Astor Lodge #215 was chartered in Astoria, Ore., on February 28, 1912.

The lodge was the second chartered in Oregon and was #215 in the United States.

It was formed to get Swedish immigrants together to learn the English language and socialize with other Swedes who had come to the United States searching for a new dream.

Since then, it has been an active group of Swedes and friends keeping the Swedish heritage alive in Clatsop County.

Local lodge activities include Sankta Lucia celebrations in December, a Pea soup booth at the Astoria Scandinavian Midsummer Festival, picnics and informative meetings each month.

The lodge also sponsors a junior and senior princess for the Annual Astoria Scandinavian Midsummer Festival Court each year.

Vasa Order of America promotes youth through scholarships, trips abroad and language camp experiences.

The lodge meets the first Sunday of the month at 2 p.m. September through June at First Lutheran Church, 725 33rd St., in Astoria.

Being of Swedish descent is not a prerequisite to join the fun at the Astor Lodge.

Anyone interested in Swedish traditions and culture is most welcome to join.

Contact Trudy Enke at tenke@gmail.com or Violet Hagnas at 503-325 6487.