"The Other Swedes"
~ Honoring Her and Her Works ~
Miss Alma Luise Olson
(1884 - 1964)
~ Remembering her as "First Honored American Woman by Sweden"
by
Mrs. Elizabeth Jaderborg*
~ Honoring Her and Her Works ~
Miss Alma Luise Olson
(1884 - 1964)
~ Remembering her as "First Honored American Woman by Sweden"
by
Mrs. Elizabeth Jaderborg*
The story to follow on Miss Alma Luise Olson is by Mrs. Elizabeth June Doe Jaderborg (1918-2016), who was the first non-Swede woman who became a Lindsborg historian, research writer, editor and author on this community's history, culture, and Swedish heritage.
Born in Boston, Massachusetts, educated at New Hampshire's Keene State Teachers College, in 1943, Elizabeth June Doe married Lindsborg Swede Einar Henning Jaderborg (whose interest was also in education finding him ending his career in Lindsborg as the Superintendent of the Smoky Valley School District).
Mrs. Jaderborg's interest in her own Mayflower ancestors that settled in Plymouth, Massachusetts, would take a back seat to her greater interest in the Lindsborg Swedes. For over three and one-half decades, she became a keen observer of, and researcher on, the lives lived in Lindsborg where she interviewed innumerable residents; and, it seemed, she wrote on every historical and cultural and Swedish subject found in Lindsborg. Her endeavors resulted with more than 350 stories that first appeared as articles in the Lindsborg News-Record (LNR) between December 12, 1962, and August 22, 1969. Most of these articles would then be compiled into 5 small books, the last of which was published in 1990.
She, also, was to become the founder of the Lindsborg Swedish Folk Dancers in 1963 and the longtime committed Smoky Valley Historical Association Secretary.
A primary factor for her writings was due to the real need she saw, maybe as she viewed it from a teacher's heart, of informing a very busy community of their most interesting history and their "notables," as well as documenting it for them to pass it on to their children. As the Kansas Salina Journal so importantly points this out in Mrs. Jaderborg's obituary published March 22, 2016:
"As a non-Swede in a community founded by Swedish immigrants who held fast to their traditions, she became intrigued by the community’s history and brought it to life for its children’s children through her research and writings."
It seems that Mrs. Jaderborg interviewed Miss Olson as that was definitely one of her research practices. In 1965, that LNR article on Miss Olson became part of Mrs. Jaderborgs published small book Lindsborg On Record and was given the titled "International Relations." Then, in 1976, this article became part of another book that Mrs. Jaderborg was asked to write, Why Lindsborg? for the visit of His Majesty, Carl XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden. It was in this book that she changed the title on Miss Olson's story from "International Relations" to "Liberated Woman."
It is from page 4 of this 1976 book, Mrs. Jaderborg has written:
"Permission granted to use material, if credit is included. Copyright 1976, Elizabeth Jaderborg."
Her devoted work as a research, writer, and author of the stories of Lindsborg were her selfless gift to the community, and became a lasting tribute, especially when compiled into her five books, for those Lindsborg Swedes and non-Swedes who founded the community, developed it, educated it and preserved its Swedish traditions and culture.
So let us now read one of Mrs. Jaderborg's Lindsborg stories on a most liberated woman for her time who was married to a writing career which took her to New York City, Scandinavia and the Continent where she would meet the most interesting persons, visit wonderful places and have incredible experiences, all of which she wrote about.
Born in Boston, Massachusetts, educated at New Hampshire's Keene State Teachers College, in 1943, Elizabeth June Doe married Lindsborg Swede Einar Henning Jaderborg (whose interest was also in education finding him ending his career in Lindsborg as the Superintendent of the Smoky Valley School District).
Mrs. Jaderborg's interest in her own Mayflower ancestors that settled in Plymouth, Massachusetts, would take a back seat to her greater interest in the Lindsborg Swedes. For over three and one-half decades, she became a keen observer of, and researcher on, the lives lived in Lindsborg where she interviewed innumerable residents; and, it seemed, she wrote on every historical and cultural and Swedish subject found in Lindsborg. Her endeavors resulted with more than 350 stories that first appeared as articles in the Lindsborg News-Record (LNR) between December 12, 1962, and August 22, 1969. Most of these articles would then be compiled into 5 small books, the last of which was published in 1990.
