Independent Order of Vikings Records
Scope and Contents
The records of the Independent Order of Vikings contain material in six general categories: history, administration, programs, clippings, correspondence, and music. Span dates for this series are February 1907 through May 1976, although the bulk of the records deal with the period 1959 to 1976. Much of the collection is from the files of Evert Winter, who served on the Committee on Laws (approximately 1959‑1969) and the Valhalla Home Committee (approximately 1957‑1967).
Dates
- 1907 - 1976
Creator
- Independent Order of Vikings (1890-) (Organization)
Language of Materials
English and Swedish.
Conditions Governing Access
There are no access restrictions on the materials, and the collection is open to all members of the public. However, the researcher assumes full responsibility for conforming with the laws of libel, privacy, and copyright that may be involved in the use of this collection.
Biographical / Historical
The Independent Order of Vikings is a fraternal organization founded in Chicago, Illinois, June 2, 1890. When its Grand Lodge was organized in 1892, the Order listed among its objectives, the opening of reading rooms, and the establishment of a common fund for furnishing death benefits and life insurance.
Membership in the Order grew to the extent that by 1942 the number of members was 13,371 from lodges in 22 states. Some of the various activities in the history of the order have been the sponsoring of glee clubs, picnics, conventions, reading rooms, and the establishment of athletic associations, and Independent Order Ladies of Vikings, a "Junior League", and a retirement center called Valhalla Home. The Order, originally founded for Swedish descendants only, is now open to all Scandinavian‑Americans and their spouses.
Extent
8.15 Linear Feet (14 containers)
Arrangement
Arranged by topic and then chronologically.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
These records of the Independent Order of Vikings were given to the Swedish Pioneer Historical Society Archives by Evert Winter and unknown others. Original order for the Committee on Laws has been preserved. The records for the Drake Lodge of the Independent Order of Vikings were given by the Latvian Association Building on Elston, and added in May 2013.
Separated Materials
"The Longship", newsletter of Harald Viking Lodge, has been transferred to the Serials Collection. A history book entitled Runristningar, 1915, has been transferred to the Book Collection. One gavel used by the Independent Order Ladies of Vikings was moved to an artifacts box on May 16, 2013. Three hardcover copies of Runristningar with distinctive cover colors of blue, red, and forest green, were moved to the SAAGC Book Collection on June 21, 2013.
Processing Information
Eric K. Lundberg, March 1985; additional items processed by Janet Leu in May 2013.
Creator
- Independent Order of Vikings (1890-) (Organization)
- Language of description
- Undetermined
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
- Sponsor
- Funding to migrate and update this finding aid was provided by the Swedish Council of America through the 2019 grant "Improving and Expanding Access to the Swedish–American Archives of Greater Chicago."
Repository Details
Part of the Swedish-American Archives of Greater Chicago Repository
3225 W Foster Ave
Box 38
Chicago IL 60625 USA
773-583-5722