Luren 1898-1907
- 1899: Luren, together with the German singing society, “Frohsinn”, jointly sponsors a concert and masked ball at the Steyer shortly after New Year’s. Luren’s 25th anniversary (calculated from reorganization in 1874 rather than 1868) is celebrated in June with La Crosse “Normanna” and Sioux Falls “Minnehaha” choruses coming to Decorah to join in a grand concert in the new Grand Opera House. The concert ends with a massed choral rendition of “America” (apparently the first time Luren ever sings in English in public).
- 1900: Luren Quintet dies with the sudden death of Sigurd Halvorson in April. In May four new active members are admitted, forming a double quartet, but the group is unable to participate in the NWSSA Sangerfest in St. Paul that summer. Thanksgiving Day, Luren members make a five-hour trip to Spring Grove on three horse-drawn wagons to present a concert to “fully four hundred and fifty people” at the newly built Opera House, followed by a banquet at the hotel.
- 1901: The remaining four members of the Luren Quintet are honored in various ways, recognizing their years of contribution in establishing Luren’s reputation far and wide.
- 1902: In March, a clubroom above National Bank is rented for $75 per year, both cost and space to be shared with Det Norske Selskab. A new banner is publicly unveiled on April 18 before a full house at the Grand Opera House. Made by the Fjelde sisters of Minneapolis, it costs $156, and is still in use at the centennial celebration in 1968. Later in the year, Luren rides off “in high style” in a private Pullman car, accompanied by their wives, to the Sangerfest in Sioux Falls
- 1903: A Grieg Festival is staged by Luren, in honor of Grieg’s 60th birthday. A gift of 20 Norwegian crowns is sent with a cover letter hailing him as “the world’s greatest living composer.” Two months later a postcard of thanks arrives, in Grieg’s own hand.
- 1905: Two Luren members represent the society, at the celebrations marking Norwegian Independence and the Coronation of the King. Luren is awarded the royal Coronation Medal in silver. Shortly after, Syttende Mai celebrations begin in Decorah, sponsored in part by Luren.
- 1906: Luren heads to the La Crosse Sangerfest in a private railroad car. E. M Sunnes holds the Director’s position during this decade, until March, 1909.