"The Other Swedes"
~ Celebrating Them ~
~ The Smoky Valley Writers ~
Mr. Bill Carlson
2011 "Lindsborg Then and Lindsborg Now"
~ Foreword / Preface / Introduction
//
The creation of this book was a historical preservation project of the Smoky Valley Historical Association and member Bill Carlson.
//
~ Celebrating Them ~
~ The Smoky Valley Writers ~
Mr. Bill Carlson
2011 "Lindsborg Then and Lindsborg Now"
~ Foreword / Preface / Introduction
//
The creation of this book was a historical preservation project of the Smoky Valley Historical Association and member Bill Carlson.
//
Mr. Bill Carlson was a last-living-link to the founder of Lindsborg, Rev. Olof Olsson, through his grandparents. For it was Rev. Olsson, who performed their marriage ceremony, that of his grandfather Magnus Carlson and grandmother Maria Carlson at Filipstad Lutheran Church, in Filipstad, in the Värmland province of Sweden. This took place on April 17, 1887, and the next day the bride and the groom were off to America, off to Chicago and finally off to Lindsborg!
Mr. Carlson's grandfather was, also, to be one of the Swedish Chicago organizing members of the First Swedish Agricultural Company of McPherson County, an organization that helped Pastor Olsson and many from his congregation at Sunnemo Church, in Sunnemo, Värmland, Sweden emigrate to Lindsborg.
As a gift, Mr. Carlson gave me his wonderful informative and personal book. The idea for the book actually started, from the Wichita Area Scandinavian Association who had requested from the Smoky Valley Historical Association (SVHA) a program with the topic of Lindsborg Then and Lindsborg Now.
Below are shared portions of Mr. Carlson's 2011 Lindsborg Then and Lindsborg Now that he wrote with the support of the Smoky Valley Historical Association (SVHA). This was a joint venture for each, as they shared the same project's mission, the "preservation of Lindsborg history. In this book, you will note that Bill sometimes refers to "we." He is referring to SVHA members. Here is the "Foreword" written in 2010 from the SVHA by President Chris Abercrombie for the 2011 Lindsborg Then and Lindsborg Now.
Mr. Carlson's grandfather was, also, to be one of the Swedish Chicago organizing members of the First Swedish Agricultural Company of McPherson County, an organization that helped Pastor Olsson and many from his congregation at Sunnemo Church, in Sunnemo, Värmland, Sweden emigrate to Lindsborg.
As a gift, Mr. Carlson gave me his wonderful informative and personal book. The idea for the book actually started, from the Wichita Area Scandinavian Association who had requested from the Smoky Valley Historical Association (SVHA) a program with the topic of Lindsborg Then and Lindsborg Now.
Below are shared portions of Mr. Carlson's 2011 Lindsborg Then and Lindsborg Now that he wrote with the support of the Smoky Valley Historical Association (SVHA). This was a joint venture for each, as they shared the same project's mission, the "preservation of Lindsborg history. In this book, you will note that Bill sometimes refers to "we." He is referring to SVHA members. Here is the "Foreword" written in 2010 from the SVHA by President Chris Abercrombie for the 2011 Lindsborg Then and Lindsborg Now.
FOREWORD
Page v
Page v
"Bill "Butch" Carlson is a third-generation Smoky Valley resident whose family has now expanded to its fourth and fifth- generations. Bill married one of the "Messiah church girls" who you will find mentioned in his book, Doris Soderstrom, the daughter of long-time Lindsborg School Superintendent LaVerne "Sody" Soderstrom and his wife Amanda.
"An outstanding athlete in both high school and at Bethany College, Bill went into the teaching profession and was named the first football coach of Salina South High School when it opened in 1970. Bill's sense of uncompromising fairness as a referee was very much in demand at both the high school level and in the Big 8 college conference.
"In 1974, at the invitation of the institution's board of directors, Bill became administrator of Bethany Home in Lindsborg. Bill assembled a management team and staff that quite literally brought the home into the modern age.
"In his retirement Bill has written several books and articles about Lindsborg and the Smoky Valley as well as his own exceptionally interesting experiences.
