BEMUS POINT - The Thule Lodge is the Swedish organization in the Jamestown/Bemus Point area, organized 105 years ago. At the time the Swedish people were emigrating to the United States, a fraternal organization was formed to help each other. More than 100 years ago, four out of seven people in Jamestown were Swedish, working in furniture factories, clothing mills and the lumber business. Jamestown to this day is still known for the Swedish heritage which helped the city to grow. Thule Lodge continues to preserve the Swedish heritage through events and activities, along with the Scandinavian Studies program at the Jamestown Community College and the annual three-day Scandinavian Festival in the summer.
Recently at the lodge, located at 4123 Pancake Hill Road, past chairman and past New York State district master Edwin Sandberg conducted the election of officers for the new year beginning in January. Sandberg reported on the nominating committee, and opened the floor for more nominations. Elected for lodge chairman is Jeffrey Anderson, with Susan W. Sipos as the vice chairman. Carolyn Ostrom was elected as the lodge secretary, Donna Sandberg was elected as the financial secretary and Loretta Smith is the treasurer. Diane Shaw will serve as the chaplain, with Eugene Smith of Kiantone as the outer guardsman and Don Carlson as the inner guardsman. Fanchon Fuller will serve as the cultural leader, and Donna Johnson and Bernice Veights will serve as the mistresses of ceremony. John Sipos will continue as the lodge historian and newspaper correspondent. Auditors will be Tom Eckborg, Jerry Erickson, Robert Fuller and Wayne Nelson. Tim Miller was elected as trustee. Ralph Veights who now serves as the lodge chairman will be known as the immediate past chairman serving as an advisor. Following the elections, Jerry Erickson stood and made a motion to close the elections and asked that the secretary cast one vote for those nominated to serve as officers.
Past cultural leader Allie Nelson Withers offered some suggestions to help as fundraisers for the lodge. Mrs. Withers is also known for giving her Swedish blessing at each mealtime of the lodge. Auditor Nelson gave a report on the financial future of the lodge. Following the elections, homemade pies were served by Loretta Smith and Fanchon Fuller. Mrs. Smith said she enjoys making pies, especially during this time of the year. For more information on the Thule Lodge, write to the address above. New members are always welcome.