"The Other Swedes"
~ Honoring Them and Remembering Them ~ The Smoky Valley Writers ~
Dr. Emory K. Lindquist
1975 "Bethany in Kansas, the history of a college"
~ The Words of Dr. Lindquist
~ Honoring Them and Remembering Them ~ The Smoky Valley Writers ~
Dr. Emory K. Lindquist
1975 "Bethany in Kansas, the history of a college"
~ The Words of Dr. Lindquist
Like Smoky Valley People, Dr. Lindquist authored another "classic," Bethany in Kansas, the history of a college in 1975. Its 309 pages tells the story about this Swedish Lutheran college which was founded in Lindsborg, on October 15, 1881, in the Sacristy of the Bethany Lutheran Church, a member of the Swedish Lutheran Augustana Synod founded in 1860.
Bethany's early history reveals that she would have four names.* She was founded as the Bethany Academy in 1881, through 1885. Renamed the Bethany Normal Institute in 1886, the following year she was renamed the Bethany College and Normal Institute in 1887. Two years later, in 1889, Bethany College became the name that we know her by to this year of 2023.
Dr. Lindquist, a former professor of history and a fourth president of Bethany College who was first a student, graduating in 1930, states in the Bethany in Kansas Preface that "This is the first attempt at a comprehensive history of the College." Sadly, it is the only comprehensive work on the college for 48 years, as no one with a connection to the college, professor or otherwise, has stepped up to continue the story on Bethany College, from 1975 to 2022. However, in 2019, there was published a wonderful 55 page book titled 6 Decades with 12 Bethany College Presidents by the late Mr. Kenneth Sjogren, former graduate of 1940 and assistant to President Arvin W. Hahn. This was very needed to complete the lists of all the presidents to 2019.
As with Smoky Valley People, no one will duplicate Bethany in Kansas. Therefore, this classic is a "must read" for Kansas Smoky Valley educators and Bethany College faculty responsible for educating their students on this most outstanding history of their college. If such a sustainable program is up and running, this will prevent, to some degree, the erosion of this rich college history, the perishing away of it and the forgetting of it.
There was a time when Bethany in Kansas was required reading. When this book was first published in 1975 under the Bethany College presidency of Dr. Arvin Hahn (1967 to 1983), I heard that Bethany in Kansas became required reading for the administration and faculty. To that I thought, what a great idea!
Dr. Hahn was Lutheran, but his ancestry was German, so he must have been thrilled to have such a book help him, his staff, professors and board members to better understand the culture of Bethany and to promote it as such. This, in turn, could have certainly provided ongoing direction in leading the college out of its dire financial challenges that he inherited when accepting the position. For under his leadership, Bethany became a robust college once again!
Unfortunately, it appears, after Dr. Hahn retired 40 years ago to this year of 2023, the requirement to read Bethany in Kansas was dropped by the President's Office.* The Bethany College Wallerstedt Library online services reports that there are 7 copies available for checking out. Fortunately, one can now read it online, as a copy from the Garden City, Kansas, Public Library was digitalized in 2020. Bethany in Kansas, is now accessible to all through the "INTERNET ARCHIVE" and can be found HERE.
Bethany's early history reveals that she would have four names.* She was founded as the Bethany Academy in 1881, through 1885. Renamed the Bethany Normal Institute in 1886, the following year she was renamed the Bethany College and Normal Institute in 1887. Two years later, in 1889, Bethany College became the name that we know her by to this year of 2023.
Dr. Lindquist, a former professor of history and a fourth president of Bethany College who was first a student, graduating in 1930, states in the Bethany in Kansas Preface that "This is the first attempt at a comprehensive history of the College." Sadly, it is the only comprehensive work on the college for 48 years, as no one with a connection to the college, professor or otherwise, has stepped up to continue the story on Bethany College, from 1975 to 2022. However, in 2019, there was published a wonderful 55 page book titled 6 Decades with 12 Bethany College Presidents by the late Mr. Kenneth Sjogren, former graduate of 1940 and assistant to President Arvin W. Hahn. This was very needed to complete the lists of all the presidents to 2019.
As with Smoky Valley People, no one will duplicate Bethany in Kansas. Therefore, this classic is a "must read" for Kansas Smoky Valley educators and Bethany College faculty responsible for educating their students on this most outstanding history of their college. If such a sustainable program is up and running, this will prevent, to some degree, the erosion of this rich college history, the perishing away of it and the forgetting of it.