"He also has been active in numerous projects of the Smoky Valley Historical Association. Among them is his leadership role in a project describing the location of over two dozen historical sites with signs posted along Lindsborg Välkommen Trail as it follows the path the railroads once took through town.
"With this book Carlson is striving to add to the preservation of the history of Lindsborg and the Smoky Valley. He has drawn upon some of the available rich local publications, most notably the writings of celebrated Smoky Valley historian Dr. Emory Lindquist and two major tomes written in the early part of the 20th Century by Rev. Dr. Alfred Bergin and other resources, which he acknowledges in the "Introduction." Bill also brings to bear his own valuable and insightful knowledge and understanding of the rich heritage of Lindsborg and the Smoky Valley.
"The Smoky Valley Historical Association is pleased to add this book to its list of nearly a dozen books published since 1984 by the Smoky Valley Historical Publications with its editor and founder, A. John Pearson."
"An outstanding athlete in both high school and at Bethany College, Bill went into the teaching profession and was named the first football coach of Salina South High School when it opened in 1970. Bill's sense of uncompromising fairness as a referee was very much in demand at both the high school level and in the Big 8 college conference.
"In 1974, at the invitation of the institution's board of directors, Bill became administrator of Bethany Home in Lindsborg. Bill assembled a management team and staff that quite literally brought the home into the modern age.
"In his retirement Bill has written several books and articles about Lindsborg and the Smoky Valley as well as his own exceptionally interesting experiences.
"He also has been active in numerous projects of the Smoky Valley Historical Association. Among them is his leadership role in a project describing the location of over two dozen historical sites with signs posted along Lindsborg Välkommen Trail as it follows the path the railroads once took through town.
"With this book Carlson is striving to add to the preservation of the history of Lindsborg and the Smoky Valley. He has drawn upon some of the available rich local publications, most notably the writings of celebrated Smoky Valley historian Dr. Emory Lindquist and two major tomes written in the early part of the 20th Century by Rev. Dr. Alfred Bergin and other resources, which he acknowledges in the "Introduction." Bill also brings to bear his own valuable and insightful knowledge and understanding of the rich heritage of Lindsborg and the Smoky Valley.
"The Smoky Valley Historical Association is pleased to add this book to its list of nearly a dozen books published since 1984 by the Smoky Valley Historical Publications with its editor and founder, A. John Pearson."
"It is a pleasure to extend the published impact of writings by Bill Carlson.
The Smoky Valley Historical Association
2011-12 Board of Directors
Chris Abercrombie, president
Barbara Buskirk, vice president
Marvin Johnson, secretary
Lenora Lynam, treasurer
Ken Branch
Dr. Duane Fredrickson
Julie Neywick
Richard Patrick
Chester G. Peterson"
-------------------------------
< - The Words of Mr. Bill Carlson - >
The Smoky Valley Historical Association
2011-12 Board of Directors
Chris Abercrombie, president
Barbara Buskirk, vice president
Marvin Johnson, secretary
Lenora Lynam, treasurer
Ken Branch
Dr. Duane Fredrickson
Julie Neywick
Richard Patrick
Chester G. Peterson"
-------------------------------
< - The Words of Mr. Bill Carlson - >
PREFACE
Page vii
"For a number of years we [the SVHA] have been waiting for someone to compile research and write about the early history of Lindsborg. Waiting, waiting! A good number of long-time residents of Lindsborg have left us, who were very capable of sharing their memories of this fine Scandinavian city.
"During the 140th Anniversary of Lindsborg in 2009, we were asked by John Marshall of the Lindsborg News Record to write a series of stories about the early history of our community and the Smoky Valley, here in the middle of the State of Kansas.
"Further, Mrs. Linda Holmquist, representing the Wichita Area Scandinavian Association, requested a program for this group with the topic of "Lindsborg Then and Lindsborg Now." In preparation for this assignment we continued research on our community and the Smoky Valley of Kansas which was presented in early March. Further, it has occurred to me that I am now considered one of these senior citizens who may never leave some knowledge of the early history of this area. This preparation will be our contribution to the community.
"Someone once said with emphasis, "History not recorded, is perhaps history lost."
