Next Fika meeting is scheduled Saturday, May 17, 2025, starting at 1:30 PM at Martin Luther Lutheran Church, 9235 West Bluemound Road, Milwaukee located just east of the Milwaukee Zoo. SAHSWI member Michaela Yukus will present the program about the Swedish Samis.
The Sami are one of the world’s indigenous peoples and one of Sweden’s official national minorities.
Sami country – known as Sápmi – stretches across the northern parts of Sweden, Norway and Finland, and Russia’s Kola Peninsula. The original settlement was even larger, but the indigenous Sami were gradually forced to give up land, first to farmers starting in the 1650s and later to industries such as forestry and mining. (Reference: Sweden.se)
Come to the next FIKA meeting to find out more about the Samis from Michaela Yukus.
After the presentation enjoy traditional Fika the Swedish way. If you can, bring a dish to share. Do you have a favorite Swedish recipe you want to share? If so, bring it and we can add it to the website SwedishFood Heritage page.
At the Swedish American Historical Society of Wisconsin (SAHSWI) 2025 March Fika meeting member and Vasa Order Linde Lodge President Brent Erickson made a presentation about Fäbodar and the practice of Summer Farming that has existed in Sweden and Norway for thousands of years.Fäbodkultur is a UNESCO-Listed Heritage of Traditional Summer Farming.
Summer Farming refers to the practice of moving livestock to outlying lands in late spring. It entails knowledge concerning animal husbandry and herding, dairy production, land management and handicrafts. It also involves herding calls, songs, storytelling and rituals. Summer farms may be private or collectively run, and some organize sustainable tourism and sell dairy products. The practice has inspired literature, performing and visual arts. It is a source of pride, continuity and identity for many Scandinavian societies.
Brent discussed his family ties to this unique culture. He is a descendent of Der Erik Jakobson, (Der referred to the farm named Dergården). Der Erik Jacobssons daughter Sarah was Brent’s father’s Grandmother and she lived on a Fäbod during the summers. Dergården is located in Myrbacka, which is close to Noret where Sarah was born. Brent’s father’s grandfather lived in Järna (also called DalaJärna). All these places are close and located in Dalarna, Sweden. The entire Der Erik Jabobsson family emigrated to Jackson County, Wisconsin in 1883. (Brent has also contributed a story about his ancestor’s emigration available on this website My Swedish Heritage.)
Brent’s presentation included several videos of practices part of the Summer Farming tradition. The Cow Horn (Swedish Kohorn) was used to call the cows home for milking. (This is a link to a YouTube video and may include advertising)
Another method for calling cows is kulning, a herding call and vocal technique practiced by Scandinavian women. (This is a link to a YouTube video)
Scandinavian Summer Farming or Swedish Fäbodskultur was included in UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2024.
Below is a link to Brent’s whole presentation, including more information, pictures, and videos and also about the Fäbod established by immigrants at Bishop Hill, Illinois
Marge Jothen is celebrating her 106th birthday March 13, 2025. Her grandparents and several of their family immigrated to Chisago County, Minnesota between1869 and 1892 mainly from Småland, Sweden. Born in 1919, she came to Milwaukee in 1921 and to Whitefish Bay in 1928. She has had an amazing life and career. She has written 2 books about her ancestry available online: Marge’s books.
Marge joined Swedish American Historical Society of Wisconsin (SAHSWI) in the mid-80s and has served the organization in many capacities:
Served on the Board of Directors for many years
Been both President and Vice President
Leading the Genealogy Research at SAHSWI and at Scandinavian Fest
Playing the Organ at many Fika meetings and other events
Singing with the Scandinavian Chorus
Updating and ensuring Historical files are maintained
Documenting in many volumes of scrap books the society events and newspaper articles
Been a member and a role model for over 40 years
In March 2011 Marge received the SCA Award of Merit in recognition of outstanding contributions and as an expression of gratitude for the many years of dedicated service to the Swedish-American community.
