CVIIl EST. 1906 La Palma, California March 2015 Number 1 www.orderofruneberg.org International Order of Runeberg Supreme Board President’s Message Greetings to our members archive with SFHS. SFHS reim- burses the sender for the postage. & friends in Canada, 2015 is the 150th anniversary of Finland, and USA. the birth of Finnish composer Jean As most of you are aware, the Sibelius. Finlandia Foundation dissolution of the International Or- National has a section of their der of Runeberg will occur on website dedicated to Sibelius’ 150th March 31, 2015, as was voted on at anniversary: the August 2014 IOR Convention. http://finlandiafoundation.org/ This was precipitated by a lack of sibelius-150-calendar. This website members willing to fill the IOR provides a calendar that includes Board positions combined with a dozens of events supported by dearth of younger members, espe- Finlandia Foundation National. cially in lodges that have dis- You may also learn more about banded. There are exceptions to Sibelius at our website: From the this trend, with some lodges bring- home page, orderofruneberg.org, ing in younger members. select the “Cultural Topics”, then On the positive side, $9,000 select “Sibelius & Finlandia”, or use has been allocated to continue The IOR Board encourages all this link: both: (a) publication of the Lead- lodges, whether disbanding or con- www.orderofruneberg.org/ ing Star, which will allow continu- tinuing, to send in past IOR records culturaltopicssibeliusfinlandia.html. ing this newspaper that has been of interest to SFHS. You will find In addition to learning about in publication since January, 1906 within this issue of the Leading Sibelius, the web page has two links (109 years), and (b) publication of Star, an article that provides the to performances of Sibelius’ our website, SFHS Guidelines to IOR for Finlandia (Hunter College & NPR), www.orderofruneberg.org. Records of Interest. These guide- and since these links will open in a Also on the positive side, lines list, in order of priority, the separate browser window, you’ll be lodges that have plans to continue records that are important to able to listen to “Finlandia”, while may use the “Order of Runeberg” continued on page 2 in their name. For example, “Or- der of Runeberg, Lodge #205, New Haven.” There are six lodges that plan to continue independently af- WHAT’S INSIDE: ter the March 31 IOR dissolution. They are: Lodge #8, Dollar Bay; IOR Website...... 3 Lodge #102, Eureka; Lodge #106, Lodge News...... 4 Tacoma; Lodge #124, Vancouver; Lodge #126, North Bend / Coos Resolution...... 7 Bay; and Lodge #205, New Haven. SFHS Guidelines...... 7 The seventh lodge, Lodge #105, Butte, is planning to dis- Scholarships...... 8 band. Genealogy Corner...... 10 2 March 2015 Change President’s Message he Leading Star will soon continued from page 1 replaced by article contributions change from being part of the from the six lodges, alternating at the same time, continue explor- International Order of alphabetically. I suggest lodge T ing our website! Runeberg to being a paper for the members think about possible top- With the IOR dissolution on Order of Runeberg. The format will March 31, there will be many ics, and let Dale and Mary Lou or me know when you or your lodge not change, but some of the con- changes—two of immediate note: have an article to publish. Our tent will. There will be no (a) On our website references to Leading Star editors, Dale and President’s Message, as mentioned IOR will be removed, other than Mary Lou, suggest articles that are in Stew Lyon’s President’s Message history-related references. Also, 300–500 words in length. in this issue. Some suggestions “International Order of Runeberg” have been made then as to what to will be replaced with “Order of I would like to extend congratu- lations to Vancouver Lodge #124, replace it with. Let us know if you Runeberg Lodges,” (b) As men- as the lodge celebrates it’s 90th an- have ideas or would like to volun- tioned in the December issue of the niversary, with a dinner and enter- teer with an article. Please continue Leading Star, please think about tainment on March 28 at the Scan- to send in news about your lodges and offer your suggestions for a dinavian Community Centre in so we will have plenty of articles for Leading Star column to replace Burnaby, BC. the paper. this IOR “President’s Message” col- Lastly, I would like to thank all Please note the article on page umn. You may email your sugges- members of IOR for the opportu- tions to the Leading Star editors 7 about the SFHS Guidelines for nity to serve you during my 2010– (Email: [email protected]), or sending in records. SFHS will re- 2014, and this 2014-2015 extension myself(Email:[email protected]). imburse the sender for postage. of IOR office term. This may take time and effort to do In the 2/22/15 Board meeting it was suggested that this IOR Stew Lyons but will be a valuable treasure for IOR President future generations. “President’s Message” column be

–DH

The LEADING STAR (ISSN No. 0744-7485) is published quarterly by the International Order of Runeberg for its members and others interested in the Order at 7682 Tracy Lane, La Palma, California 90623-1501.

The Leading Star / Ledstjärnan Correspondents: Information received by the first Friday of Int’l. President: Stewart Lyons the quarterly month or as noted will be included in that Editors: Dale and Mary Lou Hjort quarter’s issue. Subscriptions payable in advance To correct our listing of your address, fill in the requested One Year, U.S. & Canada $15.00 information in the form below and send your old mailing label to: Overseas $20.00 Dale & Mary Lou Hjort 7682 Tracy Lane Resolutions, single column, per inch, $5.00 La Palma, CA 90623-1501 Advertising rates available upon request. Address all correspondence to: Name:______Postmaster: Send changes of address to: Street:______The Leading Star, Attn: Dale & Mary Lou Hjort City:______7682 Tracy Lane La Palma, CA 90623-1501 State:______Zip______Telephone/Fax: 714-739-0932 Lodge & Number:______Email: [email protected] ______March 2015 3 IOR WEBSITE 2014 4 March 2015

