A Few Snapshots of Buildings Present During the 1924 Labor Day Weekend First Annual Runeberg Songfest

This summer I made two bus trips to Hoquiam to view the records of the Runeberg Lodge, which are part of the collection of the Polson Logging Museum in Hoquiam, Washington.

The Runeberg Choir had its beginnings in 1913.  Eleven years later, during Labor Day Weekend of 1924, leader Martin Carlson and organizer Leonard Svedberg planned the first songfest of The Order of Runeberg Singing Society of Southwest Washington, which featured choirs from Tacoma, Olympia, Aberdeen, and Hoquiam.   Held under the auspices of the local lodges of Hoquiam and Aberdeen, the performances, on August 30 and 31st, 1924, were held at the Masonic Temple of Hoquiam, Washington. 

When I visited I was interested in viewing buildings that were part of the songfest.  The Masonic Temple building was new, built in 1923.  The Masonic Hall's Doors were locked, however a representative of the food and clothing bank at the building allowed me to take snapshots of the original woodwork inside the entry hallways. 

Polson Logging Museum

The Polson Mansion, on the other side of the river, was present at the time of the songfest. 

A choir photograph was taken at the Finn Hall.  As it happens, the Finn Hall, or B Street Hall, was only a few blocks from the Polson Museum, somewhat back from the riverfront.  Presently it is a family home.   

                            Vasa Hall                                 Finn Hall

Along the river road before the Polson Mansion is a hall the Museum Director explained to me as a Vasa Hall.  These are modest photos, and I wish to include a photo of a Gray's Harbor Transit Bus, just turning a corner near the Museum.