"The Other Swedes"

~ Recognizing & Honoring Them ~

" The Other Swedes "

- T H E L I N D S B O R G S W E D E S -
<> Their Legacy Listings <>

(Reworking some categories)

As their descendants will surely agree, not all of the Lindsborg Swedes are listed here, nor can they be, as those belonging to early non-Lutheran Swedish Christian denominations and those in farming and business are certainly missing! I could only list the Lindsborg Swedes whom I researched and found through my relatives, Lydia and Emil Deere, whose lives were devoted to their Augustana Synod Bethany Lutheran Church and its Bethany Lutheran College. Hopefully, one day, the ones closest to these other Swedes will make those equally important additional listings.

Therefore, as you review the lists below, think also of the "unlisted ones," who also were the Swedish pioneer founders and builders of Lindsborg, those contemporaries and friends of Emil's and Lydia's. Yet, equally important, think of their "unnamed descendants," a few of whom appear in the listings, who have been carrying on the ongoing conservation work and promoting this community's Swedish culture, heritage, history and Christian faith.

This exercise of recognition and honor can only be describe as a tiny tribute for the enormous contributions that each made, and, is making, in their humble, quiet and private endeavors, in their callings -- of recording and saving the history; of keeping alive the Holy Spirit of Christian faith, the Swedish traditions, the links to Sweden and the Swedish Crown; and of the ongoing sacrificial giving, through funds or other in-kind gifts to higher education at Bethany College coupled with their overwhelming support of the arts and faithful chorus participation in the Oratorio Society Holy Easter Week Messiah performances, which brought national and international focus on their great little Swedish community and its college, and, in-so-doing, created their "Camelot Years," while spreading the Gospel to the world, that still continues today!

May we recall and cherish each enduring legacy they left to us, as their descendants, friends, and others have "let the light so shine on their good works," and, in so doing, have "given God the glory," as did the spiritual father and founder of Lindsborg, Pastor Olof Olsson! (Matthew 5:16)

Note: The population of Lindsborg founded in 1869 grew to approximately 500 in 1880 (a year before the founding of Bethany College) to 2,000 in 1940 to 3,288 in 2018. (Sources: Online Wikipedia and Bing.)

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The following information has come from the "Smoky Valley Writers' works" that are listed HERE.

Note: These abbreviations are after some of the surnames:
BCG for Bethany College Graduate of Lindsborg, Kansas
ACG for Augustana College Graduate of Rock Island, Illinois
GACG for Gustavus Adolphus College Graduate of Saint Peter, Minnesota
ATSG for Augustana Theological Seminary Graduate of Rock Island, Illinois
SUG for Swedish Universities Graduates in Sweden

Legend
*   Listed chronologically
** Listed alphabetically
+   Included Here for Lindsborg’s 14: Bethany College Swedish Knights and Honored Ladies,1901 to 2014

Note: For those deceased, not all, but many of their years will be included in time ( Their years:18--to19--. ). FC-5/10/21

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<> Their Legacy Listings <>
- a sampling -
- 1869 to 2021 -
Over 150 Years

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- their Legacy Listing through their -
Freedom of Worship
forming Lutheran churches governed by the Augustana Lutheran Synod which in later years merged with other synods forming today's
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA

[ From Lindsborg's Swedish Lutheran beginnings, there are now 10 churches - 9 Protestant and 1 Catholic in the Smoky Valley - 12/10/20 ]
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Example of transportation that Rev. Olof Olsson may have used when he arrived in Lindsborg
on June 27, 1969

Source: "Pioneer Swedish-American Culture in Central Kansas" by Ruth Billdt

Swedish founders of the Smoky Valley Lindsborg settlement
From the Värmland region of Sweden, they were John Ferm, S. A. Lindell, J. G. Bergsten, C. R. Carlson, Magnus Carlson, S. P. Lindgren, J. Lindh, N. P. Lindey;* and others like Anders M. Olsson, Peter Peterson, A. Jacobson, and L. N. Sandell,** who organized the First Swedish Agricultural Company that prepared the way for the Värmland Swedes to settle in Lindsborg. These Swedes of the Agricultural Company gave Lindsborg its name on February 20, 1869. (Sources: *Dr. Emory Lindquist's 1953 Smoky Valley People, A History of Lindsborg, Kansas -- Chapter IV: “The Settlement Develops" refers to them as "the founders" on page 34; ** Bill Carlson's 2014, The Founding of Lindsborg, page 9, only includes these 4 names.)

Swedish founder of the Smoky Valley Lindsborg settlement
Rev. Dr. Olof Olsson is considered the founder of the community who, with the rest of his colony members, arrived in the Smoky Valley in late June of 1869. He arrived on June 27, 1869. (Source: Dr. Lindquist's 1953 Smoky Valley People, A History of Lindsborg, Kansas -- Chapter V: "Pastor Olof Olsson: Founder of the Community.")
Notations: Magnus Carlson encouraged C.R. Carlson to come to Lindsborg in 1868; and C.R. Carlson was an early Lindsborg leader who was primarily responsible for Rev. Olof Olsson coming to Lindsborg in 1869. (Source: Bill Carlson's 2010 Lindsborg Then and Lindsborg Now, pages 21-22.) Go HERE, to Swedish Pastor Olof Olsson Immigrating to Lindsborg 1869, June 27th Arrival.

Swedish Galesburg, Illinois, Swedes responsible for Smoky Valley settlements other than Lindsborg
They were Rev. Anders Wilhelm (A.W.) Dahlsten, Olof Thorstenberg, John P. Stromquist, John Rodell, Gustaf Johnson, and William Johnson who would organize the Galesburg Colonization Company, in Galesburg, Illinois, composed of Swedes from the Dalarna and the Småland regions of Sweden, many of whom first lived in Illinois and Ohio. They would arrive in the Smoky Valley four (4) months before the Olsson Colony on February 25, 1869.
(Source: Thomas N. Holmquist's 1994 Pioneer Cross, Swedish Settlements Along the Smoky Hill Bluffs, Chapter 3, "The Search for Land.")

SUMMARY
The Galesburg Colonization Company arrived on February 25, 1869.
Pastor Olof Olsson Colony arrived at different times in June of 1869, but he arrived in Lindsborg on June 27, 1869.

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- their Legacy Listing through their -
Augustana Lutheran Synod

Synod Mother Church -- Jenny Lind Chapel, Andover, Illinois / Museum image

AUGUSTANTA LUTHERAN SYNOD BACKGROUND for

Bethany Church -- The church name, Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Bethany Church, was adopted on August 19, 1869 when this church's application to join the Augustana Evangelical Lutheran Synod (Church), submitted by Pastor Olof Olsson, was accepted.
(Source: Bror Carlsson's and Alf Brorson's 2001 He Gave God Glory, The Story of Olof Olsson, page 23)

Bethany College -- First, Bethany College was chartered by the State of Kansas in September 1882. It was dedicated by Founder Carl Aaron Swensson with Augustana Synod leaders presiding on October 4, 1882 [at the festive services around the Bethany Academy Building]. It was adopted as "the child" of the Augustana Synod in 1884 at the Kansas Conference at Mariadahl Lutheran Church.
(Source: Emory Lindquist's 1975 book, Bethany in Kansas, the history of a college, Chapter 1, "Founding and Early Years, 1881 - 1991," pages 5-7)

Bethany Home -- Bethany Home was "born in the bosom of the church" that was known as the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Augustana Synod of North America, during the Kansas Conference of that Synod held at Marquette in 1907.
Source: The 1986 book, The Bethany Home Story, Lindsborg, Kansas, 1911-1986, page 2, column 2

 - their Legacy Listing through -
Bethany Church
Bethany Lutheran Church
Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Bethany Church

Source" soloroadtrip.com

Pastors and Secretary*

Rev. Dr. Olof Olsson, SUG -- (1841-1900) -- Founder of Lindsborg, and founder and first pastor of the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Bethany Church (Bethany Church) for 7 years (1869-1876) at which time he joined the Augustana College faculty in Rock Island, Illinois, where he eventually became third president until his death in 1900; he was Swedish born and an Uppsala University graduate of Sweden, and, in 1893, was awarded by that institution an honorary degree as was also Bethany College founder and president Rev. Dr. Carl Aaron Swensson, with a notation by this Swedish University that these two gentlemen were 'first time" Swedish Americans to ever receive these degrees. There are 3 sections on Dr. Olsson. Go Here to begin the first section.
Rev. Dr. Carl Aaron Swensson, ACG & ATSG -- (1857-1904) -- Second pastor for 25 years (1879-1904); founder of the Swedish Bethany Lutheran Academy, later known as Bethany Lutheran College, then Bethany College; an Augustana College graduate and recipient of the Swedish Uppsala University honorary degree in 1893 as was Rev. Dr. Olof Olsson as noted above; in 1901, he was knighted by Swedish Crown+ There are 8 sections on Dr. Swensson. Go Here to begin the first section.
Rev. Dr. Julius Lincoln, BCG -- (1872-1954) -- Assistant pastor (1893-1895); in 1930, he was knighted by Swedish Crown+.
Rev. Dr. Ernst Pihlblad, BCG -- (1873-1943) -- Assistant pastor (1896-1904); in 1920, he was knighted by Swedish Crown+ There are 3 sections on Dr. Pihlblad. Go Here to begin the first section.
Rev. Dr. Alfred Bergin, GACG, ATSG -- (1866-1944) -- Third pastor for 38 years (1904-1942), historian, author of earliest Swedish Smoky Valley settlements books; Gustavus Adolphus College graduate; Swedish born
Charlotte Ternstrom -- 48 year secretary, a preservationist, historian, archivist of the church and community foundings' earliest documents

- their Legacy Listing through -
Bethany College

Bethany College Gateway, 1917
- the "last" surviving structure of the original campus structures -

Photography by Lydia Sohlberg Deere.

Swedish Bethany College Lutheran Presidents*

Rev. Dr. Carl Aaron Swensson, ACG & ATSG  -- (1857 - 1904) -- Founder and 2nd President for 15 years (1889-1904), in 1901, he was knighted by Swedish Crown+.  There are 8 sections on Dr. Swensson. Go Here to begin the first section.
Rev. Edward Nelander, ACG -- (1855-1915) -- 1st President for 7 years (1882-1889)
Rev. Dr. Ernst Pihlblad, BCG -- (1973-1943) -- 3rd President for 37 years (1904-1941); in 1920, he was knighted by Swedish Crown+.  There are 3 sections on Dr. Pihlblad. Go Here to begin the first section.
Dr. Emory Lindquist, BCG -- (1908-1992) -- Born in Lindsborg, 4th President for 12 years (1941-1953); in 1976, he was knighted by Swedish Crown+.  There are 3 sections on Dr. Lindquist. However, "his narrative" is interspersed throughout innumerable sections of SWEDES. Go Here to begin the first section.
Dr. Arvin W. Hahn -- (1923-2017) -- 8th President for 16 years (1967-1983); in 1976, he was knighted by Swedish Crown+. There are 3 sections on Dr. Hahn, Go Here to begin the first section.
Dr. Peter Ristuben -- (1933-1990) -- He was of Norwegian descent and the 9th President for 7 years (1983-1990); in 1990, he was knighted by Swedish Crown+.

Swedish Bethany College Lutheran Graduates
Serving Augustana Lutheran Synod World Missions

From Bethany College President Dr. Emory Lindquist 1975 "Bethany in Kansas, the history of a college" (page 256 paragraph 2):

"Evidence already presented indicates the meaning for Bethany of the general prayer of the Augustana Lutheran [Synod] Church across the decades that the colleges of the [Synod] Church “might send forth men and women to serve THEE in the ministry of the Word, [in] the ministry of mercy, and [in] all the walks of life." Not only have hundreds of parishes of various denominations been served by Bethany graduates, but the general work of the [Synod] Church has been blessed by the dedication of Bethany alumni."

Some of the graduates listed by Dr. Lindquist are shown below.

