"The Other Swedes"
~ Honoring Them and Remembering Them ~ The Smoky Valley Writers ~
Dr. Emory K. Lindquist
WORKING ON THIS NOW
1989 G. N. Malm - A Swedish Immigrant's Varied Career"
~ The Words of Dr. Lindquist & "Others"
~ Nils Hasselmo, Vernon Holm, Dorothy Burton Skårdal, and Bertil Van Boer ~
~ Honoring Them and Remembering Them ~ The Smoky Valley Writers ~
Dr. Emory K. Lindquist
WORKING ON THIS NOW
1989 G. N. Malm - A Swedish Immigrant's Varied Career"
~ The Words of Dr. Lindquist & "Others"
~ Nils Hasselmo, Vernon Holm, Dorothy Burton Skårdal, and Bertil Van Boer ~
Dr. Lindquist dedication of this book was to G. M. Malm's last daughter from whom he acquired valuable first hand knowledge on her father for this writing. The dedication as shown below is found on page v.
To the Memory of
ALBA MALM ALMQUIST
1897 - 1986
ALBA MALM ALMQUIST
1897 - 1986
It was during the writing of this G. N. Malm book that Dr. Lindquist loss his central vision. Yet, his faith pushed him on to finished up with the masterpiece on renowned artist the Birger Sandzén that was published just after his death in 1993. In Dr. Lindquist's acknowledgements he gives his profound thanks to his dear wife, Irma, and dear brother, Ermal, who made if possible for him to finish these books. Thus, thanks to them, Lindsborg, Bethany College and I have these literary treasures as well, to finish up, his anthology of Smoky Valley books I used for creating SWEDES!
Since Bethany College Swedish American founder and second president Rev. Dr. Carl Aaron Swensson, it could be that Gustav Nathaniel "Nat" Malm may have done more for the Lindsborg community than any other Swedish outsider who at the age of ----- came to Lindsborg to live with his wife in --- at the invitation of Dr. Swensson to help build the community.
These two men had visions and dreams for Lindsborg and the College and the God-given gifts that were needed to see many of those visions and dreams come to fruition! Both of their contributions live on to this day!
Fourth Swedish American Bethany College president Dr. Lindquist began his writing career with Smoky Valley People that was published in 1953, the year he retired his position from Bethany and moved on to Wichita State University to work as a professor first, then becoming dean and the president from 1963 to 1968.
While composing Smoky Valley People, Dr. Lindquist could not let the contributions he knew about G. N. Malm go unnoticed to future Lindsborg generations when he dedicated nearly a page about this "all in citizen!" Here on page 214 of his Chapter: "Art in the Community: Artists and Writers" are his words:
"An important figure in Lindsborg cultural history was Gustaf Nathaniel [G. N.] Malm -- artist, writer, and promoter of good causes. Malm was born in Svartorps Parish Jönköping, Sweden, on January 20, 1869, the son of the Rev. and Mrs. P. A. Malm. As a young boy he showed promising talent, and in the desire to provide additional opportunity for development, he was invited to reside for a period at the home of Countess Posse. He was not happy there and stayed only for a brief period. He enrolled then at the College at Jönköping, but inadequate financial support made it necessary for him to discontinue his formal schooling. Young Malm then took up the trade of a painter. In October, 1889, he came to the United States, settling at Omaha, Nebraska. After marriage to miss Matilda Wredberg in January, 1893, the young couple moved to Lindsborg during the following year.
Malm soon won distinction in his painting craft, especially through various designs and stencils which he developed. In 1913 he became associated with the Acme Paint Company [of Michigan] but fortunately was able to maintain his residence in Lindsborg. Malm was an enthusiastic supporter of Bethany College and of civic activities in Lindsborg. He was secretary and historian of the Bethany College Oratorio Society, a leader in the Male Chorus and a promoter of many worthwhile events in the community.
His paintings showed talent of high quality.
His greatest distinction resides in his literary contribution. The volume, Charlie Johnson (1919), written in dialect Swedish, with its Swedish American vocabulary and structure, is a classic as is also his dramatic work, "Härute" (1919). Malm wrote many short stories in this dialect as well as some in English. A keen observer, he was able to capture in a unique manner the adaption of Swedish immigrants to the life on the plains.
A small man physically, he had great visions for Lindsborg and Bethany College and was an untiring worker in behalf of values that would distinguish the community as a center of culture. His untimely death in 1928, following an illness of a few months, was a great loss to the college and community.
Twenty-two years later in his 1975 Bethany in Kansas he had to mention him again yet more briefly in the chapter "The Lindsborg "Messiah" Tradition on page 169 he writes
"G. N. Malm, Lindsborg artist, author, and businessman, was a key person in promoting the oratorial tradition. He was a fine painter and a famous author in Swedish American circles. His volumes, "Charlie Johnson" and "Härute" are classics in Swedish American literature. He came to Lindsborg 1894 at the request of Dr. Swensson and he soon identified himself fully with the college and the community. He was secretary of the oratorio society as well as historian. He wrote extensively for newspapers and periodicals about music and art activities. Dedicated service came to an end with his death in 1928.
page 170 found within the first paragaph one instant in the Messiah quote paragraph
"When[opera singer] Nordica was ready to leave the auditorium for her private car, "Brunnhilde," on the railroad siding, members of the Bethany Male Chorus pulled her carriage. As an expression of appreciation for this fine gesture of interest, the renowned singer tossed some roses from her beautiful bouquet One stem was carefully nurtured by G. N. Malm, and in the next few years, visitors to the Malm residence saw the "Nordica rose." The plant died, but the remembrance of Nordica's memorable recital lived on."
60 page 172 second paragraph first paragraph
"The Bethany Male Chorus made its first appearance in 1902 and had a continuous history for more than two decades. Samuel Thorstenberg was the first conductor and G. N. Malm, Lindsborg citizen, was a leader in its activities.
so he set to work to write about them which near the end of his writing he became nearly blind in one eye.
