"The Other Swedes"
~ Celebrating Them ~
~ The Smoky Valley Writers ~
Rev. Eugene K. Nelson and The Bethany Home Writers
~ Celebrating Them ~
~ The Smoky Valley Writers ~
Rev. Eugene K. Nelson and The Bethany Home Writers
Chapters 1 & 2: "The Origins" & "The Buildings That Have Been Bethany Home"
Grateful thanks to Bethany Village for allowing SWEDES to share these words of The Bethany Home Writers
Grateful thanks to Bethany Village for allowing SWEDES to share these words of The Bethany Home Writers
" The Bethany Home Story "
Chapter I
Pages 1-2
" The Origins "
Page 1
“ 'In connection with this important meeting, the Home was dedicated for its intended purpose. Now may God’s blessing rest over this Home now and forever.'
"Thus concluded the minutes of the official Board of Bethany Home for November 20, 1911. The Secretary, Rev. E. P. Olson had expressed in his own words what was, and continues to be the aim and purpose of the place we know as 'Bethany Home.'
"But what was the 'Intended Purpose?' Earlier minutes had made that clear – it was to provide a home for 'Needy Old People.'
"Strangely enough, the origins of Bethany Home did not come in the first place as a response to a need for caring for old people. The Lindsborg Community was at least thirty–six years old before the idea was ever approached. A new community is not usually started by old people. Those who settled in this area were mostly young--people in their twenties and thirties, just starting out in life. They had babies and young children to care for—not aged parents and grandparents. Most of them had left them in Sweden and many never saw them again in this life. If the pioneers were concerned about any type of a home beyond their own and their spiritual home, the church, it was a home for orphans. Sickness and disease took a heavy toll in those early days, and in many cases both parents died and left children. When the Freemount Lutheran Church was founded back in 1869, for example, the Union Pacific Railroad offered the congregation one quarter section of land for a church and another quarter section for an orphan’s home. The quarter for the orphanage was actually sold in 1879 for $2000, and although the records are not completely clear, it seems that this money was given to help the Orphan’s Home that was located at Mariadahl in Kansas for many years.
"Many congregations were established in the Smoky Valley and indeed over the State of Kansas in those early years. Bethany College was begun in 1881 for the purpose of educating youth in a Christian environment. It was not until 1904 that there seemed to emerge a concern for caring for old people, and then it came almost as an afterthought!
"Sometime in the year 1904 or 1905, a man by the name of Oscar Anderson in the New Gottland community indicated to a Mr. Francis Johnson in Lindsborg that he was willing to give $1000 to an Orphan’s Home. Mr. Johnson wrote to a man identified as Rev. Engstrand about this matter. Later Pastor Engstrand responded by writing that it would be more appropriate to use this money as the beginning of a fund for a home for the aged.
“ 'In connection with this important meeting, the Home was dedicated for its intended purpose. Now may God’s blessing rest over this Home now and forever.'
"Thus concluded the minutes of the official Board of Bethany Home for November 20, 1911. The Secretary, Rev. E. P. Olson had expressed in his own words what was, and continues to be the aim and purpose of the place we know as 'Bethany Home.'
"But what was the 'Intended Purpose?' Earlier minutes had made that clear – it was to provide a home for 'Needy Old People.'
"Strangely enough, the origins of Bethany Home did not come in the first place as a response to a need for caring for old people. The Lindsborg Community was at least thirty–six years old before the idea was ever approached. A new community is not usually started by old people. Those who settled in this area were mostly young--people in their twenties and thirties, just starting out in life. They had babies and young children to care for—not aged parents and grandparents. Most of them had left them in Sweden and many never saw them again in this life. If the pioneers were concerned about any type of a home beyond their own and their spiritual home, the church, it was a home for orphans. Sickness and disease took a heavy toll in those early days, and in many cases both parents died and left children. When the Freemount Lutheran Church was founded back in 1869, for example, the Union Pacific Railroad offered the congregation one quarter section of land for a church and another quarter section for an orphan’s home. The quarter for the orphanage was actually sold in 1879 for $2000, and although the records are not completely clear, it seems that this money was given to help the Orphan’s Home that was located at Mariadahl in Kansas for many years.
"Many congregations were established in the Smoky Valley and indeed over the State of Kansas in those early years. Bethany College was begun in 1881 for the purpose of educating youth in a Christian environment. It was not until 1904 that there seemed to emerge a concern for caring for old people, and then it came almost as an afterthought!
