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Thule Lodge honors members of longevity

FALCONER – The Thule Lodge is the Swedish organization of Chautauqua County formed 112 years ago. The purpose of the lodge was to help the Swedish immigrants in the United States with housing, schooling and employment. Many of the Swedish immigrants found employment in the 100 furniture factories in the area in 1900. Today, the lodge exists to preserve the Swedish heritage through events and activities. The annual Swedish harvest dinner was held at the Falcon’s Nest in Falconer, and the food was catered by the 3-C’s catering. Tom Eckberg is the lodge chairman, Susan W. Sipos is the vice chairman, Loretta Smith is the treasurer, Bernice Veights is in charge of membership, Donna Johnson is the mistress of ceremony, and John Sipos is the lodge historian and lodge secretary.

Following the dinner, members of longevity were recognized and honored. Shown in the photograph are with their number of years of membership, standing: Jean Olson (42 years), Donna Johnson (45 years), Charlotte Johnson (34 years), Dorothy Peterson (42 years, and past chairman), Lillian Chapman (40 years), Karen Johnson (41 years), Susan Sipos (35 years), and David “Skip” Axelson (15 years). Seated are: John Sipos (19 years), Fanchon Fuller (39 years), Robert Truver (55 years) and Irving Burgeson (32 years). Other members honored were Carol Mattison (36 years), Karen Bjorkholm Leeper, (34 years), Diane Shaw (18 years), Honorable Willard Cass (23 years), Gene Johnson (36 years and past chairman), Donald Peterson (38 years) and Steven Peterson (36 years). Each lady was presented a bouquet of flowers, and a box of candy presented to the gentlemen. The recognition ceremony was held by treasurer Smith. Photograph by Gene Smith.

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