This is the only comprehensive book on Mr. Malm and it is a "classic" and is a "must read" especially for Swedish-America and Swedish universities' and colleges' scholars interested in stories of Swedish immigration to American during the late 19th century continuing to the mid 20th century. G. N. Malm - A Swedish Immigrant's Varied Career" should be preserved for posterity and perpetuity by having it digitalized!
Like Dr. Lindquist's other books, G. N. Malm is characterized by "extensive" research and "extensive" documentation: "Endnotes," "Selected Biography" and "Index."
As a young man attending Bethany, there is no doubt that Dr. Lindquist was 20 due to graduate from Bethany and then to be on his way to Oxford for an additional 3 years as a Oxford Scholar when Mr. Malm died.Oxford University Rhodes Scholar
These two men had visions and dreams for Lindsborg and the College and the God-given gifts that were needed to see many of those visions and dreams come to fruition! Both of their contributions live on to this day!
Fourth Swedish American Bethany College president Dr. Lindquist began his writing career with Smoky Valley People that was published in 1953, the year he retired his position from Bethany and moved on to Wichita State University to work as a professor first, then becoming dean and the president from 1963 to 1968.
While composing Smoky Valley People, Dr. Lindquist could not let the contributions he knew about G. N. Malm go unnoticed to future Lindsborg generations when he dedicated nearly a page about this "all in citizen!" Here on page 214 of his Chapter: "Art in the Community: Artists and Writers" are his words:
"An important figure in Lindsborg cultural history was Gustaf Nathaniel [G. N.] Malm -- artist, writer, and promoter of good causes. Malm was born in Svartorps Parish Jönköping, Sweden, on January 20, 1869, the son of the Rev. and Mrs. P. A. Malm. As a young boy he showed promising talent, and in the desire to provide additional opportunity for development, he was invited to reside for a period at the home of Countess Posse. He was not happy there and stayed only for a brief period. He enrolled then at the College at Jönköping, but inadequate financial support made it necessary for him to discontinue his formal schooling. Young Malm then took up the trade of a painter. In October, 1889, he came to the United States, settling at Omaha, Nebraska. After marriage to miss Matilda Wredberg in January, 1893, the young couple moved to Lindsborg during the following year.
Malm soon won distinction in his painting craft, especially through various designs and stencils which he developed. In 1913 he became associated with the Acme Paint Company [of Michigan] but fortunately was able to maintain his residence in Lindsborg. Malm was an enthusiastic supporter of Bethany College and of civic activities in Lindsborg. He was secretary and historian of the Bethany College Oratorio Society, a leader in the Male Chorus and a promoter of many worthwhile events in the community.
His paintings showed talent of high quality.
His greatest distinction resides in his literary contribution. The volume, Charlie Johnson (1919), written in dialect Swedish, with its Swedish American vocabulary and structure, is a classic as is also his dramatic work, "Härute" (1919). Malm wrote many short stories in this dialect as well as some in English. A keen observer, he was able to capture in a unique manner the adaption of Swedish immigrants to the life on the plains.
A small man physically, he had great visions for Lindsborg and Bethany College and was an untiring worker in behalf of values that would distinguish the community as a center of culture. His untimely death in 1928, following an illness of a few months, was a great loss to the college and community.
Twenty-two years later in his 1975 Bethany in Kansas he had to mention him again yet more briefly in the chapter "The Lindsborg "Messiah" Tradition on page 169 he writes
"G. N. Malm, Lindsborg artist, author, and businessman, was a key person in promoting the oratorial tradition. He was a fine painter and a famous author in Swedish American circles. His volumes, "Charlie Johnson" and "Härute" are classics in Swedish American literature. He came to Lindsborg 1894 at the request of Dr. Swensson and he soon identified himself fully with the college and the community. He was secretary of the oratorio society as well as historian. He wrote extensively for newspapers and periodicals about music and art activities. Dedicated service came to an end with his death in 1928.
page 170 found within the first paragaph one instant in the Messiah quote paragraph
"When[opera singer] Nordica was ready to leave the auditorium for her private car, "Brunnhilde," on the railroad siding, members of the Bethany Male Chorus pulled her carriage. As an expression of appreciation for this fine gesture of interest, the renowned singer tossed some roses from her beautiful bouquet One stem was carefully nurtured by G. N. Malm, and in the next few years, visitors to the Malm residence saw the "Nordica rose." The plant died, but the remembrance of Nordica's memorable recital lived on."
60 page 172 second paragraph first paragraph
"The Bethany Male Chorus made its first appearance in 1902 and had a continuous history for more than two decades. Samuel Thorstenberg was the first conductor and G. N. Malm, Lindsborg citizen, was a leader in its activities.
so he set to work to write about them which near the end of his writing he became nearly blind in one eye.
This is the only comprehensive book on Mr. Malm and it is a "classic" and is a "must read" especially for Swedish-America and Swedish universities' and colleges' scholars interested in stories of Swedish immigration to American during the late 19th century continuing to the mid 20th century. G. N. Malm - A Swedish Immigrant's Varied Career" should be preserved for posterity and perpetuity by having it digitalized!
Like Dr. Lindquist's other books, G. N. Malm is characterized by "extensive" research and "extensive" documentation: "Endnotes," "Selected Biography" and "Index."
As a young man attending Bethany, there is no doubt that Dr. Lindquist was 20 due to graduate from Bethany and then to be on his way to Oxford for an additional 3 years as a Oxford Scholar when Mr. Malm died.Oxford University Rhodes Scholar
Acknowledgments page XI
The author acknowledges with gratitude the splendid support of individuals and institutions with which some of them are associated. Not only were there helpful responses to requests for information but again and again suggestions were made that greatly enriched the content of the manuscript.
Reference has been made in the Preface to the fine interest and support of Alba Malm Almquist, the last surviving daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. N. Malm.
Special appreciation is expressed to Dr. Vernon Holm, Bartlesville, Oklahoma; Dr Nils Hasselmo, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Dr. Dorothy Burton Skårdal, Oslo, Norway, for their excellent chapters. Dr. Holm, a Lindsborg native and graduate of Bethany, knew G. N. Malm and based the material in his chapter on stencil and stenciling from direct experience research. His personal account is the only direct source in print on this subject.
