The second annual Danish Brotherhood dinner held a few weeks ago at the historic Danish Hall in Enumclaw may be the beginning of organizing the official home for Danes in the western states.

If this happens it will be the second time Danish people choose to “settle” in Enumclaw. Early in the 1900s small groups from Minnesota and Cape Scott on the north tip of Vancouver Island brought their families. Known for their hard work, the town soon had neat small homes surrounded by carefully tended gardens. (At one time, I think in the ‘30s, Enumclaw and Mount Vernon were known as the two neatest towns in the state.)

Old-timers will remember outstanding leaders of the community with names of Johansen, Sorenson, Peterson, Jensen, Johnson and Jorgensen.

Danish fare served at this dinner attended by about 125 Danes and nonDanes included pickled herring, curried herring, pickles, meatballs, parsley mashed potatoes and red cabbage, all with the usual beverages. Dessert was special Kringle and an array of buttery homemade cookies. These reminded me of my early years attending Enumclaw Garden Club. Visitors were heard to remark, “When the district meeting is in Enumclaw be sure to go, they serve wonderful cookies.”

Enthusiastic greetings of “Skol” during the evening indicated a very happy evening for those attending and hopefully a successful plan of making the hall a destination for area Danes in time to come.

Una Waldron

Enumclaw