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Volume 4, Number 1 Winter 2010

Preserving the legacy of the New Sweden Colony in America

Swedish Colonial News

Dr. Peter Stebbins Craig, the Swedish Colonial Society’s world-renowned historian and genealogist who specialized in 17th centurySwedish and Finnish immigrants to the Delaware River Valley, diedThanksgiving Day, November 28, 2009 following a brief illness. Peterpassed away peacefully surrounded by family. Memorial services wereheld at Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church in Philadelphia and at theFriends Meeting in Washington, DC, where he was a member.

Dr. Craig’s death came just four weeks after the SwedishColonial Society recognized him with its Lifetime AchievementAward for his work researching the colonial experience of the set-tlers and their descendants into the late 18th century. He wrote over100 articles and books on these settlers.

Dr. Craig first attracted attention among genealogists for hisbreakthrough article, “The Yocums of Aronameck,” published in1983. He was urged to expand his focus and look at all the NewSweden families. His book, The 1693 Census of the Swedes on theDelaware (1993), is the definitive work presenting family histories of195 households then belonging to the Swedish Lutheran churches onthe Delaware. His subsequent book, The 1671 Census of the Delaware

(1999), identifies and discusses each of the residents on both sides ofthe Delaware River in the first English census of the Delaware. A major-

ity of the residents were still Swedes and Finns. Dr. Craig’s eight-part

Months and months of planning became realities theweekend of October 23-25, 2009. The Swedish ColonialSociety convened at Philadelphia’s Radisson Warwick Hotelfor the opening events of this long-awaited Centennial JubileeFriday, October 23rd.

SCS Governor Herbert R. Rambo gratefully acknowledgedthe many who were involved in creating such a successfulweekend of events. To name but a few, Senior Deputy

Governor Sally Bridwell was the Jubilee Registrar, sendingout invitations, keeping all the records, and generally beingahead of things that needed doing. Sally also coordinated thethree-city tour of the Society’s exhibit Colony to Community:The Story of New Sweden.

Sandra Pfaff managed all sorts of arrangements, particu-larly chairing the Wallenberg selection committee and coordi-nating the event with the American Swedish Historical

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Peter Stebbins Craig1928-2009

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Swedish Colonial Society’s Centennial JubileePhiladelphia – October 23-25, 2009

2 Swedish Colonial News

series, “The Settlers of New Sweden, 1638-1664,” published by the Swedish American Genealogist(1996-1999), identified each of those colonists who today have many millions living descendants.

More recently, Dr. Craig concentrated his time as editor of the Gloria Dei Records Project, jointlysponsored by that church and The Swedish Colonial Society. This project involves the collection,translation and transcription of the records relating to the Swedish Lutheran churches ofPennsylvania, 1643-1786. Five volumes have been published since 2006 under the title of ColonialRecords of the Swedish Churches in Pennsylvania. Three more volumes are planned.

Dr. Craig was born in 1928. He obtained his B.A. from Oberlin College in 1950 and his J.D.from Yale Law School in 1953. After practicing law in Washington for 36 years, including more than25 years with Southern Railway and two years as Assistant General Counsel for Litigation for the

U. S. Department of Transportation in theJohnson administration (1967-1969), heretired in 1989 to spend full time on histo-ry and genealogy. A resident of Washington,DC, he joined the Swedish Colonial Societyin 1981 and was its Historian &Genealogist from 1991 until his death. Asthe genealogist for the Society he reviewedover 500 forefather applications.

Much in demand as a lecturer becauseof his expertise on the New Swedencolonists and their descendants, Dr. Craigspoke to historical and genealogical audi-ences in eight different states. In recogni-tion of his writings, Dr. Craig was named aFellow of the American Society ofGenealogists and a Fellow of thePennsylvania Genealogical Society. Inrecognition of his contributions to a betterunderstanding of America’s New Swedenheritage, Dr. Craig was awardedKnighthood in the Order of the Polar Starby King Carl XVI Gustav in 2002. He wasalso a recipient of the Swedish Council ofAmerica’s Merit Award.

Survivors include his wife of nearly 40years, Sally Banks Craig of Washington; fourchildren, Stephen Tucker Craig of Chicago;Carolyn Alden Craig of Davis, CA; JenniferStebbins Craig of Woodland, CA; and

Katherine Craig Bocock of Takoma Park, MD; a brother John; four grandchildren: Cory, Miles, Tobyand Leo; and eight nephews and a niece.

Dr. Craig’s last Forefather’s Article, “The Toy and King Families of Senamensing, New Jersey,”is being edited and will appear in the Spring 2010 issue of Swedish Colonial News. The Society isdeeply honored that Dr. Craig elected to leave his papers to us. We have decided that we need toestablish the Craig Fund to assure that his unique collection of resource materials and genealogicalinformation about the New Sweden settlers and their descendants is properly archived and madeaccessible for scholars, descendants and other researchers. Please help! You may send your check madepayable to the Swedish Colonial Society with “Craig Fund” noted on the memo line and mailed to:

Swedish Colonial Societyc/o Gloria Dei Episcopal Church916 South Swanson Street Philadelphia, PA 19147

Dr. Peter Stebbins Craig – 1928-2009

Sally Craig stands with Dr. PeterCraig as he is presented the Society’sLifetime Achievement Award fromGovernor Herbert R. Rambo at theCentennial Jubilee Dinner.

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Dear Friends of New Sweden:

The past year was a time of great celebration as our Society observed itsCentennial with a year-long series of events that culminated with the JubileeWeekend in Philadelphia, where we were joined by the Swedish Council ofAmerica.

Our Centennial inspired exhibit Colony to Community: The Story of New Sweden isin its final appearance at the Delaware History Museum in Wilmington, Delaware.Our traveling exhibit by the same name is currently at the Nordic HeritageMuseum, Seattle, Washington, before heading on to the American SwedishInstitute, Minneapolis, Minnesota, and then to the Swedish American Museum,Chicago, Illinois. It has been a great success, and we thank the members of thestaff of our partner, the American Swedish Historical Museum, for their outstand-ing contribution.

I want to thank everyone who helped make the Centennial year such a memorable celebration.

Last year was also a time of sadness with the passing of several important con-tributing members. Especially shocking was the news on Thanksgiving Day afternoon that the Society’s respected, long-time Historian Peter Stebbins Craighad just died. He had been ill for only a few weeks.

We saw that his health was slipping in late October when the Society recognizedPeter with its Lifetime Achievement Award. We were fortunate to honor hisgood work and faithful service to our organization while he was still among us.

Although his health was failing, his keen intellect continued to burn bright as abeacon that drew admirers as it had throughout his lifetime and will continue todo so for generations to come.

Peter's contributions to the knowledge of New Sweden and the Colonists areimmeasurable. His stature as a New Sweden Scholar is such that he had few, ifany, peers. Peter will be mourned in many circles and certainly his passing createsa void that will not be filled anytime soon.

Peter Craig bequeathed his extensive New Sweden Library to The SwedishColonial Society and plans are being made to move the collection fromWashington, DC, to the Society’s Archives in the Brossman Center at theLutheran Seminary in Philadelphia. As we enter our second century, yourSociety has taken on an important role in conserving the Craig Collection andultimately making it available to researchers.

In the next issue there will be a fuller explanation of the Society’s plans for thisimportant collection and suggestions as to what you can do to help.

