St. Croix Pottery Studio Tour #5-Camera Critters

Den Norske Lutherske Mindekirke-Norwegian Constitution Day

Celebrate Norway's Constitution Day, Syttende Mai                           

The congregation of Mindekirken was formed in 1922 by the Norwegian Church of America in response to the rapid abandonment of Norwegian in favor of English among Norwegian Lutheran churches at that time.

The Norse-American Centennial Celebration that was held in Saint Paul, Minnesota, in 1925 to commemorate the 1825 arrival of the Norwegian Centennial ship Restauration (Restauration was a sloop built in 1801 in Hardanger, Norway. It became a symbol of Norwegian immigration) helped provide the impetus for a "memorial" church to be built to house the new congregation. Mindekirken was finally dedicated on May 4, 1930.

The church has been visited by members of the Norwegian Royal Family on several occasions, including King Olav V of Norway's visit on November 4, 1975. (King Olav was the father of the current King, HM Harald V of Norway.)
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  Sunday, May 19, 2013 at Mindekirken: Concert, Worship Service and Picnic. 

 Alle Velkommen!! 

I do not have ancestral roots in Scandanavia nor have I visited Norway; however, I have a neighbor who belongs to this church and I have Norwegian friends who are close to my heart, especially a childhood friend with whom I still correspond and visit whenever I go "home" to Wisconsin. While growing up I spent a great deal of time with her and her family and have pleasant memories of Norwegian hospitality.

I have visited the Mindekirken church to enjoy musical programs and have posted photos of it here and here. If you missed these photos earlier, check them out to see a Hardanger fiddle and a beautiful hand-painted cross. I intend to observe this celebration on Sunday, too.

Go here to see other entries for Norwegian Constitution Day.

Outdoor Privy Sink-St Croix Pottery Tour #4

The toilet in this outdoor privy was a sleek modern porcelain throne, but the sink definitely is unique!

ABC WEDNESDAY-"R"

Red, Roja, Rouge, Rot, Rossa

St. Croix Valley Pottery Tour #3

The work of Matt Metz, a potter from New York, was exquisite.

Read the explanation about the pottery tour here.

Regular Folks-Monday Mural

Several years ago I posted a  photo of this St. Paul mural, on Selby Avenue,  but I decided it was about time that I revisited the location to take another.  I seldom see it without cars at the curb in front of the brick wall,  which effectively covers part of the mural.  One afternoon I got lucky, no cars at the curb so I circled the block to return to get a clear shot.

To see more Monday Murals, go here.

Mother's Day-St. Croix Valley Pottery #2

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!

21st Annual St. Croix Valley Studio Tour and Sale

Seven host pottery studios in rural Minnesota towns close to the Twin Cities host 42 guest potters from 15 states and  Scotland this week-end.

The potters have earned a national reputation for quality and integrity. Each potter’s work has a distinct character and is durable and intended for everyday use. From small cups and bowls to large pieces suitable for display, an intriguing range of pottery will be available. Earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain for use in cooking and serving, decorating and display can be found on a self-guided tour.

Go here to learn more about the St. Croix Valley Studio Tour and Sale: 

Friday Fences

I've been experimenting with black and white, using old photos in my archives.  This is an unusual fence, really a railing, used to outline the boardwalk in a Cypress Swamp in South Carolina.

To see more Friday Fences, go here.

Door Knockers #3

Some of you may recall my penchant for door knockers, some of which I have posted before.  I badly want one for my front door.  If I cannot find one in St. Paul, I just might have to go back to South Carolina to find one!  Do you prefer the color or black and white photo?

ANOTHER QUESTION:  I went in search for one of these and found a similar rather small brass lion's head in a architectural salvage shop on Selby Avenue.  I wonder if I should buy it, polish it up and then keep searching for one that is larger?  What do you think?