Research by Ann Dittmer and Esther Jacobsen Bates

As Solvang celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1961, much of the groundwork for the present city was in place. The 1960s followed a transitional time after World War II as old ways were disappearing and new ideas emerged.

The widespread architectural transformation of the downtown was ongoing and visitors were arriving in ever-increasing numbers.

Construction and expansion were underway as the town’s appeal became evident, especially to those seeking a more idyllic lifestyle away from the urban core of Southern California. To the west, Vandenberg Air Force Base — now Vandenberg Space Force Base — opened on the site of World War II’s Camp Cooke. The base thrived and some workers came to live in Solvang.

New houses pushed the boundaries of Solvang outward, encroaching on chicken and egg farms, agricultural fields, and dairies. The Burchardi Dairy, a fixture at Solvang’s western entry since 1917, was a casualty. It closed around 1960; the Nyborg Estates residential subdivision was later built on its former property.

Fire and emergency medical support was provided by Solvang Fire Department volunteers.
Photos by Elverhoj Museum of History and Art

Solvang existed for 74 years without a formal governing body. But that is not to say that it was without leadership. Initially, local businessmen organized to get basic projects done. Fire and emergency medical support was provided by Solvang Fire Department volunteers.

With an increasing demand for services, the Solvang Municipal Improvement District (SMID) was created in 1951 by a special act of the California State Legislature. Incredibly efficient and focused, SMID was able to impose taxes and generate revenue for local necessities like public sewer and water systems as well as traffic control and installation of the town’s first public restrooms and parking lots.

The town was growing up.

After years of planning, Solvang got its long-hoped-for hospital in 1964 with the opening of the 32-bed Santa Ynez Valley Hospital which has since affiliated with the Santa Barbara-based Cottage Health System. In 1968, the first traffic signal was installed.

Cultural events continued to be prominent milestones in the community’s history. In 1970, Hans Christian Andersen Park opened. Volunteers built the distinctive castle entrance and gathered with residents for a dedication celebration. The same year, the old Atterdag College building on the nearby hill was demolished.

In 1970, Hans Christian Andersen Park opened.
Photos by Elverhoj Museum of History and Art

In June of 1974, ground was broken for a Festival Theater on Second Street and, in an incredible eight weeks, the theater was built and opened with its debut production. It is currently undergoing a multi-million-dollar upgrade that is expected to be completed in time for the 2022 summer season.

In the early 1980s, civic leaders began to push for cityhood to have more local control and freedom from county taxes.

On May 1, 1985, Solvang became California’s 440th city with the entire SMID board voted in as the first City Council. The new city encompassed 1,555 acres, significantly less than the original lands of Solvang that stretched over 8,882 acres. A “key” to the city bears its first logo depicting The Little Mermaid.

Creating a general plan was one of the council’s first priorities. The plan included community design, explicitly stating the downtown would maintain the “old world” architectural style of Denmark.

The city’s design rules created a more cohesive look and cleaned up visual clutter by banning mechanical equipment from street views, moving power lines underground and regulating signage. A friendly competition evolved among building owners who were upgrading and new buildings even included scaled replicas of well-known Danish buildings.

Outside of the downtown, thoroughbreds replaced dairy cattle. Vineyards sprang up and wineries proliferated. Solvang had always been a growing community, but in the 1980s it seemed as if there was a building boom. Population increased by 16% from 1980 to 1986. Housing units followed suit, increasing by 36% from 1980 to 1988. Businesses thrived.

Today, residents and visitors alike experience an evolving, lively, many-faceted city.

Elverhøj is honoring Solvang’s founding in 1911 and its 110th anniversary using the theme “Skål Solvang – Celebrating 110 Years of History & Culture.” This is the fall installment in a year-long series of emails highlighting community milestones.

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This month, Elverhoj Museum of History and Art in Solvang is hosting a “Makers Market” each Saturday before Christmas. A curated group of talented artisans from area studios and workshops will showcase and sell their handmade goods at The Market. Shoppers can browse the handcrafted gifts and wares on Dec. 11 and 18 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is no charge for admission.

“Makers Market is an opportunity to meet talented local artisans and crafters while shopping handcrafted, one-of-a-kind gifts, all made locally and sustainably,” said Elverhoj Executive Director Esther Jacobsen Bates. “There will be a variety of handmade works with a wide range of prices.”

The Makers Market debuted on Dec. 4 with wood crafts by Scott Bruhn, jewelry by Diana Paul, gifts and hand dyed scarves by Emily Abello, and Lori McConnell’s jewelry and paper gifts.