Herbert R. RamboGovernor

High Patron

His Majesty Carl XVI Gustaf

King of Sweden

Deputy High Patron

Her Royal Highness

Crown Princess Victoria

Patron

His Excellency

Jonas Hafström

Ambassador of Sweden

-Governor

Herbert R. Rambo

Senior Deputy Governor

Margaret Sooy Bridwell

Junior Deputy Governor

Kenneth S. Peterson

Treasurer

The Rev. David B. Anderson

Financial Secretary

Emily Peg Berich

Registrar

A. Doriney Seagers

371 Devon Way

West Chester, PA 19380

610.918.0943

Recording Secretary

Aleasa J. Hogate

Corresponding Secretary

Frances O. Allmond

Chaplain

The Very Rev. D. Joy Segal

Marshal

Kenneth S. Peterson

Visit us on the internet at:

www.ColonialSwedes.org

Please contact us at:

[email protected]

GOVERNOR’S LETTER

3Swedish Colonial News

Swedish Colonial Society916 South Swanson Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19147


Editor’s Note: In theGovernor’s Letter in the Fall’08 issue of “Swedish ColonialNews,” Kim-Eric Williamsdescribed the 1909 foundingand very early years of TheSwedish Colonial Society. The following article is adaptedand edited by Ellen T. Rye from his talk presented at theSociety’s Centennial JubileeDinner 23 October 2009. In it he details the remainingninety years of the Society’scentennial. He stated at theconclusion of his Governor’sLetter, “Who could have imagined that in one hundredyears so much would havebeen accomplished.”

A 1936 anonymous writer to the New YorkSwedish newspaper Nordstjernan asked: “Whoare these people in the Swedish ColonialSociety? They do not have Swedish surnames,and they [all] seem to be from the East.” Thenext issue contained the answer: their Swedishimmigration had occurred more than 200 yearsbefore, the names had changed, and they hadmanaged to accomplish quite a lot.

Before the 1938 Tercentenary celebrationsof the Kalmar Nyckel’s landing in 1638 at “TheRocks” in present-day Wilmington, Delaware,the Society had only 193 members. Meetingswere held in the librarian’s office at theHistorical Society of Pennsylvania. Averageattendance was seven. Meetings generally last-ed just over an hour and consisted mainly ofreceiving new members and accepting the res-ignation of anyone who moved out of state.

By the summer of 1909, six months afterits organization, the barriers of an all-gentle-men’s academic club broke down when the firstwoman Associate Member was admitted. Thenumber of Associate Members was limited to50 “lest they take control.” By 1929, however,women were accorded regular membership andin1946 began to be more active in the Society,when two women were elected to the Council:Sarah Logan Wister Starr and A. FlorenceAppleberg Ingle. That same year Miss GladysPeterson became the Recording Secretary andserved for 40 years. Two women have beenelected as Senior Deputy Governor, CountessWaterman-Gherilli in 1982 and our currentSenior Deputy Governor, Sally Bridwell. MrsGeorge C. MacFarland was Junior DeputyGovernor from 1993 to 2001, and as DeputyGovernor Emerita, she is continuing her manyyears as a dedicated supporter of the Society.

The Society’s record as a publisher beganearly with Secretary Gregory Keen’s revisededition of The Descendants of Jöran Kyn of NewSweden and several books by AmandusJohnson, including: The Swedish Settlements on

the Delaware (1911) with a later revised edition(1915), a biography of New Sweden’s lastGovernor Johan Rising (1915), PerLindeström’s Geographia Americae (1925),and The Instruction for Johan Printz (1930).

In 1923, the Society erected a monolith onthe grounds of the Corinthian Yacht Club atTinicum honoring Johan Printz, NewSweden’s first governor. In 1926, with theColonial Dames of America, it built a replicaNorse Grist Mill on Cobbs Creek, commemo-rating the first manufacturing site in theDelaware Valley. Sadly, it was swept away by ahurricane two years later. A PennsylvaniaCommonwealth historical marker preserves itsmemory.

Beginning in 1926, Amandus Johnsonsolicited funds from across the country to builda national museum dedicated to the achieve-ments of Swedish immigrants. The Societydetermined such a project was beyond its scopeand agreed with Johnson to concentrate itsresearch on the period before 1800 and let themuseum concentrate on the later immigration.The American Swedish Historical Museum was to be located on the grounds of theSesquicentennial Exhibition in SouthPhiladelphia. By June 1926 the museum wasready for its cornerstone. Nearby, the SwedishColonial Society had erected a wooden replicaof the Wicaco blockhouse, the log churchwhich preceded today’s Gloria Dei (OldSwedes’) Church built in 1700. Despitedrenching rains that made the Sesquicentennialan economic disaster, the blockhouse attractedan average of 1,000 visitors a day during thesix-month Exhibition.

After touring Independence Hall andGloria Dei Church, Swedish Crown PrinceGustaf Adolf and his Crown Princess dedicatedthe blockhouse and presided at the museum’scornerstone laying ceremony. The Society helda gala luncheon for 400 guests at the HistoricalSociety of Pennsylvania. (At the time the muse-um had not yet organized its governing body.)

While the museum was under construc-tion, the Society was presented with a newopportunity. The Society was given five acreson Tinicum Island by Commodore CharlesLongstreth of California. Mr. Longstreth was amember of the Corinthian Yacht Club, as weresome of the Society’s Councillors, and he knewof their interests and the monolith. The Societyhad originally determined not to becomeinvolved with real estate but now suddenlyfound it was a property owner. Property own-

Ninety Yearsof Growth and

Challenge:The Swedish Colonial Society,

1919-2009

5

Kim-Eric Williams


ership mandated obtaining a charter and incorporating, whichwas accomplished in 1927. The property was in poor condi-tion with a tumbled down inn and plenty of weeds. It soonwas graded and seeded and the inn removed, but funds didnot allow any further development for the next ten years.

The Society entered a new era when Colonel Frank W.Melvin, a prominent attorney, became Governor in 1936. Heramped up activities for the 1938 Tercentenary in his tripleroles as Governor of the Society, Chair of the Board of theAmerican Swedish Historical Museum, and Chair of thePennsylvania Historical Commission. Col. Melvin had beenactive in the creation of Brandywine Battlefield Park, theextension of Valley Forge, and the reconstruction ofPennsbury Manor, William Penn’s home. He wrote eight sep-arate pieces of legislation for the Pennsylvania GeneralAssembly concerning the 1938 Jubilee, including one inwhich the Governor of the Commonwealth and a delegationfrom the Society went to Sweden. Six of Col. Melvin’s leg-islative projects on Tinicum Island were accepted by theFederal Government’s Works Progress Administration.Archeological investigations uncovered the footprint ofPrintzhof, Governor Printz’s residence. (The Society today isin possession of a large stack of Dutch yellow ballast bricksfound at the site, others were used to build the stuga fireplaceat the museum.) New trees were planted and a seawall built.As part of the 1938 Tercentenary celebrations, the improvedTinicum property, known as Governor Printz Park, was deed-ed to the Commonwealth. Ironically, in an economy move in2003, the Commonwealth deeded the property to TinicumTownship with the Society closely monitoring the conditionsof the transfer.

The “Melvin Revolution” had more to accomplish. In1942, working with The Reverend John C. Roak, GloriaDei’s rector, they managed to get the National Park Serviceto designate Gloria Dei Church a National Historical Site, sixyears before Independence Hall was so designated. It was thefirst religious structure in the country to receive such recog-nition and federal protection. In 1958 seven acres south ofthe church were added, and the site became part of theIndependence National Historical Park.

Changes came with the considerably altered By-LawsCol. Melvin promulgated. The office of President waschanged to Governor, who would usually serve for two years(although the Colonel served for ten!). The term Governorprobably came from contemporary bar association practiceand proved acceptable, recalling the original colony.However, Col. Melvin’s suggestion that the Governor beaddressed as “Your Excellency” was never adopted.

Another of the By-Law changes concerned the Society’srelationship with Gloria Dei Church. The rector was desig-nated Ex-Officio Chaplain of the Society (and regularlyattends the monthly Society Council meetings, which are heldat the Church’s Roak House). Meetings began and endedwith Christian prayer, and still do. A tradition of attending aservice together each spring at Gloria Dei was established inremembrance of the New Sweden forefathers. Although in

itself non-religious, The Swedish Colonial Society is one ofthe few historical groups in this country which preserves aconnection with a church. Gloria Dei has been the Society’slegal address since 1994.

