Pixelpost

Line Game

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 15:48 -0600

This Finnish line lead by guest musician, Diane Jarvi was part of the festive activities that took place during our 2010 Pikkujoulu celebration.

Sauna Restoration 2

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 16:52 -0600

There was a need to replace some of the base logs due to deterioration. The interior of the sauna stayed the same, with the stove made of rocks.

Sauna Restoration 1

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 16:51 -0600

The log restoration work on the sauna was done in 2008 by Edmunds Co., a professional restoration company. Several people donated time and material for other parts of the project.

Inside Sauna

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 16:14 -0600

The smoke darkened walls indicate a true smoke sauna. The fire was started early in the day in the hearth made of rocks. Only when the sauna was very hot would the small doors be opened to let out the smoke. A container on top of the rocks was used to heat water. The sauna was used for many things: a place to bathe, and place to wash clothes, to butcher, to give birth, to fight illness and to socialize. No respectable Finn went without a Saturday night sauna.

Sauna

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 15:03 -0600

This savu (smoke) sauna was built in 1868 by Nils Selvala, Peter Salmonson and Isak Barberg to be shared with friends and family. It was built on their adjoining land. All went well until the township decided it needed a public road built through the property. When the strange bathing habits of the Finns became hazard to those driving by, the owners were told in a court of law to move the sauna. It was moved to the Selvela farmstead and used as a shed. In 1876 it was donated to the CFAHS and moved to Temperance Corner. It is the oldest extant Finnish immigrant sauna in North America.
Restoration work has been done to the sauna several times.

Boxing Flyer

Sat, 15 Jan 2011 17:07 -0600

Boxing matches were a big drawing card in the early 1900’s. Ladies were not allowed as spectators because of the amount of skin exposed by the competitors. The wrestling matches also drew people from many miles away. Some people came just to watch and some came to compete, hoping to win the big cash prizes of $7.50.

Play Flyer

Sat, 15 Jan 2011 16:50 -0600

Amateur theatrical productions were a big part of the entertainment that took place in the Hall. The first known play was done for Christmas in 1903. The plays continued into the late 1930’s featuring local talent.

Outside Hall

Sat, 15 Jan 2011 16:45 -0600

This Temperance Hall, listed on the National Register was built in 1896. It served as a social gathering place for assorted events. It is one of the few existing halls that is still in use. Very little restoration was needed. The benches have been replaced by theater seats on the main floor.

Curtain

Sat, 15 Jan 2011 16:29 -0600

Bikes by Hall

Sat, 15 Jan 2011 16:22 -0600

This photo was taken in the early 1900’s in front of the Temperance Hall. This was one of the many social events that took place at the Hall. These single folks are pretty dressed up for riding bicycles. They must have been trying to impress someone.