Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1874-09-05
THE SWEDISH COLONT.s

We published few days since an &C
count Of the Swedish colony in ARGOS.
took, taken from the editorial columns Of
the Prcsque Isle Sunrise. The following
article upon the same subject is taken from
The editorial correspondence of the Nom
ing Star, of Dover, N. II.
81 have only time for a few words about
New Sweden. This is the name given to 8
settlement in the heart of this Aroostook re-
gion, in which about l20 Swedish families
emigrants from the fatherlands, have been To-
Gated by special arrangements made under
the authority of the State. 1t is now four
years since the first emigrant came in. The
townshp-six miles square-withn whose
limits most of them reside, was a wilderness
at that time. The State aided them some
what in clearing little land and building a
log house for each family, and exempted them,
for a short term of years, from taxation
They arc peaceful, industrious and virtuous
people. A large portion are Lutheraus in re-
lgion; the remainder are mostly Baptists
The Lutheran pastor, Mr.. Wren, is man OF
great excellence-a scholar, a gentleman, a
good financial manager, a hard and varied
worker, teaching, preaching, visiting and act
ing as general adviser and counselor in their
industrial and general affairs, and a medium
of communication with the English speaking
world outside their circle. They venerate,
confide in, and love him. He has just re-
turned from visit to old Sweden, and the
reception given him on his return beanti-
ful, touching, and suggestive. An archway,
covered with evergreen, spanned the road
near his house; he entered his doorway amid
a perfect wreath of floral decorations; and
A., h.
somed with simple and most attractive decor
atoms and silent welcomes, from walls and
orchestra, altar-railing and pulpit, organ and
reading desk. 1t was fitting tribute, and it
spoke impressively of his worth and of their
appreciation and love.
In company with Mr.. Stickney, editor of
the Sunrise, visited quite a section of this
settlement, looked over the field on which the
grain was ripening to a very promising har-
vest, called at few of the houses, and con
versed with such of the people as were met,
and were able to speak in English. One lady
was found who added grace and dignity to in
telligence and culture. She is good must
clan, is familiar with the Latin, and besides
using her own native tongue, converses in
German, French and English. 1t was hu-
man rose unexpectedly blooming in the wild
erness Of pioneer life thoroughly content to
bloom on there without at all pining for the
old garden where it grew up under the care
of tender and loving hands.
OF course, these people work as yet under
serious disadvantages, and some of them find
the burdens heavy, but all things considered
they appear to be getting on well, and there
appeared no sufficient reason for supposing
that any great amount of privation is suffered
or likely to come in, or that the experiment
will issue other than successfully. Measures
are now in progress to ascertain the real con.
dtion and prospects of each family, so thai
there may be no needless suffering at home
or misconception abroad"