David “Skip” Axelson and Pat Bartoldson are standing with the fall decorations at the Thule Lodge Harvest dinner held in Falconer.

FALCONER – The Thule Lodge recently held its annual harvest dinner.

The Thule Lodge is the Swedish organization formed 117 years ago in the Jamestown area. When organized, the lodge served to help the Swedish immigrants with housing, schooling and employment, with many of the Swedish immigrants worked in the furniture factories of Jamestown. Today, the Thule Lodge serves to preserve the Swedish heritage through events and activities.

In late October, Thule Lodge held its annual harvest dinner at the Falcon’s Nest in Falconer. The full turkey dinner with all of the fixings was catered by the 3C’s. The meal included turkey, stuffing, squash, mashed potatoes, cranberries, a variety of breads and three kinds of pies. Treasurer Loretta Smith and her husband Gene Smith organized the meal and sent reservation notices. Fall decorations, along with music, were provided by lodge chairman Susan Fredrickson Washington Sipos.

Following the meal, a business meeting was held conducted by Sipos. The opening and closing messages were given by lodge chaplain Stephanie Buccola. Lodge secretary and historian John Sipos led all in the pledge of allegiance after giving the history of the pledge. Smith gave the financial report of the lodge.

The slate of officers for the year 2025 was presented. The nominating committee included Nancy Jones and Karen Johnson. Election of officers will take place at the next meeting. Lynne Meyers, along with Jack Ericson, said they will help with the special meals beginning next year. Scott Axelson spoke about the monthly Scandinavian Studies program held once a month on the first Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until noon. Usually the programs are held at the Jamestown Community College, but due to scheduling changes, the November program will be at the Tree of Life Church instead.

The monthly meeting award was presented to Donna Johnson. Thule Lodge meets once a month from March through December, and welcomes new members. The next meeting in November will be a luncheon with speaker Rick Roll talking about his work with preserving old records.