Established and organized by Peter Tengvall we were Chartered on September 18, 1920 in Turlock. We are a local lodge of the Vasa Order of America, a Fraternal Society originally established for the benefit of Swedish immigrants
a century ago, but now dedicated to preserving and sharing our Scandinavian culture and heritage.
Turlock, California was settled on the Southern Pacific Railroad line in 1872 along the San Joaquin Central Valley Route. Many Swedish, Portuguese,and German immigrants from Europe road the railroad West in search of cheap land, $.50 an acre and farming opportunities. Swedes invaded the Stanislaus River basin farming wheat, melons, alfalfa, and corn, establishing the Youngstown Colony in honor of Rev. Jonas O. Bodin's eastern roots in Youngstown, Ohio.The pioneer families bought 10-40 acre parcels of land for $250 down.The existance was harsh coping with sandstorms,tumbleweeds,gophers,jackrabbits,grasshoppers,suffocating dry heat and drought.The early homes were of mud or wood frame construction.Wealthy farmers might have had a windmill to pump water but the plumbing was definately rustic with tank-houses and out-houses.Telephone service and electricity didnt come into use until the early 1900's.These early Scandinavians learned to cope with the oppressing valley heat in summer and bone chilling thule fog of winter.They were stubborn and strong and "made the best" of their newly adopted land. They came and they stayed,determined not to give up their new fortunes.
At our meetings, you will find an opportunity to socialize with fellow members of Scandinavian roots sharing common history and
interests.
Explore the Departments in the left sidebar to find out more about our calendar of events, our activities.
Follow the Links in the right sidebar to explore the structure or purpose of the Vasa Order of America,
and view activities of other local lodges.
Membership is open to men and women over 14 years of age of Nordic roots, {Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Finnish or Icelandic}, and their spouses who want to rediscover the traditions of their forefathers, and those who are not of Nordic ancestry but are committed to the promotion and advancement of Swedish heritage and culture.
If you are not interested in membership at this time, but are curious about Nordic culture and heritage, you are most welcome at our meetings and events at Jenny Lind which are open.