Also during Col. Melvin’s term, the Council wasincreased to 25 members and officers. Beginning in 1938, theApril Forefathers’ Banquet replaced the Annual Meetings.Although the Insignia of the Society had been adopted in1927, its use was emphasized and the Governor’s Star intro-duced. Sometimes Col. Melvin’s enthusiasm went a bit far, aswhen he made a list of all the 11 possible historical dates theSociety could commemorate every year, mandated that thewine used for the three skåls (toasts) be port and that allSociety dinners be called a smörgåsbord. He established a colorguard and wanted to make the Society a patriotic organiza-tion. Trouble was, during World War II anyone who support-ed Swedish neutrality was suspect. Needless to say, this patri-otic emphasis was controversial and faded away.

The Society’s genealogical activities date from the begin-ning when Ormond Rambo, Jr. deposited lineage reportswith the Society’s Secretary, Amandus Johnson. In the earlydays membership fell into three categories:

• Birthright – Those who trace their families to NewSweden settlers before the Revolution

• Pioneer – More recent immigrants• Fellow – Everyone else.A distinguishing characteristic of the Society was that

membership was not limited to Swedes or Finns. Anyonecould join who had an interest in colonial history (and whosemembership was sponsored by a Councillor, a requirementwhich has since been dropped). This was indeed fortunatesince Col. Melvin and some of the other Governors have nothad Scandinavian roots.

In 1938 the Society appointed Clarence F. Hand as itsgenealogist. After his death, his wife served in the same posi-tion. By 1988 only 67 current members could trace their lin-eage to New Sweden. The 350th Anniversary year of the NewSweden Colony gave new impetus to the forefather member-ship program: Dr. Peter Stebbins Craig was appointedHistorian. His meticulous research resulted in an explosion ofapplicants, so that today more than 300 of our current mem-bers are recognized Forefather descendants. Dr. Craig’s twobooks on the people of New Sweden are now standard refer-ence works for New Sweden studies: The 1693 Census of theSwedes on the Delaware (1993) and The 1671 Census of theDelaware (1999).

An idea for the Society that never materialized was estab-lishment of state chapters. A lone exception was New Haven,Connecticut, where 29 members met regularly for a shorttime. Their legacy to the Society is a small endowmentderived from the 1978 sale of a home that had belonged tothe Apollo Singing Society. (Your Society is basically dues-dependent for funding its operating expenses.)

In 1963 New Sweden’s 325th Anniversary was celebrat-

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ed with Prince Bertil and delegations fromKalmar and Jönköping. A delegation from theSociety repaid their visit with a trip to Sweden.During that trip a monument to Johan Printzwas unveiled before 70,000 people in theElmira Fair Grounds at Jönköping. AmandusJohnson dedicated a second Printz monumentnear Printz’s grave at Bottnaryd Church inSmåland.

In 1967 the Society presented a Swedishred granite cornerstone to St. James Church,Kingsessing, Pennsylvania, on the occasion ofits 200th anniversary, replacing the original onelost during a 19th century renovation.

During the first Julmiddag (Christmasmidday dinner) in 1969, a monumental seven-foot statue of Johan Printz sculpted by memberCarl Lindborg was erected in Governor PrintzPark. It was unveiled by King Gustaf VI Adolfin 1972.

In 1988, his grandson King Carl XVIGustaf and Queen Silvia came to the U.S. forthe 350th Anniversary of the Swedes’ landing.Celebrations were held in both Wilmingtonand Philadelphia. That same year an academicconference was held at the University ofDelaware, during which 23 presentationsshowed that New Sweden studies were aliveand well and developing in exciting new direc-tions. Some of the presentations were subse-quently published under the title New Swedenin America (Newark, University of DelawarePress, 1995).

One major event sponsored by the Societytook place in June 1993 when over 500 peoplegathered in Governor Printz Park to commem-orate Printz’s 1643 landing and selection ofTinicum as capital of the colony. At the sametime the Pennsylvania legislature commemorat-ed the 350th Anniversary of Commonwealthgovernment.

Publication of the Swedish Colonial Newsbegan in 1990 as an 8-page newsletter. It isnow a 20-page journal serving the widely dis-persed members in the U.S., in Sweden andelsewhere. By Governor Samuel B. Sturgis’stenure (1956-1958), membership had climbedto 529 with 9 in Sweden. However, only 65members lived outside the Delaware Valley. It was possible in the 1950s, a time before tel-evision and employment by both spouses, togather 177 members and 56 guests for aForefathers’ Banquet on a Monday evening atPhiladelphia’s Union League. Today three-quarters of our 700-plus members live outside

the local area and about 24 live in Sweden. Weare no longer primarily a Delaware Valley society.

The Society’s highly successful website,www.ColonialSwedes.org, began in 1999under the expert leadership of RonaldHendrickson and now has about 15,000 userseach month. Leif Lundquist in Sweden main-tains our sister site. www.ColonialSwedes.se,for our Svenska Colonial Sällskapet members inScandinavia. It came on-line in 2008.

The New Sweden History Conferencebegan in 2001 as a joint project between theAmerican Swedish Historical Museum and theSociety, in cooperation with the McNeil Centerfor Early American Studies at the University ofPennsylvania. It brings together the latestresearch about New Sweden. The DelawareSwedish Colonial Society, the New SwedenCentre in Wilmington, and Trinity Church inSwedesboro, N.J., are now co-sponsors of thisannual autumn event.

Although no longer an evening banquet,the 2001 Forefathers’ Luncheon marked areturn to the Union League. Chief JusticeWilliam Rehnquist was among the guests, andat that gathering Herbert Rambo, an expertpublicist, was elected Governor, leading a neworganizational surge of enthusiasm.

The long-overdue Archives program, nowhosted at the Lutheran Archives Center inPhiladelphia, began in 2000 with Kim-EricWilliams as archivist. At the end of 2009, theArchives consisted of more than 42 linear feetof materials, a map collection and framed paint-ings, including a fabulous large copy of the17th century Bottnaryd Church portrait ofGovernor Printz. It is attributed to Daniel vonRohlen (1660) and was painted in the last yearsof Printz’s life. King Gustaf V gave the portraitto the Society in 1910. It was an especiallyimportant gift since before its arrival no one inAmerica had any idea of what Johan Printzlooked like! [Editor’s Note: With the additionof the Craig Collection in 2010, the Society’sArchives will be substantially expanded.]

Of course in 90 years there were some mis-steps. A major one occurred in 1967, when theSociety sponsored the placement of a monolithto John Hanson in Gloria Dei’s churchyard. Itsounded so good! Many claimed the first pres-ident of the country had not been GeorgeWashington, but John Hanson, president ofCongress under the Articles of Confederationand believed to be a Swede! John Hanson was

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Kim-Eric Williams


Max Dooley

Not even torrential rains could dampenthe spirits of the 180 individuals who attendedthe American Swedish Historical Museum’sWallenberg Humanitarian Award Receptionand Presentation Saturday evening, October24th. In addition to the delicious, bountifulfood and drink choices, guests wanderedthroughout the museum’s beautiful rooms anddisplays. Especially popular was the SwedishColonial Society’s traveling exhibit, Colony toCommunity: The Story of New Sweden.

The main focus of the evening, however,was the presentation of the Spirit of RaoulWallenberg Humanitarian Award, named anddedicated to the memory of Swedish diplo-mat, Raoul Wallenberg. During the dark daysof World War II, Wallenberg worked tirelesslyto save thousands of Hungarian Jews from theclutches of the Nazi invaders. Tragically, hewas arrested, imprisoned and believed execut-ed by the Soviets in 1947.

The press release announcing theWallenberg award states, “the AmericanSwedish Historical Museum’s Spirit ofWallenberg Humanitarian Award is presentedto an individual, individuals or organizationwho has demonstrated a commitment tohumanitarianism through acts which achieve asignificant contribution to alleviate humansuffering or injustice, involved sacrifices orrisks and are performed without expectationof reward or recognition.”

