The Story of Marie, a 19th Century Immigrant to Minnesota in America Part 8-3rd letter-Brunswick,Minnesota
Author’s notes for Marie- Brunswick
I have tried to keep the “flavor” of Marie’s writing but made some changes to the translation to bring it more in line with English usage.
Reference to Jamtland is to the place where Marie worked in Sweden.
Hoglund’s refers to Nils_Olaf Hoglund, Marie’s brother and my grandfather.
A small farm would be called a torpe in Sweden
Tekla would be Marie’s sister-in-law and my grandmother
Maries’s letter is from Brunswick and Hoglund’s were in Bock. I suspect that she was working in Brunswick which is not too far from Bock.
Marie's letter from Brunswick, Minnesota
Brunswick November 11th, 1893
Dear Brother,
Now I’ve at last have arrived to the mentioned America and the journey has been very well. It was a real pleasure-trip. I wouldn't hesitate to do it again if I had to. Neither, I have nothing against staying here, because I find everything much better then I really thought. It isn't possible to be here and talk about America to a person home in Sweden. They will never understand but if mother knew what good ways for the future it is here as in Sweden I think she doesn't have anything to say about I will stay here. The nature is much like Sweden, but there still is summer and very nice weather like the beginning of September in Sweden. The people are very nice and much more educated then home but to me it isn't so unusual. I have seen educated people before. I don't think I will find it unpleasant here. It is nice as in Jamtland I'm very glad I gone away now in the autumn.
I think you want to know how the Hoglund's are. They will have it much better in every way then they had in Nasaker. Much bigger and nicer house with 3 rooms downstairs and one room upstairs. It is true they have a door with glass in one room out to a porch but the porch isn't ready yet. Outside there are all kinds of berries and flowers growing up. Apples, plums and other nice fruits. Yes, it really will be America. Tekla is as at home as in Sweden. She likes to have much to do and nice around her but women have to work here too. It will not be done by itself.
There are many boys living here at Hoglund's. Theodor Blom, Erik Lidholm and Viktor, 0 Sundstrom, 0 Palin and Petter Molen so Tekla has much to do. you see. At the moment there are only Erik and Teodor at home. They will send their best regards to you. They both have bought land and also 0 Sundstrom. They would like if you come over here to paint their houses when they have built. You also can tell mother Anna-Greta that Viktor has more land now then the biggest farm in Sweden and forest everyone have who has bought land. If it would be my point I didn't change.
Viktor has so much land as five small farms like as Fetter's but I understand people in Sweden don't think it is true, of course. I haven't met Viktor but they send post to the place where he is every day and I have wrote to him. He knew when I should arrive. He had asked Tekla to send someone to the station to meet me and so they did. I arrived on Tuesday and now it is Sunday. Soon I will write again. 1 send my regards to all and please tell them I'm very well and pleasant and so will every sensible person who arrives here be.
I haven't visited the family of Jonas Bergqvist yet but I have heard they are well. My regards to all at the Bergqvist's.
Farewell for this time, your sister Maria
Link to part 9
- MARIE-an episode in immigration and family history-part 9-confrontations
"You have a lovely house," Marie said. I want to thank you for the new boots." "A shoemaker must keep his family shod." Her brother Niles said. "Did you have a good voyage from Sweden?" Nils lit...