Dr. Nils Hasselmo, president of the University of Minnesota, is recognized through his research and publications as the most imminent authority on what is known as "American Swedish" The usage resulted from the impact on the immigrants' native language by their exposure to the English language in the new Milieu.
Hearty thanks are expressed to The American-Swedish Historical Society, Chicago, successor to The Swedish Pioneer Historical Society, to use the article by Nils Hasselmo, which originally was printed in The Swedish Pioneer Historical Quarterly 24 (July-October 1974).
Dr. Dorothy Burton Skardal, senior lecturer at the American Institute, University of Oslo, Norway, is recognized as an authority on Scandinavian-American literature. Her excellent volume, The Divided Heart: Scandinavian Immigrant Experience Through Literary Sources (1974), provides detailed and interesting information about the literary works of a large number of Scandinavians who lived and worked in the United States.
Dr. Bertil Van Boer, a member of the faculty of Wichita State University and author of books and articles related to the history of music in Sweden, enriched the volume by his translation of G. N. Malm's short story which is printed in the Appendix.
Many people in Sweden and the United States were most generous in providing material and other forms of assistance. Special appreciation is extended to the following in Sweden: Nils Gruvberger, deputy director, Jönköping Högskolan, University College; Ola Christenson, Gothenburg University Library: Folke Hedblom, emeritus director, Institute of Dialect and Folklore Research, Uppsala University; Eira Johansson, Hultsfred; Karin Stenfors, Stockholm; Anita Swensson, Vena; and Maria Svensson, Staffanstorp.
In the United States the following are among those who assisted the author: Patricia Eldridge, Sherwin-Williams Company Archivist, Cleveland Ohio; Dixie Lanning, Bethany College Librarian; Dohrman Lehman, director, McPherson County Old Mill Museum, Lindsborg; Thoburn Taggart, Wichita State University Library; Kermit Westerberg, Swenson Swedish Immigration Research Center, Rock Island, Illinois; Emmet and Marion Eklund, St. Paul, Minnesota; Karen Brase Freeberg, Eunice Gunnarson, William Gusenius, Hilding Jaderborg, Margaret Soby, Charlotte Tarnstrom, Mr. and Mrs. Elvin Hedquist, all of Lindsborg; Frank Pedroja, Wichita; Mary and Linn Peterson, McPherson.
The descendants of the Reverend and Mrs. P. A. Malm have been generous in providing information, especially Bernard Malm, Scottsdale, Arizona; Mr. and Mrs. LeRoy Briggs, Windom, Kansas; Harold Malm, Lindsborg, Kansas; Bernadine Briggs Walsten, Hutchinson, Kansas; Sonja Malm Decker, Fayettewille, Arkansas; and Ingrid Malm Tengle, Lebanon, Indiana.
I appreciate greatly the splendid assistance of Naomi Carpenter, Wichita, in preparing the manuscript for publication. Her skill and experience were meaningful and supportive. Jay Richardson was helpful in preparing the Index.
A. John Pearson, director of college relations, Bethany College, editor, has been most helpful throughout this project. His personal interest and professional skill have been important factors in achieving the goals of publication. It has been a pleasure to be associated with him again in this publication project.
I express my gratitude to the officers and members of the Smoky Vally Historical Association, Lindsborg, the publishers of this volume.
Finally, I cannot express adequately in words the unfailing and well–informed support of Irma, my wife, and Ermal, my brother. In the process of working on this project, I lost my central vision. It is literally true that the publication would never have occurred without their patient and capable assistance and support.
The author acknowledges with gratitude the splendid support of individuals and institutions with which some of them are associated. Not only were there helpful responses to requests for information but again and again suggestions were made that greatly enriched the content of the manuscript.
Reference has been made in the Preface to the fine interest and support of Alba Malm Almquist, the last surviving daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. N. Malm.
Special appreciation is expressed to Dr. Vernon Holm, Bartlesville, Oklahoma; Dr Nils Hasselmo, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Dr. Dorothy Burton Skårdal, Oslo, Norway, for their excellent chapters. Dr. Holm, a Lindsborg native and graduate of Bethany, knew G. N. Malm and based the material in his chapter on stencil and stenciling from direct experience research. His personal account is the only direct source in print on this subject.
Dr. Nils Hasselmo, president of the University of Minnesota, is recognized through his research and publications as the most imminent authority on what is known as "American Swedish" The usage resulted from the impact on the immigrants' native language by their exposure to the English language in the new Milieu.
Hearty thanks are expressed to The American-Swedish Historical Society, Chicago, successor to The Swedish Pioneer Historical Society, to use the article by Nils Hasselmo, which originally was printed in The Swedish Pioneer Historical Quarterly 24 (July-October 1974).
Dr. Dorothy Burton Skardal, senior lecturer at the American Institute, University of Oslo, Norway, is recognized as an authority on Scandinavian-American literature. Her excellent volume, The Divided Heart: Scandinavian Immigrant Experience Through Literary Sources (1974), provides detailed and interesting information about the literary works of a large number of Scandinavians who lived and worked in the United States.
Dr. Bertil Van Boer, a member of the faculty of Wichita State University and author of books and articles related to the history of music in Sweden, enriched the volume by his translation of G. N. Malm's short story which is printed in the Appendix.
Many people in Sweden and the United States were most generous in providing material and other forms of assistance. Special appreciation is extended to the following in Sweden: Nils Gruvberger, deputy director, Jönköping Högskolan, University College; Ola Christenson, Gothenburg University Library: Folke Hedblom, emeritus director, Institute of Dialect and Folklore Research, Uppsala University; Eira Johansson, Hultsfred; Karin Stenfors, Stockholm; Anita Swensson, Vena; and Maria Svensson, Staffanstorp.