LODGE NEWS Lodge #106 Tacoma, Washington

There were 28 members present at the Order of Runeberg meeting on October 4, 2014. Our speaker was Paul Lundborg, a retired min- ister who attends the Gloria Dei Paul Lundborg, Lutheran Church together with his a story of Swedes in wife Rose Ann Lundborg. America in 1862: Coming up will be our Christmas “Death of a Dream” meeting in December on December 6, 2014. It will be a potluck meet- ing and it will be held at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church on College Street—continue on between 19th and 21st. The church is across from the Mountain View Elementary School directly across the street. A big welcome to all who will at- tend. There will be a singing group present in December. From left: Birthdays in December are: Marilyn Thompson Marita (Gustafson)Agnew Dianna Nelson—Dec. 5 Rose Ann Lundborg Larry Sandell—Dec. 14 Carina Mohammadi—Dec. 31 Carina and Joe have already left for Puerta Vallarta and will turn back the 25th of December. God Jul Sincerely, Marita Agnew President of Tacoma From left: Lodge #106 Carina Mohammadi Barbara Soderberg Joe Mohammadi

From left: Marilyn Thompson and Patricia Backman

From left: Virginia Ulrich and Eileen Scott March 2015 5

LODGE NEWS

Lodge #106 Tacoma, Washington Today would have been— “Johan Ludwig Runeberg’s 211th B- day.” He was born on the 5th of Feb- ruary 1804 in the Jakobstad Fin- land, which was a small city half- way up the Gulf of Bothnia. He was a very educated man and spoke sev- eral languages. Must say we have had some warm and beautiful days lately. The Christmas at the Agnews 2014, showing above the fireplace rose bushes are beginning to show green leaves, the daffodils are blooming and so is the Christmas Cactus here in my “Office” where I work. It’s unbelievable how many blooms it has had. This cactus was a starter from my grandmother Sanna Amanda Karlsson in Kantlax, Munsala, and then passed it on to my mother, Phoebe Amanda Gustafsson, and now to me, Marita Phoebe Agnew. I have a crocus plant that is also in bloom. I’m looking forward to seeing a lot of you at the Order of Runeberg Meeting in February 2015. Sisters [left] Monica (Karlson) Mason and Sincerely, Marita Agnew [right] Carol (Carlson) Hahn. President of Tacoma #106 Lodge Monica born at the hospital in Jakobstad, P.S. There were 28 present this last Finland; Carol born in Michigan, U.S.A. Saturday at the Tacoma Lodge Christmas tree 2014 #106. at the Agnews in Sincerely, Olympia, WA, Marita (Gustafson) Agnew Marita Agnew and Monica Mason

An old spinning wheel made as a gift from her father inscribed: “Sanna Amanda Eriksdotter Laggar” year 1893 The yarn was spun and carded when the sheep’s wool was trimmed off. 6 March 2015 LODGE NEWS Lodge #205 New Haven, Connecticut “Bowling & Pizza” event Our annual “Bowling & Pizza” event, held on January 25, was well attended, including children, as Doug on left, shown in this article’s accompany- Ken keeping score, ing pictures. After an enjoyable time bowling, George & Brenda Kirsti with a nice smile, Nousiainen hosted the lodge mem- Peter seated on right, bers at their home. Following the and Lise bowling “disposal” of six pizzas, everyone enjoyed dessert—”make your own sundae,” featuring a selection of ice cream flavors, numerous toppings, and a variety of cookies. Of course, Brenda and George provided copi- ous amounts of fresh coffee for Left to right: Aaron, Christian, Finns, such as me. Jamie and in back, Jason To view more pictures (in color), visit the New Haven lodge’s web page at the Runeberg website: http://www.orderofruneberg.org/ lodges/l205newhavenct.html or go directly to the “Bowling & Pizza” event page: http://www.orderofruneberg.org/ l205bowling15.html. Article submitted by Stew Lyons That’s Jamie bowling

Enjoying their “make your own sundae” are, left to right Jamie, Jason, Aaron & Christian After pizza, everyone is enjoying ice cream sundaes! Foreground, L-R: Kirsti, Doug, Liisa, Noora & Kaarina Background, L-R: Sandy, Glenn, Pekka, Roy & Lise March 2015 7

in Finland. John also had two cousins, Marta Cederberg in Tacoma, WA, and Greta Lindroos in Vasa, Finland. John also left be- John passed away quietly in his hind Suzanne Edwards, his long- sleep on December 30, 2014, in time companion and best friend. Tacoma, Washington. John was John loved to work in his flower born on September 14, 1933, in Fin- gardens and his yard. He also en- land. John’s parents were Karl and joyed helping other neighbors with Anni Sandstrom. His brothers were their yards and lawns. John loved Richard, Bror, Simon, and Gustav, animals, especially cats. John also each with a family, and two sisters, loved to spend time at his home on Hazel and her husband Bertel and Lake Sammamish, which re- Gunvie in Sweden who is married minded him of where he grew up. and has 5 boys and 2 grandchildren. A memorial service was held in Only Hazel and Gunvie have several honor of John at the Immanuel John Olof grandchildren. Presbyterian Church in Tacoma, He moved to the Tacoma area in WA, on January 24, 2015, offici- Sandstrom, the 1970s, where he worked for ated by Rev. David R. Brown. member of International Order of Puget Sound Plywood for many Rest in Peace. Runeberg Lodge # 106, years. John is survived by two sis- Your friend Marita Tacoma, WA ters and several nieces and nephews From childhood days in Orvais SFHS Guidelines to IOR for Records of Interest The following guidelines were prepared by Syrene has archived most Leading Star issues after 1957. Any Forsman of SFHS, specific to IOR lodges. These earlier issues from 1900 on, or even earlier, are much guidelines are provided to all lodges, whether dis- sought after. solving or continuing, and we urge lodges to send in • Memorial booklets about the lodge history past records of interest to SFHS. • Lodge Charter, etc. Here is the list of records according to importance. • Banners, desk flags from partner lodges, and other Oldest are most important. ALL records are impor- realia tant, of course, because they tell the story of Swed- • Each lodge may have been part of a larger community ish-Finn immigrants within a community. event, such as parades, competitions, Lucia pageant, • Membership registers: If the member’s name in fairs, other Scandinavian organizations. Articles and North America appears WITH their name in Finland records of that involvement show where the lodge fit and their birth day, month, year, and parish, it is so into its geographic site. much easier to connect with the person’s records in • Financial records of members are not important. Sick Finland. SFHS’ genealogy office receives many re- benefit records, dues records should probably be con- quests for help in reconnecting with immigrants sepa- sidered private information. Financial records of lodge rated from home by the Atlantic Ocean. IOR records activities on the other hand can give a picture of where are the best kind of resources for such research. the hall was located, who played for the dances, and • Minutes of meetings: What issues and events did other interesting materials. the membership support? Who worked with what SFHS will reimburse the sender for the postage.The committee? The most difficult question to answer SFHS address is 1920 Dexter Avenue North, Seattle, WA for a relative in Finland is “What was their life like?” 98109. Should a call be necessary, the phone number is • Scholarship records with applications are impor- 206-706-0738. tant as marks of your lodge’s impact on the future. Students who have studied in Swedish Finland will bring home a special awareness of the heritage and Looking for Relatives culture. Their contacts in Finland can have lifelong I am looking for other relatives of Greta Liza Svens impact. (b.1884), and relatives of Edward Oman/Ahman (b.1883), • Photographs, especially those with date, place, who came to America. They came from Vora, Vasa, Fin- names land, about 1910. They are mygrandparents. Please con- • Newspaper articles, perhaps there might even be tact me, Tom Martin, at [email protected] photos, in media outside of the Leading Star. SFHS 8 March 2015 2015 International Scholarship Winners The International Order of Runeberg Scholarship Program began in 2002; and thanks to many generous donations, we have awarded 37 scholarships. Since the International Order of Runeberg will be dissolved March 31, 2015, these are the last 5 scholarships we will award. We are pleased to announce the 2015 scholarship recipients. They are Ryan Connell, New Haven Lodge #205; Austin Swanson, Eureka Lodge #102; Leanne Felton, Vancouver Lodge #124; Sten-Erik Andreassen, Tacoma Lodge #106; and Mira Vuorensivu, Vancouver Lodge #124. These are all hard-working students with impressive academic achievements. We can be proud of these members and send our “Best Wishes” for a future that will meet their goals and dreams.

