INSIDE SANDZÉN This feature, highlighting a discovery relating to Sandzén from the archives, will be periodically updated on the website and is planned for each issue of Gallery Notes.

Birger Sandzén's seventy-fifth birthday was on February 5, 1946. Two parties were held for him, one on his birthday in the Bethany College Cafeteria, and the other in the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Margaret Sandzén and Pelham Greenough. In a letter dated February 10, 1946, Pelham Greenough described these parties for his parents in California. The following excerpt describes the party at his home:

Thursday and Friday we prepared for our 18 guests for last night [which was Saturday night, February 9]. Late yesterday afternoon our guests began to arrive. Most of the guests were from Manhattan, and most of them teach at Kansas State College. We had the head of the English Dept. and Architecture Dept. and their immediate helping assistant professors. Miss [Olga] Johnson of Hutchinson came . . . and so did Charles Matthews, a Prof. of English at K.S.C. . . .
After a while we all sat at tables. We had tables for four in the living room, and two for seven in the studio. Margaret had a cold (she still has it) but would not sit down, she waited on table. The guests came into the dining room and helped themselves. The second helpings were passed by Margaret and Irene. Mrs. Lundgren came and helped M. all day and so M. did have some of the load taken from her.
The party was a great success and all were impressed with what we did to the house, particularly the profs. of K.S.C. who teach architecture. That pleased me no end. We had a little excitement when two of the professors' wives (not at the same time) got stuck in the bathroom and I had to open the door for them!
Olga Johnson spent the night with us. She left here a little while ago. The rest of the guests went on to Manhattan, but Mr. Matthews plans to leave by bus later on. At least that's what I think.
We all slept in this morning. Oh I forgot to say that we had Oscar Thorsen, Dr. and Mrs. [Hagbard] Brase and Miss Annie Lee Ross at the party. They besides the Sandzéns were the only Lindsborg people present. Well, after our sleep in I had a very small breakfast and then joined the Sandzéns for lunch at the cafeteria. Margaret and Olga stayed here and had some turkey sandwiches.
The turkey we had last night was about the best I've ever eaten. It was a 15 lb. hen. We had mashed potatoes, green peas, turkey, coffee, apple pie, cheese, olives, cut carrots and bread of two kinds. The whole party was a success and the meal just wonderful.

More of this letter, as well as parts of two other letters by Margaret and Pelham, the whole letter by Birger Sandzén, and illustrative pictures may be found in the Winter 2004 issue of Gallery Notes, which is distributed to all current members of the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery.

Gallery Notes is distributed to all Gallery members four times a year. New members who want to begin with the Spring 2003 issue, with its lengthy additional articles on Henry Varnum Poor as well as other Gallery information, should make a special note of it on their membership forms. A copy will be sent as long as supplies last. Research visitors and requests are always welcome at the Gallery Archives.

Inside Sandzen (2003 fall edition)
Inside Sandzen (2003 summer edition)
Inside Sandzen (2003 spring edition)
Inside Sandzen (2003 winter edition)
Inside Sandzen (2002 edition)
Inside Sandzen (2001 edition)
Inside Sandzen (2000 edition)
Inside Sandzen (1999 edition)
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