Vol. 38 No. 2 Summer 2019

A Turner in Jamestown

Immigration is the story of people and having been the second-largest furniture places, but we often forget how diverse maker in the United States for much these stories are. Instead, we focus on of its 200-year history (the largest general pictures and the archetypical being Grand Rapids, Michigan) and the immigrant’s story as representative of highest-proportion Swedish population millions of people. Similarly, it is easy in the East. These stories are closely to imagine the story of Scandinavian intertwined, as Jamestown Swedes immigration to the United States as provided skilled labor for hundreds of always being tied to the American West, furniture factories between the Civil War envisioning families working their way to and World War One. Illinois, Minnesota, or even further to the Before this, though, Jamestown was Pacific coast. But this is not the full story “little more than a ragged hole in a of the 2.3 million Scandinavians who gloomy forest wilderness”, as described Detail of miniature desk drawer by Oskar Anderson, came to the United States in the 1800s Jamestown, NY c. 1925. ASHM Collection by settler Obed Edson in 1816. He was not and early 1900s. far off—early Jamestown was an isolated Jamestown is a small town in lumber village surrounded by primeval Chautauqua County in rural New York, pine forests. These ancient trees and the less than 30 miles southeast of Lake rivers around them were Jamestown’s Erie. In addition to its proximity to the most valuable resources. Through Chautauqua Institution, home of the the mid-1800s, local creeks helped in late-1800s educational movement, exporting simple manufactured goods Jamestown has the distinctions of such as wooden pails, tubs, shingles,

continued on page 2 Connecting Cultures and Community A Turner in Jamestown continued from front cover

and scythe handles to outlying river towns. those of Swedish descent. While many were Note from Importing people and products remained small and short-lived, others such as the A. the Director challenging due to water currents leading C. Norquist Company (1881), Atlas Furniture away from Jamestown. Company (1882), and Carlson, Bloomquist “Through music we may wander where and Snow (1885) lasted well into the 1900s. The 1825 opening of the Erie Canal started we will in time, and find friends in every a new chapter in the town’s commercial century.” – Helen Thompson history. This vital link between the Hudson River and Lake Erie spurred development I never cease to be amazed at how many throughout New York State, opening musicians continue to be inspired by isolated villages to new markets and Jenny Lind, the Swedish Nightingale. Her labor. Jamestown capitalized on these influence in the 1850s is hard for us to connections by importing hardwoods understand today, and the elusiveness such as black walnut and white oak to of her voice, since it was never recorded, supplement its pine furniture industry. could be why musicians continue to Walnut and oak were ideal for cabinet- interpret her work. We are happy to host making, providing an attractive and durable Norquist Brothers, Jamestown, NY 1921. Courtesy of Zoe Vandermeer in July to bring Jenny Clarence Carlson. wood grain at an affordable price. With Lind’s soaring soprano voice to life again. these new imports came better exports, Like Jenny Lind’s voice , folk music expanding Jamestown’s markets to include has a life of its own and evolves, is cities as far away as St. Louis. re-interpreted, and sometimes even As much as the Erie Canal spurred takes on new lyrics over time. Something economic development, railroad about folk music cuts across cultural connections to New York City in 1860 boundaries and the dimension of time to speak to people. The band JAERV is a caused a surge in Jamestown’s population. master of bringing Swedish folk music to With the Great Western Railroad, settlers life like no one else I have heard. You have could now travel directly from New York a special opportunity to hear them play City to Jamestown, where they found at this year’s Midsommarfest. quick employment in its many furniture industries. The period after the Civil War Music is a natural complement to what was particularly lucrative for Jamestown we do as a museum—it helps bring alive craftsmen as they attempted to fill the eras, traditions and cultures in a way that market for furniture caused by wide-scale everyone enjoys. In the modern era we destruction in the American South. are spoiled by the instant availability of Baseball star Ted Williams poses with a giant bat music of every type (Thank you, Swedes Swedes and Danes were among the more made by Andersson Woodturning. Courtesy of the for Spotify!). It is hard for us to imagine successful immigrants in Jamestown. With Gardner Museum. a time when the only way to hear its temperate summers, cold winters, and music was through live performances expansive forests, Chautauqua County was Swedes were drawn to the furniture or making music yourself. But live similar to much of southern and central industry because, unlike other trades, it performances are still the best way to Sweden. Even if they did not ultimately was relatively inexpensive to begin a small experience music, so whether it is here settle in Jamestown, many Swedes simply furniture factory. With a national market— at ASHM or elsewhere on your travels including chairs sold to the U.S. Supreme this summer, I truly hope that you treat passed through this town on their journeys Court—furniture provided upward social yourself to the experience of music. west. Many of the Swedes who stayed in Jamestown were from rural areas and and commercial mobility for those who already skilled in woodcutting, carpentry, were successful. While Jamestown was and cabinetmaking. predominantly a Swedish town, Danes found success there too. Among the most socially- While Jamestown’s early Swedes were active citizens of historic Jamestown was Tracey Beck skilled artisans, many also became business Charles Ipson, born in Denmark in 1846 leaders. In the 50 years between the Civil and son of a famed inventor. After achieving War and World War One, Swedes founded at success in furniture, Ipson became heavily least 75 furniture companies in Jamestown. involved with Jamestown Board of Health By 1920, around 75% of all businesses in and schools. Jamestown had been founded by Swedes or

