"The Other Swedes"
Celebrating Them
~ The Groupings ~
Celebrating Them
~ The Groupings ~
1901-2014
The Bethany College Swedish Knights and Ladies
~ Honored by the Kings of Sweden
From the day that Bethany College was founded, nearly, to the present, it had not been unusual to hear of Swedish dignitaries, distinguished Swedish Lutheran pastors and distinguished Swedish professors visiting the College and Lindsborg. The last Swedish Ambassador to visit was Björn Lyrvall and his wife, Madeleine Andersson Lyrvall, in October of 2015, during the anniversary of the 75th Svensk Hyllningsfest, the biennial Swedish American pioneer festival, unique-to-Lindsborg, honoring their Swedish immigrants,
Four years later, with Lindsborg celebrating its 150th Founding anniversary year (1869-2019) at the 77th Svensk Hyllningsfest in October 2019, it was reported in the March 21, 2019, Lindsborg News-Record that Swedish Ambassador Karin Olofsdotter would be attending.
However, for some reason, plans were changed and Mr. Bruce Karstadt, Lindsborg-born Bethany College graduate and friend-to-all, was chosen to be the Swedish American Grand Marshall for this event in this most historical Lindsborg year of celebration. Since 1990, Mr. Karstadt has lived in Minneapolis, Minnesota, due to his top-level position at the American Swedish Institute (ASI). Before this, Bruce, as he is addressed in Lindsborg, was serving in a top-level position at his alma mater, Bethany College, assisting two Bethany College presidents and their administrations.
Bruce's commitment to Swedish and Swedish American endeavors through the years has been impressive, and, so much so, that he is listed here with the "Bethany College Swedish Knights and Ladies" honored by the current Swedish king, Carl XVI Gustaf, of three preceding kings who were his great grandfather, grandfather and father. Bruce is the last of "Lindsborg's 14" to be honored and recognized by a Swedish king, the first one of which was Bethany College founder Rev. Dr. Carl Aarron Swensson in 1901.
These honors are for their Swedish American activities, endeavors and accomplishments which have promoted goodwill between Sweden and America, while preserving, promoting and advancing Swedish culture locally, statewide and in our nation.
Four years later, with Lindsborg celebrating its 150th Founding anniversary year (1869-2019) at the 77th Svensk Hyllningsfest in October 2019, it was reported in the March 21, 2019, Lindsborg News-Record that Swedish Ambassador Karin Olofsdotter would be attending.
However, for some reason, plans were changed and Mr. Bruce Karstadt, Lindsborg-born Bethany College graduate and friend-to-all, was chosen to be the Swedish American Grand Marshall for this event in this most historical Lindsborg year of celebration. Since 1990, Mr. Karstadt has lived in Minneapolis, Minnesota, due to his top-level position at the American Swedish Institute (ASI). Before this, Bruce, as he is addressed in Lindsborg, was serving in a top-level position at his alma mater, Bethany College, assisting two Bethany College presidents and their administrations.
Bruce's commitment to Swedish and Swedish American endeavors through the years has been impressive, and, so much so, that he is listed here with the "Bethany College Swedish Knights and Ladies" honored by the current Swedish king, Carl XVI Gustaf, of three preceding kings who were his great grandfather, grandfather and father. Bruce is the last of "Lindsborg's 14" to be honored and recognized by a Swedish king, the first one of which was Bethany College founder Rev. Dr. Carl Aarron Swensson in 1901.
These honors are for their Swedish American activities, endeavors and accomplishments which have promoted goodwill between Sweden and America, while preserving, promoting and advancing Swedish culture locally, statewide and in our nation.
- For more than a century, the Swedish Crown had been recognizing and honoring Lindsborg Bethany Swedes -
The Swedish Kings who honored these Swedes are shown below.
