Lodge History Scandia 3-617
SCANDIA LODGE 3 -617 began on March 22, 1992 and held its first official meeting becoming part of the third district of the Sons of Norway International. Jim Henricksen and Norman Reinertsen of The Everglades Lodge were instrumental in bringing this dream of another SW Florida Lodge to fruition.
The Mayor of Naples was invited to the ceremonies given by Sons of Norway International and District Officers to institute this Chapter. The Scandinavian public was invited to a supper featuring Norwegian recipes, coffee and dessert. Music was provided by Tom Eliassen of Gulf Stream Lodge playing his accordion. Officers were installed with Charter President Oivind Jensen, Vice President John Jensen, Financial Secretary Victor Osby, and Treasurer Elsie Koehler. There were 173 Charter members. Charles Nilsen, President of District 3, instituted the new Lodge and Richard Tonnesen installed the first officers of Scandia Lodge.
What is a Viking without a Boat? That’s what Scandia thought in 1992. Funds were raised at bake sales outside Publix with Hagar the Horrible and wife Helga (played by Peder and Ann Snik) and a fierce Viking (Norman Reineretsen) in costumed attendance. A monthly raffle was held at Lodge socials and the Lucky Star, a sailboat owned by Betsy Gerhardt sailed many days with paying customers to raise money to help toward the purchase of a 21 ft. longboat shell for the Lodge. The outfitting began and in less than one year the Scandia Lodge had a Viking boat to sail in competitive events between the other Florida Lodges. Special tribute is given to our master woodcarver, the late Bob Salvesen for carving the many shields and dragon head and tail for the boat. Erik Stenbacka fashioned the mast and boom. Many Lodge men helped finish the longboat dry docked at the Hedberg home.
Thus the Terry Viking Longboat came into being. A men’s and women’s team of sailors was formed. Lots of laughs and good memories over the years for these sailors!
(History written by Betsy Gerhardt)
On March 22, 2003 - our 11th year Anniversary we acquired our own web site http://scandia.9f.com/ !
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