The Swedish Element 
 in Rockford 
 
 O. M. Nelson 
 
UNIVERSITY OF 
 ILLINOIS LIBRARY 
 
 ILLINOIS HISTORICAL SURVEY 
 
 LIBRARY OF THE 
 
 UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS 
 
 AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN 
 
 Gift of 
 Library 
 Friends 
 
X 
 
 52, 
 
 t ^> 
 
 The 
 
 Swedish Element 
 
 In Rockford 
 
 Industrial, Religious and Social Activities 
 
 of Men and Women of 
 
 Swedish Descent 
 
 O. M. NELSON 
 
 1940 
 
Digitized by the Internet Archive 
 
 in 2012 with funding from 
 
 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 
 
 http://archive.org/details/swedishelementinOOnels 
 
A/ 
 
 Rockford's Early History and Some of Its 
 Swedish-born Industries 
 
 Stephen Mack, a Vermonter, was the first white man who made 
 a permanent settlement in Winnebago county. The exact date is not 
 known, but it was probably about 1829. He was also the first white 
 settler in the Rock River valley. He engaged in trade with the In- 
 dians, taking their fur in exchange for merchandise. He married an 
 Indian woman, daughter of a Pottawattamie chief. In 1835 Mr. Mack 
 took possession of a tract of land at the mouth of the Pecatonica 
 river where he resided until his death. There he planted a village 
 which he called Macktown. He also operated a store, established a 
 ferry and in 1842 built a bridge across the Rock river. He died in 
 1850. Winnebago county was established by an act of the State 
 Legislature of Illinois January 16, 1836. The county war organized in 
 August, the same year. 
 
 The first white settlers in what is now Rockford were Germani- 
 cus Kent and Thatcher Blake. They arrived on the site August 24, 
 1834. Each of them located a claim and built a log cabin. The village 
 was first called Midway because of its location midway between Chi- 
 cago and Galena, but from 1837 became known as Rockford, presum- 
 ably named for a shallow place in the river with a rock bottom where 
 the Indians and later the white settlers crossed the stream. The first 
 settler on the East side was Daniel Shaw Haight who arrived April 
 9, 1835. His cabin, built that year, was the first building on the east 
 side. Mrs. Haight and her sister were the first white women to settle 
 in Winnebago county. Rockford was incorporated as a town in 1839 
 and after a long struggle was made the county seat by election the 
 same year. In 1852 it was incorporated as a city. 
 
 The first Swedes arrived in Rockford in 1852. Among them was 
 John Nelson who afterwards became famous as the inventor of the 
 Nelson Knitting Machine. When he arrived in Rockford from St. 
 Charles, 111., he found ahead of him a few Swedish families and single 
 men who had arrived shortly before. In 1853 a few more Swedes 
 came, and during 1854 and 1855 a larger number, some directly from 
 Sweden and some from Chicago after a brief stay in that city. In 
 1854 the Swedes in Rockford numbered approximately 1,000, in 1862 
 about 2,000, and ten years later about 3,500. The numerous factories 
 established in the city with consequent opportunity for employment 
 attracted more and more of the Swedish laboring class until Rock- 
 ford became known as one of the Swedish population centers in the 
 United States. According to the census of 1930 there resided in Rock- 
 ford at that time 10,088 persons born in Sweden and 12,243 born in 
 America of Swedish parents. If the third generation be included, the 
 Swedish descendants in Rockford must be approximately 35,000. 
 
 The Swedes of Rockford have taken a very active and prominent 
 part in the upbuilding of some of the leading industries of the city. 
 In the forefront of these are the Knitting industry and the Furniture 
 
4 SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 
 
 industry which were both started and developed through their initial 
 stages by Swedish immigrants. The father of the knitting industry 
 was John Nelson, a cabinet maker and inventor who was born in 
 Karrakra, Vastergotland, Sweden, April 5, 1830, and emigrated to 
 America in 1852, locating in Rockford the same year. While operat- 
 ing his own cabinet shop he worked at various inventions and after 
 much experimenting completed in 1873 the remarkable knitting ma- 
 chine that produced in a few minutes a finished hose with double heel. 
 Soon his product was produced in a number of Rockford factories 
 and patented in United States and many European countries. Mr. 
 Nelson died in 1883. His son, Fritjof Nelson, is now one of the leading 
 men in the Rockford knitting industry. 
 
 The Swedish contribution to the furniture industry in Rockford 
 had a unique beginning. In 1875 fifteen Swedish laborers joined to- 
 gether and formed The Forest City Furniture Co. with a capital of 
 $50,000, half of which was paid in at the time. Another company 
 The Union Furniture Co., was started the following year by the own- 
 ers of the earlier company and some additional Swedes. A young 
 Swede by the name of Per August Peterson who had taken a course 
 i a business college was given the management of the business and 
 ultimately became a multimillionaire and the leading industrialist of 
 Rockford. He was born in Sodra Ving, Vastergotland, Sweden, Sep- 
 tember 8, 1846, and came with his parents to America in 1852. Here 
 he worked on farms and in lumber camps and as a rubbish-hauler in 
 Chicago after the great fire before he took hold of the furniture busi- 
 ness in Rockford. 
 
 As the business grew, supported at first mainly by the savings 
 of the workmen, Mr. Peterson obtained additional capital in the form 
 of loans and started new companies. In 1882 he organized The Rock- 
 ford Chair & Furniture Co. and the following year The Scandia Plow 
 Co. In 1887 followed The Standard Furniture Co., in 1890 The 
 Scandia Furniture Co., The Illinois Sewing Machine Co., The Star 
 Furniture Co., The Rockford Mantel and Furniture Co., and The 
 Mechanics Machine Co., and in 1891 a half dozen additional com- 
 panies. 
 
 The financial crash of 1893 tumbled the whole combination of 
 these concerns, and the creditors took over all of them for debt. Mr. 
 Peterson refused to go into bankruptcy and took a job as a traveling 
 salesman for three years with the avowed purpose of paying off all 
 his debts. The banks who had taken over the factories found them 
 a losing proposition and offered to return them to Mr. Peterson on 
 condition that he promise to pay off the loans as soon as possible. 
 Thus he became general manager of the various companies. In the 
 meanwhile he purchased all the stock he could obtain at reduced 
 price. As business began to improve and the factories gradually 
 showed a gain he paid first all his own notes and loans from the 
 banks and then reembursed all those he had purchased stock from 
 by paying the full price for the stock. 
 
 In 1898 Mr. Peterson organized The National Mirror Works and 
 The Rockford Glass Bending Works. In 1901 he took part in founding 
 
SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 5 
 
 The Kurtz-Seeberg Action Co. and the Haddorff Piano Co. In 1909 
 he erected the Hess Brothers Department Store and in 1911 he organ- 
 ized The Rockford Drop Forge Co. He attained a high age, passing 
 away June 1J9, 1927, at 81 years, afteer a most remarkable career. 
 
 Another noted Swede among the inventors and industrialists of 
 Rockford was Oscar Sundstrand who came to America with his 
 parents from Sodermanland, Sweden, in 1882. With his brother David 
 he was put to learn cabinet making, and being mechanically gifted he 
 invented machines for furniture making that led to the organizing of 
 The Sundstrand Machine & Tool Co. For a long time Mr. Sundstrand 
 worked on a simplified adding machine in order to produce a machine 
 with only ten keys, and finally succeeded and built a factory for 
 manufacturing the same. The first machine was sent out in 1911, and 
 the first ten were sold in Rockford. It was patented and is now sold 
 everywhere. The Sundstrand Adding Machine Co. was sold in 1925 
 to Underwood Elliot Fisher Co. In 1931 70,000 machines were pro- 
 duced. 
 
 Levin Faust, another noted Swedish industrialist in Rockford, 
 was born in Falkoping, Sweden, in 1863 and came to Rockford in 
 1887. In partnership with F. C. Hogland and E. C. Traner he founded 
 The National Lock Co., which in 1930 was capitalized for $3,000,000, 
 and employed some 2,500 people. Mr. Faust was actively interested 
 in a number of industrial concerns and was the chief owner and 
 stockholder in the company that erected the magnificent hotel which 
 was named for him and was opened in 1929, costing almost $3,500,000. 
 
 Many other industries have been set afoot by men of Swedish 
 descent, and it is estimated that about seventy of the industrial con- 
 cerns of the city are owned or controlled by men of Swedish extrac- 
 tion, some of these companies being capitalized for over a million dol- 
 lars. Recently several of the prominent industries established by 
 Swedes have passed into the hands of outside capitalists and cor- 
 porations. 
 
 Churches of Swedish Origin 
 
 The First Lutheran Church was organized January 15, 1854, by 
 Dr. Erland Carlson of Chicago with 77 charter members of whom 45 
 were communicants. The first name given to the Church was "The 
 Scandinavian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation." Pastor Carlson 
 agreed to visit the congregation four Sundays during the year and 
 conduct services afternoon and evening the first Monday of each 
 month. Rev. A. Andreen served the congregation during the summer 
 of 1855. On August 20 of that year a lot was purchased for $325 
 and the location for a church building decided upon. The church 
 which cost $775 was dedicated November 23, 1856, by Dr. T. N. Has- 
 selquist. Rev. Andreen who had served the Church partly during 1855 
 and 1856 became resident pastor at Rockford in August, 1856, with 
 a salary of $150 a year. In 1860 the congregation severed its con- 
 nection with the Synod of Northern Illinois and affiliated with the 
 Augustana Synod that was organized June 5, that year. Rev. Andreen 
 left Rockford in 1860, and was succeeded by Rev. A. W. Dahlsten, 
 1861-63. In 1864 Rev. G. Peters took up the work, continuing as pas- 
 
6 SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 
 
 tor until 1885. A new church was erected in 1868-69 which was dedi- 
 cated January 1, 1870, by Dr. T. N. Hasselquist. Thirteen years later 
 a much increased membership made it necessary to raze this church 
 and build a larger one which was completed in the fall of 1884 at a 
 cost of $48,716. Rev. L. A. Johnston was pastor of the congregation 
 from 1886 till 1894. For parochial school purposes a chapel was pur- 
 chased in 1888 and moved to Eighth street and Broadway, and in 
 1891 Luther Hall was erected on Kishwaukee street, the two build- 
 ings costing $10,000. In 1894 the communicant membership reached 
 the figure of 2,066. Rev. Joel L. Haff served the church from April, 
 1895, till his sudden death in February, 1896. He was succeeded by 
 Rev. J. F. Seedoff who remained pastor of the church from 1896 till 
 1927. Because of removals and the cutting out of dead timber the 
 membership was reduced to 1,434 in 1891. In 1904 the present par- 
 sonage was built at a cost of $6,243, the lot costing $3,100. The 
 church has been improved and remodelled repeatedly, the last time in 
 1928 at a cost of $65,000, when a new exterior of hard surface brick 
 trimmed with Bedford stone was put on. The present pastor, Rev. 
 Albert Loreen, has served the congregation since July 1, 1928. The 
 church has now a communicant membership of 1,115. 
 
 The Emmanuel Lutheran Church was organized July 20, 1882, by 
 Rev. Chas. Anderson who became the first minister of the congrega- 
 tion. The organization was accomplished at the Westminster Chapel, 
 and 85 charter members were enrolled. The Emmanuel was affiliated 
 with the General Synod of the Lutheran Church in America until 
 1890 when it joined the Augustana Synod. The first church building 
 which was dedicated October 14, 1883, served the congregation for 
 forty years. In 1920 the building was moved to its present site, 
 eventually becoming Parish Hall and Sunday School Building. Since 
 Rev. Anderson the following pastors have served the church: Rev. 
 Hanson, 1885-88; C. Roos, 1889-90; A. P. Fors, 1890-92; G. Juhlin, 
 1892-95; Oscar Nelson, 1897-1900; Prof. C. O. Solberg, 1901-03; Dr! 
 C. A. Wendell, 1905-12; Dr. J. W. Johnson, 1912-27; Dr. E. C. Bl'oom- 
 quist, since 1928. A new parsonage was dedicated in 1913. The pres- 
 ent church was erected in 1922-23 and dedicated November 11, 1923, 
 by the Conference President, Dr. Peter Peterson. The communicant 
 membership of the church is now 1,346. 
 
 The Zion Lutheran Church was started as an outgrowth of the 
 First Lutheran, the charter members of the Zion Church having pre- 
 viously belonged to the First Lutheran. The organization meeting 
 was held in the Swedish Methodist Church August 7, 1883, when 146 
 charter members were enrolled. The name of The Swedish Evan- 
 gelical Lutheran Zion Church was adopted. Meetings were first held 
 in Chick's Hall, rented for the purpose. The lot on which the present 
 church is located, at Fifth avenue and Sixth street, was purchased 
 the same year for $1,200. The first pastor of the church, Rev. C. G. 
 Lundell, who was a member of the Ansgar Synod, took charge in 
 July, 1884. Meetings were held in the basement of the church in 
 process of erection. In 1885 Rev. Lundell was admitted into the 
 Illinois Conference of the Augustana Synod, and shortly after the 
 
SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 7 
 
 Zion Church also became a member of the Conference. The finished 
 church was dedicated October 11, 1885, by Rev. Erland Carlson, presi- 
 dent of the Augustana Synod. Since the resignation of Rev. Lundell 
 in 1887 the. church has been served by the following pastors: S. G. 
 Ohman, 1888-94; J. A. Eckstrom, 1894-1901; N. P. Sjostrom, 1901-12; 
 G. E. Hemdahl, 1912-18; Carl Salomonson, 1919-28; E. G. Knock, 
 since November, 1928. The membership of the church grew rapidly 
 in the early nineties, and on January 1, 1894, Zion had 1,000 com- 
 municant members. A parsonage was erected in 1910 at 920 Fifth 
 avenue, costing with lot $8,393. A Sunday School chapel was built 
 in Rockview in 1924 which was turned over the following year to the 
 newly organized Tabor Lutheran Church. A two-story structure was 
 added to the church on the south side in 1929, and in 1930 further im- 
 provements of the church property were made at a cost of $10,000. 
 The communicant membership of Zion is now 1,743. 
 
 The Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized January 
 6, 1907, with 57 communicant members. For some months previously 
 missionary work had been carried on in this part of the city by Rev. 
 Alfred Appell upon the call of the Illinois Conference. From the be- 
 ginning of 1907 the Sunday School and other services were conducted 
 in a chapel at Broadway and Eighth street, owned by the First Lu- 
 theran Church. In April, 1908, Rev. Appell resigned because of ill 
 health, and the present pastor, Rev. J. A. Benander, was called, ar- 
 riving at Salem in November, 1908. The same year lots for a build- 
 ing site at 6th street and 16th avenue were purchased at a cost of 
 $1,600, but actual work on the building did not commence until the 
 fall of 1910. In August, 1912, the exterior of the building was com- 
 pleted and the church parlor ready for occupancy, but the church 
 was not finished until November, 1917. Rev. Benander has remained 
 as pastor of the congregation during these 31 years. The communi- 
 cant membership of Salem is now 704. 
 
 The Tabor Lutheran Church was organized February 12 and 23, 
 1925, by Dr. Peter Peterson, president of the Illinois Conference. 
 Fifty-four charter members were enrolled. The Zion Lutheran Church 
 had conducted meetings in the neighborhood since the fall before in 
 a chapel at 12th avenue and 19th street, which the Tabor Church 
 purchased from the Conference for $2,000. In 1935 an addition was 
 made to the chapel. A parsonage was erected in 1938 at 1331 19th 
 street. The first pastor of the church was Rev. Elmer Friedlund who 
 served the congregation from June, 1925, till August, 1927. Since 
 February 1, 1928, Rev. Clarence H. Anderzon has been in charge of 
 the church. The communicant membership is now 415. 
 
 The Mission Tabernacle Church was organized June 1, 1875, un- 
 der the name of Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Mission Society. The 
 following year the church became a member of the Swedish Evan- 
 gelical Mission Synod, the membership continuing until 1885 when 
 this Synod was merged into The Swedish Evangelical Mission 
 Covenant. Meetings were first held in the Westminster Chapel and 
 the Centennial Methodist Church, and were conducted either by visit- 
 ing preachers or local members. The first permanent minister was 
 Rev. J. P. Lindell who served part of 1876. He was followed by Rev. 
 
8 SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 
 
 Palmquist who had charge of the congregation during 1878. In 1879 
 Rev. J. Gustafson became pastor and remained until October, 1880, 
 being succeeded by Rev. A. E. Wenstrand, 1882-84. In November, 
 1881, the congregation was first incorporated under the name of 
 Mission Society which in 1913 was changed to Mission Church. The 
 first church was built in 1880 at a cost of $1,600. The present church, 
 The Mission Tabernacle, at Kishwaukee street and Third avenue, was 
 erected in 1888-89 at a cost of $18,364. Since 1885 the congregation 
 has been served by the following pastors: A. Kalin, 1885-86; F. M. 
 Johnson, 1887-97; S. W. Sundberg, 1898-1904; O. P. Peterson, 1905-6; 
 J. J. Daniels, 1906-9; August Erickson, 1910-16; Carl J. Andrews 
 1916-21; A. T. Frykman, 1921-34; Helge Johnson, 1934-35; Carl g! 
 Westerdahl, since November, 1935. The church now has 830 members. 
 The Bethesda Evangelical Church was organized January 11, 
 1926, in the auditorium of the Mission church. The charter mem- 
 bers came mostly from the older congregation, their chief aim being 
 to establish an English speaking church in the Highland district of 
 the city. At the first business meeting 71 charter members were en- 
 rolled. Meetings were first held in the Highland School auditorium 
 and the Westminster church. In April, 1926, Rev. Harold M. Carl- 
 son was called as pastor for three months. Rev. Carlson came to 
 Bethesda in June the same year and shortly afterward was called as 
 permanent pastor. In June, 1927, Bethesda was admitted as a mem- 
 ber of the Mission Covenant of America. A site for a church was 
 acquired in 1926 at 118-22 Washington street, costing $13,396, de- 
 ducting price received for buildings located on the property. ' The 
 church was erected in 1927-28 at a cost of $77,406, and dedicated 
 March 25, 1928. The church has now a membership of 365 communi- 
 cants with a Sunday School enrollment of 585. 
 
 The Swedish Christian Free Church dates its beginning from the 
 summer of 1883, though not organized until the following year. A 
 few Christians, most of them members of the Mission Church, began, 
 in 1883, to hold meetings for Bible study in the home of Nils Jem- 
 berg on South Third street. In the fall of the same year Hjalmar 
 Anderson conducted meetings in homes and in the Y. M. C. A. Hall 
 at State and Main streets. In the beginning of 1884 the meetings 
 were moved to Union Hall, and Frank Johanson was chosen as the 
 first superintendent of the activities. Visiting preachers assisted 
 local men in conducting services. As the need of a church 
 became more evident, it was decided to incorporate, which was done 
 in February, 1888. A lot was purchased at Fifth street and Fourth 
 avenue, and a modest church erected the same year at a cost of 
 $1,800. A record of members began first in 1890. The first minister, 
 Elof Newberg, took charge in 1892. Professor J. G. Princell who had 
 located at Rockford also served with preaching. The church was 
 considerably enlarged and improved in 1894. Since the resignation 
 of Rev. Newberg in 1894 the following pastors have been in charge 
 of the church: P. J. Elmquist, 1894-96; A. C. Leafgren, 1897-1901; 
 Gustaf F. Johnson, 1901-14; John G. Kalson, 1914-17; E. A. Halleen, 
 1918-27; Elmer Johnson, since 1927. During Gustaf F. Johnson's pas- 
 
SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 9 
 
 torate the membership of the church increased from 167 to 750. The 
 old church being too small, a lot at the corner of Fourth avenue and 
 Sixth street was purchased in 1904 for the price of $2,700 on which 
 a new large- church building was erected in 1905-06 at a cost of 
 $31,000. The membership of the church is now 966. 
 
