During the latter part of the 19th and the early part of the 20th century a great number of Scandinavians immigrated to the United States. Many homesteaded in the northern tier of states where the climate was similar to what they had already become accustomed, but other areas also proved attractive.
Their social assimilation in America proved to be much easier than some other nationalities but, even today, there is a plethora of stories about “Ole and Lena” and hints about Scandinavians being mentally challenged; to which their most common response is a shrug and a non-committal “Uff da.”
But one does not need to travel overseas, or even to Lindsborg, Kan., to experience Scandinavia. Independence has its own “Scandinavia Place” just off The Square.
Its proprietor, Nina Anders, was born in Iceland, the smallest of the Scandinavian countries. As Independence celebrated Santa-Cali-Gon in 1987, she opened her wonderful jewel of a shop and has never looked back.
She observes that, “I never could have done it without the strong and consistent support of my husband, Ira.” Ira, who recently retired after 30 years of teaching 6th graders, is handy with tools and his construction skills are very evident throughout the store. Nina now has one full-time and several part-time staffers who help her run the store.
“Scandinavia Place is not just a bored housewife’s hobby,” she says firmly. “Scandinavia Place is a direct result of my interest in Independence.”
Nina’s dedication to her community is evidenced by her service in a wide variety of civic and social activities: serving on the Independence Chamber Board, Park Board, Tourism Board, Grandma’s Alzheimer Dinner and the Kiwanis Club.
“Harry S. Truman and the Truman Memorial Library provide Independence with a great legacy,” says Nina. “It is truly great fun to greet our city’s many visitors and tell them about our local attractions and restaurants, or direct them to the other fine businesses located on The Square.”
As far as I have been able to discover, Scandinavia Place is the only exclusive Scandinavian store in the State of Missouri. As such, it contains an outstanding inventory of genuine Scandinavian items ranging from cookies, lingon berry sauce, chocolates, dishes to clothing, handicrafts, jewelry, books, cards, maps and signs.
The large Scandinavian flags flying in the front of the building probably make it the most colorful shop on The Square. Sometimes I like to step inside just to enjoy the genuine Scandinavian ambiance and to renew happy memories of the 11 years our family lived in Norway and Sweden, plus our many trips to Denmark and Finland.
