"The Other Swedes"
~ Honoring Them and Remembering Them ~ The Smoky Valley Writers ~
Dr. Emory K. Lindquist
~ Honoring Them and Remembering Them ~ The Smoky Valley Writers ~
Dr. Emory K. Lindquist
~ Nils Hasselmo, Vernon Holm, Dorothy Burton Skårdal, and Bertil Van Boer ~
1989 "G. N. Malm - A Swedish Immigrant's Varied Career" ~ The Words of Dr. Lindquist: Part 1
1989 "G. N. Malm - A Swedish Immigrant's Varied Career" ~ The Words of Dr. Lindquist: Part 1
It was during the writing of this G. N. Malm book that Dr. Lindquist lost his central vision. Yet, his faith pushed him on to finish it and to move on to his last book, the masterpiece on renowned artist Birger Sandzén (1871-1954) 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 two fine 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 (1857-1904), it could be that Gustav Nathaniel "Nat" Malm (1869-1928) may have done more for the Lindsborg community than any other Swedish immigrant, who at the age of twenty-five came to Lindsborg to live with his wife, Mathilda Wredberg, 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 and energy that were needed to see many of those visions and dreams come to fruition! Both of their contributions live on to this day!
Like Dr. Lindquist's other books, G. N. Malm is characterized by "extensive" research and "extensive" documentation: "Endnotes," "Selected Biography" and "Index." It is the only comprehensive book on Mr. Malm and it is a "classic" and a "must read," especially for Swedish-America and Swedish university and college scholars interested in stories of Swedish immigration to America during the late 19th century continuing to the mid 20th century, and especially on the development of the "American Swedish" language during that period. This is a very important distinction that links the Smoky Valley and Lindsborg back to a scholarly study overseas to Scandinavian Sweden and Norway This book should definitely be preserved for posterity and perpetuity by having it digitalized through "INTERNET ARCHIVE:" archive.org.
These two men had visions and dreams for Lindsborg and the College and the God-given gifts and energy that were needed to see many of those visions and dreams come to fruition! Both of their contributions live on to this day!
Like Dr. Lindquist's other books, G. N. Malm is characterized by "extensive" research and "extensive" documentation: "Endnotes," "Selected Biography" and "Index." It is the only comprehensive book on Mr. Malm and it is a "classic" and a "must read," especially for Swedish-America and Swedish university and college scholars interested in stories of Swedish immigration to America during the late 19th century continuing to the mid 20th century, and especially on the development of the "American Swedish" language during that period. This is a very important distinction that links the Smoky Valley and Lindsborg back to a scholarly study overseas to Scandinavian Sweden and Norway This book should definitely be preserved for posterity and perpetuity by having it digitalized through "INTERNET ARCHIVE:" archive.org.
Part I
"Preface" and 'Introspect"
Dr. Lindquist and the other important authors of this story are notated below from the back of the book cover:
reworking this
~ Nils Hasselmo, Vernon Holm, Dorothy Burton Skårdal, and Bertil Van Boer ~
"Preface" and 'Introspect"
Dr. Lindquist and the other important authors of this story are notated below from the back of the book cover:
reworking this
~ Nils Hasselmo, Vernon Holm, Dorothy Burton Skårdal, and Bertil Van Boer ~
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 Development in Swedish America), published in Sweden in 1974, is a classic in the linguistic field. A native of Sweden, he attended Uppsala University, received his undergraduate degree from Augustana College, 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.
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 Development in Swedish America), published in Sweden in 1974, is a classic in the linguistic field. A native of Sweden, he attended Uppsala University, received his undergraduate degree from Augustana College, 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.
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Following are words of honor and respect from Dr. Emory K. Lindquist on G. N. Malm producing this one-of-a-kind mixed Swedish American book. The red font will be removed eventually.
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.”
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In Retrospect
In Retrospect
The world had changed drastically between 1869, the year of G. N. MALM's birth, and 1928, the date of his death approximately 6 decades later. His personal world had also experienced profound changes during those years.
The first great milestone occurred in 1889 when at the age of 20 he emigrated from Sweden to the United States. Geography made a distinctive impact on his life but far greater was the impact of language, culture and the spirit and fact of the new milieu. The early years confronted him with the need to adapt to this new life and these unfamiliar circumstances. "Nat" Malm showed great capacity for adaptation while at the same time maintaining a sanctuary of resources pertaining to the values, traditions and interests of the old world.
