In the late 1800s, the Ronning General Store was a prominent establishment near a creamery where farmers delivered milk twice a week. It became renowned for its Sunshine butter brand, according to Pedersen. Following its closure in 1906, the Nora Store opened on the same corner in 1907, specializing in vinegar for farming and flour sacks for homemade clothing. After the Nora general store shut its doors in 1962, a decade passed before Pedersen made it his home. However, mice and cats had already claimed the space, nesting in the corners and kitchen of the dilapidated building. Over the next 13 years, Pedersen cleaned and renovated the store, transforming it into his living quarters.
On December 11, 2024, Mike Pedersen entertained guests with his pipe organ at the Nora Store near Alcester, South Dakota, hosting a Christmas sing-a-long for the 35th consecutive year. What began as a hobby evolved into a cherished tradition. In 1986, Pedersen purchased land adjacent to the Nora Store and collected parts of an old pipe organ stored at the University of South Dakota’s National Music Museum, intending to move out of the store and into a proper home. By fall 1989, with the help of friends, he assembled the organ and initiated his annual Christmas carol sing-alongs.
The gathering at the Nora Store has become a beloved tradition for many, with about 20 guests joining in the festive songs. Pedersen’s organ playing and the community’s shared singing create a joyful atmosphere, with classics like “Away in a Manger,” “Silent Night,” and “Oh Come, All Ye Faithful” filling the air. The event draws participants from nearby towns, such as the Trinity Lutheran Church group from Tea, South Dakota, who have made it a yearly December activity. Pedersen’s passion for music and community shines through as he guides the singing session, encouraging guests to participate and enjoy the festive spirit.
As one steps into the Nora Store, a sense of hope permeates the room, akin to that which one might feel in a place of worship. The question lingers in the air, “Is this my last hurrah?” This year, Pedersen ponders whether this chapter might mark his final performance: “I was having a bad hip and a bad attitude.” Just as the spotlight momentarily shines on Pedersen, it swiftly shifts to Nora. A South Dakota magazine showcases the beloved Nora Store, while CBS recently highlighted its charm. Despite his initial contemplations, Pedersen decides to remain for another year, realizing that Nora may require additional parking space in the near future.
With a slight limp and the support of a cane, Pedersen takes a brief respite from playing the organ, pondering aloud whether his next audience will be in the ethereal realm. “Nora has been my life ministry, but is this my last hurrah?” he muses post-performance. “Fame holds little allure for me. I simply aim to serve and spread joy this Christmas season.”
The enchantment of Christmas envelops Nora, nestled within the walls of the century-old country store that exudes a nostalgic allure. It is not merely the trinkets adorning the shelves, the voluminous guestbook reminiscent of an encyclopedia, the petite Christmas tree casting a soft glow, or the artificial Poinsettia gracing the organ that captivate visitors. Pedersen, ever the improviser, croons, “There’s no place like Nora for the holidays, for the holidays you can’t beat home sweet home!”
The harmonious notes of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” linger in the air as visitors bid their farewells, enveloping Pedersen in warm embraces and well wishes for the festive season. As the magic of the hour draws to a close, Pedersen escorts guests to the door, extending his arm in a gesture reminiscent of Father Christmas on his sleigh, bidding adieu as snowflakes begin to drift gently from the heavens.
In this tale of Christmas enchantment and heartfelt connections, the spirit of Nora Store and its guardian, Pedersen, shine brightly, weaving a tapestry of warmth and joy that transcends the ordinary. The magic of the season weaves its spell, creating a sanctuary where memories are made and spirits are uplifted. As the final chords fade away and snowflakes dance outside, the essence of Christmas lingers in the air, a reminder of the enduring power of love, faith, and the simple joys found in the embrace of community.
This narrative of seasonal wonder and timeless traditions originally graced the pages of the Sioux Falls Argus Leader, capturing the essence of Nora Store’s Christmas in South Dakota for all to cherish and share in the spirit of the holidays.