Graduate Lutheran Missionaries

In India:
Charlotte Swenson, BCG of 1894; "one of the greatest gifts which the Lutheran Church has given India"
Agnes Christenson, BCG of 1915; "a lifetime of service"

In Africa -- Tanganyika and Zanzibar:
Dr. George N. Anderson, BCG of 1909 for 30 years
Lillian Larson (Mrs. Elmer Danielson), BCG of 1927 for 40 years
20 others have served in Africa also.

In China, Hong Kong and North Borneo:
Esther Anderson, BCG of 1920 and 1923

Also, Dr. Linquist's notes that other Bethanyites of various denominations have served world missions in other areas.

Graduate Lutheran Leaders
Serving Augustana Lutheran Synod Churches

Rev. Phillip Andreen, BCG of 1892, President of California Conference;
A W. Linguist, BCGs of 1895, Rev. G. A. Dorf of 1893, Rev. Dr. Victor Spong of 1910, Presidents of Kansas conference;
Rev. Hugo Haterius, BCG of 1912, and Rev. Merton Lundquist, former student 1936-37, Presidents of Texas Conference;
Rev. Emil Swenson, BCG of 1909, President of Minnesota Conference;
Rev. Dr. Carl W. Segerhammar, BCG of 1929, President of California Conference & President of Pacific-Southwest Synod;
Rev. Raynold J. Lingwall, BCG of 1936, President of Iowa Conference and Iowa Synod

Graduate Lutheran Leaders
of the
Augustana Lutheran Synod
Serving Abroad and Nationally

Rev. Dr. Rudolph Burke, BCG of 1930, served as Associate Director and Director of the Board of World Missions of the Augustana Lutheran Church and Executive Secretary of Africa in the World Mission Program of the Lutheran Church In America. Rev. Donald E. TRUED, with his wife Ruth Duell Trued, a Bethany College graduate of 1930, served as missionaries in Tanganyika from 1955 to 1962. He served as assistant executive secretary for World Mission, Lutheran Council in the USA.
Dr. Carl Lund-Quist, BCG of 1932, held one of the most important positions in world Lutheranism, in Geneva, Switzerland, that of Executive Secretary of the Lutheran World Federation from 1952 to 1962. His successes during this time found him receiving many honorary degrees from European and American colleges and universities, and in 1957, the Order of Merit was conferred upon him by the German Federated Republic.
Rev, James Claypool, BCG of 1934, as Director of Korean Church Relief, he was a leader in the Lutheran World Relief Agency in Korea from 1955 to 1958, and he was recognized on two occasions by the Korean government for distinguished service to the people of Korea.
Rev. Dr. Carl W. Sagerhammar, BCG of 1929, served as vice president of the Augustana Lutheran Synod, a member and leader key ecumenical groups and committees, a preacher on nationwide radio pulpit series, and author of religious volumes.
Source: Dr. Emory Lindquist's 1975, Bethany in Kansas, the history of a college, pages 256-257

Swedish Bethany College Lutheran Graduates and Employees*
Serving at Bethany College and Beyond

Alma Luise Olson, BCG -- (1884-1964) -- Born near Lindsborg, a graduate of Bethany Academy in 1901, Bethany College in 1903 and University of Chicago, an international author of many books, a New York Times correspondent, an editor, lived in Stockholm, Sweden, pre World War II, for 10 years writing articles for the New York Times' from throughout Scandinavia and the Continent, a pacifist attending newly formed United Nations' first sessions, she would eventually return to her family home in Lindsborg where she would teach at Bethany College. In 1940, she was the "first" American woman honored by the Swedish Crown to receive the Vasa Medallion+. To learn more on the life of this most extraordinary independent and highly educated woman from Lindsborg and Bethany College go to the stories by two former Lindsborg women researchers, historians and authors: go HERE to Mrs. Elizabeth Jaderborg's story found in section Miss Alma Luise Olson ~ Remembering her as "First Honored American Woman by Sweden;" and HERE to Ms. Karen A. Humphrey's story found in section Remembering Miss Alma Luise Olson and her most extraordinary life at home and abroad.

Arthur W. Lindquist, BCG -- (1903-1980) -- Was the "first" and only Bethany College Science Professor to be recognized by the Swedish Crown, in 1976 when the King of Sweden was visiting Lindsborg, receiving the Royal Order of the North Star+ He was born on a farm northeast of Lindsborg in 1903 and was destined to become an internationally renowned entomologist. After receiving his Bachelors Degree in Biology from Bethany, he continued with graduate studies at Kansas State University where he received a Masters Degree in Etymology. His life's work was to be at the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) in Washington, D.C. where he began as a research worker in etymology and would compile an admirable record during his tenure there where he was awarded in 1961 with the USDA Distinguished Service Award. When he retired, he returned to Lindsborg and would served as a scientist-in-residence at Bethany College from 1964 until 1971. In and out of his career, he served and represented the United States on committees of the Atomic Energy Agency (AEA), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the oldest organization of the United Nations, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) seminars related to agriculture. He received much recognition and rewards for his endeavors, including and from his alma mater a well-deserved in 1953 Honorary Doctorate Degree; and, in 1962, the Bethany College Alumni Award of Merit. During his retirement he made numerous trips overseas as a consultant in his area of expertise. Pages 263-264 of Dr. Leon Lungstrom's book are devoted to him. /\
/\ For more on this professor, go to Dr. Leon Lungstrom's 1990 book, History on Natural Science and Mathematics at Bethany College, Lindsborg, Kansas.

Solomon Nkya Eliufoo,BCG -- (1920-1971) -- Held the highest office in public life of any Bethany College graduate. With Tanganyika's declaration of independence in 1961, he was appointed Minister of Education and Information of this newly formed republic. He also served as a member of the legislative Council of Tanganyika and was President of the CHAGGA people. He and other Lutheran Africans from Tanganyika who attended Bethany College during the 50s and 60s arrived through Augustana Lutheran Synod channels. He attended Bethany from 1953 to 1955, when he graduated. Unfortunately, his life was cut short due to an illness. source: Dr. Emory Lindsquist's 1975 Bethany in Kansas, the history of a college

A. John Pearson, GAC -- Was a Bethany College Freshman Student Alumnus, 1956.  In 1981, he wrote a "A Short History of Bethany College" including wonderful photographs for the Centennial of Bethany College celebration. He was the founder of the "Smoky Valley Historical Publications" and the "Bethany College Press" and provided editorial services for the many books published by Lindsborg Swedes. He is the person to contact regarding many aspects of Lindsborg and college history. He continues, from time to time, to write historical pieces for both, especially on Hyllningsfest and on the Bethany College Oratorio Society Messiah performances. Studying at Bethany College for one year, he graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College (a sister Lutheran college to Bethany) with a Bachelor of Arts in 1959, and from Boston University with a Masters of Science in Public Relations in 1962 where he studied publishing. His career began at Illinois College as the Director of Public Relations and Alumni Affairs from 1962 to 1970, when he became the Bethany College Director of Public Relations and Alumni Affairs until 1992, when he became the Bethany College Director of the Archives and Heritage Center and of Sports Information. He retired in 2004, to become the Bethany College Volunteer Director of Archives until 2006. Go Here to read through his incredible, comprehensive, and condensed piece on the history of Bethany College from 1881 to 1981 which was given out as a publication to the Bethany family then. (Source: Mr. A. John Pearson.)

The Talbotts:  Stan Talbott, BCG -- Bethany College Director of Alumni, honored by the Stan Talbott Society Scholarship, husband of Pauline and father of Doug.
  Pauline Talbott, BCG -- Bethany College Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, wife of Stan and mother of Doug Talbott.
  Doug Talbott, BCG -- Bethany College Director of Alumni, Professor Emeritus of Music with a tenure of teaching Band, Music and Education and also coaching tennis, son of Stan and Pauline.
(Source: Bethany Magazine, 2020)

Kenneth Sjogren, BCG -- He played a key role in fundraising for the College and is the author of the 2019 “Six Decades with Twelve Bethany College Presidents.” He was the Bethany College Director of Public Relations and Alumni Affairs from 1961 to 1967, when he became the Bethany College Director of Development and Assistant to the President to 1984, the year of his retirement. He, then became a Bethany College Volunteer from 1984 to 2020 and was honored by "The Sjogren Center for Advancement & Alumni." He was the co-founder and co-owner of the Lindsborg Hemslöjd from 1984 to 2011. He is a "quiet" artist.  (Sources: Mr. Kenneth Sjogren and his book.)

Bruce Karstadt, BCG -- He is a Bethany College graduate heading up a major Swedish American institution in the United States. He is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Swedish Institute (ASI) headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. After graduating from Bethany College in 1973, he graduated with a Juris Doctors Degree in Law from Topeka's Washburn University School of Law in 1979. Returning to Bethany College, he held the positions of Legal Counsel and Executive Assistant to the President.  In 1990, he joined ASI and has been honored in many ways due to the Institute's growth and global reach under his leadership and for his many ongoing contributions to Swedish and Swedish American endeavors. A most important honor he received was in 2014 when he was given the Swedish Insignia of the "Royal Order of the Polar Star, Commander First Class" from the Swedish Crown+.  To learn more about Mr. Karstadt and his Swedish and Swedish American connections and career, go Here to Mr. Bruce Karstadt ~ Honoring him as a Bethany College graduate for heading up a major national Swedish American institution; and go Here to see his name listed with "Lindsborg's 14" in this section: Bethany College Swedish Knights and Honored Ladies ~ Their Royal Swedish Legacy Listings, 1901 to 2014.  (Sources:  Bethany Magazines, Lindsborg News-Record articles, other newspapers and online news from Minnesota.)

- their Legacy Listing through -
Bethany Home
1907
Now "Bethany Village" 2021

Source: The Bethany Home Story

Swedish Bethany Lutheran Home Pioneers**

Oscar Anderson -- Provided one-fifth of the seed funding for Bethany Home in 1907
Rev. Alfred Bergin, GACG, ATSG -- Chairman of the Bethany Home and Chaplain for 34 years (1910-1944)
Pastor Engstrand -- Suggested instead of an orphanage, the funds should go to the needy at the "Home for the Aged" (as the Home was called then) in 1907
Francis Johnson, BCG -- A key facilitator in establishing Bethany Home in 1907
(Source: "The Story of Bethany Home")

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- their Legacy Listing through -
The Bethany College Museum
1882-1966
The home for the Bethany College Museum collections
Of the college's 5,000 artifacts added to the McPherson County Old Mill Museum's 500,
300 were from "Udden Indian Collection" and 900 from the "Emil O. Deere Pioneer Collection." /\

The McPherson County Old Mill Museum. Photograph by Fran Cochran..

-- Quotes --
"The museum, largely the result of his [Deere's] efforts, has no peer among the mid-western Liberal Arts colleges.”
-Carl Swenson, 1
“After the move ... you will find one of the finest museums of this kind in the mid-west...”
-Tib Anderson, 2
It has one of the most valuable collections in the State and contain items which have attracted national recognition.
-Elizabeth Jaderborg, 3

1-1966, Bethany College Carl Swenson Deere Eulogy 2-1966, McPherson County Old Mill Museum Director Tib Anderson 3-1967, Smoky Valley Historical Association Sec. Elizabeth Jaderborg

Swedes' Museum Collectors
Johan August Udden, Dr. John Rundstrom, Professor Lindholm, Otto Hawkinson, George Sohlberg, Luther Dahlsten, A. Agrelius, Oscar Hubbard, Luther Swenson, Hugo Jacobson, David Bjorn, J. A. Anderson

Taxidermy Class in Old Main with Dean and Professor Deere presiding
These taxidermy animals would become part of the Bethany College Museum
To go there, click on photograph

Lydia Sohlberg Deere Photograph

~ the "forgotten" Swedish curators & their "forgotten" museum ~

Swedes Bethany College Museum Scientist and Curators*  /\

Johan August Udden, ACG  -- (1859-1932) -- Swedish born, "first" Bethany College professor in 1881 teaching in Bethany Lutheran Church sacristy all courses except Bible and religious fields, later classes would be held in the Velin Blackslmith Shop and the Old Schoolhouse which was newly renovated and later became known as the Bethany Academy Building. Here he would also teach physical Geology, Zoology and Botany. He was the founder of the Bethany College Museum and "1st" curator for 6 years, 1882-1888;  internationally renowned geologist, knighted by Swedish Crown+ (1911).  Pages 59-67 of Dr. Leon Lungstrom's are devoted to him. /\
Jacob Westlund, BCG -- ( ) -- Bethany College professor of the Natural Sciences and "2nd" Museum curator, for 3 years, 1888-1891.  There are no pages in Dr. Leon Lungstrom's book on him. /\
Dr. John Eric Welin, BCG -- (1865-1941) -- Swedish born, Bethany College professor of geology, chemistry, physics and astronomy and "3rd" Museum curator for 17 years, 1891-1908; would become known as "the grand old man" of Bethany.  Pages 69-85 of Dr. Leon Lungstrom's book are devoted to him. /\
Dr. Emil O. Deere, BCG -- (1877-1966) -- Bethany College professor of biology, geology and"4th" and last Museum curator for 58 years, 1908-1966. Pages 147-209 of Dr. Leon Lungstrom's book are devoted to him. /\ There are 14 sections on Dr. Deere. Go Here to begin the first section.
Dr. Leon Lungstrom, BCG -- (1915-2000) -- Bethany College professor and Museum assistant curator to Dr. Deere and his plan for moving the Bethany College Museum collections to the McPherson County Old Mill Museum in 1966.  Pages 229-249 of Dr. Leon Lungstrom's book is about himself. /\ There are 3 sections on Dr. Lungstrom. Go Here to begin the first section.

