Finns in Minnesota

Nonfiction, History, Scandinavia, Americas, United States
Cover of the book Finns in Minnesota by Arnold Alanen, Minnesota Historical Society Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Arnold Alanen ISBN: 9780873518604
Publisher: Minnesota Historical Society Press Publication: May 1, 2012
Imprint: Minnesota Historical Society Press Language: English
Author: Arnold Alanen
ISBN: 9780873518604
Publisher: Minnesota Historical Society Press
Publication: May 1, 2012
Imprint: Minnesota Historical Society Press
Language: English

The first Finnish immigrants arrived in Red Wing in 1864, the vanguard of thousands who eventually and resolutely placed Minnesota second among the states in terms of Finnish population. Today we may recognize Minnesota's "Finnishness" in the popular sauna, in the characteristic tenacity known as sisu, or in place names and cultural markers that link to homeland. The newest contribution to the People of Minnesota series traces the Finns' migration to the state, particularly its northeastern region; their log construction techniques, including dovetail notching; and their ethnic organizations, from religious to political to fraternal. Colorful sidebars enliven the narrative, highlighting such topics as "Finglish," New World legends, and the 1920s Olympic competitors in track and field known as the "Flying Finns."

A separate thread tells the story of the Finland Swedes—"the minority within a minority" whose members were born in Finland but spoke Swedish and thus straddled two ethnic groups, belonging fully to neither. The book concludes with a personal narrative of Fred Torma (1888–1979), a miner and carpenter from Nashwauk, who describes establishing a Socialist hall, involvement in the 1907 Mesabi strike, and founding a cooperative boardinghouse and store. His is just one engaging example of the vibrant lives and legacy of Finnish Americans in Minnesota.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The first Finnish immigrants arrived in Red Wing in 1864, the vanguard of thousands who eventually and resolutely placed Minnesota second among the states in terms of Finnish population. Today we may recognize Minnesota's "Finnishness" in the popular sauna, in the characteristic tenacity known as sisu, or in place names and cultural markers that link to homeland. The newest contribution to the People of Minnesota series traces the Finns' migration to the state, particularly its northeastern region; their log construction techniques, including dovetail notching; and their ethnic organizations, from religious to political to fraternal. Colorful sidebars enliven the narrative, highlighting such topics as "Finglish," New World legends, and the 1920s Olympic competitors in track and field known as the "Flying Finns."

A separate thread tells the story of the Finland Swedes—"the minority within a minority" whose members were born in Finland but spoke Swedish and thus straddled two ethnic groups, belonging fully to neither. The book concludes with a personal narrative of Fred Torma (1888–1979), a miner and carpenter from Nashwauk, who describes establishing a Socialist hall, involvement in the 1907 Mesabi strike, and founding a cooperative boardinghouse and store. His is just one engaging example of the vibrant lives and legacy of Finnish Americans in Minnesota.

More books from Minnesota Historical Society Press

Cover of the book My Grandfather's Knocking Sticks by Arnold Alanen
Cover of the book Hard Work and a Good Deal by Arnold Alanen
Cover of the book The WPA Guide to Minnesota by Arnold Alanen
Cover of the book North for the Harvest by Arnold Alanen
Cover of the book They Sang for Norway by Arnold Alanen
Cover of the book Brother of Mine by Arnold Alanen
Cover of the book Norwegians on the Prairie by Arnold Alanen
Cover of the book Red Earth White Earth by Arnold Alanen
Cover of the book We Carry Our Homes With Us by Arnold Alanen
Cover of the book Forgetting Ireland by Arnold Alanen
Cover of the book Germans in Minnesota by Arnold Alanen
Cover of the book Making Waves by Arnold Alanen
Cover of the book Twin Cities Picture Show by Arnold Alanen
Cover of the book Bamboo Among The Oaks by Arnold Alanen
Cover of the book Fractured Land by Arnold Alanen
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy