Vinther, Olaf

Occupation / Association: Charter Member, Sons of Norway – Svalbard Lodge

Associated Places: Juneau, Alaska

Biography

Olaf Vinther was an early member of the Norwegian-American community in Juneau, Alaska.

In 1934, Vinther was a charter member of the Svalbard Lodge of the Sons of Norway. The lodge was organized to bring together members of the Norwegian community in Juneau for cultural fellowship, mutual aid, and the preservation of Norwegian traditions and heritage.

Organizations such as the Sons of Norway played an important role in the social life of early Alaska communities, providing support networks for immigrant families and helping maintain cultural ties among settlers from Scandinavia.

Sources

Sons of Norway – Svalbard Lodge charter membership records, 1934

Primary Name: Varnes, Ms. Osvald

Filed as: Varnes, Ms. Osvald

Also known as: Mrs. Osvald Varnes

Occupation / Association: Charter member, Svalbard Lodge No. 12, Sons of Norway

Associated places: Juneau, Alaska

Keywords: Osvald Varnes family, Mrs Osvald Varnes, Sons of Norway Svalbard Lodge, Svalbard Lodge charter members, Norwegian Americans Juneau, Juneau Norwegian community, Juneau fraternal organizations

Biography

Ms. Osvald Varnes was associated with the Norwegian-American community in Juneau, Alaska, during the early twentieth century.

She was a charter member of the Svalbard Lodge of the Sons of Norway, which was organized in Juneau in 1934. The lodge was established to promote Norwegian heritage, language, and mutual support among Norwegian immigrants and their descendants living in Southeast Alaska.

As a charter member of the lodge, Varnes helped found one of the region's principal Scandinavian fraternal organizations in Juneau, reflecting the strong Norwegian presence in the region during Alaska’s territorial period.

Sources

Sons of Norway Svalbard Lodge records.

Primary Name: Varnes, Osvald

Filed as: Varnes, Osvald

Also known as: Osvald Varnes

Occupation / Association: Charter Member, Svalbard Lodge, Sons of Norway

Associated places: Juneau, Alaska

Keywords: Osvald Varnes, Varnes family Juneau, Sons of Norway Svalbard Lodge charter members, Norwegian Americans Juneau, Juneau fraternal organizations

Biography

Osvald Varnes was a charter member of the Svalbard Lodge of the Sons of Norway in Juneau, Alaska.

The Svalbard Lodge was organized in 1934 as part of the Sons of Norway, a fraternal organization that served Norwegian immigrants and their descendants by promoting cultural heritage, mutual aid, and community fellowship.

Sources

Sons of Norway Svalbard Lodge records

Torkelsen, Olaf

Occupation / Association: Charter Member, Sons of Norway – Svalbard Lodge

Associated Places: Juneau, Alaska

Biography

Olaf Torkelsen was an early resident of Juneau, Alaska, and an active participant in the Norwegian fraternal community of Southeast Alaska during the territorial period.

In 1934, Torkelsen was a charter member of the Svalbard Lodge of the Sons of Norway. The lodge was established to bring together members of the Norwegian-American community in Juneau for cultural fellowship, mutual aid, and the preservation of Norwegian traditions and heritage.

Fraternal organizations such as the Sons of Norway played an important role in early Alaska communities, providing social support networks for immigrant families and helping maintain cultural ties among settlers from Scandinavia and other parts of Europe.

Sources

• Sons of Norway – Svalbard Lodge charter membership records (1934)

Primary Name: Swap, Doris

Filed as: Swap, Doris

Also known as: Doris Swap

Occupation / Association: Charter Member, Svalbard Lodge; Sons of Norway

Associated places: Juneau, Alaska

Keywords: Doris Swap, Svalbard Lodge charter member, Sons of Norway Juneau, Norwegian Americans Juneau Alaska

Biography

Doris Swap was a charter member of the Svalbard Lodge of the Sons of Norway in Juneau, Alaska.

The Svalbard Lodge was organized in 1934 and served as a cultural and fraternal organization for Norwegian Americans in the Juneau community.

