Thursday, April 12, 2018
Badger Bus picked up a group at State Fair P & R at 7:30 a.m. for a 1 1/2 hour ride to Stoughton. It was an unusually mild day after days of unpleasant, cold temperatures. I wore my fleece jacket and was very comfortable.
We were greeted by a woman in traditional Norwegian dress and went up to the Opera House located on the third floor of City Hall. 
It is restored to its original decor with original wooden seats. It had a small intimate feel, and it is used for community productions.
A bus tour through the city highlighted many of the mansions that were inhabited by notable citizens. We got a little handbook describing these buildings that would make a good walking tour. A representative from Stoughton Trailers continued the tour to the factory. The bus was able to get into the assembly area where trailers were being worked on at various stages. It is a huge operation, begun by a man who took the company out of bankruptcy and converted into a thriving corporation: the largest employer in Dane County, the fifth largest trailer company in the US.
We had lunch at the meeting hall of the Sons of Norway.
This is a carving of a dragon on the backdrop behind the stage.
We sat at long tables and lunch was family style served by the ladies of the club the menu consisted of cucumber salad in vinegar, rolls, carrots, oven fried potatoes and breaded cod. We had krumkake, lefse and a cheese cake for dessert. After lunch one woman explained hardanger and another rosemaling, with samples of their work.
Next door was Livsreise, the Norwegian Heritage Center. 
It is a relatively new building with many artifacts and pictures giving the history of Norwegians in the area. Docents in traditional costume were helpful in explaining some of the items.
We had the rest of the day to explore the downtown area, and the weather was perfect for being outdoors. I bought a paring knife at a kitchen store and a Danish at the bakery.
Viking next to The Yawahara River.
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