She, also, was to become the founder of the Lindsborg Swedish Folk Dancers in 1963 and the longtime committed Smoky Valley Historical Association Secretary.
A primary factor for her writings was due to the real need she saw, maybe as she viewed it from a teacher's heart, of informing a very busy community of their most interesting history and their "notables," as well as documenting it for them to pass it on to their children. As the Kansas Salina Journal so importantly points this out in Mrs. Jaderborg's obituary published March 22, 2016:
"As a non-Swede in a community founded by Swedish immigrants who held fast to their traditions, she became intrigued by the community’s history and brought it to life for its children’s children through her research and writings."
It seems that Mrs. Jaderborg interviewed Miss Olson as that was definitely one of her research practices. In 1965, that LNR article on Miss Olson became part of Mrs. Jaderborgs published small book Lindsborg On Record and was given the titled "International Relations." Then, in 1976, this article became part of another book that Mrs. Jaderborg was asked to write, Why Lindsborg? for the visit of His Majesty, Carl XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden. It was in this book that she changed the title on Miss Olson's story from "International Relations" to "Liberated Woman."
It is from page 4 of this 1976 book, Mrs. Jaderborg has written:
"Permission granted to use material, if credit is included. Copyright 1976, Elizabeth Jaderborg."
Her devoted work as a research, writer, and author of the stories of Lindsborg were her selfless gift to the community, and became a lasting tribute, especially when compiled into her five books, for those Lindsborg Swedes and non-Swedes who founded the community, developed it, educated it and preserved its Swedish traditions and culture.
So let us now read one of Mrs. Jaderborg's Lindsborg stories on a most liberated woman for her time who was married to a writing career which took her to New York City, Scandinavia and the Continent where she would meet the most interesting persons, visit wonderful places and have incredible experiences, all of which she wrote about.
International Relations // Liberated Woman
by
Elizabeth Jaderborg
" ALMA LUISE OLSON "
(1884 - 1964)
Source: "Lindsborg on Record," page 34, by Elizabeth Jaderborg
There were only a few “outsiders“ who were close enough to Scandinavia at the beginning of World War II to understand the idea of “permanent neutralization as a preliminary contribution to peace” which had evolved there.
One of the few was an American newspaper woman, Alma Luise Olson, Special Correspondent for the New York Times in Stockholm, Sweden. This talented young woman of Swedish descent had grown up in a Swedish-American community and had lived in Sweden close to the Swedish people over a span of 12 years.
She understood, and she could and did put her understanding into words for contemporary international understanding and for posterity.
In Iceland
Miss Olson was shown how ship's passengers
are landed during a storm.
One of the few was an American newspaper woman, Alma Luise Olson, Special Correspondent for the New York Times in Stockholm, Sweden. This talented young woman of Swedish descent had grown up in a Swedish-American community and had lived in Sweden close to the Swedish people over a span of 12 years.
She understood, and she could and did put her understanding into words for contemporary international understanding and for posterity.
In Iceland
Miss Olson was shown how ship's passengers
are landed during a storm.
Source: "Lindsborg on Record," page 33, by Elizabeth Jaderborg
Her book, written in New York, was in a way responsible for bringing her back to the United States. During the early rumblings of the war, Miss Olson ignored the suggestion of the State Department that she return to the United States. When asked why, her reply was “When the right time comes, I will know it.”
The “right time” came when a Minnesota company offered to publish her new book “SCANDINAVIA, The Background for Neutrality.”
Miss Olson returned then to the United States to begin work on the manuscript. “This was a difficult book to write with war on our heels,” she commented later.
When the Minnesota firm suddenly backed down, Lippincott of Philadelphia phoned immediately. Alma Luise was wary, but Mr. Lippincott stood firm, and SCANDINAVIA was published in 1940.
It was popular, and had two printings. Reviewers from roughly 100 newspapers and magazines were generous in their praise. They did not always agree with the book’s point of view, but they admired the “ideals and vision” and Miss Olson’s warm and comprehensive style.
The New Yorker Magazine said, “The author gives us a knowledgeable picture . . . honest and revealing. The Chicago Examiner said: “This is not merely ‘one small travel book.’ It is a scholarly way of life."
Alma Luise Olson was born near Lindsborg, Kansas, attended Bethany College, and continued her studies at the University of Chicago. At Chicago, she received her Master’s Degree in English and Philosophy, though she finished with enough credits for a Doctors Degree. After working in New York for a time as a writer, she “reversed the migration of her parents” by crossing over to Stockholm, Sweden.
