The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1937-12-09

letter from the Lutheran Youth, written
by Miss Lembi E Hippaka of Madison,
Wisconsin. a former Ely young lady
and daughter of Mr.. and Mrs. Gabriel
Hippaka OF this city, on trip to
Finland made last summer by Miss
Hippaka.
The Lutheran Youth said:
Memories of last summers stay in
Finland are indeed pleasant ones. AS
is true. I think, of most American-born
Firms, have had a desire all my life
to some DAY visit the homeland Of my
parents. As I recall to mind my visit,
the only unhappy memory is that OF
parting with my cousins and old uncles
who became very dear TO me in the
short time that I knew them. There
is certainly something touching about
stepping off 8 bus or train and being
handed a bouquet of flowers to show
that one is welcome. Or on departure
10 see relative trying to hide his tears
behind the flowers that are again pre-
sented TO one as a parting gift.
At Tiistenjoki, near Lapua, 1 visited
an old uncle with whom spent some
very happy days. He had last seen me
when I was a month old. Hiipakka-
maxi was delightful spot and the
people very hospitable. The same was
true at Jurva and Teuva where found
my mothers relatives. The thing that
impressed me the most about these
people was the feeling Of contentment
and stability. There seemed to be nc
great rush nor desire for great riches
To own a home, piece of land, and tc
make a comfortable living was about
business in serious, unhurried manner
and had plenty of time to show hos
pitality TO visitor.
1t so happened that was in diff
ferent city each Sunday which afforded
me the opportunity TO attend several
churches. They were all very beautiful,
and the order Of service much the same
as in our own. The churches were very
well attended and the clergymen highly
respected. Those churches which I at
tended include "Suurkirkko' in Helsin-
ki, and the churches Laifia, Teuva
Kalajoh and Sortavala. Visited many
others on week days, including those al
TiiStenjoki, Lapua, Turku, Tampere
Viipuri, and many in Helsink. The
most beautiful altar painting I have
ever seen was that in the church al
Kalajok OF the Good Shepherd
Accompanied by a friend, I Travelled
up western Finland to Rovaniemi and
on up 10 PetSamo This journey cannot
be equalled anywhere We drove
through a sparSely inhabited region
Reindeer were frequently to be seen
some Of them running in front Of the
bus for long distances. The farther
north We went, the more mountainous
it became. We assembled "Pyhatunturi,
the highest Of the Lapland mountains
From this vantage point we could gel
a fine view Of the surrounding tundras
Continuing on up north We passed
numerous Lapp dwellings. Their bright
clothes certainly lent color TO the drat
countryside. We arrived at Liinahamari
the port on the Artic Ocean, at mid
night. One might think that such a
trip would mean much hardship. but
not so. We had driven three hundred
and twenty miles since morning but
We were not especially tired. One doe:
not have TO ride more than an hour o.
two at the most in Finland before the
driver suggests a stop for coffee. The
road we had travelled is the only motor
road in the world 10 the shore of the
Attic Ocean. 1t gave one a peculiar
sensation to know that it was midnigh,
but still bright daylight. At three
O'Clock in the morning the sun was il
mid-heaven. The return trip to Rova.
niemi over the same route still hell
plenty of interest. Only a few kilo.
meters from PetSamo is Greek Ortho
doX monastery, the northernmoSt mon
astery in the world. It will soon dis
appear because the government doe.
not permit new members.
At Ojalanoja. We got aboard a boa;
built on the model Of the old tar-boat
and prepared 10 shoot the Oulu rapids
The trip took two hours and though i
was very exciting, We felt quite safe
A skillful boatsman steered the boa
through the rapids. The steep banks O.
the river are covered with thick forest!
and here and there We passed salmon
fisheries
We visitel three ancient castles, thost
at Turku, Viipuri and Savonlinna o.
the three, thought "Olavinlinna" the
most interesting and best kept. We
found our way down 'Linankatu' to g
little island which has been made intS