Guide to the Vasa Order of America Collection

Collection

Identifier: OPVSIEmss_286

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The collection contains the documents and records of the Vasa Order of America from its meetings, events, and daily interactions. Such documents include publicized works, such as almanacs, histories, and newsletters; treasurers’ reports and inventories; membership cards and mailing lists; convention programs; correspondence; constitution and bylaws; and meeting minutes. The documents are from the Grand Lodge in Connecticut, the Pacific Northwest District Lodge no. 13, and Norden Lodge no. 233 of Tacoma, Washington.

Dates

1929-1992

Biographical / Historical

The Vasa Order of America was founded on September 18, 1896 in New Haven, Connecticut by Swedish immigrants on the principles of generosity, truth, and unity. Pacific Northwest Lodge no. 13 was organized August 11, 1912 in Seattle, Washington by E.L Gissler from Connecticut. The nine local lodges represented were Nordstjarnan no. 145 of Spokane, Washington; Nobel no. 184 of Portland, Oregon; Norrskenet no. 189 of Hoquiam, Washington; Klippan no. 228 of Seattle, Washington; Forgat Mig Ej (later changed to Nornan no. 413) of Vancouver, B.C.; Trofast no. 231 of Everett, Washington; Norden no. 233 of Tacoma, Washington; Svea no. 234 of Bellingham, Washington; and Astor no. 215 of Astoria, Oregon. During that time District Lodge conventions were established as an annual event, but at the Spokane convention of 1920 it was changed in favor of a biennial affair in the interest of economy for both district and local lodges. The Vasa Order of America is the largest Swedish-American cultural fraternal organization for families of Scandinavian descent in the United States of America. The order consists of 19 district lodges and several hundred local lodges throughout the U.S., Canada, and Sweden. The organization offers Scandinavian cultural and heritage programs, Swedish language study, children and youth clubs, scholarships and student loans, and many cultural activities for its members.