In 1993, 14 volunteers got together to form the Ohio Norsemen group to promote understanding and interest in Norwegian culture and history as well as the common heritage of all the Nordic countries.
Ohio Norsemen Founders - 1993
Standing: Esther Lyngso, Shirley Fodor, Ron McCutcheon, Normal Gabrielsen, Arnhild Maciulis, Cathy McCutcheon, Ed Sivertsen, Mildred Siversten, Rigmore and Carl Johnson
Seated: Ruta Maciulis, Ellen Klein, Helen, Jaegersen, Vigdis Boge
Catherine Jorgensen McCutcheon was one of those 14 and she told us in the video below how their small group of fourteen honored the 100th anniversary of the arrival of an accurate replica of a Viking ship in Cleveland heading to Chicago for the Columbian World Exposition. The captain and crew drew great crowds as they participated in the Fourth of July celebration in Cleveland with their ship, The Viking, moored on the Lake Erie shore.
Many of the Ohio Norsemen worked, or had family members who worked, on the Great Lakes as seamen on ore ships or as fishermen. The Norse maritime history is on display at a Shooter's Restaurant on the Cuyahoga River where local Scandinavian groups got together and funded the creation of a bust of Leif Ericson to mark the 1000 year presence of Viking in North America. Scandinavians gather there every year on Leif Ericson day in October.
On July 16, 2023 the Ohio Norsemen gathered to celebrate their 30th anniversary.
Ha Det Bra!
2018
Santa Lucia Celebration
The Swedish Vasa community hosted a Swedish Lucia celebration on Saturday, December 8, at 4 p.m. at Church of the Saviour in Cleveland Heights. The program began with a winter concert of the Vasa Voices, directed by Judith Higbee, singing traditional winter and folk songs in Swedish. Following the vocal concert, the Lucia procession took place.
The Scandinavian community of Cleveland, including those from Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Iceland gathered at the bust of Leif Erikson in front of Shooters in Cleveland's Flats to celebrate Leif Erikson Day.
Leif Erikson was a Norse explorer regarded as the first European to land in North America (excluding Greenland), nearly 500 years before Christopher Columbus.
The Nobel-Monitor Lodge #130 Vasa Order of America hosted their annual Christmas and Lucia Fest on December 6, 2015. Highlights included the songs by the Vasa Voices Choir and the Lucia procession and songs by the children.
Vasa Voices Choir of Nobel-Monitor Lodge #130 Vasa Order of America
The Vasa Voices Choir of Nobel-Monitor Lodge #130 Vasa Order of America performed at the 2015 Christmas and Lucia Fest in Highland Heights (Cleveland) Ohio.
The Octoberfest events in Scandinavia are very popular, and not only among local beer lovers! A Scandinavian Octoberfest is a great celebration when the warm weather diminishes in fall. Despite the name "Oktoberfest", most Oktoberfest events start in September.
The Tall Ships Festival at the Port of Cleveland drew several international ships. The Sorlandet from Kristiansand, Norway was joined by several tall ships from Canada.
Organizations and Resources for Norwegians in Cleveland
Distribution of Norwegian dialect groups: North Norwegian (yellow), Trøndelag Norwegian (navy blue), West Norwegian (orange) and East Norwegian (pale blue).
Two centuries of Viking raids into Europe tapered off following the adoption of Christianity by King Olav Tryggvason in 994. Conversion of the Norwegian kingdom occurred over the next several decades. In 1397, Norway was absorbed into a union with Denmark that lasted more than four centuries.
In 1814, Norwegians resisted the cession of their country to Sweden and adopted a new constitution. Sweden then invaded Norway but agreed to let Norway keep its constitution in return for accepting the union under a Swedish king. Rising nationalism throughout the 19th century led to a 1905 referendum granting Norway independence.
Although Norway remained neutral in World War I, it suffered heavy losses to its shipping. Norway proclaimed its neutrality at the outset of World War II, but was nonetheless occupied for five years by Nazi Germany (1940-45). In 1949, neutrality was abandoned and Norway became a member of NATO.
Discovery of oil and gas in adjacent waters in the late 1960s boosted Norway's economic fortunes. In referenda held in 1972 and 1994, Norway rejected joining the EU. Key domestic issues include immigration and integration of ethnic minorities, maintaining the country's extensive social safety net with an aging population, and preserving economic competitiveness.
Tell us about the music, food, holidays, traditions, costumes, language and other qualities that make Norwegians so special.
Catherine Jorgensen McCutcheon modeled a tradional Norwegian costume or bunad.
Catherine Jorgensen McCutcheon in her Norwegian bunad
In this short video, she and Vigdis Boge explain the lace, beading and other components of the authentic dress from Norway.
Easter in Scandinavia
Quite a peculiar national tradition in Norway is solving crimes during Easter. Publishers churn out series of books known as "Easter Thrillers" or "Påskekrimmen". Even the milk cartons change during the Easter season to have murder stories on their sides!
"Pääsiäinen" in Finland is celebrated with Easter egg hunts for the children. The hard boiled, chocolate, or candy eggs are hidden in the house or garden. Children also walk between houses, handing out twigs or decorations in exchange for a few coins.
In Denmark, there is a unique "Påske" tradition of sending teaser letters with little poems anonymously on Valentine's Day. If the recipient guesses who sent the poem, he or she receives the reward of an Easter egg.
In Sweden, children dress up as Easter witches with long skirts, colorful headscarves, and painted red cheeks. They go to neighboring houses presenting drawings in hopes of getting sweets in return. Folklore says the witches fly to "Blåkulla" (Blue Mountain) to meet the devil.
Another "Påsk" tradition is to place feathers on small branches of willow or birch in a vase.
Profiles of Norwegians in Cleveland and Northeast Ohio
If you know of a Cleveland Norwegian person who should be profiled, please let us know.
ClevelandPeople.Com - Norwegian Ambassadors
Read more about the Ambassadors. If you are interested in being considered to be an official ClevelandPeople.com Ambassador to the Cleveland Norwegian community, please contact us.
