Independent Order of Svithiod

The Independent Order of Svithiod was founded on 3 December 1880 by a group of eight men who met at Bowman's Hall, now 370 W. Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL, United States. Its current Grand Master is Harold L. Johnson. Its alleged objectives is to promote Scandinavian heritage, culture, and education", to "preserve the principles, traditions and heritage of the Scandinavian people in the United States", as well as to "provide fraternal and social activities for members."