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While the names of factory owners have survived, individual craftspeople Midsommarklubben at 40 Years: have typically vanished. The American How the first Midsummer celebration at ASHM started. Swedish Historical Museum has recently by Ingrid Cagan and Maj-Britt Lautman been donated a miniature cherry Photos by Ulla-Britt Apell furniture set and other turnings made by a Jamestown Swede named Oskar During the winter of 1979, we were a group Karl Alphonse Andersson, allowing the of 8 to 10 Swedish women in our 30’s, all museum to celebrate the craft and story of friends, most with small children, who Jamestown’s Swedish artisans. met at the Museum at the suggestion Oskar and three of his brothers immigrated of Claes Boethen, the Director at that to the United States in the early 1920s when time. We learned that Midsummer was Oskar was in his early forties. The large not being celebrated at the ASHM, so our Andersson family originated in Sweden, group organized the first Midsummer in but they had lived in Denmark for several June of 1979. Also, in recognition of that years prior to migrating to the United occasion, we decided to name our group States, where they continued the family Midsommarklubben. profession of wood turning. While the We were all a bit nervous about starting this heyday of Jamestown’s furniture industries new adventure, but we had a great team. was receding, turning was still a valued skill For the Midsummer celebration we baked in all woodworking trades as it was used to bullar, cakes (Tosca) and cookies, and create candlesticks, lamps, legs, spindles, served these along with coffee (of course), Through the years we have had a variety of pegs, balusters, and baseball bats. and homemade lemonade. In addition, we entertainers who have performed, including arranged games for children and a bargain Oskar’s brothers were especially the New York Folk Dancers and several table with items for sale. We all brought successful. His younger brother, Ernst, accordion and guitar players. Jenny Lind flowers and greenery for the midsummer founded a woodturning plant, Andersson Stipendiater and the Stockholm Boy’s Choir pole. Woodturning, in Gardner, MA in the 1940s. have sung. During recent years the Swedish Among other accomplishments, Ernst’s Since that time, Midsummer has been Meatballs from Brooklyn, New York, have plant turned baseball bats for the Boston celebrated annually in June at ASHM, provided the music. Red Sox. In celebration of “Gardner Day at organized by Midsommarklubben Since 1989, Midsommarklubben has also Fenwick Park” in 1946, Ernst even turned a volunteers, to bring together families and planned and executed Julbord, as part of giant bat from a telephone pole, which was friends for a joyous celebration. During the the Lucia celebration at ASHM in early photographed being held by baseball star initial years the midsummer pole was set up December. Midsommarklubben provides Ted Williams. This giant bat is on display at on the lawn directly in front of the museum, a wonderful selection of homemade the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, where we had music and dancing. As the traditional Swedish dishes. New York. event grew too large for that space, we Oskar himself remained in Jamestown, moved the midsummer pole to the grassy With funds raised at these events, likely working as a turner for one of the area beyond the road immediately in front Midsommarklubben has been pleased to many Swedish-owned factories. His of the museum. give the museum an annual donation of miniature furniture pieces were likely part $10,000 or more. of a larger set used for advertising, based We now have many more members than on their remarkable stylistic and technical when we started, but we welcome new similarity to Jamestown’s early-20th members to join us. All our meetings are century furniture. While Oskar’s place of conducted in Swedish, making us the only employment remains unknown, these group in the museum that is Swedish- miniature furnishings highlight the skills of speaking. When we started 40 years ago, we a Swedish-trained turner plying his trade in had no idea how successful our little club the United States. would become, and how much fun we would Explore Jamestown’s Swedish roots have along the way! yourself with the American Swedish Historical Museum this summer!

