Our Mission
The Hovedstad Lodge (Olympia, WA) of the Sons of Norway is dedicated to promoting Norwegian heritage and culture within our community. Through various programs and events, we aim to foster a sense of belonging and pride among our members.
About the Sons of Norway
The purposes and goals of the founders of the Sons of Norway were to protect members and their families from the financial hardships experienced during times of sickness or death in the family.
Over time, the mission of Sons of Norway has expanded to include the preservation of Norwegian heritage and culture in our Society. We have grown since our beginning and are now the largest Norwegian organization outside Norway.
The Sons of Norway still offers a fraternal life insurance company devoted to supporting you through every stage of life
History of the Hovedstad Lodge 2-094
Hovedstad Lodge began with a vision to establish a Sons of Norway lodge in the Olympia area. At the time, Olympia had a population of 18,273, including approximately 2,835 people of Norwegian descent.
In September 1969, Miss Hulda Horn, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Bergy, and Mrs. Mabel Jeter initiated the application process. In a letter to Sons of Norway Headquarters, they stated their reason for forming the lodge:
"There seems to be great interest in getting a Sons of Norway lodge started. Many teachers and business professionals in Olympia, as well as in the nearby towns of Lacey and Tumwater, are of Norwegian birth or descent and are interested."
To gauge genuine enthusiasm, an informal notice was placed in the local newspaper, inviting community members to a coffee hour. Thirty-nine people attended, of whom twenty signed applications for membership, while fourteen members from other lodges expressed interest in transferring.
Following this initial meeting, the Regional Manager and District Two President were invited to assist in the formation process. Communication between the district and International Headquarters ensued, and on October 18, 1969, Hovedstad Lodge was officially recognized as a member of the Sons of Norway.