> >>>>>> Preparing for the move of the Bethany College Museum was under Dr. Emil O. Deere's direction /\

Swedes Responsible for the "Inventory List" of 5,000 artifacts:

Bethany College Professors of Physics Christian Swenson (1912- ? ) and of Biology Dr. Glenn Bellah (1927- 2010)
These two were extremely dedicated and accurate men for this job that they did for Dr. Deere.  They created the College Museum inventory list of 6,000 artifacts, of which approximately 5,000 were moved to join the 500 artifacts at the McPherson County Old Mill Museum. Out of the 6,000 artifacts, 300 were from the "Udden Indian Collection" and 900 were from the "Emil O. Deere Pioneer Collection." /\
Dr. Leon Lungstrom's book devotes  pages 113-120 to Professor Swenson and 251-262 to Professor Dr. Bellah. /\

~ the "forgotten" earliest caretakers of the Bethany College Museum Collections from 1966 to early 1990s ~
Swedes in charge of the Bethany College Museum Collections at the Old Mill Museum since 1966 /\

Tib Anderson, BCG -- McPherson County Old Mill Museum Director until 1980 who received the college collections in 1966. (No further information on him.)
Christian Swenson, BCG, Leon Lungstrom, BCG, and Howard Patrick -- They were the College and Lindsborg co-directors from 1980 to 1984, with the very capable administrative assistant, Lenora Lynam, of Lindsborg.
Jeanne Mogenson, a Lindsborg resident, became the director from 1984 to 1986, when she moved away and would eventually retire in Manhattan, Kansas in 2011, as the director of Manhattan Main Street of which she was named State Director, a position she held for sixteen years.
Dorman Lehman was the director from 1986 to the early 1990s. He had worked previously at the Greeley Museum and Centennial Village in Greeley, Colorado, and than had become the director of the Central School Museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.

~ the caretakers of the Bethany College Collections since the early 1990s ~

Lorna Nelson: director from McPherson, Kansas, since early 1990s (30 years?)
Lenora Lynam: archivist and curator, longest museum employee of 40 years +, first began as admin support in 1980

/\ For more on these and other Bethany College professors, go to Dr. Leon Lungstrom's 1990 book, History on Natural Science and Mathematics at Bethany College, Lindsborg, Kansas. For parts of "The Museum" chapter (23-37) on pages 23-32, go HERE.

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- their Legacy Listing through their -

Arts

*
- their Legacy Listing through their -
Literature and Language
~ Swedish culture sustainability endeavors ~

Writing

The "only" and most comprehensive book on Bethany College by Dr. Emory Lindquist.

Swedes' Books, Publications, Articles from "The Smoky Valley Writers"*
Chris Abercrombie, BCG --  (1949-2017)
Rev. Dr. Alfred Bergen, ATSG --  (1866-1944)
Ruth Bergen Billdt, BCG --  (1897-1976)
Alf Brorson, SUG (of Torsby, Sweden)
Bill Carlson, BCG --  (1930-2018)
Bror Carlsson SUG (of Torsby, Sweden)
Margaret Dahlquist Eddy, ABC --  (1928-2017)
Thomas N. Holmquist, BCG
Karen A. Humphrey
Elizabeth Jaderborg -- (1918-2016)
Dr. Emory Lindquist, BCG -- (1908-1992)
Dr. Leon Lundstrom, BCG -- (1915-2000)
Rev. Eugene K. Nelson, BCG
   & Bethany Home 75th Anniversary Writers
Anna Olsson
A. John Pearson, ABC
Kenneth Sjogren, BCG
Tim Stewart
Rev. Dr. Carl Arron Swensson, ACG --  (1857 - 1904)
To learn more, go HERE.

Translating

Smoky Valley's First Book

Swedes Translating Swedish to English*

Ruth Bergen Billdt, BCG,-- (1897-1976) -- for the 1909 Lindsborg, Bidrag Till Svenskarnas och Den Lutherska Kyrkans Historia i Smoky Hill River Dalen by her father Rev. Alfred Bergen, translated it to the 1965 Pioneer Swedish-American Culture in Central Kansas
Ruth Bergen Billdt, BCG, -- (1897-1976) -- for the 1919 "Lindsborg Efter Femtio Ӓr” by her father Rev. Alfred Bergen, translated it to the 1969 "The Smoky Valley in The After Years"
Alma Luise Olson, BCG, -- (1884-1964) -- used in Sweden and other Scandinavian countries, in NYC, Lindsborg and at Bethany College.
Rev. Martin Ringstrom, SUG, -- (1908-2009) -- for the 1955 Jag Sökte Icke Mitt (I Did Not Seek My Own) translated to the 1984, He Gave God Glory by Bror Carlsson
Martha Winblad ( ) for the 1978 Anna Olsson, A Child of the Prairie
Dr. Leon Lungstrom, BCG, -- (1915-2000) -- for Lindsborg residents’ old letters from Swedish relatives
Maj-Britt Hawk, BCG
Gretchen Esping, BCG

Teaching

Swedes Teaching Swedish*
Alma Luise Olson, BCG -- (1884-1964)
Dr. Leon Lungstrom, BCG -- (1915 - 2000)
Maj-Britt Hawk, BCG
Gretchen Esping BCG

*
- their Legacy Listing through their -
Music & the Messiah

Ling Auditorium / In Memorium . Swensson

The Messiah, Lindsborg and Bethany College

For viewers unfamiliar with the sacred Messiah music, it is an oratorio (a composition for large choruses) composed by German George Frideric Handel (1685–1759). In 1741, he was commissioned by Dublin's Lord Lieutenant to write a new oratorio based on a biblical libretto (the text for an opera) composed by Charles Jennes, a friend and art patron. Handel finished the oratorio in 24 days in September and Jennes assembled it. Its debut was on April 13, 1742 at Dublin's New Music Hall. Nearly a year later, it received its London premiere.

Believed by Christians to have been divinely inspired, the lyrics are from the King James Bible and the literal text represents the development of the Christian plan of salvation, dividing it into 3 parts: Jesus‘ birth and life, redemption, and resurrection. Lindsborg's Bethany Lutheran Church member residents have been singing the Messiah since 1881, the birth year of Bethany College, and performing it annually since 1882, when, early on, other protestant church denominations joined in, forming choruses as large as 500 and 600 singers, being directed by college professor conductors. This, in the earlier days, attracted countless opera stars and musicians from Europe and New York City to perform in it, while attracting thousands of faithful patrons, who were inspired by it, with the Press reporting about it.

Instead of the Christmas season, historically, it was and continues to be performed during Holy Easter Week on Palm Sundays (This was discontinued in 2013.) and Easter Sundays. It was in 1925, Johann Sebastian Bach's (1685-1750) St. Matthew Passion became a part of the weeklong event which in 1929 has been performed on Good Friday ever since. Also, earlier in 1899, was the introduction of the first Swedish Artists' Art Exhibition. This, like the singing of the Messiah, continues to this day, and is known as the Annual Midwest Art Exhibition. The combination of the Holy Easter Week's sacred music performances and the art exhibition is referred to as the "Messiah Festival of the Arts."

To date, February 22, 2021, the Lindsborg Bethany College Messiah performances are the longest running “Messiah” performances in North America.

There are 4 sections on the early history of the Lindsborg Bethany College Messiah performances. Go Here first to Swensson's Musicians' and Singers' Messiah, 1882 on … which has links to the other sections.

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Swedes in Music and in the Messiah Oratorio Society*

Earliest History
Late 19th to 20th Century
including
~ European and Juilliard Schooled Music Professors at Bethany ~

Rev. Dr. Olof Olsson, SUG -- (1841-1900) -- As the founder of Lindsborg and the founder and first pastor of Lindsborg's Lutheran Bethany Church, he was the "first" to bring sacred classical music into the Smoky Valley in December of 1869. In 1877, he was called to the Augustana College (founded in 1860 which was to be a sister Lutheran college to Bethany College after its founding in 1881) and Seminary in Rock Island, Illinois, to become a professor of theology. (In 1891, he would be third president.) In 1879, after he witnessed the inspirational George Frederick Handel's Messiah performance in London, he was determined that Augustana College would perform it. This, then, became a reality on April 11, 1881, at Augustana College and an annual tradition since that time. Also, in the spring of that year, the Messiah was performed once again at the First Congregational Church in Moline, Illinois when Lindsborg's Bethany Church's second pastor and Bethany College founder Rev. Carl Aaron Swensson was in the audience. He, like Rev. Olsson, was just as determined to have the Messiah performed in Lindsborg. With his wife Alma heading up this endeavor, the first performance by the Bethany Church choir with members of her sister Lutheran Smoky Valley church choirs made up the Messiah Chorus for its first performance on March 28, 1882. Since that year, there have been performances annually. /\/\

>> The "First Lady" of Lindsborg

Alma Christina Lind-Swensson -- (1859 - 1939) -- She was born in Broddarp, Västergötland, Sweden, and was an Illinois' Moline High School graduate. As a 12 year-old, she had first been hired as an organist for the Swedish Lutheran Church in Moline, Illinois from 1871 through 1979. She was truly gifted as an organist -- it seems, a talent that she picked up and or played by ear!! And she was the "first and "only" woman conductor for the rehearsals for the 1882 Bethany Church Messiah and the conductor for the performance in 1883. Guided by husband Rev. Carl Aaron Swensson’s 1881 vision and with their collaboration, she became the Messiah performances’ organizer, rehearsals' conductor, and soloist. Later, she became the Bethany College music instructor and was the Bethany Church organist for 40 years. (She cofounded the far-reaching, nationally and internationally, Augustana Women's Missionary Society in 1892. At the Bethany Church parsonage, for her husband, Rev. Swensson, she was a gracious hostess to a variety of constant visitors, from church members and Augustana Synod pastors, to farmers, students, professors, businessmen and politicians, to Swedish dignitaries; yet always keeping a calm and welcoming countenance and presence while entertaining and preparing Swedish meals for them.) # /\/\ To learn more, go Here to Mrs. Alma Christina Lind Swensson ~ Remembering her as Mrs. Rev. Dr. Swensson, the First Lady of Lindsborg.

>> A Messiah "FIRST" in 1899, Italian opera singer Eloise Vitti from Milan, Italy, performing in the Messiah
marked the beginning of innumerable New York City and international opera singers and renowned instrumentalists
to perform in the Lindsborg Messiah.

>> A Messiah "FIRST" in 1900, Singing "The Messiah" on the Plains by the Ladies Home Journal Charles M Harger
marked the beginning of ongoing national Press recognition for the Lindsborg Bethany College Messiah performances.

