Independent Order of Vikings Records, 1907-1976 | North Park University

The Independent Order of Vikings is a fraternal organization founded in Chicago, Illinois, June 2, 1890. When its Grand Lodge was organized in 1892, the Order listed among its objectives, the opening of reading rooms, and the establishment of a common fund for furnishing death benefits and life insurance.

Membership in the Order grew to the extent that by 1942 the number of members was 13,371 from lodges in 22 states. Some of the various activities in the history of the order have been the sponsoring of glee clubs, picnics, conventions, reading rooms, and the establishment of athletic associations, and Independent Order Ladies of Vikings, a "Junior League", and a retirement center called Valhalla Home. The Order, originally founded for Swedish descendants only, is now open to all Scandinavian‑Americans and their spouses.