After only a brief isolation from the mainstream of American life while residing in a Swedish-American rural community in Nebraska, he moved to Omaha where he was soon introduced to many aspects of American urban life in a moderate- size city. Although Malm's life in Omaha involved a broader experience in the American scene than heretofore, he was still supported by the old resources because of his close relationship to the Swedish community of Omaha. In that situation he began his literary career as a free-lance writer for the newly founded Svenska journalen (Swedish Journal), a weekly Swedish language newspaper. The majority of his articles dealt with Swedish and Swedish American themes, although some attention was given to political and economic developments within the larger American society.
Malm's most decisive geographic change, exclusive of emigration, occurred in 1894 when he moved to Lindsborg, Kansas, a Swedish-American town of about 2,000 people. This was his residence for the rest of his life although a substantial part of his time was devoted to business travel throughout the United states.
The transition to Lindsborg was readily accomplished. The community had been founded by Swedish immigrants in 1869, twenty-five years earlier. The prevailing language customs and religious practices were Swedish although some signs of Americanization were beginning to appear. It was largely but not exclusively a closed society. Malm soon became an integral part of his new community, serving not as a spectator but as a participant. He supported its activities and institutions and was called upon to provide a leadership role in some of them. The time soon came when he realized that there should be more than adaptation by the immigrants because the United States was now their homeland. This did not mean that there should be repudiation of all that had been a vital part of the immigrants life and experience nor acceptance of everything in the new one.
Prior to the turn of the new century, Malm realized that the future of the immigrants and their children should not be based upon excessive "Swedishness" accompanied by unwillingness to give primacy to the English language and other aspects of American life. Isolation from the mainstream of life would be disastrous. In contrast he realized that before the second generation of immigrants reached maturity, English would be the dominant language and that understanding of and participating in American activities and institutions would be imperative. He viewed the alternative as not involving conflict but providing the opportunity for enrichment since he understood the importance of pluralism in American life. There were personal and social resources in the immigrant heritage that could become a valuable asset of American life.
After 1913, when Malm became an important associate in the organization of the nationally known Acme White Led and Color Works, Detroit, his perspective and experience of American life was greatly expanded and enriched by extensive and sustained travel throughout the United States. His business associates and friends were almost exclusively non-Scandinavian. He became actively hostile to a zealous minority who wished to create a Little Sweden in America.
Although his business and professional life was lived almost entirely outside immigrant influences, his literary activity was almost exclusively limited to the immigrant language and generally but not always two immigrant themes. He described Swedish American and immigrant life in many Swedish short stories, a novel, a four-act drama, and in numerous articles in newspapers and periodicals. He was deeply concerned with the issues of war and peace, social and economic justice, freedom and human rights and other big issues. Malm possessed good English usage although he confided to a friend, Henry Goddard Leach, that he regretted his limited vocabulary in the language of the land and that he thought in Swedish rather than in English. He made the above comment in a letter to Leach while translating his short story, "Peace on Earth, which later was awarded first prize in the short story contest sponsored by the American Scandinavian Review in 1915.
People with great achievement are generally characterized by the will and capacity to work hard and maintain sustained effort. "Nat" Malm possess these resources in abundance. The chronicle of his life as a creator and promoter of a decorative system that received national attention, his achievement as an artist author, artist, community leader and social thinker provided a variety of high level evidence of his success. As indicated previously, he was engaged in widespread business travel. He gave many speeches, presented a multitude of demonstrations of his professional specialty, attended a wide range of meetings and carried on extensive business and personal correspondence.
G. N. Mom was a short man, not more than 5'6" in height and quite stout. He was deliberate in speech, manner and movement. He was recognized at a distance by measured steps as he walked on the streets of Lindsborg, seemingly absorbed in thought but always cordial in greeting others as the writer of these words can confirm from experience. At social functions he was polite and a good conversationalist and listener. He became agitated in certain circumstances but even then he maintained good poise. He was loyal to his friends, encouraged and helped them, but he was a formidable opponent when issues arose that disturbed him. He was quiet in manner rather than aggressive, forceful and confident, knowledgeable and interesting. There was at times a certain restlessness about him, quite often a mark of identification of people who get things done. Malm was religious but not pious, a supporter of the church and a believer in its mission as long as it was serving with intelligence and concern for the needs of people. There was undoubtedly the remnant of the old läsare tradition of his early years, but he did not articulate it. He loved the chorales and the hymns of the Lutheran Church.