Sources

Sons of Norway Svalbard Lodge charter records

Swanson, Olaf

Occupation / Association: Charter Member, Sons of Norway – Svalbard Lodge

Associated Places: Juneau, Alaska

Biography

Olaf Swanson was a member of the Norwegian-American community in Juneau, Alaska.

In 1934, Swanson was a charter member of the Svalbard Lodge of the Sons of Norway. The lodge was organized to bring together members of the Norwegian community in Juneau for cultural fellowship, mutual aid, and the preservation of Norwegian traditions and heritage.

Fraternal organizations such as the Sons of Norway played an important role in early Alaska communities, providing social networks for immigrant families and helping preserve the cultural traditions of Scandinavian settlers in Southeast Alaska.

Sources

Sons of Norway – Svalbard Lodge charter membership records, 1934

Swanson, Harold

Association: Sons of Norway, Svalbard Lodge

Role: Charter Member

Year: 1934

Biography

Harold Swanson was a charter member of the Svalbard Lodge of the Sons of Norway, organized in 1934.

The Sons of Norway is a fraternal organization established to preserve and celebrate Norwegian heritage and culture among Norwegian immigrants and their descendants. Lodges such as the Svalbard Lodge served as important social and cultural centers for Scandinavian communities in Alaska during the early twentieth century.

As a charter member, Swanson participated in the founding membership that established the lodge and helped organize activities supporting Norwegian cultural traditions and community life.

Sources

• Sons of Norway Svalbard Lodge charter membership records

Primary Name: Sonderland, Ms. Ingvald

Filed as: Sonderland, Ms. Ingvald

Also known as: Mrs. Ingvald Sonderland

Occupation / Association: Charter member, Svalbard Lodge of the Sons of Norway

Associated places: Juneau, Alaska

Keywords: Sonderland family, Ingvald Sonderland, Sons of Norway Svalbard Lodge, Juneau Norwegian community, Norwegian immigrants Juneau Alaska, Svalbard Lodge charter members

Biography

Ms. Ingvald Sonderland was a charter member of the Svalbard Lodge of the Sons of Norway in Juneau, Alaska, organized in 1934. The lodge served as an important cultural and fraternal organization for members of Juneau’s Norwegian community, preserving traditions, language, and mutual support among Norwegian immigrants and their families in Southeast Alaska.

Sources

Sons of Norway, Svalbard Lodge charter membership records.

Primary Name: Sonderland, Ingvald

Filed as: Sonderland, Ingvald

Also known as: Ingvald Sonderland

Occupation / Association: Charter Member, Svalbard Lodge; Sons of Norway

Associated places: Juneau, Alaska

Keywords: Ingvald Sonderland, Svalbard Lodge charter member, Sons of Norway Juneau, Norwegian Americans Juneau Alaska

Biography

Ingvald Sonderland was a charter member of the Svalbard Lodge of the Sons of Norway in Juneau, Alaska.

The lodge was organized in 1934 and served as a cultural and fraternal organization for Norwegian Americans living in the Juneau community.

Sources

Sons of Norway Svalbard Lodge charter records

Strom, Ingvar

Association: Sons of Norway, Svalbard Lodge

Role: Charter Member

Year: 1934

Biography

Ingvar Strom was a charter member of the Svalbard Lodge of the Sons of Norway, which was organized in Juneau, Alaska in 1934.

The Sons of Norway is an international fraternal organization founded to preserve Norwegian heritage, language, and traditions among Norwegian immigrants and their descendants. Lodges such as Svalbard Lodge served as important social and cultural institutions within Alaska’s Scandinavian communities during the early twentieth century.

As a charter member, Strom was among the founding members who helped establish the lodge and support its cultural, social, and fraternal activities in the Juneau community.

Sources

• Sons of Norway Svalbard Lodge charter membership records

Soberg, Ingvar

Association: Sons of Norway, Svalbard Lodge

Role: Charter Member

Year: 1934

Biography

Ingvar Soberg was a charter member of the Svalbard Lodge of the Sons of Norway, which was organized in 1934.

