HISTORY

​

The NCC was born during the Great Depression. A group of men of Norwegian descent were 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 could 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. 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 normally held on the second and fourth Thursday of each month from September th

Meetings are normally held on the second and fourth Thursday from September through May.  However, due to Covid restrictions, in person meetings have been suspended.  In lieu, of getting together all meetings will be conducted via Zoom and Youtube.com .

 

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. Meetings are held the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month from September through the first half of May each year. Each dinner meeting has an engaging speaker or agenda. Dinners, including beverages, are $25 for members and guests with reservations, and $28 without reservations. Make your reservation for dinner featuring popular Norwegian dishes.

 

Directions to the Leif Erikson Lodge  Click here

 

Various businesses & professions represented within the Norwegian Commercial Club membership include:
 

 

Advertising                                                        Investment Services
Air Conditioning                                              Journalism
Apt. Home Owner                                            Kitchen Remodeling
Architecture                                                      Longshoring/Waterfront
Attorneys                                                           Mailing Services
Auto Dealers                                                      Management
Auto Repair                                                        Marine Architect
Banking/Savings/Loan                                     Marine Pilot
Boat/Shipbuilding/Repair                                Marine Surveyor
Cabinet and Millwork                                       Mariner/Master
Carpentry                                                            Maritime Consultant
Civil Engineering                                                Marketing
Commercial Maintenance                                Masonry
Communications                                                Merchant Marine
Computer Systems                                             Ministry
Consultants                                                         Music
Contractors                                                         Naval Architect
Delicatessens                                                       Norwegian Consul
Dentists                                                                Norwegian Sweaters
Education                                                             Oil & Gas
Electrical/Electronics                                         Painting & Decorating
Elevator Service                                                  Pharmacist
Engineers                                                             Printing
Engines                                                                 Property Management
Fabrication                                                          Publishing
Farming                                                                Radio/Broadcasting
Financial Services                                               Real Estate
Fishermen                                                            Rentals
Fish Processing                                                    Retirement Residence
Fish and Seafood                                                 Sales
Fishing Representatives                                     Ski School
Fishing Equipment/Marine Supplies               Sporting Goods
Fishing Vessel Owners                                        Stocks & Bonds
Funeral Homes                                                     Transfer/Freight                                                   
Furniture                                                               Travel Services
Gifts                                                                        Terminal Services
Heating                                                                   Upholstery
Importers                                                               Visual Arts
Insulation                                                               Wholesale/Retail
Insurance