Downtown Berkeley in Alameda County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Framåt Lodge #405
Sanford G. Jackson, Architect 1927
— City of Berkeley Landmark, designated in 1997 —
Berkeley’s large immigrant population in the late 19th and early 20th centuries included many natives of Sweden. The local chapter of the Swedish-American Vasa Order constructed this building as a lodge hall and cultural center. On November 8, 1927, Prince William of Sweden laid the cornerstone, proclaiming, “Through the magic of the melting pot you are becoming Americans and I can only admonish you to be good Swedes but even better Americans,” Framåt, the name of both the chapter and lodge building, means “forward looking” in Swedish. The Depression devastated the construction industry in which many local Swedish-Americans worked and by 1932 the Vasa Order has lost the building.
The building’s facade has polychrome pressed brick detailing and terra-cotta trim. It is a good example of the Classical Revival style commonly used for commercial and institutional architecture during the early decades of the 20th century.
Erected 1998 by Berkeley Historical Plaque Project.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is November 1841.
Location. 37° 52.227′ N, 122° 16.354′ W. Marker
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Veterans Memorial Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Jos. H. McCourt / Bruno L. Putzker (about 300 feet away); Berkeley City Hall (about 400 feet away); Berkeley Veterans Memorial Grove (about 600 feet away); Historic McGee-Spaulding District (about 600 feet away); Berkeley High School Alumni: Bobby Seale, Jean Yonemura Wing, Billy Martin (about 600 feet away); Federal Land Bank (about 700 feet away); Berkeley High School Industrial Arts and Science (G and H Buildings) (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Berkeley.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 8, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 657 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 8, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.