 The Bethany Methodist Church. Among the first Methodist 
 preachers that visited Rockford were Dr. N. O. Westergren and Rev. 
 S. B. Newman. Dr. Westergren's parents located in Rockford in the 
 fifties, and through them Rev. Newman was invited to visit the city 
 when he organized a class and appointed Dr. Westergren's father as 
 class leader. The Westergren family soon moved to Chicago, but Dr. 
 Westergren occasionally visited Rockford and preached there. At the 
 Conference of 1860 Rev. Victor Witting was appointed pastor for the 
 little flock. He rented a little church in which the meetings were 
 held and many of the numerous Swedish immigrants were converted 
 and joined the group with the result that on January 30, 1861, the 
 First Swedish Methodist Church was organized. In 1863 the congre- 
 gation bought the church that they had been renting and moved it 
 unto a lot on First avenue. During the pastorate of Rev. John Wigren 
 the membership was greatly increased, necessitating a larger meeting 
 place, and a new brick church was erected in 1877. Forty years later 
 conditions had so changed that it was found advisable to seek a new 
 location. Lots were bought at Eighth street and Third avenue in the 
 spring of 1919, and the present church and parsonage were built, the 
 church being dedicated March 28, 1920, by Bishop Thomas Nicholson. 
 The value of the property is about $60,000. Twenty-six different pas- 
 tors have served the church during its eighty years existence. The 
 longest term as pastor was held by Rev. E. J. Eliason who served 15 
 years. The present pastor, Rev. Gustav Erickson, came to Rockford 
 in 1938. The membership is now a little over 300. 
 
 The Temple Baptist Church (formerly First Swedish Baptist 
 Church) was organized September 11, 1880, in the State Street Bap- 
 tist church, Rev. Erik Wingren of Chicago acting as chairman of the 
 meeting. Twelve charter members were enrolled. As early as 1873 
 a few Swedes of the Baptist faith were found in Rockford and meet- 
 ings were held in homes by visiting preachers from Chicago and 
 other places. The congregation was first called The Scandinavian 
 Baptist Church, and was incorporated under that name in 1882, the 
 name being changed two years later to The First Swedish Baptist 
 Church. The first pastor of the church was L. J. Ahlstrom. Meetings 
 were held first in homes and then in an assembly room in the State 
 Street church. Rev. Ahlstrom left in 1881, and was succeeded the 
 following year by Rev. C. Silene. A lot was purchased in 1883 and a 
 store building moved onto it and fitted for a meeting house at a total 
 cost of $1,500. As the membership increased larger quarters became 
 necessary,' and a new church was built in 1888 at Seventh street and 
 Fourth avenue, costing $6,500. Between vacancies the church was 
 served by the following pastors: J. P. Forsell, 1885-87; Uno Noll 
 Brauer, 1887-89; Petrus Schwartz, 1889-94; C. P. Levin, 1894-96; 
 Magnus Larson, 1897-1903; C. W. Sundmark, 1903-10. In 1907 the o.ld 
 
10 SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 
 
 church was sold to the Salvation Army, a lot being purchased at 
 Fifth avenue and Eighth street on which a new church was erected 
 in 1908 at a cost of $25,000, including lot. Since the resignation of 
 Rev. Sundmark the following pastors have served the church- J Al- 
 fred Erickson, 1910-13; Eric Carlson, 1914-15; P. Alfred Peterson 
 1915-17; E. J. Nordlander, 1918-20; Jacob Peterson, 1920-31- Eric 
 Carlson (second time), 1932-37; Gustav A. Gustavson, since August. 
 1937. The church has now about 400 members. 
 
 The Elim Baptist Church (formerly Second Swedish Baptist) 
 was organized in 1917 with about 25 charter members. Meetings were 
 first held in a rented church building at Broadway and Eighth street 
 The church was built in 1923 at the corner of 16th avenue and 10th 
 street. The following pastors have served the church: Eric Rosen 
 Eric Hallden, Axel C. Johnson, M. F. Jensen and Albin E. Appelquist 
 who has been in charge since June, 1937. The membership is now 
 about 100 with a Sunday School attendance of 120. 
 
 The Swedish Salvation Army was organized in 1891. About 40 
 years ago a Swedish Baptist church was purchased for a meeting 
 place, and 20 years later an adjoining building was bought for of- 
 ficers' quarters. The buildings are located at 1019 Fourth avenue 
 The Corps has now 205 senior and 70 junior members. Since Septem- 
 ber, 1939, Adjutant George Perry is in charge of the Corps. 
 
 The Swedish American Hospital 
 
 From a small beginning which consisted of a letter to the Sven- 
 ska Posten by a man named Nelson, accompanied by a contribution 
 of one dollar the idea of a Swedish hospital in Rockford was first 
 given serious thought. The matter was given considerable publicity 
 by the editor of the Svenska Posten, and a meeting of all the Swed- 
 ish ministers in Rockford was called to talk it over. The minutes of 
 the first meeting held May 31, 1911, indicate that Mr. Wm. Johnson 
 acted as chairman and Mr. Levin Faust as secretary protem Other 
 officers were Rev. H. P. Sjostrom, vice president; Hjalmar Lund- 
 quist, secretary, and G. Adolph Peterson, treasurer. After speeches 
 being made by a number of the ministers, as well as Levin Faust 
 Hjalmar Lundquist, F. G. Hogland, Wm. Johnson and others, a mo- 
 tion was made, seconded and carried unanimously that the Swedish- 
 American Hospital Association of Rockford, Illinois, be incorporated 
 under the state laws which was done June 6, 1911. A board of twenty- 
 four directors was also elected, and a committee was appointed for 
 the soliciting of funds. 
 
 The hospital building was opened July 17, 1918. The site was 
 well chosen, it being located in a quiet residential section. It has a 
 bed capacity of eighty-seven, and boasts of the finest equipment and 
 the best of service. The hospital is approvel by the American College 
 of Surgeons and is a member of the American Hospital Association 
 A School of Nursing comprising approximately fifty students is main- 
 tained and is approved by the State Department of Registration and 
 Education. 
 
 The officers elected by the Association for the year 1939-40 are 
 as follows: Gunnard A. Anderson, president; Carl E. Swenson vice 
 president; Mrs. A. G. Ogren, secretary; and C. A. Rohlen, treasurer 
 The Superintendent of the hospital is Mr. C. N. Andrews 
 
SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 11 
 
 Swedish Societies and Clubs 
 
 The Svea Soner Singing Society was organized in January, 1890. 
 The leading spirit in the undertaking was a musician by the name of 
 C. H. E. Oberg who had been a choir director in Sweden and was one 
 of the famous Arpi singers at the Paris Exposition in 1867. While in 
 Rockford he was organist in one of the local churches and was chosen 
 director of Svea Soner. After his removal from Rockford the choir 
 was directed by various leaders for short periods until a professor 
 Wm. Swenson arrived from Sweden and took on the dual responsibili- 
 ty of organist in the Zion Lutheran Church and director of Svea 
 Soner. During his leadership the chorus joined the American Union 
 of Swedish Singers and took part in the great concerts at the World's 
 Fair in Chicago in 1893. From 1894 till 1896 A. B. Ohman was direc- 
 tor of Svea Soner, but after his leaving the city the chorus was with- 
 out a director and suffered other adversities in the form of division, 
 more than half of the singers separating and forming another choir. 
 Then professor Ortengren from Chicago came to the rescue of Svea 
 Soner and accepted the directorship which he continued for sixteen 
 years, coming to Rockford every week during the singing season. 
 Under his leadership selected members of the chorus took part in a 
 number of singing festivals, and four Rockford singers joined the 
 elite chorus of 45 that went to Sweden in 1910. Professor Ortengren 
 decided to remain in Sweden, and for the last thirty years Svea So- 
 ner have had as director an able musician of their own number, Mr. 
 Gustaf Ohlson. During this period the chorus has taken part in va- 
 rious Singing Festivals of the Western Division of the Union of 
 Swedish Singers, besides giving generously of its services to its home 
 city. The chorus has also sponsored the bringing to Rockford a 
 number of noted choruses and individual singers and celebrities from 
 Sweden. Meeting first in rented halls, the society in 1892 decided to 
 erect an opera house on Seventh street. An association was formed 
 for this purpose and a site purchased for $10,000, stock being sold to 
 members. The building contract called for $54,000, but before the 
 building could be finished the financial crash knocked the bottom out 
 of the venture, an outsider taking over the assets. Later the pur- 
 chaser generously offered to sell the finished building to Svea Soner 
 for $28,000. His offer was accepted, and the whole amount paid in 
 due time, the building, Svea Hall, at 326 Seventh street, now being 
 the property of the Society. The active chorus now numbers 29 
 singers and the Society 200 resident members. The present officers 
 are: J. H. Hallstrom, president; George W. Asprooth, vice president; 
 Arvid Anderson and Vernie Gustaf son, secretaries; and Al Ekeberg, 
 treasurer. 
 
 The Lyran Singing Society was organized October 17, 1893, with 
 eleven charter members. At first the singers met in the homes of 
 different members. Later a hall was rented for the purpose. On 
 January 1, 1905, the Society was incorporated. The Lyran Building 
 was erected in 1911 at 1115 Fourth avenue. The Society also owns a 
 picnic ground, "Oak Hills," comprising 35 acres, by the Kishwaukee 
 river, seven miles from Rockford. A sick and funeral fund has been 
 
12 SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 
 
 established by the membership. The Society now numbers 290 mem- 
 bers and 35 active singers. John Roebuck is director of the chorus. 
 The present officers of the Society are: John E. Carlson, president; 
 Carl Swanberg, secretary; Einar Hedlund, financial secretary; and 
 Gustaf Lager, treasurer. 
 
 The Swedish Music and Sick Fund Society (S. M. & S. F. Club) 
 was organized in 1899 for the avowed purpose of providing sick and 
 funeral benefits and social enjoyment for its members. In 1918 the 
 Society erected its own building at 1019 Third avenue with store 
 rooms on the first floor and an assembly hall and club rooms on the 
 second floor. The Society owns country grounds in the form of a farm 
 of 144 acres, located on the Rock river, eight miles southwest of the 
 city. While the farm is rented out, an inclosed yard with cottage 
 provides a rendevouz for club members. The Society has now 150 
 members. The present officers are: Timotheus Hanson, president; 
 John Peterson, recording secretary; John E. Ahlquist, financial secre- 
 tary; Gust Johnson, treasurer. 
 
 The Swedish-American Gymnastic Club had its inception before 
 the World War, but disbanded during the war period and was re- 
 organized in the early twenties. In 1936 the Club purchased the for- 
 mer Good Templar Hall at 1015 Third avenue in which it is now car- 
 rying on its performances. These have been consisting mainly of the 
 Ling System of Gymnastics, being now centered on Gymnastics and 
 Weight Lifting. At present Axel Tegner and Alfred O. Ahlstrand 
 are two of its outstanding performers. The Club has about 150 mem- 
 bers. Axel Tegner is vice president of the Club and A. O. Ahlstrand 
 chairman of its Board of Directors. 
 
 The Independent Order of Good Templars is represented in Rock- 
 ford by two lodges, Rockford and Vega. A lodge named Skandia was 
 organized in Rockford in the nineties, the name being later changed 
 to Skandinavia. Another lodge named Linnea was started some time 
 later. In 1919 Skandinavia and Linnea were merged into one lodge 
 called Rockford Lodge No. 6 which now has a membership of 100 and 
 possesses its own building, erected in 1916 at 1535 South Ninth street. 
 — The Vega Lodge No. 4 was organized in 1911 and has now a mem- 
 bership of 125. Carl Linde is chief templar and Gunnar Anderson, 
 secretary. Associated with the Vega are two Junior Lodges, No. 13 
 and No. 14, and the Vega Gymnastic Club. Rockford and Vega are 
 joint owners of a country resort, Camp Elmwood, comprising 16 
 acres, located by the Kishwaukee river, eight miles south of Rockford. 
 The Independent Order of Vikings has four lodges in Rockford. 
 Ellida Lodge No. 25 was organized in 1906, and has a mixed member- 
 ship of 356. Meetings are held at the Viking Hall, 702-4 Seventh 
 street. The Ellida is the owner of Camp Hillcrest, comprising 67 
 
 acres by the Kishwaukee river, eight miles south of Rockford. The 
 
 Baltic Lodge No. 56, organized in March, 1907, has a membership of 
 about 400. Four years ago this lodge built its own club rooms at 1524 
 South Ninth street, and in 1938 added a suitable hall to the building. 
 — The Baltic Star, No. 112, a ladies' lodge, was organized May 8, 
 1937, and has now a membership of 138. Their meetings are also held 
 
SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 13 
 
 in the Viking Hall on South Ninth street.— The Lindy Lodge No. 73 
 is composed of members located at Loves Park, a suburb of Rockford. 
 Ladies' Independent Order of Vikings Lodge Elvira No. 26 was 
 organized in- 1912 and has now 122 members. Its meetings are held 
 at 1612 Sixth avenue. Officers are, Hazel Ney, president, and Jennie 
 Peterson, secretary. 
 
 The Independent Order of Vasa is represented in Rockford by 
 three lodges. Hilding No. 135 was organized February 13, 1908, and 
 has now a membership of 200. Its present secretary is Ellen John- 
 son. Meetings are held at the Tegner Hall, 1016 Fourth avenue, the 
 2nd and 4th Friday of each month.— Brahe No. 245 was organized 
 January 30, 1913, and has a membership of 165. Meetings are held 
 at Tegner Hall, the 2nd and 4th Thursday. Laura Swanberg, secre- 
 tary.— Elvira No. 522 was organized November 10, 1928, and has now 
 a membership of 135. Meetings are held at the Viking Hall, 702 
 Seventh street, the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month. Sigrid Larson, 
 president, and Mrs. Ingeborg Carlson, secretary. 
 
 The Independent Order of Svithiod has three lodges in Rockford. 
 They all hold their meetings at the Svithiod Hall, 1110 Fifth avenue. 
 The John Ericsson Lodge No. 23 was organized in June 1903, and has 
 now a membership of 445. Its present officers are, Gustaf Soder- 
 strom, president, and Birger Johnson, secretary.— The Ladies' Lodge 
 Frideborg No. 17 was organized Septemper 11, 1908, and has now 
 115 members.— Corona No. 55 was organized in 1917 and has a mem- 
 bership of 147. Mrs. Augusta Sandberg, president, and Mrs. Martha 
 Larson, secretary. 
 
 The Scandinavian Fraternity of America has two Swedish lodges 
 in Rockford. Harold No. 84 was organized February 18, 1907, and 
 has now a membership of 215. Axel Leamont, president.— Baner No. 
 138 was organized March 8, 1912, and has now 230 members. Vic 
 Peterson, president. 
 
 The John Ericsson Republican League, a branch of the state or- 
 ganization by the same name, was organized in 1893, simultaneously 
 with the State League. The Winnebago County organization is the 
 second largest in the state. Mr. Stanley Kjellgren is its present 
 president. 
 
 The Swedish Historical Society 
 
 This society is an outgrowth of the New Sweden Tercentenary 
 Committee which functioned in Rockford during 1938 in carrying out 
 the most ambitious and successful local celebration staged anywhere 
 commemorating the 300th anniversary of the establishment of the 
 New Sweden colony on the Delaware. 
 
 During the past year, the society's most successful undertaking- 
 has been the sponsorship of semi-weekly Swedish radio programs 
 over radio station WROK. Half-hour programs have been given 
 Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons with approximately forty 
 different musical groups, soloists and speakers taking part. Seventy 
 half-hour programs were given between October, 1939, and June 1, 
 1940. Similar broadcasts were sponsored during the spring of 1939 
 and the first six months of 1938. 
 
14 SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 
 
 The idea of a New Sweden tercentenary organization took form 
 in Rockford at a meeting at Hotel Faust September 20, 1937. The 
 formal organization followed in December. By proclamation of Mayor 
 Charles F. Brown, the entire week of March 21 to 26, 1938, was set 
 aside as the New Sweden tercentenary week for Rockford. The high- 
 light of the celebration was a mass meeting at the National Guard 
 armory attended by 6,700 persons, with thousands turned away. 
 
 An old-fashioned Swedish coffee party on March 26 in the 7th 
 street business district was a tremendous success. Ten thousand cups 
 of coffee were served. A concert by the Augustana college choir was 
 sponsored by the tercentenary committee April 20. A souvenir New 
 Sweden coin was minted by the local committee. On one side was the 
 face of the late P. A. Peterson and the words "Honoring Swedish 
 Settlers of Rockford" and "P. A. Peterson." On the other side was 
 a replica of the Kalmar Nyckel and the words "New Sweden Ter- 
 centenary 1638-1938." Five thousand coins were made. 
 
 Two hundred Rockford persons attended the official celebration 
 at Wilmington. They included the Svea Sdner male chorus and the 
 Rocklynn Children's club. Gov. Henry Horner also recognized the 
 Rockford group by appointing Herman G. Nelson as a member of the 
 official Illinois Swedish tercentenary commission. 
 
 Climax of the Rockford observance was the visit of Prince Bertil 
 on July 15 under auspices of the tercentenary committee. Prince Ber- 
 til was guest at the business men's luncheon at noon. In the after- 
 noon, he visited three Rockford factories and the News Tower. He 
 spoke early in the evening to 6,000 persons on the lawn of the Swed- 
 ish-American hospital and later was guest at the banquet at Hotel 
 Faust. 
 
 Officers of the Swedish Historical society for 1940 are Dr. E. G. 
 Bloomquist, president; Eric Anderson, vice president; Herman G. Nel- 
 son, secretary-treasurer; and the following directors: Thorsten Thor- 
 stenson, Oscar W. T. Peterson, J. Herman Hallstrom, Axel Ney, Mrs. 
 Ernest Nyberg, Mrs. Alida Carlson, A. J. Anderson, Albert N. Nel- 
 son, George Blomgren, Alf. O. Ahlstrand, Axel Rehnberg and Adju- 
 tant George Perry. 
 
 The 1940 radio committee, which is the same as functioned in 
 1939, consists of the following: Thorsten Thorstenson, chairman; 
 Hilmer Borggren, vice chairman; Herman G. Nelson, secretary-treas- 
 urer; Dr. E. C. Bloomquist, Gust E. Swanson, George Blomgren, G. A. 
 Ohlson, Albert Ulin, Lawrence D. Larson, Axel Mickelson, Otto Axel- 
 son and Alf. Ahlstrand. 
 
 In 1939, the society was instrumental in bringing about the first 
 observance in Rockford of Leif Ericson Day on October 9. The Ameri- 
 can flags, as a result, were displayed on all public and private build- 
 ings and in all the business districts. Recognition was given in the 
 public schools. 
 
 (H. G. N.) 
 
SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 15 
 
 Business and Prof cssional Men of Swedish Descent 
 
 HERMAN G. NELSON, journalist, was born at Rock, Mich., 
 March 8, 1902. His father, Edward Nelson, emigrated to America 
 from Halmstad, Sweden, in 1889 and located in Upper Michigan 
 where he first engaged in lumber business, but for the last 25 years 
 has been employed by the Northwestern railroad. Herman's mother, 
 Esther Nelson, came to America from Oland, Sweden, in 1900. Both 
 his parents now reside at Escanaba, Mich. Herman grew up at Esca- 
 naba where he attended the city schools whereupon he took a course 
 at Augustana College, graduating in 1926 with the A. B. degree. 
 Moving to Rockford in June, 1926, he obtained a position as reporter 
 for the Rockford Morning Star which he still holds. Mr. Nelson was 
 married August 27, 1929, to Rosa M. Bolander of Rockford. They 
 have two daughters, Ruth Mae and Margaret. In 1929 Mr. and Mrs. 
 Nelson took a honeymoon trip to Sweden, remaining a year, Mr. Nel- 
 son devoting his time to the study of Swedish literature. Mr. Nelson 
 has been a member of the Board of the Augustana College and Theo- 
 logical Seminary since 1936, and a member of the Winnebago County 
 Board of Supervisors since 1935. He is secretary and treasurer of 
 the Swedish Historical Society of Rockford and was vice chairman 
 of the Illinois Swedish Tercentenary Commission. Mr. and Mrs. Nel- 
 son are members of the Zion Lutheran Church. 
 
 FRED J. KULLBERG, County Judge, was born in Rockford 
 March 26, 1905. His father, John Kullberg, came to America from 
 Bohuslan, Sweden, in the later eighties. He located in Rockford 
 where he engaged in shoe business, but is now retired. Fred's mother, 
 Mina (Hanson) Kullberg, came from the same place in Sweden as 
 her husband. After attending the public school Fred studied at 
 Augustana College three years and took his law course at the North- 
 western University Law School, where he graduated in 1931. Hav- 
 ing served as assistant States Attorney from 1932 till 1938 he was 
 elected County Judge of Winnebago County in 1938. Mr. Kullberg 
 was married in 1934 to Elvira Turnrose of Rockford. They have three 
 children, Kay 4; Sally, 1V 2 ; and John, born in October, 1939. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Kullberg are members of the Zion Lutheran Church. 
 