Chaired by SCS CouncillorSandra S. Pfaff, the Museum’sAwards committee selected IsraeliAmbassador Asher Naim as demon-strating all those qualities. As IsraeliAmbassador to Ethiopia in 1991,Ambassador Naim helped organizeand implement Operation Solomon,“the daring rescue of thousands ofBeta Israel (the indigenous Jews ofEthiopia).” During that country’scivil war, the indigenous Jews weretrapped between rebel and govern-mental forces. They were in dangerof slaughter unless they could quick-ly be removed from the conflict. In face ofseemingly impossible odds, Ambassador Naimnegotiated the airlift of over 14,000 immi-grants from Addis Ababa to Israel, utilizing 35 aircraft in the course of just 25 hours. Forhis efforts the President and Prime Minister of Israel presented him with “the mostDistinguished Civil Servant Award.”Ambassador Naim continues his humanitarianwork with Ethiopian Jews through his educa-tional scholarship fund to help their integra-tion into Israeli society.

In his modest acceptance speech,Ambassador Naim shared his creed and chal-lenged the packed audience, in Hebrew, “fixthe world.” Needless to say, he received astanding ovation.

American Swedish Historical Museum Presents Wallenberg Humanitarian Award to Israeli Ambassador Asher Naim

The crystal Wallenberg Awardbowl is presented to AmbassadorAsher Naim by Amy Sosnov,Trustee of the Ellis Foundation

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Pictured left to right: John McCann (ASHM Board Chairman), Sandra Pfaff (Raoul Wallenberg Committee Chair), Swedish Ambassador JonasHafström; Hilda Naim, Israeli Ambassador Asher Naim; and Robert Houdek, U. S. Ambassador to Ethopia in 1991.

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EVENTS from page 1

Museum’s staff, the Union League Luncheon and the Philadelphia Chamber Orchestra’sScandinavian Perspectives concert. One couldsense Sandra’s special touch at each of these events.

The American Swedish Historical Museum’sTracey Beck and Carrie Hogan were responsiblefor the outstanding presentation of the Society’sexhibit Colony to Community: The Story of NewSweden and the very moving WallenbergHumanitarian Award presentation.

Joining in the Society’s celebrations were theSwedish Council of America and their ExecutiveDirector Elise Peters. His Excellency JonasHafström, Ambassador of Sweden and Patron ofthe Swedish Colonial Society, was a special guestfor the weekend.

Financial Secretary Peg Berich kept track ofreceipts and wrote many of the thank-you letterswhile Treasurer David B. Anderson wrote thechecks, even being complimented by one vendorfor prompt payment.

Assuring all the presentation awards wereready and in order was the responsibility of theawards committee whose members were AlCapotosto, Tina Lassen, Edie Rohrman andDoriney Seagers.

Members of the Swedish Council ofAmerica arrived before the Jubilee’s startto tour sites of New Sweden. Here SCSForefather member Aleasa Hogate discribes the Kalmar Nyckel Shipyard and New Sweden Centre activities.

Adjacent to the shipyard is Fort ChristinaState Park, dedicated during 1938’sTercentenary. “The Rocks” landing site andCarl Milles’ black granite New Swedenmemorial are located within the Park.

At Old Swedes Historical Site, the SCAvisitors toured the 1690s HendricksonHouse that was relocated from RidleyPark, PA to Wilmington, DE in the 1950s.

The last tour venue was Holy Trinity (Old Swedes) Church, designed andbuilt in 1698-99 by Swedish LutheranPastor Erik Björk. Shown is the originalblack walnut pulpit.

ASHM Director Tracey Beck, center, moderated the first sessionof the New Sweden History Conference. ASHM Curator CarrieHogan, left, spoke about Two Kings of Sweden: Gustav andChristina. New Jersey State Museum Curator Lorraine Williams,right, spoke on The Documentary Legacy of Swedish-IndianFriendship in the Delaware Valley.

SCS Archivist Kim-Eric Williams moderated the second session ofthe History Conference that featured attorney David Furlow, Esq.whose topic was Contributions of New Sweden to the American LegalSystem and Assoc. Professor Cynthia Van Zandt who spoke onNew Sweden’s Place in the Early Modern Atlantic World.

SCA members receive sailing instructions from the Kalmar Nyckel’s Captain Sharon Litcofsky.

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Swedish Colonial News 9

At Friday’s Centennial Jubilee Dinner Bruce R. Larson, Chair, Swedish Council of America (rear 3rd from left) and Willow Hagans, Vice Chair SCA, (2nd from right) presented the Council’sMerit Awards to (left to right) Gunhild Ljung, Swedish School of New Jersey; Carl Holm, New Sweden Colonial Farmstead; Ruth A. Runkle, Kalmar Nyckel Foundation; Earl E. Seppala, New SwedenCentre; Frances O. Allmond, Delaware Swedish Colonial Society; Margaretha Talerman, American Swedish Historical Museum; and Esther Ann MacFarland, Swedish Colonial Society. Not pictured,Phoebe Hopkins, Historic Preservation Trust of Berks County.

SCS Senior Deputy Governor Margaret Sooy Bridwell, center, enjoys the night’s fes-tivities at the Jubilee Dinner with her son Mark (left) and her husband Nagle (right).

Pictured (L-R) at the Jubilee Dinner are SCS Honorary Governor and Archivist Kim-Eric Williams,Bruce Karstadt, President/CEO American Swedish Institute, Minneapolis, MN; Willow Hagans, ViceChair SCA; Bruce R. Larson, Chair SCA; and Swedish Ambassador Jonas Hafström

Governor of Värmland, the Honorable Eva Erikssondelivered her greetings and remarks during theJubilee Dinner.

SCS Junior Deputy Governor Ken Peterson presents CarrieHogan, ASHM Curator, the Society’s Recognition Award for herefforts in preparing the Society’s touring exhibit Colony toCommunity: The Story of New Sweden.

Dr. Peter Craig and Mrs. George MacFarland enjoy sharedmemories at the Jubilee Dinner.

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Sunday’s Scandinavian Perspectives concert by theChamber Orchestra of Philadelphia received anadded boost from the electronic billboard alongPhiladelphia’s Interstate 95.

SCS Governor Herb Rambo accepts a model of the Swedish trading shipGötheberg from Emanuel Persson, Expedition Manager for the Tall Ship Götheberg.In 1745, after a two-year trading voyage to China, the Götheberg was in sight of itshomeport, Gothenberg, when it struck a rock and sank.

Before the Jubilee Dinner, Swedish Ambassador Jonas Hafströmposes with the Color Guard from the Philadelphia ContinentalChapter, Sons of the American Revolution.

Maestro Dirk Brossé conducts the Chamber Orchestra ofPhiladelphia in Scandinavian Perspectives, a concert of worksby Scandinavian composers. In November it was announced Mr. Brossé will succeed Ignat Solzhenitsyn as the orchestra’sMusic Director beginning with the 2010-2011 season.

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Addressing the audience at Sunday’s Gala Jubilee Luncheon, from left to right, are: IsraeliAmbassador Asher Naim, recipient of the Wallenberg Humanitarian Award; Mats Widbom,Cultural Counselor at Washington’s Swedish Embassy and Elise Peters, Executive Directorof the Swedish Council of America.


Shown here are the organizers of the Scandinavian Perspectivesconcert. Left to right from the Orchestra’s Board of Directors’Executive Committee are William Roberts, Chairman andKenneth Jarin, President. Maestro Dirk Brossé, center, withSCS Councillor Sandra S. Pfaff; and Peter H. Gistelinck, theOrchestra’s Executive Director.

One could almost feel AmandusJohnson’s approving spirit forthe Swedish Colonial Society as guardian of New Swedenheritage and its accomplish-ments over the past 100 years.

