|
Intro
VASA ORDER OF AMERICA
The Vasa Order of America began more than a century ago as a
benefit fraternal society for Swedish immigrants to the United
States. Membership at the time was limited to Swedish born men
who through the Vasa Order met others who needed to learn the
new language and ways of the new country. A benefit fund
provided a small income to members during sickness, and a death
benefit at the time would cover final expenses. The Order is
named for Gustav Vasa, who liberated Sweden in the 16th Century
and became the first King of modern Sweden. The name of Vasa
reflects the order’s roots as a Swedish American Fraternal
Organization.
Over the past century, many things have changed, and the Vasa
Order has grown to meet the new needs of the Scandinavian
American Community. Where in the past, members looked to Vasa to
help them learn the ways of the new country and provide them a
means to share problems and solutions with their countrymen,
today Vasa provides members a means to share their rich heritage
with fellow Americans, and helps them learn or remember the
meaningful ways and values of the “Old Country.” Scholarships
are awarded to worthy students and Vasa members in need of
financial assistance to finish their education and monetary
support is given to fund activities to promote Scandinavian
heritage.
Swedish in origin, the Vasa Order welcomes men and women over 14
years of age who are of Scandinavian roots (Swedish, Norwegian,
Danish, Finnish or Icelandic), and their spouses who would like
to rediscover the traditions of their forefathers. The Vasa
Order also welcomes those who are not of Nordic ancestry, but
are committed to the promotion and advancement of Swedish and
Nordic heritage and culture.
The Vasa Order promotes Nordic heritage by encouraging the
observance of special dates old and new, such as Midsummer and
Leif Ericksson Day with proper festivities including Smörgåsbord
and Scandinavian music. While much Vasa activitiy occurs during
the summer season, in mid-December it is hard to find a Vasa
Lodge where a Luciafest is not observed.
Many lodges and districts sponsor language classes and movie
groups as well as Children’s Clubs in which folk dances are
learned and performed in authentic costumes. Whenever possible,
Vasa members take part in programs where the rich Swedish
heritage may be shared with the public.
There are nearly three hundred lodges in the Vasa Order,
governed by 19 District Lodges in the United States, Sweden, and
Canada. Although one may apply for membership in any of the
lodges, it is easier to participate in meetings and activities
in the lodge closest to one’s home.
Solstad Lodge 709 was instituted on December 14, 1974. Solstad
Lodge is one of the six lodges in District Lodge Arizona 21.
Other District 21 lodges include: Phoenix (4-25-64), Tucson
(1-23-71), Northlanders (5-27-78), Scandia (5-31-80), and Nordic
Red Rocks (11-23-03).
|