The great versatility of Malm's interest, talents and activities precluded great distinction in any one of them. But his achievements in his various activities were of a high and praiseworthy level. He combined effectively the practical and the ideal but he really never had time to delve as deeply into alternatives because of the limitations of time and schedule. The G. N. Malm's of this world are not numerous. He left a fine legacy of achievement.
Malm was endowed with the twin resources of good health and great energy. His extensive travel and multitudinous activities would have been burdensome for most people. He took it in stride. Health problems were not an important factor until the last few months or really weeks of his life, prior to his death in February 1928.
One of the last letters that is available before his death in February 1928 was written to his sister-in-law, Anna Wredberg, in Doderhult. He was at Lindsborg as a result of a month's sick leave. His health was not good and he was losing weight. He had been working strenuously for a long time. At the suggestion of his friend, Dr. Ernst F. Pilhblad, the two of them traveled to the Hertler Clinic, a well-known medical center at Halstead, Kansas. Dr. Arthur Hertzler and his associates diagnosed his illness as a thyroid condition not requiring surgery. Medication seemed to produce good results and his spirits were high.
He reported to his sister- in- law that winter in Kansas had been delightful and comfortable. Doors and windows were open that January to provide a pleasant temperature. Winter birds were plentiful and the doves were so friendly and let the Malms know when it was time to feed them. The Christmas festivities had been thoroughly enjoyable. He had placed two electrically illuminated Christmas trees at the entrance to their home. The family shared in the many pleasant aspects of a Swedish Christmas. Fine presents had come from Sweden and elsewhere. On Christmas Eve they read their Christmas cards and felt that they were in the midst of their friends. The victrola played Swedish and English Christmas songs. He had been thrilled to receive a Christmas radiogram greeting from his boyhood friend Bernhard Boline of Hjo.
In the midst of the Christmas joy there were clear remembrances of his life in Sweden. He observed that "I earnestly have a deep longing to visit Sweden and the places and friends of my early years but I am afraid that it will not be possible to do so in the near future." He made arrangements with Anna to purchase additional wood carvings of Axel Peterson as he looked forward to building up his fine collection of wood carvings.
Malm expressed great gratitude to Anna for her kindness in sending regularly to him copies of Oskarshamn nyheter och posten (Oskarshamn News and Post) in the following language: You cannot really believe how greatly we appreciate receiving copies of Oskarshamn nyheter och posten. We have two Swedish newspapers in Chicago but they do not compare with the newspaper from Oskarshamn. We really read very carefully these newspapers from Sweden, including the advertisements and other miscellaneous items."
The last letter written by Malm was to his daughter Alba at Garfield, Kansas, on January 27, 1928. He had returned from a checkup at Halstead. He wrote: "Dr. Chesky had not expected as rapid and improvement. I have lost all nervousness and have gained seven pounds so you see they are sure of having found the right spot alright." He had walked to and from his office and was doing a modest amount of work. Malm reported that Harry Lindquist, who was decorating the McPherson County Courthouse, had arranged for him to paint a 6' by 10' canvas for the courtroom. He was ready to begin work on it at home.
The optimistic and enthusiastic spirit of "Nat" Malm as found in the letter to Alba on January 27 was shortly thereafter challenged with a sobering situation. The prospect for recovery from his illness, which had seemed so promising, yielded to a serious reversal. It was necessary for him to take great care and rest frequently. Soon he was again at the Hertzler Clinic where the diagnosis showed a sudden change. Surgery was required but it could not achieve its goal. "Nat" Malm's condition worsened steadily and on Sunday, February 12, 1928, news reach Lindsborg that this leading citizen and champion of the Lindsborg community, Bethany College and it's cultural and business life had passed away.
