Sons of Norway and Daughters of Norway papers, 1907-2004

History/Biography:

Sons of Norway/Sønner av Norge was founded by 18 members on January 16, 1895, in Minneapolis, Minnesota to promote and preserve the heritage and culture of Norway and to provide life insurance to its members. Membership was originally open to males of Norwegian descent between the ages of 20 and 50 who were capable of giving proof of being morally upright, in good health, and capable of supporting a family. A second lodge was established in South Minneapolis in 1899 and a third was founded in the northeastern section of the city in 1900. The Minneapolis model quickly spread. By the end of 1900, lodges had been established in cities and towns with substantial Norwegian-American populations across the United States. 

The organization published a monthly magazine, Sønner av Norge (Sons of Norway), which kept members updated on activities of the group. 

In December 1938, the Sons of Norway absorbed the American auxiliary of The Knights of the White Cross Order (Riddere av Det Hvite Kors) which had been founded in Chicago in 1863. Women were admitted to local groups as early as 1916, in areas where the female auxiliary was unorganized. Daughters of Norway lodges in the Midwest were merged with the Sons of Norway in 1950 and a system of junior lodges was created in 1956. The Grand Lodge of the Daughters of Norway, which dates to 1908, continues as a separate association.

Abstract: 

Correspondence, clippings, pamphlets, constitutions, reports, newsletters, souvenir programs, and historical sketches of a variety of Sons of Norway lodges in the United States, including the Supreme Lodge in Minneapolis. Also includes records from the Daughters of Norway.

Location:
Boxes 1-3, 5-9, 13-16, 18: 9/C/6-8
Boxes 4, 10, 11: 21/B/2
Box 17: 22/A/5

Oslo Lodge:
Boxes 1-2: 9/C/8
Boxes  3-9: 22/A/6-8
Box 10: Overflow 

Runic Vennskap:
Boxes 1-4: 10/C/3-4
Boxes 5-7: Overflow

Daughters of Norway:
Boxes 1-3: 9/C/8