The Viking Ship
Our community has a heritage that is strong in Scandinavian culture and tradition.
When Augustana University College (formerly known as Camrose Lutheran College) achieved it’s 75th year as part of the local history, it chose to celebrate its Scandinavian roots by commissioning the construction of a Viking Longship.
The Viking Ship is an actual half-size replica of ships that sailed the seas as long ago as 300 B.C.. This re-creation was handcrafted by boat builder Olaus Straumsnes, who traveled from his native Norway to spend the winter of 1984-85 fashioning the craft. Local resident Bob Holmberg assisted the Norwegian carver, as well as crafting the ship’s distinctive head. No two pieces of the ship are the same – a feature that makes this not only a beautiful craft but a piece of art.
This was the third reproduction of this style of ship to be made anywhere in the world. 5 types of Canadian hard and soft woods were used – comparable to the original woods from across the ocean.
After the Viking Ship had made its maiden voyage in the waters of Mirror Lake (just outside the Chamber Office – The Bill Fowler Centre) and the college’s anniversary celebration ended, the boat traveled the western provinces to Expo ’86 in Vancouver, inviting onlookers to see one of the few ocean-craft likely to be found in a prairie home.
The Viking Ship has now found a permanent home in the Bill Fowler Centre ( Where the Camrose Chamber of Commerce and Tourist Information Centre are located), sharing its Scandinavian heritage with all who come to call.
(picture compliments of the City of Camrose)
