Normennenes Singing Society
Scandinavian American Cultural Society
"There were a number of Scandinavian clubs and groups
at the time, but they had been polarized for so many years, and many of the clubs
were barely hanging on," said Thor Fjell, an independent sales representative
from Naperville and president of the Scandinavian American Cultural Society.
"Reaching out to the entire Scandinavian community, pooling our resources and
creating a centralized headquarters allowed the clubs to survive, at least for
today and hopefully a lot of tomorrows."
The Dania Society; the Danish American Athletic Club;
the Normennenes Singing Society, a male chorus whose members sing the songs of Norway;
and the Skjold Lodge No. 100 Sons of Norway, a social club dedicated to promoting
and preserving the culture and heritage of Norway, purchased the former Elks Lodge
in Arlington Heights, along the frontage road east of Illinois Highway 53 and north
of the Palatine Road exit. Flying in front are six flags: Norway, Sweden, Denmark,
Iceland, Finland and the United States.
Why Arlington Heights? "The Scandinavian population
was moving northwest from various Chicago neighborhoods, and many Scandinavians
were living in towns like Park Ridge, Mt. Prospect and Palatine," Fjell said.
"Arlington Heights seemed like a good central location, and it's worked out very
well for us."
Along with the four clubs that own the facility, a
smorgasbord of Scandinavian-related groups congregates at the headquarters for
various activities. These include the Torski Social Club, a group that gathers
monthly for Scandinavian-style fish boils; the Norwegian, Danish, Finnish, Icelandic
and Swedish Chambers of Commerce; the Chicago Swedish Glee Club and the Norwegian
Seaman's Club, a group of World War II veterans. Scandinavian Airlines also holds
corporate functions at the headquarters.
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Chicago Tribune