Samuel Thorstenberg, BCG , SUG -- (1871-1938) -- A brilliant and gifted conductor, after graduating from Bethany, he continued his music studies in Stockholm, England and New York City. As the Bethany College Oratorio Society Messiah conductor, while at times performing the bass soloist part, his 11 year tenure (1898-1909) displayed great Messiah chorus growth from 183 to 487. As well during his tenure, for the first time ever, in 1899, an international opera singer would grace the stage of the Ling Messiah Auditorium, Eloise Vitti, who would be followed by countless other international opera performers. The following year would be the first time ever that the Messiah performance history would be recognized nationally and would continue to be so for decades to come. In that year of 1900, the American magazine Ladies Home Journal introduced the Swedish Lindsborg culture to the cultured social circles of the East with its published article, Singing "The Messiah" on the Plains by Charles M. Harger which exclaimed ". . 'The Messiah' by the Swedish colony at Lindsborg, in Central Kansas, is each spring one of the interesting events of the West. A musical festival that out on the comparatively sparsely settled prairies can bring together ten thousand people during Holy Week, many of them coming two hundred miles, must be excellent indeed. , , , " Thus, Messiah conductor Thorstenberg laid a very high standard of quality to be maintained and followed for future conductors who would strived even to exceed it. /\/\

Hagbard Brase, SUG -- (1877-1953) -- A most famous and accomplished gifted Bethany College Oratorio Society Messiah conductor for 31 years, 1915-1946, during his era, he established a consistent classical cultured foundation for the Lindsborg Bethany College Messiah performances, of which was reported regularly by the Press. He founded the College's nationally recognized capella choir. He retired from Bethany College after 53 years, 1900-1953, as a professor of organ, harmony, and composition. Born in Sweden, he studied at Sweden's College of Skara, Stockholm's Royal Conservatory of Music and in Germany. He was a close personal friend of Swedish Bethany College art professor, the renown-to-be artist, Birger Sandzén. In 1947, he was Knighted by the Swedish Crown+. In honor and remembrance of Dr. Brase, fourth Swedish American Bethany College president Dr. Emory Lindquist wrote the 1989 book, Hagbard Brase: Beloved Music Master. "Upon Brase's retirement in 1946 as conductor, a well-known music critic observed that one of the last of the finest type of European music masters in America had raised his baton for the last time." /\

Oscar Lofgren, BCG -- ( ) -- His greatest distinction was serving Bethany College as the "first" Dean of the College of Fine Arts from 1918-1948 (30 years). With this position, he would provide effective leadership in curriculum development and accreditation. He also was the professor of music and piano for 48 years, from 1900 to 1948, and continued postgraduate studies with fine American and German instructors. He had many loyal private students. He is remembered as being an outstanding Kansas leader in the arts and served in important offices of trust through out Kansas. /\ /\

Oscar Thorsen, SUG, BCG -- (1881-1968) -- Bethany College professor of piano for 54 years, 1901-1955, he was regarded as a fine performer, and "a person of broad and deep culture." His gift of Swedish European hospitality preceded him. It all centered at his Lindsborg second floor apartment/studio, the venue for hundreds of recitals and social functions. He was a lover of music, art and European travel.  He was a close personal friend of renown-to-be Swedish Artist Birger Sandzén's. Born in Sweden, he studied music in Sweden including at Karlstad, specializing in piano studies with renown teachers in Germany and the United States. /\ /\

Thure Jaderborg, BCG -- (1877-1954) -- Bethany College professor of voice for 52 years, 1902-1954, was Oratorio Society Messiah  base soloist for many years with good press reviews and a public following; studied voice extensively in New York City after graduating Bethany; a large number of his students would become professional musicians  /\/\
Go Here to Thure Olof Jaderborg.  /\ /\

Swedes in Music and in the Messiah Oratorio Society*

Later History
20th to 21st Century
including
~ European and Juilliard Schooled Music Professors at Bethany ~

>> 1981, Celebrating the Bethany College Centennial and the Messiah Performance Centennial televised worldwide

Dr. Lambert Dahlsten, BCG -- (1911-1989) -- "Organist" for Oratorio Society Bethany College Centennial 1981 Messiah performance; Bethany College professor of piano and organ; Oratorio Society Messiah organist for 38 years; he was a Columbia University graduate with studies at University of Missouri Kansas City Conservatory of Music, Juilliard School of Music, and Stockholm's Royal College of Music with Sweden's renown Gotthard Arnér. <> BMs

"Bethany Magazine," Spring 1988

Dr. Elmer Copley, ACG -- (1925-1991) -- Of English descent, he was the "Conductor" for the Oratorio Society of Bethany College Centennial 1981 Messiah performance which for the "first" time was hosted by PBS Jim Lehrer and was televised around the world, that 25 million viewed. Earlier in 1976, he and the Oratorio Society performed selections of the Messiah for the King of Sweden when His Majesty visited Lindsborg. During his tenure from 1960 to 1988, he held the positions of professor of voice, director of the college choir, and conductor and festival music director. He initiated "choir tours" that traveled around the country and in Europe; and with Mrs. Copley, a Swede and gifted musician, they cofounded the annual "Hour of Christmas." Both graduates from the Lutheran Rock Island, Illinois, Augustana College, the couple then moved to New York City for study at Juilliard School of Music for Dr. Copley from 1952 to 1953, when they returned to Augustana to begin their teaching careers. She was the pianist for the Augustana choirs, and he was the Augustana Seminary Chorus conductor and assistant to his former professor, conductor Dr. Henry Veld, who would become one of the country's greatest conductors of their time. In 1960, due to a needed emergency conductor replacement at Bethany College (a sister Swedish Lutheran college of Augustana), he was invited to filled the position. In 1962 from the University of Colorado, he received the Master of Music Degree; and, in 1976 from the University of Iowa, he received the Doctor of Musical Arts in Vocal Performance that included his scholarly treatise on the Lindsborg Bethany College Messiah Festival history. From the State of Kansas, he received for the Bethany College Oratorio Society a "first time' ever award, the Kansas Governor's Arts Award for Performing Arts, and from Bethany College the prestigious "Pierson Distinguished Professor of Music" award. Due to their deep commitment and contributions to the music and Messiah Festival traditions of Bethany College, Dr. and Mrs. Elmer Copley were honored posthumously with the dedication of the Presser Hall "Copley Stage" in 2016. To learn more, go Here: to Dr. & Mrs. Elmer Copley ~ Remembering them and their 29 years of dedication to that Bethany College "Messiah" tradition of excellence.
<> BMs * Bethany Magazine, Spring 1988, pages 4-5, ##, Daughter, Ms. Rebecca Copley

Roger Thorstenberg, BCG -- (1927-2016) -- "Trumpet Soloist" for Oratorio Society Bethany College Centennial 1981 Messiah performance; Bethany College professor of brass instruments and theory, chairman of music; performed annually at the Messiah as the "Trumpet Soloist" whose most gifted talent was also shared with the United States Navy Band, the Army 4th Infantry Division Band, the Seventh Army Symphony, the Arlington Symphony, the Denver Municipal Band and the Detroit Concert Band. The love of his profession and the use of his gift and where it took him and how he used it has been highly detailed Here by a loving family member and should not be missed by Bethany students and alumni, especially those who knew him or of him! <>

Dr. David J. Higbee -- "Orchestra Conductor" for Oratorio Society Bethany College Centennial 1981 Messiah performance; Bethany College associate professor of music, conductor of Bethany Community Symphonic Band, Chamber Orchestra and Stage Band; a University of Colorado graduate with studies at the University of Michigan and University of Denver <>

T. David Lowe -- "Concertmaster" for Bethany College Centennial 1981 Messiah performance, Bethany College associate professor of music; studies and degrees from Juilliard School of Music, Columbia University and University of Colorado; was a violist with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra an the United States Air Force Academy Strings <>

>> The "Leading Lady" of the Dr. Elmer Copley Messiah performances era, 1960-1988

Mrs. Ruth Marie Anderson Copley, ACG -- (1924-2001) -- A woman of deep abiding faith and dear wife of Dr. Elmer Copley, she would prove to be an irreplaceable resource, partner, and colleague to her husband, as they worked closely together during his tenure at Bethany. She was also a dedicated mother to their daughter Rebecca, and would also play the role of "mom" to countless students on the Bethany College campus and on extended college choir tours. She became a key member of the Bethany College Oratorio Society, especially when it came to the Easter Holy Week Messiah Festival, serving as pianist for the guest soloists and becoming a hostess to them in the Copley home while preparing and serving Swedish traditional meals. For the annual "An Hour of Christmas" that she and her husband cofounded in the college music department, she served as the organist. For many years she also served as the Music Department secretary and, intermittently, as a music faculty member teaching keyboard studies. As an Augustana College graduate, like her husband, she also continued her studies which found her studying organ with leading American concert organist and teacher Katherine Crozier Gleason at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. She became a member of the music faculty at Augustana College as pianist for the choirs there after graduate school. When she arrived at Bethany with her husband in 1960, she was on her way of becoming an accomplished and acclaimed pianist from having performed in major American concert halls, some of which would be Boston's Symphony Hall, New York City's Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall, and Washington's Constitution Hall. As an acclaimed organist, throughout her life (actually she began playing prolifically at age 9), she would serve as organist at eight Lutheran churches found in Illinois, Minneapolis and Kansas. Due to their deep commitments and contributions to the music and Messiah Festival traditions of Bethany College, Dr. and Mrs. Elmer Copley were honored posthumously with the dedication of the Presser Hall "Copley Stage" in 2016. To learn more, go Here to Dr. & Mrs. Elmer Copley ~ Remembering them and their 29 years of dedication to that Bethany College "Messiah" tradition of excellence.
<> BMs * Bethany Magazine, Spring 1988, pages 4-5, ##, Daughter, Ms. Rebecca Copley

>> A Messiah "FIRST" in 1988, Bethany College graduate international soprano opera singer performing in the Messiah

Ms. Rebecca Copley, BCG -- Gifted with an exceptional voice, born to sing, she became Bethany College’s "first" graduate to become an international opera singer, and, as such, to perform as visiting soprano soloist in the Oratorio Society Messiah performances. Ms. Copley, born in New York City, grew up learning all things musical from her parents, when they first began careers at Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois in 1953, and then at Bethany College in 1960, a career which endured for her father into 1988. As a Bethany College graduate of 1974 studying music and voice, Ms. Copley continued her studies at the University of Colorado, the University of Texas and in New York City. Her life as an opera singer took off in 1987, when she starred as Desdemona in the New Jersey State Opera production of Otello. It was quickly followed with her debut in the same year in Verdi's Requiem with the Paris Opera, and other operas and symphonic performances, elsewhere. Thus, this began her career as being applauded as “one of America’s most gifted vocalists" which led her to performing on five (5) continents in a variety of leading lady operatic roles and performing orchestral works for innumerable orchestras, working with world renown conductors. In 1992, Bethany College awarded her with the Gold Award for Achievement, a "first" of its kind of award. In 2004, she was honored as "Musician of the Year" from the Kansas Federation of Music Clubs. In 2016, she was especially honored to preside in the dedication of the Presser Hall "Copley Stage" honoring her parents posthumously who spent much of their professional lives on that stage deeply committed to carrying on the Messiah traditions and the excellent teaching that characterized so well those Oratorio Society Messiah performances. Detailed aspects of her spectacular career, can be found Here that take you to Ms. Rebecca Copley ~ Honoring her as Bethany College's “first” graduate to become an International Opera Singer.