Marge, from all of us at the Swedish American Historical Society of Wisconsin we wish you a terrific …
Next Fika meeting is scheduled Saturday, March 22, 2025, starting at 1:30 PM at Martin Luther Lutheran Church, 9235 West Bluemound Road, Milwaukee located just east of the Milwaukee Zoo. SAHSWI member and Linde Lodge President, Brendt Erickson will present the program: Fäbodkultur – Sweden’s UNESCO-Listed Heritage of Traditional Summer Farming.
After the presentation enjoy traditional Fika the Swedish way. If you can, bring a dish to share. Do you have a favorite Swedish recipe you want to share? If so, bring it and we can add it to the website SwedishFood Heritage page.
Interested in Scandinavian Folk Dance?
The Lykkeringen Nordic Dance Group is looking for additional dancers. If interested contact “Philip Reykdal” philreykdal@yahoo.com or “Caroline Sanderson” cee53220@yahoo.com
The first Fika meeting in 2025 took place Saturday January 25 at Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Milwaukee. About 40 people enjoyed Cookie Anderson presentation of Swedish Authors. She reviewed 14 different writers from the 18th century to the present.
Emanuel Swedenborg born in 1688, Camilla Läckberg born 1974
As she announced before the meeting – “Swedes are incredibly gifted writers. To name a few: Astrid Lindgren was Swedish writer of fiction and screenplays. She is best known for several children’s book series, including Pippi Longstocking, Emil of Lönneberga, and Karlson-on-the-roof. Henning Mankell, was a Swedish crime writer best known for a series of mystery novels starring Inspector Kurt Wallander. Steig Larsson, writer of the second-best-selling fiction author in the world for 2008 of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and the bestselling book in the United States in 2010 The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets’ Nest.
Fredrik Backman’s novel A Man Called Ove was adopted in the movie A Man Called Otto in 2022 starring Tom Hanks.
Please find Cookie’s presentation of all authors here. Presentation Link.
What did you learn from Cookies presentation? Here is the quiz that she gave the participants of the meeting before her presentation. We make it easier on this blog, here are the questions.
SWEDISH WRITERS QUIZ
1. Who was the first woman to win the Nobel Prize for Literature? Extra point for naming one of her books.
2. What filmmaker who made many many films also wrote many scripts? Name a film. Extra point for the name of one of his wives.
3. The book and film, A Man Called Ove, was written by which Swedish writer? Extra points for naming another book he wrote.
4. A favorite childhood book by Astrid Lindgren is called?
5. A series of 3 bestselling books came out some years back by Steig Larsson. Name one of the trilogy: extra points for all three!
6. Vilhelm Moberg wrote a 4 volume series called the Emigrants. What was it about?
7. Maj Sjöwall and Per Wahlöö wrote about a male detective series situated in Stockholm. What was the name of the series? Who was the detective?
8. Henning Mankell wrote many detective books. BBC created a series for television of one of his detectives. What was the series called? Extra points for the first name of the detective. Extra extra points for who starred in the series?
Don’t forget the 2025 first SAHSWI Fika meeting on Saturday January 25, starting at 1:30 PM at Martin Luther Lutheran Church, 9235 West Bluemound Road, Milwaukee featuring Cookie Anderson presentation about Swedish Authors.January 25 Fika meeting.
Updatesfrom the end of 2024
The end of the year is always a hectic time, we all celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. In addition, we have all important SAHSWI meetings and celebrations, our annual meeting in October, our participation in the Holiday Folk Fair International for 3 days in November, and our beautiful Lucia celebration in December. And, this year we were invited to celebrate the Swedish New Year at Lakefront Brewery. Here are some updates from these events.
Annual Meeting
2024 SAHSWI Annual General meeting was held on October 19, 2024, at Martin Luther Lutheran Church, Milwaukee. Congratulations to Janet Taylor,Irene Roberts, and Meg Haag who were elected to each serve a 3-year term on the Board of Directors. Already Board Directors Janet and Irene were re-elected to serve an additional 3-year term. We are very pleased to welcome Meg Haag as a newcomer on the Board. Meg is a member of St. Anskar’s Episcopal Church in Hartland and was together Sarah Hintz project team members on the State Historical Marker project, recognizing Gustaf Unonius, New Upsala, and The Scandinavian Parish. For the last three years Meg and Sarah hosted meetings at the church. Meg provided information and coordination with local area churches and Nashotah House Seminary and arranged the Heritage Tour in 2023 visiting Nashotah House, the Holy Innocents Cemetery, Chenequa Village Hall (the site of New Upsala) and St. Anskar’s Church.
