Seattle Celebrates Norwegian Independence
Over 600 people gathered at the Armory to honor the 17th of May with music, patriotic speeches, and a call for democratic solidarity.
The 17th of May celebration at the Armory, held under the auspices of the Norwegian Workingmen's Society and the Norwegian Singing Society, proved a great success in spite of the inclement weather, with over 600 persons present. The hall was decorated with evergreens, festoons, and American and Norwegian flags. The platform was encircled by oars, a symbol of Norway's seafaring nation. After a potpourri on Norwegian national airs by Langer & Laeben's orchestra, Mr. K. G. Faegre delivered the speech of welcome, noting that the gathering showed their love for old mother Norway and their spirit of liberty. Mr. H. C. Wahlberg spoke on the historical events leading up to the declaration of independence in Norway, asserting that the consular question between Norway and Sweden would be solved without violence. Mr. M. Thuland then delivered an address on the cause of liberty, connecting the Norwegian struggle for independence to the American spirit of democracy. The event concluded with the singing of the Norwegian-Swedish quartette 'Orpheus' and a social dance.
“The 17th of May is, as we all know, Norway's birthday as a 'first, self-controlling and independent country,' and it is therefore quite proper for us as liberty-loving children of that fatherland to cherish the dear memories of our fathers' or childhood days on this memorial day.”
This 1898 celebration highlights the era's robust immigrant societies that defined early Seattle's civic life. The focus on preserving heritage while asserting 'good American citizenship' remains a central tension in the immigrant experience in Seattle today.
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