A large congregation assembled in the old "Messiah" auditorium on February 16, 1928, to attend G. N. Malm's memorial service. This was an appropriate setting for the community recognition of the death of Malm. He had been a member of the oratorio society which had rehearsed and performed in this place since 1894 and for which he had served as general secretary beginning three years later.
The funeral cortege entered the auditorium to the strains of Pastoral Symphony from Handel's Messiah. Local clergyman read this Holy Scriptures, presented the invocation and, after the service was concluded, pronounced the benediction. The "Messiah" chorus accompanied by the organist and the symphony orchestra, sang Malm's two best-beloved Messiah numbers, "Surely He Hath Borne Our Griefs" and "Worthy is the Lamb."
Dr. Ernst F. Pihlblad, a longtime-friend of the deceased, read the obituary. The salient facts in the life of Malm were presented--his youthful years in Sweden, immigration to America, his early career in Nebraska and Kansas, the creative development of his professional life as the originator and promoter of a decorative system that was well known nationwide, his impressive career as an author and artist, his distinguished service to Bethany College and the Lindsborg community, his significant civic career and the quality of his character in public life. The members of the audience listened attentively and appreciatively as they shared their special remembrances of their association with a good friend and leading citizen. 5
Dr. C. P. Eklund, pastor of the Trinity Methodist Church, a close friend of G. N. Malm, preached a thoughtful and sensitive sermon. He recalled the many occasions when the two friends had shared their remembrances of life in Sweden and common experiences as immigrants adapting themselves to American life. He declared . . . in the very fabric of Malm's character were interwoven the fundamentals that make for justice, uprightness and ideals in human values." The speaker thought of Malm as "a great lover of humanity, whose life was sensitive to the needs of people regardless of race, condition or status." Eklund followed the chronicle of Malm's life, he saw Malm as ". . . a great lover of art and beauty, seated in his studio, putting on canvas some scenes from the prairies, Rockies or Yosemite, or standing together on top of Coronado Heights, he always expressed the feeling and passion for beauty." The speaker challenged listeners to remember an episode from Malm's novel Charli Johnson: Swedish-American, in which Mr. Ward, a leading character, requested his heir, Charli, ". . . . to keep the ideas for which the pioneers had labored and sacrificed."
Dr. Eklund spoke eloquently about his departed friend as " . . . the incarnation of friendship." The sources of that friendship were found in his interests in others and in the varied life of the community. Malm's many interests and activities made him known widely. As a champion of Bethany College and the "Messiah" tradition, as a painter of landscape and altar paintings, as a prolific writer of fiction and historical articles relating to Swedish-America he reached a large public. The speaker also stated that Malm's highly creative talent, which had resulted in the new decorative system, had made Malm's Brothers and Company, Lindsborg, nationally known through association with the Acme White Lead and Color Works, Detroit. Dr. Eklund also related that the high quality of his friend's life was related to the influence of his parental home with its emphasis on Christian values. The members of the audience were challenged not only to remember this great fellow citizen but also to carry on the tradition which he had enriched so meaningfully.
Dr. Eklund recited with deep feelings lines of the well-known poem of Kipling in which the poet uses language familiar to an artist:
The first great milestone occurred in 1889 when at the age of 20 he emigrated from Sweden to the United States. Geography made a distinctive impact on his life but far greater was the impact of language, culture and the spirit and fact of the new milieu. The early years confronted him with the need to adapt to this new life and these unfamiliar circumstances. "Nat" Malm showed great capacity for adaptation while at the same time maintaining a sanctuary of resources pertaining to the values, traditions and interests of the old world.
After only a brief isolation from the mainstream of American life while residing in a Swedish-American rural community in Nebraska, he moved to Omaha where he was soon introduced to many aspects of American urban life in a moderate- size city. Although Malm's life in Omaha involved a broader experience in the American scene than heretofore, he was still supported by the old resources because of his close relationship to the Swedish community of Omaha. In that situation he began his literary career as a free-lance writer for the newly founded Svenska journalen (Swedish Journal), a weekly Swedish language newspaper. The majority of his articles dealt with Swedish and Swedish American themes, although some attention was given to political and economic developments within the larger American society.
