> The '''Norse-American Centennial''' celebration was held at the ] Grounds in St. Paul, Minnesota, on June 6–9, 1925.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=April |first=Schultz |date= |title=Ethnicity on Parade: Inventing the Norwegian American through Celebration |url=https://doi.org/10.1086/ahr/101.5.1639-a |journal=The American Historical Review |publication-date=1996 |volume=101 |issue=5 |doi=10.1086/ahr/101.5.1639-a |issn=1937-5239 |via=Oxford Academic}}</ref>


The centennial commemorated the 100th anniversary of organized Norwegian migration. In 1825, a sloop called the '']'' arrived in New York from Stavanger, Norway. According to the Norse-American Centennial souvenir booklet, “This was the first large group of people from Norway who came to make their homes in the new land of the free across the Atlantic. This event marks the beginning of the steady stream of immigration from Norway, a country which has sent to our land a larger proportion of her population than any other country with the exception of Ireland.” <ref name=":0">{{Cite book |url=https://collection.mndigital.org/catalog/p16022coll518:149 |title=Norse-American Centennial souvenir booklet |publisher=Augsburg Publishing House |year=1925 |location=St. Paul, Minnesota |pages=58}}</ref> The centennial commemorated the 100th anniversary of organized Norwegian migration. In 1825, a sloop called the '']'' arrived in New York from Stavanger, Norway. According to the Norse-American Centennial souvenir booklet, “This was the first large group of people from Norway who came to make their homes in the new land of the free across the Atlantic. This event marks the beginning of the steady stream of immigration from Norway, a country which has sent to our land a larger proportion of her population than any other country with the exception of Ireland.” <ref name=":0">{{Cite book |url=https://collection.mndigital.org/catalog/p16022coll518:149 |title=Norse-American Centennial souvenir booklet |publisher=Augsburg Publishing House |year=1925 |location=St. Paul, Minnesota |pages=58}}</ref>


The Bygdelags played an important part in the planning of the Norse-American Centennial. On Saturday, June 6, the Bygdelags held their annual meetings (stevner) at the State Fair Grounds.<ref name=":0" /> The Bygdelags played an important part in the planning of the Norse-American Centennial. On Saturday, June 6, the Bygdelags held their annual meetings (stevner) at the State Fair Grounds.<ref name=":0" />


== Norse-American Centennial Organizational Committees ==
== Organization of the Centennial ==
]]'''Executive Committee:''' <ref name=":0" /> ]]'''Executive Committee:''' <ref name=":0" />


* Gisle Bothne (President) * Gisle Bothne (President)
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* S.H. Holstad (Managing Director) * S.H. Holstad (Managing Director)
* Trygve Oas (Treasurer) * Trygve Oas (Treasurer)
* J.A. Holvik (Secretary) * J.A. Holvik (Secretary)


'''Program Committee:'''<ref name=":0" /> '''Program Committee:'''<ref name=":0" />
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Monday’s events included numerous speeches prior to the culmination of Calvin Coolidge’s speech. Speeches were given by ], ], Theodore Blegen, ], and Norwegian-American politicians like ] and ]. The ] also performed that day.<ref name=":0" />  Monday’s events included numerous speeches prior to the culmination of Calvin Coolidge’s speech. Speeches were given by ], ], Theodore Blegen, ], and Norwegian-American politicians like ] and ]. The ] also performed that day.<ref name=":0" /> 