Gustaf V (1907-1950), Oscar II (1872-1907), Gustaf VI Adolf (1950-1973)
Source: Emma Deere's Post Card to Emil O. Deere
and
Carl XVI Gustaf
(1973- )
Carl XVI Gustaf
(1973- )
Source: 2013 EuroHistory.com
~ Their Royal Swedish Legacy Listing ~
"Lindsborg's 14"
1901 - 2014
- All were Lutherans -
- 12 were Swedes, 1 was German & 1 was Norwegian -
Clergyman / Academician Rev. Dr. Carl Aaron Swensson (1857-1904) was born near Sugar Grove, Pennsylvania of Swedish parents from Småland, Sweden. He was decorated with the order of "Knights of the North Star" by King Oscar II via the visiting Bishop Von Schéele of Sweden in 1901. He was founder of Bethany College at the age of 24 and served as its second Swedish American president. He was the second pastor of Bethany Lutheran Church and was a "larger than life" and "accomplished individual," well known throughout Kansas and beyond. He died suddenly while serving Bethany College in Los Angeles! Go HERE to begin one of 8 sections on Dr. Swensson.
(Sources: 1975 Bethany in Kansas by Emory Lindquist and the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery)
(Sources: 1975 Bethany in Kansas by Emory Lindquist and the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery)
Geologist Dr. Johan August Udden (1859-1932) was born at Lekasa, Sweden. He was the first professor at Bethany College and founder of the Bethany College Museum. He taught natural science and civics at Bethany College from 1881 to 1888; then he returned to his alma mater, Augustana College where he received his bachelors degree to become the Professor of Natural History and Geology until 1911 when he was hired as the Geologist in the Bureau of Economic Geology and Technology and Director of the University of Texas at Austin, UT. In recognition of his distinguished service in the sciences, he was knighted in 1911 during the reign of Gustuf V. It was in 1916, that Dr. Udden advised the Regents of UT of the probable occurrence of oil and gas in the University West Texas lands, and 9 years later, in 1925, UT struck oil that brought in millions of dollars to the University. He was a gifted brilliant individual who laid the first learning foundation for the sciences at Bethany College. Click HERE for more information. (Sources: 1919/1969 "The Smoky Valley in the After Years" Plate I for image: Dr. Leon Lungstrom's 1990, History on Natural Science and Mathematics at Bethany College, Lindsborg, Kansas, and the Texas Geosciences History section of the UT website.)
Academician Rev. Dr. Ernst Pihlblad (1873-1943) was born of Swedish parents in Kansas City, Missouri. From 1905 to 1941, he served as third Swedish American president of Bethany College, beginning this position at the age of 31 due to the sudden death of C. A. Swensson in Los Angeles, California. He was knighted in 1920 during the reign of King Gustav V of Sweden receiving the Order of Vasa for his outstanding educational work among the Swedish people in America. Go HERE to begin one of 3 sections on Dr. Pihlblad.
(Sources: 1975 Bethany in Kansas by Emory Lindquist, the Deere Papers, Denise Carson of Bethany College Archives)
Clergyman Rev. Dr. Julius Lincoln (1872-1954) was knighted in 1930 during the reign of King Gustav V receiving the Knight Royal Order of Vasa. He was born of Swedish parents in Lindsborg and was a Bethany graduate of 1891 and former assistant pastor of Bethany Lutheran Church to Dr. Rev. Carl Aaron Swensson. Click HERE for more information. (Source: Prabook.com)
Artist Sven Birger Sandzén (1871-1954) was born in Blidsberg, Sweden. His father was a Lutheran minister and his mother a water colorist. He studied art under artist Anders Zorn and Richard Berg in Stockholm, and Edmond François Aman-Jean in Paris before pursuing his Bethany College career in 1894, first as a professor of voice and language, and, then, as a professor of art culminating with the founding of the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery in Lindsborg in 1957. In 1940 during the reign of Swedish King Gustaf V, Sandzén was honored by being made a "Knight of the Royal Order of the North Star," for his outstanding contribution to Swedish American cultural life. Go HERE to begin one of 11 sections on Sandzén.
