The Finn Hall

In 1916 Finnish immigrants constructed a hall near this site under the name of a literary association, Kirjallixuus Seura, and formed a lending library. Although they brought their diet, language, and saunas with them, some old-country beliefs were left behind. They found it necessary to meet where they could study the social customs of their new country, challenge and question partisan politics, and reflect on new theological insights. This cultural center hosted language classes, meetings, athletic activities, wedding dances, funerals, and programs of oratory, drama, poetry, and vocal and instrumental music. Steaming kettles of coffee and the warmth of dignified waltzes, pulsating polkas, and schottisches brought togetherness to these rugged individualists, for life to them was involvement.

Washington · United States