Odyssey of the Mind, where her team placed 20th in the World Finals, compet- ing against 825 teams from around the world. She cut off 12 inches of her hair and donated to Wigs for Kids. Good Luck, Leanne, for a success- ful future.

LEANNE FELTON joined Vancouver Lodge RYAN CONNELL has been a member of #124 14 years ago. She is a 1st year stu- New Haven Lodge #205 for 10 years. He dent at the University of Victoria with a will graduate from high school this year goal of becoming an elementary teacher. where he has been involved in various She is Philanthropy Chair of the Upsilon sports, captain of 3, and several com- chapter of Kappa Beta Gamma Interna- munity groups. He is an outstanding stu- tional Sorority. In high school she was in dent. His plan is to go to college and get the TALONS program for gifted students a degree in sports communications with and participated in in-depth projects, out- a goal of becoming a sports broadcaster doors trips and cultural activities. It helped AUSTIN SWANSON has been a member for ESPN. Journalism is also in his plans her adjust to high school after being of Eureka Lodge #102 for 7 years. He is and he now writes for the school paper, homeschooled for 2 years. In Musical The- a freshman at the College of the Red- is sports editor, and has established an ater, for 4 years, she progressed from cho- woods. He is majoring in Kinesiology with online sports website. He is a responsible, rus to lead character in “Footloose.” She a goal of becoming a physical therapist. respectful, conscientious, mature student was one of 16 in the elite Vocal Jazz En- He sees a need for blending physical with a positive attitude. He has a pas- semble. She maintained her place on the therapy with sports medicine due to his sion for sports and telling a story. Honor Roll. Her piano playing was enjoyed experiences with playing team sports. Good Luck in your studies, and per- at various events. Leanne volunteered at Besides being a good, responsible stu- haps one day we will listen to you Fast Brained Kids Gifted Association and broadcasting sports games. March 2015 9

dent, Austin has been dedicated to de- career. I have just under 3 years ahead veloping his talent as an athlete in base- of me in the program so again, this ball and bowling. He would like to play in scholarship is much appreciated. Major League Baseball. He is a young man Thank you so much for recognizing of integrity, strong work ethics with a my efforts and for supporting my ca- positive attitude and is a dependable reer goals. worker. Sincerely, Mira Vuorensivu Best of Luck, Austin, as you con- tinue your studies. Thank you for awarding me with this scholarship. It is an honor to re- ceive this scholarship as it is a way to help support my future endeavors in college. I look forward to pursuing a career in sports broadcasting and ad- MIRA VUORENSIVU has been a mem- vancing my education. Runeberg has ber of Vancouver Lodge #124 for 13 been an enjoyable experience and is years. She graduated from Douglas Col- something that I am proud to be a part lege with a certificate in Dental Assisting of. Thank you again for, helping me in 2010. She has now been accepted to further my education. B. C. Institute of Technology, Bachelor of Sincerely, Science in Nursing program. She was a Ryan Connell dental assistant for 3 years and was a Hello! well organized and confident team mem- I’d like to express my gratitude for ber. She took on complicated responsi- being awarded the Order of Runeberg bilities and became head assistant. She Scholarship. Having been a member STEN-ERIK ANDREASSEN has been a completed the Dental Anesthesia for most of my life, I am honoured to member of Tacoma Lodge #106 for 3 Assistant’s Certification Examination with receive this support from an organi- years. He is currently attending Pierce impeccable results. She is motivated and zation that I care about. This scholar- Community College where he joined Phi strives to improve herself. She has vol- ship will go toward my second year Theta Kappa Honor Society. In the future unteered at the Finnish Manor Care Fa- tuition at the University of Victoria, he plans to transfer to Oregon State Uni- cility and her experiences have confirmed where I am pursuing a BEd in Elemen- versity in Mechanical Engineering. He is her passion for patient care. She wants tary Education. Once again, thank you an excellent student, very dedicated and to be a valued member of a larger health very much for this generous award. hardworking. He enjoys building things care team. Leanne Felton and spends time building stage sets for We wish you Good Luck in your Nursing career, Mira. I am very proud and honored to his church. He volunteers in the Life Cen- have received this scholarship from ter Singing Christmas Tree, a major mu- Lorene Mara International Order of Runeburg and sical and dramatic production. He is will- Scholarship Chairman the scholarship committee. With this ing to help wherever needed, manage scholarship, I will be able to continue prop distribution, run a spot light, handle my education. fog machines, etc. He does all this with a My family and I are very commit- positive attitude. He is dependable, dili- ted to our local lodge. We continue to gent, friendly, respectful and reliable in try to promote the Order of Runeburg all that he does. Thank You in our area. Best Wishes and we hope your goal Once again, thank you very much. of working for Boeing one day comes Austin Swanson true. Dear Order of Runeberg, I want to express my sincere grati- Thank you to the Order of Runeberg tude for awarding me the scholarship for awarding me this scholarship. This this year. I am currently undergoing is an honor to receive this scholarship my first year of Nursing school at the because I will be able to continue on British Columbia Institute of Technol- towards my future. I am so happy to ogy. Even though I only just started the see that so many others support me in program; I already feel a strong sense pursuing a higher education. of belonging and that I am on the right Thank you, path to a challenging yet rewarding Sten-Erik Andreassen 10 March 2015 Genealogy Corner

