S. Samson.
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S. Samson.—For being a young man few have displayed steadier habits and more business capacity than the congenial proprietor of the People's Hotel and Restaurant, 913 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma. He was born in Ostra Torsa, Kronoberg, Sweden, November 29, 1869, where he enjoyed the training of splendid school facilities. In 1888 he crossed the stormy Atlantic, and selected Tacoma for his permanent location. During his early time in the New World he shared the vicissitudes of circumstances, ever converting his leisure to useful acquirements. The language was foreign to him, but being of docile aptitude this obstacle did not long impede his progress, soon he could handle the English tongue with ease and fluency. Business seemed to be his forte, which he embarked in some years ago and has followed with marked success. He is a member of the Tacoma Chamber of Commerce and owns considerable real estate in the city. Mr. Samson has always been awake to the interest of the Pacific, and especially his own town. He is a worthy citizen and enjoys the respect of the people.

SCANDINAVIANS IN TACOMA.
[CHAPTER VII.]

Societies—Press—Prominent Citizens—Churches

A number of Scandinavian societies have sprung into existence in Tacoma the last two decades. The Valhalla, a Swedish fraternal and beneficial organization, was the first that blossomed into prosperity. It was organized December 15, 1884, with G. F. Linquist, president, H. Nyman, vice-president, H. Ohlin, secretary, W. P. Sundberg, treasurer, R. Bomen, financial secretary, Charles Berg, master of ceremony. Only few signed the constitution at its early launching, but has gradually increased in membership to 125 in good standing. A praise-worthy band, known as the "Swedish Valhalla Military Band," was founded by the society to grace its work with sweet music.

The Norwegians organized a lodge of similar nature as the Valhalla, baptized, The Ancient Order of Vikings, which, too, embarked with a handful of supporters, but through perseverance and wise management bloomed into one of the best Norwegian societies in the state. The aim of this compact is broad and laudable, being like that of the I. O. O. F., or other secret organizations of high standard. The Vikings was born in 1892 with the following hard workers in the lead: John Blaauw, Thomas Knudson, G. O. Sande, Ed. Haug and Sam Haug.

The Danish Brotherhood was instituted in March, 1889, with fifteen members, and has flourished these years remarkably. At present it has sixty on the roll, with a flowery adjunct, the Danish Sisterhood, which has tendered the fraternal order kind assistance.