Our Story

Over 100 years of history

History contributed by Helny Ohnstad

Gyda Varden #21 is the oldest Sons of Norway lodge in larger North Dakota. On June 22, 1903, a group of men with a strong desire to preserve their Norwegian heritage and culture, and to strengthen the bond of fellowship among them, founded the Varden Lodge. Two and a half years later, a group of women organized the Gyda Daughters of Norway Lodge, and the two groups operated independently until their 1951 merger under the name Gyda Varden. The name Gyda honors the ninth century princes who first had a vision of a United Kingdom of Norway. Varden signifies a beacon. Together, the two words form a name of a fraternal order which brings immeasurable joy and fellowship among its members and has a lasting cultural impact on the community and surrounding area.

The Fram Junior Lodge was formed to kindle an interest in Norwegian heritage among the youth. This made the Grand Forks Lodge a family-oriented organization. Junior Lodge members have repeatedly performed in programs and folk dancing and have carried out projects to enhance their culture and tradition.

Presumably, the early meetings of the Lodge were held in homes and various temporary sites; but later, and continuing for half a century, the group rented facilities at the Odd Fellows Temple. Always there was a dream of having a home for the lodge. In 1984 this dream became a reality at a cost of $56,000 when the Lodge purchased the property at 1401 9th Ave. S. in Grand Forks. Through fundraising projects, lefse baking, and fantastic support of members and the community, the 30’ x 60’ building was financed in record time. Soon the hall was painted a characteristic Norwegian blue, and the interior was transformed into rosemaled splendor, complete with carpeting and parquet hardwood floor. In 1986 a 14’ x 28’ kitchen was added, and in 1992 another multipurpose addition completed the debt-free permanent home of the Lodge. Three tall flagpoles with United States, Canadian, and Norwegian flags tower in the front of the facility, showing a love and devotion to the homeland as well as a loyalty and love for the New World. Gyda Varden’s 1993 membership list includes members from 19 states, two provinces, and from Norway.  In the year 2020 those members are from 14 states.

Through the years, the Lodge has engaged in unlimited cultural, social, and charitable activities. The annual Syttende Mai Fest, the Jul Fest, the Leif Erickson Day observance, and the Lutefisk dinner have been community traditions, and the söt suppe, sommegröt, lapskaus and lefse have attracted hundreds to Lodge functions. Language classes, rosemaling, wood carving, Hardanger embroidery, folk dancing, genealogy research, craft classes, ethnic programs, pancake breakfasts, chili suppers, chorus performances, corn feeds, lefse baking, blöt kakke demonstrations, bunda making, drill team performances, and potluck meals have involved scores of members at the Lodge Hall. Here, too, faithful volunteers have worked unceasingly to construct and improve the facilities and to enjoy lifelong friendships.

Each year the Lodge is allocated hundreds of dollars to scholarship funds to support young people at Skogfjorden Language Camp, has conducted a sports program to promote health and fellowship; has repeatedly participated in such community affairs as the Potato Bowl, East Grand Forks Heritage Days, City Beautification Project, and Scandinavian receptions at local financial institutions. An award-winning newsletter, Gyda Varden Hilsen, is circulated monthly, and a blue-ribbon winning scrapbook records the activities of the group. At one time members would clip dozens of pounds of cancel postage stamps to support Norway’s TUBFRIM project that aids the handicapped and victims of tuberculosis. Lodge members have also contributed time and resources toward the upkeep of Honve House, which was a gift from the late Andrew Honve for the use of Norwegian language students at the University of North Dakota.

Gyda Varden has sponsored scores of Norwegian groups appearing in concert, and the Lodge history lists some spectacular events such as Gyda’s chorus trip to Norway and a visit to Grand Forks by Crown Prince Olav and Crown Princess Martha. In 1990 members were thrilled at the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of meeting Miss Universe from Norway.

In recent years the Lodge has developed a friendship with a sister Lodge in Norway, the BIRJEBEIN from Lillehammer. Within the Lodge, a sunshine committee seeks to chair the sick and bereaved, and each June an impressive services conducted to honor the memory of departed members.

History can adequately record the activity shared by Gyda Varden members, but a greater significance is the intangible friendship fostered among its people. Gratitude is due to those who organize the Lodge and to those who through the years have faithfully sustained its work. May the ideals and purpose of Sons of Norway ever be upheld TIL DOBRE FALDER.