Finnish Homestead Tour

That's my topic over at WCCO.com today--and you should go read it. Really. That was one of my favorite things about my recent trip to the Iron Range. I find these pieces of history to be so fascinating, and to see them so well cared for is a treat.

The tour guide not only talked about how the Finnish built their homesteads, she talked about why they came to Minnesota: overcrowded land at home, lack of opportunity, fear of being conscripted into the Russian army, a difficult economy. Then she shared this poem, written by a Finnish man as explanation for his departing Finland. I found it very moving.

I left because I felt
  The home clearings too confining.                       
I left because the home threshold
  Rises too high.
I left because bread
  Always scarce, was now no more.                                     
I expected good fortune out in the world
  Since it did not roost under my home roof.
 
I left to assure
A more secure old age
To provide a loving mother
  With a happier twilight.                                               
I left, nay, not a traitor                           
  To my land and people many.
I left, for kinsfolk drew me                        
Necessity compelled me, need commanded.
 
                              Artturi Leinonen 1912

Comments

[Minnesota Prairie Roots]

Just read the CCO piece, Amy. Very interesting to me, native prairie girl that I am.