(Sources: 1975 Bethany in Kansas by Emory Lindquist and the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery) Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery)
(Sources: 1975 Bethany in Kansas by Emory Lindquist and the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery) Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery)
International Correspondent / Author Alma Luise Olson (1884-1964) was born of Swedish parents near Lindsborg. She was a graduate of Bethany College and received a MA degree in English and Philosophy from University of Chicago. She was a New York Times correspondent in Sweden for 12 years. In 1940 she became the first American woman to receive Sweden's highest award for women, the "Vasa Medallion" during the reign of King Gustaf Adolf for spreading knowledge of Sweden in the United States. She was an expert linguist, an internationalist and a supporter of the U.N. which brought her to many of their meetings in New York City. For Miss Olson's two sections, go HERE, to read Ms. Elizabeth Jaderborg's story and HERE, for Ms. Karen A. Humphrey's story. For the New York Times announcement of her passing, go HERE.
(Sources: 1965 Lindsborg on Record by Selma Lind AKA Elizabeth Jaderborg; April 29, 1964 New York Times.)
(Sources: 1965 Lindsborg on Record by Selma Lind AKA Elizabeth Jaderborg; April 29, 1964 New York Times.)
Conductor Dr. Hagbard Brase (1877-1953) was born in Råda parish, Västergötland province, Sweden. His father was a Lutheran pastor. Matriculating from Stockholm's Royal Conservatory of Music in January of 1897, he pursued a music career at Bethany College as a professor and conductor of the Lindsborg Bethany College Oratorio Society for 31 years (1915-1946), the performances of which brought much praise among worldwide highbrow musical societies and circles, establishing Lindsborg as the “Oberammergau of the Kansas Plains. International opera singers and musicians and those from New York City made a point to perform in Lindsborg. In 1947, Dr. Brase was knighted, receiving the "Royal Order of Vasa" during the reign of King Gustaf Adolf. Go HERE to learn more on "one of the last of the finest type of European music masters in America." (Source: 1975 Bethany in Kansas by Emory Lindquist and the Deere Papers)
Visionary / Benefactor Dr. Pelham Greenough III (1908-1983), of English descent, was born and educated in Boston. As an anglophile, he was also "Swedish" in his goals for helping his Swedish wife, Margaret Sandzén, as he was the visionary and primary benefactor for the establishment of the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery, in 1957, in honor of her father. Thus, with her, he co-founded the Gallery. In 1963, he was knighted during the reign of Gustaf VI Adolf receiving the "First Class of the Royal Order of Vasa" from an emissary of the Swedish King which was part of the Bethany College homecoming activities during that Svensk Hyllningsfest weekend. Go HERE for Embracing the Sandzén family, establishing and financing the Gallery and supporting the community.
(Sources: 1975 Bethany in Kansas by Emory Lindquist and the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery)
(Sources: 1975 Bethany in Kansas by Emory Lindquist and the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery)
Entomologist Dr. Arthur W. Lindquist (1903-1980) was born of Swedish parents on a farm in Lindsborg. He was a Bethany College graduate of 1926. Although absent, in 1976, he was knighted, receiving the "Royal Order of the North Star" from the King of Sweden, Carl XVI Gustaf at Bethany College's American Bicentennial Celebrations. He was an internationally known entomologist. In 1961 he received the USDA distinguished service award. He served and represented the United States on committees of the Atomic Energy Agency, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN, and NATO seminars related to agriculture. Go HERE for an account on Dr. Lindquist by Dr. Leon Lungstrom. (Sources: 1975 Bethany in Kansas by Emory Lindquist & 1990 History of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at Bethany College, Lindsborg, Kansas by Leon Lungstrom. 1926 Photograph: Courtesy of Bethany College Archives.)
Academician/Author Dr. Emory Kempton Lindquist (1908-1992) was born of Swedish parents in Lindsborg. He was the fourth Swedish American president of Bethany College, serving it from 1943-1953. He was one of Swedish America’s leading educators in higher education. He was "the" Swedish American historian on the Kansas Smoky Valley People, and on the early Lindsborg Bethany College leaders and the College events of those days. He was an author of numerous books and other writings. He was eventually referred to by some as the Swedish Kansan. In 1976, during the American Bicentennial Celebrations, in Lindsborg, he received the "Order of the North Star" personally from the King of Sweden, Carl XVI Gustaf, on the Bethany College Campus. Go HERE, to learn more about the Kansas Smoky Valley books he wrote. (Sources: 1975 Bethany in Kansas by Emory Lindquist and Swedish American Historical Quarterly, North Park University, found HERE.)