The following Saturday, Dec. 11, will showcase four artisans: Georganne Alex and her art-wear bags and scarves, Kristen Bates with her Danish-inspired and beaded jewelry, Mary Ann Manmone’s functional needle arts, and Mark Infanti’s turned and hand-carved wood crafts. 

Makers Market concludes Dec. 18 with Syd McCutcheon’s modern take on folk arts and crafts, ceramics by Shelley Nakano, and Mary Stanley’s fiber arts for all ages.

Market guests are invited to browse the Museum Store and the selection of modern- and heritage-inspired goods and gifts, many exclusive to Elverhoj. There will be weekly store specials and holiday discounts.

Elverhøj Museum of History & Art is located at 1624 Elverhoy Way in Solvang. For more information, visit www.elverhoj.org or phone (805) 686-1211.

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Staff Report

This December, Elverhoj Museum of History and Art in Solvang is hosting a “Makers Market” each Saturday before Christmas. A curated group of talented artisans from area studios and workshops will showcase and sell their handmade goods at The Market. Browse the handcrafted gifts and wares on December 4, 11 and 18 from 11 am to 5 pm. There is no charge for admission.

“Makers Market is an opportunity to meet talented local artisans and crafters while shopping handcrafted, one-of-a-kind gifts, all made locally and sustainably,” said Elverhoj Executive Director Esther Jacobsen Bates. “There will be a variety of handmade works with a wide range of prices.”

The Makers Market debuts on December 4 with wood crafts by Scott Bruhn, jewelry by Diana Paul, gifts and hand dyed scarves by Emily Abello, and Lori McConnell’s jewelry and paper gifts.

The following Saturday, December 11, will showcase four artisans: Georganne Alex and her art-wear bags and scarves, Kristen Bates with her Danish-inspired and beaded jewelry, Mary Ann Manmone’s functional needle arts, and Mark Infanti’s turned and hand carved wood crafts.

Makers Market concludes on December 18 with Syd McCutcheon’s modern take on folk arts and crafts, ceramics by Shelley Nakano, and Mary Stanley’s fiber arts for all ages.

Market guests are invited to browse the Museum Store and the selection of modern + heritage inspired goods and gifts, many exclusive to Elverhoj. There will be weekly store specials and holiday discounts.

Elverhøj Museum of History & Art is located at 1624 Elverhoy Way in Solvang. For more information, visit www.elverhoj.org or phone (805) 686-1211.

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Staff Report

Elverhøj Museum of History and Art is now featuring “Widening Circles: Landscape Portraits of Solvang,”a new gallery exhibition with works by accomplished Santa Ynez Valley artists Chris Chapman and John Iwerks. The exhibit debuted Sept. 18 and a reception for the artists will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 25. 

The art on view focuses on the sites and structures located on the 8,883-acre parcel purchased in 1911 to establish a new Danish colony in the Santa Ynez Valley. The land extended far beyond present-day Solvang and, along with the layers of history, provides the inspiration for this exhibition.

“Some of the layers on display are very much present tense, like cattle ranching and Old Mission Santa Inés,” explains Chapman, “while other sites, such as dairy farms, no longer exist.”

Also included are tributes to habitat in the form of small works depicting native plants and wildlife.

Chapman and Iwerks — husband, wife and best friends — have been making art together for over 25 years. Most of their work is begun outdoors and finished in the studio. They enjoy painting adventures and the sensory aliveness of working outdoors. The studio offers a more meditative approach without racing the light and provides perks like music and comfort. Iwerks primarily works with watercolors and oils; Chapman uses pastels, watercolors and oils.   

Artist demonstrations will be presented in the gallery on fall Saturdays. “Oil Painting from Start to Finish”with Iwerks takes place from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Oct. 9. Chapman will demonstrate “Painting with Pastels” from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Oct. 30. Iwerks returns with “Reflections in Watercolor”from 2:30 to 4 p.m on Nov. 13. Chapman will return to the gallery with “Watermedia Studies“ from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Nov. 20. Stay tuned for other events as COVID allows.

This show will also be a special opportunity for art collectors as all the works on view will be available for purchase.

 Elverhoj Museum of History and Art, located at 1624 Elverhoy Way in Solvang, is open Thursdays to Mondays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is no charge for admission; suggested donation of $5 is welcomed. For more information, visit Elverhoj.org or phone 805-686-1211.

