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Nora, South Dakota, a tiny town with a population of just two residents, is home to a once-vibrant general store that transforms into a holiday gathering place every Christmas.
Nearly four decades ago, Mike Pedersen, one of Nora’s two inhabitants, bought the building with the goal of realizing his dream to refurbish a pipe organ. However, he faced the challenge of determining how to use it effectively.
“Being a bachelor without a family to come and hear me play, I often wondered what would become of it,” Pedersen reflected.
To share the joy of music during the festive season, Pedersen placed an advertisement in the local paper, inviting the community to join him for Christmas caroling sessions at the store. Initially met with skepticism, he persevered, and what began as a small gathering has since evolved into a broad, cherished tradition.
For 35 years, Pedersen has played his pipe organ every Christmas, welcoming tens of thousands of participants from surrounding regions in South Dakota and neighboring states, including Minnesota, Nebraska, and Iowa, to partake in the holiday spirit.
Community Caroling Tradition
Dylan Monson first visited the Nora Store with his family in 2015. The experience left a lasting impression, leading him to study broadcast journalism at South Dakota State University. As part of his coursework, Monson produced a story highlighting this unique Christmas tradition that his family continued to cherish.
Reflecting on the significance of the event in 2016, Pedersen shared with Monson, “I’ve come to realize how many lives are touched by this place. I merely serve as its caretaker, but when the store fills up, the warmth of unconditional love is palpable. It’s an experience that words can hardly capture—something you truly have to feel for yourself. So Merry Christmas.”
One of the dedicated attendees who consistently returns is Rob Monson, Dylan’s father. He expressed that visiting the store evokes a nostalgic feeling.
“Coming here is like stepping into a Norman Rockwell painting,” Rob noted. “Everything about this little town, from the country store to the potbelly stove, reflects a bygone era that feels increasingly rare.”
Preserving the Nora Store
Despite the store’s inactivity since 1962, with no sales occurring in over half a century, Pedersen is committed to preserving this historic site, relying on donations and his own efforts. He has even postponed critical hip replacement surgery, prioritizing the annual Christmas event to ensure he can provide apple cider to the carolers who bring joy to the town.
“I maintain an open keyboard policy, inviting anyone to come up and play. While some performers shine, others… well, let’s just say you’re hopeful for their swift return to sitting down,” he humorously remarked. “By God’s grace, as long as I reside in Nora, I will continue this tradition.”
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