The “right time” came when a Minnesota company offered to publish her new book “SCANDINAVIA, The Background for Neutrality.”
Miss Olson returned then to the United States to begin work on the manuscript. “This was a difficult book to write with war on our heels,” she commented later.
When the Minnesota firm suddenly backed down, Lippincott of Philadelphia phoned immediately. Alma Luise was wary, but Mr. Lippincott stood firm, and SCANDINAVIA was published in 1940.
It was popular, and had two printings. Reviewers from roughly 100 newspapers and magazines were generous in their praise. They did not always agree with the book’s point of view, but they admired the “ideals and vision” and Miss Olson’s warm and comprehensive style.
The New Yorker Magazine said, “The author gives us a knowledgeable picture . . . honest and revealing. The Chicago Examiner said: “This is not merely ‘one small travel book.’ It is a scholarly way of life."
Alma Luise Olson was born near Lindsborg, Kansas, attended Bethany College, and continued her studies at the University of Chicago. At Chicago, she received her Master’s Degree in English and Philosophy, though she finished with enough credits for a Doctors Degree. After working in New York for a time as a writer, she “reversed the migration of her parents” by crossing over to Stockholm, Sweden.
"Sweden, Land of White Birch and White Coal" by Miss Olson. Online eBay and Amazon image.
She had knowledge of the Norwegian, Danish, French, Spanish and German languages, and used excellent English and Swedish. Once, when she returned to Sweden from a trip to Norway and presented her visa for stamping, she spoke such excellent Swedish that the officer just couldn’t believe she was an American. “You’re a Swede alright,” he said. “No American can speak Swedish like that!” In Iceland and Finland, she used guide-interpreters.
At this time she was traveling extensively all over Scandinavia, and walked up “as close as the fence” to Russia. During her many years abroad, she worked on special assignments covering such varied subjects as Swedish art, dramatics, writers, stained glass, novels, snow sports, opera and industrial arts.
Much of her time was spent in reviewing books for the “New York Times Book Review Section.” She did no spot news, and her work was done at her own speed and discretion. When she expressed amazement to a visiting Times’ editor that the Times was using so much of her work, she was told that this was true because they knew that she was living and associating with the people, not just sitting in an office in Stockholm.
Later, she met a member of the Times' staff in New York. When she was introduced, he exclaimed, “Oh, are you the one who takes a notion and sends us an article now and then! Right then she began an attempt to get on a regular schedule.
At this time she was traveling extensively all over Scandinavia, and walked up “as close as the fence” to Russia. During her many years abroad, she worked on special assignments covering such varied subjects as Swedish art, dramatics, writers, stained glass, novels, snow sports, opera and industrial arts.
Much of her time was spent in reviewing books for the “New York Times Book Review Section.” She did no spot news, and her work was done at her own speed and discretion. When she expressed amazement to a visiting Times’ editor that the Times was using so much of her work, she was told that this was true because they knew that she was living and associating with the people, not just sitting in an office in Stockholm.
Later, she met a member of the Times' staff in New York. When she was introduced, he exclaimed, “Oh, are you the one who takes a notion and sends us an article now and then! Right then she began an attempt to get on a regular schedule.
Miss Olson wrote several books, newspaper articles too numerous to begin to count, and a great many illustrated articles for magazines here and abroad. Two outstanding articles, beautifully illustrated, were written at the request of the editors of the National Geographic Magazine. One, on Sweden was published in the October 1928, issue; the other, on Finland, was published in the October, 1938, issue.
It was a thrilling moment for Alma Luise Olson when the King’s representative, Wallmar F. Bostrom, Minister of Sweden, presented her with Sweden’s highest award for women, the Vasa Medallion. This was a singular honor, since she was the first American woman to receive this award. The presentation was made at a luncheon in New York City on December 2, 1940, for “valuable work… done in spreading knowledge of Sweden, its art and literature, in the United States.”
The award was a gold medal and was presented on eight counts (the maximum number). The major count was that “she understands what we mean when we say ‘neutrality.’ ”
It was a thrilling moment for Alma Luise Olson when the King’s representative, Wallmar F. Bostrom, Minister of Sweden, presented her with Sweden’s highest award for women, the Vasa Medallion. This was a singular honor, since she was the first American woman to receive this award. The presentation was made at a luncheon in New York City on December 2, 1940, for “valuable work… done in spreading knowledge of Sweden, its art and literature, in the United States.”
