Nora Store Christmas

Dec 17, 2015

Mike Pedersen, of Nora, has always liked Christmas. When he set up an old pipe organ in the town's former country store in 1989, he decided to throw a big party. People have been joining him for holiday sing-alongs ever since.

Nora, southwest of Alcester in the middle of Union County, was never a big town. Today the population is five according to the town sign. The Nora store closed in 1962. It's now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and Pedersen accepts free will donations at the sing-alongs for upkeep and restoration. He has festively decorated the charming shop with toys and gifts from past sing-along guests. An old pot bellied stove warms the room, neighbor women bring cookies and Pedersen makes the coffee and cider. Guests shout requests and Pedersen plays them on a beautifully restored organ. When his fingers get tired he makes room for somebody else. A young man named Nick, blind since birth, shared a few solos with the welcoming crowd last weekend. Other young guests later accompanied the organ with flute and trumpet.

Pedersen has extended this season's open house for two more days. Guests are invited to enjoy this unique holiday experience Friday, Dec. 18, and Saturday, Dec. 19, at 6:30 p.m. Nora Store is 4 miles east of Union Grove State Park at 30707 475th Avenue. Call Pedersen at 605-670-1455 with questions.

Photos by Rebecca Johnson. To see a short video from last Sunday, click here.

Comments

06:27 pm - Thu, December 17 2015

KAREN CHRISTENSEN said:

I will look forward to hearing about this next year but am hoping it will be earlier in the season when I get the notice. I think this is a really neat thing you are doing. It would be a wonderful family tradition! Corrected e mail address, my fingers travel too fast!

04:35 pm - Sat, November 25 2017

RON JAMES BEUKELMAN said:

I enjoyed the spiritual experience at the North store Friday November 24th 2017! I will be going back! The Holy Spirit spoke loudly to everyone there and it wasn't Dodge field experience! Bet experience I've had in my life! Please folks join me in celebrating in this location Holy Spirit speaking about the spirit of Christmas! There is nothing better than this experience has small town grocery store! The Lord continually works in the Holy Spirit speaks! I want to thank Mike Peterson for a wonderful experience and yes the Lord continually Works in our hearts and our minds and our souls who has proven last night at a little country grocery store thanks Mike Peterson.

12:56 pm - Mon, December 4 2017

Ruth Ann McManus said:

Mike is absolutely one of Gods disciples of today. You leave the store feeling better than when you get entered. What a great place to get uplifted. Thanks Mike

06:29 am - Mon, December 16 2024

Debbie Chalmers said:

Dec. 16, 2024
I just watched a wonderful segment about the Nora Christmas carol sing-along on CBS morning Beghold's America. What a wonderful holiday experience. I hope to drive there for it next year from our MN mississippi river town.

06:30 pm - Wed, December 18 2024

Dianne Aisenbrey said:

My sister, Audrey and I took our mother to Nora for a visit several years ago during the summer. Our mother's name is Nora so this was a special visit. At the time we didn't know about the Christmas gathering at the store. If we had, we surely would have come.

She is no longer with us as she passed away recently at age 103. Perhaps she's visiting you this Christmas to hear your music.

Thank you, South Dakota Magazine for searching out these little known and important communities in South Dakota.