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