part by heart. This fine amounted to Old Traditions in about 90 öre or 12 pennis. Österbotten The parish clerk served as a teacher and went from farm to farm to teach the children to read. The parents could Education not teach for they themselves could not do much reading. One of the first am- hen the Reformation was estab- bulatory school teachers in Nedervetil lished in the Nordic countries, it parish was Ängman’s widow. She wan- Wbecame an important task for the dered from farm to farm and taught the Lutheran Church to inform people of children to read. Another school the Christian religion. This was found teacher from that time was Gabriel in Martin Luther’s Little Catechism. June Pelo, Rönnberg, born 1736 in Sweden, who But reading ability among the country A Dedicated Genealogist was married to Magdalena Larsdotter people was almost non-existent. In Friis. He was a master gardener and widely spread congregations with the could read and write. poor communication of the time, the In Nedervetil parish in the 1700s, The teachers were poorly paid. Af- pastor could not impart any teaching Catechism and reading examinations ter each child’s birth, a wife made a to the children. The church law of 1686 as well as training in writing were the monetary gift to the church. This required the pastor to direct his preach- first forms of teaching. Young people money was used mostly to teach poor ing to the main parts of the Catechism were often noisy and ill-mannered in children, especially after the 1808–09 and in such a way to instruct the pa- church, so in 1781 the church was re- war when orphans were found in great rishioners. quired to appoint a supervisor over the numbers. The parish school teacher According to a decree of 1644, the children during divine service. At a was the first pioneer in teaching. Pov- parish clerk was required to live in a reading examination in Murick that erty was their life and we cannot fully parish cottage near the church and to same year farm hand Jakob appreciate their contribution during read with the children. The rector had Gabrielsson was threatened with a the 1700s and 1800s. to see that the youth of the congrega- school whipping. At a reading exami- tion learned to read. Parents also had nation in 1775 Ahlskog’s maid Karin Wild Animals an obligation to teach their children to Michelsdotter was warned about slow read the Catechism. But it was a long book learning and laziness. One feature of daily life in a village time before this decree could be fol- The usual penalty for missing a was the struggle with wild animals. It lowed because many parents had little reading examination and for reading was mostly wolves and bears that pe- or no reading ability. aloud poorly was the log punishment. riodically made life unsafe for both In 1596 Uppsala Cathedral in Swe- With legs firmly shackled in the logs, people and cattle. Small children were den required the pastor to travel they were punished by sitting outside never safe outside. The family men through his parish and gather the resi- the church door along the roadside for were out hunting or fishing most of the dents for Catechism examination, and public inspection. This was a great time, so the women had to meet the in 1686 the church law required a read- shame and far from pleasant. This pun- danger. Preventive measures were ing examination. Both parents, the ishment was used frequently. (It must taken. The early dwellings were built master and mistress with all the house have been similar to the pillory.) “Wis- with such a narrow entrance that one residents as well as children and ser- dom should be knocked in with sticks had to crawl to enter. The barn roof was vants were required to attend the ex- to prevent lazy machines from taking loaded with big stones to protect the amination. It could be in progress for supremacy,” an old saying goes. At stock against the bears. Traps were three days and he who held the exami- reading examinations the young people placed in surroundings and pits were nation paid for food and drinks. As were threatened with whipping if they dug in the paths used by the beasts. An soon as the examination was over, a did not read aloud better. inner yard was built in the form of a dance was held and it could be in At the end of the 1700s people were square where the little children were progress for two days and nights with required to memorize the Catechism, fairly well protected and under super- intermission only during mealtime. and parents were fined if their children vision. A similar construction could be had not learned their simple Catechism seen in the villages of Riippa and Pelo March 2015 11