Historical Marker at St. Anskar’s Church. Meg Haag in between Tracy Redman and Martha Bergland
Following the election, Officers and Committee leaders’ annual reports were presented. These reports are available on the SAHSWI website.
The program at the Annual General Meeting was dedicated to Harry H Anderson who sadly passed away in May 2024. For a report on the program please go to
Swedish American Historical Society of Wisconsin together with Vasa Order of America, Linde Lodge represented Sweden in the Nordic Council of Wisconsin cultural booth at the Folk Fair at Milwaukee State Fair Park held from Friday November 22 to Sunday November 24. The theme for the Folk Fair was “Celebrate the Culture of Traditional Art”. Traditional Art embodies painting, pottery, sculpture, textiles, metalwork, and many others.
Left: SAHSWI members John Engel and Brent Erickson (Linde Lodge President). Right: Lisa, Joseph and Eli Kaltenberg
Items displayed included Table Runners, Pottery, Crystal, Wood Carvings, Gotland Sheep Skin, Children’s Clothing, and Straw Ornaments. Each reviewed in the attached short document.
18 volunteers from Linde Lodge and SAHSWI represented Sweden during the three days, each working a 4-hrs shift. In the list below L=Member of Linde Lodge, S=Member of SAHSWI. Thank you very much to all volunteers.
Left: Arlette Johnson (Sons of Norway), Liza Ekstrand, Elaine Johnson Right: Allen, Linda and Anja Stenmark (Linde Lodge)
In a separate area a display was set up where a traditional dessert dish from each country was presented.
Nordic Council submission of typical desserts for each of the Nordic Countries
Several SAHSWI members participated in a Swedish New Year celebration at Lakefront Brewery. We appreciate this initiative by Lakefront Brewery. It was a sold-out event, and very well received by all who attended. What a great idea to celebrate the New Year at local 5 PM, midnight in Sweden.
Lakefront Brewery, 1872 North Commerce Street, Milwaukee is hosting a Swedish New Year event on December 31, 3PM – 7PM. Please see announcement below.
Lakefront Brewery:“We’re celebrating Wisconsin’s Swedish heritage here at Lakefront Brewery by hosting the only public Swedish New Year event in the Greater Milwaukee area, dare we say Wisconsin? Expect proper decor, both modern and traditional Swedish music hits, and plenty of dancing. Sweden will ring in the New Year at 5PM Central Time (CT) and we will be providing a live Swedish television feed of the countdown right here in the Beer Hall.”
Depending on how many members or interested parties of Swedish American Historical Society of Wisconsin (SAHSWI) registers an area may be reserved for the society. For families, children under the age of 12 are free and their food may be purchased from a regular menu. Information about SAHSWI and how to become a member will be available at the event.
The 2024 Santa Lucia celebration was held at Fox Point Lutheran Church on December 8, 2024. 75 people attended the event which included a formal Lucia program followed by Swedish Fika, dance around the Christmas Tree and Santa greeting the children.
The celebration of Santa Lucia in Sweden on December 13th of each year ushers in the Christmas season. The Legend of Lucia goes back to the year 304 AD in Syracuse Italy. It was there the beautiful Lucia, a highborn maiden, lived with her parents. It is also in that city Lucia suffered a martyr’s death, for becoming a Christian. She was a courageous woman, who in the early days of Christian persecution, brought food to her fellow Christians, who were hiding in the catacombs from the pagan persecutors. In order to carry her offerings with both hands, Lucia lighted her way by putting the candles in her hair to light her way. Lucia administered to the poor, bringing them food and hope. The legend tells us, the maiden became an official saint.