 JOHN A. ALDEN, banker, was born in Tveta parish, Kalmar 
 Ian, Sweden, October 29, 1867, and came to America in 1885, locating 
 first at Galesburg, 111. After spending some time as a farm hand in 
 Nebraska and Iowa he attended Augustana College two years and 
 then came to Rockford in 1889 and operated a Book and Stationary 
 store for 14 years. In 1912 he became connected with the Swedish 
 American Bank which had been started two years before. Being first 
 vice president of the bank, he was later made president, which post 
 he held until in 1940 he became chairman of the Board of Directors. 
 In 1898 Mr. Alden was married to Selma C. Malmberg of Rockford. 
 They have two children, Marvin O., employed by the Gas & Electric 
 Co.; and Agnes M. (Mrs. Phil Anderson). Mr. and Mrs. Alden are 
 members of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church. 
 
16 SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 
 
 REV. ERIC GUSTAF KNOCK was born at Cowrie, la., March 
 
 29, 1880. His father, Carl Gustaf Knock, came to America from 
 Kristinehamn, Varmland, Sweden, in the later sixties, locating first 
 in Kansas and later in Chicago where he worked as a carpenter. In 
 1875 he moved to Gowrie, la., and engaged in farming. He died in 
 1893. Eric's mother, Anna Lovisa (Lindquist) Knock, who came from 
 Karlskoga, Varmland, died in 1925. Eric worked on the farm until 
 he entered Gustavus Adolphus College in 1899, graduating from that 
 institution in 1905 and from the Theological Seminary in 1908. After 
 his ordination in Chicago June 14, 1908, he served as pastor in Lin- 
 coln, Nebr., 1908-19; Wakefield, Nebr., 1919-24; Augustana Church, 
 Denver, Colo., 1924-28; and Zion Lutheran at Rockford since Novem- 
 ber, 1928. In the Nebraska Conference he served as secretary 
 1912-19, vice president 1920, and president 1921-24. He was a mem- 
 ber of the Board of Luther College 1921-24, of the Swedish National 
 Tuberculosis Sanitarium 1924-28, and has been a member of the 
 Board of the Immanuel Deaconess Institute since 1922, and of the 
 Board of the Augustana Hospital in Chicago since 1938. On June 
 
 30, 1908, Rev. Knock was married to Jennie Sandahl of Stillwater, 
 Minn. They have four children, Luther Gustaf, Lutheran minister 
 at Harvey, 111.; Ruth Louise, organist and choir director at Harvey, 
 111.; Theodore Emmanuel, employed by the Chicago Relief Adminis- 
 tration; and Eunice Genevieve, music teacher in Junior High School, 
 Rockford. All the children are graduates of the Gustavus Adolphus 
 College where four brothers and one sister of Rev. Knock also 
 graduated. 
 
 WILBUR CHRISTENSON, mortician, was born at Portland, Con- 
 necticut. His father, Nels G. Christenson, came to America from 
 Halland, Sweden, in the later sixties, and located at Portland where 
 he was engaged as a stone mason. In 1900 he moved to Jamestown, 
 N. Y., and from there to Rockford in 1914. He died November 12, 
 1914, at 69 years of age. Wilbur's mother, Eleanor Christenson, was 
 born in 1834 and passed away April 21, 1933. Wilbur received his 
 education in the Jamestown public schools and afterwards took a 
 course at the Worsham College of Embalming, Chicago, graduating 
 in 1914. The same year he established a mortuary at Rockford, lo- 
 cated at 925 Third avenue. Mr. Christenson was married in 1916 to 
 Alta Meves, a music teacher of Tama, la. They are members of the 
 Emmanuel Lutheran Church. 
 
 BERNARD HJALMAR SODERMARK, restaurateur, was born 
 in Lilla Mellosa, Sbdermanland, Sweden, December 27, 1890, and emi- 
 grated to America in 1916. Locating at Rockford, he worked for 
 Greenlee Brothers five years. After attending Augustana College in 
 1922, he obtained a job with the Forest Bit and Tool Co., which he 
 continued for five years, and then operated a meat market in Rock- 
 ford ten years. In 1937 he opened the American Swedish Restaurant 
 at 504 Seventh street which he is now conducting. In April, 1937, he 
 entered into wedlock with Beda Magnuson from Vastergotland, 
 Sweden. Mr. Sodermark is a member of the I. O. V. Lodge Ellida. 
 
SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 17 
 
 ALBERT N. NELSON, County Treasurer, was born in Rockford 
 June 19, 1888. His father, Andrew Nelson, came to America from 
 Varmland, Sweden, in the seventies. He was first employed on the 
 Illinois Central railroad in Mississippi, but moved later to Rockford 
 where he worked for the Forest City Furniture Co. 25 years. He died 
 in 1914. Albert's mother, Anna B. Nelson, who came from Skara- 
 borgs Ian, Sweden, died in 1939. Albert received his education in the 
 public school and Brown's Business College. After being engaged as 
 bookkeeper in a grocery store three years and as office manager of a 
 dry goods store five years he became superintendent and advertising 
 manager of the Ashton Dry Goods Co., serving in that capacity for 
 15 years until the business was sold to a chain store concern in 1925. 
 During 1920-31 he served as alderman from his ward. Being engaged 
 as real estate salesman for four years, he was a member of the 
 Board of Supervisors 1925-30. In 1930 he was elected County Treas- 
 urer without opposition. After serving as deputy treasurer 1935-38 
 he was again elected Treasurer on the republican ticket in 1938. Mr. 
 Nelson was married October 25, 1913, to Laura C. Samuelson of 
 Rockford. They are blessed with two children, L. Beatrice, school 
 teacher, born 1915; and Robert N., born 1919, shipping clerk for the 
 All Trades Printing Co. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson are members of the 
 First Lutheran Church. 
 
 ALFRED AHLSTRAND, attorney, was born in Rockford Jan. 
 22, 1903. His father, Alfred Ahlstrand, came to America from 
 Hegum, near Skofde, Vastergotland, Sweden, in 1886, and located at 
 Rockford where he was engaged as a cabinet maker, retiring from 
 active work in 1928. Alfred's mother, Eva Olivia Ahlstrand, came 
 to America from Habo, ostergotland, Sweden, in 1887. After attend- 
 ing the city schools, Alfred studied law at the University of Illinois, 
 graduating in 1926, and was admitted to the bar the same year, and 
 started practice with office in the Security National Bank Bldg. He 
 was City Attorney from 1933 to 1937, having served as Justice of 
 the Peace before that. In 1939 he was elected Police Magistrate. 
 During vacation periods in 1919-26 he served as reporter for the 
 Register-Gazette. He has been president of the Swedish American 
 Gymnastic Club for two years. 
 
 CARL JOHANZON, jeweler, was born in Upsala, Sweden, No- 
 vember 6, 1863. At the age of 13 he began to learn the watchmaker's 
 trade and worked at the trade in his native land until he emigrated 
 to America in 1893. Locating in Chicago, he was employed by Otto 
 Young five years and by Spalding & Co. six years as foreman of the 
 shop. After a visit to Sweden in 1905 he spent another two years 
 with Spalding & Co. whereupon he was engaged by J. A. Sodern & 
 Co! until 1913 when he moved to Rockford and started his own shop. 
 He is now located at 1027 Charles street. Mr. Johanzon was married 
 in Upsala, Sweden, in 1889 to Maria Petterson of that city. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Johanzon are members of the Temple Baptist Church. Mr. Jo- 
 hanzon is also a member of the Good Templar Lodge Rockford, being 
 the oldest member of the Illinois Grand Lodge, his membership 
 dating back to 1882. 
 
18 SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 
 
 NELS P. NELSON, attorney, was born in Tronninge, Halland, 
 Sweden, October 23, 1865, and emigrated to America in 1885. After 
 spending some time in the western states, working in logging camps 
 in Washington and on ranches in Idaho, he returned to Illinois where 
 he was employed a year on a farm at Putnam. Having determined 
 to obtain a better education, he took a course at Augustana College 
 and then studied law at the Iowa College of Law at Des Moines, fin- 
 ishing his law course at the University of Nebraska in 1902. Locat- 
 ing at Rockford, he was admitted to the bar in 1903, was employed 
 two years by the Free Sewing Machine Co. and started practicing 
 law in this city in 1906. He served as Assistant States Attorney from 
 1903 till 1913. Mr. Nelson was married in 1903 to Caroline B. Norling 
 of Putnam, 111. They have three children, Carroll H., city attorney of 
 Rockford; C. Oliver, associated with his father in legal practice with 
 office at 428 Seventh street; and Eleanor (Mrs. Gunnard Lundquist), 
 residing at Rockford. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson are members of the Zion 
 Lutheran Church. 
 
 CARROLL H. NELSON, attorney, son of Nels P. Nelson, above, 
 was born at Rockford June 15, 1907. After attending the city schools 
 he studied at Augustana College two years (1924-26) and took his 
 law course at the University of Illinois Law School, graduating in 
 1929, having since been associated with his father in law practice. 
 Since 1937 he has been City Attorney of Rockford. He was married 
 in 1931 to Mildred Nelson of Rockford with whom he has a daughter, 
 Gail, 3 years old. 
 
 C. OLIVER NELSON, attorney, son of Nels P. Nelson, above, 
 was born in Rockford February 10, 1909. After attending the Rock- 
 ford schools he took a course at Augustana College, graduating in 
 1931, whereupon he studied law at the University of Montana at Mis- 
 soula, finishing his course in 1937, having since been engaged in law 
 practice with his father. In June, 1939, Oliver Nelson entered into 
 wedlock with Gladys V. Josephson of Rockford. 
 
 ARVID V. PETERSON was born in Monmouth, 111., August 25, 
 1890. His father, John Peterson, emigrated to America from Hast- 
 veda, Skane, Sweden, in the early eighties and located at Monmouth 
 where he plied his trade as a tailor. He died in 1928. Arvid's mother, 
 Hanna (Bengtsdotter) Peterson, who came from Glimakra, Skane 
 Sweden, died September 6, 1934. Arvid obtained his education in the 
 Monmouth city schools and at Brown's Business College. After being 
 employed in turn by the C. B. & Q. railroad, the Western Stoneware 
 Co. and a road machinery concern he moved to Rockford in 1923 
 and engaged in the furniture industry until 1928 when he became 
 secretary of the Swedish Building and Loan Association and the 
 Swedish Mutual Fire Insurance Co. with office at 401 East State 
 street. In 1917 Mr. Peterson entered into wedlock with Tennena Mo- 
 berg of Monmouth. They have five children, Herbert, a graduate of 
 Gustavus Adolphus College; Dorothy Mae, a student at Augustana 
 College; Donald and Pauline, attending High School; and Joan. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Peterson are members of the First Lutheran Church, Mr. 
 Peterson having been Sunday School Superintendent for 17 years. 
 
SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 19 
 
 CARL G. ALEXIS, musician, was born at Hastings, Pa., April 23, 
 1894. His father, J. N. Alexis, was a minister in the Augustana 
 Synod. Carl's mother, Ingrid (Svenson) Alexis, came to America 
 from Sweden -in 1879. Carl attended public school and studied at 
 Augustana College 1909-10. Later he finished his High School course 
 at Lincoln, Nebr., and studied music at the University School of 
 Music in that city while holding position as organist in the Lutheran 
 Church at Oakland, Nebr. In 1914 he went to Sweden and studied 
 music for Gustaf Hagg and Richard Anderson in Stockholm about a 
 year. Returning to America he was engaged as organist of the Em- 
 manuel Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, Minn., two years and at Mon- 
 mouth, 111., three years. While in Minneapolis he taught music at 
 Minnesota College and Minneapolis School of Music. He came to 
 Rockford in 1921 as organist of the First Lutheran Church. For the 
 past ten years he has been conducting the Alexis School of Music at 
 403 Seventh street, giving instruction in Organ, Piano, Band, Or- 
 chestra Instruments and Voice. Prof. Alexis has also studied Organ 
 and Theory for Wilhelm Middleschulte of Chicago. He was married 
 in 1920 to Florence Olson of Svea, Minn., with whom he has a son, 
 Donald, 18, student at the High School. 
 
 ARTHUR A. THORSELL, City Treasurer, was born in Rockford, 
 August 24, 1896. His father, John Alfred Thorsell, came to Rockford 
 from Kalmar Ian, Sweden, about 1880. He worked on a farm, 
 operated horse cars in Rockford and was lastly engaged in the N. B. 
 Burpee Furniture and Undertaking establishment until a year before 
 his death in 1934. Arthur's mother, Hilma Thorsell, who came from 
 Hogsby parish, Smaland, Sweden, is still living. Arthur was educated 
 in the city schools and the University of Illinois where he graduated 
 in 1920. Taking a position with the Rockford Machine Tool Co. he 
 was engaged in factory and design room and as a salesman three 
 years, whereupon he associated himself with M. T. Westring, opening 
 a Stationary and Office Equipment business at 415 East State street. 
 Since May, 1937, he has been City Treasurer. He was in Navy ser- 
 vice eight months and is Commandant of the Navy Club of Rock- 
 ford. In 1927 Mr. Thorsell was married to Kathryn B. Anderson of 
 Lawton, la. They have two children, Donna Kay, 9; and Carol Rae, 7. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Thorsell are members of the First Lutheran Church. 
 
 HENRY T. HULTBERG, executive, was born in Chicago June 
 11, 1883. His father, Otto C. Hultberg, emigrated to America from 
 Jonkopings Ian, Sweden, in 1868 and located in Chicago, whence he 
 moved to Rockford in 1883. He was engaged in the furniture industry 
 and passed away 18 years ago. Henry's mother, Emma Christina 
 Hultberg, who came from Moheda, Jonkopings Ian, died in 1928. 
 Henry grew up in Rockford and received his education in the city 
 schools. On April 1, 1900, he entered the coal and lumber business 
 with the Skandia Coal & Lumber Co., being president and treasurer 
 of the company since 1938. On September 14, 1910, Mr. Hultberg 
 entered into marrige union with Maud Sandberg of Elden, 111. They 
 have a son, Henry, Jr., 29, traveling coal salesman. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Hultberg are members of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church. 
 
20 SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 
 
 REV. ALBERT LOREEN was born at Winthrop, Minn., October 
 25, 1886. His father, Louis Loreen, came to America from Nasum 
 parish, Skane, Sweden, in 1865, and located first at Carver, Minn., 
 whence he moved to New Sweden and from there to Winthrop where 
 he took homestead. He died in 1936 at 86 years of age. Albert's 
 mother, Ingar (Carlson) Loreen, who came to America in 1854 when 
 a year old, is still living at Winthrop. Albert attended the rural 
 school and then studied six years at Gustavus Adolphus College, 
 graduting in 1910. After teaching school a year he attended the 
 Medical School of Chicago University one year, the Maywood Semi- 
 nary two years and Augustana Theological Seminary one year, gra- 
 duating from the last named institution in 1915. After ordination the 
 same year he served three small churches in Oregon iy 2 years, re- 
 siding at Portland. Following he served as pastor in the Bethel 
 Church, Seattle, Wash., iy 2 years; and the Arlington Hills, St. Paul, 
 Minn., 10 years. Since 1928 Rev. Loreen has been pastor of the First 
 Lutheran Church at Rockford. In 1938 Augustana College conferred 
 on him the degree of Doctor of Divinity. Rev. Loreen was married in 
 1915 to Laura Johnson of Duluth, Minn. They have five children, 
 Merida, a nurse; Albert, Jr., employed in furniture factory; Ruth, 
 studying art at Bethany College; Genevieve, student at Augustana 
 College; Paul and Kathryn, attending city schools. 
 
 GILBERT A. JOHNSON, architect, was born in Rockford March 
 12, 1892. His father, Axel F. Johnson, came to America from Stock- 
 holm, Sweden, about 1890. A sailor in his native land, he has been 
 employed in the Rockford machine shops. He is still living, his wife, 
 Anna Johnson, having passed away about 45 years ago. After attend- 
 ing the public school Gilbert entered an architect's office at 14 and 
 learned the business in architects' offices. In 1914 he became a part- 
 ner in the firm Peterson & Johnson. Since the death of Mr. Peterson 
 in 1931 Mr. Johnson has operated alone, his office being located at 501 
 Seventh street. Mr. Johnson's firm has designed the Rockford Post 
 Office, four of the city banks, a large number of the factory buildings 
 and all the city schools for the last 18 years. They are just complet- 
 ing a building program of Rockford schools of 3]i million dollars. In 
 1918 Mr. Johnson was married to Hazel Lindell of Rockford with 
 whom he has a daughter, Bernice, 17 years old. Mr. and Mrs. John- 
 son are members of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church. 
 
 ED H. JOHNSON, photo shop proprietor, was born at Patton, 
 Pa., August 22, 1896. His father, Louis Johnson, came to America 
 from Sweden in the early eighties. Ed's mother, Marie Johnson, is 
 also a native of Sweden. Ed grew up at Patton and received his edu- 
 cation in the city schools and a business college. In 1910 the family 
 moved to Rockford where the parents are still living. Here young 
 Johnson was employed in a camera store until 1923 when he opened 
 his own Photo Shop at 316 East State street, handling Kodaks and 
 Supplies, and doing finishing work. Mr. Johnson was married in 1920 
 to Esther M. Nordvall of Rockford, their union being blessed with a 
 son, James Edwin, 15. The Johnsons are members of the Trinity 
 Lutheran Church. 
 
SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 21 
 
 J. AUGUST SWENSON, assessor, was born in Rockford Feb. 
 12, 1877. His father, Samuel August Swenson, emigrated to America 
 from Smaland, Sweden, in the later sixties and located near Rock- 
 ford where he engaged in farming. He died December 24, 1876. 
 August's mother, Emma Mathilda, nee Swenson, who came from 
 Vena parish, Kalmar Ian, Sweden, passed away in 1920. August ob- 
 tained his education in the public school and Business College. After 
 being employed as a bookkeeper -three years he went to Wyoming 
 where he spent two years at Cody, three years as Receiver of Public 
 Moneys at the U. S. Land Office at Lander, and seven years in bank- 
 ing and general mercantile business at Thermopolis and Kerby. Re- 
 turning to Rockford in 1913 he associated himself with K. L. Swen- 
 son in the public accounting firm Swenson & Swenson. After serving 
 one term as Town Clerk of Rockford Township (1933-37) he was 
 elected Township Assessor in 1937. In 1902 Mr. Swenson entered 
 into wedlock with Alma Caroline Stenberg of Rockford who passed 
 away in 1922, leaving three children, Vernon E., employed in his 
 father's office; Ruth C. (Mrs. Emrick Brodd); and Etta G., employed 
 by the Pearson Corporation. Mr. Swenson is a member of the Em- 
 manuel Lutheran Church and has been very active in the Lutheran 
 Brotherhood. 
 
 FRED C. OLSON, mortician, was born in Rockford February 1, 
 1888. His father, Nels Olson, came to America from Skane, Sweden, 
 in 1866 at 14 years of age. After working on a farm near Rockford 
 a few years he was employed in furniture factories in this city until 
 1888 when he entered the undertaking business which he continued 
 until his death February 23, 1927. Fred's mother, Selma Olson, who 
 came to America from Smaland, Sweden, as a child, is still living. 
 Fred received his education in the city schools and at 19 entered 
 the mortuary business with his father. From 1920 till 1928 he served 
 as county coroner. His funeral parlor is located at 1001-03 Second 
 avenue. In 1912 Mr. Olson was married to Ada Laws of Rockford 
 who passed away October 27, 1918, leaving a son, Fred C, Jr., born 
 March 3, 1917. Fred, Jr., graduated from the Worsham College of 
 Embalming in Chicago 1937, and has been associated with his father 
 in the mortuary business since 1935. 
 
 STANLEY A. LAWSON, paint dealer, was born in Rockford 
 August 22, 1889. His father, Aaron P. Lawson, was born in America 
 of Swedish parents. He was an interior decorator and performed the 
 decoration of the First Lutheran Church when first finished. He 
 passed away here in 1914. Stanley's mother, Emma C. Lawson, who 
 came from Vastergotland, Sweden, died April 1, 1940. Stanley re- 
 ceived his education in the city schools and learned the decorator's 
 trade from his father. In 1914 he opened his own business under the 
 name of S. A. Lawson Paint Co., located at 508 East State street. Be- 
 sides dealing in Paints, Wall Paper and Pictures, the firm also does 
 decorating and picture framing. Mr. Lawson was married in 1932 to 
 Mildred Hanchette from Belvidere, 111. They have two children, 
 Stanley Junior, and Bonnie Carol. Mr. and Mrs. Lawson are mem- 
 bers of the Second Congregational Church. 
 