in the 1800s. The last bear in the area On the Tuesday evening before off and tightened the harness, but as was seen in 1825 and the last wolf was Lent, if a man went to the barn early, soon as it was tightened, the strap shot in 1950 near Terjärv. then the cows came home early during sprang loose again. This happened the summer. That same day someone many times. As quickly as the farmer Superstitions had to sweep the cottage floor and barn fixed the harness and started to drive, roof 9 times without speaking. If they the strap sprang loose. Then he real- People believed that magic could did that, there would be no flies in the ized that he had to cooperate with the bring them the luck—luck at fishing, summer. They also had to eat 9 times ghost and when he said a prayer, he good year’s crops, luck in brewing, that day. could continue his journey. well-being for the livestock, protection On Easter evening if one sketched In Tast a long time ago there was a from witches and the ability to track an old witch on the door of the barn, bandit who died. When a man went to down thieves. Through witchcraft, the witch would not be loose in the the church to toll the knell for him, the people could also harm other people barn. If one neglected to do this, the bell stuck. No matter how he tried, he and animals. Through magic they felt Easter witch clipped wool with the could not make the bell ring. protected from illness, snakebite and sheep shears in the sheep pen. If this Two brothers in Pelo village were wounds. happened, there would be bad luck that laying a straw-thatch roof on a sunny When the cows were released to year, the sheep would not thrive nor summer day. They sat along the road- pasture in the spring, a cross was breed. Otherwise, if the sheep were side near the barn while eating their drawn on the ground with tar. The sheared, then singed, the wool was bet- noon meal, and from the past their late cross protected them from evil spirits, ter. father’s father walked by. Both saw him it was believed. In the remote farms and villages, clearly. He was clothed in the same When a pregnant woman sat at a witchcraft and superstition flourished clothes as when they last saw him alive. loom and wove fabric, she did not leave a long time. There was a group of farms He went inside the barn but did not the weaving reed in the web because in Över Korplax called Kotkama where come out. The brothers were not fright- her birth pains would be long and dif- there were several witches who could ened, and went into the barn to see ficult. If there was a split in the fabric have an effect on animals. One time where he went, but the barn was empty. during weaving, one had to lay 25 some horses were so bewitched that One New Year’s evening a man saw pennis on the bolt of weaving. The fab- they would not stop kicking even after two cows go out and scratch for grain ric burst because someone put a spell becoming soaking wet from the exer- in the snow. When he went out to look on the loom. tion. People tried to take them outside at them, the grain turned into two men If a child was sick, a dram of and drive them, but they reared on who took him away to the edge of the schnapps had to be taken to the goblin their hind legs and stood still. So a cer- woods. Then they disappeared as if in the attic and the child became well. tain old woman was summoned who swallowed into the ground. Easter was not only a big church said she knew what the behavior of the During the Great War a Russian festival but was also a resurrection of horses was about—that under the floor courier was murdered at Tast. After nature and could not be ignored. Life was a bag containing a man’s bones. that no one would live on the farm be- was found in the form of Easter eggs, When the floor was taken up and the cause all who attempted to live there in fertility and vitality. In olden times, bag was removed, the horses stopped became destitute. this was interpreted as a sign of life’s kicking and standing on their hind legs. mysterious power. People believed that Among those same farms it was said Customs man could profit from nature’s secret that if one wanted to see the Easter power over evil and good beings that witch, he had to lie awhile on his back When electricity, motorcars, tele- lived in plants and animals, water and on the roof of the house until the witch phones and other modern inventions stones, by fastening them to his prop- appeared. became commonplace, the old customs erty, his house or household goods. At When the main road in Nedervetil and practices disappeared. They were the beginning of the 1800s and later parish went past the church and cem- dependent on seasonal changes and on one could find excellent rams horns etery, a traveler could see ghosts float- deeply rooted experiences. over a door, owl wings spread out, ing over the cemetery during the night. On parish farms people held small runestones of trolls or hobgoblins un- Sometimes the horses were forced to celebrations that brightened the week- der the churn, iron horseshoes over the stop right in front of the church and days and gave renewed energy for the door of a building, etc. they would not continue. They shook continuous harvest work. After During Lent people tried through and trembled with fright. But if a per- haymaking was over and all the grain all sorts of ways to indemnify them- son said a prayer or spoke God’s name, in the fields was gathered, the barley selves. On the Tuesday before Lent they the ghostly spirit disappeared and the had to be cut, and the turnips and po- ate meat broth and boiled milk with traveler could go on his way. tatoes were dug up. Then everyone buns. They stayed outside all day, ei- It was such an experience for a ther running with a toboggan or on farmer from Kaustby when he was driv- gathered to celebrate with rabbit which skis, or riding in an empty haywagon ing home in the dark autumn from the was cooked with potatoes or turnips. with a horse on the road. And on that market in Gamlakarleby. When he same day it was customary to hold a came to the church, the horse sprang When all the grain was threshed big dance in the parish.Genealogyloose from the cart. The farmer Corner hopped and put in the grain shed, bread was continued 12 March 2015

