Name/Title
TrophyEntry/Object ID
2023.2.1Description
Trophy that the Viking Athletic Association's soccer team won in 1964 for Swedish Day, competing against a Norwegian team. The trophy plaque reads "O. M. Nordling / Trophy / Swedish Day / 1964." The trophy has a man kicking a soccer ball on the top and two eagles perched on the sides. It is painted gold.Context
Viking Athletic Association was founded in 1926 by a group of young Swedes in Chicago. It was originally called the Liberty Ball Club. The primary sport was soccer. As membership grew, the club formed teams for softball, golf, basketball, and bowling. The club won league championships in soccer in the 1940s.
Founded on May 20th, 1926, the Vikings Athletic Association was first formed as the Liberty Ball Club. The group grew into 4 soccer teams and 150 members by 1928. Meetings were held in a haphazard fashion at any place available, but mostly at the home of Mrs. Theresa Strand, aunt of Viking's popular, ten-time president Ivar Strand.
Finally, in August 1927, the group rented meeting quarters at 1706 Foster Avenue. In the first year of soccer play they landed on top in the fourth division. Gaining members and players as weeks went by, they fielded teams in the first, third, and fourth divisions. In 1928, a strong bowling team was added which was successful in adding trophies, as a gymnastic troupe was organized which put on exhibitions.
The year 1929 was a boom to the club, when the ladies formed an auxiliary to be known as the Girls of Viking Athletic Association. This group has throughout the years given loyal support in all ventures undertaken by the Association.
On June 6, 1930, the club changed its name to Viking Athletic Association, with soccer teams in the first, second, and third division. Year 1931 was the start of the Great Depression, causing a great loss to the clib via club dues, collections and poor attendance at club functions. They were evicted from their club room at 1706 Foster Avenue. Determination and fortitude held forth to hold the membership together, as meetings were held wherever possible.
On July 15, 1934, the Swedish All-Stars won the Thompson Trophy, and confidence was restored for 1934-35 season, with the first and reserve team ended up taking the League titles. In 1935, The Vikings took major and reserve titles. Its location at 5434 N Ashland Ave was purchased and remodeled in 1940. The sports teams were gaining trophies in soccer, softball, golf, basketball, and chess. They were major and state champions in 1945, and Open Cup champions in 1946.
In the last 40's and early 50's. Viking Athletic Association with the Swedish-Americans and Linnea, sponsored teams from Sweden, touring American and Canadian cities, including a match here in Chicago between Jonkoping and Manchester United, ending in 3-1 victory over the Swedes.
In 1950 indoor soccer was presented to the public at the Chicago Avenue Armory, the Swedes won with a 19 point total and was presented with a special trophy for best sportsmanship.
In 1953, the by-laws were changed to allow non-Scandinavians to hold elected offices in the club. By 1958, an addition the club room was made.
In the early 70's, the bowling team competed in the Chicago All Star League and Master's Traveling League, as well as gettin second and fourth place in the City Tournament a few years apart.
In 1973, the soccer team merged with the Mustangs, finishing third in 1975.
Throughout the 80's, the Vikings were rejuvenated by the infusion of Irish players, as well as young players who developed their skills in the Chicago area high schools.
The club was honored by the naming of three players and officials into the Illinois Soccer Hall of Fame.Acquisition
Accession
2023.2Source or Donor
Eriksson, PeterAcquisition Method
GiftInscription/Signature/Marks
Location
FrontTranscription
O. M. Nordling / Trophy / Swedish Day / 1964Language
EnglishLexicon
LOC Thesaurus for Graphic Materials
Soccer, Sports, TrophiesSearch Terms
Viking Athletic AssociationDimensions
Height
23-1/4 inWidth
5 inLength
8-3/4 inRelationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
Viking Athletic AssociationReproductions
Notes
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