20 SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 
 
 REV. ERNEST CONSTANTINE BLOOMQUIST was born at 
 Calumet, Mich., February 20, 1879. His parents, Andrew and Char- 
 lotte Bloomquist, came from Smaland, Sweden. They moved to Du- 
 luth, Minn., in 1882, and became charter members of the Bethany 
 Lutheran Church, Duluth. Ernest received his preliminary education 
 in the public school, and in 1895 went to Gustavus Adolphus College 
 at St. Peter for preparatory and collegiate work, graduating with 
 honors in 1901. While pursuing his studies at the Augustana Theo- 
 logical Seminary 1901-1904 he was conductor of the well-known 
 Wennerberg Male Chorus. He was ordained in June, 1904, at Linds- 
 borg, Kans., serving successively as pastor of the following churches: 
 Lynn, Mass., 1904-08; Portland, Conn., 1908-13; First Lutheran, Ta- 
 coma, Wash., 1913-27; Emmanuel Lutheran Rockford, since 1928. 
 While at Portland Rev. Bloomquist was a member of the Synodical 
 Board, Immigrant Mission in New York, and its secretary for sev- 
 eral years. While in Tacoma he served as vice president of the Co- 
 lumbia Conference, and for several years as editor of Sions-Bladet, 
 later merged into Columbia Lutheran. In 1917 Rev. Bloomquist ac- 
 quired the M. A. degree at the State University of Washington, and 
 in 1929 received the D. D. degree from the Capital University, Co- 
 lumbus, O. He is president of the Swedish Historical Society of 
 Rockford. In 1906 Rev. Bloomquist was married to Florence Lind- 
 gren of Moline, 111. They have two children, Brandt ("Lynn Brandt"), 
 announcer with the National Broadcasting Co., of Chicago; and 
 Leonora (Mrs. Phillip Wolf), residing in Chicago. 
 
 CARL A. LAGERSTROM, realtor, was born at Grenna, Jdnko- 
 pings Ian, Sweden, August 2, 1883, and emigrated to America in 1902, 
 locating at Rockford. A blacksmith by trade, he was employed in 
 the Rockford factories until 1910 when he engaged in land business 
 for Minneapolis land companies with headquarters at Rockford. Later 
 he entered business for himself as a realtor and insurance agent. His 
 office is located at 207 Seventh street. During the World War he 
 served in the army 15 months. In 1920 Mr. Lagerstrom was married 
 to Maude Callson from Lafayette, Ind. They have two daughters, 
 Corinne, 18, and Virginia, 14. Mr. Lagerstrom is a member of the 
 Trinity Lutheran Church, of Svea Soner, of which he has been a 
 director for 10 years, and of the Swedish Gymnastic Club. He has 
 been a member of the John Ericsson Republican League for 28 years, 
 serving as State President of the League in 1934. 
 
 SIGFRED H. LINDBLADE, shoe dealer, was born in Hjo, Vas- 
 tergotland, Sweden, August 22, 1897, and emigrated to America in 
 1916. After spending four months at Palmer, la., working on a farm 
 he moved to Rockford where he was employed by the Haddorff Piano 
 Co. a year and by the Star Bit and Tool Co. six years. In 1920 he 
 entered the shoe business in partnership with Mr. Baumgardt, but 
 since 1924 has operated a shoe store and repair shop alone at 1113 
 Broadway. Mr. Lindblade was married in 1924 to Pearl Carlson from 
 Greeley, Colo. They have three children, Rodger, 14; Lindor, 12, and 
 Nyema, 10. Mr. and Mrs. Lindblade are members of the Christian 
 Free Church. 
 
SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 23 
 
 GUST E. SW ANSON, merchant, was born in Ryssby, Smaland, 
 Sweden, October 7, 1887, and came to America in 1902, locating at 
 Rockford. After working in a furniture factory for three years he 
 operated a grocery store for six months and was then employed by 
 Carl Sandstedt, a grocer, for three years. Entering into partnership 
 with Mr. Sandstedt he became operator of a second store and then 
 bought out his partner and conducted the store alone one year. Dis- 
 posing of his business through a trade he next moved to New Milford 
 where he remained 2V 2 years. In 1920 he returned to Rockford and 
 entered the American Beauty Phonograph business, later changing to 
 a complete line of music merchandise. The store, located at 403 
 Seventh street, has a School of Music connected with it. Including 
 the teachers, some 29 people are employed by the establishment. On 
 June 14, 1910, Mr. Swanson was married to Bertha Johnson of Rock- 
 ford. They have a daughter, Loraine (Mrs. C. M. Olson), a graduate 
 of the Augustana College Language Department, residing at Wil- 
 mington, Del. Mr. and Mrs. Swanson are members of the Zion Lu- 
 theran Church. Mr. Swanson is assistant Supervisor of Rockford 
 township and vice president of the Illinois Conference Brotherhood, 
 being chairman of the Juvenile Commission of the Brotherhood. 
 
 CARL E. LINDQUIST, jeweler, was born in Rockford April 4, 
 1887. His father, Oscar P. Lindquist, who came to America from 
 Vastergotland, Sweden, in 1882, has been active as a contractor and 
 farmer. Carl's mother, Sophia Lindquist, who came from the same 
 place in Sweden as her husband, passed away in 1930. Carl obtained 
 his education in the city schools whereupon he engaged in the grocery 
 business five years and was employed as a traveling salesman for a 
 similar period. In 1916 he entered the jewelry business, his store 
 being located at 1137 Broadway. Mr. Lindquist was married in 1910 
 to Ruth Peterson who passed away in 1925, leaving four children, 
 Dwight, assisting his father in the store; Franklin, studying opto- 
 metry; Ruth (Mrs. A. Voley), Hopkinton, la.; and John, attending 
 school.' In 1929 Mr. Lindquist entered wedlock the second time with 
 Lillian Tinberg of Rockford with whom he has a daughter, Jane. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Lindquist are members of the Free Church. 
 
 CARL O. NYMAN, attorney, was born in Rockford, 111., October 
 5th, 1889. His father, Oscar H. Nyman, came to America in 1859, at 
 the' age of 2, the family locating first in New York. On reaching ma- 
 turity he engaged in furniture work in Chicago and Rockford, pass- 
 ing away in this city in 1918. Mr. Nyman' s mother, Anna Sarah Ny- 
 man, was born in Sweden, but came to America at 14 years of age. 
 She died in 1910. Mr. Nyman attended public school and afterwards 
 studied law at the Northern Illinois College of Law and the Univer- 
 sity of Chicago, graduating from the latter institution in 1914. After 
 teaching school one year, at the Hall Township High and Vocational 
 School, Spring Valley, Illinois, he began the practice of law in 1915. 
 His offices are located in 304 Reliance Building. On November 25th, 
 1915, Mr. Nyman was married to Mildred Ida Hoge of Morris, 111., 
 with' whom he has a daughter, Miriam Lorraine, age 15. Mr. Nyman 
 was a member of the 57th General Assembly of Illinois. 
 
24 SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 
 
 REV. GUSTAV ERICKSON was born in Floda parish, Soder- 
 manland, Sweden, May 3, 1877, and came to America in 1890, locat- 
 ing first at Hobart, Ind. After being employed in brick yards and 
 stores for some years he in 1900 entered the Swedish Theological 
 Seminary of the Methodist Church at Evanston, 111., from which he 
 graduated in 1904. He served as pastor two years in Waukegan, 111., 
 one year in Chicago and four years in Lincoln, Nebr., where he at- 
 tended the State University two years and the Wesleyan University 
 one year. After being pastor in Omaha, Nebr., from 1911 till 1918, 
 he was District Superintendent of the Western District for two years, 
 residing at Saronville, Nebr. Prom 1920 till 1924 he was pastor in 
 Minneapolis, Minn., and from 1924 till 1938 at Jamestown, N. Y. 
 Since 1938 he has been pastor of the Swedish Methodist Church in 
 Rockford. Rev. Erickson was married in 1906 to Amanda Aspegren 
 of Saronville, Nebr. They have five children, Oliver W., assistant 
 sales manager of Marlin-Rockwell Corporation, Jamestown, N. Y.; 
 Francis, with the Coca-Cola Co.; Everett, with the Delaware Powder 
 Co., Pineville, Ky.; Herman, salesman for the Illinois Bell Telephone 
 Co.; and Kenneth, employed by the American Insurance Co. 
 
 HARRY S. SPONGBERG, druggist, was born in Rockford 
 January 7, 1889. His father, Edward Spongberg, emigrated to 
 America from Vastmanland, Sweden, in 1884 and located in Rock- 
 ford where he was employed by the Forest City Bakery and Grocery 
 store. He died in 1903. Harry's mother, Estella Spongberg, also a 
 native of Sweden, is still living. Harry attended the city schools and 
 started work in a drug store at 15, whereupon he studied pharmacy 
 at the University of Illinois Pharmacy School in Chicago and the 
 Indiana State Board School of Pharmacy. After being employed as 
 a pharmacist by Chas. W. Gustafson for six years and by John 
 Wester eight years he entered into drug business in partnership with 
 O. E. Rudelius under the name of Spongberg & Rudelius, buying out 
 the old druggist Tragardh in 1919. Sixteen years later the partner- 
 ship was dissolved, Mr. Spongberg taking over one of the stores, 
 located at 1518 Broadway which he is now operating. In 1911 Mr. 
 Spongberg was married to Edna Stenwall of Rockford. They have 
 two children, Allen E., 28, pharmacist, and Harriet. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Spongberg are members of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church. 
 
 LEONARD LUNDIN, attorney, was born in Rockford August 
 21, 1908. His father, Gust W. Lundin, emigrated to America from 
 Smaland, Sweden, in 1898 and located in Rockford where he has been 
 active as a mason contractor. Leonard's mother, Mathilda (Peter- 
 son) Lundin, is also a native of Smaland. After attending the Rock- 
 ford schools, Leonard continued his studies at the University of Illi- 
 nois where he obtained his B. A. in 1932 and finished his law course 
 in 1937. Since then he has been practicing law at Rockford, his office 
 being located in 502 Rockford National Bank Bldg. Mr. Lundin is a 
 member of the Second Congregational Church and holds a Reserve 
 Commission as Captain in the Adjutant General Department of U. S. 
 Army. He was married on February 17, 1940, to Frances Bjorling 
 of Galesburg, 111. 
 
SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 25 
 
 NILS F. TESTOR, executive, was born in Stockholm, Sweden, 
 April 29, 1903, and received his education in the High School and the 
 Frans Schartau Business College, graduating from the latter in 1922. 
 After military training as Second Lieutenant he emigrated to Ameri- 
 ca in 1924, locating first in Aurora, 111. Starting with the F. W. 
 Woolworth' Co. as a learner he was employed in seven stores of that 
 Company, becoming ultimately manager of the Seventh street Wool- 
 worth store in Rockford, which position he held 1V 2 years. Quitting 
 the Woolworth Co. in 1929, he was offered a position by the Axel 
 Karlson's Klister Co. which concern, after meeting with financial 
 reverses was reorganized in 1934, Mr. Testor buying the assets and 
 changing the name to Testor Cement Co. The company now sells 
 adhesives of all kinds through wholesale houses and chain stores in 
 United States and Canada, doing also some export business. They 
 recently moved into new commodious modern quarters at 2305 
 Charles street. In 1928 Mr. Testor was married to Lisa Forss of 
 Aurora, 111., a native of Gefle, Sweden. Mr. Testor is a member of 
 the Svea Soner Singing Society and actively interested in Swedish 
 cultural efforts. 
 
 K. LUDVIG SWENSON, accountant, was born in Rockford Oct. 
 25 1879. His father, John Swenson, emigrated to America from Sma- 
 land, Sweden, in 1869, and located first at Paxton, 111., whence he 
 moved to Rockford in 1871. He was a carpenter and worked at his 
 trade, passing away here in 1923. Ludvig's mother, Mathilda Swen- 
 son, came from ostergotland, Sweden. Ludvig received his education 
 in the public schools and at Rockford Business College where he gra- 
 duated in 1898. After working two years for the Illinois Sewing Ma- 
 chine Co. and three years for the Chicago Sewing Machine Co., Chi- 
 cago, he was in charge of the Cost Department of the Barber Cole- 
 man Co., Rockford, 10 years and secretary and treasurer of the Rock- 
 ford Lathe and Drill Co. a similar period. For the last sixteen years 
 he has been a member of the accounting firm of Swenson & Swen- 
 son with office at 501 Seventh street. On June 6, 1906, Mr. Swenson 
 was married to Olga Marie Larson of Ironwood, Mich. They have two 
 daughters, Verona (Mrs. Earl Peterson); and Helen, employed by the 
 Empire Limited. Mr. and Mrs. Swenson are members of the Emma- 
 nuel Lutheran Church. 
 
 AUGUST W. LARSON, furniture dealer, was born in Sjogestad 
 parish Skaraborgs Ian, Sweden, December 12, 1873, and emigrated to 
 America in 1891, going directly to Rockford. Taking up wood 
 carving, he was employed seven years in factories in Rockford and 
 Chicago. In 1898 he opened a meat store at Rockford which he 
 operated until 1906 when he entered the furniture business in associa- 
 tion with the late C. A. Hult who passed away in 1933, Mr. Larson 
 and his sons now being the owners of the store. In 1900 Mr. Larson 
 was married to Hulda C. Englund from Lafayette, Ind. They have 
 four children, LeRoy W., associated with his father in business; 
 Florence I., employed as stenographer by Greenlee Brothers; Harold 
 C, with Rosenquist & Chabacker; Bertil L., asscoiated with father. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Larson are members of the Mission Tabernacle Church. 
 
26 SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 
 
 REV. CARL GUSTAF WESTERDAHL was born in Halmstad, 
 Sweden, January 3, 1888, and came with the family to America in 
 1890. His father, Gustaf Westerdahl, was a gardener and located at 
 Newport, R. I., where he passed away in 1925. Carl's mother, Ber- 
 nardina Westerdahl, is still living at Ossining, N. Y. Carl grew'up at 
 Newport and received his early training in the city schools. His 
 parents being of the Methodist faith, he went to the Theological 
 Seminary at Evanston, 111., in 1909, graduating from that school in 
 1914. In the meanwhile he spent iy 2 years at the Boston University 
 School of Theology. After graduation he served the following Meth- 
 odist churches: Chicago Heights, 111.; Garner, Mass.; Western 
 Springs, 111.; and after graduation, Arlington, N. J.; Mt. Vernon, N. 
 Y.; Seattle, Wash.; Immanuel M. E., Brooklyn, N. Y.; Bethany M.' E., 
 Chicago. Since affiliating with the Mission Covenant he has been 
 pastor of the following churches: Broadway Covenant Church, Min- 
 neapolis, Minn.; Los Angeles Mission Covenant Church, and,' since 
 November, 1935, the Mission Tabernacle at Rockford. Rev. Wester- 
 dahl was married in 1915 to Helen Louise Westlin, of Arlington, N. 
 Y. They have been blessed with three children, Wilbur, 21, a student 
 at North Park College; Elaine who passed away in Los Angeles in 
 1930 at eight years of age; and Eloise, born in 1932. 
 
 ALBIN L. BROQUIST, plumber, was born at Pecatonica, 111., 
 June 27, 1891. His father, John Broquist, came to America from 
 Kisa, ostergotland, Sweden, in 1884 and located at Pecatonica, 
 whence he moved to Rockford in 1900, being active as a blacksmith 
 and carpenter. He now resides at Lake Dollivan, Wis. After attend- 
 ing the public schools Albin worked in factories and then learned the 
 plumber's trade. In 1924 he associated himself with Oscar K. John- 
 son, opening a plumbing and heating shop at 107 Seventh street. Mr. 
 Broquist was married in 1915 to Anna Christianson of Rockford. 
 They have a son, Roger, 19, employed in a factory. 
 
 OSCAR K. JOHNSON, plumber, was born in Skaraborgs Ian, 
 Sweden, April 12, 1878, and came with his parents to America in 
 1881 where they located at Rockford. Oscar's father, John G. John- 
 son, who was a furniture worker, died here in 1918, his mother, 
 Sarah Maria Johnson, having passed away ten years earlier. After 
 attending the public school Oscar learned plumbing and worked for 
 other plumbers until 1924 when he went into partnership with Albin 
 L. Broquist, above. Mr. Johnson was married in 1906 to Anna E. 
 Jacobson of Rockford with whom he has a son, Clayton T., 32, em- 
 ployed at the Star Pattern Shop. 
 
 GEORGE A. DAHL, coal dealer, was born in Rockford September 
 26, 1883. His father, Carl A. Dahl, was born in Sweden. He was em- 
 ployed in a tannery and passed away March 26, 1903. George's 
 mother, Anna Dahl, also a native of Sweden, died March 3, 1905. 
 George received his education in the city schools and was then em- 
 ployed in machine shops until he entered the coal business in 1926 
 under the name of Broadway Fuel Co., his yard being located at 1835 
 Broadway. In 1916 Mr. Dahl was married to Ethel Ostrom of Rock- 
 ford. They have a daughter, Doris A., employed as a stenographer. 
 
SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 27 
 
 J H HALLSTROM, ex-mayor, was born in Hag, Rappe- 
 stad parish ostergotland, Sweden, November 18, 1888, and emigrated 
 to America in 1908, locating in Rockford. Here he devoted himself 
 to the building trades first as a mason's helper and then as a stone 
 mason and bricklayer until 1917 when he entered the army, serving 
 the colors nearly two years, whereof 16 months abroad. Returning 
 to Rockford after the war he took up his trade and was quite active 
 both in labor organizations and as a member of the socialist party. 
 In the spring of 1921 he was elected mayor for two years and re- 
 elected for two succeeding terms. Being defeated for a fourth term 
 in 1927 he took up contracting and general insurance, but discon- 
 tinued contracting in the summer of 1929. Again candidate for mayor 
 in 1929 he was elected for a fourth term, and reelected in 1931, 
 serving 'his city as mayor ten years in all. Since 1933 he has devoted 
 himself to insurance business with office in 606 City Hall Bldg. In 
 1922 Mr. Hallstrom was married to Ruth Martha Hammarstrang of 
 Rockford. She passed away January 1, 1939, leaving two children, 
 Irene and Roy, both attending High School. Mr. Hallstrom is a mem- 
 ber of the Zion Lutheran Church and president of the Svea Soner 
 Singing Society. 
 
 THORSTEN THORSTENSON, gas station operator, was born in 
 Stockholm, Sweden, April 16, 1892, and emigrated to America in 1912, 
 stopping first in Chicago, but continuing to Rockford the same year. 
 After being employed in furniture factories for about 18 years he 
 entered the gas and oil business in 1930 and is now operating the 
 Cities Service Station at First and Walnut streets. In 1915 Mr. Thor- 
 stenson entered into wedlock with Hannah Kjellin from Vastergot- 
 land Sweden. They have a son, Bertil, 21, employed by the Wood- 
 ward Governor Engineering Co. of Rockford. Mr. and Mrs. Thorsten- 
 son are members of the Zion Lutheran Church. Mr. Thorstenson is 
 a member of the Svithiod John Ericsson Lodge and the Scandinavian 
 Fraternity Lodge Harold, being now District Treasurer of the S. F. 
 A. and Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Supreme Lodge, 
 S. F. A. He has served as a member of the Rockford Board of Edu- 
 cation two years, and is Alderman of the city since 1939. He has also 
 taken active interest in the Swedish Historical Society of Rockford 
 and is at present Chairman of the Radio Committee of said society. 
 
 WILBUR E. JOHNSON, attorney, was born at Rockford Decem- 
 ber 6, 1903. His father, Levi Johnson, came from Sweden to America 
 as a child and grew up in Rockford. He has been engaged in furni- 
 ture and allied industries. Wilbur's mother, Anna (Blomstrom) John- 
 son, was born in Rockford of Swedish parents. After attending the 
 city schools Wilbur did two years pre-legal work at the University 
 of Illinois, wherupon he studied law in law offices and was admitted 
 to the bar in 1925, and entered law practice in Rockford. His office 
 is located in 115 Seventh street. From 1930 till 1933 Mr. Johnson was 
 city attorney. He is now attorney for the Sanitary District of Rock- 
 ford. In 1934 Mr. Johnson was married to Esther Johnson of Rock- 
 ford and Kewanee, 111. They are members of the Emmanuel Lutheran 
 Church. 
 