In the United States the following are among those who assisted the author: Patricia Eldridge, Sherwin-Williams Company Archivist, Cleveland Ohio; Dixie Lanning, Bethany College Librarian; Dohrman Lehman, director, McPherson County Old Mill Museum, Lindsborg; Thoburn Taggart, Wichita State University Library; Kermit Westerberg, Swenson Swedish Immigration Research Center, Rock Island, Illinois; Emmet and Marion Eklund, St. Paul, Minnesota; Karen Brase Freeberg, Eunice Gunnarson, William Gusenius, Hilding Jaderborg, Margaret Soby, Charlotte Tarnstrom, Mr. and Mrs. Elvin Hedquist, all of Lindsborg; Frank Pedroja, Wichita; Mary and Linn Peterson, McPherson.
The descendants of the Reverend and Mrs. P. A. Malm have been generous in providing information, especially Bernard Malm, Scottsdale, Arizona; Mr. and Mrs. LeRoy Briggs, Windom, Kansas; Harold Malm, Lindsborg, Kansas; Bernadine Briggs Walsten, Hutchinson, Kansas; Sonja Malm Decker, Fayettewille, Arkansas; and Ingrid Malm Tengle, Lebanon, Indiana.
I appreciate greatly the splendid assistance of Naomi Carpenter, Wichita, in preparing the manuscript for publication. Her skill and experience were meaningful and supportive. Jay Richardson was helpful in preparing the Index.
A. John Pearson, director of college relations, Bethany College, editor, has been most helpful throughout this project. His personal interest and professional skill have been important factors in achieving the goals of publication. It has been a pleasure to be associated with him again in this publication project.
I express my gratitude to the officers and members of the Smoky Vally Historical Association, Lindsborg, the publishers of this volume.
Finally, I cannot express adequately in words the unfailing and well–informed support of Irma, my wife, and Ermal, my brother. In the process of working on this project, I lost my central vision. It is literally true that the publication would never have occurred without their patient and capable assistance and support.
Dr. Lindquist words from the INSIDE of the book cover:
When G. N. Malm emigrated to the United States from Sweden in 1889, the pattern of life brought him, within a few years, to Lindsborg, Kansas, which was his residence until his death in 1928.
Almost 6 decades elapsed between his birth in the rural area near Lake Vännern in beautiful Västergötland and his death in the distance Smoky Valley of Central Kansas. These years were filled with varied and constructive activities.
Author, artist, promoter of education, civic and community leader, entrepreneur, independent thinker in social, economic and political issues – he often marched to the beat of a different drummer.
Malm’s distinguished contribution to the arts and literature and to organizations and institutions was made possible through his creation and development of a unique and effective decorating process which became known nationally as the Acme Quality Decorative System, thus providing him economic resources essential for achieving these other goals.
Malm undoubtedly will be best known to posterity because of his literary achievement. His full length novel Charlie Johnson: Svensk-Amerikan (1909), his four-act drama Härute (Out Here),1919, and more than thirty short stories in “American Swedish“ provide magnificent resources for understanding the immigrant tradition and its role in American life. Landscapes, altar paintings, watercolors and print present evidence of his considerable talent in art.
Inspired by the leadership of Dr. Carl A. Swensson, founder and president of Bethany College, “Nat” Malm was a leader in promoting Bethany College, the “Messiah “oratorio tradition, and financial support for the academic program. In later years, the construction of Presser Hall owed much to his leadership.
The biography of G.N. Malm greatly enriches our knowledge of the history of Lindsborg and the Smoky Valley. Again and again he held leadership roles in civic and community affairs. As president of the Lindsborg Commercial Club, he sought to stimulate economic development and employment in the area. His sense of history caused him to be the prime mover in the Coronado Heights project which commemorates the arrival of Coronado and his Conquistadores in the Smoky Valley in 1541.
Although deeply devoted to this Swedish language and culture, he realized that the future of the immigrants and their children depended upon knowledge of the language of the land and its institutions. He became the central figure in heated controversy on the subject. Malm was the leader in organizing the Messiah Lutheran congregation in Lindsborg as a logical solution of providing worship services in the English language. In considering the mission of the Christian church at large, he emphasized the responsibility for creating a more just society.
Malm was an independent thinker in economic and social issues. In an age of rapid industrial growth, he supported the rights of those who labor, pointing out his own background in Sweden and his experiences in America prior to the success of his later role in management. He urged the immigrants and their children to be participants, rather than spectators, in the rapidly changing economic and social world in which they lived. Although critical of some aspects of American life, he believed in the American dream and the achievement of true democracy and justice.
Although Malm was a man fully occupied by his own professional responsibilities and his many other activities, he had a large circle of friends. Many of them were immigrants, like himself, who knew him through his literary works and his vast number of articles on political and social issues in the Swedish-American press. He had many other associates and friends through his affiliation with the Acme White Lead and Color Works, Detroit, based also on his articles and trade journals and lectures throughout the nation.
The family circle included three daughters born to him and his wife, Mathilda Wredberg, a sweetheart from the early years in Sweden.
The reader is invited to share the life in times of G. N. Malm in his interesting, productive and varied career.
When G. N. Malm emigrated to the United States from Sweden in 1889, the pattern of life brought him, within a few years, to Lindsborg, Kansas, which was his residence until his death in 1928.
Almost 6 decades elapsed between his birth in the rural area near Lake Vännern in beautiful Västergötland and his death in the distance Smoky Valley of Central Kansas. These years were filled with varied and constructive activities.
Author, artist, promoter of education, civic and community leader, entrepreneur, independent thinker in social, economic and political issues – he often marched to the beat of a different drummer.
Malm’s distinguished contribution to the arts and literature and to organizations and institutions was made possible through his creation and development of a unique and effective decorating process which became known nationally as the Acme Quality Decorative System, thus providing him economic resources essential for achieving these other goals.
Malm undoubtedly will be best known to posterity because of his literary achievement. His full length novel Charlie Johnson: Svensk-Amerikan (1909), his four-act drama Härute (Out Here),1919, and more than thirty short stories in “American Swedish“ provide magnificent resources for understanding the immigrant tradition and its role in American life. Landscapes, altar paintings, watercolors and print present evidence of his considerable talent in art.
