Luren, 1888-1897
- 1889: In March, Luren joins the United Scandinavian Singers of America, and enters the world of “Sangerfest”!
- 1889: The second Sangerfest of the USSA (the first was in Philadelphia in 1887) is held in Chicago in July. Luren recruitment, rehearsals, and fund-raising fill the weeks prior. A benefit concert at the Steyer Opera House contributes to the travel fund, with Joe Steyer providing the hall at no charge. Travel by train, a great weekend, 600 singers in concert, and Luren is very well received. Upon return, the treasurer reports assets of $.21!
- 1890: In February, new quarters are rented two nights a week for $35 annually. (A year later the premises are sold, and Luren again seeks a new home). By March the group is again solvent, with the treasurer reporting a total of $50. A “Dame Luren” is organized in April with 12 young women. The group will function both as a lady’s chorus and as treble voices for a mixed chorus. They are admitted to Luren as active members. Conditions: They will sing Scandinavian music, and “be of assistance at festive gatherings and other assemblages.” The group comes to be known as “Ladies Luren,” and is the forerunner of today’s Luren Auxiliary.
- 1891: In March, Luren moves into its new home on West Water Street. The rental fee is $3 per month. Sangerfest beckons Luren to Minneapolis, where they “did themselves proud”.
- 1892: E. Sunnes again holds the Director’s baton, occupying the position almost continuously until 1909.
- 1893: Luren sings at the World’s Fair in Chicago. A mass resignation in September leaves the group with 5 members. Luren, which once boasted 15 singers, is now down to a quintet – but a very good quintet, presenting many programs and concerts that are lauded and applauded.
- 1896: The Luren Quintet, in concert at the Steyer, raises $54.95 to assist with expenses for the Omaha Sangerfest in September. Luren steals the show at the Omaha Sangerfest, as one newspaper writes: “the most tremendous storm of jubilation beyond comparison was harvested by ‘Luren’ from Decorah, and if Washington Hall had not been so solidly built, the roof would certainly have been raised so high that it still would not be back to earth.”