"Sometime in the year 1904 or 1905, a man by the name of Oscar Anderson in the New Gottland community indicated to a Mr. Francis Johnson in Lindsborg that he was willing to give $1000 to an Orphan’s Home. Mr. Johnson wrote to a man identified as Rev. Engstrand about this matter. Later Pastor Engstrand responded by writing that it would be more appropriate to use this money as the beginning of a fund for a home for the aged.
Page 1
Page 1 Column 2
"Mr. Johnson spoke to Oscar Anderson about the matter and he approved the suggestion and gave $1000 as a starter for the home. Later he gave another thousand dollars ($1000) for this project. When you considered that the first building finally erected in 1911 cost less than $10,000, we realize that Oscar Anderson must be given credit for having given more than one fifth of the cost.
"The Kansas Conference of the Augustana Synod endorsed the idea of a home in the convention held at Marquette in 1907. When a vote was taken as to where the home was to be located, Lindsborg received nearly all the votes. A steering committee was selected which would investigate the matter further and would be ready to report at the next annual meeting.
"Already in the summer of 1907 the committee purchased the half quarter section upon part of which the home now stands. The cost was $1000, of which price the owners of the land contributed $100. Because of these two important actions we have the sign: “Bethany Home, Founded in 1907.” However, we are celebrating a Seventy Fifth (75th) Anniversary in 1986 because it was not until 1911 that we had a home ready to actually care for 'needy old people.'
"Mr. Johnson spoke to Oscar Anderson about the matter and he approved the suggestion and gave $1000 as a starter for the home. Later he gave another thousand dollars ($1000) for this project. When you considered that the first building finally erected in 1911 cost less than $10,000, we realize that Oscar Anderson must be given credit for having given more than one fifth of the cost.
"The Kansas Conference of the Augustana Synod endorsed the idea of a home in the convention held at Marquette in 1907. When a vote was taken as to where the home was to be located, Lindsborg received nearly all the votes. A steering committee was selected which would investigate the matter further and would be ready to report at the next annual meeting.
"Already in the summer of 1907 the committee purchased the half quarter section upon part of which the home now stands. The cost was $1000, of which price the owners of the land contributed $100. Because of these two important actions we have the sign: “Bethany Home, Founded in 1907.” However, we are celebrating a Seventy Fifth (75th) Anniversary in 1986 because it was not until 1911 that we had a home ready to actually care for 'needy old people.'
Page 2 Column 2
"During the early years the residents of the home helped to care for livestock and raised a large garden. The area directly across the street north of the home was a part of our property, barns, sheds, and livestock were kept there. This evidently continued for a considerable time. Lorenze Larson, who graduated from Bethany College in 1932, and later was ordained into the Lutheran ministry, told some folks in later years that he milked cows at the Bethany Home “farm” during college days and this helped pay for his college expenses.
"Thus far, we trace the origins of Bethany Home. We will see that it was born in the bosom of the Church. Bethany College was started in 1881 and not adopted by the Kansas Conference of the Augustana Lutheran Church [Synod] until 1884. Bethany Home, as we have observed, was officially endorsed by the Conference in 1907 and did not receive any residents until 1911. For part of her life, Bethany Home has been on the budget of this sponsoring Church. In recent years it is no longer on the regular budget but is in the heart and on the budget of many congregations which make an annual gift to the home. Truly it is a church institution, born and nurtured with Christian love and concern. "
"During the early years the residents of the home helped to care for livestock and raised a large garden. The area directly across the street north of the home was a part of our property, barns, sheds, and livestock were kept there. This evidently continued for a considerable time. Lorenze Larson, who graduated from Bethany College in 1932, and later was ordained into the Lutheran ministry, told some folks in later years that he milked cows at the Bethany Home “farm” during college days and this helped pay for his college expenses.
"Thus far, we trace the origins of Bethany Home. We will see that it was born in the bosom of the Church. Bethany College was started in 1881 and not adopted by the Kansas Conference of the Augustana Lutheran Church [Synod] until 1884. Bethany Home, as we have observed, was officially endorsed by the Conference in 1907 and did not receive any residents until 1911. For part of her life, Bethany Home has been on the budget of this sponsoring Church. In recent years it is no longer on the regular budget but is in the heart and on the budget of many congregations which make an annual gift to the home. Truly it is a church institution, born and nurtured with Christian love and concern. "
A Few of the First Swedish Residents of Bethany Home
Page 2
" The Bethany Home Story "
Chapter II
Pages 3-16
The Buildings That Have Been Bethany Home
- The Original Building -
Page 3
Page 3
"For seventeen years "Bethany Home" was the original building, dedicated and entered in 1911. It was home for twenty persons and served very well. However, very early on, the need for more space was felt. The suggestion to add a third story was proposed, but an investigation suggested a cost that most people consider too great. The expression was used 'A third story,' but actually it would have been a fourth story. As recently as the 1970s there was a basement, and a first and second story, all occupied. Granted that the basement rooms were not too desirable--but the rent was an attractive figure, $95 a month!