Inspired by the leadership of Dr. Carl A. Swensson, founder and president of Bethany College, “Nat” Malm was a leader in promoting Bethany College, the “Messiah “oratorio tradition, and financial support for the academic program. In later years, the construction of Presser Hall owed much to his leadership.
The biography of G.N. Malm greatly enriches our knowledge of the history of Lindsborg and the Smoky Valley. Again and again he held leadership roles in civic and community affairs. As president of the Lindsborg Commercial Club, he sought to stimulate economic development and employment in the area. His sense of history caused him to be the prime mover in the Coronado Heights project which commemorates the arrival of Coronado and his Conquistadores in the Smoky Valley in 1541.
Although deeply devoted to this Swedish language and culture, he realized that the future of the immigrants and their children depended upon knowledge of the language of the land and its institutions. He became the central figure in heated controversy on the subject. Malm was the leader in organizing the Messiah Lutheran congregation in Lindsborg as a logical solution of providing worship services in the English language. In considering the mission of the Christian church at large, he emphasized the responsibility for creating a more just society.
Malm was an independent thinker in economic and social issues. In an age of rapid industrial growth, he supported the rights of those who labor, pointing out his own background in Sweden and his experiences in America prior to the success of his later role in management. He urged the immigrants and their children to be participants, rather than spectators, in the rapidly changing economic and social world in which they lived. Although critical of some aspects of American life, he believed in the American dream and the achievement of true democracy and justice.
Although Malm was a man fully occupied by his own professional responsibilities and his many other activities, he had a large circle of friends. Many of them were immigrants, like himself, who knew him through his literary works and his vast number of articles on political and social issues in the Swedish-American press. He had many other associates and friends through his affiliation with the Acme White Lead and Color Works, Detroit, based also on his articles and trade journals and lectures throughout the nation.
The family circle included three daughters born to him and his wife, Mathilda Wredberg, a sweetheart from the early years in Sweden.
The reader is invited to share the life in times of G. N. Malm in his interesting, productive and varied career.
The Preface
When Gustav Nathaniel Malm first saw the light of day in 1869 in the rural parish of Svarttorp in the idyllic natural beauty of Småland, Sweden, near Lake Vättern, the likelihood that he would spend four of the six decades of his life at Lindsborg, in central Kansas, seemed remote. This unexpected odyssey occurred when he was one of approximately 300,000 Swedes who immigrated to the United States in the decade of the 1880s. His crossing of the Atlantic in 1889 had been preceded by that of his parents, three brothers and a sister a few months earlier.
Although young Malm had few worldly possessions as he began his adventure in America, he had rich personal resources from his parental home and other experiences. Per August, Gustav’s father, a teacher and lay religious worker, and Mathilda, a sensitive and devoted mother, made available fine values and great encouragement as well as providing by example qualities of life that would be meaningful to Gustav.
The son recalled with gratitude the time given by his mother in reading interesting stories and presenting other accounts from her vivid fantasy and imagination. These happy experiences were factors later in life as he used his talent and insight to produce a varied number of literary works. The youth sensed that his father was a fearless dissenter on religious issues, and at the age of 45 the son wrote a letter to his father declaring that his forthright criticism of wrongs in society and in human relations had its source in the example provided by his father.
An alert teacher observed Gustav’s interest in free hand drawing and gave him special lessons. This contributed to his interest in art which later provided important resources for his professional career as a decorative designer and in producing paintings and prints. The choir boy at Hjo, who early showed great interest in music, became identified in America with a 400-voice oratorio society as a member of the tenor section, general secretary of the organization and a life long promoter of the fine arts.
Young Malm’s early formal education was in the Hjo elementary school and was followed by more advanced studies in Jönköping. He shared in private tutors at the Almnäs estate of Count and Countess Mauritz Posse. Young Gustav was invited to live there and participate with their two sons in this fine opportunity for learning.
When Malm had completed three years in the Jönköping school, it was necessary for him because of financial problems to exchange formal studies for learning a trade. He became an apprentice painter at Nässjö with a well-known master painter, and after four years he had achieved that goal in his own life. This was a resource for a distinguished career with a national paint and decorating company in which his creative talent and great skill brought not only national recognition but made it possible economically for him to engage also in several other constructive activities that characterize his life and work.
When G. N. Malm emigrated to America in 1889, he was accompanied by his fiancée, Mathilda Wredberg. They had decided to share their lives together in America, and when their economic situation made it feasible, they would marry. This occurred in 1893.
Lindsborg, Kansas, was their residence, except for their first year of married life, until the husband’s death in 1928. The family circle included three daughters, Viola, Alba and Amrah.
This volume seeks to discuss the career of G. N. Malm from his birth in Sweden until his death in Kansas. His was a busy and full life. His principal occupation and craft develop from his artistic talent and from his training and experience as a master painter. These resources enabled him to create and develop a distinctive decorative system which was adopted and promoted by the nationally known Acme White Lead and Color Works, Detroit. Malm was the head designer of his decorative system which was distributed and used in various sections of the United States. Although being heavily involved professionally in preparing the design and content of the decorative system, writing monographs and catalogues, presenting demonstrations and traveling extensively, he was able to carry on a wide variety of other activities with substantial success.
The pages that follow describe most of them. He was an author, artist, lover of music and promoter of the fine arts. He was a successful businessman and dedicated spokesman for progress in his community. His social thought was often viewed as being controversial. Malm sought to promote the good life for individuals and society.
G.N. Malm’s many-sided life and commitments precluded great distinction in all of them. His professional career as a designer and decorator, as indicated above, attained that status. His literary efforts were indeed praiseworthy. His novel, Charlie Johnson: Svensk-Amerikan (Charli Johnson: Swedish-American) is a graphic description of immigrant life written in “American Swedish,” showing the influence of the English language on usage of the mother tongue of the immigrant. Thirty short stories, a four act play, Härute (Out Here), with an early 20th century setting in Kansas, and many articles in periodicals and newspapers attest to his great talent as an author. He used the Swedish language almost exclusively in his literary works.