There was a time when Bethany in Kansas was required reading. When this book was first published in 1975 under the Bethany College presidency of Dr. Arvin Hahn (1967 to 1983), I heard that Bethany in Kansas became required reading for the administration and faculty. To that I thought, what a great idea!
Dr. Hahn was Lutheran, but his ancestry was German, so he must have been thrilled to have such a book help him, his staff, professors and board members to better understand the culture of Bethany and to promote it as such. This, in turn, could have certainly provided ongoing direction in leading the college out of its dire financial challenges that he inherited when accepting the position. For under his leadership, Bethany became a robust college once again!
Unfortunately, it appears, after Dr. Hahn retired 40 years ago to this year of 2023, the requirement to read Bethany in Kansas was dropped by the President's Office.* The Bethany College Wallerstedt Library online services reports that there are 7 copies available for checking out. Fortunately, one can now read it online, as a copy from the Garden City, Kansas, Public Library was digitalized in 2020. Bethany in Kansas, is now accessible to all through the "INTERNET ARCHIVE" and can be found HERE.
As a last-living-link to this early history of these Swedes at Bethany, composed of his colleagues, friends, and neighbors, Dr. Lindquist writes his story on the Bethany in Kansas, the history of a college! To share his strong feelings and compassion for them are selections of his work found in Chapter 5: "World War II Years and Later, 1941-1958;" the "Foreword by Dr. Arvin W. Hahn;" the "Preface and Acknowledgements; Chapter 18: "Retrospect and Prospect;" and the "Table of Contents." In addition, in other sections, are the compiled "Contents and Illustrations:" Part 1 and Part II.
* * *
The Words of Dr. Lindquist
Chapter 5: "World War II Years and Later, 1941-1958
The Words of Dr. Lindquist
Chapter 5: "World War II Years and Later, 1941-1958
Here, are the words of Dr. Lindquist on his background as he wrote similar ones in the previous pages on his predecessors: Bethany College Swedish American Presidents Rev. Dr. Edward J. Nelander, Dr. Carl Aaron Swensson, and Dr. Ernest F. Pihlblad. The following 3 paragraphs begin in the second paragraph on page 73 and continue on the next page.
"Emory Lindquist, a graduate of Bethany with the class of 1930, was a native of Lindsborg. After three years of study, 1930-33, at Oxford University, where he was a Rhodes Scholar, he joined the Bethany faculty. He was awarded the Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees from Oxford with major studies in history. The Doctor of Philosophy degree was received by him from the University of Colorado in 1941.
"He was installed as the fourth president of Bethany at services presided over by Dr. Spong, president of the [Augustana Lutheran] Kansas Conference, at the Bethany Lutheran Church on September 21, 1943. Lindquist's address was entitled:
"Emory Lindquist, a graduate of Bethany with the class of 1930, was a native of Lindsborg. After three years of study, 1930-33, at Oxford University, where he was a Rhodes Scholar, he joined the Bethany faculty. He was awarded the Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees from Oxford with major studies in history. The Doctor of Philosophy degree was received by him from the University of Colorado in 1941.
"He was installed as the fourth president of Bethany at services presided over by Dr. Spong, president of the [Augustana Lutheran] Kansas Conference, at the Bethany Lutheran Church on September 21, 1943. Lindquist's address was entitled:
“ Things Truly Believed ”
In his address Dr. Lindquist declared his belief in Bethany College and Christian education because of 'The Christian doctrine of man which it affirms, the unique opportunity for a meaningful education which it provides, and for the gospel of salvation, the story of redemption, and the fellowship of reconciliation with which it is identified.' A simple installation service seemed most appropriate at a time when America and most of the nations of the world were in the midst of the tragic conflict of World War II."
* * *
The Words of Dr. Arvin W. Hahn on Dr. Emory Lindquist's Bethany in Kansas
From eighth Bethany College President Dr. Arvin W. Hahn who handed me my Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1968, seven years later in 1975 we read highlights from the Foreword of Dr. Lindquist's Bethany in Kansas.
"...Stated differently, age has not taken its toll on Bethany College;
quite to the contrary, age has made it increasingly alive and vital.
His [Dr. Lindquist] vantage points of living “on the inside” for years and also observing “from the outside”
… has led to unusual perceptions and insightful descriptions.