The award was a gold medal and was presented on eight counts (the maximum number). The major count was that “she understands what we mean when we say ‘neutrality.’ ”
One of many books she authored. Online eBay and Amazon image.
One of Alma Luise Olson‘s main interest was the affairs of the United Nations. She attended the opening session in New York City and an unprecedented number 18 of the beginning sessions (the normal limit allowed was 2). Her interest was always intense, continuous, and contagious.
While she was at the UN, she lunched regularly at the cafeteria. One day she heard a familiar voice behind her in the line. Turning to see who it was, she came face-to-face with Eleanor Roosevelt. For a long time she had wished for the opportunity to tell Mrs. Roosevelt how, time and time again, the consul in Sweden had assured her that Franklin Delano Roosevelt would win the presidential election. Now, so close to this remarkable woman, she was too impressed to speak.
It has been said that, “Miss Olson, despite her American citizenship and Middle West childhood, always had an ‘Old World consciousness.’”
She continued her lively interest in the United Nations and her study of International Relations until her death in Lindsborg, April 25, 1964, always preferring to talk about them rather than about herself for she recalled her mother’s early and wise counsel: “We must not forget that there are good forces at work in life.”
While she was at the UN, she lunched regularly at the cafeteria. One day she heard a familiar voice behind her in the line. Turning to see who it was, she came face-to-face with Eleanor Roosevelt. For a long time she had wished for the opportunity to tell Mrs. Roosevelt how, time and time again, the consul in Sweden had assured her that Franklin Delano Roosevelt would win the presidential election. Now, so close to this remarkable woman, she was too impressed to speak.
It has been said that, “Miss Olson, despite her American citizenship and Middle West childhood, always had an ‘Old World consciousness.’”
She continued her lively interest in the United Nations and her study of International Relations until her death in Lindsborg, April 25, 1964, always preferring to talk about them rather than about herself for she recalled her mother’s early and wise counsel: “We must not forget that there are good forces at work in life.”
-------
Miss Olson's home in Lindsborg at 328 North First Street
Built by her father John Olson 1893**
Miss Olson's home in Lindsborg at 328 North First Street
Built by her father John Olson 1893**
***
- Miss Alma Luise Olson -
Recipient of the Vasa Medallion during the reign of Swedish King Gustaf Adolf
Bethany College Graduate
University of Chicago, Master's Degree in English and Philosophy
International Correspondent headquartered in Stockholm for 12 Years for the New York Times
International author of many books, domestic author for the New York Times and for many publications
Fluent in 5-7 languages
International traveler to Scandinavia and the Continent
Attendee to New York's United Nations' First Session 1945 and 18 more sessions
Bethany College Professor of English, Swedish, and Political Science
***
- Miss Alma Luise Olson -
Recipient of the Vasa Medallion during the reign of Swedish King Gustaf Adolf
Bethany College Graduate
University of Chicago, Master's Degree in English and Philosophy
International Correspondent headquartered in Stockholm for 12 Years for the New York Times
International author of many books, domestic author for the New York Times and for many publications
Fluent in 5-7 languages
International traveler to Scandinavia and the Continent
Attendee to New York's United Nations' First Session 1945 and 18 more sessions
Bethany College Professor of English, Swedish, and Political Science
***
For more on Miss Olson, go HERE for Remembering Miss Alma Luise Olson and her most extraordinary life at home and abroad by Ms. Karen A. Humphrey
Go HERE to find Miss Olson listed in Bethany College Swedish Knights and Honored Ladies.
Go HERE to Our Sohlberg Home and Neighbor Alma Luise Olson
* Go HERE to learn more on Smoky Valley Writer Mrs. Elizabeth Jaderborg ~ Chronicling the Lindsborg of her day, its early histories, and more
Go HERE to find Miss Olson listed in Bethany College Swedish Knights and Honored Ladies.
Go HERE to Our Sohlberg Home and Neighbor Alma Luise Olson
* Go HERE to learn more on Smoky Valley Writer Mrs. Elizabeth Jaderborg ~ Chronicling the Lindsborg of her day, its early histories, and more
Sources:
* * *
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.
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.
