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From SFHS

The Quarterly is produced entirely with volunteer resources. We have about 40 regular contributors, plus editors, proofreaders and the mail crew. We are proud to attract such accomplished writers. In this issue we feature two new writers, Jeff Huebner and Mika Roinila, who write about two famous Swede Finns: Elmer Forsberg and Erhard Alm.

It is amazing that Elmer Forsberg is not recognized in any Finnish art books. This talented and productive artist was born in Gamlakarleby and immigrated with his parents to the United States in 1891. Forsberg, best known for his Finnish and American landscapes and portraits, was one of Chicago’s most renowned painters of the time. He was also head of the Department of Drawing and Painting at the School of the Art Institute where he studied 1904-08.

Forsberg visited his homeland regularly on art study trips between 1911 and 1925. He befriended great Finnish artists of the Golden Era, among them Akseli Gallen-Kallela, Albert Edelfelt and Pekka Halonen. Also among his acquaintances were Jean Sibelius and Eliel Saarinen.

In reading Jeff Huebner’s article, one must conclude that there is a great danger that Elmer Forsberg and his work will fade into oblivion. The Bethany Lutheran congregation is financially strained and in need of support in maintaining the sanctity of Forsberg’s creations. Is not SFHS’s mission to support Swedish Finn culture and tradition? Should SFHS take the initiative to establish an endowment for the preservation of the Covington Bethany Lutheran Church art treasures, or perhaps, arrange and promote an exhibit of Elmer Forsberg’s art?

Mika Roinila’s article about Erhard Alm brilliantly describes the energy and entrepreneurship typical of many Ostrobothnians. Hardship and obstacles only appear to make them more determined and enthusiastic. Matters of faith play an important role in their lives.

TOC

• Elmer Forsberg and Covington Bethany Lutheran Church by Jeff Huebner 91
• Erhard J. Alm — Inventor and Entrepreneur by Mike Roinila, PhD 96
• Vörå Emigration Center by Nikus and Rhodes 98
• Sylvia Björklund - Traveling to America with her Mother in 1916 by Brent Thompson 99
• Musings on “Gud som haver” by C. Green 100
• My Trip to America by A. Bartell 101
• The Hospitality of the Finns - according to Olaus Magnus (1555) by Sven Bjerstedt 101
• When Terjärv Residents Named the City of Toronto by Ole Granholm 102
• Aimo Björklund Saw the Remains of Sorjos Village by Ole Granholm 104
• The Åland Club of Seattle 105
• Regular Features
• Bookstore 118
• Calendar 93
• Donations 117
• From the Editor 95
• From the President 94
• New Members 117
• Obituaries 117
• Organizations & Contacts 119
• Recipes 116

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