In Edmonton Since 1913
In Edmonton, Sons of Norway traces its origins to April 1913, when Nordpolen Lodge—the forerunner of Solglyt Lodge 7-143—was founded at a meeting held in the Strathcona Hotel. Solglyt Lodge belongs to Sons of Norway’s all-Canadian District 7, Zone 5.
Nordpolen was one of the first lodges established in Canada by Sons of Norway, a fraternal, social, and mutual-aid organization. Founded in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1895 by Norwegian immigrants and Americans of Norwegian heritage, the organization offered members mutual support, including access to an insurance program.
Syttende Mai in Edmonton
In Edmonton, Syttende Mai celebrations were taking place as early as 1912. The May 16, 1912 edition of the Edmonton Journal reported on the growing influx of Norwegians to the Edmonton area and described festivities planned by the newly formed Norwegian Literary Society. Events were scheduled for East End City Park and were to include music by the Camrose College Band, as well as solos and speeches by prominent community members. An evening musical program was planned for the Separate School Hall on Third Street.
In 1913, the celebration was held under the auspices of the newly formed Sons of Norway lodge, Nordpolen. On May 17, approximately 500 Norwegians gathered at the exhibition grounds to mark the 99th anniversary of Norway’s National Day. That evening, a Scandinavian concert and dance took place at the Separate School Hall, where Professor Bland of Alberta College delivered a stirring address on the Canadian perspective of Norwegian settlers.
Similar celebrations were held in 1914 and 1915, as reported in the Edmonton Bulletin and the Edmonton Journal. During the First World War, many Norwegian residents enlisted in the Canadian Army and departed for Europe, leading to a pause in Sons of Norway activities in Edmonton. The lodge did not resume until 1927, when it was reorganized under the more welcoming name Solglyt (“glimmering sun”). Over the past century, Syttende Mai has been celebrated in many ways in Edmonton, including street parades.
