The Waterbury Democrat., 1935-09-26
Swedish People Here
 Number About 2,OO0
Time of First Settlers Arrival Not Known Mechanical
 Ability Give Them Factory Jobs

10 one seems to know exactly wh,n the first Swedish settler came to Waterbury, but it is known that Swedish immigrants came here about the middle of the 18th cen. tury-a long number of years after thu first Scandinavian, Lief Eric son, first glimpsed the American shores in the year 1000. However they were welcome immigrants and their sturdiness and ability tC adapt themselves to their new sur roundings soon marked them the type of citizen that was desired ir the community.
 Today, there are at least 2,00( residents of Swedish birth, by far the largest of the Scandinaviar race which embraces also the Nor wegians and Danes, located ir Waterbury. Two churches, the Swedish Baptist and the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Zion church are now located in the city, the former at 22 Bishop street and the latter at 201 Cherry street. Rev Axel I. Peterson is pastor of the Swedish Baptist church and Rev c. A. Stenholm is pastor of the Swedish Lutheran church.
 The immigrants soon found em- 1.-yment here, their mechanical ability standing them in good stead in the Waterbury factories. Later they branched off into other fields (. activity and some became prom ine.t in business and politics here
 An insight into the history o the Scandinavian race was offered several weeks ago, when the Scan. dinavian house at Settlers Village was finished. It was one of the most impressive and interesting o1 the programs at the village. Prom inent representatives of the Scan- dinavian race in this city and in the United States were present.
 Ideals Stressed
 The ideal and traits of the Scan- dinavian people. especially cooper ati Il and internationalism, were stressed by the speakers. Professor Adolf B. Benson, head of the Ger manic languages department of Yaie University, R. Arfwedson consul general from Sweden, E. Hougen, consul general from Nor way and Helmuth Moller, first vice consul from Denmark were guest speakers.
 Consul General Arfwedson said the Connecticut soil and scenery reminded him of the small beau tiful Swedish province fro m whence he came and he added he Sw 4des have settled here.
 Consul Hougen remarked that Lief Ericson's voyage in the year 1000 from Norway to this country has now been officially recognized by Washington officials, as the first trip made by Europeans to the western hemisphere. He added that the present population of Norwe- gic-s by birth of extraction is nov eqd"l to the population of Norway.
 Consul Helmuth stated that the Scandinavian house at the Village is an evidence of the prevailing cooperation of the three Scandina- vian countries. He urged the mem- bers of the second generation of Danish-Americans to take a more "'.'e interest in the mother coun- try and its heritages such as cul- ture, political and social philos- ophy and especially international political thought.
 Professor Benson outlined the contributions made by Connecticut residents of Scandinavian birth to the state. He mentioned several whose names have become identi- fled with the trades and profes- sions. He pointed out that Scan- dinavians in this state have dem- onstrated their proficiency in all fields of endeavor, especially as in- ventors, skilled engineers, mechan- ics, draftsmen, musicians. horticul- turists and educators. Floyd Ras- mussen of this city, described the Scandinavian countries as "The Holy Trinity" and said the group is an example of Peace on earth, good will toward men,"
 During the program, the audi5 ence of more than $500 were en- tertained by selections of the Swedish Harmony Singing society of 24 males voices and the Arpi sextet of New Britain. Rev. c. A. Stenholm offered the invocation and Rev. Axel l. Peterson gave the benediction. Both ministers preached at union services in the 
 One of the active residents of Waterbury in the interest of the Swedish people. J. A. Sundin, was complimented by Rev. MT. Stem holm for his activities here dur ing the last AZ years. Mir. Sundin was chairman of the Tercentenary 
 The Swedish Baptist Taber- nacle will celebrate it's golden an- niversary, 50 years in the city, on May 10, 1942. It first began to hold services in a chapel near the site of the present church. 22 Bishop street. In 1905 1t began the erection of its new church, under the pastorate of Rev. A. o. Lawrence. During the term Of Rev. A. Linde, the church was and dedicated, May 12, 1892. The services are well att 
 The first settlers in Waterbury