Enumclaw Danish Sisterhood History
A BRIEF HISTORY: UNITY LODGE 75, DANISH SISTERHOOD (Enumclaw, WA)
The Danish Sisterhood of America was organized on Dec. 15, 1883. Lodge #1 chartered in Negaunee, Michigan, is still in existence. Early lodges were organized to provide social and financial aid to fellow Danish countrymen in this new land.
Twenty-one years later, in 1904, here in Enumclaw, with the help of the already existing local Danish Brotherhood Lodge #113, the Danish Sisterhood Unity Lodge 75 was chartered. In that year, Enumclaw was preparing to celebrate its “practical” 25th anniversary, recognizing the homesteading of the Stevensons in 1879 as its unofficial beginning.
With the availability of the railroad in 1885, the area had many benefits for its residents, and the 1904 Courier-Herald even
announces the opening of the new opera house.
On January 10, 1904, the chartering officers of Unity Lodge 75 were:
Past President Mrs. Dorthea Marie Christensen
President Mrs. Anna Jensen
Vice President Mrs. Caroline Winters
Secretary Mrs. Marie J. Bruhn
Treasurer Mrs. Marie Rasmussen
1st Trustee Miss Ellen Bruhn
2nd Trustee Miss Marie Frederiksen
3rd Trustee Mrs. Sine Sorensen
Doorkeeper Mrs. Mary Weston
Inner Guard Mrs. Laura Christiansen
Outer Guard Mrs. Annie Jensen
The first 25 years of minutes and financial records of Unity Lodge 75 are hand written in the Danish language, and as such, are somewhat unavailable to us, as few of us now have knowledge of the language and that style of
handwriting. However, we can see the work and fun of the lodge in the existing financial records.
The sisters paid to the brothers rent for the hall in the amount of $15.00 a year from 1915 to 1931.
Dues were 75 cents a month for meetings, and the meetings were held on Wednesday evenings. Flowers for
the sick were $1.50. Wages were paid to the secretary and treasurer, from $1.90 to $3.20 per month.
The minutes record discussion of a drill team in Feb. 1918. The two most frequent disbursements were the many sick benefits paid to individual members when they were ill, one of the basic functions for which the
organization was formed, and the reimbursement for coffee purchased for the many social gatherings.
As late as 1952 the records show sick benefits paid to members, as much as $15/month, given monthly. In
1954, a payment for a doctor’s exam was recorded. During the Second World War, “national” requested cooperation with the Treasury Department Defense Savings Bond program, and we see in June 1942 and again in Sept. 1943, series F bonds were purchased. The social events were card parties, bazaars, Fastelavns, Christmas parties, bake sales, and even participation at the King County Fair. The lodge has hosted the northwest district conventions, many times in
conjunction with the brotherhood.
Always, from Jan. 1904, the meetings have taken place in this very building, at this site. The hall originally was purchased by the brotherhood and you will see pictures of that structure in its near original state on the wall. The brothers met upstairs with the sisters here on the main floor, coming together for refreshments when the business was taken care of. It
was work and fun. Due to decreasing brotherhood membership, the hall has recently been sold to the sisters who
recognize its care as a noble responsibility.
Prepared for the 100th Anniversary Celebration of Unity Lodge 75, Danish Sisterhood of America, 1708 Porter Street, Enumclaw, WA 98022.
Thank you to Mary Gunderson and the Enumclaw Public Library staff. Material taken from original minutes
and records, microfilm at the library, Enumclaw Chamber of Commerce brochure, and information from the Danish
Sisterhood of America website.
This is not to be considered an official document of any organization for any purpose.
Sandra Nelson
5/23/2004
The Danish Sisterhood of America was organized on Dec. 15, 1883. Lodge #1 chartered in Negaunee, Michigan, is still in existence. Early lodges were organized to provide social and financial aid to fellow Danish countrymen in this new land.
Twenty-one years later, in 1904, here in Enumclaw, with the help of the already existing local Danish Brotherhood Lodge #113, the Danish Sisterhood Unity Lodge 75 was chartered. In that year, Enumclaw was preparing to celebrate its “practical” 25th anniversary, recognizing the homesteading of the Stevensons in 1879 as its unofficial beginning.
