We invite all women (ages 13 and up) of Scandinavian descent or family connection who wish to come visit or join the lodge to celebrate, share and learn about Scandinavian culture and heritage while having fun.
LODGE HIGHLIGHTS
Active Ester Moe Lodge has over 100 members ranging in ages from 13 to 96. Reflecting this wide age range, the lodge offerings are varied and fun is always a part of the mix.
Members of Ester Moe Lodge encouraged the Scandinavian Language Institute to start teaching language classes on the island. The lodge also sponsors several events each year which offer the public exposure to Scandinavian foods, crafts, folk music and dance. A marching contingent comes to Seattle to participate in the Norwegian Constitution Day Parade on the 17th of May and to visit the Nordic Heritage Museum. They also march in Maxwelton's 4th of July Parade and the Island County Fair Parade. Speakers and performers from around the northwest are invited to speak or perform at Ester Moe Lodge meetings.
Ester Moe members annually host the Nordic Fest on Whidbey Island which attracts many visitors in the fall eager for Nordic baked goods, crafts, entertainment, and vendors! Lefse and Krumkake are available for purchase at this event. The lodge's fundraising profits are used to help students learn more about their Nordic background through Encouragement Scholarships to Camp Trollhaugen and to support the Young Scandia Dancers. Local food banks also benefit from the lodge's efforts. Ester Moe Lodge holds a family Midsummer celebration including sleeping under the stars complete with a Swedish pancake breakfast the next morning and fun activities.
We invite you to join us for our monthly Nordic programs. Some of these have included:
- Trolls
- The Art of the Rya Rug
- Norwegian Ladies Chorus
- Nordic Christmas traditions
- Cultural events & celebrations
- Knitting adventures & displays
- Knut Erik Jensen Performance
- Primstav (Calendar sticks) program
- Artists showing techniques & creations
- Norwegian weddings & the wedding chest
- Norwegian/American authors sharing their books
- Crafts such as paper hearts & needle-felting trolls
- Lefse, krumkake, smørdbrød, & "fish cake" workshops
- Travel adventures (heritage, adventure, ultra sports, etc.)
- Additional cultural presentations on genealogy, history, etc.
Ester Moe members making Scandinavian paper hearts directed by younger members
MEETING DETAILS
- WHEN: Second Saturday1 of month at 9:30 am
- WHERE: St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 6330 S. Wilson Place, Clinton, WA
LODGE'S NAME
The lodge was named for a Norwegian-American pioneer school teacher on Whidbey Island. She was born Ester Anderson in Great Falls, Montana in 1905. Her immigrant parents had come to Montana because her father was a miner. The family moved to Langley, WA hoping for a better life. Esther grew up there and finally went to Bellingham Normal School (now Western Washington University) where she studied education. Upon graduation, she returned to Langley where she became a teacher and active community participant. Although first married to Carl Bergquist for many years she later married John Moe. More . . .
- 1 Lodge does not hold meetings in July and August. Meeting place may vary so contact lodge for details.
