ggsummer2016Tidskrift v35

Volume 35, Number 2
Established 1972 by
Elim Lutheran
Church to Preserve,
Present, and Promote
Swedish Immigrant
Heritage
Scandia, Minnesota
Summer 2016
Running of the Meatballs—Tickets on Sale NOW!
Help us restore the 148 year old logs in the
Historic Präst Hus.
Tickets sold up to the event held at 3:45 on Saturday September 10 in Scandia.
All benefits support the Präst Hus Restoration Project.
Tack så mycket to
our new members:
Meredith McGrath
Amber Setter
Elizabeth & Dean
Smith
Carrel Wensman
Thank you to our
Corporate
Sponsors:
Air Mechanical Inc.
Gustavus II Adolphus
Society
Scandia Farmer’s
Market
Swedish Council of
America
Don’t miss:
Spelmansstämma
The Immigrant
Fiddle Festival!
Saturday,
August 20
10 to 4
Music, Food, Fun!
Meet Sarah Porubcansky, Butik & Volunteer Manager
Let me introduce myself, I’m the new Butik and Volunteer Manager at the Gammelgården. I
have a background in retail and volunteer management. I’m fairly new to Scandia, just two
years here. We moved from L.A. but we’re from the Upper Midwest, so it’s not such a crazy
idea. We actually like snow and cold.
The Butik is in such good shape, (thank you Linnea and Harriet!) that it’s fairly easy to slide in
here. We have a great team with Mary Sandager, Marta Nelson, Donna Johnson and Kris Lindberg. We’re a small team and we’d love more people to join us. If you haven’t stopped in for a
while, please do. We have lots of great items.
I am on a mission to recruit more volunteers! We are in need of several people to join the
Butik team either working a full day (10-4) or a half day. We can be somewhat flexible. It’s a
great place to work and always interesting to meet those first time visitors to the museum and
long time friends. We are also in need of Tour Guides. We offer tours Fridays, Saturdays and
Sundays 1 pm and 2:30 pm. You too can share the stories and history of our museum buildings. It’s a chance to meet visitors from around the world and share the Swedish story told
here at the Gammelgården.
There are many other volunteer opportunities, as well: Children’s
programs, gardening, special events – lots of ways you can become
involved in sharing the Swedish heritage that is the Gammelgården.
Call me at the Butik or email me at [email protected] if you’d
like to join in the fun or have any questions regarding volunteer
opportunities.
Visit us online at www.gammelgardenmuseum.org
Lines from Lynne
Our Gammelgården is devoted to Preserving, Presenting & Promoting the Swedish Immigrant story. America
was created and is still based on immigrants coming here for opportunities. Being an immigrant implies a
going/leaving, a journey/passage, an arrival and creating a new place/way to live. It is an emotional experience as well as a physical activity. Immigration requires planning, dreaming, experimenting, second and third
tries and determination. It can be exhausting and frustrating, it can be exhilarating.
Think of all the times you have been an immigrant: beginning a marriage, making a school choice, entering a
new job, learning to use technology, traveling, vacationing, creating an organization, creating a family, or
learning a new craft. Immigration is constant in our lives.
So it is for Gammelgården. We have immigrated from creation to maintenance to refinement and now,
growth. The board has set the Vision 2020 dreams/goals of “MORE”. MORE members, MORE volunteers,
MORE assets, MORE opportunities to learn, MORE use of the facilities. All this MORE needs input from YOU.
We need to hear your dreams and your ideas. We need you to be volunteers, we need you to help excite and
encourage others to become immigrants to our mission. Please contact a board member, an advokat, a staff
member or volunteer by voice, letter or email with your input. Send to Gammelgården Dreams at PO Box 62
Scandia, MN 55073 or contact us at: [email protected]
Please join Gammelgården and help navigate this new immigration passage.
President's Hörn
Greetings from the Gammelgården.
My name is Doran O'Brien, I'm the new Board President at the Gammelgården. I've been given the honor of
serving the community of Scandia through the museum. A little history about myself: We've lived in Scandia
since 1997. Married in 1993 to my beautiful wife Jeni, we have two children. DJ is 21 and Emma is 19, both
are attending college here in Minnesota. I've been a Financial Planner for Edward Jones since 2001 and have
an office in downtown Scandia. This community means a great deal to my family and me, so serving in this
capacity was an easy decision to say yes. There are a few changes going on this year at the Gammelgården.