… of an unusually skillful analysis of the time that was Bethany’s to-date."
quite to the contrary, age has made it increasingly alive and vital.
His [Dr. Lindquist] vantage points of living “on the inside” for years and also observing “from the outside”
… has led to unusual perceptions and insightful descriptions.
… of an unusually skillful analysis of the time that was Bethany’s to-date."
FOREWORD
by
Dr. Hahn
"Time leaves its marks on everything it touches. There are no exceptions to this, and even institutions of higher education have experienced its imprints. These may be imprints of recognized research, vastly expanded facilities, esteemed professors, and graduates who in turn leave their own marks on their period of civilization.
"Bethany College also has not escaped the impact of the decades. Time has strengthened it; time has given it distinctive form and function; time has aided it in establishing linkages with the people throughout the world and with those who share in its continuance. Time seemingly has played an unusually significant role in developing the qualities for which Bethany College is known. Stated differently, age has not taken its toll on Bethany College; quite to the contrary, age has made it increasingly alive and vital.
"Thus it is now, after almost a century, that we relive its development and study the factors which seem most to have influenced its personality. To rediscover in an orderly and meaningful way requires the talent of a highly skilled historian. Dr. Emory Lindquist, a former Rhodes Scholar at Oxford, past student, professor, and president of Bethany College, has provided that quality. His vantage points of living “on the inside” for years and also observing “from the outside” while professor and president at Wichita State University, has led to unusual perceptions and insightful descriptions. Having mastered the discipline of authorship in several historical volumes, Dr. Lindquist has given us the fortunate happening of an unusually skillful analysis of the time that was Bethany’s to-date.
"To Dr. Lindquist and to the dozens of others who ably assisted in this production, I express my most sincere gratitude. ARVIN W. HAWN, President, Bethany College."
"Bethany College also has not escaped the impact of the decades. Time has strengthened it; time has given it distinctive form and function; time has aided it in establishing linkages with the people throughout the world and with those who share in its continuance. Time seemingly has played an unusually significant role in developing the qualities for which Bethany College is known. Stated differently, age has not taken its toll on Bethany College; quite to the contrary, age has made it increasingly alive and vital.
"Thus it is now, after almost a century, that we relive its development and study the factors which seem most to have influenced its personality. To rediscover in an orderly and meaningful way requires the talent of a highly skilled historian. Dr. Emory Lindquist, a former Rhodes Scholar at Oxford, past student, professor, and president of Bethany College, has provided that quality. His vantage points of living “on the inside” for years and also observing “from the outside” while professor and president at Wichita State University, has led to unusual perceptions and insightful descriptions. Having mastered the discipline of authorship in several historical volumes, Dr. Lindquist has given us the fortunate happening of an unusually skillful analysis of the time that was Bethany’s to-date.
"To Dr. Lindquist and to the dozens of others who ably assisted in this production, I express my most sincere gratitude. ARVIN W. HAWN, President, Bethany College."
* * *
The Words of Dr. Lindquist
continue
The Words of Dr. Lindquist
continue
PREFACE AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
pages vii - viii
"The author hopes that readers ... familiar with .. Bethany...
will recall happy remembrances … and … together…
will share...something of the Bethany spirit."
will recall happy remembrances … and … together…
will share...something of the Bethany spirit."
[PREFACE]
"A college is an organism with a distinctive life that can be chronicled from the date of origin. The time span of this history of Bethany College is from the founding by Dr. Carl Swensson in 1881 to the end of the academic year 1973-74. It points to the Centennial Year of Jubilee in 1981. This is the first attempt at a comprehensive history of the College.
"Two sections identify the contents: Part I describes developments chronologically. Part II is topical.
"Many aspects of Bethany’s history are recorded in the following pages. The belief in Christian higher education by the Swedish American founders, their associates, and successors; the dedication of faculty; the vision of administrators and board members; the loyalty of the church constituency and the community, locally and also more broadly conceived; the aspirations and activities of students; the special distinction in music and art; the interest and achievement of graduates and former students; the support of friends; and the cooperation of various media sources form the basic content. Faith, sacrifice, devotion, and dedication characterize the annals of Bethany's history. Over and beyond these pages is the unwritten history of Bethany which is known best by those who shared it.