Academician Dr. Arvin Hahn (1923-2017), eighth Bethany College President (1967-1983), was knighted personally by the King of Sweden, Carl XVI Gustaf, in 1976 at Bethany College during the American Bicentennial Celebrations. The King to Dr. Hahn stated: "The history of a college is also ... made by the presidents of the college – particularly this College which was created by Swedish immigrants and supported by their descendants. The President of the College, Dr. Arvin Hahn, has made valuable contributions to the development of Swedish-American relations in the cultural field. " The King, in recognition of these services, bestowed upon him the honor of "Knight First Class of the Royal Order of the North Star..." There are two sections on President Dr. Hahn, go HERE for the first. (Sources: Lindsborg News Record and Bethany College Magazine Spring 1976.)
Academician Dr. Peter Ristuben (1933-1990), a Norwegian and ninth Bethany College President, (1983-1990), was knighted in 1990, due to his leadership and effort with the nationwide 350th anniversary Swedish settlement in America celebration in 1988. He received the highest award bestowed upon non-Swedes that of "Officer of the First Class Royal Order of the Polar (North) Star," from King Carl XVI Gustaf by retired Swedish Parliament Speaker Ingemund Bengtsson and Los Angeles Swedish Consulate-General Peter Hammarstrom. (Sources: Bethany Magazine, Lindsborg News Record)
Artist Dr. Margaret Sandzén Greenough (1909-1993) was born of Swedish parents in Lindsborg, Kansas, received the "Royal Order of the North Star Medallion" during the reign of King Carl XVI Gustaf, in 1991 for her significant contribution in art and the co-founding, with her husband, Pelham Greenough, of the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery in honor of her Swedish father’s lifetime work as an artist. Go HERE for Artist Dr. Margaret Elisabeth "Greta" Sandzén Greenough ~ Her life of collecting her father's art, promoting it and establishing a gallery in his name. (Source: Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery.)
Honorary Consul General Bruce Karstadt (1951- ) was born in Lindsborg, Kansas, to Steve and Patty Karstadt. He graduated from Lindsborg Rural High School in 1969, from Bethany College in 1973 and from Topeka's Washburn University of Law in 1979. From 1990 to 2023, he served as President and CEO of the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis, Minnesota; and, in 1994, he became the Honorary Consul General of Sweden for Minnesota. In 2014, he received the "Royal Order of the Polar Star, Commander First Class" during the reign of King Carl XVI Gustaf. To learn more about his Swedish and Swedish American career and the honors bestowed upon him, go HERE to Mr. Bruce Karstadt ~ Honoring him as Bethany College graduate for heading up a major national Swedish American institution.
(Sources: Bethany Magazines, Lindsborg, News-Record articles, online newspaper news articles.)
(Sources: Bethany Magazines, Lindsborg, News-Record articles, online newspaper news articles.)
* * *
"Let Us Remember Them"
* * *
Swedes: TheWayTheyWere
~ restoring lost local histories ~
reconnecting past to present
* * *
All color photography throughout Swedes: The Way They Were is by Fran Cochran unless otherwise indicated.
Copyright © since October 8, 2015 to Current Year
as indicated on main menu sections of
www.swedesthewaytheywere.org. All rights reserved.
"Let Us Remember Them"
* * *
Swedes: TheWayTheyWere
~ restoring lost local histories ~
reconnecting past to present
* * *
All color photography throughout Swedes: The Way They Were is by Fran Cochran unless otherwise indicated.
Copyright © since October 8, 2015 to Current Year
as indicated on main menu sections of
www.swedesthewaytheywere.org. All rights reserved.