Sunday’s Jubelmässa was a joyousliturgical and musical collaborationby The Very Rev. D. Joy Segal,Rector of Gloria Dei, and TheRev. Dr. Kim-Eric Williams, aretired Lutheran minister. Theycombined segments from the1986 Church of Sweden Handbook,colonial Lutheran elements suchas the 1708 gradual hymn text by Justus Falckner, and modernEpiscopalian liturgies. Rev. Williamsdelivered the sermon and Rev. Segal was the celebrant.

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an outstanding patriot, but it was discovered he was not ofSwedish descent. His ancestors had come from England byway of Barbados. Hanson’s beautiful bust, sculpted by CarlLindborg, and its monolith were recently moved to his birth-place in Port Tobacco, Maryland, where he still can be seenbut without Swedish attribution.

In 1988 Society Governor Erik Tornqvist had to take astrong stand when the original planning committee for the350th Anniversary of New Sweden included no one from theNew Sweden area.

A more recent Councillor was sure that President GeorgeW. Bush was descended from a New Sweden settler but in thefinal analysis could not prove it because of the complexity ofsimilar names in colonial Maryland.

Still another Councillor took personal possession ofAmandus Johnson’s papers at his death but with the one pos-itive result that Johnson’s papers did get professional cata-loging at Philadelphia’s Balch Institute. Today the papersreside at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania.

And, yes, we do have to admit there have been timeswhen there has been as much competition as cooperationamong local Swedish groups.

The Society’s members supported the formation of theAmerican Swedish Historical Museum, the Delaware SwedishColonial Society, the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation, and theNew Sweden Centre. The Society endowed the AmandusJohnson Prize, a travel grant to study in Sweden for a studentwho excels in language studies at the University ofPennsylvania.

Among other New Sweden projects it has assisted are theNew Jersey New Sweden Monument and the creation of aunit of the National Park Service in Wilmington, Delaware,which includes “The Rocks” at Fort Christina Park and HolyTrinity Church. During the Linnaean Year (2003) it spon-sored the Rambo Apple Project, which was designed to returnthe Rambo apple variety to Sweden, where it had not beenrecorded since 1710. This became a two-nation project withthe cooperation of the King’s Fund and the hard work ofGovernor Herbert Rambo, Councillor James Seagers, andour Councillor in Sweden, Hans Ling. Rambo apple treeswere planted in a number of significant locations in Swedenand America.

More recently (2004), the Society published The Faces ofNew Sweden by Hans Ling, a lawyer for the National SwedishHeritage Board, a New Sweden descendant and a SCS coun-cillor. It is the story of the two portraits by Gustavus Hesseliuswhich Hans Ling discovered stored at Nordiska Museet inStockholm. Painted in America in 1712, they portray PastorErik Björk and his Swedish-American wife Christina Stalcop.The Society with gifts from three donors had the paintingsrestored and arranged for their extended loan to theHistorical Society of Delaware. They are the oldest portraitsin the Delaware Valley.

The Society participated in the 300th Anniversary of thefirst ordination of a Lutheran pastor in America, JustusFalckner, in 1703 at Gloria Dei Church. To mark the event anAnglican-Lutheran Eucharist was held at PhiladelphiaCathedral. The Society’s archivist wrote a biography of thepastor entitled The Journey of Justus Falckner (2003).

Perhaps the most rousing event to take place on thebanks of the Potomac River in 2006 was when the Societyhelped inaugurate Sweden’s new Embassy in Washington, theHouse of Sweden. They staged a re-enactment of the 1638landing of the Swedes from the Kalmar Nyckel ship’s boat,The Little Key. Upon coming ashore, the Swedes were met bya party of Lenape, who performed a welcoming dance andsmudging ceremony before the day’s other events began.

We are honored that King Carl XVI Gustaf has awardedthe Order of the Polar Star to 5 members of the Council,including Peter Stebbins Craig, who died in November. Inturn, the Society presents its own awards. The “Fellow of theSwedish Colonial Society” award has been given since 2000to 16 former or current Councillors who have made extraor-dinary contributions to the Society, and in October 2009 atthe Centennial Banquet the first “Lifetime AchievementAward” was presented to Peter Stebbins Craig. Sadly, Dr.Craig passed away only a few weeks later.

What is going on now? Currently we are assisting in pro-moting the designation of Bartram’s Gardens in Philadelphiaas a World Heritage UNESCO Linnaean site and are spear-heading the rescue of the deserted 1988 Swedish log farm-stead in Bridgeton, N.J. Also, the long-term project begun in1996 to publish the colonial records of Gloria Dei (OldSwedes’) Church continues. Five volumes, covering the peri-od 1646 to 1759, have appeared and work on Volume 6 isunder way. Published in cooperation with the parish and titledThe Colonial Records of the Swedish Churches in Pennsylvania,the series will end after the Revolutionary War when therecord-keeping was primarily in English.

Arrangements are underway for the transfer of Dr. Craig’s library and research papers to the Society’sarchives. Cataloging and other preparations to make hisrecords accessible for historians and genealogists will be amajor task.

And with a By-Law change in 2009, the Society hasjoined the modern world! We now accept memberships viaour website and members of the Council may vote by e-mail.

All these changes over the past 90 years aside, TheSwedish Colonial Society may be continuing to develop as aninternational society, but its primary focus will always be onincreasing knowledge of the history of New Sweden and itssettlers, and on safekeeping the 24 local sites related to thecolony.


Tina Lassen

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Steelman House RescuedIn the Spring 2008 issue of the Swedish

Colonial News I reported that the John HansonSteelman house was in dire need of restoration.Without an infusion of $400,000 for stabiliza-tion, the house was in imminent danger of collapse.

The house belonged to John HansonSteelman and his wife, Maria Stalcop. It is situ-ated on Elk Landing at the Head ofChesapeake Bay. Steelman operated an Indiantrading post on this strategic site and helpedfinance Holy Trinity (Old Swedes) Church inWilmington, Delaware.

I am pleased to report that the Historic ElkLanding board members were able to raise therequisite $400,000 needed to rehabilitate thehouse. On Saturday, June 13, 2009, they helda ceremony to celebrate the “first phase”

restoration of the handsome stone house. Thefrightening bulge in the wall facing the LittleElk River was corrected and all sides of thehouse’s mortar was repointed. The full-growntrees and resident snakes were wrestled out ofthe interior and replaced by a plywood floorand temporary stairs. Still needed are windowsand mechanical systems.

The house was bought by HenryHollingsworth in 1735, and the propertyremained in the Hollingsworth family untilpurchased by the town of Elkton in 1999.

Elk Landing played a very important partin the Revolutionary War. To help preserve thishistoric site, contributions may be sent toHistoric Elk Landing Foundation, Inc., P OBox 277, Elkton, Maryland 21922-0277(www.elklanding.org).

Volume 5 of the Colonial Records of theSwedish Churches in Pennsylvania is now avail-able. The subtitle of this volume is “The ParlinYears 1750-1759.”

The book is a translation of various docu-ments from Acrelius's Dean's Book of 1750.Acrelius is well known because of his ministry atWilmington’s Holy Trinity and his authorshipof the first major history of the SwedishChurches on the Delaware (A History of NewSweden, Stockholm, 1759, English translation,1874 by William Reynolds). We hear him speakabout conditions of the Swedish churches atmid-century, when the English language wasbecoming dominant. The inclusion of the 1753Church Census tells if members could under-stand, speak, or read Swedish. We also hearfrom famed German pastor Henry MelchiorMühlenberg, who tells us how very successfulOlof Parlin (pronounced Par-leen) was inrebuilding Gloria Dei’s congregation after avery difficult decade caused by Moravian com-petition and former pastor Gabriel Näsman'sstubbornness. Parlin's early death preventedhim from accomplishing even more, and the

high regard in which he was held is shown inthe placement of his grave marker in the centeraisle of the church.

