Sons of Norway. Fedraheimen Lodge No. 140 (Kalispell, Mont.) records, 1913-2006

The Sons of Norway is a fraternal benefit society with home offices in Minneapolis. It was founded in 1895 and has members in the United States, Canada, and Norway. It provides fraternal insurance, scholarships, travel and educational opportunities, and publications.

The Fedraheimen lodge, number 140 was founded in Somers, Montana, in March 1913, with 25 members. The lodge prospered until World War I, when foreign-name associations were viewed with suspicion and many of the members dropped out. Between the wars, the lodge grew in membership. But during World War II, the society again declined, this time because so many members left for the service. The lumber mill in Somers closed down and members of the society decided in 1966 to move the lodge to the more prosperous town of Kalispell. The organization leased the old IOOF hall. Membership boomed, growing from 44 members at the time of the move to 333 members by December 1969. The Sons of Norway purchased the IOOF hall and renovated it, adding a Norwegian flair to the architecture. The Lodge was very active in the community of Kalispell, participating in the annual parade, Scandinavian festivals, Lutefisk dinners, and other activities. They encouraged members to learn or refresh their Norwegian language and provided scholarships for study in Norway.

There are currently 18 Sons of Norway lodges around the state of Montana.