"Lindsborg Then deals with how Lindsborg was settled in the late 1860s, compiling data on dates, places and people primarily from the earliest Lindsborg books written by Dr. Alfred Bergin in the early 1900s and Dr. Emory K. Lindquist's book of 1953. Lindsborg Now gives the facts and impressions of Lindsborg by the writer of how this little city is today.
"No attempt has been made to record history, ongoing, of Lindsborg since those early days and this year of 2010."
"During the 140th Anniversary of Lindsborg in 2009, we were asked by John Marshall of the Lindsborg News Record to write a series of stories about the early history of our community and the Smoky Valley, here in the middle of the State of Kansas.
"Further, Mrs. Linda Holmquist, representing the Wichita Area Scandinavian Association, requested a program for this group with the topic of "Lindsborg Then and Lindsborg Now." In preparation for this assignment we continued research on our community and the Smoky Valley of Kansas which was presented in early March. Further, it has occurred to me that I am now considered one of these senior citizens who may never leave some knowledge of the early history of this area. This preparation will be our contribution to the community.
"Someone once said with emphasis, "History not recorded, is perhaps history lost."
"Lindsborg Then deals with how Lindsborg was settled in the late 1860s, compiling data on dates, places and people primarily from the earliest Lindsborg books written by Dr. Alfred Bergin in the early 1900s and Dr. Emory K. Lindquist's book of 1953. Lindsborg Now gives the facts and impressions of Lindsborg by the writer of how this little city is today.
"No attempt has been made to record history, ongoing, of Lindsborg since those early days and this year of 2010."
INTRODUCTION
Page ix
"For many years we [SVHA] have been studying and researching the early history of Lindsborg and the Smoky Valley, waiting and hoping more proficient writers will be inspired to compile and write how Lindsborg happened. And it did not just happen, as it took the dreams, planning, work, and prayers of those early settlers to make this city happen. It has been fifty-seven years since a book has been written about the early days of Lindsborg by a local resident. [He is referring to Dr. Emory K. Lindquist's 1953 Smoky Valley People. Now in 2023, it has been 70 years.]
"Swedish resident Alf Brorson of Torsby, Sweden in the province of Värmland has written numerous articles about this subject since his first visit to our community in 1993. A teacher, writer, lecturer, Mr. Brorson has publicized Lindsborg by speaking to many groups in Sweden about our community, plus has had a number of articles about the Smoky Valley in the Sweden and America magazine (formerly known as the Bridge). Mr. Brorson will be making his 17th visit to Lindsborg this coming summer where he was years ago honored by Mayor Don Anderson as an Honorary Citizen of Lindsborg. In Swedish his latest book is Vägen till Lindsborg (The Road to Lindsborg) in 2010 followed by An American Book.
"Dr. Alfred Bergin's books were written in the early 1900s, and Dr. Emory Lindquist's book in 1953. It must be emphasized Dr. Bergin deserves much credit for the preservation of early Lindsborg history. He not only wrote books, but also articles about early Lindsborg. He is described by Emil Lund, who served several parishes in the Smoky Valley in the 1880s, "as physically large and strong outwardly as well as inwardly, in which is found no guile, learned at home in the humanities, and especially versed in writing. A gifted speaker, spiritual guide and careful and dependable leader."
"Dr. Emory Lindquist's love for the Smoky Valley is depicted in his Smoky Valley People, published in 1953, and later also in A Vision for a Valley. Dr. Lindquist, who grew up in Lindsborg, served for a number of years as President of Bethany College, and later of Wichita University. He states that
'the pattern and development in Lindsborg is not the result of chance. It has its roots in devotion and faith of Swedish immigrants who came during the late mid to late 1860s to make rich contributions to the great Symphony of American life -- people thought, prayed, and worked together to improve the quality of living for themselves and for future generations.'
"Mr. A. John Pearson, retired from many years at Bethany College where his contributions to the College and Lindsborg have been priceless to our entire community, has been leader, writer, and contributor for many years to the Swedish culture of Lindsborg and the Smoky Valley. We [SVHA] have taken the liberty to quote John, along with those mentioned above, in this presentation of Lindsborg Then & Lindsborg Now.
