Eric Dregni
Eric Dregni teaches English at Concordia University in St. Paul. He’s the author of several books including Vikings in the Attic: In Search of Nordic America.
Latest Contributed Stories
March 3, 2022
Those traitorous Scandinavian languages: Don’t be suspected!
The United States is a nation of immigrants and the pressure to assimilate can be great. Some people are compelled to speak English and leave other languages behind. Contributor Eric ...
December 14, 2021
From The World’s Largest Six-Pack To The Hodag: A Tour Of Wisconsin’s Roadside Attractions
Author Eric Dregni has been a keen observer of roadside attractions for years. He recently wrote the book “The Impossible Road Trip” that chronicles the most famous stops across the ...
September 10, 2021
Father And Son Cherish Same Church In Two Norways
Sometimes when we’re far from home, it’s nice to have something familiar around to keep us connected. Contributor Eric Dregni has lived in Norway and Wisconsin. And by pure coincidence, ...
April 28, 2020
Socialists In Our Midst? Wisconsin’s Dream Of A ‘Cooperative Commonwealth’
Wisconsin has a rich history in politics that has influenced many of the nation’s major political movements. Contributor Eric Dregni takes a look at Wisconsin’s connection to socialism. === I ...
August 22, 2018
How We Tamed Nature
Summer sleepaway camp. For some kids, it’s the highlight of their year…where the innocence of childhood meets a magical, sometimes mischievous, world of semi-independence. Writer Eric Dregni reminisces on a ...
July 19, 2017
Summer Camp Memories: The River That Wasn’t There
At thirteen, I set off for camp in northern Wisconsin to run rapids on churning rivers. Our counselor, Phil, asked our group of eight boys if we were tough enough ...
July 20, 2016
The Political Power Of Fishing
Politicians do many things to show they are one of us – visiting diners, kissing babies, eating whatever on a stick at the state fair. It’s a story with a ...
December 10, 2012
Lutefisk
Thanksgiving isn’t the only traditional fall feast. For those of Scandinavian descent, fall also means lutefisk suppers. Writer Eric Dregni tells us the story behind this famously pungent fish.
January 11, 2012
Patriotic Potatoes
Hearty roots, squashes, and tubers are among the staples of winter meals in Wisconsin. Commentator Eric Dregni considers potatoes part of his Norwegian heritage. Today, he tells us how potatoes ...
November 24, 2011
Jello Salad
Alongside the turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberries is another Midwestern holiday tradition: jello salad. If you’re lucky (or unlucky) enough to be served on today, you might like to know ...
October 10, 2011
Leif Erikson Day
Monday is Columbus Day, when we celebrate the discoveries of Christopher Columbus. But ask some Scandinavians which European really discovered America, and they'll tell you that Columbus arrived 500 years ...
August 10, 2011
Coffee Break
French writer Balzac once wrote that “Coffee is a great power in my life.” Wisconsin’s Scandinavian immigrants could relate, bringing their prodigious thirst for the morning brew with them. But ...
July 29, 2011
Wisconsin Co-ops
When you turn on your air conditioning this summer or pick up some cheese for a picnic, a cooperative business may be behind it. Cooperatives have played an important part ...
March 16, 2011