A gold mine for genealogists and NewSweden descendants are the last 71 pages,which list the marriages, baptisms, and burialsfrom 1750-1759. A fine Index makes it easy tospot family members.

Translation of these early records of theSwedish Churches is a significant part of GloriaDei’s tercentennial project. The history of theearly congregation also provides a parallelglimpse of the history of the United States.

Swedish Colonial Society members shouldsend a check for $20 plus $5 shipping for eachvolume. All others: please sent $25 plus $5 ship-ping for each volume. Make check payable to“Gloria Dei” and mail to:

Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church916 S. Swanson St.Philadelphia, PA 19147-4332P) 215-389-1513 • F) 215-389-7817

Volume 5 of Colonial Records of the SwedishChurches in Pennsylvania is Now Available

Tina Lassen resides inDelaware County, PA, and isa Councillor and Forefathermember of Swedish ColonialSociety. She is a descendantof Måns Andersson, JohanGustafsson, ChristinaOllesdotter and CharlesSpringer.


Alfred Nicolosi

New Beginnings for New Sweden Colonial Farmstead:Living History Museum at Bridgeton, N.J.

Pictured at the New Sweden Colonial Farmstead as it appeared in a 1999encampment of the re-enactors of Sir Thomas Blackwell’s Regiment of Foote,depicting a King’s regiment of the English Civil War.

At right, a recent photo showing the deterioration that has occurred to the buildingsof the New Sweden Colonial Farmstead since being built in 1988.

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Under the direction the of Swedish Colonial Society’s current Governor, Herbert Rambo, and Dr. Flavia Alaya of theBridgeton Historic Commission, volunteers are spearheading acampaign to reopen the New Sweden Farmstead in southernNew Jersey as a living history museum. The taget date is 2013,the 375th anniversary of the 1638 landing of the Swedes andFinns in the Delaware Valley.

Commissioned by the New Sweden Company, the sevenlog buildings of the New Sweden Farmstead were built bySwedish artisans, with Cumberland County workers’ help. Thefarmstead represented a working, New World 17th century farmbuilt by Swedes and Finns. It was during their visit in 1988 thatthe King and Queen of Sweden dedicated the farmstead as partof “The Year of New Sweden” celebration.

Staffed by trained docents and history enthusiasts, and fur-nished with rare artifacts loaned by individuals and museums inSweden, the Farmstead attracted visitors from around the U.S.and abroad, including hundreds of students from local schools.

As economic conditions changed and many of the originalvolunteers moved or passed away, the Farmstead was forced toclose in 2001. For the next eight years, the cabins, with theirartifacts intact, maintained a mute, lonely vigil in Bridgeton’slovely city park.

Rescue efforts began early in 2008 when Swedish ColonialSociety Governor Dr. Kim-Eric Williams appointed a commit-tee of SCS councillors, led by Marianne Mackenzie and AlfredNicolosi, to assess the condition of the buildings and secure theartifacts. To protect them from the elements and possible theft,Bridgeton Mayor Jim Begley directed city workers to move theobjects to secure space in City Hall.

With assistance from American Swedish HistoricalMuseum director Tracey Beck and curator Carrie Hogan, aplan was devised to inventory the hundreds of artifacts, com-paring them to photographs and original invoices from 1988,maintained by Carl B. Holm (see Obituaries).

The reorganized New Sweden Company trustees met toreassess the group’s mission and the future of the Farmstead.They changed the group’s name to “New Sweden ColonialFarmstead: Living History Museum at Bridgeton” to betterdescribe the project’s purpose and location.

As a living history museum in the tradition of PlimouthPlantation and Colonial Williamsburg, the NSCF hopes to tellthe story of the interactions among settlers from a variety ofethnic and national backgrounds, including the Swedes, Dutch,Finns, English, African-Americans and Lenni Lenape.

The NSCF trustees are developing grant proposals seekingfunding for the living history center, which will serve as memo-rial to the early settlers and as an educational tool to capture theimagination of new generations of students and visitors. TheNSCF is a 501(c) (3) organization, therefore financial contri-butions are tax deductible to the extent allowed and can bemailed to:

New Sweden Colonial FarmsteadLiving History CenterP.O. Box 191Bridgeton, NJ 08302

Volunteers are needed to catalog the artifacts and recondi-tion the cabins. If you can help or need additional information,contact Alfred Nicolosi at 609-217-4867 or e-mail:[email protected]


Max Dooley

Origins of the Lucia traditions were notoriginally Scandinavian, but trace back to 4thcentury Sicily. Lucia’s mother was a wealthylady and was cured of a severe illness. In thank-fulness and as a Christian, during the last greatpersecution by Emperor Diocletian, Lucia per-suaded her mother to give away her wealth tothe poor. Together they did so, secretly and bycandlelight. The young man to whom Luciawas engaged did not approve giving her dowry

away. He denounced her, had her arrested andimprisoned. She was tortured by boiling oil andburning pitch, but miraculously survived unin-jured. But finally she was blinded and slain witha sword. She was made a martyr saint of theChurch, with her feast day set for December13, the longest night of the year.

Legend has it Lucia’s story came toVärmland with the coming of Christianityshortly after 1000 A.D. Missionaries and priestsmay have used Lucia’s story to inspire new con-verts. Yet, another possibility was Swedishsailors observed the festival in Italy andbrought it back to Sweden. However it arrived,Sankta Lucia day (Luciadagen), December 13,is widely celebrated in Sweden and otherScandinavian countries.

Traditionally on the morning of December13, the strains of “Santa Lucia” are heardeverywhere in Sweden as white-robed maidenswith red sashes come out of the night wearing

crowns with burning candles to dispel the dark-ness. These “Lucias” enter their sleeping par-ents’ rooms carrying trays of hot coffee and“Lussekatt” (St. Lucia Buns made with saf-fron). The procession includes sisters andbrothers also dressed in white. They hold light-ed candles, and sing of the light and joy ofChristmas coming.

In the Delaware Valley venues that celebratethe Lucia fest traditions follow a similar pattern.The families and friends gather and visit until thelights are dimmed, and, as in early morning inSweden, the young voices begin singing theSwedish lyrics to the internationally familiarNeapolitan Santa Lucia melody. All eyes turn toLucia as she enters and leads the processionwearing a long white gown with a wide, brightred sash, symbolic of her martyrdom. On herhead is a crown of lighted candles, and she car-ries a tray of Lucia Buns. The procession ofLucia’s white robed attendants, carrying lightedcandles, is led by the younger girls followed bythe older ones. Near the end of the processionare the boys, also dressed in white robes, carry-ing lighted candles and wearing tall, cone-shaped hats decorated with silver or golden stars.These are the “Stjärngossar” or star boys.Smaller girls and boys dressed in red with redtassel hats, native costumes or as ginger breadcookies are the “Tomtar,” mythical Scandinavianelves or creatures who care for families’ posses-sions, particularly at night. They are the last toenter and participate in the singing. They mayalso have a song or two of their own and tem-porarily steal the spotlight from Lucia. Thewhole troop performs a series of Swedish songsto the delight of families and friends, many ofwhom are descendants of Swedish immigrants.A girl’s progression from Tomte to Lucia takesmany years, but carries a lifetime of memoriesand many accumulated friends. Of course Luciafests would not be complete without refresh-ments and social time after the performances.

Festivals of

Max Dooley considers himselfSwedish by “adoption,” havingbeen a long time parishionerof Trinity Episcopal Parish,which includes Holy Trinity(Old Swedes) Church. Uponretirement, he developed aninterest in Swedish colonialhistory. He is past presidentof the Old SwedesFoundation and continues as a board member. In additionto duties as Swedish ColonialNews editor, he is a memberof the Delaware SwedishColonial Society andCouncillor on the SwedishColonial Society’s board.

Sankta Luciain the Delaware Valley

The Delaware Swedish ColonialSociety’s 2008 Lucia was RebeccaDraper, a descendent of CharlesChristopher Springer.