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Contributed by the Elverhoj Museum 

Elverhøj is honoring Solvang’s founding in 1911 and its 110th anniversary using the theme “Skål Solvang – Celebrating 110 Years of History & Culture.” This is the second in a year-long series of emails highlighting community milestones.

Trying times for new Danish colony

Perhaps one of the most astonishing aspects of Solvang is that it has survived where many larger, more established Danish communities in the United States did not. What most visitors and even long-time residents don’t know is how close the town came to collapsing in the years just after its idyllic beginning in 1911.

Problems accumulated in a stealthy, devastating way. Weather, fiscal difficulties and misperceptions became serious problems.

When the land sale was finalized in January 1911, the local hills were green and the Santa Ynez River flowed nearby. The land was beautiful but very different from what the Danes had been used to, whether they were coming from the Midwest, elsewhere in the U.S. or directly from Denmark.

Despite heavy winter rains the first year, groundwater was hard to find and many test wells came up dry. The fall harvest was weak. The extended summer heat and dry spells made some settlers talk of leaving.

Worse, the Danish American Colony (DAC) stock used to finance the purchase of the land to establish the new town was not selling well. Verbal support remained strong, but the expected financial backing didn’t materialize. Land sales plummeted as rumors flew that Solvang land was not well suited to agriculture. Even with a two-month extension, the DAC barely made the second $100,000 payment at the end of 1912.

The winter of 1912-13 brought a drought that led to yet another poor harvest, devastating the reputation of the fledgling colony, which was harmed further by unfounded stories of mismanagement.

By August 1913, the DAC had managed to bring in only $15,000 for the year, far short of the $100,000 needed to fulfill its contract. Disaster loomed.

Admitting defeat, the DAC directors were forced to return all unsold land – two-thirds of the 8,883-acre parcel – to the Santa Barbara Land and Water Company which put the land back up for sale.

Nevertheless, they didn’t give up. The crisis led J.M. Gregersen, one of the town’s three founders, to step down as pastor to focus solely on finding the funds Solvang needed to survive.  

Gregersen pulled in every favor, twisted every arm and even traveled to the Midwest to find the money needed to save the new town. In just two months, he managed to find 25 investors who provided enough funds to buy back 5,828 acres, retire the debt, and settle with the investors. The town was now free and clear and in Danish hands as originally envisioned.

Having averted failure, the town’s leaders focused on building a thriving community and the folk school at its heart.

To learn more about the history of Solvang, visit www.elverhoj.org or follow them on social media. 

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Nearly eight months after its forced closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Elverhoj Museum of History and Art reopened to the public on Nov. 6. New, modified, public walk-in hours will be in effect from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

During the closure, exhibitions were updated and reimagined to enhance the visitor experience and better enable COVID safety. As per the public health department’s requirements, face covering will be mandatory for entrance and physical distancing will be practiced. 

A highlight of the reopening is the return of the gallery exhibition, “Legacy of Decency: Rembrandt, Jews and Danes.” This heralded collection of 21 prints by Dutch Master Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn (1606-1669) is paired with displays about the Danish World War II rescue of their Jewish population. The exhibition links people, time and place through artwork and action with a legacy created by neighbors who cared for, and about, one another.

“The humanity Rembrandt expressed in his artwork continues to resonate today, nearly 400 years later,” said Elverhoj Executive Director and exhibit curator Esther Jacobsen Bates. “The exhibition originally opened February 29 and had only been on view for two weeks. It has been patiently waiting during our COVID closure and we are excited to again share the experience with guests.”

The Rembrandt prints highlight the artist’s nuanced relationship with Amsterdam’s Jewish citizens. They are detailed and intimate, much like Rembrandt’s relationship with his subjects, many of whom were neighbors and friends. The art is from the collection of Howard and Fran Berger, gift to Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art.

Rembrandt’s achievements as an etcher are characterized by the new and innovative techniques he introduced to printmaking. His legacy of decency is displayed in the emotional and psychological depth given to his Jewish subjects; expressive faces, dramatic body language, and bold use of shadow and light combine with his mastery as a printmaker.

The concept of caring is also found in “janteloven” – the unofficial Danish law for “no one is better than the other.” The janteloven principle that everyone is accepted and equal plays a key part in Danish culture and mentality as was exemplified by the remarkable story of the Danish WWII resistance. Posters from the Danish Museum of Resistance in Copenhagen tell about a few intense weeks in 1943 when a “living wall of people” raised up and rescued over 95% of the Jewish population in Denmark from the Holocaust. 

