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See also Exhibitions for news about current and upcoming Elverhøj exhibits.
Tuesday February 14, 2012, 5-7 pm
DANISH ROYALTY VISITS SOLVANG (AND ELVERHØJ) 8-minute video providing highlights of royal visit:
Led by a motorcycle escort, the royal motorcade drove Solvang streets lined with Danish and American flags before delivering The Prince Consort and a team of Danish diplomats and dignitaries to the park, the first stop of a whirlwind visit to Solvang. Local officials offered their best wishes as The Prince Consort was escorted to his seat by Assemblyman Das Williams. City Manager Brad Vidro served as master of ceremonies for the Royal Birthday Celebration. Mayor Jim Richardson presented The Prince Consort with a key to the City as a souvenir of his visit. “I will keep it close to my heart and not far from my desk in case I have the honor and joy to come again — even if I am not invited,” he joked, creating a burst of laughter from the crowd. Elverhøj Executive Director Esther Jacobsen Bates spoke of Solvang’s founding in 1911 by Danish immigrants who came to begin a colony where Danes and Danish-Americans would “be able to realize the American dream while preserving the culture and traditions of Denmark.” In a ten-minute speech, The Prince Consort noted that “the success of Solvang and the idea this town presents is emblematic of the great affinity that exists between the people of the United States and the people of Denmark.” “In this marvelous, charming place called a bit of Denmark tucked into beautiful California, one can feel an air and an atmosphere of Scandinavia and a touch of Denmark,” The Prince Consort said. “That’s very important because this touch goes directly to the heart of the visitors.” The gathering of dignitaries, townspeople, tourists, and children sang a festive rendition of “Happy Birthday” to the smiling prince. The Mayor and Ms. Bates presented him with a special cake made by baker Bent Olsen. The Prince Consort cut the ribbon officially opening the new Centennial Plaza, and two prominently placed bricks engraved with his name and monogram were unveiled. As was requested by the Palace, the next stop was at Elverhøj Museum. After a tour, The Prince Consort presented Bates with a signed copy of his new autobiography for the Museum library and a signed photo in a monogrammed frame. The Danish dignitaries, along with their support and security team, joined Elverhøj board representatives for a birthday toast and sumptuous hors d’oeuvres prepared on site by Chef Budi Kazali of The Ballard Inn.
While the special guests enjoyed their pre-dinner party at Elverhøj, more than 180 people were arriving for the Royal Dinner Celebration at Rusack Vineyards. Oak trees dot the rolling hills at the site which is located within the boundaries of the nearly 9,000 acres of land the founders purchased in 1911 for the new colony of Solvang. Valets met arriving guests who were then escorted to the private upper lawn for a wine and hors d’oeuvres reception. The Prince Consort arrived and, with the sun sinking low in the sky, greeted each of the guests attending the sold out dinner. He was escorted in by Ms. Bates to a standing ovation. Erik Gregersen, grandson of one of Solvang’s founders, welcomed guests. Dinner was served family style and included purple potatoes, roasted beets, corn salad and asparagus followed by oak grilled salmon and tri-tip with salsa pebre. Local musician Ron Miller’s Full Gallup Band provided distinctly western background music. A short program followed the dinner. Centennial Committee members Ed Skytt and Joan Jamieson presented The Prince Consort with gifts that included a custom made cowboy hat. Applause and laughter erupted as he tried on the new accessory and waved it in the air. Gifts made by local silversmith Vern McWilliams were presented to members of the royal entourage. The musically gifted Statom Family — Lee, Else and Brendan — performed a special Solvang centennial version of Hils Fra Os Derhjemme. Dessert was presented with great flair as the servers entered the canopy, each carrying a tray of Royal Swans — delicate puff pastry filled with cream and raspberries — that seemed to float in a stream to each table. Laughter and smiles were abundant as the memorable evening came to a close. White lights twinkled under the clear canopy that was nestled in a grove of softly lit oak trees and the Moon shone brightly in the midnight blue sky.
The City of Solvang and the Centennial Committee hosted the visit with events coordinated by Esther Jacobsen Bates and Tracy Farhad. Honored Danish guests included: Peter Taksøe-Jensen, Denmark’s Ambassador to the United States; Christian Eugen-Olsen, Lieutenant Colonel, Master of Ceremonies to Her Majesty the Queen of Denmark and His Royal Highness The Prince Consort, Chamberlain; Torsten Jansen, Minister Counselor, Head of Public Diplomacy and Communication, Royal Danish Embassy in Washington, DC; Colonel, Chamberlain Henning Brøchmann Larsen, Chief of Her Majesty The Queen’s Military Household; Stig Stenhøj, Honorary Consul, Royal Danish Consulate in Los Angeles. On Exhibit thru February 2012
A new exhibit in Elverhjøs Main Room elegantly showcases this long-held tradition. Community members have graciously loaned family heirlooms to be shared with our visitors for the remainder of the 2011 centennial year. The art of Danish silversmithing goes back to the middle ages, but gained popularity during the industrial revolution. Legislation made it easy for silversmiths and goldsmiths to set up their own shops, and affluent upper and middle class Danes eagerly bought their work. Artisans created a distinctive Danish design style and received international recognition. Contemporary Danish silversmiths continue the tradition of fine design, and Solvang residents carry on the tradition of silver gift-giving. The silver pieces on display include large spoons for serving soup and tiny spoons for serving salt. The selection of candelabras varies from simply elegant to more formal and ornate. There are coffee and tea sets with delicate scalloped edges and cream and sugar service with elegant sleek lines. There is even a lady’s compact with a map of Denmark etched on the top. As is Danish tradition, many of the items are engraved with the name or initials of the recipient as well as the date the gift was given. The exhibit was inspired and coordinated by Else Lassiter with the assistance of members of Solvang’s Danish Sisterhood Flora Danica Lodge. A NOTE FROM BOARD PRESIDENT ERIK GREGERSEN
Esther Jacobsen Bates RESTORING THE BEAUTY OF OLD PHOTOGRAPHS
This damaged photo of “Rock” Sorensen dates back to 1918. Want to learn how to restore clarity and beauty to old, damaged, or faded black and white photographs like this? Technology has made the process readily available to anyone with a computer. Paul Roark, a professional fine art photographer, gave a talk about his digital approach to photo restoration on Sunday March 20 at Elverhøj. But if you missed the talk, he has written a summary of his procedures here.
