Two hundred years ago, on May 17,
Norway gained its independence. So every
May 17, those with Norwegian heritage celebrate Syttende Mai (Norwegian for May
17). Wisconsin’s major Norwegian settlements
were Stoughton and Westby. And both
places have major Syttende Mai celebrations.
This year, as I have done for many years, I traveled to Westby and signed
books for several hours at Dregne’s Scandinavian gifts, one of the largest and
best such gift shops in the state. Such fun it was to talk to the folks who came
by my book display—the occasional one saying something to me in Norwegian. My reply is usually a smile and a “Huh, what
did you say?”
Syttende Mai is a homecoming for
many families. I talked with a man from
Rochester, MN. “I grew up here,” he
proudly announced. I talked with a woman
from Rochester, New York. “My family has
roots here.” Of course people from LaCrosse,
Viroqua, LaFarge, Holmen and many other nearby communities were well
represented
Lunch
from Borgen’s Café—a great place for Norwegian food—is always a treat. Visiting with my longtime friend, Howard
Sherpe, author and woodcarver extraordinaire, and Westby native, is always
fun. My daughter, Sue, came along and saw
many of the goings on from a kiddie’s tractor pull, to a rosemaling
demonstration.
It
was a cool but sunny day—a great day for a celebration. A great day for those with Norwegian
backgrounds. Also, a pretty good day for
those of who claim German as our heritage.
THE OLD TIMER SAYS: Hats off to the Norwegians.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: I learned this past week that there are still
openings for my one-day (June 21) writing class at The Clearing in Door County. Go to this link for further information. http://theclearing.org/current/classes_workshop_description.php?id=3
If that doesn’t work write or call The
Clearing:
12171 Garrett Bay Rd, Ellison Bay, WI 54210
(920) 854-4088.
12171 Garrett Bay Rd, Ellison Bay, WI 54210
(920) 854-4088.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
May 20, Midvale Community Lutheran Church. 11:30 a.m.. Presentation, Limping Through Life.
June 20, Wausau Historical Society, 10:00 a.m.
Presentation.
June 21, Writing Workshop, The Clearing, Door County
9-4
.
July 12-19. Writing Retreat, Rhinelander, WI.
July 23.
Jacksonport Historical Society, Mr. G’s, 6:00 p.m. Jacksonport, WI.
Horse Drawn Days
July 29, Ephraim Historical Foundation. 7:00 p.m.
Barns of Wisconsin.
Purchase
Jerry’s DVDS and his Books from the Patterson Memorial Library in Wild Rose,
Wisconsin (a fund raiser for them):
The library now has available both of Jerry’s DVDs, A Farm Winter with Jerry Apps and Jerry Apps A Farm Story.
Also available are several of Jerry’s book including
The Quiet Season (on which the DVD A Farm Winter is based), as well as Rural Wit and Wisdom and Old Farm, (which are related to the DVD
Jerry Apps a Farm Story).
Contact the library for prices and special package
deals.
1 comment:
I watched the Syttende Mai parade in Stoughton yesterday. What I noticed was that many of the parade-watching groups were 3 or even 4 generations all together- lovely. I also noticed the beautiful bunads of all different styles. I loved seeing an entire semi flatbed trailer lined with past Kings and Queens in traditional Norwegian dress, smiling and waving to the crowd. Some in wheelchairs, some with canes, all of them proud.
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