The Sons of Norway is an international fraternal organization established to preserve Norwegian heritage, culture, and traditions among Norwegian immigrants and their descendants. Lodges such as Svalbard Lodge served as important social and cultural institutions within Alaska’s Scandinavian communities during the early twentieth century.

As a charter member, Soberg was among the founding members who helped establish the lodge and support its cultural, social, and fraternal activities.

Sources

• Sons of Norway Svalbard Lodge charter membership records

Primary Name: Soberg, Ralph

Filed as: Soberg, Ralph

Also known as: Ralph Soberg

Occupation / Association: Charter member, Svalbard Lodge of the Sons of Norway

Associated places: Juneau, Alaska

Keywords: Ralph Soberg, Soberg family Juneau Alaska, Sons of Norway Svalbard Lodge, Juneau Norwegian community, Norwegian immigrants Juneau Alaska, Svalbard Lodge charter members

Biography

Ralph Soberg was a charter member of the Svalbard Lodge of the Sons of Norway in Juneau, Alaska, organized in 1934. The lodge served as an important fraternal and cultural organization within Juneau’s Norwegian community, helping preserve Norwegian traditions, language, and heritage among immigrants and their families in Southeast Alaska.

Sources

Sons of Norway, Svalbard Lodge charter membership records.

Primary Name: Soberg, Jennsi

Filed as: Soberg, Jennsi

Also known as: Jennsi Soberg

Occupation / Association: Charter Member, Svalbard Lodge; Sons of Norway

Associated places: Juneau, Alaska

Keywords: Jennsi Soberg, Svalbard Lodge charter member, Sons of Norway Juneau, Norwegian Americans Juneau Alaska

Biography

Jennsi Soberg was a charter member of the Svalbard Lodge of the Sons of Norway in Juneau, Alaska.

The Svalbard Lodge was organized in 1934 and served as a cultural and fraternal organization for Norwegian Americans living in the Juneau community.

Sources

Sons of Norway Svalbard Lodge charter records

Soberg, Fred

Association: Sons of Norway, Svalbard Lodge

Role: Charter Member

Year: 1934

Biography

Fred Soberg was a charter member of the Svalbard Lodge of the Sons of Norway, which was organized in 1934.

The Sons of Norway is a fraternal organization established to promote and preserve Norwegian heritage and culture among Norwegian immigrants and their descendants. Lodges such as Svalbard Lodge served as important social and cultural institutions within Alaska’s Scandinavian communities during the early twentieth century.

As a charter member, Soberg was among the founding members who helped establish the lodge and support its cultural and fraternal activities.

Sources

• Sons of Norway Svalbard Lodge charter membership records

Soberg, Egil

Association: Sons of Norway, Svalbard Lodge

Role: Charter Member

Year: 1934

Biography

Egil Soberg was a charter member of the Svalbard Lodge of the Sons of Norway, which was organized in Juneau, Alaska in 1934.

The Sons of Norway is an international fraternal organization established to preserve Norwegian heritage, culture, and traditions among Norwegian immigrants and their descendants. Lodges such as Svalbard Lodge served as important social and cultural institutions within Alaska’s Scandinavian communities during the early twentieth century.

As a charter member, Soberg was among the founding members who helped establish the lodge and support its cultural, social, and fraternal activities within the Juneau community.

Sources

• Sons of Norway Svalbard Lodge charter membership records

Primary Name: Skaret, Grace

Filed as: Skaret, Grace

Also known as: Grace Skaret

Occupation / Association: Charter member, Svalbard Lodge of the Sons of Norway

Associated places: Juneau, Alaska

Keywords: Grace Skaret, Skaret family Juneau Alaska, Sons of Norway Svalbard Lodge, Juneau Norwegian community, Norwegian immigrants Juneau Alaska, Svalbard Lodge charter members

Biography

Grace Skaret was a charter member of the Svalbard Lodge of the Sons of Norway in Juneau, Alaska, organized in 1934. The lodge served as an important fraternal and cultural organization for members of Juneau’s Norwegian community, preserving Norwegian traditions, language, and cultural ties among immigrants and their families in Southeast Alaska.

