Lodge History - Noreg Lodge 3-466
NOREG LODGE No. 466
80 Boundary Road
Marlboro, New Jersey 07746-1038
Noreg Lodge #466 was instituted November 23, 1956, with 140 eager members. They were sponsored by Norges Lys Lodge #188 of Roselle, New Jersey. Noreg’s first President weas Rolf Paulsen. Many District and International Officers were present for the institution, which took place at Buck Smiths restaurant in Keansburg, New Jersey. Among those present were International President J. Steen Jacobsen, International Director John Kaare Hagen and Third District President Alf Wroldsen. The lodge is in Zone Three of the Third District, and celebrated their 50th Anniversary in November of 2006.
When the lodge was less than one year old, they bid for and received the honor of hosting the 1960 District Convention in Asbury Park, New Jersey. At this convention Rolf Paulsen, Noreg’s President, was elected District Sports Director. In later years, two other members distinguished themselves as District Officers. Helen Sjursen was District Publicity Director and Clifford Sjursen was the Third Zone Director. He also served on the Board of the Land of the Vikings. While Helen was Publicity Director, she stated a column in Nordisk Tidenden entitled “Around the District” and continued this column until management of the paper discontinued it.
Noreg Lodge sponsored a bowling league that included one youth bowler. This brought the young people into the lodge. Eventually, a group called the “Happy Trolls” was formed. They promoted the Norwegian culture and heritage of Norway, as they studied the Norwegian Language, learned folk dancing and performed at many schools and senior centers. Their goal was to raise enough money to make a heritage trip to Norway. Once they attained this goal, they disbanded.
In 1958, members bought bonds to enable the lodge to purchase property in Highlands, New Jersey. The plan was to build a lodge hall when enough money was raised. The fault was that only bond holders had a voice and vote in all matters pertaining to the property. When it became evident they could not raise enough money to build, the property was sold in 1974. The bond holders were paid off with the prevailing interest of the day. One person, Sverre Ebbesen, realized all members should have a voice and vote in matters pertaining to any property of the lodge. New bylaws were drawn up for the realty board. Profits from the sale of the original property were used to purchase 7 ½ acres of prime land in Marlboro, New Jersey and aptly named Solbakken.
Members cleared the land, held picnics, summer meetings and sporting activities on the property. Money was raised for the building project through Noreg’s annual bazaar. In 1988 - 89, the members built a lodge hall of over 2600 square feet with a one-thousand square foot patio on the south side. Since then, the kitchen was expanded and an addition added to the back of the hall to accommodate an office and storage area. The hall is used for many activities sponsored by the lodge. These activities include lodge monthly meetings ( 1st Fri. @ 8:00pm) and socials (3rd Fri. @ 8:00pm), rosemaling, Norwegian language classes, genealogy classes, wood-carving classes, hardangersom and knitting classes, music sessions, and ethnic dinners. Another very active group is the Ladies Auxiliary who hosts the Children’s Christmas Party.
Noreg Lodge sponsors an annual two-day Christmas Bazaar at the Old Bridge Center, in Old Bridge, New Jersey, the weekend before Thanksgiving. This event expose some 5,000 people to the Norwegian culture and heritage. At one time, Noreg also sponsored a smorgasbord and cultural fest. The lodge also supports the annual Zone Three scholarship program. Eight plus children, of members, have been recipients of a Zone Three scholarship.
A monthly newsletter, the “Noreg Report”, is published to keep its members informed of upcoming events, special dinners, birthdays, anniversarys, etc.. Each month, there is a different Social Committee to arrange for refreshments and activities at the various meetings. This committee works with the Social Director. Noreg is blessed with a blend of ages amongst its members, and they all work well together. There are many leaders who are not interested in holding one of the offices, but they work diligently for the good of the lodge. Noreg will continue to prosper because of the dedication of all.
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