>> A Messiah "FIRST" in 1997, Messiah performance at New York City's Carnegie Hall

Dr. Joel Panciera -- "Conductor" for the historic Bethany College Oratorio Society Messiah performance at Carnegie Hall in New York City on April 7, 1997. It was to be the "last" of such great 20th century Messiah public performances -- characterized so, by early history, when thousands of Messiah patrons flocked to Lindsborg's Bethany College to hear this most sacred music. Dr. Panciera was at Bethany College from 1996 to 1999 serving as Assistant Professor of Music and Chair of the Music Department, Conductor of the College Choir and Oratorio Society. He received a Bachelor's Degree of Music in Organ Performance from Oberlin College, a Master's Degree of Music in Choral Conducting from Westminster Choir College, and a Doctorate's Degree in Musical Arts in Choral Conducting from the University of Oklahoma. He also spent a year of private study at Cambridge University, England. ##, BMs

Swedes in Music and in the Messiah Oratorio Society*

Current History
21st Century

>> A Messiah "FIRST" in 2020, a livestream Messiah performance

Dr. Mark Lucas, BCG -- Since 2013, he has been the conductor for the Bethany College Oratorio Society Messiah performances. As a result of the 2020 Covid pandemic, Dr. Lucas has become the "first" 21st century Bethany College conductor to present a livestream Messiah performance. Although, it was severely modified at all levels due to the pandemic, on October 18, 2020, the sacred music with its profound message was performed beautifully and flawlessly by the singers and musicians with conductor Dr. Lucas. Thus, this debut has begun a new and exciting chapter for the Lindsborg Bethany College Oratorio Society Messiah, the “Oberammergau of the Plains," as it was titled in the 1944 Reader's Digest article which noted that the “Messiah” festival is called by critics ”the finest of its kind in the world.” Go Here to see and hear Dr. Lucas conducting Bach's St. Matthew Passion's final chorus, "My Jesus Good Night," Good Friday 2014; and Here for Handel's Messiah's "Worthy is the Lamb" and "Amen," the chorus, Easter Sunday, 2015. Go Here, to learn more about this most dedicated and excellent Bethany College professor, conductor, and traveling conductor of the Lindsborg Bethany College Messiah performances.

SOURCES:
/\   Dr. Emory Lindquist's 1984, Hagbard Brase: Beloved Music Master, page 164
/\/\   Bethany College faculty information is from Emory Lindquist's 1975 book, Bethany in Kansas, the history of a college, pages 135-150, 163-164.
<> The "Centennial Edition: Choruses from Handel's Messiah" record album by Delta Records, 1981
#   Ms. Karen Humphrey's 2012 Grace, Faith and the Power of Singing -- The Alma Christina Lind Swensson Story, pages _______
## Online information
BMs Bethany Magazines

*
- their Legacy Listing through their -
Painting

~ European Schooled Art Professors at Bethany College ~

Swedes in Painting* /\

The Art Instructors
First artists affiliated with Bethany College

>> The "First" Women Art Instructors, and their years teaching art

Miss Lucy Osgood, 1890-1891; Mrs. Hannah Swensson & Mrs. Marie Swensson, 1891-1892; Miss Addie Covell, 1892-1893 /\
(All could very well be BCGs.)

>> The "First" Men Art Instructors, and their years teaching art

Olof Grafström, SUG -- 1893-1897 -- (1855-1933) A Stockholm Academy of Fine Arts graduate, studying with renown-to-be artist Anders Zorn, he was a celebrated portrait, landscape and riverscape artist of the American Northwest when he arrived at Bethany College in 1893 until 1897 when he became an Augustana College art professor specializing in "altar art" for the Augustana Synod Churches of which he produced about 200 paintings for Lutheran churches across America. /\ (Altar paintings number source: Online: Swedish Roots in Oregon, An Immigration Research Project)

Carl Lotavé, SUG -- 1897-1899 -- (1872-1924) A Stockholm Academy of Fine Arts graduate, studying with renown-to-be artist Anders Zorn, then studied art in Paris for two years, he was renown in Europe and New York for painting European royalty and famous persons, he arrived as the Bethany College art professor in 1897 and in 1899 left to paint Native American scenes of the American West for the Smithsonian Institution, finishing his career in New York City painting famous World War I American Generals; he was a close personal friend of Sandzén's, a fellow art student while in Stockholm /\

"Vase with Roses" 1920

Source: Courtesy of the Birger Sandzen Memorial Gallery -- Pending

Sven Birger Sandzén, SUG -- 1899-1946 -- (1871-1954) -- He was born in Blidsberg, Sweden, in 1871 and died in Lindsborg in 1954. His father was a Lutheran minister and his mother a water colorist. He studied art under artist Anders Zorn and Richard Berg in Stockholm, and Edmond François Aman-Jean in Paris before pursuing his Bethany College career in 1894, first as a professor of voice and language, and, then, as a professor of art culminating with the founding of the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery in Lindsborg in 1957 by his daughter and son-in-law, Margaret Elizabeth Sandzén Greenough and Pelham Charles Greenough III.  In 1901, he was knighted during the reign of King Oscar II, receiving the "Order of Vasa," and in 1940, he was knighted again, receiving the "Order of the North Star" during the reign of Gustaf VI Adolf.
He was an international traveler to the British Isles, the Continent, Sweden, Scandinavia and to Mexico; and more importantly traveled through many of the western states, their landscapes, especially those of Kansas, of which provided the subjects for his paintings. /\
   Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery curator Cori Sherman North in the January 2021 catalogue: Birger Sandzén: Celebrating the Vision, writes that during his lifetime he produced "at least 2,700 oils, probably half as many water colors, and 328 print designs in lithography, dry point, and blockprinting." Mrs. North further writes that "Art historian and author of the three-volume Art Across America William Gerdts has firmly asserted Birger Sandzén's historical significance, writing, 'The artist should be recognized . . . as a significant figure in the development of modernism in America in the early decades of the twentieth century. He was a painter whose perceptions of the power and dynamics of color ally him with those other Americans who have rightly been recognized as leaders in the introduction of post-impressionism in America."

To view his 8 section links, go  HERE to: Artist Birger Sandzén ~ Remembering him for "sharing his art with the world," starting "first" at Lindsborg's Bethany College, .

To view the section on the beginnings of Bethany College art classes, go Here to Swensson's Swedish Artists of the 1890s.

/\ Bethany College faculty information is from Emory Lindquist's 1975 book,  Bethany in Kansas, the history of a college, pages 175-185; also from Lindquist's 1993 Birger Sandzén: An Illustrated Biography.

Some Advanced Art Students of Professor Sandzén's

Nils Anton Pearson, BCG -- (1892-1967) -- In 1915, he became a student of Bethany College Swedish Professor Birger Sandzén, who would become his mentor, close friend and, at times, Kansas landscape painting partner. By 1918, he was exhibiting his paintings locally and regionally. His love of travel in 1922, found him taking a four month trip around the country just to paint it. 3,600 miles later, he returned to Lindsborg with nearly 200 paintings. However, his gift in woodcarving, a craft that he started as a child in Sweden, is the legacy that has followed him into the next two generations. For more on this that includes his artistic son-in-law Norman Malm and his grandson Jim Malm, scroll down to the category "Swedes in Folk Art Woodcarving" just below "Swedish Folklife Cultural Heritage Individual Endeavors." There you will find: Anton Pearson -- (1892-1967), Norman Malm (1928-2011) and Jim Malm.
(Source: From the website, Swedish American Woodcarvers of Lindsborg.)

Oscar Brousse Jacobson, BCG -- (1882-1966) -- He was born in Vastervik, Sweden, in 1882, and moved with his parents to Lindsborg when he was 8. He was an art student of Birger Sandzén graduating from Bethany in 1908, and graduating again as a Sandzén student with a Doctorate in Fine Arts following his studies in France at the Louvre in Paris, and in the Scandinavian countries of Denmark and Sweden, and at Yale University in 1916 where he received a Master of Fine Arts Degree. His career in art began as the Director of Norman, Oklahoma's University of Oklahoma’s Art School in 1915 that lasted until 1954 where he envisioned an art museum which was to become the Fred Jones Jr. Museum. While there, he was to become a renowned artist of the Southwest and the "first" artist in the United States to define American Indian art as "Fine Art" as he mentored the Kiowa Six artists which would result with the established Jacobson House Native American Art Center in Norman. Go Here to learn more on Artist Oscar Brousse Jacobson.

Source: Bing.com Images

Oscar Gunnarson, BCG -- (1884-1962) -- Born in Lindsborg, Kansas, this talented and productive artist graduated from Bethany in 1906 as a Birger Sandzén student. Of high merit and fine quality, his oil and water color paintings were noted for their snowy winter landscapes and stone houses and buildings built by the once Kansas Smoky Valley Swedish immigrant pioneers of Lindsborg. He was a key artist and colleague in the operation of the Malm Bros & Co. Lindsborg, Kansas, Malm Hand-Cut Stencils first created by G. N. Malm, who signed a deal with the Detroit located Acme White Lead and Color Works who had merged with Sherwin-Williams in 1913. As well, Gunnarson became well known for his miniature concrete sculptures of local notables. For more on that, scroll down to A Swede in Concrete Sculptures just below: "Oscar Gunnarson's Miniature Concrete Sculptures" - making headlines -
Source: Dr. Emory Lindquist 1989 G. N. Malm, a Swedish immigrant's varied career, page 23-25

"Garden of the Gods" 1925

Source: Cochran O'Leary Collection

Lydia Sohlberg Deere, BCG -- (1873-1943) -- She began her formal studies of art first for a brief period at the University of Chicago. At the age of 46 in 1919, she entered Bethany College as a student and began her art studies with family friend Swedish Professor Birger Sandzén, while earlier, in 1913, she assisted with his establishment of the Smoky Valley Art Club which would grow to 400. Her husband Bethany College Biology and Geology Professor Dean Emil O. Deere in her obituary writes that "Mrs. Deere was a woman of artistic temperament and talent, and during her travels she gave expression to her talent gift, making sketches from which later she would make a large number of oil paintings, water colors, drawings, etc., these possessing in the opinion of competent critics real artistic merit ..." On occasion she exhibited her works with Sandzén's. In 1925, they attended the First Annual Kansas Artists Exhibition in Topeka, and in McPherson she attended the 15th McPherson Exhibition. (Information from AskArt.)
Her artistic temperament found its greatest expression through her landscaping projects designed exclusively for this purpose from the Bethany Campus Association that she founded in 1912 and served as its first president. Her husband writes that she "contributed real and lasting service to Bethany College in the beautification of its campus." Out of this would come the 1917 "Bethany Gateway" that stands today located at First (College) and Olsson Streets which is across these streets from her very last expression of artistic design that of her home, the Deere home.
Before becoming a Bethany student, Mrs. Deere was the Lady Principal Matron of the Ladies Lane Hart Hall from 1907 to 1913, while during that same period she taught Swedish and Scandinavian art needle craft and allied subjects that would later find her establishing the Lindsborg Swedish Club in 1927.
She graduated from Bethany with a Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts in 1923 and two years later with a Bachelors Degree in Science in 1925. However, her first degree, in 1900 was from McPherson College, was a Bachelors Degree in Commerce which led to her opening up, with her twin sisters, Anna and Ida Sohlberg, the Sohlberg Millinery Shop on Main Street in Lindsborg. From this business venture came her first acts of artistic expression that were found with the camera from 1900 to 1925.
To view her art and sketches, begin HERE with Lydia's Art, 1919-1938.

Hilding Jaderborg, BCG -- (1921-2011) -- Highly gifted and talented, a superb student of Birger Sandzén and painted almost like him, so I thought, when I visited his and his wife's Swedish Crafts Shop where his wonderful classic paintings covered the walls.
Thy Kingdom Come

Source: Dr. Emory Lindquist's 1989 " G.N. Malm," page 53.

Signe E. Larson, BCG -- (1908-1993) -- Born deaf, she was to become a Sandzén celebrated student and exquisite artist from Bethany College. She received the Bachelors of Fine Arts in 1933, and would continue studies at the Colorado Springs Fine Art Center, University of Colorado, and the University of Washington. With her sister Elvira's assistance with her chalk lectures, she exhibited throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe. She received international recognition for her famous print, They Kingdom Come, a head of Christ, created when a student at Bethany College, which has since been reproduced two (2) million times for single copies, for religious books, periodicals, booklets, church bulletin covers, and card. It is one of the most recognized images of Jesus in the United States. Ms. Larson's beautiful paintings of some of the earliest college buildings grace and have graced the walls of Bethany College.
(Sources: "Bethany in Kansas, the history of a college," by Dr. Emory Lindquist, and online information.)