] celebrated the achievements of Norwegians in America and their place in American society. In the final lines of Coolidge’s speech, he states, “When I look upon you and realize what you are and what you have done, I know that in your hands our country is secure. You have laid up your treasure in what America represents, and there will your heart be also. You have given your pledge to the Land of the Free. The pledge of the Norwegian people has never yet gone unredeemed.” <ref>{{Cite book |last=Coolidge |first=Calvin |url=https://collection.mndigital.org/catalog/p16022coll518:162 |title=Address of President Coolidge before the Norwegian Centennial celebration, at Minnesota State Fairgrounds, June 8, 1925 |date=June 8, 1925 |publisher=Government Printing Office |year=1925 |location=Washington, D.C. |pages=9}}</ref> ] celebrated the achievements of Norwegians in America and their place in American society. In the final lines of Coolidge’s speech, he states, “When I look upon you and realize what you are and what you have done, I know that in your hands our country is secure. You have laid up your treasure in what America represents, and there will your heart be also. You have given your pledge to the Land of the Free. The pledge of the Norwegian people has never yet gone unredeemed.” <ref>{{Cite book |last=Coolidge |first=Calvin |url=https://collection.mndigital.org/catalog/p16022coll518:162 |title=Address of President Coolidge before the Norwegian Centennial celebration, at Minnesota State Fairgrounds, June 8, 1925 |date=June 8, 1925 |publisher=Government Printing Office |location=Washington, D.C. |pages=9}}</ref>


Tuesday’s events included more speeches from other Scandinavian-American groups, the Women’s Auxilary Committee, ], Gertrude Hilleboe, and Mrs. William O. Storlie. The Centennial concluded with The Pageant of the Northman, which featured 1,500 performers and focused on Norwegian migration to the Midwest.<ref name=":0" /> Tuesday’s events included more speeches from other Scandinavian-American groups, the Women’s Auxilary Committee, ], Gertrude Hilleboe, and Mrs. William O. Storlie. The Centennial concluded with The Pageant of the Northman, which featured 1,500 performers and focused on Norwegian migration to the Midwest.<ref name=":0" />


== Norse-American Stamp and Medal ==
== Other commemorative activities ==
A centennial medal and stamp was created for the commemoration of the event. The medal was designed by James Earl Frazier. It shows imagery of a Viking ship and a man setting food on American soil with the following inscription: "Norse-American Centennial, 1925-1925." The Post Office Department also issues two Norse-American Centennial stamps. The two-cent in read and black bears the sloop, Restaurationen. " The five-cent in blue and black bears a design of the viking ship. <ref name=":0" /> <gallery> A centennial medal and stamp were created for the commemoration of the event. The medal was designed by James Earl Frazier. It shows imagery of a Viking ship and a man setting foot on American soil with the following inscription: "Norse-American Centennial, 1925-1925." The Post Office Department also issued two Norse-American Centennial stamps. The two-cent in read and black bears the sloop, Restaurationen. " The five-cent in blue and black bears a design of a viking ship.<ref name=":0" /> <gallery>
File:Norse American Centennial Sloop 1925 Issue-2c.jpg|Two-cent Norse-American Centennial stamp. File:Norse American Centennial Sloop 1925 Issue-2c.jpg|Two-cent Norse-American Centennial stamp.
File:Norse American Centennial Viking 1925 Issue-5c.jpg|Five-cent Norse-American Centennial stamp. File:Norse American Centennial Viking 1925 Issue-5c.jpg|Five-cent Norse-American Centennial stamp.
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== Citations == == Citations ==

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{uncategorized|date=January 2025}}

Latest revision as of 00:25, 18 January 2025

Group portrait of the Bygdelagenes Fellesaad during the Norse-American Centennial.

The Norse-American Centennial celebration was held at the Minnesota State Fair Grounds in St. Paul, Minnesota, on June 6–9, 1925.

The centennial commemorated the 100th anniversary of organized Norwegian migration. In 1825, a sloop called the Restaurationen arrived in New York from Stavanger, Norway. According to the Norse-American Centennial souvenir booklet, “This was the first large group of people from Norway who came to make their homes in the new land of the free across the Atlantic. This event marks the beginning of the steady stream of immigration from Norway, a country which has sent to our land a larger proportion of her population than any other country with the exception of Ireland.”

The Bygdelags played an important part in the planning of the Norse-American Centennial. On Saturday, June 6, the Bygdelags held their annual meetings (stevner) at the State Fair Grounds.

