Dala Häst Fest
June - August 2006
Gammelgården Museum, Scandia, Minnesota
Dala Häst (Horse) recognized as "Swedish" and part of the Folk Art and Lore of Sweden. These toys date back to the 1500's. Hand made during the long dark winter nights in the province of Dalarna, they became popular all over Sweden. They come in all sizes and decorations. A 9 foot Dala greeted folks at the Swedish Pavilion at the 1939 New York World's Fair wearing the most traditional red/orange coat. Beginning in the 1990's many independent artists began a Dala Häst revolution with many limited edition and specialized horses.
Välkommen Hus display features the Barbara Glaser Dala Häst Collection which includes 120 hästar from about 1900 to 2006 that are antique, unique, traditional and humorous designs. This collection will continue to grow.
Funding from the Nordlys Foundation for the Dala Häst Fest.
Dala Häst Nam
Gammelgården Museum held a very special event in Scandia this past summer of 2006... a Dala Häst (horse) Fest! To welcome visitors to Scandia (the FIRST Swedish settlement in Minnesota) and help promote the Fest, 12 large concrete Dala horses were created, painted and placed in Scandia (see photo collage below).
In the beginning, there was one orange horse, a large one at that, in front of the Välkommen Hus. At one time this horse, donated by Nils Gronquist, was missing from its owner"s place before it was found and placed at the Museum. Many people have had their picture taken in front of this BIG Dala horse.
This past summer Scandia was invaded by 12 more Dala horses, concrete and almost as big as the first one. These horses were sponsored by local businesses and people and painted by local artists. One of them, Bessie, was temporarily placed on the corner of Olinda and Highway 97. A mighty fine horse was she, but she was brought to her permanent home at The Parmly Senior Housing in Chisago City. There she is fondly cared for by the residents and staff.
The other 11 are still located at their sites in Scandia.
Map of Dala Horses in Scandia, MN
- Prast Häst (Pastor Horse)
Honors the Pastors who have served Elim Lutheran Church since 1854.
Sponsor: David and Mary Jo Monson
Artist: Dianne K Johnson
- Spelman Häst
Fiddlers are essential to all Swedish Folk celebrations.
Sponsor: Margaretta Ritt
Artists: Bobbie Peterson and Shirley Gustafson
- Wendella
Honors Barton Johnson, son of Wendell and Luella Johnson, killed in Vietnam.
Sponsor: Luella Johnson.
Artist: Sandie Swenson
- Old Scandia Dala Daze
Honors the FIRST Swedish community in Minnesota, 1850.
Sponsor: Dan and Sue Sandager
Artist: Carol Seefeldt
- Scandia 1850
The traditional folk style.
Sponsor: Edsel and Mignon Johnson
Artist: Susan Swanson Swartz
- Dala Parton
Honors all who have fought breast cancer.
Sponsor:
Artist: Sandie Swenson
- Dotties Dairy/air
Honors the memory of Richard Holtzbauer.
Sponsor: Scandia Cafe
Artist Tom Ascheman
- Bessie (Retired)
Honors the first Parmly horse, 1904.
Bessie is retired and has moved to Parmly where she now lives by the lake on the Parmly campus.
Sponsor: Margaret S. Parmly Residence
Artist: Tree Croyle
- Dalamatian
IN honor of all who selflessly act to rescue.
Sponsor: Hallberg Family Foundation
Artist: Diane K. Johnson and Barb Swanson
- Gustavus A. Dalaphus
Sponsor: Edsel and Mignon Johnson
Artist: Sandie Swenson
- Princess Victoria
In the well known traditional manner.
Sponsor:
Artist: Susan Swanson Swartz
- Dala Scholar
Dedicated to all Scandia Elementary students past, present and future.
Sponsor: Security State Bank
Artist: Susan Swanson Swartz
Technical Assistance for Dala Hast: David and Kathy Hawkinson, Dana Hallberg, Gene Hallberg, Jim and Lynne Moratzka, Bill and Marsha Mowerson, Peter Nora, Dennis Seefeldt and the Scandia Town Board
Photos by:Carol Seefeldt Photography
Return to Top