“SPIRIT OF SOLVANG”
Elverhøj is very grateful to Paul Roark, who expertly and lovingly restored the photographs; to Joan Mitchell, who wrote and edited text; to Ann Dittmer, who tirelessly did research and checked facts; and to the Wood-Claeyssens Foundation and Nancy Brandt-Erichsen for granting funds for printing and design expenses. Thanks are also due to Museum volunteers, especially the History Committee and Photo ID Committee (a.k.a. the “White Glove Gang”). Over the years they have expanded the Museum collection by organizing, identifying, and conserving numerous images. The book is available for purchase in the Museum Store for $17.50. Special orders are welcomed. Please phone (805) 686-1211 or email info@elverhoj.org. DVD CHRONICLES SOLVANG HISTORY
The Elverhøj brochure was redesigned in 2008 for a fresh, new look. There are updated photos and expanded text relating the history of Solvang. Special thanks to Rob Jensen Art Direction Design, members of the Santa Ynez Valley Camera Club, and our sponsors: The Valley Foundation, The Wood-Claeyssens Foundation, and Solvang Rotary Foundation. The historic building and carefully manicured cottage gardens provide a beautiful backdrop for intimate weddings. The garden with its abundant year-round blooms and corner gazebo creates a lovely setting for any wedding party. The bell in its stately tower can chime, marking the presentation of the newly married couple. The garden area comfortably accommodates up to 150 guests. Call (805) 686-9533 for information about availability and the reasonable rates. |
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Live music, wine and tasty treats will greet partygoers at the annual Valley Wines and Valentines. The popular event will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday February 14. Décor will revolve around candlelight, art, and Valentine hearts. 
Musicians Carole Ann Colone and Pamela Harris will perform throughout the evening. This local duo creates a eclectic mix of music with pedal harp and blend of percussion.
On a sunny June afternoon, more than 600 people gathered in Solvang Park to give a royal welcome to Henrik, His Royal Highness The Prince Consort of Denmark. He charmed the crowd as he came to commemorate the 2011 centennial of the Danish capital of America on the day of his own 77th birthday.
Danes have a long tradition of giving beautifully designed silver service pieces as gifts. These objects usually mark important occasions: weddings, anniversaries, birth of a baby, etc. They often become family heirlooms passed down through the generations.
The Solvang Centennial celebration has Elverhøj Museum of History and Art as a key focal point. And rightly so. Elverhøj is the repository for preserving much of the history, culture and customs of this Danish community. Solvang was founded in 1911 by three Danish educators who had a dream of a Danish settlement on the West Coast with an agricultural environment and a Danish Folkehøjskole (folk high school) to educate its young people.
This summer Elverhøj has been caught up in a whirlwind of activity as Solvang’s Centennial Celebration continues. I find my role as Executive Director taking on greater depths and new challenges. Highlight of the year, of course, was the Royal Visit of Henrik, His Royal Highness The Prince Consort of Denmark in June. You can read all about it at the top of this page. But what is equally fascinating are the behind-the-scenes planning and detailed preparations that went into making the Royal Visit happen.
People travel from across the country and even the world to visit Elverhøj. Closer to home, many school students come to Elverhøj to learn about their community. Pictured here are Solvang School students from Mrs. Bisbee’s second grade class during a recent visit to Elverhøj.
Elverhøj has published a new book, Spirit of Solvang, drawing on photos and historical information from its archives. Like the exhibit of the same name, the 56-page book is replete with engaging black and white images of Solvang. These carefully restored images document Solvang’s story from its founding to its transition to a Danish-themed downtown. Informative text gives readers an overall view of Solvang’s development, as well as fascinating tidbits of local history. Both the exhibit and the book celebrate Solvang’s Centennial by paying tribute to the rich cultural history and heritage of its Danish pioneers.
So begins a newly-produced DVD now screening in Elverhøj’s Solvang Room and available in the Museum Store for $15. Entitled Solvang, Danish Colony in California, it tells the fascinating history of a little town that grew into an internationally-known tourist destination.
Download the museum Brochure