baked from the year’s harvest. Perhaps Cats and dogs were treated with calf bladder was tied over the small there was some “firewater” at some great love. It was maintained that when end. The afflicted part of the body was farm to slake the thirst if the mistress people fell into sin, God threatened to lanced with a copper axe, the large of the household did not serve the cus- deprive them of all food. But then the open end of the horn was placed over tomary beer. These modest work par- cat and dog stepped forward and asked the wound, and suction was applied by ties were still held in the beginning of for mercy for mankind. God regretted drawing on the small end of the horn the 1900s; people also combined these his decision and the people were al- with the mouth. This was usually done lowed to keep their food. small occasions into a large festival by old women called Cup Women who In the fall the farmers thinned out the equivalent to the large harvest festivals practiced this bloody handiwork. The herd of animals they didn’t want to feed patient usually went to the sauna after celebrated in the villages and parishes. during the winter. They sold the best bleeding, and then to bed for a good When relatives came to visit, they ar- meat and kept the worst. When they night’s rest. rived on Saturday afternoon and left on slaughtered, rather than knocking the The custom of cremation survived Tuesday or Wednesday. They were fed animal in the head, they cut an artery yet at the close of the 1700s and the be- and housed and not in any hurry to in the neck and the blood ran into a ginning of the next century. It was a leave. They, in turn, were obliged to re- container. The children took part in the frightful and unpleasant task. During pay relatives with a similar feast. slaughter and stirred the container so the winter months all the bodies of the When a woman had a child, it was the blood did not coagulate. dead were collected in the ash cellar at customary for relatives to bring butter, Farmers in olden times had a the back of the church. They could not meat, bread, raisin soup, wool, etc. strong bond with old customs and out- dig graves when the ground was fro- They in turn were invited to stay and grown methods. A third of the ground zen. After the first spring thaw, men eat. always lay fallow. This was particularly dug a big common grave and all the From earliest years, girls learned true of the back fields where they bodies collected during the winter were all sorts of handwork, to sew an even sowed rye. Fallow acreage was grazed turned into the grave and burned. The seam—at that time there were no sew- over during the early summer by the men who performed the job then got ing machines available—to knit, to set sheep. Then it was plowed and har- drunk with brandy because they could up a loom and to weave. They also had rowed and kept black during the sum- not bear the stench. to tidy up and tend to small brothers mer by industrious harrowing. The Tailors and shoemakers went from and sisters, so they had their hands full. 18th of August was when they sowed farm to farm and sewed clothing and In later years, the children in the house rye, with a spring sowing day on the fol- made shoes. Hides and skins were also learned to read and write. They lowing May 25th. smeared with tallow and pitch oil be- wrote on slate with a slate pencil. The farmers did not relax during fore the shoe-maker began to work. The boys stacked wood in a pile, the time between sowing and Women dressmakers also went helped those who wove, helped in the haymaking. They had long fences to around. But usually the farm women cowshed and helped those who did repair or rebuild. Large farms had sewed everything for their own needs. woodwork. Knives were the most de- many kilometers of fences to keep in Other skilled workers who wandered sirable treasure for boys. When they repair. In the early spring they cut around were the carpenter, watch- learned to do carpentry work, they wood for the fences which were held maker and tinsmith. Itinerant peddlers needed a knife. together with split spruce branches. A appeared with dishes, baskets, fabric, In olden times the women took ad- good fence could last up to 30 years. and geegaws. vantage of every minute. In the spring As their wages, servants always got they went to a far-lying pasture to bind Immediately after summer came shoes and wool. They were also allowed birch brooms and whisks for cleaning leaf taking time. They could not take to sit at the same table as the master’s house. They also took their knitting the leaves when the moon was waning family and ate the same food. There- needles and knit stockings while fol- because the sheep would not eat the fore many of them stayed many years lowing the cows home. If the family was leaves. Sheaves of leaves were dried on on the farm. large, it was not easy to provide stock- drying hurdles and they needed a thou- A lot of old customs were associated ings and mittens. If there was a lack of sand leaves for the winter needs of the with festivals. Late in October people wool or if they could not keep up with sheep. began to prepare for Christmas. They sewing for all the family members, the In olden times all hay was cut with slaughtered sheep and cows and butch- men used rags in their boots. Knitting a scythe and grain was cut with the ered enough animals to provide meat needles were a woman’s constant com- sickle. How heavy and laborious it was. for the entire year. The butchered meat panion. We have only a weak conception of how was salted down in a barrel and part of If a cow was taken ill, it could be the men worked from morning to night it was smoked in the sauna. The blood cured as follows: soil from three differ- for days until all was threshed. When was kept and baked into bloodbread. ent places in front of the doorstep was horses came into use, threshing time The guts and bowels were cleaned and blended with water and given as medi- was much easier. filled with sausage and roasted in the cine to the sick cow. It was repeated for There was an ancient practice of oven. three Thursday evenings and the re- bleeding to purge the body of impuri- After this came the malting of rye sults were good. ties. A horn cup was made from the and grain. They needed malt in great Genealogyshaved tip of a cowhorn, andCorner a bit of quantities for the beer they would March 2015 13 brew. The grain was soaked in water were dipped in oil and they burned un- mands of life. They were satisfied with until it sprouted. Then the sauna was til the return from church. The days what their own village could give them fired and the grain was kept there un- were very short at that time of year, so for variety and experience. It was natu- til the sprouts dried and became it was dark most of the time. On the ral for them to follow the same customs strong. It was then ground in the mill return trip home, the men drove in of their forefathers for hundreds of and the malt was ready to brew. There competition because he who reached years. was a large separate vat used for brew- home first also had his harvest taken ing. The home-brewed beer was sweet in first later in the year. Weddings and good. On large farms they made a thousand liters which provided drink- Brick Making Banns and weddings adhered to ing for the entire year. Yeast was not many customs that no longer exist. On bought, but they took the sediment After Christmas, preparations be- the Friday before Pentecost all the from the brewing vat and saved it for gan for making bricks. Men went to the couples who intended to post banns use during the year. woods and cut down trees and carried traveled to the city to shop. The fiancé Many weeks before Christmas, the the wood home. On some farms clay purchased the clothing and adorn- baking was started for the many assort- pits were dug and sand was hauled to ments for his bride. They rode to the ments of bread for the Christmas table. the pits. As soon as spring sowing was city in a long parade with an escort of First, they baked hardtack (crisp hard finished, work began on the bricks. It the best horses leading the bridal pairs rye bread). It had to be hard and dry was slavery to beat the clay, but people in chaises from all the parishes in the and baked in such large amounts that welcomed the additional income dur- area. The road was lined with children it lasted an entire year. Then they baked ing those miserable times. Everyone on who gathered for hours to see the sour bread, yeast bread and limpa (rye the farm was used: men, women, chil- bridal couples. The couples who tied meal bread), which were fermented dren and horses. A large trough was the nuptial knot during midsummer with yeast that came from the brewing made from logs and filled with water, usually posted banns on Pentecost vat. The sour bread was made by put- clay and sand. These ingredients were Sunday, and banns were also posted for ting rye flour in a dough tray and then blended and kneaded by the hooves of the next two Sundays. Pentecost was hot water was poured on it and it was a horse which was led back and forth considered the golden engagement covered with a cloth. Flour was added in the trough. time. 3 or 4 times and the dough was left to Near the trough was a plank on In 1900 in one of the parishes, a ferment for 3–4 days during which it which the bricks were formed. Under farmer’s son was engaged to marry the acquired a sweet-sour taste. The bread the plank was a water bucket filled with prettiest girl in the parish. The full- was baked with slow heat, usually sev- water so one could easily take water grown village boys had advance news eral hours. The baked bread then sat and add to the clay to form the bricks. of the event and they went to the in the dough tray, covered with a cloth, Both hands were formed into fists to bridegroom’s house and began, with- overnight in the kiln to turn a dark punch the mass into a wooden form, out permission, to empty the buildings brown. Bloodbread was made by stir- smoothed with the hands and then and sheds of the items stored there: old ring salt and flour into the blood. with a twitch the brick was moved from carts, sleds, barrows, plows, boards, The last day before Christmas, they the plank and placed on a flat surface. rollers, dung carts and all sorts of large tidied up. The log walls in the house The children then came with a sand bulky things.These were placed on the were decorated. Benches made of bucket and with their hands, strew road leading to the bridegroom’s planed boards were fastened to the sand over the bricks so they would not house. They knew it would create a walls. Many people had little means for crack from the sun. The empty form problem for the engaged man to at- Christmas. Usually, they made some was then placed in the water and had tempt to remove everything in order to minor addition in the home. Some took to be clean and wet before the next reach the house. The small boys of the on the job of weaving rugs. They were brick was formed. The bricks had to be village searched for old pans, horse a nice adornment for the heavily protected from rain and then fired for bells, cowbells and whatever they could scrubbed floors. The horses were also three days. use to make a noise when the engaged given something that warmed and Brick making was a gathering place couple came to the farm. In the evening adorned them on the journey to church for all the elders of the village. They there was a dance with coffee and buns on Christmas, so a horse-cloth was wo- told amusing stories, played cards, for all. ven. The old grandmother also received drank coffee, and sang and danced In Gamlakarleby, as well as in a warm garment, usually a large shawl themselves purple. About 10,000 Kronoby, it was customary for the en- of wool. In the 1700s it was still cus- bricks were made in the summer and gaged couple to go around to the farms tomary to spread straw or juniper twigs sold to the city. It was a craft that was to collect or beg for household items. on the floor on Christmas Eve day. Fa- later taken over by industry. The gifts consisted of wool, linen and ther Christmas greeted everyone and When one reminds himself of all the other textiles or money. Several ordi- brought presents. At six o’clock Christ- old simple but useful customs that nances from the 1600s prohibited the mas morning they all drove to the were cherished in the Swedish villages custom, but it did not deter the people church with sleigh bells ringing—burn- of Österbotten since time immemorial although the custom existed for a long ing torches shone here and there by one generation after the other, we time. through the drifting snow.Genealogy The torches realize that people made no bigCorner de- continued 14 March 2015

