The Norwegian Merchant Fleet was reduced during World War II, but the post-war Fleet was quickly rebuilt, resulting in increased visits by Norwegian flag ships to the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. In those days, ships remained in port for days or even weeks. Soccer matches between visiting seamen and shore based teams were very popular, keeping the sailors active during port visits. Pastor Hans Stensnes of the Norwegian Seamen’s Church in San Pedro was actively searching for appropriate land where recreational activities could take place.

Nansen Field Founded in 1947

In 1947 the Norwegian Seamen’s Church of San Pedro was offered a lot of 8.67 acres in Palos Verdes by the Palos Verdes Corporation, which was controlled by the Vanderlip Family.  Elin Breeke Vanderlip from Halden, Norway married Kelvin Vanderlip in 1946 and was instrumental in this generous offer. The cost of the land was $500 per acre for a total of $4300! This was the cost of property taxes paid by the Vanderlip Family on the property from 1912 to 1947.

Due to influ­ence exerted by the Norwegian Government Seamen’s Welfare Office, the Church declined the offer. Instead, an option to buy the land was granted to the Consul General, Kaar Ingstad, as representative for the Government The option was executed in April of 1948, and the property was first owned by Mr. Ingstad as trustee for the Kingdom of Norway.

From 1948 to1952, the property was improved for use as a recreational area and a soccer field was created through the great efforts of church volunteers in the local Norwegian community. Discarded army barracks from Fort McArthur in San Pedro were transport­ed to the site and used as a club house. The property was officially dedi­cated at a ceremony in 1949 and given the name Nansen Field, after the famed Norwegian explorer and humanist Fritjof Nansen.

Seamen of Norway

In 1952 Seamen of Norway, Inc. (SNI) was established and the deed was transferred to this entity on February 29, 1952. Nansen Field is owned by SNI in an irrevocable charitable trust. SNI was formed as a California non­profit corporation with powers vested in its 5 directors. The Articles of Incorporation stated in part: "To acquire, own, establish, provide, operate and maintain real and personal property in or near San Pedro, California for the physical, spiritual and moral welfare of seamen and others.

The property of this corporation is irrevocably dedicated to reli­gious, charitable or hospital purposes, and upon the liquidation, dissolu­tion or abandonment of this corporation will not inure to the benefit of any private person, except a fund, foundation or corporation organized and operated for religious, hospital, scientific and charitable purpose."

Norwegian Seaman's Welfare Office

From 1952 until 1981 the Norwegian Seamen’s Welfare Office operated Nansen Field with assistance from the local Norwegian community, maintaining the soccer field and buildings. In 1981 the Seamen’s Welfare Office in San Pedro was closed due to the decline in Norwegian shipping and shorter stays in port giving seamen less time to spend ashore.

Sportsklubben FRAM was founded in 1964 and had been working with SNI to maintain Nansen field.  On April 26, 1981, SNI signed an agreement with FRAM for the operation, mainte­nance and management of Nansen Field.  Sportsklubben FRAM would serve as the operator and manager of Nansen Field.

1984 Olympics

In preparation for the 1984 Olympics, improvements were made to the soccer field and a new club house was built at a cost of more than $100,000.  A bank loan was obtained to fund the project, with personal guarantees by several members of Sportsklubben FRAM. In 1983, the Nansen Field Foundation, Inc. (NFFI) was established as a California non-profit organization with tax exempt status in order to facilitate fund raising for such improvements to Nansen Field.

During the Olympic Year of 1984, the Norwegian Olympic Team received much support from the community. Norwegian yachtsmen lived at Nansen Field during the games and an Olympic BBQ at Nansen Field drew 500 people.

A "Blue Ribbon Committee" was formed by FRAM with the purpose of defining FRAM’s role and the future structure and operation of Nansen Field. The committee’s recommendation was to establish a broader base of local community entities to support and operate Nansen Field, while clarifying ownership of the property.

Norway tries to reclaim Nansen Field

In 1989 the Norwegian Parliament (Storting) passed a law requiring all Norwegian government owned properties abroad be sold. Norwegian delegates visited Nansen Field and upon their return to Norway reported that Nansen Field could be sold for hundreds of thou­sands, even millions of dollars (in April of 1995, Nansen was appraised at over $3 million). Norway gave instructions to the directors of SNI to amend the articles of incorporation, allowing a sale of the property with the proceeds being transferred to Norway.