Connecting Cultures and Community 3 To Register For Events call 215-389-1776, or visit online at Summer 2019 Upcoming Events www.americanswedish.org/calendar.htm

There is always something going on at the teams surrounded by an enthusiastic group trip includes motor coach transportation, American Swedish Historical Museum. See of fans. Free for members or included with accommodation, two breakfasts, two lunches, below for scheduled events. Please check admission for non-members. Food available and admission to all events. Registration is for purchase. $775 for members and $850 for non-members with the Museum to confirm dates and ($225 single room supplement). New Member Tour other details. Refunds will not be granted To register please call or go online to Saturday, June 22 for cancellations after the registration www.americanswedish.org by May 30th. 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm deadline. To register for events by phone If you have any questions please contact If you have become a new member of ASHM Lauren Burnham 215-389-1776 x106. call (215) 389-1776. Online registration is since the beginning of 2018, we invite you available through links in the museum’s to join us for a special tour with Executive SmörgåsBeer email announcements or on the Events Director Tracey Beck just before we kick-off our Saturday, July 27 Calendar page of our website, Midsommar celebrations. Please pre-register 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm through our website, as space is limited. Spend a summer evening americanswedish.org sampling local Philly and Midsommarfest International lagers, ales, MONTHLY PROGRAM: Saturday, June 22 stouts, ciders and meads paired alongside a Toddler Time 4:00 - 7:00 pm spread of Swedish inspired eats. Tickets are 10:30 am - 11:30 am Celebrate summer at our $30 in advance, $35 at the door, with a special The third Tuesday of each annual Midsommarfest, designated driver price of $15. Register online month ASHM offers specially complete with food, drinks, or by phone. designed programs to homemade Swedish pastries, maypole introduce Swedish culture through art, dancing, as well as games for the kids. Don’t Crayfish Party science, and literature in fun and creative ways miss this year’s special musical performance Friday, August 16 to children ages 18 months to 4 years old. by award winning Swedish folk band JAERV! 6:30 pm The cost is $5 per child or free for museum Buy discounted tickets online in advance or Get a taste of Swedish summer Household Members. There is no charge for pay regular prices at the door (Members $8, at our annual Crayfish Party! accompanying caregivers. Optional pre- Non-members $12, Children 4-12 $5). Enjoy a buffet of crayfish, Swedish meatballs, along with crisp bread, registration by phone or online. Summer Concert– cheese, potatoes, cheese pie, and glass of Jenny Lind’s America Tuesday June 18, 2019 aquavit all outside under our beautiful lighted Thursday, July 11 Fem Små Grodor- Five Little Frogs and decorated tent. $50 for ASHM and SACC Reception 5:30pm, Philadelphia members, $60 for non-members. Tuesday July 16, 2019 Concert 6:30 - 8:00pm Register by phone or online by August 12th. Float Your Boat Soprano and Harpist Zoe Tuesday August 20, 2019 Vandermeer, along with New York pianist/ Scanfest Surprise! conductor Richard Nechamkin present their Sunday, September 1 delightful program ‘Jenny Lind’s America’, a Join other Scandinavia enthusiasts for a day Tuesday September 17, 2019 potpourri of songs and arias sung by Lind of fun, food, and great shopping at Scanfest in The Dala Horse on her American Tour 1850-1852. Enjoy Budd Lake, New Jersey. The bus will pick up at music composed for Lind, Welsh triple harp the Delaware Welcome Center on I-95 and at National Day and piano solos featuring music dedicated the ASHM. Your price includes transportation Thursday, June 6 to Jenny Lind, a rousing 1850 vocal version and the festival ticket. RSVP by August 5th at 10:00 am - 3:00 pm of the ‘Jenny Lind Polka’, and the Swedish www.newswedenalliance.org, $75. per person. What better place to celebrate Nightingale’s favorite opera arias. $25 for Sponsored by The New Sweden Alliance. Swedish National Day than the members, $30 non-members. American Swedish Historical Current Exhibit on View through Sept. 22 Museum! Enjoy free admission including Be sure to visit our current exhibit Outdoor Bus Trip: Jamestown, New York guided tours at 11 am and 1 pm highlighting the Adventures: Navigating the Nordic Way Friday July 19- Sunday July 21 history of the museum, and a special Swedish before it closes on September 22nd. Join ASHM as we spend the weekend in summer dessert. Jamestown New York to visit the Scandinavian Annual Meeting FIFA Women’s World Cup: Sweden vs. USA Folk Festival! Highlights of the bus trip Sunday, September 15 Thursday, June 20 include a visit to the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz 3:00 pm Pre-Game Party 2:00 pm Museum, a fascinating lecture on the Swedish ASHM members are welcome to join us for our Match Starts at 3:00 pm connections to Jamestown, all day admission annual meeting, where the Amandus Johnson As far as we are concerned, this is a win-win to the Folk Festival, a private lakeside cocktail Volunteer Service Award will also be presented. match! Play hooky for a summer afternoon reception, and an exclusive chance to explore and head over to the American Swedish the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural Historical Museum to watch some of the History. Hotel accommodations for the greatest soccer players in the world battle it weekend will be at the deluxe Harbor Hotel out towards the championship. Cheer on both located alongside the Chautauqua Lake. The