"Two alternatives often confront an historian: The responsibility may be to record the story of an institution or cause that has come to an end; or it may be the happier situation in which the past is a challenging prologue to the present and future. The latter alternative prevails for the historian of Bethany College. A cherished tradition has furnished vital resources for the lively present and the promise of a greater future.
"The author had available a mass of primary and secondary sources although limitations of space required difficult choices. It has been an exciting experience to read the documents, to review the printed materials, to share remembrances with alumni, and to observe the dedication of current personnel at the College as they fashion with wisdom and confidence the shape of things to come.
[ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS]
"The author’s gratitude is great for generous assistance from many people. Inadequacies of the volume are his responsibility. Dr. Arvin W. Hahn, president of Bethany College, has been unfailing in his interest and support. A. John Pearson, director of public relations, has rendered invaluable services as editor of the book. Mrs. Richard Lofgren, secretary to the president of Bethany College, has not only typed the final manuscript with great care, but she also has served as a valuable consultant. William H. Taylor, business manager, Mrs. Delmar Homan, head librarian, Professor Emerita Jen Jenkins, Professor Lambert Dahlsten, Kenneth Sjogren, director of public affairs, L. Stanley Talbott, director of alumni affairs, Ray D. Hahn, athletic director and coach emeritus, E. Keith Rasmussen, former athletic director and coach, and Mrs. Estred Schwantes, a member of the public relations staff, have given substantial support.
"In addition to college personnel, several other people have shared their interest and knowledge with the author. Included are Mr. and Mrs. Frank Pedroja, Jr., Wichita, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Almquist, Tib Anderson, curator of the McPherson County Old Mill Museum and Park, Dr. Elmer R. Danielson, Dr. and Mrs. C. P. Greenough 3rd, and Mrs. Elizabeth Jaderborg, Lindsborg. Jacquelyn Black, Wichita, has been an efficient research assistant throughout the preparation of the manuscript. Bianca Ralston, Wichita, assisted in preparing the preliminary version. Nyle H. Miller and his associates at the Kansas Historical Society, Topeka, have been cordial in making available materials. Irma, my wife and a Bethany graduate, has given many constructive suggestions and criticisms. In addition a large number of alumni graciously responded with material for the chapter, “Alumni Remember.”
"The author hopes that readers who are familiar with the Bethany story will recall happy remembrances of undergraduate years or other relationships with the College and that old and new friends will share together something of the Bethany spirit."
"A college is an organism with a distinctive life that can be chronicled from the date of origin. The time span of this history of Bethany College is from the founding by Dr. Carl Swensson in 1881 to the end of the academic year 1973-74. It points to the Centennial Year of Jubilee in 1981. This is the first attempt at a comprehensive history of the College.
"Two sections identify the contents: Part I describes developments chronologically. Part II is topical.
"Many aspects of Bethany’s history are recorded in the following pages. The belief in Christian higher education by the Swedish American founders, their associates, and successors; the dedication of faculty; the vision of administrators and board members; the loyalty of the church constituency and the community, locally and also more broadly conceived; the aspirations and activities of students; the special distinction in music and art; the interest and achievement of graduates and former students; the support of friends; and the cooperation of various media sources form the basic content. Faith, sacrifice, devotion, and dedication characterize the annals of Bethany's history. Over and beyond these pages is the unwritten history of Bethany which is known best by those who shared it.
"Two alternatives often confront an historian: The responsibility may be to record the story of an institution or cause that has come to an end; or it may be the happier situation in which the past is a challenging prologue to the present and future. The latter alternative prevails for the historian of Bethany College. A cherished tradition has furnished vital resources for the lively present and the promise of a greater future.
"The author had available a mass of primary and secondary sources although limitations of space required difficult choices. It has been an exciting experience to read the documents, to review the printed materials, to share remembrances with alumni, and to observe the dedication of current personnel at the College as they fashion with wisdom and confidence the shape of things to come.
[ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS]
"The author’s gratitude is great for generous assistance from many people. Inadequacies of the volume are his responsibility. Dr. Arvin W. Hahn, president of Bethany College, has been unfailing in his interest and support. A. John Pearson, director of public relations, has rendered invaluable services as editor of the book. Mrs. Richard Lofgren, secretary to the president of Bethany College, has not only typed the final manuscript with great care, but she also has served as a valuable consultant. William H. Taylor, business manager, Mrs. Delmar Homan, head librarian, Professor Emerita Jen Jenkins, Professor Lambert Dahlsten, Kenneth Sjogren, director of public affairs, L. Stanley Talbott, director of alumni affairs, Ray D. Hahn, athletic director and coach emeritus, E. Keith Rasmussen, former athletic director and coach, and Mrs. Estred Schwantes, a member of the public relations staff, have given substantial support.