With the availability of the railroad in 1885, the area had many benefits for its residents, and the 1904 Courier-Herald even
announces the opening of the new opera house.
On January 10, 1904, the chartering officers of Unity Lodge 75 were:
Past President Mrs. Dorthea Marie Christensen
President Mrs. Anna Jensen
Vice President Mrs. Caroline Winters
Secretary Mrs. Marie J. Bruhn
Treasurer Mrs. Marie Rasmussen
1st Trustee Miss Ellen Bruhn
2nd Trustee Miss Marie Frederiksen
3rd Trustee Mrs. Sine Sorensen
Doorkeeper Mrs. Mary Weston
Inner Guard Mrs. Laura Christiansen
Outer Guard Mrs. Annie Jensen
The first 25 years of minutes and financial records of Unity Lodge 75 are hand written in the Danish language, and as such, are somewhat unavailable to us, as few of us now have knowledge of the language and that style of
handwriting. However, we can see the work and fun of the lodge in the existing financial records.
The sisters paid to the brothers rent for the hall in the amount of $15.00 a year from 1915 to 1931.
Dues were 75 cents a month for meetings, and the meetings were held on Wednesday evenings. Flowers for
the sick were $1.50. Wages were paid to the secretary and treasurer, from $1.90 to $3.20 per month.
The minutes record discussion of a drill team in Feb. 1918. The two most frequent disbursements were the many sick benefits paid to individual members when they were ill, one of the basic functions for which the
organization was formed, and the reimbursement for coffee purchased for the many social gatherings.
As late as 1952 the records show sick benefits paid to members, as much as $15/month, given monthly. In
1954, a payment for a doctor’s exam was recorded. During the Second World War, “national” requested cooperation with the Treasury Department Defense Savings Bond program, and we see in June 1942 and again in Sept. 1943, series F bonds were purchased. The social events were card parties, bazaars, Fastelavns, Christmas parties, bake sales, and even participation at the King County Fair. The lodge has hosted the northwest district conventions, many times in
conjunction with the brotherhood.
Always, from Jan. 1904, the meetings have taken place in this very building, at this site. The hall originally was purchased by the brotherhood and you will see pictures of that structure in its near original state on the wall. The brothers met upstairs with the sisters here on the main floor, coming together for refreshments when the business was taken care of. It
was work and fun. Due to decreasing brotherhood membership, the hall has recently been sold to the sisters who
recognize its care as a noble responsibility.
Prepared for the 100th Anniversary Celebration of Unity Lodge 75, Danish Sisterhood of America, 1708 Porter Street, Enumclaw, WA 98022.
Thank you to Mary Gunderson and the Enumclaw Public Library staff. Material taken from original minutes
and records, microfilm at the library, Enumclaw Chamber of Commerce brochure, and information from the Danish
Sisterhood of America website.
This is not to be considered an official document of any organization for any purpose.
Sandra Nelson
5/23/2004
Danish Hall History
Currently owned by the Danish Sisterhood, Lodge #75, the Danish Hall has been at the center of Danish heritage in Enumclaw, Washington for over 100 years. The building began its life as a general store, approximately 3 miles north of Enumclaw. The first meetings of Danish Brotherhood began in the home of Jens Charles Jensen on North Porter Street, but before long the Brotherhood felt the need for a place to call home. They purchased the Birch General Store
building for $125.00 in 1900. They then took the building apart and hired Anton Johansen to haul the sections by horse and wagon for $20.00. The hall was reconstructed on the site where it currently sits on Porter Street and was
dedicated on June 10, 1900.
Four years later the Danish Sisterhood was organized and the men agreed to share the building. The Brotherhood held their meetings upstairs where a bar was constructed so they could enjoy aquavit and pickled herring. The women
of the Sisterhood were soon dissatisfied with the accommodations downstairs. They encouraged the Brotherhood to add a kitchen, rest rooms, front porch and a stage. Membership grew as word spread that dances, plays and dinners were part
of lodge life.