28 SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 
 
 LAUREL E. CARLSTROM, merchant, was born at Rockford 
 September 4, 1897. His father, John August Carlstrom, came to 
 America from Sland, Sweden, in 1881. His mother, Sadie (Bullard) 
 Carlstrom, was born in Illinois of English parentage and passed away 
 in 1919. Laurel grew up in Rockford and received his education in the 
 city schools. During the World War he attended the Northwestern 
 University Special Officers' Training School for the Navy. After the 
 war he engaged in trucking business for four years. Taking a posi- 
 tion with the McAlpine Furniture concern, he went with Mr. Mc- 
 Alpine to Belvidere, 111., remaining there two years. Returning to 
 Rockford in 1924, he worked for the Blomquist Furniture Co. 3y 2 
 years, and then in 1897 opened the Car-Pet-Line store in association 
 with O. W. T. Peterson. They deal in Carpets, Rugs and Draperies, 
 their store being located at 424-30 Seventh street. In 1918 Mr. Carl- 
 strom was married to Ruth Sandeen of Rockford. They have a son, 
 Murray, 20, a salesman. Mr. and Mrs. Carlstrom are affiliated with 
 the Broadway Methodist Church. 
 
 REV. ELMER JOHNSON was born in Andover, S. D., October 
 25, 1895. His father, Lewis Johnson, came to America from Eksharad 
 parish, Varmland, Sweden, in 1888. He located in South Dakota 
 where he was engaged as a railroad worker and farmer. Twelve 
 years ago he moved to Rockford where he has since been employed 
 by the Rockford Screw Products Co. He is now 76 years of age. 
 Elmer's mother. Johanna, nee Johnson, who came from the same 
 place in Sweden as her husband, died in 1927. Elmer grew up at 
 Stockholm, S. D., where he attended the public school. Afterwards 
 he studied at the Moody Bible Institute and the Evangelical Free 
 Church Bible Instiute in Chicago. During 1920-21 he was engaged 
 as a traveling evangelist in Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota and 
 Minnesota. Coming to Rockford in 1922, he served as assistant pas- 
 tor of the Free Church here until 1927 when he became pastor of the 
 church. In June 21, 1922, Rev. Johnson was married to Lillie West- 
 lund of Harper, Wash. They have four children, Rachel, Llewellyn, 
 Leland, and Kurt. 
 
 ELMER O. STRAND, city clerk, was born in Callender, la., 
 December 8, 1882. His father, John Strand, came from Asarp, Vas- 
 tergotland, Sweden, in 1870, and located first at Clinton, la., whence 
 he moved to Callender in 1881 and located on a farm. He died in 
 1919. Elmer's mother, Anna Strand who came from Skane, Sweden, 
 died in 1916. Elmer spent his earlier days on the farm and attended 
 the rural school. Coming to Rockford with the family in 1895, he 
 completed his education in the city schools and at Brown's Business 
 College. After serving 3y 2 years as a member of the Fire Depart- 
 ment and twelve years as mail carrier he was elected city clerk in 
 1921, having held that office continuously since. In October, 1916, Mr. 
 Strand was married to Josephine Nelson of Rockford. They have four 
 children, Pauline, a graduate of the University of Illinois; Corinne, 
 a student at the Beloit College, Beloit, Wis.; John, a 1940 graduate 
 of the Rockford High School; and Richard, attending public school. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Strand are members of the Zion Lutheran Church. 
 
SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 29 
 
 IV AR J. LARSON, dry goods merchant, was born in Rockford 
 December 10, 1893. His father, Alfred Larson, came to Rockford from 
 Skofde, Vastergotland, Sweden, in 1892. He was employed in furni- 
 ture factories in Rockford and passed away here in 1932. Ivar's 
 mother, Emma Larson, also a native of Vastergotland, Sweden, died 
 in 1912 Ivar obtained his education in the city schools and then 
 secured employment in dry goods stores. During the World War he 
 served in the army 1% years, whereof one year abroad and was 
 wounded in action, spending some time in hospitals in France and 
 United States. Having operated a dry goods store for a short time 
 before entering the army, he again took up this line of business after 
 the war and is now conducting a Dry Goods and Men's Furnishing 
 store at 1133-35 Broadway. In 1920 Mr. Larson was married to Ger- 
 trude Davey of Rockford who was taken by death in 1938, leaving a 
 son, William John, now 18 years old. Mr. Larson is a member of the 
 Baltic Lodge, I. O. V., and has been alderman since 1931. 
 
 CARL VILHELM EASTMAN, hotel proprietor, was born in Arje- 
 plog Norrbottens Ian, Sweden, October 31, 1874, and came to 
 America in 1911. Locating in Rockford, he worked in the furniture 
 factories for ten years. He then purchased the Skandia Hotel and 
 added a restaurant, conducting the business until 1926. On May 1, 
 1926, he rented the hotel at 419-421 Seventh street and renamed it 
 Eastman Hotel. The following year he purchased the hotel for 
 $75 000 The ground floor is rented out to business firms. The upper 
 floors contain lobby, family apartment and 83 guest rooms. In 1900 
 Mr. Eastman was married to Maria Westerlund from Arjeplog, 
 Sweden. They have two adopted children, Nels who works in a fac- 
 tory; and Alma (Mrs. P. A. Soderstedt) who resides at the Eastman 
 
 Hotel. ...... 
 
 FRITZ J. ANDERSON, furniture dealer, was born in Jonkopmg, 
 Sweden, January 8, 1885, and emigrated to America in 1904. After 
 spending two years in New York he came to Rockford in 1906 and 
 was engaged in furniture factories and furniture store until 1921 
 when he entered into partnership with Oscar A. Strand, purchasing 
 the furniture store at 217 East State street which they are now 
 operating. The firm deals in furniture and floor coverings. Mr. Ander- 
 son was married in 1907 to Minnie Engquist of Rockford with whom 
 he has a son, Perry J., 28, an artist, located in Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Anderson are members of the First Lutheran Church. 
 
 OSCAR E. STRAND, furniture dealer, a brother of Elmer O. 
 Strand, whose biography appears on the preceding page, was born 
 at Callender, la., January 20, 1886, and came to Rockford in 1895. 
 After finishing the public school and High School he was engaged as 
 a mail carrier for 17 years. In January, 1921, he went into partner- 
 ship with Fritz J. Anderson, above, purchasing the furniture store 
 which they are now operating. Mr. Strand was married in 1914 to 
 Edith Engquist of Rockford. They have two sons, Eugene, 20, attend- 
 ing Beloit College, and Edwin, 17, a student in the Rockford High 
 School. Mr. and Mrs. Strand are members of the Emmanuel Lu- 
 theran Church. 
 
30 SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 
 
 EDWIN CARLSON, contractor, was born in Rockford April 19, 
 1889. His father, David Carlson, came to America from Blekinge, 
 Sweden, in the later eighties. He first worked on farms and for roof- 
 ing contractors until he started his own roofing business in 1888 
 which he continued till his death in 1915. Edwin's mother, Ellen A. 
 Carlson, who came to America from Vadstena, Ostergotland, Sweden, 
 is still living. After attending the public school Edwin was employed 
 in dry goods stores for three years and then took a course in a busi- 
 ness college. Afterwards he was employed by the C. M. R. R. four 
 years and by the C. M. & G. R. R. two years. Upon the death of his 
 father in 1915 he entered the roofing business in association with his 
 brother, Inar A., which they are now conducting under the name of 
 David Carlson Roofing Co., Inc., with office at 2501 Charles street. 
 They also own and operate The Carlson Insulation Co. and employ 
 35 people in all. In 1916 Edwin W. Carlson was married to Alice E. 
 Dahlgren of Rockford. They have four children, David Albert, 
 engaged in business with his father; Betty Mae, attending Grinnell 
 College; Edwin W. Jr., attending High School; and Alice E. The 
 Carlsons are members of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church. 
 
 INAR A. CARLSON, contractor, a brother of Edwin W. Carl- 
 son, above, was born in Rockford April 19, 1889. After attending the 
 public school and High School he took a course at the Augustana 
 College, where he graduated in 1922. During the World War he 
 served in the Navy iy 2 years. Since his father's death he has been 
 associate owner with his brother of the David Carlson Roofing Co., 
 Inc., Edwin W. Carlson being president of the company and Inar A. 
 Carlson secretary. In 1923 Inar A. Carlson was married to Selma 
 Westerland of Chicago with whom he has three children, Mary Ellen, 
 Kathryn, and John. Mr. and Mrs. Carlson are members of the Em- 
 manuel Lutheran Church. 
 
 FRANZ G. SHOSTROM, sign painter, was born in Jarved, near 
 ornskoldsvik, Sweden, May 20, 1890, and emigrated to America in 
 1906. Locating in Rockford, he worked in furniture factory ten years, 
 taking up sign painting in 1917. His shop is located at 1025 Second 
 avenue. Mr. Shostrom was married in 1912 to Hilma Allsen from 
 Sodermanland, Sweden. They have two sons, Franz Adolph, 27, asso- 
 ciated with his father in sign painting, and Evert Leo, 19, a sales- 
 man. Mr. Shostrom is a member of Svea Soner and the S. M. & S. F. 
 Society. 
 
 GEDOR W. ALDEEN, executive, was born in Stora Malm parish, 
 Sodermanland, Sweden, April 22, 1886, and came to America in 1904, 
 locating at Rockford. A machinist by trade, he worked in machine 
 shops and added to his store of knowledge by means of a correspond- 
 ence course. For 23 years he was connected with the National Lock 
 Co. as works manager, chief engineer and vice president, successive- 
 ly. In association with his brother, R. A. Aldeen, and Mr. Thorsten 
 Erickson he organized in 1929 the American Cabinet Hardware Cor- 
 poration of which he is now president and his brother secretary and 
 treasurer. The Corporation whose factory and offices are located at 
 416-24 South Main street manufactures Cabinet Hardware and 
 
SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 31 
 
 employs about 600 people. Mr. Aldeen was married in 1914 to Elna 
 Carlson from Eskilstuna, Sweden, who was taken by death April 20, 
 1937, leaving two children, Norris, 23, clerk in the Corporation 
 employ, and June, a student in High School. Mr. Aldeen is a mem- 
 ber of the Christian Free Church of which he has been a trustee for 
 15 years. He is also a trustee of The Free Church of America and 
 a member of the Board of the Free Church Bible Institute and 
 Seminary. 
 
 AXEL EKLUND, restaurateur, was born at Boras, Vastergot- 
 land, Sweden, January 16, 1884, and came to America in 1902, locat- 
 ing first at Elgin, 111., whence he moved to Rockford 18 months later. 
 A machinist by trade, he worked at his trade until September, 1920, 
 when he started restaurant business in association with his brother, 
 Arthur Eklund, under the firm name Eklund Brothers. Axel Eklund 
 was married in 1907 to Hildur Anderson from Stockholm, Sweden. 
 They have three children, Stina (Mrs. Arthur Hillman), Chicago; 
 Axel Junior, and Eleanor. Axel Eklund is a member of the Good 
 Templar Lodge Rockford and the Viking Lodge Ellida. 
 
 ARTHUR EKLUND, restaurateur, a brother of Axel Eklund, 
 above, was born September 10, 1886, and came to America in 1912, 
 locating in Chicago where he was employed as a butler. Later he 
 moved to Rockford and became associated with his brother in the res- 
 taurant business. He was married in 1914 to Ellen Anderson from 
 Eskilstuna, Sweden, their union being blessed with a son, Arthur, Jr., 
 employed in the steel industry in Chicago. The Eklund Brothers Res- 
 taurant which is located at 614 Seventh avenue, makes a specialty of 
 'Smorgasbord" and the various Swedish dishes. 
 
 DR. STANLEY JOHN ADAMSON was born in Rockford August 
 22, 1907. His father, John Sanford Adamson, came to America in 
 1892 from Stoby, Vastergotland, Sweden, and located at Rockford, 
 where he was engaged as a machinist. He died January 28, 1940. 
 Stanley's mother, Jennie Sophia Adamson, who came from Smaland, 
 Sweden, is still living. After attending the city schools Stanley stu- 
 died osteopathy at the Chicago College of Osteopathy where he gra- 
 duated in 1935. Practicing his profession one year at the Chicago 
 Osteopathic Hospital he then opened his own practice in his home 
 city in January, 1937, with office in Room 204 Security National 
 Bank Bldg. Dr. Adamson was married June 26, 1934, to Mildred E. 
 Larson of Rockford. 
 
 ED CARLSON, clothier, was born at Rockford August 11, 1890. 
 His father, Alfred Carlson, came to Rockford in 1872 from oster- 
 gotland, Sweden, and engaged in farming. He died in 1918. Ed's 
 mother, Clara Carlson, also from Sweden, passed away in 1937. Ed 
 obtained his education in the city schools, whereupon he became clerk 
 in clothing stores, spending 25 years with the S. A. Johnson Cloth- 
 ing Co. In 1925 he associated himself with his brother, Walter Carl- 
 son, in establishing the Ed Carlson, Inc., clothing store at 303 East 
 State street. Mr. Carlson was married in 1911 to Vera Lobdell of 
 Rockford with whom he has a daughter, Leola (Mrs. K. Reber). 
 
32 SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 
 
 WALTER CARLSON, clothier, a brother of Ed Carlson, above, 
 was born at Rockford January 30, 1894. After attending the public 
 school and High School he was employed as clerk in clothing stores 
 until 1925 when he joined his brother in establishing the Ed Carlson, 
 Inc. In 1926 he was married to Florence Johnson of Rockford. They 
 have a son, John Edward, 5. 
 
 ARVID M. SWENSON, photographer, was born in Skillingaryd, 
 Smaland, Sweden, November 1, 1903, and came to America in Octo- 
 ber, 1920, locating at Rockford. From his uncle here, A. L. Dahl- 
 strom, he learned the photographer's art, and in January, 1928, took 
 over his uncle's business at 219-221 Seventh street. Mr. Swenson is 
 a member of the Zion Church and the Vega Good Templar Lodge. 
 
 FRANK O. J. LINDSTROM, travel and employment agent, was 
 born in Rockford October 17, 1885. His father, Charles Johnson, who 
 came to America from Halsingborg, Sweden, was employed here in 
 a glove factory. He died in 1891. Frank's mother, Adolphina John- 
 son, who was a native of Gothenburg, Sweden, died December 31, 
 1929. Frank obtained his education in the city schools and Brown's 
 Business College. Taking up office work, he was employed as a book- 
 keeper by the Haddorff Piano Co. four years and was engaged ten 
 years with the Emerson-Brantingham Co., two years in Rockford and 
 eight years in Omaha. He then went west and located in San Diego, 
 Calif., but after two years returned to Rockford in 1922 and entered 
 private employment business. In 1928 he added Travel Bureau busi- 
 ness. His office is located at 108 West State street. In 1910 Mr. Lind- 
 strom entered into marriage union with Daisy Sturm of Rockford. 
 They are affiliated with the Trinity Lutheran Church. 
 
 CHARLES ANDERSON, confectioner, was born in Varnhem 
 parish, Vastergotland, Sweden, June 12, 1870, and emigrated to 
 America in 1887. He located in Rockford where he worked in fac- 
 tories the first two years and for a lawyer another two years. After 
 engaging in carpenter work about two years he entered the milk busi- 
 ness to which he devoted himself for 21 years. In 1913 he opened a 
 confectionery store on Seventh street and is now engaged in similar 
 business at 326 East State street. Mr. Anderson was married in 1889 
 to Selma Larson from Vastergotland, Sweden, who passed away in 
 1922, leaving two children, Clinton, 34, who is associated with his 
 father in business, and Evelyn (Mrs. Richard Youngberg). Mr. An- 
 derson is affiliated with the Zion Lutheran Church. 
 
 REV. JOHN ALFRED BENANDER was born in Hogsater 
 parish, Dalsland, Sweden, February 6, 1872, and emigrated to Ameri- 
 ca in 1890, going first to Moline, 111., whence he later moved to Sher- 
 rard, in the same state. After attending the public school he went 
 to Augustana College in 1893 and after graduating in 1900 continued 
 his studies at the Theological Seminary, finishing his course in 1903. 
 From 1903 to 1905 he served as pastor at Kiron and Odebolt, la., and 
 from 1905 to 1908 at Aurora, 111. Since 1908 he has been pastor of the 
 Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church at Rockford. Rev. Benander was 
 married in 1904 to Minnie Engquist from Harcourt, la. Their union 
 has been blessed with twin children, Ruth, attending the Bible School 
 at Minneapolis, Minn., and Rudolph, a mortician at La Porte, Ind. 
 
SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 33 
 
 HARRY O. SWANSON, executive, was born in Rockford, Feb- 
 ruary 11, 1898. His father, Gustaf C. Swanson, came to America 
 from Jonkopings Ian, Sweden, about 1890, locating first at Beloit, 
 Wis., where he remained two years. Later he moved to Rockford and 
 engaged in grocery business in this city, passing away here Novem- 
 ber 11, 1939. Harry's mother, Ida J. Swanson, who came from Varm- 
 land, Sweden, died here in May, 1917. Harry grew up in Rockford 
 and received his education in the city schools and a business college. 
 After being employed by the Emerson-Brantingham Co. for some time 
 he went with the National Lock Co. with whom he was connected 
 for four years. Since 1920 he has been associated with the Elco 
 Tool and Screw Corporation of which he is secretary and treasurer. 
 The Elco Corporation was organized in August, 1918, with office and 
 shops located at 1800 Broadway. They manufacture Screws, Bolts, 
 Nuts and Cold Headed Products and employ about 275 people. In 
 1918 Mr. Swanson was married to Ethel A. Almquist of Rockford, 
 their union being blessed with two children, Robert T., and Dorothy 
 Mae. Mr. Swanson is a member of the Rockford Park Board and of 
 the Svea Soner Society. 
 
 PAUL G. SWANSON, a brother of Harry O. Swanson, above, 
 was born in Rockford October 19, 1895, and received his education in 
 the public schools and a business college. For four years he was con- 
 nected with the National Lock Co. During the World War he served 
 in the army 18 months, whereof 14 months overseas. In 1923 he 
 joined his brother in the Elco Tool and Screw Corporation of which 
 he is now vice president and sales manager. Mr. Swanson was mar- 
 ried in 1925 to Ina Andersen of Rockford. They have a daughter, 
 Shirley Mae. Mr. Swanson is a member of the Svea Soner Singing 
 Society. 
 
 CLARENCE S. ANDERSON, electric contractor, was born in 
 Rockford January 31, 1903. H : s father, Gustaf Anderson, emigrated 
 to America from Skurup, Skane, Sweden, in 1890 and located in 
 Rockford where he was employed in furniture factories until he en- 
 tered the electric business about 18 years ago. He died in 1937. Clar- 
 ence's mother, Ellen Anderson, also a rative of Sweden, is still living. 
 Clarence received his education in the public school and High School. 
 Sixteen years ago he entered the electric business and began con- 
 tracting for himself in September, 1931, his office being located at 
 310 Seventh street. Mr. Anderson is a member of the Salem Lutheran 
 Church. 
 
 NELS LIND, contractor, was born in Dalby, Skane, Sweden, 
 January 19, 1879, and came to America in 1901, locating at Rockford. 
 After working some months in a furniture factory he began carpen- 
 ter work, having learned the trada in Sweden. In 1916 he started 
 contracting for himself. Mr. Lind was married in 1904 to Jenny John- 
 son from Skurup, Skane, Sweden. They have five children, Bernice, 
 stenographer for Nelson & Nelson, attorneys; Helen, teacher in the 
 public school; Kenneth, architect in Chicago; William and Marshall, 
 employed as salesmen. Mr. and Mrs. Lind are members of the 
 Bethany Methodist Church and reside at 118 Shaw street. 
 