Following is a description of a large When the wedding day arrived, in 1945, 1,000 people were invited to wedding: preparations were made for over a the wedding and the celebration lasted Several weeks before the wedding thousand persons, to lodge them and for three days. Their wedding was one the wedding yard and the nearby farms treat them with food and drink for of the last large weddings in the par- were spruced up. The house was re- three days. The wedding was held on a ish. It was during the postwar period paired inside and out; windows were weekday in the middle of the week, and and all the food provided for the ban- cleaned in the house, barns and out- the marriage was performed in the quet was produced at Brännkärr. buildings. Young spruce was collected wedding yard. The wedding chamber Edmund’s grandfather Alfred was a from the woods. Birch branches were was beautifully decorated with home- farmer with extensive land. placed around the benches which woven bridal sheets. The day before the Edmund and Synnöve emigrated to young boys built. wedding the young people made America in 1956 and lived in Spring- In olden times a wedding pole stood wreaths of berry and juniper twigs field, Massachusetts, in a house with in the wedding yard. This has currently which were hung around the wedding 13 rooms which they rented out. In been replaced by a triumphal arch room, and mirrors were borrowed to 1965 they built a new house and lived which was made by standing two long be hung on the walls. there until 1975 when they moved to white poles near each other and drap- If the wedding was not held in the Sebring Hills, Florida, where they have ing a white sheet between the poles. church, an altar was erected in the lived for 20 years. They are now the Lingon and crow-berry branches, and house. A bench was placed with two only Finlanders remaining of the 22 small juniper twigs were gathered and long pillows on top, covered by a families in the neighborhood who lived bound into a small garland that formed fringed bridal sheet on which was there 20 years ago. Every other sum- the word: Välkommen. placed a little square cushion covered mer Edmund and Synnöve return to A week before the wedding, a car- with a little square white embroidered Nedervetil to their little red stuga on riage boy traveled around with invita- cloth and a colored paper flower was Klockar-backen. When they are in resi- tions bidding people to the wedding. placed on top of it. A fringed sheet was dence both Finland’s flag and the The day before the wedding everyone placed on the floor before the altar. American flag fly from the same pole. on the farm was occupied. The bride The bride’s clothing was black silk On 9 July 1995 during a visit to baked, beer was brewed, whitefish was and in many cases was borrowed from Nedervetil, they celebrated their rinsed and pickled for use as meat for the pastor’s wife. Many of the gowns golden wedding anniversary. Their son sandwiches, coffee was roasted and were altered many times because they Tage insisted that they celebrate in Fin- ground by the small girls. Sugar was were worn by small and large-sized land and he and his sons Jeffrey and purchased and shaved. Fresh Baltic brides. The bride also wore a large Mark went to Nedervetil to plan a big herring was rinsed and salted. The bak- bridal crown which was borrowed, pa- celebration at Gillestugan to which 350 ing of coffee bread required cinnamon. per flowers and silk ribbons. guests were invited. In more recent times gingerbread bis- The guests were richly provisioned cuits were baked. When the women and between mealtimes they played all arrived at the wedding yard they car- sorts of jokes and pranks, lifted cart Farm House ried a bundle which contained several wheels, ran in sacks, ate bread hang- To the left of the entrance door was breads and a large pat of butter on a ing from a cord, and ran races. One a bed with a high frame. A farm hand plate. If they came from a well-to-do prank was to hold a trial with a pros- slept there. In the corner of the house farm, they had a contribution of meat— ecutor, judge and jury. The one to be between the gable wall and side wall calf or mutton, all of which was a good prosecuted received a summons. He stood another bed for some of the resi- addition to the wedding meal. was prosecuted for a crime of a humor- dents. These beds were usually found The evening before the wedding the ous nature. The culprit could ask for a in small farms where children were ground was swept and raked all the way representative during the legal pro- more abundant than in well-to-do from the house to the main road. Ev- ceedings. families. In the summer everyone slept erything had to be as neat and clean as At a wedding at Pelo village in in the attic except for the young daugh- possible for the guests because the Nedervetil, Hansas Kalle (Karl ters who slept in the loft. If there were older married couples had plenty of Hansén) danced himself purple with guests and not many extra beds, their time between entertainment to wander another man’s wife. He was prosecuted children slept in the attic. If the guests around and see how things were. When for undue advances to the wife and was were harvesters or haymakers, during one considers the large number of wed- summoned to appear in handcuffs at meals they sat nearest the farmer and ding guests (1500–2000 people), it is legal proceedings. He asked Emil children and young people sat farther difficult to understand how people Högnäs to be his representative at the along the table. At the end of the table could undertake the task of treating trial, and the judge was Judge Gustaf was a stool. It was required when spin- and entertaining such a large number Bishop from Kronoby who acquited ning and when wool was carded. If a of guests for three days. But usually him and he did not have to pay a fine. guest appeared, he sat on a stool. In the there was no other occasion for many Even into the 1940s large weddings room where the farmer’s family slept, of the people to meet each other. And were still being held. When my friends there was a stool for the mother who there was great harmony and helpful- Edmund Brännkärr from Nedervetil nursed the baby in front of the fire in ness in the old villages; they were sat- and Synnöve Bodbacka from Terjärv the tile stove. isfied with the good things of their were married at Brännkärr, Nedervetil, world. Genealogy Corner March 2015 15