"Further, many thanks to Ms. Charlotte Ternstrom, longtime faithful secretary at Bethany Lutheran Church, for accessing and recording dates, names, and places from early church records.
"And, many thanks to my wife Doris who has prevailed through many weeks of research and struggle putting all this together. She must wonder, is this any way to spend a peaceful and serene retirement?
"Finally, in this attempt to preserve Lindsborg and Smoky Valley history, we must emphasize at this point, the facts, names, places, and dates have been taken from the writings of those listed above."
"Swedish resident Alf Brorson of Torsby, Sweden in the province of Värmland has written numerous articles about this subject since his first visit to our community in 1993. A teacher, writer, lecturer, Mr. Brorson has publicized Lindsborg by speaking to many groups in Sweden about our community, plus has had a number of articles about the Smoky Valley in the Sweden and America magazine (formerly known as the Bridge). Mr. Brorson will be making his 17th visit to Lindsborg this coming summer where he was years ago honored by Mayor Don Anderson as an Honorary Citizen of Lindsborg. In Swedish his latest book is Vägen till Lindsborg (The Road to Lindsborg) in 2010 followed by An American Book.
"Dr. Alfred Bergin's books were written in the early 1900s, and Dr. Emory Lindquist's book in 1953. It must be emphasized Dr. Bergin deserves much credit for the preservation of early Lindsborg history. He not only wrote books, but also articles about early Lindsborg. He is described by Emil Lund, who served several parishes in the Smoky Valley in the 1880s, "as physically large and strong outwardly as well as inwardly, in which is found no guile, learned at home in the humanities, and especially versed in writing. A gifted speaker, spiritual guide and careful and dependable leader."
"Dr. Emory Lindquist's love for the Smoky Valley is depicted in his Smoky Valley People, published in 1953, and later also in A Vision for a Valley. Dr. Lindquist, who grew up in Lindsborg, served for a number of years as President of Bethany College, and later of Wichita University. He states that
'the pattern and development in Lindsborg is not the result of chance. It has its roots in devotion and faith of Swedish immigrants who came during the late mid to late 1860s to make rich contributions to the great Symphony of American life -- people thought, prayed, and worked together to improve the quality of living for themselves and for future generations.'
"Mr. A. John Pearson, retired from many years at Bethany College where his contributions to the College and Lindsborg have been priceless to our entire community, has been leader, writer, and contributor for many years to the Swedish culture of Lindsborg and the Smoky Valley. We [SVHA] have taken the liberty to quote John, along with those mentioned above, in this presentation of Lindsborg Then & Lindsborg Now.
"Further, many thanks to Ms. Charlotte Ternstrom, longtime faithful secretary at Bethany Lutheran Church, for accessing and recording dates, names, and places from early church records.
"And, many thanks to my wife Doris who has prevailed through many weeks of research and struggle putting all this together. She must wonder, is this any way to spend a peaceful and serene retirement?
"Finally, in this attempt to preserve Lindsborg and Smoky Valley history, we must emphasize at this point, the facts, names, places, and dates have been taken from the writings of those listed above."
//
Since SWEDES is concerned with the preservation, restoration and promotion of foundational Lindsborg and Bethany College history, the inclusion of Mr. Carlson's first 5 chapters of Part 1 of Lindsborg Then and Lindsborg Now has been of greatest importance to share in SWEDES. See these chapters HERE: Part 1 "Lindsborg Then" Chapters 1 - 5.
//
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The Bill Carlson Family has kindly extended permission to share these selections from his
2011 Lindsborg Then and Lindsborg Now in SWEDES, 4-29-23.
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The Bill Carlson Family has kindly extended permission to share these selections from his
2011 Lindsborg Then and Lindsborg Now in SWEDES, 4-29-23.
-------
Mr. Bill Carlson
1930-2018
"History not recorded, is perhaps history lost!"
1930-2018
"History not recorded, is perhaps history lost!"
Published 2011, 97 Pages; Cover photograph by Alf Brorson
* * *
"Let Us Celebrate Them"
* * *
Swedes: TheWayTheyWere
~ restoring lost local histories ~
reconnecting past to present
* * *
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