The Swedish North Star, continuously published since 1872. Price per copy $3.50. Volume 148 No. 01, January 01, 2020.
TOWN
on the
MOVE Traditions and techniques
Learning a new skill is fulfilling and inspiring, especially when it’s connected with your personal history. That’s what the founder of Vävstuga in Massachusetts did after she discovered the joy of Swedish weaving in Sweden more than 30 years ago. She shares her life’s passion in classes for all. / p14
HRH Princess Madeleine arrives for the celebration of the Swedish Church in Florida’s 10th anniversary and is greeted by Gerd Persson, chair of the church advisory board. The very special event, underscored by the princess’s presence, highlighted how the community of Swedes in America is knit together by tradition. / p12
Ethnic roots
Kiruna Church and bell tower, 90 miles north of the Arctic Circle. / p15
The enormous, bold urban renewal project is continuing in Kiruna, Sweden. Right now a balmy 20°F but soon hitting single-digit cold, Sweden’s northernmost town continues to move—literally. North of the Arctic Circle, with snow cover for 175 to 225 days a year, the relocation of houses and most of its 20,000 residents to two miles to the east of the present location continues unabated. The new city hall was inaugurated already a year ago and many of the larger buildings have been moved. Kiruna Church, above, is probably the city’s most characteristic building. The church was built between 1909–1912, and consecrated by Bishop Olof Bergqvist on 8 December 1912. Since 1913, the church has been included in the Jukkasjärvi parish in the diocese of Luleå. Soon it will be relocated to a new location in connection with Kiruna’s new city center. The physical move is expected to take place in 2025-2026. / p4 and 15
There must be something special about the humble swede for it to have acquired so many nicknames … known as a neep, turnip, snagger and even “swede,” the rutabaga’s flavor and flexibility in cooking has been a quiet success for generations after our Swedish forefathers introduced it to the U.S. / p14
All you ever wanted to know about rutabagas.