Charles B. Rogers, BCG -- (1911-1987) -- His paintings are found in the Metropolitan Museum in New York, the National Museum in Washington, and the Library of Congress. He painted the mural, Autumn Colors, in the Kansas Council Grove Post Office in 1941 and graduated with a Fine Arts Degree in 1942 as a Bethany College Sandzén art student. His paintings have been published in two volumes, and. in 1987. he co-authored Essence of Drawing. From 1947 to 1953, he taught at Bethany, and then became the manager and assistant director of the Huntington Hartford Foundation in Pacific Palisades, California, from 1954 to 1966, when he returned to Kansas to head the School of Art at Wesleyan University from on year. He also earned a Master of Fine Arts at the California College of Arts & Crafts and studied at Jay Connoway School of Art. He was listed as a notable Artist Gallery Executive by Marquis Who's Who; and his memberships included: United States Navy, 1942-1946; Fellow American Institute Fine Arts, Society of America Graphic Artists, and Kansas Federation Art of which he was president at one time. He received an Honorary Degree from St. Mary's College. Souces: AskArt and Prabook.com.

Dr. Margaret Sandzén Greenough, BCG -- (1909-1994) -- Daughter and student of artist Birger Sandzén, Bethany College art instructor 1963, continued art studies in Paris and New York. More to come.

First Lindsborg artists not affiliated with Bethany College

"Christ at Bethany"

Source: Dr. Emory Lindquist's 1986 "G. N. Malm" page 53.

Gustav Nathaniel (G. N.) Malm -- (1869 - 1928) -- Swedish born, son of a pastor, celebrated artist and businessman, an altar and Kansas landscape artist; an illustrator; a stencils designer; organized the founding for the Lindsborg Messiah Lutheran English speaking church of 1908, he has been the subject of Swedish and Swedish American historian writers, such as found in the 1989 book, G. N. Malm -- a Swedish immigrant's varied career by Dr. Emory Lindquist including additional chapters on Malm by President of the University of Minnesota Nils Hasselmo on his Swedish language and writing, by Vernon Holm on his stencils and stencilings and by American civilization educator and Fulbright fellow of University Oslo Dorothy Burton Skårdal on his literary achievements. To learn more, go HERE to G.M. Malm ~ Remembering him, his "Malm Bros & Co." hand-cut stencils, his Messiah Church initiative, his altar art, and so much more . Malm's altar painting shown at left is a Bethany Church.

Source: KING CARL XVI GUSTAF VISIT 1976 YouTube 6/22/2009 by Chris Abercrombie

Lester Raymer -- (1907–1991) -- Of English descent who married a Swede, he was born in 1907 in the farming community of Alva, Oklahoma, and died in Lindsborg in 1991. He was to become a renown virtuoso artist, as well as a "behind the scenes" Lindsborg community supporter. Perhaps his most meaningful and greatest painting that he created in the Swedish Lindsborg community, in anticipation of the King of Sweden's visit there in 1976, was that of the King of Sweden on a white stallion flanked in the background by the Swedish Pavilion and the Bethany Lutheran Church. In his early childhood, he started drawing and experimenting with a wide variety of art forms. Graduating from the Chicago Art Institute in 1933, he returned to his family farm to create his art. in 1945, he married a Swede from Lindsborg, Ramona Weddle, a graduated of the Chicago Art Institute in 1936, and moved there. Here, he continued his work in privacy, to become an amazing and prolific artist well known in the American art world then. As a result, in 1988, he and his wife established "The Raymer Society for the Arts," and, in turn, a museum was established for his works in 1997, "The Red Barn Studio Museum." To learn more, go Here to Artist Lester Raymer ~ Remembering him as the renown virtuoso artist and "behind the scenes" community supporter. (Sources: The Red Barn Studio Museum website, Kansapedia and AskARK.

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- their Legacy Listing through their -
Photography

Swedes in Photography*

Bror Gustaf Gröndal
(1855-1948)
“Dean of Kansas Photographers.”

He is Lindsborg's most famous Swedish born professional photographer who became renown and well respected throughout Kansas. His subject matter was found at Bethany College, in Lindsborg and around the Smoky Valley. In 2013, his granddaughter, Margaret Dahlquist Eddy, authored Through the Lens of B. G. Gröndal: Keeper of his time. Sections for Mr. Gröndal and Mrs. Eddy are being prepared.

For now, go HERE for some of his photography by cabinetcardphotographers.blogspot.com

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Lydia Sohlberg Deere, BCG
( 1873-1943 )

She became an amateur photographer first starting in 1900 ending around 1925 which gave way to her study of art that began in 1919 when she became an art student under Bethany College art professor Birger Sandzen. Her subject matter for her photography came from Coronado Heights outings, and family and work related settings found in Lindsborg when she was an owner with her twin sisters Anna and Ida of the Sohlberg Millinery Shop on Main Street for about six years, and at Bethany College while working there as the Lady Principal Matron of the Ladies Lane Hart Hall from 1907 to 1913 and as the instructor in Swedish and Scandinavian art needle craft and allied subjects, along with her responsibilities concerning the beautifying of the campus with landscaping projects of the Bethany Campus Association that she founded in 1912. She took over 200 photographs and 130 or so of them are shown Here in SWEDES.

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Albert N. Lundquist, BCG
(1893-1968)

Professional photographer of Lundquist Studio for Bethany College and Lindsborg
Looking from Swensson Street to College (First) Street to Olsson Street through the "Gateway to Bethany"

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Photographed by Tom Jaderborg

Hilding Jaderborg, BCG  (1921-2011) was an excellent professional photographer of Bethany College, Lindsborg and the Smoky Valley as well as an excellent artist.

Dale Hoag -- (1925-2017) -- An excellent professional photographer of Lindsborg, Bethany Church, and Bethany College including portraits of college professors and leaders. He received his photography training while in the US Army Air Corps.  In Lindsborg, he purchased the old Gröndal Portrait Studio in 1947 and became an excellent photographer early on which won him various awards and recognition. Concurrently, he became an architect, home-builder and developer too and was further recognized for his home designs and was named "Architect of the Year." He was an artist and art collector and supported the arts. He sold his studio to Jim Turner in 1972 after 26 years in the photography gusiness.

Tom Jaderborg, BCG -- The son of Hilding Jaderborg, perhaps, the most meaningful and greatest photographs he took were those for Dr. Emory Lindquist's 1992 book, Birger Sandzén, An Illustrated Biography of all of Sandzén's works for the book.   He is the former owner of Jaderborg Photography.

Jim Turner, BCG -- The son of well known photographer Jack Turner who concentrated on Swedish tradition photographs, Jim has been the ongoing photographer for Bethany College since the 1970s. His earliest studio purchased from photographer Dale Hoag in 1972 first belonged to photographer B.G. Gröndal. Jim later established his Brick Street Gallery of fine art photography including a studio on Main Street. His website can be found HERE.

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- their Legacy Listing through -
Theater
- Broadway RFD -
The longest running outdoor theater in Kansas
-- ongoing drama and musical summer performances --
in
Swensson Park

Home of Broadway RFD / Bing source

Swedes in Theater**

Harold "Prince" Elmquist -- (1922-2001) -- One of the original organizers in 1959 of Broadway RFD (Rural Free Delivery)
Dale Hoag -- (1925-2017) -- A key influence in the creation of Broadway RFD, in the 1959 founding.
Max Meuller -- ( ) -- 1959 founder of Broadway RFD
Dr. Elmer Copley -- (1925-1991) --

Since its founding in 1959, Broadway RFD's theatrical performances initially began with their trademark annual outdoor musical productions, and now various performances are produce throughout the year. To see the online 2020 celebration of Broadway RFD's 60 years of performances produced by Eric Lungstrom Broadway RFD Board President go HERE. For more information, go HERE to the Broadway RFD website.

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- their Legacy Listing through their -
Swedish Folklife Cultural Heritage
Individual Endeavors
~ Swedish culture sustainability endeavors ~

ANTON PEARSON'S WOODCARVINGS

Pending: Courtesy of "The Swedish American Woodcarvers of Lindsborg"

BETHANY COLLEGE'S EARLIEST PROFESSORS PLAYING MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
Left: Unidentified; Right: Dr. Emil O. Deere playing his clarinet.

>>>>> Swedes in Folk Art Woodcarving**

Anton Pearson (1892-1967), Norman Malm (1928-2011), Jim Malm -- the "Swedish-American Woodcarvers of Lindsborg"

Source: BIng.com Images

Anton Pearson was born in Lund, Sweden, on May 23, 1892. He was the son of shoemaker Nils Pearson and Maria Adolfsdotter. He actually started woodcarving at the age of nine and continued in the craft until he left Sweden at age 19. While woodcarving in Sweden, he was very much influenced by the Swedish woodcarver Axel Petersson "Döderhultarn" (1868–1925) who would become world renown in 1925 with the Döderhultarn Museum being established to honor him in 2000. Pearson enrolled at Lund University to study engineering due to his father's wishes. However, he was more interested in the arts and travel, and left Sweden in 1912 arriving in Chicago where he first lived, like thousands of other Swedish immigrants. Traveling again in 1915, he arrived in San Francisco for the World's Fair, and then traveled eastward to Lindsborg, Kansas. Here, he became a student of Bethany College art professor Birger Sandzén and met his wife-to-be, piano student Grace May Lane. They married in 1929 and built their Lindsborg home, adding a working studio eventually. It was to become a destination for tourists and school children who would learn about the craft of woodcarving. Their daughter Rosemary Pearson would marry Norman Malm, a man of many self-taught artistic gifts, including woodcarving who would work well with his father-in-law and with his wife would produce a grandson, Jim Malm, for Anton and Grace. Jim would be the last member of this family to carry on the woodcarving legacy of 90 years which ended in the 2019 sale of the home. Yet, this wonderful legacy story still lives on, detailing the artistic lives of both his grandfather Anton Pearson and his father Norman Malm, through Jim's website that is titled Swedish-American Woodcarvers of Lindsborg which is found HERE. (Source: From the website, Swedish American Woodcarvers of Lindsborg.)

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Lester Raymer was also a fine woodcarver and his collection may be seen at the Lindsborg "Red Barn Studio Museum," home to all of this highly nationally respected prolific artist's works!

Of the many Swedish and Swedish American woodcarvers who have practiced their craft in Lindsborg and the Smoky Valley communities, the "Swedish-American Folk Life Institute of Central Kansas" has performed extensive research on these 6 woodcarvers named below and provides their findings Here.

Grandma Lawton Dave Anderson Norman Malm Chet Palmer Anton Pearson Hugo Shogren

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Oscar Gunnarson's Miniature & Larger Concrete Sculptures
- making headlines -

1998 photograph of Gunnarson's permanent exhibit at the Old Mill Museum

BETHANY COLLEGE EARLIEST LEADERS
Dr. Emil O. Deere, 2nd from left

>>>>> Swede in Concrete Sculptures -- Oscar Gunnarson, BCG -- (1884-1962) -- His work was so amazing that it was very newsworthy locally, statewide and nationally: Here were some of the articles describing Gunnarson's life and work.

Kansas City Times: "A Kansan Reproduces His Community in Statuary," January 15, 1934
The Hutchinson’s News: “Mr. Gunnarson's Hobby," March 15, 1938
Chicago Harold - Examiner: “Caricatures by Oscar Gunnarson," January 20, 1939
Lindsborg News-Record: "Gunnarson's work in Chicago Show," January 26, 1939
Life Magazine: “Citizens in Cement. A Kansas Paint Dealer Sculptures His Home Towners,“ January 23, 1956
To see the Life article, go HERE.
Source: G. N. Malm, a Swedish Immigrant's varied career, by Dr. Emory Lindquist, page 202, #28

BETHANY COLLEGE EARLIEST LEADERS & LINDSBORG CITIZENS

1998 photograph of Gunnarson's permanent exhibit at the Old Mill Museum

Bethany College football legend Coach Bennie Owen and President Dr. Ernst Pihlblad
and unidentified
Lindsborg Citizens Chess Players

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- their Legacy Listing through their -
Swedish Folklife Cultural Heritage
Organizations
institutions, clubs and groups
~ Swedish culture sustainability endeavors ~

1986 Swedish-American Folklife Institute of Central Kansas
Mark Esping, BCGs -- Director
Dr. Greta Swenson, GACG -- (1986-1992 ) -- President
Mardel Esping, BCGs -- Executive Assistant
Go Here to their Folklife Institute
Go Here to their Folklife Institute's website.