Malm's most decisive geographic change, exclusive of emigration, occurred in 1894 when he moved to Lindsborg, Kansas, a Swedish-American town of about 2,000 people. This was his residence for the rest of his life although a substantial part of his time was devoted to business travel throughout the United states.
The transition to Lindsborg was readily accomplished. The community had been founded by Swedish immigrants in 1869, twenty-five years earlier. The prevailing language customs and religious practices were Swedish although some signs of Americanization were beginning to appear. It was largely but not exclusively a closed society. Malm soon became an integral part of his new community, serving not as a spectator but as a participant. He supported its activities and institutions and was called upon to provide a leadership role in some of them. The time soon came when he realized that there should be more than adaptation by the immigrants because the United States was now their homeland. This did not mean that there should be repudiation of all that had been a vital part of the immigrants life and experience nor acceptance of everything in the new one.
Prior to the turn of the new century, Malm realized that the future of the immigrants and their children should not be based upon excessive "Swedishness" accompanied by unwillingness to give primacy to the English language and other aspects of American life. Isolation from the mainstream of life would be disastrous. In contrast he realized that before the second generation of immigrants reached maturity, English would be the dominant language and that understanding of and participating in American activities and institutions would be imperative. He viewed the alternative as not involving conflict but providing the opportunity for enrichment since he understood the importance of pluralism in American life. There were personal and social resources in the immigrant heritage that could become a valuable asset of American life.
After 1913, when Malm became an important associate in the organization of the nationally known Acme White Led and Color Works, Detroit, his perspective and experience of American life was greatly expanded and enriched by extensive and sustained travel throughout the United States. His business associates and friends were almost exclusively non-Scandinavian. He became actively hostile to a zealous minority who wished to create a Little Sweden in America.
Although his business and professional life was lived almost entirely outside immigrant influences, his literary activity was almost exclusively limited to the immigrant language and generally but not always two immigrant themes. He described Swedish American and immigrant life in many Swedish short stories, a novel, a four-act drama, and in numerous articles in newspapers and periodicals. He was deeply concerned with the issues of war and peace, social and economic justice, freedom and human rights and other big issues. Malm possessed good English usage although he confided to a friend, Henry Goddard Leach, that he regretted his limited vocabulary in the language of the land and that he thought in Swedish rather than in English. He made the above comment in a letter to Leach while translating his short story, "Peace on Earth, which later was awarded first prize in the short story contest sponsored by the American Scandinavian Review in 1915.
People with great achievement are generally characterized by the will and capacity to work hard and maintain sustained effort. "Nat" Malm possess these resources in abundance. The chronicle of his life as a creator and promoter of a decorative system that received national attention, his achievement as an artist author, artist, community leader and social thinker provided a variety of high level evidence of his success. As indicated previously, he was engaged in widespread business travel. He gave many speeches, presented a multitude of demonstrations of his professional specialty, attended a wide range of meetings and carried on extensive business and personal correspondence.
G. N. Mom was a short man, not more than 5'6" in height and quite stout. He was deliberate in speech, manner and movement. He was recognized at a distance by measured steps as he walked on the streets of Lindsborg, seemingly absorbed in thought but always cordial in greeting others as the writer of these words can confirm from experience. At social functions he was polite and a good conversationalist and listener. He became agitated in certain circumstances but even then he maintained good poise. He was loyal to his friends, encouraged and helped them, but he was a formidable opponent when issues arose that disturbed him. He was quiet in manner rather than aggressive, forceful and confident, knowledgeable and interesting. There was at times a certain restlessness about him, quite often a mark of identification of people who get things done. Malm was religious but not pious, a supporter of the church and a believer in its mission as long as it was serving with intelligence and concern for the needs of people. There was undoubtedly the remnant of the old läsare tradition of his early years, but he did not articulate it. He loved the chorales and the hymns of the Lutheran Church.
The great versatility of Malm's interest, talents and activities precluded great distinction in any one of them. But his achievements in his various activities were of a high and praiseworthy level. He combined effectively the practical and the ideal but he really never had time to delve as deeply into alternatives because of the limitations of time and schedule. The G. N. Malm's of this world are not numerous. He left a fine legacy of achievement.
Malm was endowed with the twin resources of good health and great energy. His extensive travel and multitudinous activities would have been burdensome for most people. He took it in stride. Health problems were not an important factor until the last few months or really weeks of his life, prior to his death in February 1928.