Norse-American Centennial Organizational Committees

Executive and Program Committee, Norse-American Centennial Souvenir booklet.
Women's Auxiliary Executive and Program Committee, Norse-American Centennial souvenir booklet.

Executive Committee:

  • Gisle Bothne (President)
  • A.C. Floan (Second Vice-President)
  • N.T. Moen (Vice-President)
  • S.H. Holstad (Managing Director)
  • Trygve Oas (Treasurer)
  • J.A. Holvik (Secretary)

Program Committee:

  • Rev. B.E. Bergesen (Chairman)
  • H. Askeland (Secretary)
  • Rev. H.K. Madsen
  • Rev. O.H. Sletten
  • Carl D. Kolset

Women’s Auxiliary Executive Committee:

  • Mrs. Gilbert Guttersen
  • Mrs. William O. Storlie (Secretary)
  • Elisa P. Farseth (Chairman)
  • Mrs. J.E. Haugen (Vice-Chairman)
  • Mrs. Manley Fossen

Women’s Program Committee:

  • Mrs. A.C. Floan (Chairman)
  • Gunhild Oftedal (Vice Chairman)
  • Laura Bratager (Secretary)
  • Georgian Lommen
  • Amanda Anderson

Centennial Events

During the Centennial, speeches and musical performances were scattered throughout the program. The Sunday events included speeches from H.G. Stub, Bishop John Lunde, Gisle Bothne, and Governor Theodore Christianson. The St. Olaf Choir and Luther Band performed musical arrangements.

Address of President Coolidge before the Norwegian Centennial celebration.

Monday’s events included numerous speeches prior to the culmination of Calvin Coolidge’s speech. Speeches were given by Lars Oftedal, Ole Rølvaag, Theodore Blegen, Olaf M. Norlie, and Norwegian-American politicians like Peter Norbeck and Henrik Shipstead. The Concordia Choir also performed that day. 

Calvin Coolidge celebrated the achievements of Norwegians in America and their place in American society. In the final lines of Coolidge’s speech, he states, “When I look upon you and realize what you are and what you have done, I know that in your hands our country is secure. You have laid up your treasure in what America represents, and there will your heart be also. You have given your pledge to the Land of the Free. The pledge of the Norwegian people has never yet gone unredeemed.”

Tuesday’s events included more speeches from other Scandinavian-American groups, the Women’s Auxilary Committee, Marie Michelet, Gertrude Hilleboe, and Mrs. William O. Storlie. The Centennial concluded with The Pageant of the Northman, which featured 1,500 performers and focused on Norwegian migration to the Midwest.

Norse-American Stamp and Medal

A centennial medal and stamp were created for the commemoration of the event. The medal was designed by James Earl Frazier. It shows imagery of a Viking ship and a man setting foot on American soil with the following inscription: "Norse-American Centennial, 1925-1925." The Post Office Department also issued two Norse-American Centennial stamps. The two-cent in read and black bears the sloop, Restaurationen. " The five-cent in blue and black bears a design of a viking ship.

  • Two-cent Norse-American Centennial stamp. Two-cent Norse-American Centennial stamp.
  • Five-cent Norse-American Centennial stamp. Five-cent Norse-American Centennial stamp.
  • Norse-American Centennial medal. Norse-American Centennial medal.

Citations

References

  1. April, Schultz (1996). "Ethnicity on Parade: Inventing the Norwegian American through Celebration". The American Historical Review. 101 (5). doi:10.1086/ahr/101.5.1639-a. ISSN 1937-5239 – via Oxford Academic.
  2. ^ Norse-American Centennial souvenir booklet. St. Paul, Minnesota: Augsburg Publishing House. 1925. p. 58.
  3. Coolidge, Calvin (June 8, 1925). Address of President Coolidge before the Norwegian Centennial celebration, at Minnesota State Fairgrounds, June 8, 1925. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office. p. 9.
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