Malm’s service in behalf of Bethany College, the Bethany College Oratorio Society, the Lindsborg Historical Society, the Lindsborg community and its history and development, constituted a splendid contribution at that time and for posterity. As a painter and print maker his works are generally of good quality and his altar paintings are still highly esteemed and appreciated.
Although Malm’s life was full of activity, he had many close professional and personal friends. He was an avid correspondent and took time on his travels to renew friendships and meet new people. His family life with its house and garden provided great joy and fellowship, but there was also a time of distress.
The variety of Malm’s career and interests may cause quite different responses among readers, with the result that some chapters may have a special interest to some of them and quite modest response from others. However, there is continuity and relevance in the midst of the considerable diversity.
The manuscript is immensely enriched by three chapters written by Nils Hasselmo, Vernon Holm and Dorothy Burton Skårdal. Their special contribution is garnered from personal, technical knowledge and research of the finest quality in the context of the use of stencils in the decorative system and in Malm's literary achievement and the language usage of the Swedish immigrant. The translation into English of one of Malm's short stories by Bertil Van Boer further enriches the content of this volume. These sources are identified in the section on “Acknowledgments. “
It has been a great pleasure and privilege for the principal author to do the research and study related to this manuscript. The sources have been varied and rewarding. The interest of Alba Malm Almquist, G. N. Malm’s daughter, prior to her death in 1986 was stimulating and helpful. Her support and the desire of members of the Smoky Valley Historical Association to publish a biography of G. N. Malm have been decisive factors in undertaking this assignment.
In the context of circumstances that have made it impossible for me to participate in a normal manner in completing this manuscript, I have received unfailing support and assistance without which it would not have been possible to publish this volume. My appreciation is expressed in the “Acknowledgments.”
In a word to readers of his novel Charlie Johnson: Svensk-American, Malm recounted his experience during boyhood years at HJO when he live locked in a tittskåp which in kaleidoscope fashion provided a series of interesting scenes. Similarly, the author hopes that this biography with its changing scenes will accomplish that purpose in portraying the life and experiences of G. N. Malm. Malm found life interesting and challenging. His career also should provide evidence why so many immigrants found America to be framtidslandet, “the land of the future.”
Although young Malm had few worldly possessions as he began his adventure in America, he had rich personal resources from his parental home and other experiences. Per August, Gustav’s father, a teacher and lay religious worker, and Mathilda, a sensitive and devoted mother, made available fine values and great encouragement as well as providing by example qualities of life that would be meaningful to Gustav.
The son recalled with gratitude the time given by his mother in reading interesting stories and presenting other accounts from her vivid fantasy and imagination. These happy experiences were factors later in life as he used his talent and insight to produce a varied number of literary works. The youth sensed that his father was a fearless dissenter on religious issues, and at the age of 45 the son wrote a letter to his father declaring that his forthright criticism of wrongs in society and in human relations had its source in the example provided by his father.
An alert teacher observed Gustav’s interest in free hand drawing and gave him special lessons. This contributed to his interest in art which later provided important resources for his professional career as a decorative designer and in producing paintings and prints. The choir boy at Hjo, who early showed great interest in music, became identified in America with a 400-voice oratorio society as a member of the tenor section, general secretary of the organization and a life long promoter of the fine arts.
Young Malm’s early formal education was in the Hjo elementary school and was followed by more advanced studies in Jönköping. He shared in private tutors at the Almnäs estate of Count and Countess Mauritz Posse. Young Gustav was invited to live there and participate with their two sons in this fine opportunity for learning.
When Malm had completed three years in the Jönköping school, it was necessary for him because of financial problems to exchange formal studies for learning a trade. He became an apprentice painter at Nässjö with a well-known master painter, and after four years he had achieved that goal in his own life. This was a resource for a distinguished career with a national paint and decorating company in which his creative talent and great skill brought not only national recognition but made it possible economically for him to engage also in several other constructive activities that characterize his life and work.
When G. N. Malm emigrated to America in 1889, he was accompanied by his fiancée, Mathilda Wredberg. They had decided to share their lives together in America, and when their economic situation made it feasible, they would marry. This occurred in 1893.
Lindsborg, Kansas, was their residence, except for their first year of married life, until the husband’s death in 1928. The family circle included three daughters, Viola, Alba and Amrah.
This volume seeks to discuss the career of G. N. Malm from his birth in Sweden until his death in Kansas. His was a busy and full life. His principal occupation and craft develop from his artistic talent and from his training and experience as a master painter. These resources enabled him to create and develop a distinctive decorative system which was adopted and promoted by the nationally known Acme White Lead and Color Works, Detroit. Malm was the head designer of his decorative system which was distributed and used in various sections of the United States. Although being heavily involved professionally in preparing the design and content of the decorative system, writing monographs and catalogues, presenting demonstrations and traveling extensively, he was able to carry on a wide variety of other activities with substantial success.
The pages that follow describe most of them. He was an author, artist, lover of music and promoter of the fine arts. He was a successful businessman and dedicated spokesman for progress in his community. His social thought was often viewed as being controversial. Malm sought to promote the good life for individuals and society.
G.N. Malm’s many-sided life and commitments precluded great distinction in all of them. His professional career as a designer and decorator, as indicated above, attained that status. His literary efforts were indeed praiseworthy. His novel, Charlie Johnson: Svensk-Amerikan (Charli Johnson: Swedish-American) is a graphic description of immigrant life written in “American Swedish,” showing the influence of the English language on usage of the mother tongue of the immigrant. Thirty short stories, a four act play, Härute (Out Here), with an early 20th century setting in Kansas, and many articles in periodicals and newspapers attest to his great talent as an author. He used the Swedish language almost exclusively in his literary works.
Malm’s service in behalf of Bethany College, the Bethany College Oratorio Society, the Lindsborg Historical Society, the Lindsborg community and its history and development, constituted a splendid contribution at that time and for posterity. As a painter and print maker his works are generally of good quality and his altar paintings are still highly esteemed and appreciated.
