Välkommen till VASA OCH HARMONI !

VASA is a non-political fraternal organization for families of Scandinavian descent…the largest in America.

It is named for the great Swedish king, Gustav Eriksson Vasa, who was born during Denmark’s fifteenth century dominance over the several kingdoms of Sweden. In June of 1523, seeking a strong leader, Sweden’s loosely organized Parliament elected Vasa, a man of noble birth, its king. Earning his reputation as Sweden’s "great liberator", Vasa proceeded to knit the country’s many minor sovereignties into a unified nation.

Founded in 1896 on the principles of Generosity, Truth and Unity, Vasa is composed of the Grand Lodge, whose officers are elected from 19 district lodges throughout USA, Canada and Sweden. The VASA Order in America is headquartered in the historic village of Bishop Hill, IL.

As a VASA member you’ll want to take part in the many cultural programs that meaningfully express our lasting regard for this great heritage of ours.

VASA is not all study and tradition, however. Local lodges, such as Harmoni in Portland, provide the sociabilities you anticipate from a fraternal organization.

HARMONI IS NO. 472 AMONG VASA LODGES

The grass roots of VASA’S vast Scandinavian family lies in the local lodges, of which Harmoni is one. We’re proud of our lodge, which officially was chartered as Harmoni No. 472 on November 29, 1925, by the VASA Grand Lodge.

Like all responsible organizations, Harmoni elects officers from the general membership to conduct the business of the lodge. Presiding officer is the Chairman, who is bolstered by a vice-chairman, two secretaries, three financial watch-dogs, a cultural leader and chaplain. Also, there are historian, musician, auditors, trustees, inner and outer guards, banner bearers and master of ceremonies.

"Friendliest lodge in town" is how most members think of Harmoni. In truth, half of Harmoni’s twice-a-month scheduled meetings are social…featuring a film, a speaker, "Story Night", lutefisk on special occasions…and, naturally, a cup of good Swedish coffee.

Although its avowed purpose is the perpetuation of our Swedish heritage, Harmoni by no means takes itself too seriously. There’s a lot of activity to be enjoyed!

You’ll delight in the lodges special events, such as a trip to Astoria or Cedarville Park to celebrate Midsummer’s Day, a lodge sponsored pancake breakfast, participation at Scan Fair, the Scandinavian communities’ winter gift to Portland, offering representative tastes, sounds and crafts.

You can even learn the delicate art of folk dancing at Harmoni. There is dancing, singing, eating (oh boy!) and plenty of camaraderie…but never the distractions of politics…or religion. Indeed, everything at Harmoni is harmonious.

Unlike many fraternal organizations, Harmoni likes to be considered a Family Lodge… and truly is.

Minimum age requirement for VASA membership is age 14, and at lodge get-togethers we frequently see our third-generation American-Swedes learning and sharing with our native Swedish members.

VASA sponsors youth camps in both Sweden and the United States as well as youth exchange programs. Scholarships and student loans often mark our district budgets. Obviously, the family unit and our young people are important to us.

While a number of our people speak Swedish to each other-just to keep their language skills well-honed, English is the official language of the lodge and its ritual work.

Therefore, there is no reason to be concerned if your Swedish sounds like a Lappland reindeer’s mating call. Or even if you can’t recite "ett, två, tre" any longer.

Enjoy Harmoni to the fullest, with or without umlauts.

Harmoni meets every second Wednesday and fourth Friday monthly at the Hollywood Senior Center at 1820 NE 40^th in Portland. Except for special occasions, the gavel usually falls at 7:30 p.m.

To find out what is on next Wednesday’s agenda at our livewire lodge, just ask the Harmoni member who gave you this brochure.

Or call any other Harmoni member you know. You’ll be glad you did.