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HISTORY

The NCC was born during the Great Depression. A group of men of Norwegian descent were all members of an organization called the Odinian Society, which was limited to Norwegian Masons. To broaden the base of their prospective membership, it was decided that the Norwegians should form a group to help each other. Counsel Eli Paulson drew up the Articles of Incorporation and 69 members signed. The meetings were held in the Gowman Hotel, at 2nd & Stewart in downtown Seattle.

 

 

 

Eventually, the  Club moved to the Norway Center and membership grew steadily.

The prime attraction for the attending members was the social hour, where Old Crow and Old Granddad seemed to be the favorites. These days, it’s apparently McNaughton’s.  At one meeting, Rangval Flakstad, an importer, decided to treat the members to Aquavit and Norwegian beer. That meeting ended in what is politely described as “utter confusion.” Another attraction were the poker games which followed every meeting.

Over the years, our membership has included mayors, councilmen, governors, congressmen, senators and kings. Valdemar Holm was treasurer for many years. Valdemar was succeeded by Fred Scheel who held the position so long, that they made him an honorary life member. Member Allen Pomeroy was also Mayor of Seattle and later, U.S. Attorney for Western Washington. Dr. K. Falkenberg, membership chairman for many years, was the most beloved. Whenever a guest was introduced at our meeting, he’d present him with a membership card. Thanks to him, we became a viable organization, now with a membership exceeding 400.

The proudest days of the NCC have been those when the committees functioned well. Frode Frodeson was in charge of Civic Affairs and our club was represented well at most of the Chamber of Commerce and Port Commission meetings. The efforts of the NCC were instrumental in getting the Shilshole Marina built. Our Fisheries Committee has done valiant work on Fishermen’s Night and many students have benefited from the work of our scholarship committee. Over the years, we’ve present scholarships in the tens of thousands of dollars. Most of that money is generated on Fishermen’s Night, always held the second Thursday in December, where the prestigious King Neptune Award is presented.

 

Meetings

Meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month, from September through

May.

 

Since 1932, the Norwegian Commercial Club has provided Norwegians, Norwegian-Americans and others interested in the Norwegian culture with a place to meet and discuss business issues of the day. The Club provides a means to network and socialize through their dinner meetings and activities.  Each dinner meeting has an engaging speaker or agenda. Dinners, including beverages, are $40 for members and guests with reservations, and $45 without reservations. Make your reservation here.

 

For directions to the Leif Erikson Lodge

  Click here

 

The business & professions represented within the Norwegian Commercial Club membership include:


 

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Advertising                                                     
Air Conditioning                                              
Apt. Home Owner                                            
Architecture                                                    
Attorneys                                                       
Auto Dealers                                                   
Auto Repair                                                     
Banking/Savings/Loan                                      
Boat/Shipbuilding/Repair                                   
Cabinet and Millwork                                         
Carpentry                                                       
Civil Engineering                                               
Commercial Maintenance                                 
Communications                                              
Computer Systems                                         
Consultants                                                    
Contractors                                                    
Delicatessens                                                  
Dentists                                                         
Education                                                       
Electrical/Electronics                                         
Elevator Service                                               
Engineers                                                        
Engines                                                           
Fabrication                                                       
Farming                                                           
Financial Services                                             
Fishermen                                                        
Fish Processing                                                 
Fish and Seafood                                              
Fishing Representatives                                     
Fishing Equipment/Marine Supplies                   
Fishing Vessel Owners                                     
Funeral Homes                                                  
Furniture                                                          
Gifts                                                                 
Heating                                                             
Importers                                                          
Insulation                                                  
Insurance

Investment Services

Journalism

Kitchen Remodeling

Mailing Services

Longshoring/Waterfront

Management

Marine Architect     

Marine Pilot   

Marine Surveyor    

Mariner/Master

Maritime Consultant

Marketing

Masonry

Merchant Marine

Ministry

Music

Naval Architect

Norwegian Consul

Norwegian Sweaters

Oil & Gas

Painting & Decorating

Pharmacist

Printing

Property Management

Publishing

Radio/Broadcasting

Real Estate

Rentals

Retirement Residence

Sales

Ski School

Sporting Goods
Stocks & Bonds

Transfer/Freight       

Travel Services          

Terminal Services
Upholstery

Visual Arts

Wholesale/Retail

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