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Max Dooley

Whole Lucia cast on the Museum’s grand staircaseASHM’s Lucia and attendants

American Swedish Historical Museum’s Lucia

Patriot’s Lucia at Christ Church, Upper MerionThe oldest Lucia cel-

ebration, in what waspart of New Sweden, isthe Patriots’ Lucia heldannually at ChristChurch Upper Merion.Legend has it that on theevening of December 13,1777, General GeorgeWashington and histroops were crossing theSchuykill River on theirway to their winterencampment at Valley

Forge when they observed lights coming from the windows ofChrist Church. Washington sent one of his officers to inquire

of Ezekiel Rambo, a church leader, if his troops could be quar-tered on the church grounds overnight. Rambo asked, “Whatcolor is your army’s uniforms?” With the answer, “Blue,” per-mission was granted. Then the officer inquired as to what washappening in the church that evening, and so the SwedishLucia tradition was explained. Attending the evening’s LuciaFest, in addition to the regular congregation, were GeneralGeorge Washington and General Anthony Wayne. John PaulJones was rumored to have attended, but he had sailed toFrance in November 1777 to assist the AmericanCommissioners, Franklin, Adams and Lee. Each year thePhiladelphia Continental Chapter of the Sons of the AmericanRevolution chooses major events in which they wish to partic-ipate, and the Patriots’ Lucia at Christ Church has been a con-sistent first choice, keeping the tradition alive. The delicioussmorgasbord following the fest is an added inducement.

The earliest date for a Lucia celebration in the Delaware Valley areaoccurs at the American Swedish Historical Museum in Philadelphia. Twoperformances, which include Swedish songs and folk dancing, are held onthe first Saturday of December. In 2010 that first Saturday will be December 4th.The museum’s rooms and central staircase are always beautifully decoratedthroughout in Christmas finery. At the conclusion of the fest deliciousSwedish foods, desserts and gifts are available.

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Pictured above, left to right, is Herb Rambo as hisancestor Ezekiel Rambo, Carol Landouski as Lucia,and James Gallagher a member of the PhiladelphiaContinental Chapter, SAR, as General Washington.

The St. James Lucia Fest traces its origin backto 1954 when Katherine Rambo, a descendant ofSwedish forefather Peter Rambo, wrote the origi-nal script based on her research in Stockholm. TheRev. Dr. James Gilbert, St. James’ Rector from1941-1966, credited her efforts to: “preserve thisancient Swedish Festival and her success is attestedby the number of people who annually attendLucia Fests in Old Swedes Churches.” MissRambo died in 1955 after serving as librarian atEpiscopal Academy, teacher at Lower MerionHigh School, Rosemont College and Women’s

Medical College. She received an award from the Freedoms Foundation for her work inRevolutionary and Colonial History.

St. James’s Lucia Fest is held annually on theSunday nearest December 13th. The children of theparish dress in authentic Swedish costumes duringa vespers service. The story of Santa Lucia is toldtogether with Swedish music and song. The pag-eant serves as a youth ministry with different agesperforming the parts of elves, star boys and atten-dants. And of course everyone enjoys the Swedishrefreshments and fellowship afterwards.

Lucia at St. James (Old Swedes) Episcopal Church of Kingsessing

St. James children’s ensemble ofLucia, attendants, elves and in nativedress costumes.

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SANKTA LUCIA FESTIVAL

Gloria Dei’s Lucia FestThe next oldest Lucia celebration in

the Delaware Valley occurs at Gloria Dei(Old Swedes’) Church also inPhiladelphia. Its beginning is traced backmore than 70 years. To accommodate thegrowing crowds of families and friends,their celebration has expanded into eightperformances over a three-day period. Notonly does this accommodate the largercrowds for the fund-raising event, but alsoeach performance features a differentLucia, creating lifetime memories for allthe girls so honored. Lucia’s Fest for 2010will be 6:00 & 8:00 PM on Friday,December 10th; on Saturday and Sunday,December 11th and 12th, the presenta-tions are 2:00, 3:30, & 5:00 PM. Before,during and after each of the presentations,St. Eric’s Fair, a Christmas bazaar special-izing in Scandinavian imports is held inthe Parish Hall adjoining the Church.Food and drink are available.

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Robert Sandberg, past president of the Delaware SwedishColonial Society, recalled the beginnings of the DelawareSociety’s Lucia celebration shortly before his death inDecember (see obits). He noted the Lucia ceremony had beenheld annually at Holy Trinity (Old Swedes) Church inWilmington since 1978. He further recalled, the first ceremonyheld in 1976 at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Willis Harrington.The following year it was held at the Hotel duPont. MaryMcCoy, also a past president of the DSCS, added, “the cele-bration at the Hotel duPont was very nice, [but] not enough

people could affordto attend.” She statedfurther, “having it atOld Swedes Churchhas made it truly afamily event and onewhich can be enjoyedby all ages.” Like St.James, Kingsessing,the Delaware SwedishColonial Society’sLucia celebration isheld the Sundaynearest December13th. In 2010 that willbe December 12th.After the Lucia program in the church, the congregation is invit-ed to purchase Swedish coffee and goodies in the adjacentChristina Community Center. Before and after the perform-ance, Old Swedes Foundation’s Hendrickson House gift shop isopen for shopping among the many Swedish Christmas items.

Delaware Swedish Colonial Society’s Luciaat Holy Trinity (Old Swedes) Church

Gloria Dei’s 2008 Lucia chorus ofangelic voices singing by candlelight.

Kirsten Seagers,one of the 2009Lucias. Kirsten isthe granddaughterof Doriney & JimSeagers, SCSRegisrar andCouncillors.PH

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DSCS’s ensemble at Holy Trinity: Lucia, Attendants, Star Boys and Tomtar.

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Stjärngossar wait for their turn in the procession.

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Editor’s Note: Many thanks to my Lucia advisors: Tracey Beck, ASHM; JimSeagers, Patriot’s Lucia; Fred Davidson, St. James; The Very Rev. D. Joy Segal,Gloria Dei; Robert Sandberg (deceased), Mary McCoy and Fran Allmond,DSCS’s Lucia at Holy Trinity.


Doriney SeagersNEW MEMBERS

Michael E. Barger, Rio Rancho, NM, descended from PeterGunnarsson Rambo through his son, Gunnar Rambo, and thelatter’s son, John Rambo, of Montgomery County, PA.

Roberta Caito, Indianapolis, IN, descended from PeterGunnarsson Rambo through his son, Gunnar Rambo, and thelatter’s son, Peter Rambo, of Montgomery County, PA.

Alfred B. Capotosto, Aston, PA, descended from Elias Toythrough his son, Frederick Toy, the latter’s son, Nicholas Toy,of Gloucester County, NJ.

Jessica Lauren Duke, Las Vegas, NV, descended fromAnders Bengtsson through his son, Andrew AnderssonBankson, and his son, Lawrence Bankson, of Caswell County,NC.

Roberta M. Fox, Cleveland Heights, OH, descended fromIsrael Helm through his daughter, Elisabeth Helm, who mar-ried George Lawrence and their son, Richard Lawrence, ofLower Chichester, Chester County, PA.

Thomas A. Glowiak, Manhattan, KS, descended from PeterLarson Cock through his son, Lars (Lasse) Cock, and hisdaughter, Margaret, who married Jacob Bankson ofPhiladelphia, PA.

Linda Sittig, Purcellville, VA, descended from PeterGunnarsson Rambo through his son, Gunnar Rambo, and thelatter’s son, Peter Rambo, of Upper Providence, PA.

David E. Shaw, St. Louis, MO, descended from MattsHansson through his son, John Mattson, and the latter’sdaughter, Anna Mattson, wife of Stephen Jones of GloucesterCounty, NJ.

ERRATAIn the Spring 2009 issue of the Swedish Colonial News, Patricia A. Richardson,Fullerton, CA, was inadvertently omitted as a Forefather Member, descendedfrom Johan Hendricksson. We apologize for this omission.