A tumbling team was formed, and ladies marched in the July 4th town parade in authentic Danish dressed. The hall was more than a meeting space; it became the heart of Danish community activities.
Due to the decline of the local Brotherhood lodge the building was sold for $1 to the Sisterhood in 1998.
building for $125.00 in 1900. They then took the building apart and hired Anton Johansen to haul the sections by horse and wagon for $20.00. The hall was reconstructed on the site where it currently sits on Porter Street and was
dedicated on June 10, 1900.
Four years later the Danish Sisterhood was organized and the men agreed to share the building. The Brotherhood held their meetings upstairs where a bar was constructed so they could enjoy aquavit and pickled herring. The women
of the Sisterhood were soon dissatisfied with the accommodations downstairs. They encouraged the Brotherhood to add a kitchen, rest rooms, front porch and a stage. Membership grew as word spread that dances, plays and dinners were part
of lodge life.
A tumbling team was formed, and ladies marched in the July 4th town parade in authentic Danish dressed. The hall was more than a meeting space; it became the heart of Danish community activities.
Due to the decline of the local Brotherhood lodge the building was sold for $1 to the Sisterhood in 1998.
Enumclaw's Danish History
1884 – Brothers Sarne L. and L. Kris Sorensen and Brothers Julius and Louis Nicholas were the first Danes in the area. The young men were working on grading the railroad and were impressed with the wage of $3-$4 a day and the fertile land. They wrote to their families about the opportunities here.
1887 – The first transcontinental train came to Enumclaw and so did the Sorensen family along with the Rasmussen family. Once established they began writing home urging friends to come and a thus started the large Danish community, which played an important role in the history of the area.
1898 – The Danish Brotherhood was charted; it was one of the most active of the many fraternal groups in town. Unfortunately, they disbanded in about 1995.
1898 – Farmer’s Mutual Insurance Company was formed. Or, as we know it today, Mutual of Enumclaw Insurance Company. This is a Co-operative business started by the Danish farmers of the community. Today Mutual of
Enumclaw Insurance is available in UT, OR, ID and WA. They are looking to expand to more states soon. In 2009 Mutual of Enumclaw Insurance Company’s written premiums totaled more than $315 million. They are one of the largest employers in Enumclaw, 435 employees and voted best place to work in WA in 2012.
1899 – The Enumclaw Co-operative Creamery was formed. This co-op group included almost every farmer in the district and it gave them the greatest possible return for local dairymen. Enumclaw Creamery was known for the “best butter in the world”. Our butter was well known in homes and stores in Seattle. By 1928 they did millions-dollars of annual sales. They eventually could not compete with creameries in the cities with the larger markets and closed in 1951, after 52 years in
business.
1899 – The Danish Church (Danish Evangelical Lutheran Church) was built and dedicated on Christmas day. The sermons were preached in Danish until 1935. It is now a private resident, 1535 Griffin Ave.
1900 – The parsonage was built. It’s a private residence, 1529 Griffin Ave.
1900 – The Danish Hall was built from lumber salvaged from stores torn down in the old town of Birch (north of town). The Danish Hall has enjoyed 113 years of activity with its members and the community. The recent repairs it should last another 113 years for others to enjoy…
1902 – Telephone co-operative formed by the farmers in each district and paid $3 a year for a line. They provided their own poles.
1904 – Danish Sisterhood received their charter. The Sisters have enjoyed 108 years of great traditions.
1905 – Rochdales Company was organized by a group of mostly Danish farmers – another successful co-op. Rochdales gave the farmers an outlet for excess produce and a means of pooling for puchases. Farmers came by wagon to purchase everything; 100 pound sacks of oatmeal mush, furniture, feed, clothing, dry goods, heavy farm machines and even automobiles. In 1955, the pioneer farmer’s co-op went out of business, after 50 years of business.
1906 – The Co-op Cannery preserved the fruit and berries for the farmers. Apples; cherries; plums; raspberries; blueberries and strawberries. Not a lot of information on this co-op, but it is not in business anymore.
1907 – First library started by the Danish Sisterhood. In 1922, when City Hall was built, various organizations sponsored a drive to collect books and funds for the library. 750 books were donated and the Danish Sisterhood donated 450 Danish books. The Enumclaw Public Library opened in a tiny room of the New City Hall.