Sources

Sons of Norway, Svalbard Lodge charter membership records.

Primary Name: Skaret, Ed

Filed as: Skaret, Ed

Also known as: Ed Skaret

Occupation / Association: Charter Member, Svalbard Lodge; Sons of Norway

Associated places: Juneau, Alaska

Keywords: Ed Skaret, Svalbard Lodge charter member, Sons of Norway Juneau, Norwegian Americans Juneau Alaska

Biography

Ed Skaret was a charter member of the Svalbard Lodge of the Sons of Norway in Juneau, Alaska.

The lodge was organized in 1934 and served as a cultural and fraternal organization for Norwegian Americans living in the Juneau community.

Sources

Sons of Norway Svalbard Lodge charter records

Sandnes, Anton

Association: Sons of Norway, Svalbard Lodge

Role: Charter Member

Year: 1934

Biography

Anton Sandnes was a charter member of the Svalbard Lodge of the Sons of Norway, organized in 1934.

The Sons of Norway is a fraternal organization founded to preserve Norwegian heritage, language, and cultural traditions among Norwegian immigrants and their descendants. Lodges such as Svalbard Lodge served as important social and cultural centers within Alaska’s Scandinavian communities during the early twentieth century.

As a charter member, Sandnes was among the founding members who helped establish the lodge and support its fraternal, cultural, and community activities.

Sources

• Sons of Norway Svalbard Lodge charter membership records

Primary Name: Sanderland, Ms. John

Filed as: Sanderland, Ms. John

Also known as: Mrs. John Sanderland

Occupation / Association: Charter member, Svalbard Lodge of the Sons of Norway

Associated places: Juneau, Alaska

Keywords: Ms John Sanderland, John Sanderland family, Sons of Norway Svalbard Lodge, Juneau Norwegian community, Norwegian immigrants Juneau Alaska, Svalbard Lodge charter members

Biography

Ms. John Sanderland was a charter member of the Svalbard Lodge of the Sons of Norway in Juneau, Alaska, organized in 1934. The lodge served as an important fraternal and cultural organization for members of Juneau’s Norwegian community, preserving Norwegian traditions and strengthening community ties among immigrants and their families in Southeast Alaska.

Sources

Sons of Norway, Svalbard Lodge charter membership records.

Primary Name: Sokoloff, Mary Danilova Kobochef

Filed as: Sokoloff, Mary Danilova Kobochef

Also known as: Mary Danilova Kobochef Sokoloff

Occupation / Association: Charter Member, Pioneers of Alaska Juneau Igloo No. 6

Associated places: Sitka, Alaska; Killisnoo, Alaska; Juneau, Alaska

Keywords: Mary Danilova Kobochef Sokoloff, Harlampy Sokoloff, Russian Orthodox families Alaska, Killisnoo Alaska families, Juneau pioneers, Pioneers of Alaska Juneau Igloo No 6 charter members

Biography

Mary Danilova Kobochef Sokoloff was a charter member of the Pioneers of Alaska, Juneau Igloo No. 6.

She was born in Alaska in 1871.

Mary married Harlampy Sokoloff in Sitka, Alaska, on November 23, 1884, when she was thirteen years old. In 1895, the couple moved to Killisnoo, Alaska, where Mr. Sokoloff served as lay reader to Reverend John Soboloff.

Before the turn of the twentieth century, the family relocated to Juneau, Alaska, where they lived for more than thirty-five years. The couple had two children. Their daughter Mary died in Sitka, and their son Andrew died while the family was living in Killisnoo.

Mary and Harlampy celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary on November 23, 1934. Only a few days later, after a six-year illness, Mary died on December 1, 1934, at the government hospital in Juneau.

Sources

1910, 1920, 1930 U.S. Federal Census, Juneau

Biographies of Alaska-Yukon Pioneers 1850-1950, Vol. 5, p. 258

Alaska Daily Empire, November 23, 1934

Pioneers of Alaska Men’s Igloo No. 6 Biographical Sketch, Harlampy Sokoloff