One of the last letters that is available before his death in February 1928 was written to his sister-in-law, Anna Wredberg, in Doderhult. He was at Lindsborg as a result of a month's sick leave. His health was not good and he was losing weight. He had been working strenuously for a long time. At the suggestion of his friend, Dr. Ernst F. Pilhblad, the two of them traveled to the Hertler Clinic, a well-known medical center at Halstead, Kansas. Dr. Arthur Hertzler and his associates diagnosed his illness as a thyroid condition not requiring surgery. Medication seemed to produce good results and his spirits were high.
He reported to his sister- in- law that winter in Kansas had been delightful and comfortable. Doors and windows were open that January to provide a pleasant temperature. Winter birds were plentiful and the doves were so friendly and let the Malms know when it was time to feed them. The Christmas festivities had been thoroughly enjoyable. He had placed two electrically illuminated Christmas trees at the entrance to their home. The family shared in the many pleasant aspects of a Swedish Christmas. Fine presents had come from Sweden and elsewhere. On Christmas Eve they read their Christmas cards and felt that they were in the midst of their friends. The victrola played Swedish and English Christmas songs. He had been thrilled to receive a Christmas radiogram greeting from his boyhood friend Bernhard Boline of Hjo.
In the midst of the Christmas joy there were clear remembrances of his life in Sweden. He observed that "I earnestly have a deep longing to visit Sweden and the places and friends of my early years but I am afraid that it will not be possible to do so in the near future." He made arrangements with Anna to purchase additional wood carvings of Axel Peterson as he looked forward to building up his fine collection of wood carvings.
Malm expressed great gratitude to Anna for her kindness in sending regularly to him copies of Oskarshamn nyheter och posten (Oskarshamn News and Post) in the following language: You cannot really believe how greatly we appreciate receiving copies of Oskarshamn nyheter och posten. We have two Swedish newspapers in Chicago but they do not compare with the newspaper from Oskarshamn. We really read very carefully these newspapers from Sweden, including the advertisements and other miscellaneous items."
The last letter written by Malm was to his daughter Alba at Garfield, Kansas, on January 27, 1928. He had returned from a checkup at Halstead. He wrote: "Dr. Chesky had not expected as rapid and improvement. I have lost all nervousness and have gained seven pounds so you see they are sure of having found the right spot alright." He had walked to and from his office and was doing a modest amount of work. Malm reported that Harry Lindquist, who was decorating the McPherson County Courthouse, had arranged for him to paint a 6' by 10' canvas for the courtroom. He was ready to begin work on it at home.
The optimistic and enthusiastic spirit of "Nat" Malm as found in the letter to Alba on January 27 was shortly thereafter challenged with a sobering situation. The prospect for recovery from his illness, which had seemed so promising, yielded to a serious reversal. It was necessary for him to take great care and rest frequently. Soon he was again at the Hertzler Clinic where the diagnosis showed a sudden change. Surgery was required but it could not achieve its goal. "Nat" Malm's condition worsened steadily and on Sunday, February 12, 1928, news reach Lindsborg that this leading citizen and champion of the Lindsborg community, Bethany College and it's cultural and business life had passed away.
A large congregation assembled in the old "Messiah" auditorium on February 16, 1928, to attend G. N. Malm's memorial service. This was an appropriate setting for the community recognition of the death of Malm. He had been a member of the oratorio society which had rehearsed and performed in this place since 1894 and for which he had served as general secretary beginning three years later.
The funeral cortege entered the auditorium to the strains of Pastoral Symphony from Handel's Messiah. Local clergyman read this Holy Scriptures, presented the invocation and, after the service was concluded, pronounced the benediction. The "Messiah" chorus accompanied by the organist and the symphony orchestra, sang Malm's two best-beloved Messiah numbers, "Surely He Hath Borne Our Griefs" and "Worthy is the Lamb."
