Jenny Lind Club Easter Smörgåsbord
The first meeting of the Jenny Lind Club was held April 10, 1937, in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. The purpose was to form an organization to preserve and promote Swedish culture. The constitution has not been changed much since its inception.
To raise funds for the Swedish Historical Museum, the club planned many social activities, which included a dinner-dance, a benefit bridge luncheon, a Christmas party, a Sunday night potluck and a costume party. By the end of the first year the club was able to donate $200. This was accomplished through the efforts of only 24 women dedicated to establishing a worthwhile organization.
The second year the activities included a Midsommarfest, Sunday brunch, the first Luciafest, a musical tea, Valborgsmässoafton (welcoming spring) and a children's Christmas party. The club sponsored a concert and held an autumn fair, which offered handiwork, homemade baked goods, jams, jellies, novelties, tea and smörgåsbord.
During World War II, members worked for the American Red Cross and Save the Children Federation. Over the years a basic program schedule evolved. Each year there was a tea for associate and prospective members, Luciafest, spring benefit and interesting speakers.
Today the club has about 70 members. Programs include a Swedish Christmas or Easter Smörgåsbord, learning Swedish cooking, a June concert by Jenny Lind soprano and pianist scholarship recipients from the Royal Swedish Academy of Music and People's Parks Centers in Stockholm, and a Lucia dinner-dance in December.
Submitted by Ingrid Mörck-Berge
Edited by Kerstin Trowbridge
April 2010