One of them is a new Butik and Volunteer Manager, Sarah Porubcansky, also a Scandia resident. Please stop
by and say hello to Sarah and the many volunteers. The Gammelgården is also host to a weekly Farmer's
Market on Wednesdays from 3:30-6:30, please support our local vendors. We'd also love for you to get
involved as a volunteer as well, we have many positions available to fit any level of participation. Please visit
our website at gammelgardenmuseum.org for more information. The Board met over the Winter to work on
our long range planning, I'll share some of those ideas in the next Tidskrift. Until then, please take the time
to visit the facility and ask many questions.
Varmaste Hälsningar — Doran
Art-I-Facts 2016
The beautiful carved doll cradle was created in the late 1800’s early 1900’s by a loving adult for a
special little girl. The embellishment of multiple hand-cut leaves implies a good deal of time to make
and apply. It is a great example of our yearly theme of Hemslöjden: Hammer & Blade; being home
produced, made with pleasure and an example of your best work. Thank you to Elizabeth and Dean
Smith for this special gift.
The Peddlers sleigh. Built and used at the turn of the last century this 7
foot sleigh (with original paint) would have been a welcome sight for the
settlers living in remote areas of northern Minnesota/southern Canada.
Peddlers brought needed items — tools, sewing notions, patent medicines, household utensils
and seasonal items. They also brought news and excitement to these isolated households.
Often peddlers had a specialized skill too: cobbler, tinker, artist etc. This sleigh is on display
in our barn and we are currently seeking appropriate items to display in the sleigh. We are
grateful to Greg Page for this wonderful gift.
Thank You for a wonderful internship, Sara!!
“Gammelgården from My Perspective”
Intern Sara Minder
Read more from Sara on her blog: http://gammelgardenmuseum.org/blog/?p=618
Hello! My name is Sara Minder, and I am the 2016
Gammelgården intern. I am from Robbinsdale, MN and I am
studying Political Science and Women’s Studies at the University of Minnesota Duluth. I have been working as
Gammelgården’s intern for the past two and a half months, and
it has truly been a wonderful experience. I think what has
impressed me the most about Scandia is peoples’ kindness,
openness, and excitement towards me becoming part of the
community. Since I’m from a city right outside Minneapolis,
this is really the first time I have been part of a community of a
smaller town. I have enjoyed and appreciated how friendly
everyone is and how welcoming everyone at the museum has
been to me. I’m also really impressed with this town’s love for
its history. I’ve learned more about Scandia’s history in the past two and a half months than I’ve
learned about Robbinsdale’s history in 19 years!
Probably my favorite part of this internship is giving tours, since I’m a HUGE history buff. Lynne
Moratzka has taught me so much about Swedish immigrant history, especially Scandia’s history. I
truly learn something new every day, which has led to an enhanced understanding of the United
States’, Minnesota’s, and Scandia’s histories. This job has truly enriched my love of history, and has
actually made me decide to minor in History! It has also made me want to visit other historic sites
in Minnesota, so I have a list that I will slowly work through (last weekend I visited the Mill City
Museum). This job has reignited my love of history for which I am very grateful for.
Something else that I have found to be extraordinary about this museum is the vast amounts of
different people who have visited. I’ve had people visit from Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands,
India, South Carolina, New Mexico, Texas, California, and so many other places! It is always so
interesting to hear their stories, especially about how their families came to America. However, I
think my favorite visitors are the ones who say they have lived in the Scandia area for decades,
sometimes even their whole lives, and have never visited Gammelgården. I love the moment when
they walk into the museum, eyes wide and mouth
open in awe, realizing they have finally found this
hidden gem in Scandia.
Overall, this museum has shown me the value of
preserving history, as we are now able to
understand how others lived long ago. It has made
me love history even more.
Gammelgården has also introduced me to so many
different people and their stories, which has made
me more open-minded and knowledgeable. I am so
grateful for the experiences Gammelgården has
given me!
