- The Past History of Historic Swede Hall - The building currently known as Swede Hall is actually the second building identified by that name and is located several miles from the original structure. There have been three organizations associated with the two buildings known by the name of Swede Hall. The original building was constructed by the Rochester lodge of the Swedish-Finnish Temperance Association. They received their charter on the 12th of March in 1911. Volunteers built a meeting hall out in Independence valley on Independence Road. Alfred Ericson and Margaret Forsman were married in this hall in 1912. There was also at this time a local benefit… READ MORE
- Order of Runeberg and Swede Hall - By Maureen Smith, February 17, 2009 Johan Ludwig Runeberg, regarded as Finland's greatest poet and author of the Finnish National Anthem was born in 1804. His parents came from Sweden and settled in Finland as did many others. This explains the beginnings of the Swedish speaking Finn. Johan had a PhD degree and taught Latin and Greek in Colleges "Vartland," his patriotic verse ranks among the world's greatest works There are many data base collections called alko. The June Pelo collection contains the surname Fagernas. There were many Order of Runeberg started. And there are many still in existence today.… READ MORE
- Past Celebrations Full of Variety - By Melody Gleichman, Advertiser Staff Editor (Information gleaned from a yellowed copy of the souvenir “Grand Mound/Rochester Swede Day, June 23, 1984” edition of the “The Advertiser” published by Dan & Melody Gleichman) How did Swede Day begin? In April, 1979, a chance conversation between a local Rochester business owner, Polly Collins, and a Centralia Daily Chronicle reporter, Harry Bay, developed the idea that Rochester needed an identity. It was suggested that “Swede Day” might be good because Swede Hall was the only landmark in Rochester. The Polly Collins presented the “Swede Day” idea to the Grand Mound/Rochester Citizens Group… READ MORE