Among the Scandinavian countries, Sweden is perhaps the country, where the Lucia celebration has its deepest roots. Tales of her courage were carried to the Northern Scandinavian countries by missionaries. Early, in the darkness of the morning, on the 13th of December, Lucia appears dressed in a white gown with flowing red ribbon around her waist and a crown of candles on her head. She is accompanied by her attendants and star boys. They go from house to house in the darkness of the morning singing, offering hot coffee, cookies and special Lucia bread made with saffron.
2024 Lucia Program
The Lucia program was directed by Stina Lemery. The Lucia story was told by Swedish School Teacher Amanda Balistreri and she also introduced all the traditional Swedish songs that were performed by the children. Matt Byszynski played the piano.
Nadia Wright is the Milwaukee 2024 Lucia. Nadia, an 8th grader from New Berlin, lives with her family and embraces a rich heritage of Swedish, Finnish, Irish, and Italian roots. Having visited Sweden multiple times, where her mom is originally from, she feels a special connection to her Swedish background. A true fashionista with a flair for acting, Nadia envisions a future where she might become a lawyer. However, what truly sets her apart is her warm and compassionate heart. She deeply cherishes her family, friends, and pets, always showing great care for those she loves. While this is her first time serving as Lucia, Nadia has been part of the Swedish School Lucia tradition since she was 7 years old.
Tomtar:Oscar Erkander, Nova Balistreri, Orion Balistreri, Arlo Ehrengren
The Lucia program include traditional Lucia songs, e.g. Tomtarnas Julnatt (Santa Christmas Night) and Goder Afton (Good evening)
Fika
After the Lucia program Fika was served consisting of Coffee, juices along with homemade Kanelbullar (Cinnamon buns) and Pepparkakor (Gingerbread cookies). The Kanelbullar were home baked by members Liza Ekstrand, Carol Gustafson and KarinKonrad. During Fika time all participants in the celebration were invited to dance around the Christmas tree the Swedish way.
The Swedish dance “Små Grodorna”
No Lucia celebration is complete without Jultomten (Santa Claus). Santa arrived and greeted the children with small toys, and asked them what they wanted for Christmas.
Tack Så mycket, (Thanks, very much) to everybody that attended the Lucia celebration and Tusen Tack (a Thousand Thanks), to everybody that have helped in the preparation and were helping during the Lucia event. Thanks to Fox Point Lutheran Church for having us and your help. Thanks to Lucia program participants and leadership. Thanks to everybody involved with Fika, and thanks Santa for coming.
New Upsala, the first Swedish Settlement in Wisconsin, the Scandinavian Parish, and the founder of both Gustaf Unonius will now forever be a part of State of Wisconsin history. The State Historical Marker was unveiled at 2 PM, June1, 2024 at St. Anskar’s Episcopal Church in Hartland, Wisconsin. It was a rainy day; moods were still on top as 75 people attended the event. Tracy Redman, SAHSWI Secretary and Project Team member, officially read the text for the first time.
The Historical Marker
Gustaf Unonius, New Upsala, and the Scandinavian Parish, State of Wisconsin Historical Marker number 611 (Historical Marker database.) is the first including a QR code which takes the viewer to a website where they can learn about the story the marker represents. It also enables adding more information based on new research discovery. (Connect to website)
The Historical Marker is located at St. Anskar’s Episcopal Church in Hartland, WI
The dedication and unveiling event
Jan Ehrengren, Project Leader, reviewed the program for the day. Dedication Ceremony Program. The event started in the church Nave with speeches by members of the community and the project team.
Jo Ann Villavicencio, President of Chenequa Village, talked about the history of the Village of Chenequa, and began her speech by stating “In order to fully appreciate the accomplishments of Gustav Unonius and his fellow Swedish settlers in Wisconsin, it is important to take note of the difficult environment which he and his fellow countrymen faced upon arrival in this beautiful area.” She gave an example of a Norwegian 1839 settlement near Muskego Lake that was almost being wiped out by cholera. She described Unonius, his travels from Sweden, arrival at Pine Lake, building of his cabin, and establishing the New Upsala settlement together with other Swedish pioneers. The beauty of the area attracted many more immigrants over the years and population increased along with commercial development. Jo Ann, a descendant of Robert Elias Friend continued: “Robert Elias Friend, who was born unexpectedly at Pine Lake in 1886, had concerns about the rapidly increasing development in the area. He set out to protect Pine Lake and its immediate vicinity. In the summer of 1921, Robert singlehandedly went door to door, performing a herculean task, convincing over 90% of the riparian owners to restrict their deeds to prevent overdevelopment. Thus, began discussions to create the Village of Chenequa, incorporated in 1928, codifying these restrictions. Robert Friend’s diligence ensured that one of the pristine lakes in the area remained similar to when its original settlers came over 183 years ago.” Find below the link to Jo Ann’s whole speech.