Elverhoj Museum of History and Art is located at 1624 Elverhoy Way in Solvang. There is no charge for admission; suggested donation is $5. For more information, phone the Museum at (805) 686-1211 or visit elverhoj.org.

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“This is London! The BBC, broadcasting to Denmark!” The message came at 8:35 p.m. on May 4, 1945. At this moment, it was announced “Montgomery has stated that the German troops in the Netherlands, northwest Germany and Denmark have surrendered.” 

With those words, Denmark’s people were informed that their five years of occupation by Nazi Germany were over. The people of Solvang rejoiced with them as nearly every Solvang resident had relatives and friends in Denmark during the war.

Denmark would have to wait another 12 hours until the liberation officially took effect at 8 a.m. May 5, but the radio broadcast brought happy Danes out into the streets. Many of them used the occasion to burn the hated black window shades that had been required to keep cities in total darkness during bombing raids. Although the message about the Danish liberation went out on May 4, Denmark’s official Liberation Day holiday is marked annually on May 5.

In Solvang, the war years were somber times. Local men and women enlisted in all branches of the American armed forces. War reminders were everywhere: food was strictly rationed, soldiers from nearby Camp Cooke (now Vandenberg Air Force Base) hung out in Solvang, and local groups gathered to roll bandages for the troops and to make and pack items for care packages to send to Denmark.

Shortly after Germany’s unconditional surrender on May 7, 1945, more good news came to Solvang when it was learned that Lt. Raymond Paaske had been released from a German prison camp. He was the last of the Santa Ynez Valley men held by the Germans.

After the difficult war years, Solvang gradually returned to health and vitality. Immigration from Denmark slowly resumed. A steady stream of Danes arrived to live and work in Solvang in the two decades after the war; Hanberg, Jacobsen, Jaeger, Larsen, Mortensen, Olsen, Petersen, Sorensen, and Weber are some of the family names that continue to be associated with Solvang today. Perhaps it is Solvang’s blending of American economic ideals with Danish community cooperation that makes it the “Danish Capital of America.”

The community is strong and, just as it evolved and thrived in the years following the war, it will recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and once again be the cultural and tourist center of the Santa Ynez Valley.

Want to learn more about the history of Solvang?

The Spirit of Solvang book is available for shipping or curbside pick-up. Call 805-686-1211 or email info@elverhoj.org to place an order.

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Memories of five decades of Solvang events will be presented in film clips at Elverhoj Museum of History and Art at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11. 

The excerpts are edited from the personal collection of local resident and documentarian Dean Klitgaard. There is no charge for admission.

During the 1960s, Klitgaard was a reporter and director of the KCOY-TV evening news and often spent weekends shooting scenes of Solvang to be featured the following week.

“The newscast would always end with a clip from Solvang to leave viewers with something happy,” he said.

A brief history of television in the valley will be followed by a variety of clips narrated by Klitgaard. Scenes will range from special events including Danish Days and Christmas parades to small-town activities such as the inaugural voyage of the streetcar built by Axel Nielsen to transport residents of the Lutheran Home (now Atterdag Village) to Nielsen’s Market for their weekly grocery shopping. 

Light refreshments will be served and there will time for discussion and questions during the screening.  

“Movie Memories” will be presented in the museum gallery with the current exhibition, “The Spirit of Solvang: From Danish Roots to California Colony,” as a backdrop.

The exhibit celebrates Solvang’s early settlers who achieved the American Dream while honoring their Danish heritage and, in so doing, created the town we know today. Meticulously restored black and white photographs from the museum collection tell the story of Solvang from its founding as a Danish American colony through its transformation to a tourist destination. 

The history of Danish immigration to America is chronicled in displays that originated at the National Museum of Immigration in Ellis Island, N.Y., and incorporate biographies of several early Solvang residents. 

The “Spirit of Solvang” exhibit accompanies the highly anticipated January release of a new 220-page book, “The Spirit of Solvang: A History of the Danish Capital of America,” documenting the history of Solvang from its founding through present day. 

Exhibition programming includes “Kringle and Crown,” celebrating Solvang’s baking history, at 3 p.m. Jan. 25, and a smørrebrød class on Feb. 5 where participants will gain hands-on experience in making (and eating) Danish open-face sandwiches.  

Elverhoj Museum of History and Art at 1624 Elverhoy Way in Solvang is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free, but a $5 donation is requested.

For more information, phone the museum at (805) 686-1211 or visit www.elverhoj.org.

