May, 2005

On June 7, 1905, the Norwegian Parliament, Storting, unanimously resolved that the Union with Sweden was dissolved. King Oscar II was removed from the throne of Norway. Prime Minister Christian Michelsen decided that Norway should remain a monarchy. The throne of Norway was offered to a young prince of the Bernadotte dynasty. By offering the throne to a Swede, Norway desired to send a message to the world that the dissolution was no revolutionary act, but rather Norway's claim to regain its legitimate place in the company of nations. Waiting for the Swedish response, republicans started to argue for a withdrawal of the offer and working for Norway to become a republic. The Swedish answer was clear. King Oscar II said he would never allow any member of this family to accept the throne of Norway. In fact, the Swedes maintained the view that the Union itself was not dissolved. It was not until the August plebiscite in Norway and the following negotiations in Karlstad in September that the Swedes accepted Norway's independence. The Norwegians looked to the Danish royal house for a possible new king. Prince Carl, who was married to Princess Maude, the youngest daughter of King Edward VII of England, was offered Norway's throne. He accepted the offer and came to Norway as King Håkon VII. On November 27 he was sworn in as Norway's new King.

Thanks Kerstin and Thor

Norway's Consul General in Minneapolis serves a population similar to half the size of Norway. More than two million people of Norwegian descent live in the eight states which Thor S. Johansen serves.

The overwhelming amount of people of Norwegian descent is probably what has made the greatest impact on me, says Thor. After four years in Minneapolis, he was planning to retire this summer, but just recently had his term extended to Nov. 1. Then Thor and his Swedish wife Kerstin will settle in their home in southern Sweden.

To maintain and develop the ties between Norway and the US has been my top priority, says Thor. Kerstin and Thor have done a lot to help and promote the Sons of Norway, NAHA (Norwegian American Historical Association), Vesterheim Museum, and other Norwegian organizations. Right now Thor is heavily involved in establishing a Norway House in the Twin Cities. Many have enjoyed being invited to the Consul General's beautiful residence near Lake Minnetonka.

Kerstin and Thor consider Mindekirken as a very strong and important institution in the Norwegian American community. At every Syttende mai service, Thor has delivered a greeting of congratulations from King Harald V. One Christmas Eve he sang a solo with Mindekirken's choir.

Kerstin and Thor have lived in Bucharest, Rio, Paris, Rome, Washington D.C. and Minneapolis.

It's kind of sad to wrap up after serving Norway's foreign ministry for 49 years, the popular Consul General says. Thanks to Kerstin and Thor for all you have done for us. JD

Photo: Kerstin Stråmark Johansen and Thor S. Johansen.

The Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church ·  924 E. 21st St, Minneapolis, MN 55404-2952 ·  (612)874-0716