The typical house had a pole It was no small job to provide meals was in his coffin which rested on two running along the ceiling from which for those who attended her funeral. It stools, covered with a cloth. Then the hung the hardtack—it was baked with required 1 1/2 barrels of rye, 1 1/2 bar- cover was removed and the stools and a hole in the center. The sour bread rels of malt, 4 half-pecks of grain, 5 seats were placed along the cottage and rye bread were kept in barrels or pounds of coffee and sugar, 2 half-pecks walls. The guests were greeted by the on a tray. The floor and tables were of peas, 28 jugs of schnapps, 5 pounds host and hostess and then they stood scoured with water and sand. fresh whitefish, 6 pounds salted white- for a moment of silence by the coffin. The benches were short and long, fish, spices, 3/4 jug of rum, 1/2 jug mo- They were all dressed in black. They depending on the purpose for which lasses, and 5 pounds of tobacco. were invited to coffee from the coffee they were used—for example, as an ex- The village people were invited and table which stood near the hearth. Af- tension to the bed. The farmer usually there was great harmony. During those ter drinking coffee, they all stood while kept some tools for repairing shoes on times people helped each other when the parish clerk sang a psalm. A lid was a bench, and another bench would hold it was necessary. When they heard placed on the coffin and screwed tight. drills, screw-driver, folding rule, etc. about the feast, they helped with tidy- Another psalm was sung in unison, the There was also a bench near the fire- ing up so that everything was neat and coffin was carried out and placed on a place on which the dishes were washed. clean. The men borrowed from the vehicle and accompanied by mourners The axe bench was near the entrance community warehouse tables, seats, from the home to the church. door. The spoon holder was on the wall dishes, spoons, wooden cups. They also It was a very old custom that the de- behind the table. The wooden spoons collected spruce and juniper twigs from ceased in his coffin was placed in front were not washed, but were licked clean! the woods. These were chopped fine of the church on a catafalque. At the In the floor of the fireplace was a and strewn along the way from the appointed time the parish pastor and large trapdoor with steps to the cellar steps of the cottage to the road. Some parish clerk stood before the coffin where root stock was kept. Potatoes of the very finely chopped twigs were which was then carried to the funeral were also kept in the cellar. Some farms strewn on the cottage floor. The large chapel. The pastor and clerk led the had a revolving arm of metal attached branches were placed in a green bor- mourners who followed in a single line, to the fireplace, with a candle holder at der around the floor in front of the fire- all the while singing as they walked to the end of the arm. When the candle place. The food tables were covered the funeral chapel. The women showed was lit, one could see what was cook- with a cloth and at one end stood a ca- their reverence for God’s name as they ing in a pot. The main source of light rafe or a wooden jug containing home- curtsied each time God’s name or in a house was the fire in the fireplace. brewed beer. Jesus’ name was mentioned. This cus- They also used tallow dip, potato lamps People ate many meals during the tom is no longer followed. with a wick that burned with oil, small two-day funeral feast. The peas were When the burial ceremony was sheet metal lamps with oil as fuel and cooked into a pea stew to be eaten with over, the mourners proceeded to the then later a ceiling lamp that consisted pork, or pea soup with pork. Beef was church where a divine service held. The of a glass reservoir with a burner and a roasted in a long pan in the oven and service was closed with thanks to the glass tube. eaten with peeled potatoes. The salted deceased. (The funeral chapel was a Some farms had a useful thing in a whitefish was placed on a wooden plate separate building located near the par- little side room: a little round stool with with a knife and people cut off a piece ish church.) a hole in the middle of the seat with a to eat with bread and butter as a first At Maria Frijs’ funeral feast, 70 li- chamberpot underneath for the young- course to the evening meal, together ters of schnapps and 3/4 of a jug of rum est in the family. with barley porridge cooked with milk. were consumed. The relatives reacted When the walls became so smoky they The fresh fish was cooked together with angrily to that quantity by opening le- could not be cleaned by thorough potatoes and eaten as a first course. gal proceedings against the widower scouring, they had to be redone. The On the second day of the funeral Matts Isaksson Frijs. The legal action old plaster in the seams was removed feast, it was the custom to warm up the was discontinued and the family was and new lime plaster was applied. food remaining from the previous day. reconciled. When it was dry, the plaster was There was also bloodbread (kamstekt) In Karleby parish large funeral smoothed. Then distemper was mixed as a first course to the first meal. It was feasts were in progress for two days for either in red (cowberry) color or blue baked the same way as French bread, the family, and three days for the and applied to the surface. then cut into pieces and water and pork cooks, helpers and neighbors who had were added and it was cooked until a lot to do to clean up after the feast. Funerals done. (I can remember, as a child, mak- Funerals in the parish were celebrated ing bloodbread in our kitchen.) with great solemnity with church bells A relative was chosen to go from There was a great quantity of malt ringing, the casket procession and farm to farm and invite relatives, vil- which was brewed with hops and sugar. guests invited to the home. Everyone lage residents and other acquaintances The hops was strong, sweet and made showed respect for the last time to their to a funeral feast which followed the excellent beer that they drank at the dear deceased. burial service. Some large funeral feasts feast. At the end of the meal a psalm lasted for two days. One example of a was sung. Then the alms bowl was Excerpts from large funeral feast concerns the burial passed to collect money for the needy. “Karleby Sockens Historia I” and of Matts Isaksson Frij’s wife in 1842. The guests were invited to the funeral “Nedervetil KommunHembygdesbok” Genealogyat 8 a.m. at the home. The deceasedCorner June Pelo Dale & Mary Lou Hjort 7682 Tracy Lane La Palma, CA 90623-1501

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