|
The Finnish hall was reportedly dedicated on Christmas day 1925. Construction of the stage followed, around 1929. The back stage area, razed during the new construction, was added circa 1936. |
|
The hall hosted numerous musical and theatrical performances by local and national talent throughout the 1930's, 40's and 50's. Signatures on the backdrops (of which a large number have been preserved) and stage walls serve as a reminder of those days.
|
|
In 1963 a separate group of local Finns gained title to the hall from a dozen or so remaining active FAEA members. This new group called themselves the Sampo Club. |
|
The hall hosted numerous musical and theatrical performances by local and national talent throughout the 1930's, 40's and 50's. Signatures on the backdrops (of which a large number have been preserved) and stage walls serve as a reminder of those days. In 1963 a separate group of local Finns gained title to the hall from a dozen or so remaining active FAEA members. This new group called themselves the Sampo Club.
|
|
“Sampo”, is the name of the “magical mill” in the Finnish national epic “The Kalevala.” This group added indoor plumbing and central heating. By 1978 the Sampo Club was no longer able to pay property taxes and was ready to sell the hall. Several parcels of land had already been sold to pay past property taxes. However, an eleventh-hour rally by concerned Finnish Americans headed off the sale. |
|
In 1987, when finances again became a problem, the Finnish American Heritage Society was formed. Since assuming title to the Finnish Hall, the FAHS has gained non-profit status and has undertaken a series of restoration and renovation efforts, beginning with a new kitchen and meeting area in 1990. Construction of the Heritage Center, boosted by a successful 1994 fundraising campaign, is complete. A 500 square foot archive and research room, a display area, an office, a library, a handicap accessible lavatory and an enclosed wheelchair ramp have been added. The archive center is now operational.
|
|
We are currently collecting, cleaning and cataloging the hundreds of Finnish and Finnish-American books, records (one of the largest collections in the country), photographs, and other artifacts donated to the FAHS over the years. |
|
The backstage area, with new dressing rooms and storage space are complete, allowing theatrical productions to resume once again. |
|
Our property also houses a national monument to all Finnish-American WW2 veterans. While it was dedicated in August 1995, we are still collecting and adding names of veterans that served our country during the time of crisis. |
|
On April 10 1998, the Finnish Hall, along with numerous other buildings and residences on the Canterbury Green were entered onto the National Register of Historic Places. This was a great recognition of such a history filled building. |