Dr. Ernst F. Pihlblad, a longtime-friend of the deceased, read the obituary. The salient facts in the life of Malm were presented--his youthful years in Sweden, immigration to America, his early career in Nebraska and Kansas, the creative development of his professional life as the originator and promoter of a decorative system that was well known nationwide, his impressive career as an author and artist, his distinguished service to Bethany College and the Lindsborg community, his significant civic career and the quality of his character in public life. The members of the audience listened attentively and appreciatively as they shared their special remembrances of their association with a good friend and leading citizen. 5
Dr. C. P. Eklund, pastor of the Trinity Methodist Church, a close friend of G. N. Malm, preached a thoughtful and sensitive sermon. He recalled the many occasions when the two friends had shared their remembrances of life in Sweden and common experiences as immigrants adapting themselves to American life. He declared . . . in the very fabric of Malm's character were interwoven the fundamentals that make for justice, uprightness and ideals in human values." The speaker thought of Malm as "a great lover of humanity, whose life was sensitive to the needs of people regardless of race, condition or status." Eklund followed the chronicle of Malm's life, he saw Malm as ". . . a great lover of art and beauty, seated in his studio, putting on canvas some scenes from the prairies, Rockies or Yosemite, or standing together on top of Coronado Heights, he always expressed the feeling and passion for beauty." The speaker challenged listeners to remember an episode from Malm's novel Charli Johnson: Swedish-American, in which Mr. Ward, a leading character, requested his heir, Charli, ". . . . to keep the ideas for which the pioneers had labored and sacrificed."
Dr. Eklund spoke eloquently about his departed friend as " . . . the incarnation of friendship." The sources of that friendship were found in his interests in others and in the varied life of the community. Malm's many interests and activities made him known widely. As a champion of Bethany College and the "Messiah" tradition, as a painter of landscape and altar paintings, as a prolific writer of fiction and historical articles relating to Swedish-America he reached a large public. The speaker also stated that Malm's highly creative talent, which had resulted in the new decorative system, had made Malm's Brothers and Company, Lindsborg, nationally known through association with the Acme White Lead and Color Works, Detroit. Dr. Eklund also related that the high quality of his friend's life was related to the influence of his parental home with its emphasis on Christian values. The members of the audience were challenged not only to remember this great fellow citizen but also to carry on the tradition which he had enriched so meaningfully.
Dr. Eklund recited with deep feelings lines of the well-known poem of Kipling in which the poet uses language familiar to an artist:
" When earth 's last picture is painted
and the tubes are twisted and dried,
When the oldest colors have faded,
and the youngest critic has died,
We shall rest, and, faith we shall
need it,--lie down for an aeon or two,
Till the Master of all good workmen
shall put us to work anew."
and the tubes are twisted and dried,
When the oldest colors have faded,
and the youngest critic has died,
We shall rest, and, faith we shall
need it,--lie down for an aeon or two,
Till the Master of all good workmen
shall put us to work anew."
The eulogy was concluded with the lines from Whittier's poem, Eternal Goodness:
"I know not what the future hath
Of marvel or surprise,
Assured alone that life and death
His mercy underlies."
Of marvel or surprise,
Assured alone that life and death
His mercy underlies."
Relatives and friends gathered at Elmwood Cemetery, a short distance east of Lindsborg, for the committal service of G. N. Malm. The English liturgy of the service was that of the Augustana Lutheran Church, which traced its origin to Malm's native land. Old friends in the Bethany Male Chorus sang one of Malm's favorite hymns that wintry day in February 1928. Almost six decades and thousands of miles separate the place of Malm's birth in Svarttorp parish in Jönköping län in the region of Lake Vättern from Lindsborg in the Smoky Valley of Central Kansas. The two worlds in which Malm had lived made meaningful contributions to his distinguished career.
-------
Dr. Lindquist dedication of this book was to G. N. Malm's surviving 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
-------
Gustav Nathaniel Malm
1869-1928
1869-1928
For 1989 "G. N. Malm - A Swedish Immigrant's Varied Career" ~ The Words of Dr. Lindquist: Part 2
* * *
"Let Us Remember Them"
"Let Us Remember Them"
* * *
Swedes: TheWayTheyWere
~ restoring lost local histories ~
reconnecting past to present
* * *
All color photography throughout Swedes: The Way They Were is by Fran Cochran unless otherwise indicated, or obviously concluded it is not.
Copyright © 2022 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 © 2022 www.swedesthewaytheywere.org. All rights reserved.
