Following is an early version of the saga of Howling Elk.

As more research is completed the page will be expanded

Also, soon to be added are other Scandinavian-American resources that should be of practical help.


The saga of Howling Elk is one of extreme complexity. There is no documented history and we have to rely on oral tradition. Further, the tradition seems obscured until some Aquavit or other research aid is employed.  Distant memories began to surface while I was filling out an official form that asked for my ethnic background.  My only choice was other. I felt demeaned. Most everybody else had a hyphen. For a long time I thought I was an American and thankful for it. Now I could see the lack of a hyphen was keeping me from full status, not to mention from government money. So, I first thought that perhaps I could be Swedish-American. That seemed restrictive. I settled on Scandinavian-American.  Just because my grandparents came to this country, got a job and learned the language (English), why should I be disadvantaged? I had to discover my true identity. It hasn't been easy. I am working on proposals for bi-lingual or multi-lingual labeling of bathroom doors, cake recipes and electric drill safety instructions. They are a ways off. One thing that has emerged are rumors of a Scandinavian blues singer, Howling Elk. Only snippets remain of his regret and pain tinged classics like Stale Pastry Blues. I am confident with more study and a suitable influx of grant money I will be able to reconstruct my vanished cultural background and given additional funding I can start to right the wrongs I have suffered as no consequence of my own actions. Your contributions, help and support are appreciated.