Although Malm’s life was full of activity, he had many close professional and personal friends. He was an avid correspondent and took time on his travels to renew friendships and meet new people. His family life with its house and garden provided great joy and fellowship, but there was also a time of distress.
The variety of Malm’s career and interests may cause quite different responses among readers, with the result that some chapters may have a special interest to some of them and quite modest response from others. However, there is continuity and relevance in the midst of the considerable diversity.
The manuscript is immensely enriched by three chapters written by Nils Hasselmo, Vernon Holm and Dorothy Burton Skårdal. Their special contribution is garnered from personal, technical knowledge and research of the finest quality in the context of the use of stencils in the decorative system and in Malm's literary achievement and the language usage of the Swedish immigrant. The translation into English of one of Malm's short stories by Bertil Van Boer further enriches the content of this volume. These sources are identified in the section on “Acknowledgments. “
It has been a great pleasure and privilege for the principal author to do the research and study related to this manuscript. The sources have been varied and rewarding. The interest of Alba Malm Almquist, G. N. Malm’s daughter, prior to her death in 1986 was stimulating and helpful. Her support and the desire of members of the Smoky Valley Historical Association to publish a biography of G. N. Malm have been decisive factors in undertaking this assignment.
In the context of circumstances that have made it impossible for me to participate in a normal manner in completing this manuscript, I have received unfailing support and assistance without which it would not have been possible to publish this volume. My appreciation is expressed in the “Acknowledgments.”
In a word to readers of his novel Charlie Johnson: Svensk-American, Malm recounted his experience during boyhood years at HJO when he live locked in a tittskåp which in kaleidoscope fashion provided a series of interesting scenes. Similarly, the author hopes that this biography with its changing scenes will accomplish that purpose in portraying the life and experiences of G. N. Malm. Malm found life interesting and challenging. His career also should provide evidence why so many immigrants found America to be framtidslandet, “the land of the future.”
The
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii
Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xi
I. Swedish Background and Early Years in America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
II. New Horizon’s in Painting and Decorating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
III. Stencils and Stenciling: A Personal Account and Comments by G. N. Malm by Vernon Holm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
IV. Artist and Promoter of Art . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
V. The Literary Achievement of G. N. Malm by Dorothy Burton Skardal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
1. The novel: Charlie Johnson: Swedish-American (1909)
2. The Short Story Collection: Among Prairie Folks (ca.1920)
3. The play: Out There (1919) and Two Short Works
VI. Language and the Swedish Immigrant Writer: From a Case Study of G. N. Malm by Nils Hasselmo . . . . . . . . . . . .121
VII. Viewpoints on Social, Economic and Political Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
VIII. Town and Gown: Community and College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
IX. Family and Friends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .171
X. In Retrospect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .193
Endnotes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Selected Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Appendix: “A Summer Day on Jan Swanson’s Farm” by G. N. Malm translated by Bertil Van Boer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
* * *
To go to Mrs. Jaderborg's section on Mr. Malm, go Here to G. M. Malm ~ Remembering him for his extraordinary national business headquarter in Lindsborg by Mrs. Elizabeth Jaderborg
Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xi
I. Swedish Background and Early Years in America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
II. New Horizon’s in Painting and Decorating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
III. Stencils and Stenciling: A Personal Account and Comments by G. N. Malm by Vernon Holm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
IV. Artist and Promoter of Art . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
V. The Literary Achievement of G. N. Malm by Dorothy Burton Skardal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
1. The novel: Charlie Johnson: Swedish-American (1909)
2. The Short Story Collection: Among Prairie Folks (ca.1920)
3. The play: Out There (1919) and Two Short Works
VI. Language and the Swedish Immigrant Writer: From a Case Study of G. N. Malm by Nils Hasselmo . . . . . . . . . . . .121
VII. Viewpoints on Social, Economic and Political Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
VIII. Town and Gown: Community and College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
IX. Family and Friends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .171
X. In Retrospect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .193
Endnotes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Selected Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Appendix: “A Summer Day on Jan Swanson’s Farm” by G. N. Malm translated by Bertil Van Boer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
* * *
To go to Mrs. Jaderborg's section on Mr. Malm, go Here to G. M. Malm ~ Remembering him for his extraordinary national business headquarter in Lindsborg by Mrs. Elizabeth Jaderborg
* * *
Back of Book Cover G.N. Malm A Swedish immigrant's varied career
This biography of G. N. Malm presents the research and writing of four eminently qualified authors. The principal author is Emory Lindquist. Important chapters are by Nils Hasselmo, Vernon Holm and Dorothy Burton Skardal. The varied career of Malm has required a broad scope of participation, which fortunately was achieved by enlisting authors who had special qualifications for their assignments.
Emory Lindquist, a native of Lindsborg, has recorded extensively the history of Swedish immigration, especially in the Smoky Valley of Central Kansas and Lindsborg. Included in his publications are Smoky Valley People: A History of Lindsborg (1953); Bethany in Kansas: The History of a College (1975); five biographies of Swedish immigrants, and numerous chapters in books and articles. A graduate of Bethany College (Kansas), he has received degrees from Oxford University, where he was a Rhodes Scholar, and the University of Colorado. He is a former president of Bethany College and emeritus president and university professor at Wichita State University. Dr. Lindquist discusses various aspects of the career of Malm as set forth in the table of contents.
G.N. Malm's literary achievement is described in detail most effectively by two outstanding scholars, Dorothy Burton Skårdal and Nils Hasselmo.
Dorothy Burton Skårdal, senior lecturer in The American Institute, University of Oslo, discusses in detail the writings of Malm. She is the preeminent authority of Scandinavian-American literature.
Her volume, The Divided Heart: Scandinavian Immigrant Experience Through Literary Sources (1974), has been widely acclaimed for its excellence. A native of Nebraska with an undergraduate degree from Middlebury College, she received the Ph.D. degree from Harvard University. She is the author of other books and numerous articles. She resides in Norway which has been her home for many years.