34 SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 
 
 REV. CLARENCE HAROLD ANDERZON was born at Ceresco, 
 Nebr., March 13, 1898. His father, Nels August Anderson, came to 
 America from Limhamn, Skane, Sweden, in 1890, and located in Ne- 
 braska where he engaged in farming. Clarence's mother, Amanda 
 (Trued) Anderson, was born at Ceresco of Swedish parents. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Anderson are now retired and living at Denver, Colo. Clarence 
 grew up at Ceresco and attended the rural school. In 1913 he went 
 to the Academy at St. Peter, Minn., and finished his academic course 
 at the Minnesota College in 1916. The same year he entered Augus- 
 tana College. During the World War he enlisted in the army in 1917, 
 serving 26 months, whereof 12 months abroad. Returning to America 
 in 1919 he received his discharge as sergeant and reentered college, 
 graduating in 1922. Taking a homestead in Colorado in 1922, he re- 
 mained on his claim until 1923 and was then called to take charge of 
 the congregations at Big Lake, Monticello and Silver Creek, Minn. 
 Having taken a year's credit at the Theological Seminary he returned 
 to school in the fall of 1923 and finished his course in 1925 when he 
 was ordained. From 1925 till 1928 he was pastor at DuBois, Pa. In 
 February, 1928, he took charge of the Tabor Lutheran Church at 
 Rockford. On June 24, 1925, Rev. Anderzon was married to Rosa 
 Regina Erickson of Erie, Pa. They have three children, David Harold, 
 10, and two twin daughters, Joanne Rose and Janice Ruth, 7 
 years old. 
 
 REV. ALBIN E. APPELQUIST was born in Malmo, Sweden, 
 September 8, 1894, and came to America with parents in 1899. The 
 parents, Carl Victor and Elida Appelquist, located in Chicago where 
 the father was engaged as a tinsmith. Albin grew up in Chicago, at- 
 tended the city schools and the Salvation Army Training School 
 where he graduated in 1913. For ten years he was an officer in the 
 army, serving at Two Harbors, Minn.; Des Moines, la.; Omaha, 
 Nebr.; Denver, Colo.; Marinette, Wis.; Muskegon, Mich.; Chicago 
 and Princeton, 111. In 1929 he was ordained a Baptist minister at 
 Kewanee, 111., having since served as pastor at Kewanee and Prince- 
 ton, 111.; Stratford, la.; and, since June, 1937, Elim Baptist Church, 
 Rockford, 111. Rev. Appelquist was married June 6, 1917, to Nan 
 Lundberg of Princeton, 111. They have five children, Raynold, 21, 
 employed at the National Lock factory; Harlan, 19, employed by the 
 Rockford Screw Products Co.; Miriam, a graduate of the High 
 School; Margaret and Carl, students at the High School. 
 
 ANDERS A. VESTINE, clothier, was born in Grums parish, 
 Varmland, Sweden, February 19, 1884, and after spending a year in 
 London, England, came to America in 1909, going directly to Rock- 
 ford. A tailor by trade, he worked for other tailors four years, and 
 then established his own tailor shop in 1914. From 1919 to 1922 he 
 was in partnership with Elmer Bergren, adding Men's Clothing to 
 their establishment. After buying out Mr. Bergren in 1922 Mr. 
 Vestine has been sole owner of the store, located at 1028 Broadway. 
 In 1910 Mr. Vestine entered into wedlock with Hedvig Franzen from 
 Lidkoping, Vastergotland. Mr. Vestine is a member of the Odd Fel- 
 low lodge Tegner. 
 
SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 35 
 
 CARL P. SWANSON, electric merchant, was born at Perstorp, 
 Oderljunga parish, Kristianstads Ian, Sweden, February 18, 1893. His 
 father, Nels Swanson, emigrated to America the same year Carl was 
 born and located first in Omaha where he remained seven years, 
 moving in 1900 to Swedeburg, Nebraska. He was a carpenter and 
 builder and worked at his trade until 1910 when he located on a farm 
 near Swedeburg and engaged in farming for about ten years. After- 
 wards he moved to Mead where he still resides with his wife, Jo- 
 hanna Swanson. Carl came to America in 1907 and worked on the 
 farm two years. He then went to Omaha and learned the barber's 
 trade. After being employed by the Paxton & Gallagher Co. as order 
 clerk 2V 2 years he returned to his folks at Swedeburg, spending two 
 years on the farm whereupon he was engaged as assistant operator 
 of the Nye Schneider Fowler elevator at Swedeburg three years. In 
 1918 he moved to Rockford and worked as a carpenter for eight 
 years and as electric repair man about four years. In 1930 he opened 
 an electric store at 1013 Broadway which he is now conducting un- 
 der the name of Swanson Electric Shop. Mr. Swanson was married 
 in 1915 to Lillian Rohlin of Swedeburg, formerly of Rockford. They 
 have two children, Irene (Mrs. Ray Lindquist), and Carl Kenneth, 18, 
 assisting in his father's store. The Swansons are members of the 
 Zion Lutheran Church. 
 
 WALTER J. LAWSON, transfer and storage, was born at Rock- 
 ford, October 20, 1886. His father, Hannes Lawson, came to America 
 from Vastergotland, Sweden, in the fifties and located at Rockford 
 where he started transfer business 56 years ago. He died in 1937. 
 Walter's mother, Betsy Lawson, also a native of Sweden, is still liv- 
 ing, now 80 years of age. Walter received his education in the public 
 school and joined his father in the transfer business. He organized 
 the Warehouse business and took over the Transfer when his father 
 retired 25 years ago. The Lawson Transfer and Storage now occu- 
 pies five large buildings at 816 Seventh street. Mr. Lawson was mar- 
 ried in July, 1911, to Anna Anderson of Rockford. They have a 
 daughter, Gladys, secretary of the firm. The Lawsons are members 
 of the Trinity Lutheran Church, Mr. Lawson being also a member 
 of the Chamber of Commerce, Svea Saner, the Viking lodge Ellida, 
 and "Vastgbtaklubben." 
 
 OSCAR MAGNUSON, sheet metal worker, was born in Boda 
 parish, Varmland, Sweden October 3, 1880, and came to America 
 in 1899, locating first in South Manchester, Conn. In September, 
 1907, he came to Rockford and took up sheet metal work. After 
 being employed by the Skandia Hardware Co. nine years and by 
 Carlson & Son Hardware Co. as foreman five years he opened his own 
 - business in 1925 as partner in a firm, having since 1934 been sole 
 owner of the business now conducted at 214 Seventh street under the 
 name Oscar Magnuson Sheet Metal Works. In 1909 Mr. Magnuson 
 was married to Ella Johnson from Vastra Emtervik, Varmland. They 
 have a daughter, Helen Ruth, stenographer in a lawyer's office in 
 Chicago. Mr. Magnuson is a member of Every Man's Bible Class at 
 Faust Hotel. 
 
36 SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 
 
 JOSEPH W. NILSON ("Big Joe, the plumber") was born in 
 Rockford July 26, 1892. His father, August Nilson, came to America 
 from Varmland, Sweden, in the early eighties. After a year spent 
 in Iowa he returned to Sweden and upon his second arrival in 
 America located in Rockford where he engaged in building and house 
 moving. He died December 1, 1924. at 72 years of age. Joseph's 
 mother, Brita Nilson, also from Varmland, died July 2, 1929. Joseph 
 received his education in the public school, the Rockford High School 
 and a trade school in Chicago. Learning the plumbing trade, he 
 established his own business in 1916 which he is now conducting at 
 905 East State street. On July 25, 1917, Mr. Nilson was married to 
 Helen Elizabeth Wetterstrom of Rockford. They have three children, 
 Betty Elizabeth, a graduate of the DeKalb College; Dorothy Elaine, 
 a student in the High School; and James Wendell. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Nilson are members of the Evangelical Free Church. 
 
 REUBEN T. KLINT, masseur, was born in Rockford April 20, 
 1894. His father, Emmanuel Klint, came to Rockford from Vaster- 
 gotland, Sweden, in 1889, and was engaged in bath business, having 
 learned the business in Sweden. He died in 1934. Reuben's mother, 
 Ida Klint, who came from the same place in Sweden as her husband, 
 passed away in 1938. Reuben received his education in the public 
 school and the Jacksonville High School, and learned the bath busi- 
 ness from his father and at the Battle Creek Sanitarium where he 
 graduated in 1919. After being engaged six years at the Union League 
 Club in Chicago, he came to Rockford in 1926 and became associated 
 with his father for a short time whereupon he started business for 
 himself as operator of the Klint Bath and Massage Parlor at Hotel 
 Faust. Mr. Klint was married in 1922 to Tekla Borg of Chicago. 
 They have three children, Warren, 16; Beatrice, 11; and Miriam, 7. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Klint are members of the Evangelical Free Church. 
 
 CARL ANDERSON, hotel proprietor, was born at Sjobo, Skane, 
 Sweden, June 27, 1892, and came to America in 1926, locating at 
 Rockford. After being employed as an electrician by the National 
 Lock Co. two years and by the Mechanics Universal Joint Division 
 Borg-Warner Corporation two years he operated the American 
 Swedish restaurant from 1930 till 1937. In 1937 he leased the Seventh 
 Street Hotel at 423 Seventh street, comprising three floors with 80 
 guest rooms, which he is now operating. Mr. Anderson was married 
 in 1917 to Emelia Clair from Borringe, Skane, Sweden. They are 
 members of the Scandinavian Fraternity lodge Harold. 
 
 OTTO CARLSON, masseur, was born in Rappestad parish, oster- 
 gotland, Sweden, April 8, 1880, and came to America in 1898, locating 
 in Rockford. After engaging in farm work a year he worked in a 
 furniture factory iy 2 years, and then spent two years with a Swedish 
 masseur. On April 1, 1903, he opened his own massage parlor in 
 Hotel Nelson where he is well equipped for Bath and Massage ser- 
 vice. On August 2, 1905, Mr. Carlson was married to Esther Jose- 
 phine Klint of Rockford. They have a son, Donald Carl, 27, a teacher 
 of the Free Church at Hong Kong, China. Mr. and Mrs. Carlson are 
 members of the Swedish Christian Free Church. 
 
SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 37 
 
 ELMER J. JOHNSON, cleaner, was born in Rockford January 
 21, 1892. His father, August Johnson, came to America from Vas- 
 tergotland, Sweden, in the later eighties and located in Rockford 
 where he was engaged in grocery business. He died January 1, 1926. 
 Elmer's mother, Augusta Johnson, who came from the same place 
 in Sweden as her husband, passed away February 19, 1937. Elmer 
 received his education in the public school and was employed in fac- 
 tories, later engaging in grocery business for 14 years. In 1925 he 
 established the White Bear Cleaners & Dyers in association with his 
 brother Dayton L. Johnson. In 1917 Elmer Johnson was married to 
 Esther Johnson of Rockford with whom he has a daughter, Janerie. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are members of the Emmanuel Lutheran 
 Church.— Dayton L. Johnson who was born November 9, 1897, is mar- 
 ried and has two children, Dolores and Howard. A third brother, 
 Therrence Johnson, 37, is also active in the business. The plant and 
 office of the White Bear Cleaners & Dyers, Inc., is located at 1816 
 Eleventh street. Elmer J. Johnson is president of the firm and Day- 
 ton L. Johnson secretary and treasurer. 
 
 FERDINAND HOLMBERG, tailor, was born in Eringsboda 
 parish, Blekinge, Sweden, January 25, 1882, and learned his trade in 
 Stockholm, Sweden. Emigrating to America in 1904, he spent a year 
 at Newark, N. J., moving to Rockford in 1905. After being employed 
 by other tailors until 1915 he entered the clothing business which he 
 continued until 1931. Since then he has operated a tailor shop at 1007 
 Fifth avenue. On March 24, 1906, Mr. Holmberg entered into mar- 
 riage union with Anna Johanson from Kraksmala, Kalmar Ian, 
 Sweden. She passed away December 16, 1937, leaving two daughters, 
 Bernice Cecilia (Mrs. Bertil Sima), whose husband is professor in 
 German at the Case School of Appliance, Cleveland, O.; and Eleanore 
 Christine, public school teacher at Oak Park, 111. Mr. Holmberg is a 
 member of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church. 
 
 GUST W. NELSON, building contractor, was born in Kalla 
 parish, oland, Sweden, August 8, 1894, and learned the carpenter's 
 trade in Sweden. In 1913 he emigrated to America and located in 
 Rockford where he worked for other contractors a year. After three 
 years spent in Alaska and eight months in government aeroplane 
 service he started contracting for himself in 1922, having since erect- 
 ed a large number of residences, besides churches, schools and com- 
 mercial buildings in Rockford and vicinity. In 1922 Mr. Nelson was 
 married to Jane Peterson of Rockford. They have two children, 
 Eldora, 16, and Grover, 13. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson are members of the 
 Zion Lutheran Church and reside at 312 North Chicago avenue. 
 
 GUNNAR LARSON, contractor, was born in Mone parish, Vas- 
 tergotland, Sweden, September 29, 1895, and came to America in 
 1914, locating in Rockford. Here he worked for other contractors 
 from 1915 till 1929, having since engaged in building operations by 
 himself. In 1922 Mr. Larson was married to Adina Johnson from 
 Varmland, Sweden. They have a son, Everett, 15, attending High 
 School. Mr. and Mrs. Larson are members of the Evangelical Free 
 Church and reside at 619 North Chicago avenue. 
 
38 SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 
 
 REV. GUSTAV A. GUSTAVSON was born in Vasterstad parish, 
 Malmohus Ian, Sweden, October 15, 1892, and came to America in 
 1903 to Long Prairie, Minn., where his parents were then living, they 
 having arrived in America some years earlier. Gustav's parents, 
 Frank and Mary Gustavson, have been engaged in farming and still 
 reside on the farm. After receiving his early training in the rural 
 school Gustav entered the Bethel Academy at St. Paul in 1914, gra- 
 duating in June, 1918. Having matriculated in the Bethel Seminary 
 in 1917, he finished his course and received his Th. B. in June, 1920. 
 Since then he has served the following churches: Lake Norden, Minn., 
 1920-22; St. Cloud, Minn., 1922-26; Cambridge, Minn., 1926-37; 
 Temple Baptist Church at Rockford since August, 1937. Rev. Gustav- 
 son was married September 22, 1920, to Ellen Ahlstrand of Long 
 Prairie, Minn. They have four children, Gordon, employed by the 
 American Cabinet Hardware Corporation; Vivian and Eileen, attend- 
 ing High School; and Marion. 
 
 GEORGE V. PERRY, adjutant Swedish Salvation Army, was 
 born on the island of Ven, in Oresund, Sweden, June 14, 1904, and 
 received his education in the public schools, a private college at Lund, 
 and the College at Gothenburg. In 1925 he emigrated to America, 
 coming directly to Chicago. Having been a member of the Salvation 
 Army in Sweden, he took up studies at the Salvation Army Training 
 College in Chicago 1928-29, and was made Captain. He became Ad- 
 jutant in 1939. While attending school in Chicago he was stationed 
 at Lakeview two years. In September, 1929, he came to Rockford 
 where he is still in charge of the Corps. In 1932 he was married to 
 Inga Aberg from Bollnas, Halsingland, who was a teacher in the pub- 
 lic schools in Sweden. They have three children, George Junior, 6: 
 Elna, 4; and Ellen, 1 year old. 
 
 ESKIL L. LAGERQUIST, cleaner, was born in Rockford March 
 14, 1887. His father, Erick N. Lagerquist, came to America from 
 Stockholm, Sweden, in 1882 and located in Rockford. From 1893 to 
 1914 he was engaged in general merchandise business, but is now 
 associated with his son. Eskil's mother, Emma Lagerquist, was born 
 in Vastergotland, Sweden. Eskil received his education in the city 
 schools and then engaged in laundry business for a year. In 1909 
 he opened a cleaning establishment at 315 Seventh street under the 
 name of New Method Cleaners. He entered into marriage union in 
 1912 with Bertha Strogies of Forest Park, 111. They have two 
 daugthers, Phyllis and Janet. Mr. Lagerquist is a member of the 
 Emmanuel Lutheran Church and the Lyran Singing Society. 
 
 AXEL T. PETERSON, proprietor of the Peterson Camera Shop, 
 was born in Nerike, Sweden, March 19, 1878, and came to America in 
 1891, locating at Rockford. After being employed by the Rockford 
 Silver Plate Co. for 16 years he opened his camera shop 31 years ago 
 which he is now operating at 423 East State street under the name of 
 Peterson Camera Shop. In 1904 Mr. Peterson was married to Hulda 
 O. Johnson of Rockford. They have a son, Harry, 24, associated with 
 his father in the store. The Petersons are affiliated with the Trinity 
 Lutheran Church. 
 
SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 39 
 
 ARTHUR G. LUNDGREN, stationer, was born on a farm at 
 Lundgren, la. His father, Andrew Lundgren, emigrated to America 
 from Elfsborgs Ian, Sweden, in 1865 and located first at Elgin, 111. 
 Later he moved south to Louisiana and finally settled in Webster 
 county, la., where the interurban station Lundgren, 10 miles south 
 of Fort Dodge, was named for him and his brother Gustaf, the two 
 being owners of the land upon which the station was located. Arthur's 
 father died in 1893. His mother, Maria Charlotta Lundgren, also 
 from Elfsborgs Ian, Sweden, is still living at Fort Dodge. Arthur 
 attended the rural schools and the Fort Dodge High School and 
 Augustana College at Rock Island. In 1905 he came to Rockford and 
 worked in furniture factories until 1913 when he opened a Kodak and 
 Stationary store which he is still conducting at 419 7th street. He 
 was married 25 years ago to Blanche Malm of Rockford, their union 
 being blessed with three children, Bernice, engaged as stenographer; 
 Eugene, and Marilyn. Mr. and Mrs. Lundgren are members of the 
 Mission Tabernacle Church. 
 
 CHAS. HOFFMAN, tailor, was born in Falkoping, Sweden, 
 December 15, 1880, and learned his trade in Sweden. Emigrating to 
 America in 1898, he located first at Stillman Valley, 111., whence he 
 moved to Windom, Minn., where he spent three years before locating 
 at Rockford in 1905. Here he worked for other tailors until 1910 
 when he established his own shop which he is now operating at 305 
 Seventh street. Mr. Hoffman was married in 1902 to Sophia Carlen 
 from Segerstad, Vastergotland. They are blessed with seven children, 
 David, salesman; Gunnard, machinist; Gladys (Mrs. Louis Larson); 
 Stanley, office worker; Carl, salesman; Helen, time keeper; and Walt, 
 tool maker. The Hoffmans are affiliated with the Evangelical Free 
 Church. 
 
 MAURITZ HOKANSON, contractor, was born in Borrby parish, 
 Kristianstads Ian, Sweden, February 14, 1885, and came to America 
 in April, 1905, locating in Rockford. A bricklayer by trade, he 
 worked for other contractors till 1919 when he went into partnership 
 with August Sterner and John Sterner as building contractors. Four 
 years later Mr. Hokanson formed a new partnership with Ture 
 Bloom, now operating under the name of Hokanson & Bloom. Mr. 
 Hokanson was married in 1912 to Valborg Olsen from Sandefjord, 
 Norway. They have two daughters, Stella, a teacher in the High 
 School at Ashton, 111.; and Lila. Mr. and Mrs. Hokanson are mem- 
 bers of the Good Templar lodge Vega, and reside at 507 North Chi- 
 cago avenue. 
 
 TURE BLOOM, contractor, was born at Eksjo, Smaland, 
 Sweden, in 1895 and came to America in 1913, locating in Rockford. 
 In 1915' he started learning the bricklayer's trade, working for other 
 contractors till 1923, when he became associated with Mauri tz Ho- 
 kanson in the contracting firm Hokanson & Bloom. In 1925 Mr. 
 Bloom was married to Lillian Norman from Boras, Vastergotland. 
 They have two daughters, Norma and Barbara. Mr. and Mrs. Bloom 
 are members of the Good Templar lodge Vega and reside at 2304 
 Thirteenth avenue. 
 
