Pictured at the Thule Lodge meeting examining decorations are Norman Carlson, Chautauqua County historian and Thule Lodge trustee, and long time member Brenda Nelson.

FALCONER – Thule Lodge members recently held their organizational meeting.

The Thule Lodge is the Swedish organization formed 118 years ago in the Jamestown area to help Swedish immigrants with housing, employment and schooling. Many of the Swedish immigrants found employment in the many furniture factories which were once a part of the Jamestown area. Today, Thule Lodge exists to preserve Swedish heritage through events and activities.

The annual organizational meeting for the lodge was recently held in the Falcon’s Nest in Falconer. Lodge chairman Susan Washington Sipos welcomed all to the meeting, and then secretary and historian John Sipos led all in the pledge of allegiance and the opening prayer. A moment of silence for a departed member was held and the obituary was read. Treasurer Loretta Smith gave the financial report of the lodge. Smith listed the annual donations to area activities, and this was approved by all.

Chautauqua County Historian Norman Carlson talked about Leif Ericson landing in Greenland then moving to Prince Edward Island about the year 1000. Long time member Don Sandy talked about the annual summer Scandinavian Festival to be held in Jamestown on July 19-20 in the Northwest Arena Thule Lodge event chairman Lynne Meyers has developed a calendar for the year, including special dinners, and sent a copy to every member. At all dinners, reservations are needed and must be called in two weeks prior to the dinner. Meyers also talked about special event days in Sweden such as the licorice day, and Swedish waffle day celebrated in Sweden. Some black licorice from Denmark was available for all to try. Following the meeting special cookies and coffee were available for all to enjoy,

The next gathering of the Thule Lodge will be the Easter dinner in April at the Falcon’s Nest in Falconer. The Thule Lodge welcomes new members.