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Velkommen til
SOL HJEM
Chapter of the Norwegian Society of Texas
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NOTE: This site is best viewed with video settings of at least 800X600 pixels.
In February, 1976, a dream of Harlan Hanson's was realized when the El Paso Chapter of the Norwegian Society of Texas was chartered. He spent many hours promoting an organization to enjoy, preserve, and promote Norwegian heritage, and he received encouragement plus assistance from Carl Sorenson and Chuck and Martha Rosendahl from Dallas, Texas.
The Chapter was appropriately named Sol Hjem (Home of the Sun).
Members were added rapidly as meetings and activities began. Classes were formed to study the Norwegian language, to learn the art of making Norwegian specialty foods, to learn Rosemaling (rose painting) and Hardanger embroidery, and to assist members interested in genealogy.
A social group playing Whist has evolved and meets in homes once a month.
The dance group (leikarring) has been a special public relations group in the community. The dancers have performed regularly at the Texas Folklife Festival in San Antonio, the Border Folklife Festival at the Chamizal, the El Paso Street Festival, in many cities throughout the Southwest, and in Juarez, Mexico. In 1998 Arne and Nancy Hansen joined other dancers from Texas in visiting Norway where they were hosted by members of the Jessheim Dance group.
Sol Hjem's annual Julefest smorgasbord has become a tradition that members and guests eagerly anticipate and enjoy.
Syttende Mai is celebrated with a family picnic at one of our member's homes.
Sankthansaften brings our members to the desert where they enjoy a picnic, a hayride in the desert, and a bonfire where they dance and sing, and try to stay awake all night to keep the trolls away for another year.
In 1981 a Viking ship was built by members, and was used as a float in the 4th of July parade in East El Paso and the Sun Carnival Parade. It proved to be seaworthy as it sailed in the noted Rio Grande River race.
Throughout the past years Sol Hjem Chapter has participated in or sponsored events of cultural interest in the community:
In 1976 the Art Works of Edvard Munch, a painter and graphic artist from Norway was shown at the El Paso Art Museum. Mr. Harold Midthun, Norwegian Cultural Attache, accompanied the display, was entertained by our Chapter, and became a valued friend to many.
The Scandinavian Airline dancers (SAS) from Norway performed in the Fine Arts Center of the University of Texas at El Paso.
Knut Skram, the leading Baritone in Norway, was sponsored in concert at the Fine Arts Center at UTEP.
Erik Bye and Willie Andreson appeared in concert, again at the Fine Arts Center at UTEP. Mr. Bye is a well known balladeer, author and television personality in Norway.
Harlan Hanson was State President of the Norwegian Society of Texas in 1982 when King Olav of Norway made an official visit to Texas. Our chapter was proud to have one of our members accompanying and introducing King Olav around the state, and many of our members attended the activities and official banquet. Betty Wilkin was State President in 1991-92. Lila Grossinger is now State President of the Norwegian Society of Texas.
The Sol Hjem Chapter meets regularly on the first Tuesday of each month. Our meeting place is usually at the El Paso Club, except for special events, but our purpose does not change. Monthly programs are geared towards promoting and preserving our Norwegian heritage. For our members that find a morning gathering more useful, we have a Kaffee Klatch that meets each month as a social outlet.
The past years have been educational, fun, and exciting. We look forward to many more years of experiences with an enthusiastic membership promoting a common purpose.
This Website has been up and running since 05/18/1999