1996 Swedish-American Heritage Center – Now retired.
Mark Esping, BCGs -- Director
Mardel Esping, BCGs -- Executive Assistant
Go Here to their Swedish-American Heritage Center

>>>> Folklife Institute Projects

Swedes in Svensk Hyllningsfest Costume Collecting

Mark and Mardel Esping of the Swedish-American Folklife Institute of Central Kansas continue to collect used costumes of past Svensk Hyllningsfest celebrations that are passed on to Mrs. Marla Elmquist and the Hyllningsfest Costumes Ladies who restore and preserve them.

Photograph by Mark Esping.

Swedes in Folk Art Ljuskröna

Mark and Mardel Esping, and Marla Esping Elmquist, BCGs
Go Here to see the 2020 Lindsborg Christmas presentation on the "Ljuskröna and Apple Tree" by Mrs. Elmquist.

Swedes in Folk Art Weaving
Mardel Esping, BCG

She is a charter board member of the Kansas Alliance of Weavers and Spinners; and she was a key player in the establishment of the Smoky Valley Fiber Guild.

Swedes in Folk Art Metal Work -- Specialty: Swedish Wedding Crown
Malcolm Esping -- (1914 - 1989)

He was an incredibly gifted artist especially in this artform.
He was very celebrated for his Swedish wedding crown designs.

His Apprentices
Mardel Esping, BCG
Marlysue Esping Holmquist, BCG
Gretchen Esping BCG

Go HERE to the Folklife Institute's page on these Swedish Wedding Crowns.

>>>> A Red Barn Studio Artist Lester Raymer Project

A Lan Nelson Tin Star gift

Swedes in Folk Art Metal Work -- Specialty: Tin Stars
Lan Nelson

He has always been an artist at heart, in practice, and study. But his love and care for the residents at the Bethany Home* for over 40 years has been his priority, yet, while sharing with them aspects of his art background. One of these was his organization of exhibitions of resident artists at the Bethany Home Hall Gallery. Throughout those years, he has been crafting tin stars, an artform taught to him by Lindsborg artist Lester Raymer (1907–1991), a well-known American artist whom he came to know quite well as a resident at his studio from 1976 to 1980 that became the Red Barn Studio Museum in 1997. Today, Mr. Nelson has quite a collection of Tin Stars, and on February 18, 2021, on the Visit Lindsborg Facebook, his story came alive. You can view it HERE still, and learn about the craft of making Lester Raymer's tin stars, that could be followed up with a visit to the Red Barn Studio Museum to see the Tin Stars of Lester Raymer and Lan Nelson.
*Renamed Bethany Village in 2021

Sewing
Folk Handwork / Needlework Club
- Handwork of Lydia Sohlberg Deere -

Photograph by Fran Cochran

Swedes in the 1927 Lindsborg Swedish Club of Embroidery Handwork**
(Formerly "Föreningen för Skandenaviska Handarbeten" translated "Society for Scandinavian Handwork")

Source: The 1976 "Why Lindsborg?"

Mrs. Carl Anderson
Mrs. Hagbard Brase
Mrs. Emil O. Deere, BCG -- Founder
Mrs. Thure Jaderborg
Mrs. Carl Lincoln
Mrs. Ray Oberholser

It is very likely that most of these ladies were Bethany graduates.
To learn more, go Here to Lydia Sohlberg Deere's 1927 "Lindsborg Swedish Club's" Handwork -- Swedish / Scandinavian handwork preserved and promoted for over 40 years

Swedish Folk Dance Groups

By Dalecarlian Artist Rita Sharp

Swede Folk Dance Groups –ongoing at home
1941 "Swedish Folk Games" organized by Fritz Carlson, Charles Weddle, Arvid Berggren
1963 "Lindsborg Swedish Folk Dancers" organized by Elizabeth Jaderborg (High School Students)
-- traveling around the country annually to perform; and to Sweden every four years
1971 The "Adult Swedish Folk Dancers" organized by Jack Turner & Patty Karstadt,
name changed in 1989 to "Folkdanslag" during Duane Fredrickson, MD, leadership
To learn more, go HERE for Mrs. Jaderborg's "Lindsborg Swedish Folk Dancers" founded in 1963.

Lindsborg's "Old Iron Bridge"
By Kurbits Artist Shirley Malm

Photograph by Fran Cochran.

>>>>>  Swedes in Folk Art Painting**

Shirley Malm -- Kurbits artist, "Artist in Resident" at Hemslöjd, Inc. for years, established Station Studio & Gallery
Robert Miller -- -- (1934-2018) --  Kurbits artist; award-winning folk artist & ceramicist; Scandinavian toys designer
Rita Sharp -- (1933-1916) --  Dalecarlian artist, former "Folk Design Studio" co-owner, featured Scandinavian art exhibits
Robert Walker, BCG -- (1920-1990) -- Fine art and Dalecarlian artist, former "Folk Design Studio" co-owner
Carla Wilson -- Kurbits artist; Lindsborg "Artist of the Year," 2019, go Here to see here art.

- Amalia Maria Rabenius -
1868-1954

Courtesy of retired Education Department Chairman Professor Dr. Marlysue Holmquist to show college photograph.

>>>>>  Swedes teaching Sloyd, Pyrography, Embroidery and Sewing Bethany College Classes*

Amalia Maria Rabenius, SUG, -- (1868-1954) -- Swedish born, Lady Principal of the Bethany Model School, 1900 - 1907; was "first" and "only" instructor to teach Sloyd and pyrography (wood burning), taught embroider and sewing also.<>

Lydia Sohlberg, BCGs  -- (1873-1943) -- Replaced Miss Rabenius as Lady Principal; taught embroidery and sewing during her tenure as Matron of the Ladies Dormitory at Lane Hart Hal, 1907-1913

Dr. Marlysue Esping Holmquist, BCG -- To learn more on Miss Rabenius and Sloyd and Pyrography, go to Dr. Holmquist's article/flyer titled: Sloyd Furniture Pyrography Pieces by Birger Sandzén, Amalia Maria Rabenius & G. N. Malm presented at the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery 2019 "121st Annual Midwest Art Exhibition" Here.

>>>>>  Swedes in Folk Art Stencil Design Production**
G.N. Malm -- (1869-1928) --
Oscar Gunnarson, BCG -- (1884-1962)

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- their Legacy Listing through their -
Swedish Traditions
~ Swedish cultural sustainability endeavors ~

Saint Lucia, Jullota, Saint Lucia
Locally in Lindsborg, like in every other Swedish American community in the United States and around the world, the traditional Christmas Saint Lucia Ceremony and the Jullota Church Service are celebrated as well as Midsummer Day in June.

Svensk Hyllningsfest
Yet, unique to Lindsborg is the celebration of the October Svensk Hyllningsfest, a biennial Swedish American pioneer festival, held from Thursday evening beginning with a church service at Bethany Lutheran Church and ending at the Church with Sunday service. It was originally organized in 1941 by a Dutchman, Dr. William Holwerda, (who quickly became an honorary Lindsborg Swede as many non-Swedes have in Lindsborg).
Part of this unique-to-Lindsborg-only Swedish American festival is a chosen King and Queen of mature ages in their late 60s or older who have been great supporters of the community. This couple leads the Saturday morning parade down Main Street and throughout the day the Lindsborg Swedish Folk Dancers dance a variety of dances along with a variety of Swedish events, programs, exhibits, workshops, and food to enjoy.
A few of these royal couples have been Steve and Patty Karstadt in 2003; Don and Dorene Anderson in 2009; Chester and Jeanette Peterson in 2017; and Ron and Marsha Rolander in 2019. These couples have been perfect examples of the Swedes Svensk Hyllningsfest Kings and Queens who preceded them – devoted and committed Swedes promoting Lindsborg's Swedishness in countless ways. To learn more, go Here.

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- their Legacy Listing through their -
Architecture
Go Here to this stone house and stable of 1873

Deere-Cochran Swede House & Stable Wall 1873. Photograph by Fran Cochran.

Stone Houses and Barns in the Smoky Valley*

Magnus Carlson -- ( ) -- A builder of Bethany Church and Old Main
Claude Koehn -- (1929-2013) -- Restorer/preservationist - par excellence
Kyle Peterson, BCG- Swedish stone house historian

Lindsborg's Early Home Builders**

Jaderborg Mansion: CIRCA Old Houses The 1908 Lars Olaf Jaderborg Home

The Brandt Brothers:
Joseph and Ed
Lindsborg Building Company:
Frank Lindberg
Henry Goodholm
John Josephson
Albin and Henry Goodholm
The Palmquist Brothers:
John and August

To learn more, go HERE to The Swedish Lindsborg Builders.

In Later Years
Dale Hoag -- (1925-2017) -- He was an architect, home-builder, developer, who won various awards and recognition for his home designs, including Architect of the Year.

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- their Legacy Listing through their -
Smoky Valley Historical, Cultural and Christian Organizations
~ last-link organizations to Smoky Valley early history and Swedish culture ~
From 1919-2019

Smoky Valley Historical Assocition

Castle at Coronado Heights' summit by Fran Cochran, 2011

Lindsborg Historical Society (LHS), 1919, the name changed in 1926 to Smoky Valley Historical Society, and the named changed again to its current name Smoky Valley Historical Association, (SVHA) since 1963
LHS 1919 Founders: William Ahlstrom, Emil O. Deere, William Hagstram, R. Johnson,
  G.N. Malm, C.A. Nelson, Birger Sandzén
SVHA-Members of note:  Elizabeth Jaderborg, Elston Flohr; Chester Peterson, Chris Abercrombie
To learn more on the very beginnings of this fine organization, go Here, and go Here to its website.

       Notable SVHA Sustainability Projects

>  Coronado Heights, since 1919
Preservation, restoration, promotion
>  Book Publishing
Authored by local Swedes and Swedish Americans
>  Authored and Printed
Where Did They Live? Early Residences of Lindsborg KS, 1993
> Committee chairman Elston Flohr, Eunice Gunnarson, Kathryn Franz, Hugo Lindahl, Pearlida Peterson, Ingebord Peterson, Mrs. Ted Palmquist, Mildred Johnson, Edwin Rooth, Robert Lundgren, Estred Barfield.
Go Here to see the publication of  " Where Did They Live? "
>  Created, Designed, Authored, Mapped and Laid Out
The VӒLKOMMEN TRAIL -- Exploring History Along LINDSBORG'S VӒLKOMMEN TRAIL, 2006:
> Committee Chairman: Corky Malm
Members: Ken Branch, Bill Carlson, Don Howe, Margaret Nelson,
   John Pearson, Chet Peterson, Ken Swisher;
> History signs sponsors:
    Lindsborg Quarterback Club, Wallace Chevrolet of McPherson, First Bank of McPherson and Assaria,
Doris Johnson Stump, Mid-Kansas Co-op, Dauer Welding and Machine, Hemslöjd, Curtis and Jill Enterprises,   Corky and Deloris Malm, Lindsborg Concrete Products, Midway Motors of McPherson, Dr. Duane and Nancy Fredrickson, Lindsborg State Bank, Scott's Hometown Foods, Farmers State Bank
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McPherson County Historical and Archeological Society at McPherson, since the early 1930s to the early 1940s
There were many members. Member Dr. Leon Lungstrom's notated that Emil O. Deere's membership began there in 1933 and the Society would experience an eventual falling off of membership at some point for a season.

