Finns In Minnesota

This succinct yet comprehensive volume outlines the contributions and culture of Minnesota's Finnish Americans, perhaps best known for their cooperative ventures, their political involvement, and, of course, their saunas.

A history of the Finnish people in Michigan published in English for the first time.

From mining to logging to farming, Finns played an important role in the early development of Wisconsin. Although their immigration to the state came later than that of most other groups, their contributions proved just as significant. Finns pride themselves for their sisu, a Finnish term which, roughly translated, means fortitude or perseverance, especially in the face of adversity. They needed their strength of character to help them face the difficult task of building a new life in a new land. Many Finns arriving in Wisconsin, unable to own land at home, hoped to establish themselves as small independent farmers in the new land. They settled mainly in northern Wisconsin, due to jobs and land available there. This book traces the history of Finnish settlement in Wisconsin, from the large concentrations of Finns in the northern region, to the smaller "Little Finlands" created in other areas of the state. Revised and expanded, this new edition contains the richly detailed story of one Finnish woman, told in her own words, of her hardships and experiences in traveling to a new country and her resourcefulness and strength in adapting to a new culture and building a new life.

Welcome to an exciting adventure through the "Land of a Thousand Lakes" - Minnesota. This state in the Midwest of the United States is rich in breathtaking nature, fascinating history, diverse culture, and countless adventures. From the Great Lakes to the snowy winter landscapes, Minnesota offers a unique blend of beauty and challenge. Minnesota is more than just a geographical location; it is a promise of adventures waiting to be experienced. With a thousand lakes, dense forests, vibrant cities, and warm hospitality, this state exudes a very special appeal. It is a place where the splendour of the city and the silence of nature meet, where cultural diversity and the unique natural world intertwine. In this book, we invite you to discover the hidden gems of Minnesota, whether it's by exploring the unique culture of the Ojibwa and Dakota people, immersing yourself in Mississippi history, immersing yourself in the arts and music scene, or enjoying its culinary diversity. Minnesota has something for everyone, whether it's the adrenaline rush of winter sports or the laid-back atmosphere of small towns. Join us on this exciting journey through Minnesota, a land full of stories, secrets, and adventure. We will unearth the treasures of this state and explore the future of Minnesota as it faces the challenges of the 21st century. Minnesota is a place that begs to be discovered, and we can't wait to take you on this journey. Immerse yourself in the beauty and diversity of Minnesota and be enchanted by its uniqueness.

Based on ground-breaking research, this book describes the unique concerns of individual ethnic groups and delves into their personal Minnesota stories: farmers and factory workers, families and single people, idealists and pragmatists, people who were devout or irreligious -- those who cut ties with their homeland and formed part of Minnesota's ethnic saga.

On Midsummer Eve, 1865, more than 30 Finnish and Sami immigrants disembarked from a Great Lakes ship to a place called Hancock, Michigan. At the time, Hancock consisted of nothing more than a small cluster of humble buildings, but it was here, on the outskirts of mid-19th-century civilization, that Finnish settlement in Michigan's Upper Peninsula (UP) took root. Much to the surprise of these new Americans, Midsummer was not a religious holiday marked by feasts in celebration of the season's prolonged sunlight. Rather, the newcomers were immediately hastened into the bowels of the earth to extract copper in pursuit of the American Dream. In short order, hardworking Finnish immigrants became reputable miners, lumberjacks, farmers, maids, and commercial fishermen. A century and a half later, the UP boasts the largest Finnish population outside of the motherland and sustains the determined spirit the Finns call sisu--an influence that remains palpable in all 15 UP counties.