Sons of Norway Lodge 1-495 was formed on November 4, 1969, at the Greystone Hotel in Detroit Lakes. There were 139 Charter members. The Lodge was later named when members presented names which were voted on by the membership. The name Vikingland, presented by Alice Hammer was chosen for our lodge.
Since it’s conception, Vikingland Lodge 1-495 has been an active organization in this and surrounding communities. Earning from District 1 (Covering 10 states from Minnesota to Texas) 15 plus President’s Awards and 3 Lodge of the Year Awards.
In the past, the Vikingland Lodge has participated in community projects, from volunteering to assisting victims of the floods and distributing toys, etc. in Grand Forks. The lodge has also donated Christmas gifts to Mahube and the Lakes Crisis Center and over the years has donated thousands of dollars to various community charities and organizations. The lodge also raises money for the Sons of Norway Foundation and Scholarship Programs which help send our youth to Norwegian Language camps.
Over the years the Lodge has participated in numerous parades, with our Viking Ship Float, and cultural activities such as making and selling lefse, classes in Hardanger, rosemaling, bentwood boxes, Norwegian language studies, folk dancing, and sports and recreation medals.
Members of Vikingland Lodge are very active on the District and International level. Zone Directors from Vikingland include Paul Ness, Bob Hoover, Angeline Hoffman, Mary Sletmoe and Liz Matthison. Bob Hoover was then elected District 1 President and also International Director.