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Elverhoj Museum of History and Art will present a conversation with sculptor John Cody on Saturday September 28 at 4 pm. Cody will talk about why he creates, sharing his personal – and often amusing – experiences about the process. The event is free and the public is invited to be part of the discussion. A social hour will follow with light refreshments.

Cody is a contemporary American original whose direct stone carvings have earned international attention. A love of the local environment – or more specifically, the serpentine rock found in the mountains of the Santa Ynez Valley – fuels his artistic vision. His life is a personal odyssey, marked by changes of fortune and a continuing quest for aesthetic and spiritual values.

When he moved to Solvang, Cody was an 18-year-old school drop-out and a self-taught artist/sculptor. His new home proved to be the perfect environment for the budding artist and by age 19 he had his first solo exhibition, selling every piece with commissions pouring in. The Los Angeles Times described Cody as the “Miracle of Solvang” in a full page feature.

The Santa Ynez Valley provided Cody with inspiration and materials – primarily serpentine rock – to make art. “It is a challenge to me to take the ancient medium of stone and bring it to the modern world as a fine art form,” says Cody. He hikes miles to find stones and quarries them from deep gullies and ravines high in the mountains around the Santa Ynez Valley. The carving and polishing process is tedious work, done outside by hand.

Cody’s artwork is currently featured in the Museum Gallery exhibition “Crossing Paths: Eyvind Earle and John Cody.” Two separate journeys brought these two accomplished artists together in Solvang in the late 1960s as their work garnered critical acclaim and collectors came looking for their work at a local gallery.

Exhibition programming also includes a direct stone carving demonstration with Cody on Saturday October 12 from 11am to 2pm in the museum garden.

Elverhøj Museum of History and Art, located at 1624 Elverhoy Way in Solvang, is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm. There is no charge for admission. Suggested donation is $5.

“Crossing Paths” will remain on display through November 3. Follow Elverhøj on Facebook and Instagram to stay current on exhibition events. For more information, visit Elverhoj.org or phone (805) 686-1211.

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The Elverhøj Museum of History and Art will celebrate Solvang’s history and cultural roots at its annual Living History Festival on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 21 and 22, during Danish Days weekend.

Artisans and craftspeople will demonstrate their skills and entertain visitors, and admission is free. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Inge Jacobsen and other museum volunteers demonstrate and teach visitors Danish paper crafts.

“There will be hands-on activities for all ages and the Danish Christmas Corner with gifts and accessories rooted in Danish traditions,” said Elverhoj Executive Director Esther Jacobsen Bates. “Guests can make paper craft decorations, get creative with Viking rune stamps, weave paper stars, dress up like Vikings and snap selfies, and shop for Danish Christmas keepsakes.”

Clara Ehrsam demonstrates the centuries-old tradition of bobbin lace making.

Inside the museum, exhibits come to life through demonstrations in spinning, rosemaling and jewelry making. Bobbin lace makers will hand weave intricate designs and offer guests an opportunity to try the centuries-old art. Docents in colorful Danish folk costumes will be creating Danish Christmas crafts such as woven paper hearts and paper stars.

Rick James Marzullo will be demonstrating papirklip, the Danish folk art of papercutting that has earned him international acclaim.

Papirklip artist Rick James Marzullo will demonstrate the Danish folk art of papercutting that has earned him international acclaim. Rounding out the weekend of free activities will be docent-led tours of the museum’s historical, cultural and art exhibits.

Since 1988, Elverhøj Museum has been welcoming and educating visitors. Sharing art and culture has always been an integral part of the museum mission, following in a custom started by the Brandt-Erichsen family, whose hand-built home was a gathering place for the art community and later donated to become a community museum.

The museum strives to honor that memory by presenting art and cultural events; providing educational opportunities and outreach to schools; and being an entity that fosters creativity and inclusivity.

The Living History Festival at Elverhoj Museum of History and Art celebrates Solvang’s historical and cultural roots.

Along with rotating contemporary exhibitions in the gallery, Elverhøj features a variety of permanent exhibits that address Solvang’s Danish heritage and early history, the Danish emigration to America, and various Danish artifacts.

The current gallery exhibition, “Crossing Paths: Eyvind Earle & John Cody,” reunites two celebrated artists whose lives and artistic endeavors intersected over the decades, often inspired by a love for art and the local environment.

For more information and a complete schedule of events, visit www.elverhoj.org or phone the Museum at 805-686-1211.

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