- The Old Bethany Church Parsonage Building -
This was the home of Rev. Dr. Carl Aaron Swensson & Mrs. Alma Christina Lind Swensson.
He was the second pastor of Bethany Lutheran Church and the founder and second president of Bethany College.
Page 3
Page 3
"Beginning in 1924 there was mention made from time to time of the need for more room. Finally, in 1928, a happy solution was discovered. The old Bethany Church Parsonage, located near the band shell of North Park in Lindsborg, was purchased and moved to a spot just north of the original building. This building was then finished with a modern basement, new kitchen and dining room, reroofed, repainted, and remodeled so that ten additional rooms were available. It was then connected to the original building by an enclosed passageway. The minutes of December 3, 1928, read: 'Resolved that the executive committee and matron arrange for open house on January 1, 1929.' This is one of many 'Open House' celebrations that we have had at Bethany Home through the years.
"The old Bethany Church Parsonage was already a historical place before it was moved to Bethany Home. Besides being the home of the pastors of Bethany Church for many years, it was in this house on June 6, 1892, that Emmy Evald, Mrs. Carl Aaron [Alma Christina Lind] Swensson, and some other vigorous and far - sighted women of the Augustana Lutheran Church (Synod), took the initial action that started the Women's Missionary Society. This organization was a power for good in the Kingdom of God, that is a marvelous success story all of its own-- . . ."
For a briefing on that story, go HERE.
"Beginning in 1924 there was mention made from time to time of the need for more room. Finally, in 1928, a happy solution was discovered. The old Bethany Church Parsonage, located near the band shell of North Park in Lindsborg, was purchased and moved to a spot just north of the original building. This building was then finished with a modern basement, new kitchen and dining room, reroofed, repainted, and remodeled so that ten additional rooms were available. It was then connected to the original building by an enclosed passageway. The minutes of December 3, 1928, read: 'Resolved that the executive committee and matron arrange for open house on January 1, 1929.' This is one of many 'Open House' celebrations that we have had at Bethany Home through the years.
"The old Bethany Church Parsonage was already a historical place before it was moved to Bethany Home. Besides being the home of the pastors of Bethany Church for many years, it was in this house on June 6, 1892, that Emmy Evald, Mrs. Carl Aaron [Alma Christina Lind] Swensson, and some other vigorous and far - sighted women of the Augustana Lutheran Church (Synod), took the initial action that started the Women's Missionary Society. This organization was a power for good in the Kingdom of God, that is a marvelous success story all of its own-- . . ."
For a briefing on that story, go HERE.
- Pioneer Memorial Building -
Initially mentioned as "The Proposed Invalid Home Unit" that became known as
"Pioneer Memorial of Bethany Home for the Aged"
(New Addition)
Page 5
Page 4, Column 2
"In the minutes of December 7, 1945, Mr. Willie Olson, the maintenance man at the home and an advisory member of the official board, suggested that the proposed Invalid Home Unit be a 'Pioneer Memorial' to the old settlers. The other members of the board acted favorably, and at that very meeting it was moved, seconded, and carried that 'The Proposed Invalid Home Unit' be known as 'Pioneer Memorial of Bethany Home for the Aged.' In the minutes the next month we read that 'The Home now owns $23,000 in Bonds.'
Page 5, Column 2
"The new addition was dedicated on April 18, 1948. Rev. Victor Spong of Kansas City, Missouri, President of the Kansas Conference, was present and gave the dedicatory address. It was a day of joy and victory -- a day marking real progress in our Bethany Home.
"On May 7, the first time the Board met after the Dedication, we read that ... A special vote of thanks was given to four persons: Philemon Smith, Ebba Fornberg, Elin Enberg and Will Olson. The other Board members made it clear that these four persons had carried the major share of the responsibility in making Pioneer Memorial a reality. Thirty-three persons had made application to enter the home. On June 6 we read that, 'Previous to the opening of the meeting, a demonstration was given of the public address system recently installed in connection with Bethany Church.' Mr. and Mrs. Ludwig Nelson, donors of the P.A. System were also to receive a letter of thanks on behalf of the Home. A few months later we read that Signe and Ebba Fornberg have given a new refrigerator and dishes for the second floor of the home."
