The Norwegian Slooper Society of America held their 2017 annual meeting on October 8, 2017, in Norway, IL. There were 61 in attendance.
Kirk & Renée Mies (Lindenhurst, IL) spoke on “An Enduring Legacy”, a story of their ancestors. Kirk’s story is that of Daniel and Brita Rossedal (present descendants: Rosdail) making their way from the farm in Norway to boarding the sloop Restauration in Stavanger. Kirk is a descendent of Daniel and Bertha, and followed in their footsteps going from the Rossedal farm in Trysvær, Norway, to the Hersdal farm, then on to Stavanger to catch the ship to America. Renée shared her Irish ancestry, which was intriguing as well. Who knows, we Norwegian-Americans may be related in some way to the Irish via the Vikings!
A special treat were the twenty-three Viking ship table place settings, each handmade from card stock and painted by Phyllis Benson of the Cleng Peerson Sons of Norway lodge #5-525 (Ottawa, IL). These are 17 inches long, 3 inches wide, and 10 inches tall. Beautifully done, Phyllis!
New officers were elected:
PRESIDENT: Steve Rosdail Southcombe
VICE PRESIDENT: Kirk Rosdail Mies
SECRETARY: Renée Rosdail Mies
TREASURER: Steve Rosdail Southcombe
Congratulations to the new officers of the Slooper Society!
(left to right) Renée Mies, Kirk Mies, and Steve Southcombe
And “mange takk” to the outgoing officers, who have served during the many past years: Pat Goodman Hayes (President), Rev. Wesley Hougsted (VP), and Lou Hougas Wise (Secretary).
(left to right) Pat Hayes, Rev. Wesley Hougsted, Lou Wise, and Steve Southcombe (Treasurer).