The Icelandic Canadian - 01.06.2005, Side 25

Vol. 59 #4
THE ICELANDIC CANADIAN
151
building committee of J. S. Johnson, Oscar
Howardson, Chris Eyford, Geir Zoge, Leo
Sigurdson and Victor Thorson, as well as
the support of the Icelandic community,
the dream of building an Icelandic Home
became a reality.
On September 24,1961, President
Asgeirsson of Iceland was present to break
the sod for the new building, which hence-
forth would become known as Hofn on
Harrison Drive. It was a proud day indeed
for the Icelandic community to see their
dream evolving. A reception was held at
the Hofn Home on Osier for the President
of Iceland, as well as for those who were
involved in this venture.
Over the next two years the Icelandic
community groups continued to canvas for
the Hofn Building Fund, when the Hofn
Society asked for support in taking up a
loan of $50,000 in order to complete the
exterior and some of the interior of the first
two wings of the new Hofn. As more funds
would become available another wing
would be added so that Hofn could acco-
modate sixty residents as well as the
Matron and staff of six. During these vari-
ous stages of building the Icelandic com-
munity rallied to the need for help, both
financially and physically, providing hours
of time, talent and energy. An inventory
was taken of all the supplies at Osier House
and people in the Icelandic community
donated numerous items to the new Home,
including a stove from Oscar and Helga
Howardson, a television set from Olive
Chambers; a Curio Board and games table
from Mervyn Chambers and Wayne
Johnson; luggage and blankets from Bjorg
Indridason; forty cups and saucers from
Chrissie Anderson; tables for the recre-
ation room from Leonard Thorson; a pool
table from Dr. Steinson; numerous items
from the homes of Matta Frederickson and
Lil Summers; a television set from Dr.
Thorleifson; jewellery from Mrs Fjeldsted
and garden furniture from Solskin. The
official opening of Hofn on Harrison drive
showcased the generosity and hopes of the
Icelandic community.
It was indeed a great day when the res-
idents were moved from the Osier Home
Hofn, to the new Icelandic Home Hofn on
Harrison drive.The official opening took
place on April 28, 1963, with Sig
Sigmundson officiating and with Emily
Thorson, who had served as Hofn Society
Board and Solskin Treasurer for many
years, cutting the ribbon. Consul John
Sigurdson and several government officials
attended this momentous occasion.
Sigurbjorn Sigurdson directed the male
voice choir with musical selections.
Over the years the Hofn Board mem-
bers worked tirelessly at serving on several
committees involved in the operation of
Hofn. In 1968 the federal government
requested that a beneficiary be named in
the event that the current Hofn Board of
Directors ceased to function. In 1968 a
motion was passed that Solskin be incorpo-
rated under the Societies Act in order to be
named as beneficiary to Hofn. This was
finalized and passed in April of 1969.
By late 1969 eight new rooms, as well
as additions to the kitchen and recreation
room had been completed. Donations to
Hofn continued to come in: Icelandic
Pickerel • Salmon • Crab
Shrimp • Goldeye •
Lobster • Hardjiskur
and more!
We pack for travel
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