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Issue 13, March 31, 2004:
The Last of the Norwegians
on Lapskaus Boulevard
The lilt of Norwegian, taste
of fish cakes, and sight of Norwegian seamen strolling along Eighth Avenue,
have been replaced by the high-pitch of Chinese, taste of egg cakes and
sight of thousands of Chinese shoppers scurrying to gather their groceries.
By VICTORIA HOFMO
8th Avenue, Brooklyn
Eighth Avenue, once known colloquially
as Lapskaus Boulevard (a Norwegian salted beef stew), due to its high
concentration of Norwegians, is losing its last vestige of the old neighborhood.
Signy’s Imports, an Scandinavian specialty shop, is closing.
Sells Out After 30 Years
Proprietor, Signy Ellertsen, was born in Lista, Norway into the Hansen
family. In 1954, she came to America to visit her brother and sister.
"I missed my brother and sister, but I didn’t expect to stay
for the rest of my life, but I have."
She even married a man she knew from back home, Martin Ellertsen. They
reunited at a Sons of Norway meeting in about 1954.
Signy opened the store 30 years ago replacing Olivia of Norway, which
had sold sweaters and yarn. In fact, Signy said, "My bestseller is
yarn."
"I had always wanted to own a store. Olivia was selling. I had worked
in a variety store in Huntington, Long Island, but I got most of my experience
through on the job training."
When asked, how did you learn the import business? She matter-of-factly
states, "I was my own broker. I learned by doing it myself. I was
always honest and asked questions. I got along further this way.
Honesty is the best policy. Everything went smoothly. I’ve been very
fortunate. I never had anything bad happen."
Signy, has long been a fixture on Eighth Avenue, with a cup of coffee
in her hand and friends sitting next to her in the chairs that are a fixture
outside her store. She watched the changing neighborhood and was comfortable
with its evolution, freely conversing with old timers and new timers alike.
Mixed Feelings
When asked, how has Eighth Avenue changed? Signy reflects, "It
used to be all Scandinavians. We had the 17th of May Parade and Sunday
School Parade along this avenue. When I first came to Brooklyn, everyone
spoke Norwegian. You could shop at every store and use the Norwegian language.
I felt comfortable and safe. I didn’t lock a door or a window. I
could take a cot and sleep on the porch."
When asked why she is closing now. Signy relays, "old age. I plan
to sit in my rocking chair with my pussy cat." In response to the
question, are you happy with your decision? She replies, "No, I’m
a little mixed. But, I am excited about having time for myself, my neighbors
and my friends. I’d also like to thank my customers."
Her customers and the Norwegian community would like to thank her in return
and wish her good luck. I cannot help but feel sad and nostalgic for a
different time, when Signy’s Imports was the norm, not the exception.
I am despondent about the last of the Norwegian stores leaving Eighth
Avenue. I wish that there could always be two permanent bronze chairs,
set outside Eighth Avenue, to mark the 30 years of Signy’s dedication
to her business, to remember her acceptance of the changes along Eighth
Avenue, and to remind passersby that they should emulate her friendliness
to all.
Previous Stories:
• Issue 12, March
24, 2004
Successful Debut for Nordic
Expo
• Issue 11, March
17, 2004
Sokndal - A Town in Slow
Motion
• Issue 10, March
10, 2004
Friendly Visit in Troubled
Times
• Issue 9, March
3, 2004
New Film Explores the
Heroes of the North
• Issue 8, February
25, 2004
Kofi Annan Greets
Norwegian Artists
• Issue 7, February
18, 2004
Bølgen & Moi
Open
Restaurant in Hudson
• Issue 6, February
11, 2004
Norwegian Diva With
Broadway Dreams
• Issue 5, February
4, 2004
Norway's New Princess Named
• Issue 4, January
28, 2004
Helga's Historic Walk
Across America
• Issue 3, January
21, 2004
Arne Næss Jr. Dies
Climbing in South Africa
• Issue 2, January
14, 2004
Norway's Kurt Ready
To Conquer the World
• Issue 1, January
7, 2004
Dragsten Honors Sons of
Norway's Founding Fathers