After obtaining legal advice, the Board of Directors declined to follow Norway's instructions for the following reasons: a) SNI’s charitable purposes; b) SNI’s sole ownership of Nansen Field; c) The requirements for use of the property in the Grant Deed and Articles of Incorporation.

On September 28, 1993 the Kingdom of Norway filed suit in U.S. Federal Court to remove the 5 individual members of the Board of SNI; replace them with a new Board and determine ownership and control of Nansen Field. The ultimate motive was to sell the property to the highest bidder.

On March 30, 1995 the U. S Federal court ruled that: SNI is the sole owner of Nansen Field; the current members of the Board of Directors shall remain and the Kingdom of Norway has no ownership interests in Nansen Field and no power over its Board of Directors. SNI’s request that the plaintiff pays its legal fees was denied. Norway’s litigation was costly, with SNI incurring $320,000 in legal fees.

In June 1996, a five year loan was obtained and secured by the Nansen Field property and the legal fees paid off. Current challenges for the Board: Raise sufficient funds to pay off the loan and to upgrade the facilities of Nansen Field; generate steady revenues to meet the char­itable purpose of SNI under California law; develop substantial programs to justify retention of Nansen Field in its present form.

Scandinavian Center at Nansen Field (SCAN) Established

A new organization was established in May 1997; Scandinavian Center at Nansen Field (SCAN). In an agreement with SNI, SCAN replaced Sportsklubben FRAM as the operator and manager of Nansen Field. SCAN faced many challenges, includ­ing: a) raising sufficient funds to make monthly payments on loan b) maintenance and upgrading of the soccer field and buildings c) generating sufficient revenues and cash flow to assist SNI in meeting its charitable purpose. 

SCAN’s goal to establish a Nordic Heritage, Cultural and Sports Center at Nansen Field has proven difficult. Nansen Field was considered by the Scandinavian community in Los Angeles to be "too Norwegian" through­out the years. Not until SNI was faced with substantial debt did the Board invite others to join and ask them for financial help. SCAN’S challenge has been the difficulty of raising sufficient funds. SNI had basically two options going forward, either sell the property with proceeds going to a charitable organization, or refinance the loan.

Many volunteers have worked hard to overcome the above challenges with such efforts as “Save Nansen Field”, refinancing of the loan, generous donations and several fundraising activities. These efforts have resulted in the reduction of Nansen Field debt from $325K in 1995 to a current day figure of $109K!!

Nansen Used for Varitey of Purposes and Events

Nansen Field is used for a variety of purposes, including: Sportsklubben FRAM and FRAM CQ Youth meetings; Idrettsmerke track and field trials; Norwegian Constitution Day on May 17^th celebrated for over 35 years at Nansen Field; FRAM Soccer with over 30 teams of youth, adults and old boys; SCAN Socials; SCAN cultural events; rental of buildings for Weddings, Socials, Meetings; Norwegian Fish Club; monthly socials with participation of Norwegian seamen from the Sea Launch project in Long Beach; Ulabrand Lodge, Sons of Norway; Icelandic-American Association National Day on June 17^th; Swedish American Chamber of Commerce; Norwegian American Chamber of Commerce; Swedish American Historical Association of California (SAHAC) and the Nordic Cup Golf Tournament.

The Future of Nansen

Planning for the future is always a challenge when you take into account the interests of following stake holders: the Attorney General of California who oversees charitable foundations and must find our charitable purpose justifiable and acceptable; Seamen as beneficiaries of the charitable trust; the Scandinavian community and the community at large as "others" - beneficiary of charitable trust; current users; the City of Rolling Hills Estates; and ourneighbors.

Some goals and objectives going forward include: Improvement of existing and the addition of new facilities for sports, business confer­ences, national festivals, art shows, concerts etc; enhanced landscaping; establishment of a Nordic Heritage Museum and Library; creation of a Memorial Garden; and the generation of adequate revenue and distribution of funds to benefit seamen, thus meeting the charitable obligation of SNI.