40 SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 
 
 ARTHUR L. JOHNSON, real estate agent, ex-postmaster, was 
 born in Rockford June 14, 1885. His father, Gust Johnson, came to 
 America from Smaland, Sweden, in the sixties and located at Rock- 
 ford where he was engaged as expressman and served as chief deputy 
 sheriff for 16 years. He died in 1915. Arthur's mother, Anna John- 
 son, also from Smaland, Sweden, died in 1930. Arthur attended the 
 public school, High School and Brown's Business College whereupon 
 he became bookkeeper for the Union Overall Co. and later shipping 
 clerk and city salesman. He then entered bicycle and motor cycle 
 business and auto accessories, becoming in 1920 distributor of White 
 motor trucks. In October, 1921, he was appointed postmaster of 
 Rockford, serving in that capacity for twelve years during which 
 period he successively filled the offices of Third, Second, and First 
 Vice President and President of the National Association of Post- 
 masters. In May, 1934, he entered the insurance and real estate 
 business to which he has devoted himself since, his office being lo- 
 cated at 622 East Jefferson street. In 1927 Mr. Johnson was presi- 
 dent of the Trinity Lutheran Church Brotherhood and later president 
 of the Northern Illinois Lutheran Brotherhoods. He is a member of 
 Svea Soner and various fraternal organizations. On September 19, 
 1907, Mr. Johnson was married to Lillian N. Lundine of Rockford.' 
 They have two children, Marguerite (Mrs. Louis R. Birr) and Arthur 
 L., Jr., traveling salesman for Coleman Lamp & Stove Co., Wichita, 
 Kans. 
 
 HUGO W. LINDEN, contractor, was born in Rockford July 18, 
 1900. His father, Anders Linden, came to America from Skane,' 
 Sweden, in the later eighties. A mason from Sweden, he worked here 
 for other contractors till 1907 when he took up general contracting 
 for himself, his sons later becoming associated with him in the firm 
 Linden & Sons. The elder Linden passed away May 8, 1938, his wife, 
 Hulda Linden, a native of ostergotland, Sweden, having preceded him 
 in death in May, 1932. The present officers of the firm, Linden & 
 Sons, Inc., are Hugo W. Linden, president; Howard Linden, vice 
 president; Howard Beckstrom, secretary and treasurer. An elder 
 brother of Hugo, Harold A., died in 1936. The company specializes 
 in industrial construction and has erected many of the industrial 
 plants in the southeastern section of the city. Office and yard are 
 located at 1102 Tenth street. 
 
 ALFRED JOHNSON, creamery owner, was born in Grolanda 
 parish, Skaraborgs Ian, Sweden, January 27, 1882, and came to 
 America in 1901, locating at Rockford. After working on farms for 
 six years he was employed in a factory until 1922 when he entered 
 the creamery business. Since 1926 he has been operating the John- 
 son Home Creamery at 1210 Eleventh street. The annual butter out- 
 put is about a half million pounds. Besides, they handle Cottage 
 Cheese, Buttermilk and Eggs. In 1901 Mr. Johnson was married 
 to Anna Ferm from the same place in Sweden. She passed away in 
 1907 leaving three boys, Nels, employed in the engineering depart- 
 ment of Rockford; Emil and Herbert, assisting their father in the 
 creamery. Mr. Johnson is a member of the Zion Lutheran Church, 
 having served as superintendent of the Sunday School for 25 years. 
 
SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 41 
 
 HUGO L. OLSON, executive, was born in Botilsater parish, 
 Varmland, Sweden, September 20, 1877, and came to America in 1893. 
 Locating in Rockford, he worked as a machinist and also took a 
 course at a business college. In 1911 he went with the Rockford Tool 
 Co. and the Rockford Milling Machine Co. which in 1926 were merged 
 into the Sundstrand Machine Tool Co. Mr. Olson was also manager 
 of the Sundstrand Adding Machine Co. until 1927 when this concern 
 was sold to the Underwood Elliott Fisher Co. He is now president 
 and general manager of the Sundstrand Machine Tool Co. In 1908 
 Mr. Olson was married to Veva Johnson of Rockford. They have been 
 blessed with three children, Catherine, who died 19 years ago at 11 
 years of age; Bruce, 23, department manager in the Sundstrand 
 factory; and Richard, 14. Mr. and Mrs. Olson are members of the 
 Emmanuel Lutheran Church. 
 
 ELMER O. BERGREN, plumber, was born in Mediapolis, la., 
 March 16, 1885. His father, John A. Bergren, came to America from 
 Smaland, Sweden, in the early sixties and located in Iowa where he 
 engaged in farming. He died February 22, 1929. Elmer's mother, 
 Louise Bergren, who came from ostergotland, Sweden, died in 
 February, 1940, at 90 years of age. Elmer came to Rockford in 1908 
 and learned the plumber's trade, working for other plumbers until 
 1910 when he started his own business, being now located at 1020 
 Broadway. He is oldest in business on Broadway, having been lo- 
 cated in the same block for thirty years. In October, 1916, Mr. Ber- 
 gren was married to Laura R. Larson of Rockford. They have two 
 daugthers, Dorothy Mae, a graduate of Grinnell College, Grinnell, 
 la.; and Harriet Louise, a High School graduate. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Bergren are members of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church. 
 
 GEORGE J. BLOMGREN, shoe merchant, was born in Jonko- 
 ping, Sweden, September 24, 1882, and came with parents to America 
 in 1891, the family locating in Rockford. George's father, August 
 Blomgren, who was a farmer, died February 8, 1940, and his mother, 
 Emma Blomgren, passed away in 1931. George worked in furniture 
 factories until 1920 when he, in association with Carl Johnson, opened 
 a shoe store which they are now conducting at 506 Seventh street. 
 Mr. Blomgren was married in 1906 to Ellen Gustafson of Rockford. 
 They have three children, Richard, paymaster for Haddorff Piano 
 Co.; Ellard and Marjory, at school. Mr. and Mrs. Blomgren are mem- 
 bers of the Mission Tabernacle Church, Mr. Blomgren being chairman 
 of the Board and Superintendent of the Chapel Sunday School for 
 26 years. 
 
 CARL G. EKSTROM, news dealer, was born in Vasterlosa 
 parish, ostergotland, Sweden, April 13, 1870, and came to America 
 in 1890, locating at Rockford. After working in furniture factories 
 until 1914, he became operator of the Progressive News Store at 628 
 Seventh street, five years later purchasing the business which he has 
 since conducted. In 1900 Mr. Ekstrom was married to Alma John- 
 son from Dalsland, Sweden. They have two daughters, Pearl (Mrs. 
 Allan Lantz); and Eva (Mrs. Leroy Anderson). Mr. Ekstrom is a 
 member of the Scandinavian Fraternity lodge Harold. 
 
42 SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 
 
 C. HENRY BLOOM, pharmacist, ex-mayor, was born in Rock- 
 ford May 4, 1884. His father, Carl Gustaf Bloom, came to America 
 from Vastmanland, Sweden, in 1882 and located at Rockford where 
 he was employed in furniture factories. He died in 1921. Henry's 
 mother, Sophia Bloom, who came from the same place in Sweden as 
 her husband, passed away in 1922. Henry received his education in 
 the public school and studied pharmacy in a night school. After 
 working in the Victor Lundholm drug store he became manager of 
 the store and finally purchased the business. Mr. Bloom served as 
 alderman for eleven years and was elected mayor of Rockford in 
 April, 1933, serving from 1933 till 1937. In 1935 he sold his drug 
 business. He was the organizer and first president of the Winnebago 
 County Taxpayers' League, and also one of the organizers of the Pro- 
 gressive Party of Rockford. He is a director of the Swedish Mutual 
 Fire Insurance Co. and financial secretary and treasurer of the Hos- 
 pital Service Association of Rockford. In 1918 Mr. Bloom was mar- 
 ried to Helen Winquist of Rockford. 
 
 LELAND S. WINQUIST, druggist, was born in Rockford August 
 15, 1904. His father, Claus L. Winquist, who was born May 26, 1870, 
 came to America from Vastergotland, Sweden, at 17 years of age. 
 He located at Rockford and was employed by the Rockford Malleable 
 Iron Co., passing away here in 1933. Leland's mother, Sophie Win- 
 quist, who was born in Sweden November 29, 1870, died in 1921. Le- 
 land was educated in the public school, High School and Hines Phar- 
 macy School in Chicago where he graduated in 1929. After being em- 
 ployed for some time by Victor Lundholm and then by C. H. Bloom 
 he acquired his own drug store at 630 Seventh street which he is 
 now operating under the name of Winquist Drug Store. In 1935 Mr. 
 Winquist was married to Esther Paulson of Rockford. They have a 
 daughter, Mary Ellen, 3 years old. 
 
 EVERETT R. BENGTSON, realtor, was born in Rockford August 
 12, 1895. His father, Claus Bengtson, came to America from Vaster- 
 gotland, Sweden, in the later sixties and located in Rockford where 
 he operated a grocery store. He died in 1928. Everett's mother, 
 Olive (Johnson) Bengtson, who was a native of Rockford, died here 
 in 1922. Everett recevied his education in the city schools and was 
 engaged in his father's store until the World War when he entered 
 the U. S. army, serving the colors two years, whereof 13 months 
 abroad. In 1920 he engaged in the real estate business, his office 
 now being located in 305 Reliance Bldg. Mr. Bengtson was married 
 in 1922 to Phoebe Peterson of Rockford. They have two children, 
 Neal, 12, and Susan, 4. Mr. and Mrs. Bengtson are members of the 
 Emmanuel Lutheran Church. 
 
 JOHN A. BOWMAN, County Recorder, was born January 21, 
 1860, in Skede parish, Smaland, Sweden, and came to America with 
 his parents in 1869. They located first in Rockford where four uncles 
 of John had resided since 1867. Going afterwards to Ishpeming, 
 Mich., the elder Bowman obtained work in the copper mines. In 1873 
 the family moved to South Dakota and located on a farm near Sioux 
 Falls. At the age of 20 young Bowman left the farm and got em- 
 
SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 43 
 
 REV. HAROLD MILFORD CARLSON was born in Chicago, 111., 
 March 20, 1898. His father, Gust E. Carlson, came to America from 
 near Motala, ostergotland, Sweden, in 1887. He has been engaged in 
 meat business, but is now retired. Harold's mother, Emma (Peter- 
 son) Carlson, came from Varmland, Sweden. After finishing the pub- 
 lic schools and working for two years Harold went to North Park 
 College where he graduated from both the Academy and the Theo- 
 logical Seminary. During the summer seasons of his student years 
 he served various Mission churches. After graduating from North 
 Park he became pastor of the Swedish Mission Church at Batavia, 
 111., in 1920, in the meanwhile continuing his studies at the Wheaton 
 College, Wheaton, 111., where he received the degree of Bachelor of 
 Arts in 1924. He was ordained the same year, and then took up 
 studies at the Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, N. J., in the 
 meanwhile serving the Swedish Congregational Tabernacle, Brook- 
 lyn, N. Y. The summer of 1925 was devoted to studies at the Chicago 
 University, Rev. Carlson returning in the fall to Princeton for the 
 second year, receiving the degree of Master of Theology in 1926. 
 That same summer he came to Rockford in answer to a three 
 months' call from the Bethesda Evangelical Covenant Church, the 
 first Covenant Church in America organized and conducted entirely 
 in the English language, the call being later made permanent. 
 
 MARTIN O. BENSON, stone cutter, was born on Tjorn, Bohus- 
 lan, Sweden, June 25, 1879, and came to America with his parents 
 in 1892. The family located first in Boston, Mass., where both the 
 parents died. Martin grew up in Boston and vicinity, attended night 
 school and learned stone cutting at Cambridge. In 1910 he went to 
 Bedford, Ind., and continued work as a stone cutter. Moving to Rock- 
 ford in 1930, he purchased from Fred Reed the stone plant at Tenth 
 street and Tenth avenue which he now operates under the name of 
 Benson Cut Stone Co., furnishing all kinds of cut stone for building 
 works. In 1904 Mr. Benson was married to Hannah C. Jbnson from 
 Ystad, Skane, Sweden. They have two sons, Warren, 34, city en- 
 gineer of Bedford, Ind.; and Howard, 32, associated with his father 
 in business. Mr. Benson is a member of the Vasa lodge Oscar II at 
 Cambridge, Mass. 
 
 OSCAR E. RUDELIUS, druggist, was born in Rockford April 
 2, 1889. His father, Claus Rudelius, came to America from Kalmar, 
 Sweden, about 1880, and located in Rockford where he has been en- 
 gaged as a carpenter and stair builder. Oscar's mother, Amanda Ru- 
 delius, is also a native of Kalmar Ian, Sweden. Oscar received his 
 education in the public school, the High School and Green's School 
 of Pharmacy at Indianapolis, Ind., where he graduated in 1914. After 
 being employed by other druggists for a few years he joined Harry S. 
 Spongberg in partnership in 1919 and purchased the Tragardh drug 
 business. In 1935 the partnership with Mr. Spongberg was dissolved, 
 Mr. Rudelius retaining the store at 402 Seventh street which he has 
 operated since. In 1919 Mr. Rudelius entered into marriage union 
 with Bernice Doten from Woodstock, 111. Mr. and Mrs. Rudelius are 
 members of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church. 
 
44 SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 
 
 ployment at Valley Springs, S, D., first for a lumber company and 
 then as clerk in a store. In 1885 he became partner with L. S. Het- 
 land in a store, but five years later sold out to his partner and moved 
 to Rockford where he engaged in shoe business. His father passed 
 away in 1912 and his mother in 1914. In 1912 Mr. Bowman was elect- 
 ed County Recorder, having held the office ever since. He was a 
 member of the School Board of Rockford for 10 years. With his son, 
 Leland, he organized the Commercial National Bank, being vice presi- 
 dent of the bank until the institution was combined with the Third 
 National Bank. In 1885 Mr. Bowman was married to Hanna Hetland 
 of Garretson, S. D., their union being blessed with six children, A. 
 Leland, realtor; Irving and John S., deputies in their father's office; 
 Chester A., clerk in the same office; Blanche May, assistant principal 
 in Lincoln Junior High School; and Grace who died in 1935 at 33 
 years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Bowman are members of the Emmanuel 
 Lutheran Church. 
 
 LELAND A. BOWMAN, realtor, son of John A. Bowman, above, 
 was born at Valley Springs, S. D., December 12, 1886, and came with 
 parents to Rockford in 1890. He obtained his education in the city 
 schools and studied one year at Augustana College. In 1910 he en- 
 tered the real estate business and is now operating the L. A. Bowman 
 Co., Realtors, at 406 Seventh street. They have been active in the 
 erection of a number of the principal buildings on Seventh street. 
 Mr. Bowman was married in 1922 to Hazel E. Lindstrom of Rockford. 
 They are members of the Trinity Lutheran Church. 
 
 HERMAN N. JOHNSON, paint dealer, was born in Hbgsby 
 parish, Kalmar Ian, Sweden, April 2, 1871, and came to America 
 with his parents in 1879, the family locating first at Farnhamville, 
 la. In April, 1890, he came to Rockford and was employed by the 
 Scandia Plow Co. seven years and by the Rockford Wholesale 
 Grocery Co. two years. On July 13, 1899, he became a member of the 
 Rockford Fire Department, retiring November 1, 1939, as captain. 
 In November, 1939, he took over the Paint and Glass business of his 
 retired brother, Carl F. Johnson, which he is now conducting at 604 
 Seventh street. In 1898 Mr. Johnson was married to Olga Frank of 
 Rockford. They have been blessed with four children, Chester L., 
 41, teacher in the Rockford High School; Cecil G., 38, a minister in 
 the Augustana Synod, located at Pontiac, Mich.; Maye E. (Mrs. Ed- 
 ward Johnson), graduate nurse; and Donald C, 23, employed by the 
 Sundstrand Machine Tool Co. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are members of 
 the Zion Lutheran Church. 
 
 GUNNARD L. KALL, shoe dealer, was born in Stenbarga parish, 
 Jonkopings Ian, Sweden, June 10, 1894, and came to America in 1914. 
 Locating at Rockford, he worked in machine shops 3% years and in 
 a shoe store three months before the world war. After seven months 
 in the army he came back to the store, and in 1919 purchased a half 
 interest in the A. G. Lindquist Shoe Co. His partner August Hen- 
 drickson passed away July 10, 1938. Mr. Kail is now conducting the 
 store at 527 Seventh street. He is a member of the First Lutheran 
 Church. 
 
SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 45 
 
 LAURA I. BJORKLUND, hotel manager, was born in Rockford 
 November 2, 1888. Her father, Charles J. Valentine, came to 
 America from Vastergotland, Sweden, in 1869 and located in Rock- 
 ford where he was employed in farm implement factories. He died in 
 1910. Laura's mother, Anna (Wallin) Valentine, who came from 
 Gstergotland, Sweden, died in 1939. Laura obtained her education 
 in the Rockford public school and High School. On June 5, 1912, she 
 entered into wedlock with Jesse Bjorklund, born in Rockford of 
 Swedish parents. He was engaged in Dry Goods business for twenty 
 years and was manager of Hotel Broadway five years previous to 
 his death June 29, 1938. Since his demise Mrs. Laura Bjorklund has 
 been manager of the hotel. Mr. and Mrs. Bjorklund were blessed 
 with two children, J. Wallace, who is assisting his mother in the 
 management of the hotel, and L. June, a graduate of Beloit College. 
 Hotel Broadway is located at Broadway and Seventh street and corn- 
 prices two floors with 47 guest rooms. 
 
 JOHN A. KLINGSTEDT, druggist, was born in Oskarsung, Vas- 
 tergotland, Sweden, June 24, 1883, and came to America with his 
 mother in 1893, his father, Frank Klingstedt, having emigrated a 
 year earlier. The family located in Rockford where the elder Kling- 
 stedt was active as a watchmaker and jeweler. He died in 1930. 
 John's mother, Augusta Klingstedt, is still living, now 87 years old. 
 After attending the public school John studied pharmacy in Chicago 
 and then worked for Mr. Lundholm and other druggists in Rockford 
 until December, 1915, when he opened his own drug store, which he 
 is now conducting at Seventh street and Broadway. In 1908 Mr. 
 Klingstedt was married to Evelyn Westring of Rockford. They have 
 two daughters, Virginia, a music teacher in the Rockford public 
 schools, and Charlotte, at home. 
 
 DR. ALLEN N. OLSON, dentist, was born in Manila, la., June 
 29, 1905. His father, Ole Andrew Olson, came to America from Nor- 
 way in 1881 and was engaged in general mercantile business at 
 Manila for 25 years, passing away there in 1936. His wife, Ella 
 Olson, who came from Denmark, is still living at Manila. After at- 
 tending the public school and High School at Manila Allen studied 
 dentistry at Creighton College in Omaha, graduating in 1927. The 
 same year he started practice at Rockford. His office is located at 
 1029 Broadway. On August 5, 1929, Dr. Olson was married to Ruth 
 Martinsen of Omaha. They have two children, Richard, 6, and 
 Sharon, 4. 
 
 LLOYD H. KLING, florist, was born in Rockford November 18, 
 1900. His father, Hugo Kling, was born in Rockford of Swedish 
 parents and has been engaged in building construction. Lloyd's 
 mother, Ellen Kling, was born in Sweden. After attending the public 
 school and High School Lloyd engaged in contracting business like 
 his father. In 1931 he entered the florist business and opened a flower 
 store and small greenhouse at 1010 Broadway which he is now con- 
 ducting. In 1925 he joined in wedlock Renata Schuman of Rockford. 
 They have two children, Junior, 14; and Beverly, 8. Mr. Kling is a 
 member of the Lyran Singing Society. 
 
46 SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 
 
 EVAR C. FORSELL, druggist, was born in Rockford March 22, 
 1889. His father, Gust Forsell, emigrated to America from Skara, 
 Sweden, in 1845. After engaging in farming for some time he was 
 employed as an assembler by the Trahern Pump Co. for many years. 
 He died in 1926. Evar's mother, Augusta Forsell, who was born in 
 Nashult parish, Jonkopings Ian, Sweden, December 6, 1860, and came 
 to Rockford in June, 1884, is still living. After attending the public 
 school Evar studied pharmacy at the Northwestern University School 
 of Pharmacy in Chicago 1910-11, being employed in drug stores in 
 Chicago during the school period. After graduation he worked in 
 drug stores in Rockford. In 1915 he took a special course at Green's 
 School of Pharmacy in Indianapolis, Ind. During the World War he 
 served in the army 23 months, whereof 10 months overseas. In 
 January, 1926, he established the Rockview Pharmacy at 17th street 
 and Broadway which he is now conducting. Mr. Forsell was married 
 April 27, 1916, to Almira B. Keator from Belvidere, 111. Their only 
 child, Jane Clarice, passed away in 1933 at 10 years of age. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Forsell are members of the Tabor Lutheran Church. 
 