"In addition to college personnel, several other people have shared their interest and knowledge with the author. Included are Mr. and Mrs. Frank Pedroja, Jr., Wichita, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Almquist, Tib Anderson, curator of the McPherson County Old Mill Museum and Park, Dr. Elmer R. Danielson, Dr. and Mrs. C. P. Greenough 3rd, and Mrs. Elizabeth Jaderborg, Lindsborg. Jacquelyn Black, Wichita, has been an efficient research assistant throughout the preparation of the manuscript. Bianca Ralston, Wichita, assisted in preparing the preliminary version. Nyle H. Miller and his associates at the Kansas Historical Society, Topeka, have been cordial in making available materials. Irma, my wife and a Bethany graduate, has given many constructive suggestions and criticisms. In addition a large number of alumni graciously responded with material for the chapter, “Alumni Remember.”
"The author hopes that readers who are familiar with the Bethany story will recall happy remembrances of undergraduate years or other relationships with the College and that old and new friends will share together something of the Bethany spirit."
"Retrospect and Prospect"
Chapter 18
[gold font for report, will be removed eventually]
Chapter 18
[gold font for report, will be removed eventually]
"When the annuals of history have been read and the resources of memory recalled, it becomes apparent that a college operates in a dimension of space and within the changing forces of time. The former is a specific factor and for Bethany College it is that area of good earth at Lindsborg in the Smoky Valley of Central Kansas known as the campus. But that is not an adequate description. Bethany is really wherever graduates and former students participate in the world’s life and work. This dimension reaches beyond the boundaries of Kansas and the United States. In faraway India there is another Bethany, a girl’s school, named to honor an alumna whose path of Christian service brought her to that country. Elsewhere it is less tangible in the legacy of the Bethany spirit, fashioned in youthful years and enriched with the passing of time. This broad concept of Bethany is valid in retrospect and increasingly so in prospect.
"The time element in the life of a college has about it a continuous reality from the “then” to the “now” and beyond. In retrospect the point of departure is that October day in 1881 when the Reverend Carl Swensson and J. A. Udden met in the sacristy of the Bethany Lutheran Church with a few students. The future was heavy with the promise of greater things. Ninety and more years have passed and the cumulative numbers have reached several thousands. The prospect is for greater growth in service.
"A glance backward to the time of origin brings the observer to a Swedish community in the early process of Americanization. The Swedish settlers had lived there for only slightly more than a decade. The common language in the homes, churches, business firms, and newspapers was Swedish. In the early years a large majority of the college students was Swedish-born.
"Although the college catalogue was always printed in the English language, the early promotional literature was in English and Swedish. In 1883 the board of directors passed a resolution declaring that English and Swedish were to have equal status. The report of the president of Bethany College to the [Augustana Lutheran] Church Conference was in Swedish until 1923. Students with Swedish antecedents were expected to study the Swedish language until the middle 1920s.
"When yellow and blue became the college colors, the Swedish flag was the source. When Rockar, Stockar was adopted as the college yell, the background and words were Swedish. When the official college song, Hell Dig, Vårt Bethany, was designated in the early years, the lyrics were written by Jakob Bonggren, well-known Swedish American poet, and the music was from Hell Dig, Du Höga Nord, a Swedish patriotic song of the homeland. An English translation, Hail Thee, Our Bethany, was still sung in 1930. Swedish festivals and Swedish clubs further identified the cultural origin of the College.
"The Swedish antecedents brought important cultural resources to Bethany. Coming directly to the campus from the old country were greatly esteemed professors—Hugo Bedinger, Sigfrid Laurin, Birger Sandzén, Hagbard Brase, Oscar Thorsen, and many others. Moreover, the Swedish culture of the community and of the church constituency in the Smoky Valley added elements that were unusual in the Plains area and in America generally. Professor M. C. Hansen has written appropriately: 'The immigrant brought with him European culture . . . . If they did not come in loaded with culture, at least they were plentifully supplied with the seeds of culture, that, scattered in a fertile soil, could flourish mightily.'