2016 Schedule of Events
2016 Exhibit Focus:
Swedish Hand Work: Hammer and Blade
Bluegrass and Lemonade in the Shade
Fourth Summer Sunday of the Month – June 26 through September 25:
Hours: 2:00 to 4:00
Come on back for the sixth summer of pickin’, plunkin’, harmonizin’
and enjoying a lazy Sunday afternoon with pick-up Bluegrass music.
Come to play or enjoy in the shaded back yard of
Gammelgården Museum in Scandia.
Free lemonade for all ... no charge for playin’ or listenin’.
Free. A great event for families.
Dala-Palooza! A Celebration of Sweden’s Famous Dala Horses.
1 Date left for 2016: Saturday, September 17:
Hours: 10:00 to 3:00 (Children age 6 and above accompanied by an adult)
*Design and Paint your own Dala Horse to take home
*Meet a real live Dala Horse!
*Enjoy a Swedish Picnic in the Gazebo
$45.00 Member Price $50.00 Non-member price per person.
24 maximum per day. A great event for families.
26th Spelmansstämma – The Immigrant Fiddle Fest
Saturday, August 20: 10 am to 4pm
*10:00 Museum Buildings, Exhibits, Butik, Art Fair & Food Booths Open
*12:30 Scandia Community Band Performs
*1:00 Musicians Parade & Program
*3:00 Historic Buildings Re-open
Free and Open to the Public! A Great Event for Families!
Scandia TACO DAZE &
5th Annual Running of the Meatballs FUNdraiser before 3:00 Parade
Saturday, September 10
All proceeds to benefit the Präst Hus Log Restoration Project
Tickets on sale now up until the event!
Swedish Language Classes
Fall Classes: Mondays, Sept 12—Oct 31 (8 weeks)
Beginning class at 5-6; Intermediate class at 6-7; Advanced class at 7-8
Reservations are required and can be made by calling 651-433-3792
Cost: Fall Session $80.00 includes materials
2016 Schedule of Events
Annie's Swedish Coffee Parties
September 10, October 8, November 12, December 3 & 10
Sept & Oct includes Tour of historic buildings
Nov & Dec includes History/Swedish Jul Program.
10:00am. and 1:00pm Cost: $15/person
Reservations/Payment in Full are required.
(Reservations close the Thursday before each party.)
Please call: 651-433-5053
Girls & Dolls Tea Party
October 15 at 10:00am & 16 at 1:00pm
For girls and dolls age 6 to 96 – a fancy tea party with stories, dances, crafts and music!
Reservations/Deposit required. $20.00 each. Call 651-433-5053 for information.
Bring your Doll!
Legend of Lucia Girls & Dolls Tea Party
November 19 at 10:00am & 20 at 1:00pm
December 17 at 10:00am & 18 at 1:00pm
For girls and dolls 6 to 96 – a fancy tea party with stories, crafts and music
all about the legend of Lucia
Reservations/Deposit required. $20.00 each. Call 651-433-5053 for information.
Bring your Doll!
Swedish Sausage (Korv) Making
Saturday November 5 at 10:00 and Sunday November 6 at 1:00
Two recipes of Swedish KORV will be made and taken home.
Class held at Elim Lutheran Church in Scandia – up the hill from the museum.
Cost $25.00/person, includes lunch Reservations/Deposit after October 1. 651-433-5053
Lutfisk and Meatball Dinner
Thursday, November 17
Served at Elim Lutheran Church
Serving times: 11:30, 1:00, 4:00 and 5:30
$20/ person. Advance tickets available October 1st at Scandia Butik or 651-433-5053
Be sure to stop in the Butik at our annual sale with 15% discount on ALL items.
Lucia Dagen 2015
Sunday, December 11
$15/ adults $5.00/children under 12
Gammelgården continues this beloved Swedish Jul Tradition!
Candlelight Swedish prayer service in the Gammel Krykan: 6:00 am and 8:30 am.
Jul Fest Breakfast & Svenskarnas Dag Choir Lucia Program: 7:00 am and 9:00 am.
Tickets available at the door. Pictures with Lucia following the program.
Lexi McPherson,
Associate Guide & Creator of
“Little Immigrants”
August 1, 2016 saw a fabulous group of younger
children taking part in a new program at
Gammelgarden Museum. This 1-day program for
young children was conceived and directed by Lexi
McPherson for her Girl Scout Gold Award project.
