The Nobel-Monitor Lodge
of the Swedish Vasa
January 13, 2008

In 1908, a lodge was formed in Northeast Ohio as part of the Vasa Organization - a Swedish fraternal organization. There are VASA organizations in Sweden, Canada, United States, Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Norway.

This year, Nobel-Monitor Lodge #130 will celebrate their 100th anniversary. The Lodge has approximately 300 members and in addition to preserving the Swedish heritage and culture, they are quite active in doing works for the good and welfare of the other members.

A ceremony based on century old tradition and rituals takes place to accept new members. The members take an oath to, among other things, tend to the needs of the other members.

There will be a dinner dance in April to commemorate this event.

The Vasa Order of America began as an opportunity for Swedish immigrants to meet other Swedes when they came to this country. Initially only Swedish men were allowed to join.

Rolf Bergman, Grand Master of entire District

Through the years, the Vasa Order changed in many ways, including the inclusion of all Scandinavian countries and of course, women are now welcome. The Order is still rich with traditions and rites form "the old country".

Leonard and Carol Leonard Ullman - married 46 years

Darlene Nelson

And of course, in December Santa Lucia is observed. The young lady chosen to represent Lucia in the festival is quite honored.

Kristina Johnson (age 14) this year's Lucia and her sister Julie a previous Lucia

Nobel-Monitor also offers scholarships and language lessons.

Marty Bergman with the 100 Year Cake



Maria and Emil Arvidson



Birgitta Herron



Cultural Chairman Bo Carlsson and wife Glenda



Robert Dennis and Joanne Gerhart



Shirley Kirchner



Mary Schoeniger and Sharen Swanson Tizzano



Marty Bergman and Karen Arvidson Chilcote



Bo Carlsson at the piano







Marilyn Johnson, daughters Kristina and Julie, family friend Anna Rietsch and father Ken Johnson