"In the minutes of December 7, 1945, Mr. Willie Olson, the maintenance man at the home and an advisory member of the official board, suggested that the proposed Invalid Home Unit be a 'Pioneer Memorial' to the old settlers. The other members of the board acted favorably, and at that very meeting it was moved, seconded, and carried that 'The Proposed Invalid Home Unit' be known as 'Pioneer Memorial of Bethany Home for the Aged.' In the minutes the next month we read that 'The Home now owns $23,000 in Bonds.'
Page 5, Column 2
"The new addition was dedicated on April 18, 1948. Rev. Victor Spong of Kansas City, Missouri, President of the Kansas Conference, was present and gave the dedicatory address. It was a day of joy and victory -- a day marking real progress in our Bethany Home.
"On May 7, the first time the Board met after the Dedication, we read that ... A special vote of thanks was given to four persons: Philemon Smith, Ebba Fornberg, Elin Enberg and Will Olson. The other Board members made it clear that these four persons had carried the major share of the responsibility in making Pioneer Memorial a reality. Thirty-three persons had made application to enter the home. On June 6 we read that, 'Previous to the opening of the meeting, a demonstration was given of the public address system recently installed in connection with Bethany Church.' Mr. and Mrs. Ludwig Nelson, donors of the P.A. System were also to receive a letter of thanks on behalf of the Home. A few months later we read that Signe and Ebba Fornberg have given a new refrigerator and dishes for the second floor of the home."
- Ground-breaking for Pleasant View -
Nov. 11, 1965.
Page 9
Left to right: Chester Weide, Dr. Anton Nelson, Rev. Carl Gustafson, Rev. James Grant, Fritz Tarnstrom, Crissy Anderson, Leslie Blomberg, Vernon Johnson, Virgil Peterson, Alice Larson, Helen Tonsing, Leland Olson (contractor), Don Vickers (architect).
Capital Fund Campaigners
Royer Barclay Gene Larson Eldon Swensson
Page 10
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Page 12
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Page 16
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Royer Barclay, Director of Capital Funds Campaign for "Elin Manor," 1972
Gene Larson, Director of Capital Funds Campaign for "Hoglund Manor," 1975
Eldon Swensson, Architect for "Elin Manor," "Hoglund Manor," the "Activities Building," and
all three phases of the Self-Care cottages
Gene Larson, Director of Capital Funds Campaign for "Hoglund Manor," 1975
Eldon Swensson, Architect for "Elin Manor," "Hoglund Manor," the "Activities Building," and
all three phases of the Self-Care cottages
Milo Miller Mrs. Lawrence Peterson Carl Rundquist
Page 15
Milo Miller, (Director of Capital Funds Campaign for Activities Building
Mrs. Lawrence Peterson, (Major donor),
Carl Rundquist, (Chairman of the Bethany Home Board).
Mrs. Lawrence Peterson, (Major donor),
Carl Rundquist, (Chairman of the Bethany Home Board).
Go HERE for Chapter 3: "The Board and the Sponsoring Church"
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Published 1986, 65 pages
Published 1986, 65 pages
Grateful thanks to Bethany Home for the gift of this most historical book of 1986, to be used in SWEDES, 2018.
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1907 gave birth to the "idea" of a Home
1911 realized the idea with the Home's "first" residents
Page 16
The Bethany Home Story
was created by
"The Bethany Home Writers"
under the leadership of
Rev. Eugene K. Nelson and Administrator Bill Carlson
celebrating the
75th Anniversary of the Home in 1911,
the year when residents first arrived
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Rev. Eugene K. Nelson 1914-2000 Board Member since 1970 Editor of "The Bethany Home Story" |
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Bill Carlson 1930-2018 Lindsborg Bethany Home Administrator 1974 - 1994 |
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"Let Us Celebrate Them"
* * *
Swedes: TheWayTheyWere
~ restoring lost local histories ~
reconnecting past to present
* * *
All color photography throughout Swedes: The Way They Were is by Fran Cochran unless otherwise indicated.
Copyright © since October 8, 2015 to Current Year
as indicated on main menu sections of
www.swedesthewaytheywere.org. All rights reserved.
"Let Us Celebrate Them"
* * *
Swedes: TheWayTheyWere
~ restoring lost local histories ~
reconnecting past to present
* * *
All color photography throughout Swedes: The Way They Were is by Fran Cochran unless otherwise indicated.
Copyright © since October 8, 2015 to Current Year
as indicated on main menu sections of
www.swedesthewaytheywere.org. All rights reserved.