Lexi has been a long time volunteer at the museum
and used her knowledge and love of history to create
this
program in order to ignite interest
and curiosity about our history. The young immigrants spent the day doing things a young child
would have done as an immigrant. Some of their
favorite things were milking the cow, doing the frog
dance with the
hats they made,
and making butter.They even got
to learn a little
Swedish
from
Signe (see right).
Thanks to all who
participated
in
this fun day.
Signe Fluegel, Swedish Language Teacher,
Introduced Swedish at our
“Little Immigrants” Program!
Signe Fluegel, our
Swedish Language
Teacher, brought her
talents to our “Little
Immigrants” Program
this summer (see left)
She is taking registrations for Language
Classes beginning September 12. From Signe:
Comin’ to Amerika
Director Barb Swanson
Another wonderful Comin” to
Amerika summer here at the
museum! Director Barb Swanson
put a few new twists into this very
popular program. In addition to
setting up the family farm or the Larson’s General
Store, children dressed up as traditional Swedish
Easter witches with headscarves, painted freckles and
red cheeks. They made the feather trees and learned
new songs. There was also a mock trial for some
boys who “sold illegal milk”. Everyone participated in
this event and had a part in the “Town Trial”.
Monday evenings
Gammelgården Museum
Name(s):
Address:
Phone:
Email:
Supporter $35.00
$45.00
Tidskrift; 10% discount at Scandia Butik; Free guided tours of
museum
Sponsor
$70.00
$90.00
Above PLUS 2 free smörgåsbord tickets per year for Midsommar
Century
$100.00
$140.00
Above PLUS 2 additional free smörgåsbord tickets per year for
Midsommar (4 total per household per year)
Life
$750.00
$1000.00
Above PLUS annual dated Gammelgården memento; annual
director’s tour and lunch; and 1 time per year free guided tour
for each member’s guest.
Mail with payment to: Joan Detzler, Memberships, 20621 Olinda Trail N, Marine, MN 55047
 I am interested in making an estate gift. Please contact me at this phone number:_______________________
Give the Gift of History!
Gammelgården Memberships
Holiday, Anniversary, Birthday, Special Occasion Presents.
Gammelgården Museum Membership is the most vital part for our on-going funding. A new level of giving;
Corporate Memberships; is a vital layer that the Board of Directors added in 2014 to create an opportunity
for businesses to be recognized for their role in Preserving Presenting and Promoting Swedish Immigrant
Heritage. Our mission statement is the basis for the name of the 3 new levels of yearly giving:
Preserve = $5000 Annual Gift * Present = $2500 Annual Gift * Promote = $1000 Annual Gift
Businesses have a long history of supporting the humanities throughout world history! Through Corporate
Memberships, businesses become partners in enhancing and ensuring the role of arts and history in a vibrant
community. In addition to playing this important role in our society, Corporate Members will also:

 Be recognized with their logo on our website
 Be recognized in our Holiday Edition of the Tidskrift
Have use of our museum for a private event or 20 admission tickets.
We are very grateful to thank our three Corporate Members: Air Mechanical Heating, Cooling & Plumbing
“Creating Custom Comfort” in the northern suburbs, Gustavus II Adolphus Society, Scandia Farmer’s Market and the Swedish Council of America. Thank you for your corporate memberships. For more information on opportunities for your business, please contact our museum director, Lynne Blomstrand Moratzka
at 651-433-5053
Gammelgården Tidskrift
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
PERMIT No. 2
SCANDIA, MN
55073
Gammelgården Museum
20880 Olinda Trail North
P.O. Box 62
Scandia, MN 55073
Return Service Requested
Gammelgården Museum Staff and Board of Directors
Gammelgården Tidskrift is published three times a year by the Gammelgården Museum. Send all correspondence and change
of address notices to: Gammelgården Museum, 9885 202nd St. N., Forest Lake, MN 55025
Lynne Blomstrand Moratzka, Director
Sue Nickelson, Meals and More Coordinator
Kathy Bakke, Children’s Program Coordinator
Jim Moratzka, Caretaker
Joan Detzler, Membership Secretary
Julie Erickson, PR/ Marketing and Tidskrift Editor
Sarah Porubcansky, Butik Manager
Intern: Sara Minder