Samhold 473 Lodge History | Sons of Norway District 5

This is the farewell for Samhold lodge #5-473, as we are merging with Nordkap lodge #5-378, effective January 1, 2020.

We had some wonderful times these past 56 years in the northern suburbs of Michigan: first in Pontiac, next in Auburn Hills, finally in Lake Orion. It is both sad and encouraging (with the merger), but the memories will remain as I compile the legacy of Samhold, with the objective to preserve the archives at, hopefully, the Bentley Historical Library at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

I would like to thank the Samhold and Nordkap boards of directors in helping make this merger happen. I also thank Gene Steensma for his many years of service (I’ve lost count!) as member, president through 2017, and counselor. Thank you, Bob & Louise Giles of Nordkap in making the merger go smoothly; as well as Carol Jehle (Membership Secretary of Nordkap) in handling the transition of members. In closing, we in Samhold are honored to make several $thousands of donations to these excellent causes within the Sons of Norway: Nordkap Scholarship Fund, Masse Moro Camp Fund, Barnebirke Fund, and District 5 General Fund.

Our last Samhold gathering together, the Christmas Party of 2019, was enjoyable. Enjoy viewing the picture gallery

Wish all the best of 2020, and may the heritage of Norwegian-Americans in Michigan, and in the USA, continue growing from generation to generation.

Fraternally Yours,

Bill Injerd, President, Samhold #5-473, Sons of Norway

The organizational meeting of Sons of Norway Lodge 473 was held January 12, 1964 at the Cass Lake Community Center in Pontiac, Michigan. There were 49 charter members.

The name Nordlyset was chosen at first, but was changed to Samhold at the next meeting. Lodge meetings were held on the first Sunday of each month at Cass Lake Community Center, but later changed to the Metropolitan Club of Pontiac, and then the Auburn Hills Fire Hall. Currently we meet in Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Auburn Hills on the second Sunday.

In March of 1970 the lodge newsletter was started, with the name "Samhold Utsikten" chosen over "Lapskaus Posten".

Samhold was the sponsoring lodge for the Benton Harbor lodge in 1966, hosted the Fifth District Convention in 1974, and is the host for the annual Lennart Strand Golf Tournament in August. Samhold has been a strong supporter of District events, sometimes sending as many as 15 golfers to the Valhall Open in Rockford, IL.

Jan Grefstad was the first Samhold member to serve on the District 5 Board. Eugene Steensma, Samhold member and staunch Sons of Norway supporter, has served on the District 5 Board in several capacities, two years as President. He then moved on to the International Board where he became involved with Nordic America Travel and served on other committees over the eight years. Marvin Frydenlund served as a Director and later Gil Bergsrud served as Director and Vice President.

Samhold Lodge has enjoyed 17 d. Mai celebrations, bowling leagues, golf outings, cross country skiing, Christmas parties, and many other activities with our Sister Lodges in Michigan.

History of Lodges