"Although the Swedish character of the College and community was dominant, the result was not a closed, exclusive society. Carl Swensson was American born and thoroughly conversant with the American idea. In July, 1887, in an article in Lutersk Kvartalskrift, he declared: 'We do not wish even if it were possible, which it is not, to build a little new Sweden in this country. That would be as childish as it would be wrong, but on the other hand we do not wish to become Americanized at the turn of the hand.' Two years later in a “Swedes Day” address at Chautauqua, New York, he emphasized: 'America is now our fatherland . . . . May we cherish that sense of gratitude that so well becomes us as the beneficiaries of this new and unexcelled civilization.'
"Attempts were made early to overcome the language barriers for non-Swedish students and faculty. English religious services were held in the Bethany Lutheran Church and in the college chapel. In 1902 the Bethany congregation at the annual meeting passed a resolution affirming that non-Swedish speaking persons were welcome as members. In 1908 the Messiah Lutheran Church was organized for the purpose of providing worship services in the English language for Bethany students, faculty, and Lindsborg residents.
"The process of Americanization continued steadily. In the 1920s it was completed. World War I had been an important factor in moving forward the process. The new generation of students was increasingly less bilingual than previously. But a large residue of Swedish and Swedish American culture remained and has been cherished subsequently. An interesting manifestation was the first Svensk Hyllningsfest in October 1941. The gala festival is a tribute to the Swedish immigrants by a new generation. Swedish crafts, folk dances, music, food, and historical exhibits recall the early days. It is interesting to observe that Dr. William Holwerda, M. D., who traced his ancestry to Holland, conceived the idea and purpose of the festival. The College participates actively in the events of the Svensk Hyllningsfest which is held in October of odd-numbered years.
"In retrospect, Bethany College figuratively speaking has sunk roots deep in Kansas and American soil. The rich Swedish heritage, which also has been cherished among the general American public, has witnessed the forces of change across the years. The Swedish origins have become more of a reminiscence than the pervasive reality of earlier decades. Bethany students in this era represent a cross section of American youth and are not basically different from collegians elsewhere. The national origin of faculty members is scarcely different from other colleges in the area. The curriculum contains no special marks of identification with the culture of the immigrant founders, the pietistic background, which prohibited social dancing on the campus until the 1950s, is no longer an important factor. There is nevertheless continuity with the past that provides distinctive resources for the present and future. The College recognizes fully that the twin forces of tradition and innovation enrich student life and thought.
"Since history deals principally with the resources of retrospect, it is understandable that the greatest emphasis in this volume has been upon that element. But there is abiding truth in the familiar saying, “The past is but prologue.” This emphasizes the future as the decisive legacy from history. That prospect, reinforced by the magnificent progress of the last decade, which has produced the largest full-time enrollment, the greatest financial support, and the finest campus buildings and facilities in Bethany’s history, is indeed splendid. Moreover, the foundations for this hope-filled prospect have been wisely and firmly established. The dual forces of a rich legacy and current vitality produce an encouraging prospect for the shape of things to come.
"Legend has it that when Indians long ago viewed the Smoky Valley from the range of hills [Coronado Heights] northwest of Lindsborg and saw the mystic haze on spring and autumn days, they believed that the valley was endowed with some unusual quality. Later, the Swedish residents described not the legendary but the real when they wrote to relatives and friends in the homeland that America and this area was indeed “framtidslandet,” “the land of the future.” Legend and history, although so different, may join to describe and inspire. There is much inspiration in Bethany’s history and there is great reason for confidence in the college’s future.
"The founders often used the familiar Swedish word, “Framåt!” “Forward!” to express their belief about the College in the world of tomorrow. This imperative, “Forward!” is still valid. Faith in God and in the Bethany idea will enable succeeding generations to write additional glorious chapters in Bethany’s history."
"The time element in the life of a college has about it a continuous reality from the “then” to the “now” and beyond. In retrospect the point of departure is that October day in 1881 when the Reverend Carl Swensson and J. A. Udden met in the sacristy of the Bethany Lutheran Church with a few students. The future was heavy with the promise of greater things. Ninety and more years have passed and the cumulative numbers have reached several thousands. The prospect is for greater growth in service.
"A glance backward to the time of origin brings the observer to a Swedish community in the early process of Americanization. The Swedish settlers had lived there for only slightly more than a decade. The common language in the homes, churches, business firms, and newspapers was Swedish. In the early years a large majority of the college students was Swedish-born.
