Representing Five Scandinavian Groups
Our organization embraces the needs and goals of members whose proud heritage includes Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.
100 Years of Scandinavian Culture
The Scandinavian Home Society was founded in 1923, established its official constitution in 1928, and incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation in 1930. The Scandanavian home was founded by a group of Five men under the leadership pf Oscar Johnson who decided to form a society as a support group for Scandanavian immigrants.
In just over a month, with very little money, this group rented the premisis at 218 Bay Street for a meeting room and activity centre, organized a library and increased the membership to 58.
The purpose of of the Society was to create a place where people could gather, socialize, read newspapers and books in their own language, share their problems and receive help – a “place like home”.
In 1924, it was decided that a cafe was need to attract more members. The cafe was opened on January 27th at 121 Secord Street and later moved to Bay street. For the first 6 months it was operated privately, but as this satisfied neither the proprietor nor the Society, the membership decided on August 3rd to take over managing it themselves. The management of the Cafe continued until “date”. The Scand Home Cafe was built on Algoma Street in 1926.
We carry on the good work of our ancestors.
(Copy of constitution)
Scandinavian Society is a community- based organization founded in 2000 to promote Scandinavian heritage and values in North wester Ontario. Our mission is to engage people of Scandinavian heritage and their families in preserving, celebrating, and supporting Scandinavian traditions and values within the multicultural context of Northwester Ontario.
We strive to make a positive change in all of our pursuits and our initiatives are guided by the values of community. culture heritage, and special responsibility. Our strength lies not only in the words we stand by, but most importantly in the actions of our initiatives. Join us in making a difference in the community.