1887 – The first transcontinental train came to Enumclaw and so did the Sorensen family along with the Rasmussen family. Once established they began writing home urging friends to come and a thus started the large Danish community, which played an important role in the history of the area.
1898 – The Danish Brotherhood was charted; it was one of the most active of the many fraternal groups in town. Unfortunately, they disbanded in about 1995.
1898 – Farmer’s Mutual Insurance Company was formed. Or, as we know it today, Mutual of Enumclaw Insurance Company. This is a Co-operative business started by the Danish farmers of the community. Today Mutual of
Enumclaw Insurance is available in UT, OR, ID and WA. They are looking to expand to more states soon. In 2009 Mutual of Enumclaw Insurance Company’s written premiums totaled more than $315 million. They are one of the largest employers in Enumclaw, 435 employees and voted best place to work in WA in 2012.
1899 – The Enumclaw Co-operative Creamery was formed. This co-op group included almost every farmer in the district and it gave them the greatest possible return for local dairymen. Enumclaw Creamery was known for the “best butter in the world”. Our butter was well known in homes and stores in Seattle. By 1928 they did millions-dollars of annual sales. They eventually could not compete with creameries in the cities with the larger markets and closed in 1951, after 52 years in
business.
1899 – The Danish Church (Danish Evangelical Lutheran Church) was built and dedicated on Christmas day. The sermons were preached in Danish until 1935. It is now a private resident, 1535 Griffin Ave.
1900 – The parsonage was built. It’s a private residence, 1529 Griffin Ave.
1900 – The Danish Hall was built from lumber salvaged from stores torn down in the old town of Birch (north of town). The Danish Hall has enjoyed 113 years of activity with its members and the community. The recent repairs it should last another 113 years for others to enjoy…
1902 – Telephone co-operative formed by the farmers in each district and paid $3 a year for a line. They provided their own poles.
1904 – Danish Sisterhood received their charter. The Sisters have enjoyed 108 years of great traditions.
1905 – Rochdales Company was organized by a group of mostly Danish farmers – another successful co-op. Rochdales gave the farmers an outlet for excess produce and a means of pooling for puchases. Farmers came by wagon to purchase everything; 100 pound sacks of oatmeal mush, furniture, feed, clothing, dry goods, heavy farm machines and even automobiles. In 1955, the pioneer farmer’s co-op went out of business, after 50 years of business.
1906 – The Co-op Cannery preserved the fruit and berries for the farmers. Apples; cherries; plums; raspberries; blueberries and strawberries. Not a lot of information on this co-op, but it is not in business anymore.
1907 – First library started by the Danish Sisterhood. In 1922, when City Hall was built, various organizations sponsored a drive to collect books and funds for the library. 750 books were donated and the Danish Sisterhood donated 450 Danish books. The Enumclaw Public Library opened in a tiny room of the New City Hall.
Danish Hall Renovation - today
In 2012 the hall was renovated by a generous donator Lise Wilber. As you will see by the pictures below the hall was close to being lost forever. Large structural beams were replaced. The wiring was replaced. The old wood deck was replaced. New exterior skirting added around the building. New concrete steps and ramp were constructed. New bar sink installed in the kitchen. New fans and light fixtures. New exterior paint. New landscaping.... and the list goes on.
A heart felt THANK YOU to Lise!
Community Open House to Celebrate
A heart felt THANK YOU to Lise!
Community Open House to Celebrate
New floor in the hall was done Dec 2013.
The first group of 2 pictures below show the old hall floor. The 3 pictures below that show the new floor. Also notice the hall has a new paint color, from burgundy to Danish blue, to match the kitchen and the outside building color.
The first group of 2 pictures below show the old hall floor. The 3 pictures below that show the new floor. Also notice the hall has a new paint color, from burgundy to Danish blue, to match the kitchen and the outside building color.
New sign hung April 2014.
Cleaned, painted, new floor, new fixtures upstairs August 2014.
During the construction of the exterior siding on the east side we discovered some of the original buildings signage.