- Archeology Dig -
- Bethany College Professor and Dean Emil O. Deere at site showing "the FIND" of a mammoths' tusk (right) -
Mammoth's lived from around 5 millions years ago during the Pliocene period to about 4,000 years ago in the Holocene period
Source: Mammoth -- Wikipedia
click images

Deere would help reactivate the Society with Jim Cassler and Anton Peterson in 1962 and it was given the new name as shown below:

McPherson County Historical Society, since 1962
The first president was Jim Cassler and the first vice president was Anton Peterson
Past Presidents: Anton Peterson, Linn Peterson, David Nigh
From the Tuesday, Nov. 27, 1962, McPherson Sentinel article "Form County Historical Society Here," the initial plans of the Society were to "set up a system of compiling all historical data of McPherson County and acquiring a building that might be used as a county museum ..." As a result, a building was purchased by the Society and it was named the McPherson County Old Mill Museum in 1962.
Sources: Past Society president David Nigh; Dr. Leon Lungstrom's 1990: History of Natural Science and Mathematics at Bethany College, Lindsborg, Kansas

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The Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery, since 1957
Founders: Artist Dr. Margaret Sandzén Greenough, BCG , and Pelham Charles Greenough III
For further information, go Here.
Past Directors:  Pelham and Margaret Greenough, Carl William Peterson, BCG; Larry Griffis, BCG,
Past "Gallery Notes" author:  Dr. Delmar Homan
A researcher archivist retired Bethany College English Professor Emeritus,
very credential in his field, becoming a world traveler after retirement.
To learn more, go Here.

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McPherson County Old Mill Museum, since 1962
Past Directors: Tib Anderson, Jeanne Mogenson, Dorman Lehman
For further information, go Here.

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The Lindsborg Swedish Folk Dancers, since 1963
Founder: Elizabeth Jaderborg
For further information, go Here.

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American Scandinavian Association of the Great Plains, since 1971
Founder: Duane Fredrickson, Md.
For further information, go Here

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The Associated Churches of Lindsborg (TACOL), since 1980
The member churches of TACOL are these according to the
Lindsborg News-Record of December 24, 2020:
B:
First Baptist Church -- (American Baptist Church with Swedish Baptist ties)
Smoky Valley Independent Baptist Church
Crosspoint Church (Southern Baptist)
C:
Saint Bridget of Sweden Catholic Church,
Evangelical Covenant Church
L:
Bethany Lutheran Church, ELCA,
Falun-Salemsborg Lutheran Parish, ELCA
Fremont Lutheran Church, NALC,
Messiah Lutheran Church, ELCA
Andover Lutheran Church, ELCA
(of Windom, Kansas, established by Andover, Illinois Swedes)
M:
Trinity United Methodist Church

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The Lindsborg Arts Council, since 1980
Founders: A group of Bethany College alumni
Current Board President:  Amy Dreier
The initial objectives of the Council was to support community artists and college art students.
Since that time, the Council's goals of support have significantly expanded as you will see Here.

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Raymer Society for the Arts, since 1988
Founders: Lester and Ramona Raymer
Director:   Mrs. Marsha Howe, BCG
It was created for the preservation of Kansas art and culture
(This would lead to the establishment of "The Red Barn Studio Museum" in 1997.)

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2004 photograph by Group with Founders in front

Swedish Friendship Group, Svenska Vänskapsgruppen, since October 5, 1990
Founders: Rev. Martin Ringstrom and Mrs. Inga-Lill Eliason
Founded, initially, to preserve the Swedish language spoken in Lindsborg since
its founding, by teaching Swedish to younger generations.
For current and further information, go Here.

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The Red Barn Studio Museum - The Working Studio of Artist Lester Raymer, since 1997
Director: Mrs. Marsha Howe, BCG
It is dedicated to showcasing the art of Lester Raymer, while supporting visiting artists in the Artist in Residency (AIR) program and the occasional on-site art class programs, along with periodic art auctions held online.
For current information, go Here.

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- their Legacy Listing through their -
Swedish Businesses*
~ last-link Swedish businesses to early Swedish culture ~
From 1929-2019

Swedish American Woodcarvers of Lindsborg, since 1929 -- (family owned)
Formerly known as the "Anton Pearson Studio" "Wood Carvings"
Anton Pearson, Norman Malm, Jim Malm: father, son, grandson, respectively
Now online only. To learn more, go Here.

Source: Pinterest.Com

Swedish Crafts Shop -- 1946 to 2011 -- (family owned)
Hilding and Ester Jaderborg BCGs -- For 65 years and 50 trips to Sweden, they provided the finest authentic Swedish merchandise in Kansas and beyond! Go Here, to Mr. and Mrs. Hilding Jaderborg ~ Remembering them and their “Swedish Crafts Shop” of 65 years and 50 trips to Sweden (1946-2011)

Swedish Crown Restaurant -- since 1966 to 2017
Roy and Donice Applequist -- Last community owners of many Swedes' owners, who always served Swedish fare regularly with American, that for many decades on Sundays, after church, served a full Swedish smorgasbord. In 2017, the Applequists donated the "Swedish Crown" to Bethany College that leased it to a party who changed the name to "Crown & Rye" which serves two (2) Swedish favorites, for:
Brunch: Swedish Pancakes
    Dinner: Swedish Meatballs
Not showing currently, a new section is being created to remember the Swedish Crown:
    "Swedish Crown Restaurant" since 1966 to 2017 ~ Remembering its owners and its Swedish fare

Anderson Butik -- since 1973 -- (family owned)
Charlie and Gladys Anderson -- "... for the true Swedish feeling..." from a small shop to a company, today owned by son
Dean Anderson, BCG Dean, a warm welcome always await you along with a wide variety of gifts, books, maps and great food items from Sweden and Scandinavian. Go Here, to learn more.

Hemslöjd, Inc. -- since 1984 to 2011
Kenneth Sjogren and Kenneth Swisher, BCGs, -- Founders and 1st owners to 2011, with woodworkers and artists of Swedish designs. This fine gift shop of Swedish and other Scandinavian merchandise is renown for its Dala Horse house name signs, seen all over Lindsborg.
Hemslöjd, Inc. -- 2011 on . . . (family owned)
Corey & Denise Peterson, BCGs -- 2nd owners, are continuing the Swedish "legacy" of this most unique shop.
To learn more, go Here.

Anderson Scandinavian Tours -- since 1989 -- (family owned)
Dean Anderson, BCG -- To initially offer affordable customized tours especially to the Swedish descendants of the Lindsborg Värmland Swedes and to those of the Dalarna and Småland Swedes first occupying neighboring settlements of Lindsborg founded in the late 1860s.  Go Here, to learn more.

* * *
- their Legacy Listing through their -
"Other" Individual / Business Community Contributions*

From the 1940s to 2021:

Dr. William Holwerda -- a "Dutchman," was noted for decades by others "that it took a 'Dutchman' to awaken the Swedes to the realization of their great heritage of customs and traditions!"  Thus, this may have been the Dutchman's greatest legacy with a timeless impact on Lindsborg and her Swedishness, especially when he organized the Swedish Pioneer Festival, Svensk Hyllningsfest, in 1941. However, there was so much more to this humble man of deep Christian faith and conviction. As an adopted son of Lindsborg, he was to become one of the “City Fathers" as he served her citizens selflessly with his God-given gifts.  To learn more, go Here to Dr. William Holwerda ~ Their family doctor and Messiah Lutheran Church tributes to him;  go Here to Dr. William Holwerda ~ Remembering him as "Doc Bill," his bedside manner, his selfless contributions & Mrs. Jaderborg's tribute to him; and go Here to "Svensk Hyllningsfest" ~ Remembering Dr. William Holwerda as a founder and "the key" organizer in 1941.
Sources: Biology professor Dr. Leon Lundstrom's 1990 book, "History of Natural Science and Mathematics at Bethany College, Lindsborg, Kansas, and Mrs. Elizabeth Jaderborg's 1965 Lindsborg on Record.

Dorene Anderson, BCG -- An educator by profession, she was a born leader and go-getter who accomplished much for Lindsborg in her 30 year tenure as the Chamber of Commerce Executive Director from 1974 to 2004. Of the numerous committees she served on were that of the Lindsborg Sister City Committee, Hyllningsfest Committee, Mid-Summer’s Day Committee, Lindsborg’s 125th Anniversary Committee, Sandzén Membership Committee, and that of the Lindsborg Community Foundation.  She was a member of the Philanthropic Education Organization and the Business Professional Women and Kansas Dialogue. She was the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award for Travel Industry Association of Kansas, and, in 2011, she and her husband Don Anderson were awarded the Bethany College Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award.  Sources: Destination Lindsborg editions and online information.

Hugo Lindahl* -- Mayor responsible for the preparations for His Majesty's, Carl XVI Gustaf's, 1976 Bicentennial visit to Lindsborg

Elizabeth Jaderborg* -- Presented Lindsborg's 1976 invitation to His Majesty, Carl XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden, at the Stockholm Royal Palace on behalf of Lindsborg Mayor Hugo Lindahl

Don Anderson, BCG -- An educator by profession, then employed by the Kansas National Education Association before beginning a 12 year stint as Lindsborg Mayor from 1989 to 2001. Married to Dorene Dirks, they represented Lindsborg at numerous events during his 12 years as the city’s mayor and visited Sweden in that capacity.  He was responsible for the establishment of the Swedish "Sister Cities" of Lindsborg, Kansas, and the Swedish Värmland city of Munkfors on October 31, 1991. He also helped to develop and narrated the 2012 Lindsborg Convention and Visitor Bureau's, "A Destination for All Seasons," the beautiful promotion on Lindsborg's Swedishness, still online.  Don and Dorene were chosen to be the 2009 Hyllningsfest King and Queen, and, together, in 2011, they were awarded the Bethany College Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award. Sources: Destination Lindsborg editions and online information.

Betty Holwerda Nelson  --  Since 2008, she has served as the Lindsborg Community Hospital Director of Marketing and Development. Yet, for nearly 24 years she has been a committed Lindsborg councilwoman, a steady presence and voice for the Lindsborg government who proudly represents her citizens. She certainly has followed in her grandfather Dr. William Holwerda's footsteps in her medical career environment and with her ongoing commitment to promoting and preserving the Swedish heritage, traditions, customs and "the arts" found in the community and at Bethany College. Elected, in 2016, as a Co-chair for the Lindsborg Sesquicentennial Festival, Inc., she shared in the responsibility of the civic and Swedish festivities concerning the celebration of the City's 150th anniversary in 2019, which included the biennial Swedish pioneer festival of Svensk Hyllningsfest, initially organized and established by her grandfather, Dr. William Holwerda, a founder.  Sources: Lindsborg and other online information.

Becky Larson Anderson, BCG  -- Since 2017, she became Bethany College's “first” woman graduate to become mayor of "Little Sweden" USA, having first served Lindsborg as a councilwoman for 15 years. She has also served as the Alumni Director of Programs at Bethany College, has sung in the Bethany College Oratorio Society's Messiah for fifty-one years, and serves currently (2021) on the Bethany College Board of Directors.  She and her late husband Honorable Carl B. Anderson who served as McPherson, Kansas, 9th Judicial District Judge for 37 years established and owned the "Swedish Country Inn," for twenty-five years. Early in the 1990s, she was responsible for initiating the promotion of the "Christmas in Lindsborg" porcelain lighted miniature replicas of historical Lindsborg buildings and homes.
Sources: 2021 Messiah Festival Program, Lindsborg News-Record editions in the 1990s

Unable to be included are countless "behind the scenes" contributors, supporters and volunteers of this community!

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A Virtual Memorial

"Dedicated to the Memory of the Smoky Valley Swedish Settlements"
to
their
pioneers, builders, descendants

Own by Dr. Emil O. Deere and Lydia Sohlberg Deere / Nina Sohlberg Fry // Lois Fry Cochran // Frances Cochran & Melinda Cochran O'Leary -- 1936 to 2011

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Swedes: TheWayTheyWere
~ restoring lost local histories ~
reconnecting past to present
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All color photography throughout Swedes: The Way They Were is by Fran Cochran unless otherwise indicated, or obviously concluded it is not.
Copyright © 2021 www.swedesthewaytheywere.org. All rights reserved.