Norwegian Glee Club

Norwegian Glee Club
Minneapolis, MN

History of the Norwegian Glee Club Auxiliary

The Auxiliary of the Norwegian Glee Club of Minneapolis was organized at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Aimer Myhre on April 15, 1920. Officers elected were: President, Mrs. John Johnson; Vice President, Mrs. John Braaten; Treasurer, Mrs. Aimer Myhre and Secretary, Mrs. A.A. Anderson. Meetings were held once a month with the dues at 5 cents per meeting. Dues are currently $10.00 per year.

Several Auxiliary members have been active for 40 to 50 years. Ruth Feste has been a member since 1947. Our current treasurer Florence Hansen has been a member since 1965, followed by Alice Waagen since 1966 and Anne Lisa Lasserud in 1976..

In their efforts to encourage and support the Glee Club, the Auxiliary has had many moneymaking projects through the years. In their early years ice cream socials were held as well as “Rag Ball Parties” where members would bring rag balls that were then used to weave rag rugs to sell. A luncheon was generally served at these parties. Other money-making projects included chicken dinners, silent auctions, rummage sales and raffles. In 1932 our records show that used newspapers were collected and sold to help raise money. Through these and other events the Auxiliary has provided a substantial amount of financial support to the Glee Club throughout the years. One year the auxiliary surprised the Glee Club by presenting each member with a navy blue necktie with the white logo of the Norwegian Glee Club. Later a banner was made and presented to the Glee club. This banner is proudly displayed along with banners of all the other Chorus the Auxiliary has been assisting the Glee Club to prepare and serve Lutefisk dinners to approximately 600 people twice a year. The Auxiliary also provides financial assistance to the Marie Sandvig Center, which serves the less fortunate, several times a year.

In 1978 the National Sangerfest was held at the Radisson Downtown in Minneapolis. Betty Engstrand was in charge of the ladies luncheon and Ester Norby showed slides of well known areas of Norway. Live dancing in authentic costumes from each area enhanced the program. It made us feel proud to be a part of the great land of our forefathers.

The 54^th Biennial Sangerfest was held in Minneapolis in June of 2002 and hosted by the members of the Norwegian Glee Club and the Auxiliary. It was held at the Radisson South Hotel in Bloomington. The program for the Women’s Luncheon was provided by Loryce Sivertson, entertaining us with fun and interesting stories about women’s hats as she had guests model each hat from her collection. A surprise appearance by the Mini-Klang Male Chorus of Norway was very much appreciated by all.

As is stated in the by-laws of the Auxiliary, we are to assist the Norwegian Glee Club in promoting Scandinavian heritage in song and music. We as an auxiliary are committed to this task and have a good time in the process.

Our thanks to long time Auxiliary member Ruth Feste for providing most of the historical information of the Women’s Auxiliary.

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