Active members of the Swedish Colonial Society may apply for recognition as “Forefather Members” if they can prove descentfrom Swedish colonists arriving in the United States prior to the Treaty of Paris, marking the close of the Revolutionary War,in 1783. Application forms may be obtained from the SCS website www.ColonialSwedes.org.

NEW FOREFATHER MEMBERS ___________________________________________________________________________

The Swedish Colonial Society welcomes new members. No Swedish rela-tive or ancestry is required – only an interest in colonial history. Contact ourRegistrar: Emily M. Berich, 916 South Swanson St., Philadelphia, PA 19147or visit us online at: www.ColonialSwedes.org. The annual membership feefor an individual is $30. An annual family membership, which includes twoadults and minor children, is $35. Life membership is available for $400.

New Members Welcomed

Robert Edward Cooper and Family, Redding, CARichard E. Rambo and Family, Kintnersville, PA

Ward C. Rambo and Family, Toledo, OHDonna M. Walker and Torben Jenk, Philadelphia, PA

FAMILY MEMBERS _______________________________________________________________________________________

Thomas A. Glowiak, Manhattan, KS Anne Pearson Lugg, Hillsborough, NJ

Pastor Larry M. Neff, New Oxford, PA

LIFE MEMBERS __________________________________________________________________________________________

Ewert Arwidsson, Göteborg, SwedenJerry Benson, Waco, TXHarry G. Enoch, Winchester, KYCheryl Bilderback Evans, Robbinsville, NJJean M. Farnsworth, Philadelphia, PARoberta M. Fox, Cleveland Heights, OHDavid A. Franklin, New York, NY

Sharon E. Garrison, Brentwood, CAGeorge M. Keen, Virginia Beach, VA Cheryl Beadle Marple, Collegeville, PAAllen I. Milman, New York, NYRobert D. Shapiro, Haddonfield, NJLinda Harris Sittig, Purcellville, VAMichelle Emma Walton, Kahului, HI

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS _________________________________________________________________________________

ORGANIZATIONAL MEMBER ____________________________________________________________________________

Doriney Seagers resides in West Chester, Pennsylvania, andhas received the designation of Fellow of the SwedishColonial Society. She has been serving as Registrar for theSwedish Colonial Society. She is presently on the Board ofGovernors for the American Swedish Historical Museum, amember of VASA and other Swedish organizations.

House of Sweden, Carl E. and Ingrid G. Englund, Julian, CA


OBITUARIES

Patrons, Officers & Councillors

High PatronHis Majesty Carl XVI Gustaf

King of Sweden

Deputy High PatronHer Royal Highness

Crown Princess Victoria

PatronHis Excellency Jonas Hafström

Ambassador of Sweden

Deputy PatronHis Excellency Ulf HjertonssonConsul General of Sweden

Associate PatronHon. Agneta Hägglund Bailey

Consul of Sweden

Honorary GovernorsThe Rev. Dr. Kim-Eric WilliamsRonald A. Hendrickson, Esq.

Herbert R. RamboWilliam B. Neal

John C. Cameron, Esq.Wallace F. Richter

Dr. Erik G.M. Törnqvist

GovernorHerbert R. Rambo

Senior Deputy GovernorMargaret Sooy Bridwell

Junior Deputy GovernorKenneth S. Peterson

Treasurer The Rev. David B. Anderson

Financial SecretaryEmily Peg Berich

RegistrarA. Doriney Seagers

Recording Secretary Aleasa J. Hogate

Corresponding SecretaryFrances O. Allmond

ChaplainThe Very Rev. D. Joy Segal

MarshalKenneth S. Peterson

Deputy Governor EmeritaMrs. George C. MacFarland

CouncillorsBret M. Apell

Marie B. BoisvertAl CapotostoDeAnn ClancyFred DavidsonMax D. DooleyTina Fragoso

Christina W. LassenHans Ling

Marianne E. MackenzieMary McCoy

Alfred J. NicolosiSandra S. Pfaff

Mark E. RobertsEdith A. Rohrman

Ellen T. RyeJames D. Seagers, II

Earl E. SeppäläSylvia Seppälä

Katarina K. SheronasSusan B. SpackmanRichard L. WaldronMargaretha Talerman

Robert G. Sandberg,age 70, of Wilmington, DE, passed away Friday, December 4, 2009. Mr. Sandberg was a Director

of Research Planning in the Diagnostic Systems Department for the Dupont Co. He received degreesfrom Hamline University and Ohio State University School of Medicine. He was a member of theDelaware Saengerbund, the Swedish Colonial Society and was past president of the Delaware SwedishColonial Society. Mr. Sandburg sang in the choirs of the American Swedish Historical Museum,Delaware Saengerbund Singers and Grace Lutheran Church. He was an avid Ohio State University foot-ball fan and served as a volunteer medical driver for Lutheran Community Services. He is survived byhis wife of 50 years, Nancy R. Sandberg, his son, Kurt Sandberg, his daughter, Sarah Alexander and 6grandchildren.

Carl B. Holm Jr.,age 91, a 30-year resident of Roadstown, NJ, died at home Sunday, December 13, 2009. A native

of New York, NY, he received his BS degree in agriculture from Rutgers in 1941. He was employed bythe Cumberland County Planning Department from 1944 until retirement in 1980. He was a memberof the Swedish Colonial Society and an original member of the New Sweden Company in 1983. He andhis late wife helped develop Bridgeton’s Swedish Farmstead Museum, and in 1988 hosted the King andQueen of Sweden. Mr. Holm was formerly active with the Cumberland County Historical Society andwas a 25-year member of the VASA Order of America. He helped his wife with the Sankta Lucia cele-bration in Greenwich. At the Swedish Colonial Society’s Centennial Jubilee Mr. Holm was presented theSwedish Council of America’s Merit Award for his work with the New Sweden Colonial Farmstead.

Swedish Colonial NewsThe Swedish Colonial Society916 South Swanson StreetPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania 19147-4332www.ColonialSwedes.org

Editor:Max [email protected]

Publisher:Cataleno & Company

Newsletter Committee:Margaret S. BridwellV. Eugene McCoyKenneth S. PetersonHerbert R. RamboEllen T. RyeA. Doriney SeagersKim-Eric Williams

PRESORTED FIRST CLASSU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDLAFAYETTE HILL, PA

PERMIT NO. 14

Swedish Colonial Society Jubilee Fund Donations Sought

Dr. Craig’s CensusBooks Available

Members and friends of The Swedish Colonial Societycan help replenish the Jubilee Fund by making contribu-tions. As a 501 (C) (3) non-profit organization, contribu-tions to the Society’s Jubilee Fund are tax deductible to theextent allowed by law.

The Jubilee Fund is used for major educational initia-tives. The recent celebration of the Society’s 100th

Anniversary resulted in substantial expenses, particularlythose for the exhibit Colony to Community: The Story of NewSweden, commissioned for the centennial.

“It is important to our future work that the Society havefunding available to undertake important projects. We havea major milestone coming up in 2013 when we will observethe 375th Anniversary of the founding of New SwedenColony,” notes Governor Herbert Rambo.

We need your help to replenish the Society’s JubileeFund. Checks should be made payable to the SwedishColonial Society and “Jubilee Fund” noted on the memoline. Contributions should be mailed to:

The Swedish Colonial Societyc/o Gloria Dei Church 916 South Swanson StreetPhiladelphia, Pa 19147

From Dr. Peter Craig’s collection, addition-al copies of his 1671 Census of The Delaware andThe 1693 Census of the Swedes on the Delawarebooks are available for sale from Gloria DeiChurch. The 1671 census book is $25 and the1693 census book is $45, plus $5 per book ship-ping and handling. On the memo line, pleaseindicate 1671 or 1693. Make checks payable toGloria Dei and mail to:

Gloria Dei Church916 South Swanson St.Philadelphia, PA 19147

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