Luren, 1938-1947
- 1938: 64 Luren members gather in gala concert at Luther’s C.K. Preus Auditorium to celebrate Luren’s 70th anniversary. Directors included Martin Woldum and Prof Carlo Sperati.
- 1938: Luren sings at Sangerfest in Sioux Falls.
- 1939: Crown Prince Olav and Princess Martha of Norway visit Decorah. Luren sings at the grand banquet at Luther College on May 7, and receives a huge ovation. This is perhaps “the finest banquet Luren has ever participated in since it was founded. ” On May 8, men of Luren drive fourteen automobiles to Calmar, to meet members of Den Norske Sangforening from Oslo, Norway. The Norwegians perform that night in Decorah. These events, connected with the visit of Crown Prince Olav and Princes Martha, represent the high point of this era.
- 1940: Luren sings at Sangerfest in Rockford, IL.
- 1942: Luren travels to Sangerfest in Minneapolis. Dr. Sperati is still directing at the age of 82 years.
- 1942: Luren sings at the Courthouse in Decorah, part of a program for 52 young men from the county who have been called to service.
- 1942: Luren sings four songs – two in English, two in Norwegian – for the installation of the Rev. O. E. Ingebretson as pastor at Washington Prairie Lutheran Church.
- 1943: The 75th Anniversary celebration holds to previous standards with speeches, songs, greetings, and a main address by Oscar Olson, President Emeritus of Luther College. The celebration begins with “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and ends with “America”. Norwegian songs are sandwiched in between.
- 1943: The Christmas party celebrates Dr. Sperati’s 83rd birthday, December 28, with speeches, songs, Norwegian food, a fine program by the children, and a gift of money for the director.
- 1943: Official secretary’s minutes for Luren are now recorded in English rather than Norwegian.
- The War Years:It becomes increasingly difficult for Luren to function. Gas rationing limits out-of-town engagements; deaths and resignations reduce the membership; the number of young men off to war makes recruitment difficult.
- 1944: A “stag party” is held on March 11 to build up membership. Each member is to bring a prospective member. Only one prospect shows up, and spirits are down. At the anniversary celebration, a lunch is served instead of a big supper – “on account of so much rationing and in order to not put too much work on the ladies.” The hall rent has not been paid, there are no funds for it, but the Ladies’ Auxiliary “saves the day by turning over a check to pay the quarter’s rent.” Rent is $100 / year, $25 / quarter.
- 1944: The annual Christmas Party on December 28 celebrates Dr. Sperati’s 84th birthday. He has set down his baton, and Martin Woldum has taken over as director.
- 1945: Luren votes to run a food stand at the County Fair, to help with ongoing finances. Thus begins an annual effort that continues to support Luren to this day!
- 1945: Sperati shares grace before and after the meal for the 77th anniversary celebration in March – the last Luren event he attends. Death comes to him on September 12th, and Luren sings for his funeral in First Lutheran Church, and at the graveside following. As the war draws to a close, a significant era in Luren’s long history comes to an end.