4 Summer 2019 | Vol. 38, No. 2 Images from Recent Events Photographs by ASHM Staff q The museum staff is looking forward to making the ABBA Dance Party a recurring addition to the museum’s annual calendar of events.

p This year’s golden egg winner. p The highlight of the Easter Family Fun Day is the two egg hunts at the museum’s front and back lawns.

 Parents got to shop for great quality clothes at the Polarn O. Pyret warehouse pop-up sale at the ASHM.

q Longtime museum members Kristina and Elisabeth preparing q The first ever ExtrABBAganza Dance Party Semlor for our annual Semlor and a at the museum was a huge success. Movie event.

p Museum members enjoyed a special members-only preview before the opening of the new Nordic Navigation exhibition. Photo by Katherine Elgin Photography.

u During March Toddler Time we talked about the weather in Sweden and kids got to play with different interactive elements to enhance learning.

q During April’s Toddler Time kids got to explore our new temporary exhibit and learn about maps and navigation.

t Swedish Cooking Workshop participants learned how to make several Swedish appetizers like Smörgåstårta and Toast Skagen, and then finished the class by making Princess Cake.

Connecting Cultures and Community 5 Do you want to make a contribution? There are several easy ways to support us. Contributions Visit our web page americanswedish.org/support or call 215-389-1776 for more information.

Contributions to the Collection As a nonprofit organization, the American Swedish Historical Museum relies on the generosity of its friends and supporters to meet the costs providing programs and services, year-round, to thousands of local, national, and international visitors. Thank you for your contributions!

The ASHM has recently received several generous donations to its collection. Among these is a series of Swedish- American Line menus from 1949, a SAL cocktail menu, and a folk costume dating to 1975. While ASHM already possesses many traditional folk costumes, this one highlights a special story of Swedish and American connections. Alfie Carlson Rulie relates the story of her Swedish father, born in Värnamo and emigrated in 1912, and her American mother. During a trip to Sweden in 1975, her mother was New Members Annual Giving given a lovely folk dress that had been February 1 through April 30, 2019 and Contributions hand-woven and embroidered by her February 1 through April 30, 2019 new Swedish sisters-in-law. Her Swedish Household Doug & Susan Anderson siblings also taught her traditional Gold Terry L & Jacqueline L Anderson Ragnhild & Bo Bergqvist Swedish recipes. Alfie jokes today that Joanna Bowling Eleanor Poe Barlow while her mother was never truly Swedish, Carina Elgin PEW Charitable Trusts marrying a Swede seemed to “get her in Percy Garvin & Erin Paulson Hope Rosenlund the club.” Erika Gillmeister Eric Keller & Lee Albright Silver John & Susan Kloss Jens & Allison Clausen Kim LiVolsi Kristina H. Smith Megan Murphy Linda Nuoffer Bronze Olivia Phan & Ian Hayden Görel Bengtzon & Roman Hrycushko The Richardson Family Valerie Cheyney Alina Torres-Zickler John Hanovsky Kristina Mattila Individual Edith & Albert Rohrman Susan Landgrebe Jocelyn Stauffer Friends Carl Sveen Jacqueline Axilbund Helene Y. Basile & Family Seniors/Students Robert & Faith Hedin Axel Wicks May & Cliff Holgren LaVonne & Eric Johnson Swedish Cultural Society of Cleveland