"Although the college catalogue was always printed in the English language, the early promotional literature was in English and Swedish. In 1883 the board of directors passed a resolution declaring that English and Swedish were to have equal status. The report of the president of Bethany College to the [Augustana Lutheran] Church Conference was in Swedish until 1923. Students with Swedish antecedents were expected to study the Swedish language until the middle 1920s.
"When yellow and blue became the college colors, the Swedish flag was the source. When Rockar, Stockar was adopted as the college yell, the background and words were Swedish. When the official college song, Hell Dig, Vårt Bethany, was designated in the early years, the lyrics were written by Jakob Bonggren, well-known Swedish American poet, and the music was from Hell Dig, Du Höga Nord, a Swedish patriotic song of the homeland. An English translation, Hail Thee, Our Bethany, was still sung in 1930. Swedish festivals and Swedish clubs further identified the cultural origin of the College.
"The Swedish antecedents brought important cultural resources to Bethany. Coming directly to the campus from the old country were greatly esteemed professors—Hugo Bedinger, Sigfrid Laurin, Birger Sandzén, Hagbard Brase, Oscar Thorsen, and many others. Moreover, the Swedish culture of the community and of the church constituency in the Smoky Valley added elements that were unusual in the Plains area and in America generally. Professor M. C. Hansen has written appropriately: 'The immigrant brought with him European culture . . . . If they did not come in loaded with culture, at least they were plentifully supplied with the seeds of culture, that, scattered in a fertile soil, could flourish mightily.'
"Although the Swedish character of the College and community was dominant, the result was not a closed, exclusive society. Carl Swensson was American born and thoroughly conversant with the American idea. In July, 1887, in an article in Lutersk Kvartalskrift, he declared: 'We do not wish even if it were possible, which it is not, to build a little new Sweden in this country. That would be as childish as it would be wrong, but on the other hand we do not wish to become Americanized at the turn of the hand.' Two years later in a “Swedes Day” address at Chautauqua, New York, he emphasized: 'America is now our fatherland . . . . May we cherish that sense of gratitude that so well becomes us as the beneficiaries of this new and unexcelled civilization.'
"Attempts were made early to overcome the language barriers for non-Swedish students and faculty. English religious services were held in the Bethany Lutheran Church and in the college chapel. In 1902 the Bethany congregation at the annual meeting passed a resolution affirming that non-Swedish speaking persons were welcome as members. In 1908 the Messiah Lutheran Church was organized for the purpose of providing worship services in the English language for Bethany students, faculty, and Lindsborg residents.
"The process of Americanization continued steadily. In the 1920s it was completed. World War I had been an important factor in moving forward the process. The new generation of students was increasingly less bilingual than previously. But a large residue of Swedish and Swedish American culture remained and has been cherished subsequently. An interesting manifestation was the first Svensk Hyllningsfest in October 1941. The gala festival is a tribute to the Swedish immigrants by a new generation. Swedish crafts, folk dances, music, food, and historical exhibits recall the early days. It is interesting to observe that Dr. William Holwerda, M. D., who traced his ancestry to Holland, conceived the idea and purpose of the festival. The College participates actively in the events of the Svensk Hyllningsfest which is held in October of odd-numbered years.
"In retrospect, Bethany College figuratively speaking has sunk roots deep in Kansas and American soil. The rich Swedish heritage, which also has been cherished among the general American public, has witnessed the forces of change across the years. The Swedish origins have become more of a reminiscence than the pervasive reality of earlier decades. Bethany students in this era represent a cross section of American youth and are not basically different from collegians elsewhere. The national origin of faculty members is scarcely different from other colleges in the area. The curriculum contains no special marks of identification with the culture of the immigrant founders, the pietistic background, which prohibited social dancing on the campus until the 1950s, is no longer an important factor. There is nevertheless continuity with the past that provides distinctive resources for the present and future. The College recognizes fully that the twin forces of tradition and innovation enrich student life and thought.
"Since history deals principally with the resources of retrospect, it is understandable that the greatest emphasis in this volume has been upon that element. But there is abiding truth in the familiar saying, “The past is but prologue.” This emphasizes the future as the decisive legacy from history. That prospect, reinforced by the magnificent progress of the last decade, which has produced the largest full-time enrollment, the greatest financial support, and the finest campus buildings and facilities in Bethany’s history, is indeed splendid. Moreover, the foundations for this hope-filled prospect have been wisely and firmly established. The dual forces of a rich legacy and current vitality produce an encouraging prospect for the shape of things to come.