Nils Hasselmo presents an excellent chapter on the "American Swedish" language that was used by G. N. Malm in his many works. Dr. Hasselmo is a distinguished linguistic scholar and educator, president of the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis-St. Paul. His book, Amerikasvenska: En Bok om sprakutvecklingen i Svensk-Amerika (American Swedish: A Book About Language Develeop in Swedish America), published in Sweden in 1974, is a classic in the linguistic field. A native of Sweden, he attended Uppsala University, Rock Island, Illinois, and his Ph.D. degree from Harvard University. Uppsala University has awarded him an honorary doctor of philosophy degree. He has an extensive bibliography of writings in linguistics and related areas.
Vernon Holm has special qualifications through experience and research to describe the professional aspects of Malm's career as a designer and developer of a decorating system that attracted national attention in the painter's craft. In early years he was closely associated with Malm Brothers at Lindsborg. Dr. Holm is a native of Lindsborg. He holds his undergraduate degree from Bethany College, and his Ph. D. from the University of Kansas. His professional field is chemistry. He served in important positions with a national oil company and the Bureau of Standards, Washington D.C. for many years. He has had a long-time interest in Swedish immigration history. He translated and edited, with comments, the interesting volume God's People in a New Land: A Manuscript by Johan Phil (1984).
One of G. N. Malm's short stories has been translated from Swedish to English by Bertil H. Van Boer, a member of the faculty of Wichita State University. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of California-Berkeley and the Fil. dr. degree (Ph.D.) from Uppsala University. His scholarly works in musicology have been published in Sweden and in the United States.
This biography of G. N. Malm presents the research and writing of four eminently qualified authors. The principal author is Emory Lindquist. Important chapters are by Nils Hasselmo, Vernon Holm and Dorothy Burton Skardal. The varied career of Malm has required a broad scope of participation, which fortunately was achieved by enlisting authors who had special qualifications for their assignments.
Emory Lindquist, a native of Lindsborg, has recorded extensively the history of Swedish immigration, especially in the Smoky Valley of Central Kansas and Lindsborg. Included in his publications are Smoky Valley People: A History of Lindsborg (1953); Bethany in Kansas: The History of a College (1975); five biographies of Swedish immigrants, and numerous chapters in books and articles. A graduate of Bethany College (Kansas), he has received degrees from Oxford University, where he was a Rhodes Scholar, and the University of Colorado. He is a former president of Bethany College and emeritus president and university professor at Wichita State University. Dr. Lindquist discusses various aspects of the career of Malm as set forth in the table of contents.
G.N. Malm's literary achievement is described in detail most effectively by two outstanding scholars, Dorothy Burton Skårdal and Nils Hasselmo.
Dorothy Burton Skårdal, senior lecturer in The American Institute, University of Oslo, discusses in detail the writings of Malm. She is the preeminent authority of Scandinavian-American literature.
Her volume, The Divided Heart: Scandinavian Immigrant Experience Through Literary Sources (1974), has been widely acclaimed for its excellence. A native of Nebraska with an undergraduate degree from Middlebury College, she received the Ph.D. degree from Harvard University. She is the author of other books and numerous articles. She resides in Norway which has been her home for many years.
Nils Hasselmo presents an excellent chapter on the "American Swedish" language that was used by G. N. Malm in his many works. Dr. Hasselmo is a distinguished linguistic scholar and educator, president of the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis-St. Paul. His book, Amerikasvenska: En Bok om sprakutvecklingen i Svensk-Amerika (American Swedish: A Book About Language Develeop in Swedish America), published in Sweden in 1974, is a classic in the linguistic field. A native of Sweden, he attended Uppsala University, Rock Island, Illinois, and his Ph.D. degree from Harvard University. Uppsala University has awarded him an honorary doctor of philosophy degree. He has an extensive bibliography of writings in linguistics and related areas.
Vernon Holm has special qualifications through experience and research to describe the professional aspects of Malm's career as a designer and developer of a decorating system that attracted national attention in the painter's craft. In early years he was closely associated with Malm Brothers at Lindsborg. Dr. Holm is a native of Lindsborg. He holds his undergraduate degree from Bethany College, and his Ph. D. from the University of Kansas. His professional field is chemistry. He served in important positions with a national oil company and the Bureau of Standards, Washington D.C. for many years. He has had a long-time interest in Swedish immigration history. He translated and edited, with comments, the interesting volume God's People in a New Land: A Manuscript by Johan Phil (1984).
One of G. N. Malm's short stories has been translated from Swedish to English by Bertil H. Van Boer, a member of the faculty of Wichita State University. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of California-Berkeley and the Fil. dr. degree (Ph.D.) from Uppsala University. His scholarly works in musicology have been published in Sweden and in the United States.
G. N. Malm always promoting the Lindsborg community
- his art work -
- his art work -
Source: Dr. Lindquist's 1986 "G.N. Malm, page 54.
Gustav Nathaniel Malm
1869-1928
1869-1928
This book was given to me by Editor A. John Pearson, July 30th, 2009
He had great visions for Lindsborg and Bethany College and was an untiring worker on behalf of values that would distinguish the community as a center of culture. His untimely death in 1928 was a great loss to the community.
What distinguishes this book from all the other books I have read the linking from the Smoky Valley back to Scandivavian studies on this Lindsborg citizen's impact of his written words back to Sweden Lindsborg with a scholarly stretch overseas to Scandinavian Sweden and Norway
1933-53 at BC as history professor until 1953
1953 - 1978 at Witchita
He had great visions for Lindsborg and Bethany College and was an untiring worker on behalf of values that would distinguish the community as a center of culture. His untimely death in 1928 was a great loss to the community.
What distinguishes this book from all the other books I have read the linking from the Smoky Valley back to Scandivavian studies on this Lindsborg citizen's impact of his written words back to Sweden Lindsborg with a scholarly stretch overseas to Scandinavian Sweden and Norway
1933-53 at BC as history professor until 1953
1953 - 1978 at Witchita
* * *
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, or obviously concluded it is not.
Copyright © 2021 www.swedesthewaytheywere.org. All rights reserved.
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, or obviously concluded it is not.
Copyright © 2021 www.swedesthewaytheywere.org. All rights reserved.
