By Michael Tidemann
Despite threatening weather early Sunday morning, Ringsted Danish Days were a success, with lots of entertainment highlighted by the Ringsted Nationals tractor pull Sunday afternoon.
The tractor pull was held two years ago during Ringsted’s Quasquicentennial celebration, but heavy rains canceled the event last year. Fortunately, Mother Nature cooperated for a pull this year with pullers from throughout Iowa and southern Minnesota competing in both tractor and pickup divisions.
Saturday highlights included a great car show with Pro-Coop awarding gas cards to the top three places, a library open house upon the library’s 100th birthday, vendor show, dedication of the Lil’ Danske Kirke Danish Museum, kids’ games, face painting, kiddie parade, pedal pull, bingo in the park, a meal by the Emmet County Cattlemen, Danish bakers auction and live music by The Ridottos.
Starting Sunday’s events started with a community church service at United Lutheran Church followed by the tractor pull with Western Iowa Pullers and a concert with Glenn & Friends at the church.
A toy show was held at the American Legion/Community Center Friday through Sunday, with food served all three days. Proceeds from the Community Center meals and an offering at the Sunday concert went toward a handicap accessible door at the Community Center.
Food stands were also on hand both Saturday and Sunday.
The museum received a congratulatory letter from Lynette Rasmussen from the Danish Consulate in Des Moines and also hosted special guest Erik Andersen of the Museum of Danish America in Elk Horn. Andersen updated the gathering on additions to the museum in Elk Horn.
Emmet County Supervisor Todd Glasnapp thanked those who put years of work into restoring the former First Presbyterian Church which houses the museum.
“So many great people have helped,” said Glasnapp. “We’re going to try to keep this going.”
Following is the text as read by Marlys Nelson upon the Danish Museum dedication.
“I’d like to give you a brief history. This building (a church) was no cost and came to Ringsted from a very small town called Seneca, just a few miles east of here, brought here by horsepower and manpower in the winter around 1899-1900. After two weeks of hard work, including pushing the structure down a few miles of the frozen Black Cat Creek, the church was placed at its designated site. And on June 13, 1903, the powers to be declared this to be the First Presbyterian Church of Ringsted.
“Over the years to follow, the Sunday School grew to an enrollment of 142 children. In June 1958 ground was broken for a new Presbyterian Church which is located on the east side of town. Eventually our building was sold and used by a local funeral home. Several years ago, it was sold to a private individual. Later, an undetected water leak caused extensive mold damage, so our first step was to remove the mold. Mold removed, RCIO (Ringsted Community Improvement Organization) members could then begin to inspect the building and proceed with future plans. In 2015, a small group of people gathered to try to save the old school which was due to be demolished. It was a one level, several classrooms, and a large gymnasium. This was not to be, after several attempts to invite companies to bring their business to Ringsted. What stands today is the old gym, used by a farmer who owns the land
around it. Instead of being defeated in June 2015, we applied to IRS for a 501(c)(3) status – tax exempt, nonprofit and this little organization became Ringsted Community Improvement Organization or RCIO.
“Back to our mold problem . . . our future plan was to meet with our county supervisors and present our vision of a museum. After the supervisors visited our building (mold and all) and with further discussion, they generously gave us $15,000 and with an added challenge – if we came up with $5,000 – they would match it. So, in 2020, an anonymous gentleman presented a challenge for residents in and around Ringsted. He pledged $500 to RCIO. He asked for 10 other residents to pledge the same amount – if that was acquired, within a certain timeframe, he would donate another $500. It was considered the “$500” club and the goal was achieved to receive the additional $5,000 from the supervisors. We were so grateful that 17 individuals and families donated to this cause within that short period of time.
“Today, we are dedicating this plaque for our museum, never to be lost. These “$500 Club” folks will always be remembered for their generous donation so that the museum could move forward. We are truly thankful to you all.
“And I cannot forget our volunteers/members of RCIO for all of their generous time and talents, donations and work. Helping with dinners, bake sales, bingo, cleaning, polishing, cataloging, painting – and much more. Thank you so very much. We are also forever grateful to the wonderful contractors and vendors who have worked so diligently to help restore this space. Your expertise and professionalism were so important in revamping this building.
“In 2017, RCIO was required to come up with a mission statement for a grant submission. The statement chosen by this group is short and simple: “We are dedicated to improving, restoring and strengthening our community.” By adopting this brief sentence, we realized the importance of community. This building is much more than a storage space for old kitchen utensils and used books. Rather, it demonstrates that we understand and value our rich Scandinavian history. By preserving and studying that history, we are reminded of the sacrifices that immigrants made 125 years ago to establish this little town. Not only did they work hard, they supported and encouraged each other and they had a lot of fun in the process. Together, by supporting our neighbors and fellow residents who represent many cultural backgrounds, we can come together, move forward and accomplish many more things to benefit the town of Ringsted.
“In closing, I would like to offer up a prayer – Dear Heavenly Father, we are most grateful to our ancestors who journeyed before us with visions and wisdom of our town and community to grow. Please celebrate with us today and always as we dedicate this museum with thanks to all who have helped us in any way. Amen.”