Cletus Hasslinger, SAHSWI member and descendent of George and Ebba Bergwall, pioneers in New Upsala, talked about the peaceful coexistence of the Swedes and the Potawatomi Indians in the region. In his speech, titled “In Pursuit of a More Perfect Union” Cletus declares his view; “Kee-wah-goosh-kum (the chief of the Potawatomi) and his descendants are as much a part of the legacy of the history told on the marker as are I and my fellow descendants of George and Ebba.” To further acknowledge this shared history Cletus donated one volume of Gustaf Unonius memoirs to the Swedish American Historical Society of Wisconsin with the intent the memoirs in turn would be donated to the Forest County Potawatomi Museum and Library. Cletus closed with the words “It is my hope that this engagement will enrich our understanding of our ties to each other and thereby help us form, together, that elusive “more perfect Union.”
Thomas N. Buchan III, Priest-in-charge of St. Anskar’s Episcopal Church welcomed everybody to the church and thanked SAHSWI and members of the parish for the efforts bringing the Historical Marker to St. Anskars. Reverend Buchan III reflected on Gustaf Unonius life and ministry, “ It is easy to forget that from the time of his arrival to his seminary training at Nashotah house, to his ordination and the beginning of his ministry, to his departure to serve other congregations first in Manitowoc and later in Chicago was a span of less than seven years”.
Martha Bergland introduced descendants of Thure Kumlien, a friend of Gustaf Unonius who arrived to Wisconsin a few years after Gustaf and established the second Swedish Settlement in Wisconsin, located by Lake Koshkonong. Martha is the author of the award-winning book “The Birdman of Koshkonong, The life of Naturalist Thure Kumlien.”
Descendants of Thure Kumlien
Traditional Fika and Swedish Folk music by Goda Vänner
After the unveiling ceremony all attendants could enjoy cupcakes and coffee in the Church Social Hall while listening to Swedish Folk music played by Goda Vänner, Mary Stetson and Carol Gustafson.
Thank you – Tack Så Mycket
Swedish American Historical Society of Wisconsin announced, in the 2020 annual meeting, a project to establish a State of Wisconsin Historical Marker to commemorate Gustaf Unonius, New Upsala and the Scandinavian Parish. The purpose of this historical marker was to recognize the pioneers and missionaries that in the early 1840’s laid the grounds for the immigration of Swedes to Wisconsin. This project lasted for almost 4 years, and during this time many people have been involved that have made a difference.
The Project Team
Tusen Tack (a thousand thanks) to the project team members who have invested a great amount of time and effort in research, documentation and meetings. All team members have some natural connection to this project. Special Thanks to Meg Haag and Sarah Hintz and St. Anskar’s church for providing a place to hold meetings and their hospitality.
Martha Bergland, SAHSWI, Board Member and Historical Projects Committee Chair. Connected to this story through her research being an author.
John Yewer. Long time Chenequa resident with many connections, the Yewer family have through the years been influential part of Chenequa.
Tracy Redman, SAHSWI Board Member and Secretary, Tracy: “Growing up in Lake Country and my Swedish roots led me to SAHSWI”.
Kirsten Benidt, Current Chenequa resident, with Norwegian roots, with many connections.
Cletus Hasslinger, SAHSWI Member, descendant George and Ebba Bergwall, and 6th generation of Ebba’s parents Bengt and Charlotta Petterson.
Meg Haag, Member of St. Anskars Episcopal Church and SAHSWI, many area church connections
Sarah Hintz, Member of St. Anskar’s Episcopal Church, served as Junior Warden, SAHSWI member.
