New Britain herald., 1927-02-19

New Britain residents Of Swedish
birth or extraction are taking 8
lively interest in ths John Morton
| memorial and with justifiable pride
are pointing to the influence OF the
Swedes in helping to build America
/ This is as it should be. Historians
have not gone out Of their way te
emphasize contributions which
Swedes have made to the struggles
| of the nation in its early days and
the general public is not familiar
with their works.
In pamphlet issued in connec-
ton with the Morton memorial
campaign, the committee points out
| that the Swedes have been an i'm
portant factor in the life of the
country. This should be brought to
the attention Of public school chill
dren in New Britain where the
Swedes form such an important
unit in the population.
The Swedes were the first to make
permanent settlements in Delaware
and Pennsylvania. This may not
Qualify them to claim equality with
tie vast armies which came over
on the Mayfiower but it is import
ant. Early Swedish immigrants
built the first ships and erected the
first mills in the Delaware valley.
Religiously they were zealouA bring
ing from the homeland those deep
spiritual convictions which have
marked the progress of their race
in America. In carrying out their
principles they built the first
churches in Pennsylvania and made
the first Protestant TRANSACTIONS into
the Indian language.
Farther west, the Swedes flowed
into the Mississippi valley and help
ed to turn it into the greatest gran
airy on the hemisphere. Though of
modest financial means, they erect
ed institutions so that their chill
dren might enjoy the advantages OF
higher education. In war and in
peace, they waved their adopted flag
on high.
Modern historians could add that
the Swedes are law-abiding and in
dustrious citizens. One need only
stroll around New Britain for con-
tirmation of this statement. Their
beautiful churches are monuments
to their sublime faith in religion as
a bulwark of civilization and of in
dividual belief that there are things
greater than life itself. Their homes
are everywhere and they are num-
.bered among the leading business
and professional men of the city. In
the industrial life Of the community,
their skill has been recognized and
factory PERSONALS bear testimony
to the value of their workmanship.
In politics, too, they have enjoyed
the center of the stage, holding
many offices of public trust.
The record of the Swedes in
America is something of which the
Swedes in Sweden might be proud.
The civic club was holding
meeting. The piano player was alb
sent so the members sang Amer
lea in their several keys, without
music, instrumental or vocal.
Several men had already started
their lunch, but stopped and stood
while the club sang.
The president faced the flag and
the members faced the music.
Everybody sat down with much
scraping of chairs, except few
committee chairmen who attracted a
lot of attention by walking around
the room.
Somebody tried to get dollar out
of a reporter. The reporter offered
an even split if he succeeded.
The walters served the soup. Most
of the members ate it silently.
The president made an announce
ment but everybody was talking
and nobody paid any attention to
him.
He held up a bunch of tickets
and somebody groaned Another
five dollars
A professional entertainer sang a
few songs in a squeaky voice and
everybody applauded when he got
through.
A young woman from somebody's
entertainment bureau recited,
Casey at the Bat" She was a good
locker and wore snappy hosiery so
she was invited to recite again She
gave them "Sheridan's Ride" and
most of them wished Sheridan had
stayed 20 miles away.
\ physician explained to a report
er why certain story which the
reporter did not want anyhow,
should not be published.
A member bounced a roll off an
other members bald spot.
The president rang the bell for
attention, but he didn't get it. He
made an announcement to which no
one listened.
He rang again, but a group at one
table insisted upon trying to sing
out the window you must CO."
while at another table member
who had just returned from Florida
was telling about people who Built
tHeil HouSeS On SnllllnS SanQS.
A young woman who sat next
to the president was introduced by
the latter. At least he said some
thing and looked at her, and then
she smiled and got up. Everybody
applauded
who is she?" asked a lawyer,
who had been contributing to the
cause she represented for 10 years.
II don't know" replied a merchant,
whose wife Is on her board of di-
rectors.
Nobody heard what she said, but