Stockholm was founded on Erik’s dream…

Erik Peterson fell in love with the area that today we know as Stockholm.  In the heavily-wooded bluffs, he saw beauty reminiscent of his Swedish homeland and opportunity in lumber and cattle.  An immigrant working on the Mississippi as a lumberjack and rafter, he understood the need for wood to feed the fires that created the steam to move the riverboats.  Erik had a dream to establish a settlement along the river.  At the Stockholm site he discovered the perfect place to do so.

In 1852, Erik registered a claim to two parcels of land and then returned to Sweden along with his two brothers.  During the next two years, he married and convinced two hundred more Swedes to join him in “paradise” along the shores of Lake Pepin.  His brother Jacob arrived with the first group in the spring of 1854 and built a log house where everyone resided until each family could construct a home.  Eric returned with his wife in the fall just in time for her to give birth to their first child, Matilde, on the day of their arrival.

The next spring the settlers planted corn, potatoes, and other crops.  In 1856 the residents decided to establish a village and selected a name from their homeland, Stockholm.  The settlement prospered to such as degree that the nation’s economic downturn in 1857 did not affect them.  Erik was the community’s leader during these years and often referred to as “King Erik” or “The King of Stockholm.” 

In the March, 1857, issue of Hemlander, the author of an article echoed Erik’s sentiments regarding Stockholm. “The situation in Stockholm is not only romantic but also advantageous.  Being situated on the shores of Lake Pepin, the settlement has a good steamer connection with the cities up and down the river, and the sale of one’s products is thus very much facilitated.  The Swedes annually sell considerable quantities of wood to the steamers…  The lake yields fish in inexhaustible abundance.  For cattle-breeding this place is quite excellent as well as for agriculture.” 

The next time you come to Stockholm, remember that you are visiting the legacy of Erik’s dream.

We’d love to see you again,
Stockholm Merchants 

Take a rare opportunity this Saturday.

This Saturday at Abode Gallery take a rare opportunity to hear directly from Maria Kowalski, an incredible artist.  Her oil paintings and watercolors are exquisite.  For one hour starting at 2:30 p.m., she will be giving her artist talk, sharing her craft with you, and answering your questions.   

Find out how Maria has developed her own artistic techniques.  Inquire as to why she uses those techniques.  Ask her what inspires her. 

Your admission is free, and we’ll have complimentary hot beverages to warm you up.  Watch for upcoming artist talks, which we are featuring on a regular basis.   

We’d love to see you again,
Alan Nugent
Abode Gallery

Celebrate the season of love and hope with St. Lucia.

During the early morning darkness in cities, small villages, schools, businesses, and churches on December 13 throughout Sweden an ancient and beautiful celebration begins.  Wearing a white gown, red sash, and crown of lighted candles on her head, the eldest daughter of the family serves coffee and saffron buns to her family, awakening them as she sings a traditional song, Sankta Lucia.

Sankta Lucia, or Saint Lucia, is a Sicilian saint credited for saving the people of Värmland many centuries ago when there was famine. As legend has it, on December 13 a large white ship filled with food and clothing sailed into the harbor.  At the bow stood a beautiful young woman dressed in white with her head encircled by light.  The ship unloaded its cargo, and, once that was done, the ship vanished.  The grateful people believed that Saint Lucia, the saint of light, had come to save them.  Ever since, Saint Lucia found a home in the hearts of Swedes.  Her gift of light is celebrated on the darkest day of the year.  Go here to see an image of Lucia Julrader (Christmas Row) and members of the Svenkarnasdag Girls Choir.

Today, St. Lucia ushers in the Christmas season of love and hope both in Sweden and in Swedish-American communities. At Ingebretsen's av Stockholm, Saint Lucia ornaments, trays, coffee services, and electric Lucia candle crowns (perfect for young Lucias and safety-conscious parents) are available to make your celebration as beautiful as it is joyful.  Even if celebrating Saint Lucia isn't a family tradition for you, you can always start!  

For some families, Lucia day is a wonderful reason to have an open house.  We certainly feel that way at Ingebretsens.  We invite you to come to the store and join our St. Lucia celebration.  Make the holiday your own with light, food, family, and love.

We wish you and your family the very best Christmas season.

We’d love to see you again,

Diane

Ingebretsen’s av Stockholm

Find time for the magic of Stockholm…

At Country Christmas last weekend, I was reminded of the magic of Stockholm.  After a weekend for Sandy‘s Clothing and Art that was filled with patient customers, I thought of the title of a book that I picked up recently, In Praise of Slowness.  I reflected on how Stockholm helps me slow down.

Stockholm is a respite from my busy life.  At my Stockholm store, I find that I can slow down and take time to talk with customers.  I have time to enjoy them and our conversations.  I treasure the relationships that I have built with customers in Stockholm.  I think my customers feel the same.

During this hectic holiday season, take time to slow down.  Find that time in the magic of Stockholm.  Stop by Sandy’s Clothing and Art and say hello. 

We’d love to see you again,
Sandy
Sandy’s Clothing and Art

PS  We’ll be open every Saturday all winter long and always look forward to seeing you.