Jan Ehrengren, SAHSWI President and Project leader, grew up near Uppsala, Sweden.
Pictures taken at the dedication event.
Members of the Local community.
Many thanks to all the community members lending their support to the project, both by providing related historical information and by helping with various activities.
Roger Johnson, Historian at St. Olaf’s Church in Ashippun, together with late Clayton Swanton, historian at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Stone Bank. Their book “the Early Years of St. Olaf’s 1841 to 1860” provided a lot of insight and interesting stories.
Judy Stark, and son Peter Stark. Late Bill Starks Pine Lake books describing the history of Chenequa provided the first and very complete picture of the immigration of all, not only the Swedes, but also Norwegians, Germans and Swiss
Dan Neumer, Police Chief, Chenequa Village, Dan gave a tour of the Village Hall, with many historical exhibits, and also helped organize the move of the existing Unonius- New Upsala monument to the Village Hall property, where it is much more accessible for viewers.
Dan Schlise Owner and President, Garden Gate Nursery and Landscaping, who helped moving the monument with his front loader one early Sunday Morning.
Cody Lincoln, Director of Public Works, Chenequa helped with preparing the landscaping around the new place for the monument.
Jo Ann Villavicencio, Village Board President, Chenequa provided us with historical reference material and presented Chenequa History at Heritage Tour
Tom and Marypat Dalum, Chenequa Owner of property where Unonius built his cabin. They graciously let the project team walk the property to get an understanding where Unonius cabin was built. They also gave a tour of their beautiful garden.
Fitzie Heimdahl, Historical Marker Program Director of Wisconsin Historical Society helped us meet all the requirements of Historical Marker program.
Harry H Anderson, Historian and one of the founders of SAHSWI. Harry wrote many stories which are published on the SAHSWI website, including stories related to Gustaf Unonius and New Upsala.
Mike Kilsdonk Sexton for helping receiving and moving the Historical Marker indoors in late December after it was dropped off by a shipping company.
Erik Ehrengren and his friend Greg Schmidt helped modify the mounting of and then erect the Historical Marker.
Doug Haag, Tim Redman, Jim Urinak supported their spouses Meg, Tracy, and Martha and the project with several tasks during the past three years.
Help from Sweden
Tack så mycket to Christina Stenström who located the gravesite of Gustaf Unonius and wife Charlotta at Hacksta Parish Church, Sweden
Donations funding
Great thanks to all donors helping to fund the project. 53 donations have been received by 44 donors for a total of 12 TUSD. 27 of the donors have agreed to have their name published on the project website donation page. The donation page is updated as agreements to publish name is received.
Come, celebrate the traditional Scandinavian Midsommar on Sunday, June 23, 2024 from 1 – 4 p.m. at Heidelberg Park by Bavarian Bierhaus, 700 West Lexington Blvd., Glendale, Wisconsin. The event is open to the public.
To celebrate Midsommar in Wisconsin, is to celebrate the longest day of the year the Swedish way! This means decoration of the Majstång (Maypole) with greens and flowers, joining in the procession of raising the decorated pole led by Goda Vänner playing “I sommarens soliga dagar” (In the sunny days of summer) on violin. Then dancing around the majstång and singing the special Swedish songs like “små grodorna” (the little frogs) and “vi äro musikanter” (we are all musicians). The Midsommar celebration includes a lot more…
Make your own flower crown to wear.
Enjoy traditional Swedish folk music played by the music group, Goda Vännar.
Learn and play the game of Kubb, known as “Viking chess.”
Have your children participate in games and crafts.
Learn about the first Swedish settlement in Wisconsin, New Upsala.
Learn about Swedish Genealogy, maybe research your own ancestors
Win a basket filled with delightful Swedish items!
Bring your own lawn chairs, and join us for a FREE afternoon of fun at our Scandinavian Midsommar Celebration. If possible, bring greenery and help decorate the Majstång. Bavarian Bierhaus staff will provide a variety of food for sale, including Swedish meatballs and other Swedish items. Note: No food may be brought into the Park.
Swedish American Historical Society of Wisconsin 