Published by Swedish News. Volume 145 No. 9, June 15, 2017. Price per copy $3.50.
Midsummer table delicacies
Part of every smörgåsbord and at midsummer more than just an appetizer: sillen, the herring dishes. The herring is much more than the opener for the traditional smörgåsbord. Eaten with new potatoes, sour cream and dill and followed by a couple ice-cold snaps, marinated herring or inlagd sill, herring is often the main dish when Swedes celebrate the summer solstice at Midsummer. In recent years some Midsummer revelers stick to the readily available Matjes herring filets, which can be found at most Scandinavian specialty stores of German or Dutch origin. As a true American with Scandinavian blood you may want to try your hand at making your own. Opinions do vary when it comes to herring, however, as you’ll find out in our section on how the smörgåsbord was first received by some international travelers. / Pages 14-17 and 27
There is so much going on Swedes in San Francisco In the late 1800s Swedish immigrants in San Franin Swedish America There are many locations in Swedish America that boast all the things we want to know about – throughout the pages of every issue are ads from wonderful businesses and organizations who cater to the demographic that is our readership. In this issue specifically, it’s also clear there are many other kinds of Scandinavian and Swedish destinations in America – from the old and new dining establishments to the many museums and parks that are the sites of all the Midsummer celebrations. And there’s so much more, after all, whenever at least two or three Swedish Americans are gathered together and celebrating their heritage, it’s an event. Nordstjernan reports on all of it. And given the increase in letters and comments we receive (p12), you’re still noticing – even after 145 years!
cisco dreamed of a community site that would bring together all the Swedes scattered about the city, and the Swedish American Hall Building Committee was created. In 1906 the earthquake shook San Francisco to its foundations, but the Swedes were already mobilized, and shortly after the quake they located the perfect location for their new hall on upper Market Street. Swedish-born architect and society member August Nordin would design it, a masterpiece among several other Swedish buildings in the immediate vicinity. More than 100 years later, the Swedish American Hall is still cherished and used regularly by the Swedish community and greater San Francisco as well, and was recently recognized for its historic significance and celebrated its new landmark status in the city. / Page 6 After a couple lean years, 2017 is shaping up to have a bumper crop of Sweden’s favorite fruit, just in time for Midsommar / p27 While Swedes are known for being resourceful, even in wedding planning, it may have been a WWII bride who started it all / p25 The NFL is realizing it may have a fairly deep pool of smart and valuable football players in Swedish athletes / p28
Find our extensive listing for Midsummer events inside, but remember the summer is long and full of other events as well. Above, Stockholm and New York educated singer Tippan is entertaining at Scandinavia House on July 6 during the Summer Jazz series. / Page 11