1916: The Cultural Dilemma

Austin, MN

The 2016 7-Lag Stevne was held at the Austin Conference Center and Holiday Inn in Austin, Minnesota. The theme "1916: The Cultural Dilemma" explored to conflict Norwegian-Americans suffered during World War I as they tried to reconcile their strong desire to maintain a connection with their Norwegian heritage and the wave of patriotism that swept the country - and Norwegian-American communities - during World War I. The stevne included classes, genealogy, bus tours, a talent show, and the bunad parade and banquet. On Saturday, twenty-two Telelaget members visited the Six-Mile Grove Lutheran Church near Lyle, Minnesota. Organized in 1859, the church is one of the first Scandinavian Lutheran churches in Mower County. We then went to the Mower County Fairgrounds for a catered lunch and our annual meeting.