Sons of Norway turns 100, invites community to celebrate
By Dylan Friedman
Sons of Norway, Loyal Lodge 252, is gearing up to celebrate a significant milestone: its 100th anniversary in 2024. Initially chartered in June of 1924, the lodge also boasts the title of Smithtown’s oldest fraternal organization.
“It’s pretty cool that we’re still here, 100 years later,” Eric Johansson, president of the loyal lodge, said. “We have got a lot of cool stories and history to share.”
The lodge’s website recounts that the organization’s early meetings were held in the cellar of former lodge president Carl Eriksen’s residence. As membership grew, the lodge’s members embarked on a construction project during the 1930s, erecting a meeting place to call their own, Norway Hall, located at 201 Seventh St., St. James.
The completed hall, a substantial structure constructed of hollow tile, stucco and wood, quickly became a vital community hub.
In addition to serving as a designated meeting space for Sons of Norway, Loyal Lodge 252, the hall was also made available to various local organizations, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Democratic and Republican clubs, the Masonic Lodge, and the Boy and Girl Scouts. Moreover, as the organization’s website detailed, the hall previously functioned as a polling place for local elections.
While the hall has served as a physical hub for the community for decades, the organization’s commitment to connection extends beyond its walls. Johansson highlights the organization’s upcoming Annual Scandinavian Bazaar on Nov. 16 as an opportunity to showcase its philanthropic commitment to the community.
The event will offer attendees a chance to immerse themselves in Scandinavian culture through live accordion music, a variety of Scandinavian holiday and household items, home-baked goods, traditional food (including lapskaus, waffles and open sandwiches) and a raffle.
As Sons of Norway, Loyal Lodge 252, celebrates its 100-year milestone, the organization continues to be a vibrant part of the community. With a rich history and a bright future, the lodge invites everyone to join in the celebration and experience the warmth of Scandinavian culture.
The Nov. 16 event will occur at the St. James Lutheran Church, located at 230 2nd Ave., St. James, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