"Legend has it that when Indians long ago viewed the Smoky Valley from the range of hills [Coronado Heights] northwest of Lindsborg and saw the mystic haze on spring and autumn days, they believed that the valley was endowed with some unusual quality. Later, the Swedish residents described not the legendary but the real when they wrote to relatives and friends in the homeland that America and this area was indeed “framtidslandet,” “the land of the future.” Legend and history, although so different, may join to describe and inspire. There is much inspiration in Bethany’s history and there is great reason for confidence in the college’s future.
"The founders often used the familiar Swedish word, “Framåt!” “Forward!” to express their belief about the College in the world of tomorrow. This imperative, “Forward!” is still valid. Faith in God and in the Bethany idea will enable succeeding generations to write additional glorious chapters in Bethany’s history."
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* Source: Names for college are from website HERE.
* *Source: Information based on 7/12, 7/23, 2018 emails from the College.
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* Source: Names for college are from website HERE.
* *Source: Information based on 7/12, 7/23, 2018 emails from the College.
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The sections pertaining to author Dr. Emory K. Lindquist's work have been shown to his family for approval as of January 30, 2023.
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The sections pertaining to author Dr. Emory K. Lindquist's work have been shown to his family for approval as of January 30, 2023.
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* * *
Table of Contents
of
"Bethany in Kansas, the history of a college"
Table of Contents
of
"Bethany in Kansas, the history of a college"
Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v
Preface and Acknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .vii
Preface and Acknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .vii
PART ONE
" Developmental Chronology "
" Developmental Chronology "
Chapter 1: Founding and Early Years, 1881-1891 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Chapter 2: Struggle and Victory, 1891-1904 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Chapter 3: Consolidation and Growth, 1904-1921 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Chapter 4: Academic Enrichment, 1921-1941 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
Chapter 5: World War II Years and Later, 1941-1958 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Chapter 6: A Decade of Change, 1958-1967 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Chapter 7: A Miracle in the Making, 1967-197 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109
Chapter 8: New Horizons, 1967-1974 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Chapter 2: Struggle and Victory, 1891-1904 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Chapter 3: Consolidation and Growth, 1904-1921 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Chapter 4: Academic Enrichment, 1921-1941 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
Chapter 5: World War II Years and Later, 1941-1958 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Chapter 6: A Decade of Change, 1958-1967 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Chapter 7: A Miracle in the Making, 1967-197 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109
Chapter 8: New Horizons, 1967-1974 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
PART TWO
" Topical "
" Topical "
Chapter 9: Colleagues and Co-workers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .135
Chapter 10: The Lindsborg “Messiah” Tradition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .151
Chapter 11: Art and Artists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .175
Chapter 12: Intercollegiate Athletics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Chapter 13: Campus Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Chapter 14: Campus Thought . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Chapter 15: Campus Interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .233
Chapter 16: Alumni Achievement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Chapter 17: Alumni Remember . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Chapter 18: Retrospect and Prospect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .289
Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .301
Chapter 10: The Lindsborg “Messiah” Tradition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .151
Chapter 11: Art and Artists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .175
Chapter 12: Intercollegiate Athletics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Chapter 13: Campus Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Chapter 14: Campus Thought . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Chapter 15: Campus Interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .233
Chapter 16: Alumni Achievement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Chapter 17: Alumni Remember . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Chapter 18: Retrospect and Prospect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .289
Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .301
For Bethany in Kansas, the history of a college Contents & Illustrations PART ONE, go HERE.
For Bethany in Kansas, the history of a college Contents & Illustrations PART TWO, go HERE.
For 1984 "Hagbard Brase, Beloved Music Master" ~ The Words of Dr. Emory K. Lindquist, go HERE.
For Bethany in Kansas, the history of a college Contents & Illustrations PART TWO, go HERE.
For 1984 "Hagbard Brase, Beloved Music Master" ~ The Words of Dr. Emory K. Lindquist, go HERE.
* * *
Dr. Emory Kempton Lindquist
(1908-1992)
The "Swedish Kansan"
* * *
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.
~ 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.
