The Place Where Danes Meet
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Let us take you on a brief History Tour of our organization:
In early 1950 a group of Southern Ontario Danes had an idea to build a retirement home for Danes, and on May 13, 1950 the first Board of Directors was elected.
On May 13th 1950 the first Board of Directors was elected for Sunset Villa. They were: Magnus Jensen, Frederick Nielsen, Erik Thure, Aksel William Suder, Christian Jensen, Emilie Nielsen and Karen Eriksen.
In 1954, after many dances, bazaars, lotteries and bake sales, the necessary funds were raised to purchase about 50 acres of land in Crieff, Ontario from the well known publisher of MacLean Magazine, Lt. Colonel J.B. MacLean.
On June 5th 1955, the inauguration took place, marking the first Danish Constitution Day celebration held at Sunset Villa. This yearly event has taken place, without interruption, on the first Sunday in June each year with visitors by the thousands attending.
On September 24th 1967, Her Royal Highness Princess Margrethe and Prince Consort Henrik visited Sunset Villa and planted two beautiful beech trees. The beech is the Danish national tree.
In the early 1990's with some prodding from the Danish churches, the idea of an urn cemetery for the Danish community emerged. A 2.5 acre piece of land was donated by Sunset Villa Association for Sunset Mindepark. With energy, artfulness and persuasion, a seemingly impossible task has come to fruition. The consecration of Sunset Mindepark took place on November 19, 1993. Today, visitors find a 2.5 acre (1 Hectare) urn cemetery with 349 urn spaces and 5 memorial walls with 273 Columbarium Niches.
As of 2004, the property houses, among other buildings, a restaurant, 10 seniors apartments, an outdoor kitchen and party dome, 50 trailer sites, a Board Room and a Ladies Auxiliary. On the first Sunday of every month (Not January and February), the Danish Pastry Shop from Toronto sets up business in the Baker's Room. Six times a year an informative Bulletin is sent out to members.
Over the years, Sunset Villa has been established and grown, through the hard work and dedication of many volunteers. The preservation of our heritage through Sunset Villa will continue long into the future for the enjoyment of generations to come. See more about the history of Crieff by clicking the More Button.
Sunset Villa Association