Home
G. N. Malm's role
in the development of the Lindsborg Historical Society and Coronado Heights
~ An account by Dr. Emory K. Lindquist
Dr. Emory K. Lindquist, as former fourth Swedish American Bethany College President, in his 1989 book, G. N. Malm: A Swedish Immigrants Varied Career provides, most likely, the most accurate account of Mr. Malm's leadership role concerning the development of the Lindsborg Historical Society and the Coronado Heights.
Here is this account found on pages 156 to 158 in the "Town and Gown: Community and College" chapter where he begins:
"The interest that Malm always showed in promoting the welfare of his community is further demonstrated by his leadership in the Lindsborg Historical Society. G. N. Malm had a keen sense of the importance of history for individuals and society. It was in that context that he was the leader in assembling a group of like-minded citizens who in July 1919 organized the Lindsborg Historical Society, now known as the Smoky Valley Historical Association. He was instrumental in defining the purpose of the Society in the following words:
'To collect historical data, books, and pamphlets and manuscripts pertaining to the early history of the settlement; to collect, maintain and preserve works of art and objects of historical value; to preserve and beautify places of historical interest and to promote the study of the history of our settlement, its cultural growth and development by lectures and other available means.'
"Ever since that important date in July 1919, the Historical Society has been a constructive force in the community and area. The first major project of the society was to acquire the largest of the Spanish Buttes, which was closest to Lindsborg, as the site for historical recognition of the visit of Coronado and his Conquistadors to the Smoky Valley in 1541 while en route from Mexico in search of the golden cities of Quivira. Rising 300 feet above the terrain to the northwest of Lindsborg, on the road separating McPherson and Saline counties, was located the area to be known as Coronado Heights. Malm pointed out in an interesting article, that it had been a landmark for travelers ever since explorers had crossed the area. Half a mile to the east, the First Swedish Agricultural Company of McPherson County, Kansas, had built in 1868 its company house and gathering points for members. In the adjoining section, Pastor Olof Olsson, founder of the community and the first pastor of Bethany Lutheran Church, had built his home there the next year. A short distance to the southeast, the first stone and thatched-roof had been constructed. And on the southern slope of Coronado Heights, the immigrants and some of their descendants found their last resting place in the Smoky Hill Cemetery.
Here is this account found on pages 156 to 158 in the "Town and Gown: Community and College" chapter where he begins:
"The interest that Malm always showed in promoting the welfare of his community is further demonstrated by his leadership in the Lindsborg Historical Society. G. N. Malm had a keen sense of the importance of history for individuals and society. It was in that context that he was the leader in assembling a group of like-minded citizens who in July 1919 organized the Lindsborg Historical Society, now known as the Smoky Valley Historical Association. He was instrumental in defining the purpose of the Society in the following words:
'To collect historical data, books, and pamphlets and manuscripts pertaining to the early history of the settlement; to collect, maintain and preserve works of art and objects of historical value; to preserve and beautify places of historical interest and to promote the study of the history of our settlement, its cultural growth and development by lectures and other available means.'
"Ever since that important date in July 1919, the Historical Society has been a constructive force in the community and area. The first major project of the society was to acquire the largest of the Spanish Buttes, which was closest to Lindsborg, as the site for historical recognition of the visit of Coronado and his Conquistadors to the Smoky Valley in 1541 while en route from Mexico in search of the golden cities of Quivira. Rising 300 feet above the terrain to the northwest of Lindsborg, on the road separating McPherson and Saline counties, was located the area to be known as Coronado Heights. Malm pointed out in an interesting article, that it had been a landmark for travelers ever since explorers had crossed the area. Half a mile to the east, the First Swedish Agricultural Company of McPherson County, Kansas, had built in 1868 its company house and gathering points for members. In the adjoining section, Pastor Olof Olsson, founder of the community and the first pastor of Bethany Lutheran Church, had built his home there the next year. A short distance to the southeast, the first stone and thatched-roof had been constructed. And on the southern slope of Coronado Heights, the immigrants and some of their descendants found their last resting place in the Smoky Hill Cemetery.
"Malm has described effectively the rising enthusiasm which occurred in 1920 to develop the site chosen by the Historical Society. Community-wide efforts brought large numbers of people from the town and area to build a road encircling the Heights which rose some three hundred feet, so that easy access was available. Malm has written that when constructing the road, some Lindsborg stores closed a few hours a week so employees could work on the project. A trail was staked out as hikers climb to the top. The road was known as Swensson Boulevard, commemorating the founder and president of Bethany College, Dr. Carl Swenson. The trail was named the Olson Trail for reasons identified above. A tall flagpole was raised so that the Stars and Stripes graced this high point in the area where the immigrants had settled. The historical site was dedicated on May 8, 1920, with a flag raising ceremony and an interesting historical program in the presence of a large crowd of people. A later generation developed the site by constructing a large Spanish-style stone fort as a shelter house. In recent times the Historical Society has kept faith with their founders by assuming responsibility for the care and development of this historical site." [From: G. N. Malm, "Lindsborg and Coronado Heights," pp. 4-5]
Mr. Malm and Dr. Deere were close associates in this. Dr. Deere's studying this range of Smoky Hills for several years for his thesis "Geology of Study in the Area of the Smoky Valley Buttes" for his master's degree from Bethany in 1907 would certainly bring them together, due to his knowledge of these hills and sharing that with all those involved in the project, was key in the work of Coronado Heights.
On page 188 of Dr. Lindquist's book, their friendship is stated in the chapter "Family and Friends," at the end of this paragraph.
"Malm's circle of friends included members of the Bethany College faculty and administration. Attention has already been call to Malm's close relationship with Dr. Carl A. Swensson, founder and president of Bethany College, with Dr. Ernst F. Pihlblad, his successor, and with Samuel Thorstenberg, director of the oratorio society. The latter organization, which had high priority in his life brought him into close association and friendship with many persons in its activities, Dr. Hagbard Brase, director, Dean Oscar Lofgren, of the School of Music, Ellen Strom and Arvid Wallin, organists and Jens Stensaas, business manager of the college and the society. Dr. E. O. Deere, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and vice president of the Lindsborg Historical Society, was another close associate of Malm."
To proceed to Lindsborg Historical Society and Coronado Heights History ~ Three (3) accounts by Mrs. Elizabeth Jaderborg, former SVHA secretary, go HERE.
On page 188 of Dr. Lindquist's book, their friendship is stated in the chapter "Family and Friends," at the end of this paragraph.
"Malm's circle of friends included members of the Bethany College faculty and administration. Attention has already been call to Malm's close relationship with Dr. Carl A. Swensson, founder and president of Bethany College, with Dr. Ernst F. Pihlblad, his successor, and with Samuel Thorstenberg, director of the oratorio society. The latter organization, which had high priority in his life brought him into close association and friendship with many persons in its activities, Dr. Hagbard Brase, director, Dean Oscar Lofgren, of the School of Music, Ellen Strom and Arvid Wallin, organists and Jens Stensaas, business manager of the college and the society. Dr. E. O. Deere, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and vice president of the Lindsborg Historical Society, was another close associate of Malm."
To proceed to Lindsborg Historical Society and Coronado Heights History ~ Three (3) accounts by Mrs. Elizabeth Jaderborg, former SVHA secretary, go HERE.
* * *
"Let Us CelebrateThem"
* * *
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 CelebrateThem"
* * *
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.