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Membership Please print all information as you wish it Application & Renewal Form to appear on the membership roster. Return this form to: Name(s) American Swedish Historical Museum Address Attn: Membership 1900 Pattison Avenue City State Zip Philadelphia, PA 19145-5901 Telephone Email Among the benefits of membership are: • free admission to the Museum and library o $35: Senior/Student o $75: Organizational (Non-profit only) o $500: Patron • use of the ASHM Swedish Film Library $50: Individual $125: Friend $1,000: Key Contributor borrowing system o o o o $65: Household o $250: Sustaining o $2,500: Life • guest passes Make check payable to ASHM or Charge my: VISA | MasterCard | Discover • subscription to the newsletter o • 10% discount in the Museum Store Account # • discounts on admission to most events, workshops and Swedish language classes Exp Date

For more information, The official registration and financial information of ASHM my be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department please call 215-389-1776. of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.

Your membership contribution to the American Swedish Historical Museum is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

! Please detach here and return. Jamestown New York Weekend Bus Trip!

Friday July 19-Sunday 21 all day admission to the Folk Festival, a private lakeside cocktail reception, and an As many of our members know, ASHM loves exclusive chance to explore the Roger Tory to travel! We organize day trips and week- Peterson Institute of Natural History. long cross country adventures in search This trip is the perfect opportunity to of Swedish and Scandinavian cultural escape the summer heat of the city and experiences. This summer will be a journey head west towards the mountains and in between. Join ASHM as we spend the lakes. Hotel accommodations for the weekend in Jamestown New York to visit weekend will be at the deluxe Harbor Hotel the Scandinavian Folk Festival! Highlights of located alongside the Chautauqua Lake. Let The trip includes motor coach transporta- the bus trip include a visit to the Lucille Ball ASHM help you relax by taking care of all tion, accommodation, breakfasts, two Desi Arnaz Museum, a fascinating lecture the details for a weekend getaway. lunches, and admission to all events. All on the Swedish connections to Jamestown, you have to worry about is bringing a big enough suit case to carry home all your treasures from the Scandinavian Folk Festival!

This trip has a short registration deadline so book your spot early. Registration is $775 for members and $850 for non- members ($225 single room supplement). To register please call or go online to www.americanswedish.org by May 30th. If you have any questions please contact Lauren Burnham 215-389-1776 x106.

Connecting Cultures and Community 7 NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID 1900 Pattison Ave. Philadelphia, PA Philadelphia, PA 19145 215.389.1776 Permit No. 1350 www.americanswedish.org

americanswedish @americanswedish

Connecting Cultures and Community

Swedes in Space!

In order to reach a wider family audience To help kids get first-hand knowledge of the the American Swedish Historical Museum astronaut experience, ASHM was able to creates a new summer library outreach speak with Christer Fuglesang over Skype! program each year within the national Dr. Fuglesang discussed his experience with Collaborative Summer Reading theme. astronaut training, what it was like to float in space outside of the International Space The 2019 reading theme for libraries is Station, what duties he performed while on A Universe of Stories, and ASHM is ready mission, and what it was like to experience to teach kids how to be an astronaut! a sunrise or sunset every 45 minutes. He During this program families will explore then answered children’s written questions the life of astronauts and their intensive including if a cell phone works in space, training to prepare for space. We will what does space smell like, and what does discuss the careers of Swedish-American space food taste like? This interview will be NASA astronaut Buzz Aldrin (the second played during each program this summer human to set foot on the moon together so that children can hear advice directly with Neil Armstrong in 1969) and Christer from Dr. Fuglesang on how to achieve their Fuglesang, who became the first Swedish scientific dreams. astronaut in space in 2006. Participants will experience astronaut training, then As always, we hope to bring the program to Astronaut Christer Fuglesang blast-off into space to complete a mission as many libraries and community centers as to the moon! This program will help possible. The program can travel throughout children practice STEM and team-building Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey skills through hands-on activities. so if you are interested in having Swedes in Space at your library this summer, be sure to pass on the museum’s information to your local librarian! 8