 CARL H. SKOGLUND, shoe dealer, was born in Rockford April 
 1, 1899. His father, Andrew Skoglund, came to Rockford from Varm- 
 land, Sweden, in 1888. He was a cabinet maker by trade and passed 
 away here February 27, 1940. Carl's mother, Erika, who came from 
 the same place in Sweden as her husband, died in 1927. Carl received 
 his education in the public school and High School. For sixteen years 
 he was engaged as salesman and window trimmer by the Peterson 
 Brothers clothing store. Eight years ago he purchased the Home 
 Shoe Company store at 1143 Broadway which he is now operating. 
 In 1927 Mr. Skoglund was married to Alma Anderson of Rockford 
 with whom he has a son, John, 12 years old. Mr. and Mrs. Skoglund 
 are members of the Evangelical Free Church. 
 
 OSCAR M. FORSLUND, mason and cement contractor, was 
 born in Stockholm, Sweden, June 5, 1903, and emigrated to America 
 in 1923. Locating first at Boone, la., he engaged in coal mining and 
 from there went to Minneapolis, Minn., where he took up cement 
 work, remaining in that city about a year. In 1925 he moved to 
 Rockford and the following year engaged in contracting for himself. 
 Since 1936 he has been in partnership with Sven J. Justuson as 
 general mason and cement contractors. In 1938 Mr. Forslund was 
 married to Dagmar Swanson, born in Rockford of Swedish parents. 
 They have a son, David, nearly two years old. Mr. and Mrs. Fors- 
 lund are affiliated with the Zion Lutheran Church. 
 
 JOHN B. SKOGLUND, restaurateur, was born in Kinnarumma 
 parish, Vastergotland, Sweden, November 6, 1882, and came to 
 America in 1907, locating in Rockford. Here he worked in a furnace 
 factory until 1928 when he opened a restaurant at 1508 Broadway 
 under the name of Skoglund's Cafe, which he has conducted since. 
 In 1912 Mr. Skoglund was married to Lydia Nelson from oland, 
 Sweden. They have a daughter, Viola (Mrs. David Magnuson), Chi- 
 cago. Mr. and Mrs. Skoglund are members of the Good Templar 
 lodge Vega. 
 
SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 47 
 
 ENOCH NICHOLSON, hardware dealer, was born in Vastergot- 
 land, Sweden, July 11, 1866, and came to America in 1887, locating 
 in Rockford. Here he worked on the railroad, on farms and in fac- 
 tories for three years, whereupon he secured employment with a 
 hardware concern until 1892 when he joined with some others in in- 
 corporating the Skandia Hardware Co. After serving for different 
 periods as president and manager of this company he retired in 1936. 
 In February, 1940, Mr. Nicholson purchased the Elmer Carlson Hard- 
 ware store at 1420 Twentieth street which he is now conducting 
 under the name of Nicholson Hardware. In 1895 Mr. Nicholson was 
 married to Alice L. Stromerts who was born in America of Swedish 
 parentage. They are the parents of eight children, Wilma (Mrs. John 
 Bolander), residing at Sycamore, 111.; Elsinore (Mrs. Clarence 
 Wollan), office manager at her father's store; Ahlex, manager of the 
 Skandia Hardware Co.; Rozelle (Mrs. Bert Appenzeller) ; Ellen 
 Linnea (Mrs. Jack Bloom), Los Angeles, Calif.; Melvin S., employed 
 by Skandia Hardware Co.; Verna Lucile (Mrs. Nels Pearson); and 
 Gladys (Mrs. Ralph Larson), Los Angeles, Calif. Mr. Nicholson is 
 a member of the Swedenborg Church. 
 
 MARVIN A. GUSTAFSON, loans and insurance, was born in 
 Rockford March 21, 1894. His father, Alfred Gustafson, emigrated to 
 America from Sweden in the eighties. He was a cabinet maker and 
 located first at St. Charles, 111., whence he later moved to Rockford 
 where he was engaged by the Mechanics Furniture Co. Marvin's 
 mother, Amelia Gustafson, came from Nerike, Sweden. Both the 
 parents are now living at Long Lake, Wis. Marvin received his edu- 
 cation in the public school and High School. Afterwards he was em- 
 ployed by the Holland Ferguson Abstract Co. five years. During the 
 World War he served with the 260th Aero Squadron 1% years, spend- 
 ing six months abroad. Afterwards he worked for the Emerson- 
 Brantingham Co. two years and then engaged in real estate busi- 
 ness until 1932 when he became connected with the Security First 
 Mortgage Co. of which he is now secretary with office in 207 Security 
 National Bank Building. Mr. Gustafson was married in 1919 to Net- 
 tie S. Campbell of Rockford. 
 
 HARRY G. MOLANDER, garage owner, was born in Rockford 
 October 16, 1895. His father, John Molander, emigrated to America 
 from Vastergotland, Sweden, about 1890 and located at Rockford 
 where he engaged in farming and factory work. He died in 1937. 
 Harry's mother, Selma Molander, who came from Skane, Sweden, is 
 still living. Harry received his education in the public school and 
 Brown's Business College. During the World War he served in the 
 army two years whereof 14 months overseas. After being employed 
 in the Barber Colman factory about five years he in 1825, in asso- 
 ciation with Evert Holmbeck, opened the Central Garage at 716 
 Market street, which they are now operating under the name of Cen- 
 tral Garage & Auto Service, Inc., doing general repair work and sup- 
 plying parts. In 1929 Mr. Molander was married to Violet Broquist 
 of Rockford. They have two children, Marilyn, 9; and Dale, 5. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Molander are members of the Trinity Lutheran Church. 
 
48 SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 
 
 RENARD A. ANDERSON, executive, was born in Rockford Feb. 
 10, 1897. His father, John Adolph Anderson, came to America from 
 Vastergotland, Sweden, in the later eighties. He was a wood carver 
 and worked at his trade here, passing away in 1932. Renard's mother, 
 Anna (Lindgren) Anderson, who came from Malmo, Sweden, is still 
 living. Renard received his education in the public school, High 
 School and Business College and took up the line of accounting. 
 During two years he was employed in the auditor's department of the 
 Union Pacific railroad at Omaha, Nebr. On February 1, 1939, he and 
 some other industrialists incorporated The Rockford Industries, Inc., 
 with Mr. Anderson as secretary and treasurer. They furnish and in- 
 stall Industrial Supplies and Equipment. Their office and shops are 
 located at 1509-19 Railroad avenue. In 1923 Mr. Anderson entered 
 into marriage union with Florence Wolf of Rockford. They have a 
 son, Harris R., 15 years old. The Andersons are members of the 
 Trinity Lutheran Church. 
 
 ROY J. G. JOHNSON, auto service, was born in Rockford May 
 9, 1892. His father, Erland Johnson, emigrated to America from 
 Smaland, Sweden, about 50 years ago and located at Rockford where 
 he was employed in factories and on farms. He died in 1939. Roy's 
 mother, Mathilda Johnson, who came from the same place in Sweden 
 as her husband, passed away in 1931. After attending public school 
 and High School Roy worked as a tool maker until 1923 when he 
 opened Roy's Auto Service at 1244 Broadway, dealing in Auto Acces- 
 sories and conducting a repair shop. Mr. Johnson has been a mem- 
 ber of the Board of Education for four years and is now one of the 
 directors of the Municipal Sanatorium. He entered into wedlock in 
 1913 with Hazel Johnson of Rockford with whom he has a daughter, 
 Marjorie, secretary of Roy's Auto Sevice. The Johnsons are mem- 
 bers of the Calvary Lutheran Church and of the Viking lodge Baltic. 
 
 J. ALBERT JOHNSON, electric appliance dealer, was born 
 in Rockford November 6, 1902. His father, John R. Stromquist, came 
 to America from Smaland, Sweden. His mother's name was Sophia 
 Stromquist. Both parents dying early, Albert was adopted by Mr. and 
 Mrs. August Johnson, residing at Belvidere, 111., where he grew up 
 and attended the rural schools. In 1925 he came to Rockford and 
 was employed by E. L. McKenzie Delco Light Plant from 1926 to 
 1928. In 1928 Mr. Johnson purchased the business and expanded into 
 other branches. His store is located at 2nd ave. and 7th street. In 
 1926 Mr. Johnson was married to Mildred Johnson of Belvidere with 
 whom he has a son, Raynard, 12 years old. 
 
 SWAN A. K. PETERSON, paint dealer, was born in Blidsberg 
 parish, Elfsborgs Ian, Sweden, January 12, 1890, and came to 
 America in 1907, locating in Rockford. Having learned the painter's 
 trade in Sweden, he engaged in painting until 1915, when he opened 
 paint stores in Rockford, Freeport and Beloit. His Rockford store is 
 located at 409 Seventh street. In 1914 Mr. Peterson was married to 
 Adena Lundstrom of Rockford. They are blessed with three girls, 
 Doris, employed in her father's store; Helen and Harriet, twins, 17 
 years old. 
 
SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 49 
 
 ANDREW J. ANDERSON, industrialist, was born in Rockford 
 June 7, 1862. His father, Jonas R. Anderson, one of the Rockford 
 pioneers, emigrated to America from Kronobergs Ian, Sweden, in 
 1854 and located at Rockford. When the Central Furniture Co. was 
 organized in 1875 he was one of the organizers. He died in 1916. 
 Andrew's mother, Helen (Stockenberg) Anderson, who came from 
 the same place in Sweden as her husband, died in 1908. After work- 
 ing for his father three years, Andrew was employed in wire works 
 three years and in the Rockford Watch factory four years, 1877-81. 
 After being secretary of the Excelsior Furniture Co. for eight years 
 he retired from that position in 1890 and was secretary and treas- 
 urer of the Union Overall Co. for 32 years. He was associated with 
 P. A. Peterson in laying out the South Park Subdivision, a 40 acre 
 tract in the south part of the city. Being a stockholder in the Forest 
 City Bit & Tool Co., he has been president of that concern for the last 
 eight years. Mr. Anderson has served as alderman for eight years 
 and as state senator for four years. He was married in 1898 to Hilma 
 Johnson who passed away in 1908, leaving a son, Howard, an ac- 
 countant. In 1916 Mr. Anderson was married the second time to 
 Cora J. Johnson. They are members of the Emmanuel Church and 
 reside at 942 Kishwaukee street. 
 
 FRANK J. LYNN, executive, was born in Chicago February 12, 
 1891. Both his father and mother were born in Illinois of Irish 
 parents. Frank was educated in Chicago city schools, the St. Louis 
 University, St. Louis, Mo., and the Northwestern University Medical 
 School in Chicago. Coming to Rockford in 1923, he engaged in retail 
 mercantile business until 1929 and in Social Service work from 1929 
 till 1938, being active head of the Emerson House Settlement in Chi- 
 cago. In 1938 he became secretary and treasurer of the Forest City 
 Bit and Tool Co. at Rockford, a concern organized in 1890 and en- 
 gaged in manufacturing of Wood Working Machine Bits and Hollow 
 Mortising Tools. They are located at 1206 Kishwaukee street and 
 employ about 30 people. Mr. Lynn was married in 1923 to May C 
 Johnson of Swedish parentage. They are blessed with two daughters, 
 Mary Katherine and Patricia. 
 
 JOHN F. WESTER, manufacturer, was born in Motala, Oster- 
 gotland, Sweden, November 16, 1871, and came to America in 1891, 
 locating in Rockford. After engaging in drug business for 24 years 
 he erected the Rockford Peerless Furniture Co. factory in 1917, en- 
 gaging in the manufacture of piano lamps and shades. Later he 
 turned into the manufacture of furniture. The plant is located at 
 1936 Eleventh street. Mr. Wester is the proprietor and general man- 
 ager of the business. In 1894 Mr. Wester joined in wedlock Jennie 
 Adler of Rockford. They have five daughters, Elvira (Mrs. Willis 
 Olander), residing at Glassboro, N. J.; Eleanore (Mrs. Sidney Hen- 
 rickson), Mr. Henrickson being office manager of the Peerless Fur- 
 niture Co.; Evelyn (Mrs. Forest Erickson), Princeton, 111.; Elsie 
 (Mrs. Russell Erickson), Princeton, 111.; and Elizabeth (Mrs. Ralph 
 Anderson). Mr. and Mrs. Wester are members of the Mission Taber- 
 nacle Church. 
 
50 SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 
 
 SWAN F. ANDERSON, manufacturer, was born in Dorretorp, 
 Vastergotland, Sweden, January 2, 1879, and came to America with 
 parents in 1887. They located in Rockford where Swan's father, L. 
 John Anderson, worked at the carpenter's trade and then with his 
 sons for 15 years. He died in 1930. His wife, Anna J. Anderson, is 
 still living. After attending the public school, Swan learned the 
 machinist's trade. In 1915 he and his two brothers, H. E. and A. L. 
 Anderson, started the Anderson Brothers Manufacturing Co. with 
 shop located at 1907 Kishwaukee street, manufacturing Packaging 
 Machines and Machine Tools and employing about 50 people. Swan 
 F. Anderson is president of the company and Ralph F. Anderson, 
 secretary and treasurer. In 1906 Swan F. Anderson was married to 
 Edith N. Forsberg from Ljungbyhed, Sweden. They have two chil- 
 dren, Vera (Mrs. M. M. Spencer); and Ralph, secretary-treasurer of 
 the company. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson are members of the Emmanuel 
 Lutheran Church. 
 
 ARVID H. BOGREN, sheet metal worker, was born in Rock- 
 ford February 4, 1887. His father, Frank Bogren, came to America 
 from Falkoping, Vastergotland, Sweden, about 1880. He was a cabi- 
 net maker, and is still living, now 83 years old. Arvid's mother, Anna 
 Bogren, who came from Jonkoping, Smaland, Sweden, has now 
 reached the age of 84. After attending the public school Arvid en- 
 gaged in factory work and cabinet making until he took up sheet 
 metal work about 30 years ago. In 1919 he started in busines for 
 himself with M. Stoll as partner. Mr. Stoll died in 1932. Since then 
 Mr. Bogren has been sole owner of the General Industrial Sheet 
 Metal Works at 721 Kishwaukee street. Mr. Bogren is a member of 
 the First Lutheran Church and the Lyran Singing Society. 
 
 JOSIAH N. PETERSON, dealer in Wall Paper and Paints, was 
 born in Sodra Ving parish, Vastergotland, Sweden, November 17, 
 1887, and came to America in October, 1905. Locating in Rockford, 
 he worked in factories until 1924 when he joined K. H. Norberg in 
 establishing a Paint and Wall Paper store at 1021 Broadway, also en- 
 gaging in painting and decorating. The partnership was dissolved in 
 October, 1939, Mr. Peterson now being sole owner of the business. 
 In 1911 Mr. Peterson joined in wedlock Effie Norberg of Rockford. 
 They have one child, Aubrey, employed by Elco Tool & Screw Cor- 
 poration. Mr. Peterson is assistant supervisor of Rockford Township, 
 Mr. and Mrs. Peterson are members of the Emmanuel Lutheran 
 Church, Mr. Peterson being a member of the Church Board. 
 
 ERIC B. JOHNSON, dairy owner, was born in Tegneby, Bohus- 
 lan, Sweden, June 29, 1898, and emigrated to America in 1916, lo- 
 cating in Rockford. After being employed three years in a factory 
 he was employed by dairies until 1924 when he organized the Central 
 Dairy Co., Mr. Johnson being president of the company and Paul 
 Johnson secretary and treasurer. Their office and plant are located 
 at 809 First avenue. They handle all kinds of dairy products, em- 
 ploying 16 trucks in delivering. Eric Johnson was married in 1926 to 
 Ruby Johnson of Rockford. They are members of the Zion Lutheran 
 Church and the Good Templar lodge Vega. 
 
SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 51 
 
 S P. EKSTROM, manufacturer, was born in Od parish, Vaster- 
 gotland, Sweden, January 27, 1882, and came to America with his 
 parents in 1889. His father, Samuel Ekstrom, worked in furniture 
 factories and passed away in 1914. His mother, Emilia Ekstrom, 
 died in 1926. Young Ekstrom obtained his education in the public 
 school, evening and correspondence schools, and worked in factories 
 for a while. In 1904 he associated himself with C. Ekstrom and A. 
 W. Redin in a copartnership which was incorporated in 1920 as Re- 
 din Ekstrom & Co. In 1928 the present company was organized as 
 Ekstrom, Carlson & Co. with S. P. Ekstrom as president and sales 
 manager, and George H. Carlson as vice president and engineer. 
 Office and factory are located at 1439 Railroad avenue. They manu- 
 facture standard lines of woodworking machinery, special automatic 
 productive machines, tools, dies and fixtures. Mr. Ekstrom was mar- 
 ried in 1906 to Grace E. Peterson of Rockford. They have four chil- 
 dren, John, a presbyterian minister at Maywood, 111.; Carroll and 
 Carolyn, twins, the former engaged in the office of the company, and 
 the latter married to R. J. Varble at Elgin, 111.; and Grace Emily. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Ekstrom are members of the Bethesda Evangelical Church. 
 GUST WILLIAM LUNDIN, mason contractor, was born in 
 Backseda parish, Jonkopings Ian, Sweden, July 25, 1876, and learned 
 his trade in Sweden. Emigrating to America in 1900, he located in 
 Rockford and worked here for other contractors until 1916 when he 
 started contracting for himself. In 1904 Mr. Lundin was married to 
 Mathilda Peterson from Froderyd parish, Smaland. They have four 
 children, Elsie (Mrs. David P. Johnson); Willard, associated with his 
 father in mason work; Leonard, attorney; and Frances (Mrs. Floyd 
 Ohlson) residing at De Kalb, 111., where Mr. Ohlson is a teacher in 
 the public schools. Mr. and Mrs. Lundin are affiliated with the Be- 
 thesda Evangelical Church. 
 
 CARL B. STENBERG, upholsterer, was born in Skepphult 
 parish, Vastergotland, Sweden, August 14, 1891, and came to America 
 in 1911. Locating in Rockford, he worked in furniture factories un- 
 til 1914 when he obtained employment with the Old Colony Up- 
 holstering Co. In 1920 he opened his own shop under the name of 
 Broadway Upholstery shop, now located at 904 Broadway. Mr. Sten- 
 berg was married in 1918 to Amy Gustafson from Oland, Sweden. 
 They have a son, Harold, 21 years of age. Mr. Stenberg is a member 
 of the Svithiod John Ericsson lodge and of the Independent Order 
 Norden. 
 
 CONRAD LAGERMAN, shoemaker, was born in Hogsby, Sma- 
 land, Sweden, November 15, 1875, and learned his trade from his 
 father. Emigrating to America in 1900, he located in Rockford and 
 worked in the shops and on farms in Winnebago county for 18 yars. 
 Five years ago he opened his own shoe shop which he is now operat- 
 ing at 1414 Seventeenth street. On July 8, 1903, Mr. Lagerman was 
 married to Hilma Peterson from Smaland, Sweden. They have three 
 children, Edla (Mrs. K. Clark); Thelma (Mrs. Howard Beckstrom) ; 
 and Eric, employed by the Rockford Machine & Tool Co. Mr. Lager- 
 man is a member of Svea Sick and Funeral Benefit Society. 
 
52 SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 
 
 KENNETH E. ANDERSON, sheet metal worker, was born in 
 Rockford May 28, 1892. His father, Carl A. Anderson, emigrated 
 from Smaland, Sweden, to America in 1885 and located in Rockford 
 where he was employed in a furniture factory. He died in 1935. His 
 wife, Emma Anderson, who came from the same place in Sweden, 
 passed away in 1930. After attending- the public school Kenneth 
 worked in a factory for three years and then took up sheet metal 
 work. Since 1919 he has operated his own shop at 1412 Seventh 
 street under the name of General Sheet Metal Works. During the 
 World War Mr. Anderson was in the army nine months. He was 
 married in 1918 to Mary Abrahamson of Rockford. They have four 
 children, Miles, employed in Sheet's Silver Plate factory; Hazel (Mrs. 
 D. Nelson); George, assisting his father; and Pearl, stenographer at 
 the Lincoln Junior High School. 
 
 ARTHUR LANDGREN, contractor, was born in Duluth, Minn., 
 January 1, 1897. His father, Nels A. Landgren, came to America 
 from Norrland, Sweden, in the later eighties and located in Minne- 
 sota where he engaged in lumber work. He is still living at Duluth. 
 Arthur's mother, Emma (Kjellgren) Landgren, died in 1900. Arthur 
 received his education in the public school and High School where- 
 upon he was employed as railroad rate clerk until 1925 when he 
 moved to Rockford. In 1926 he went with the Holm-Page Co., being 
 now secretary and treasurer of that firm. Mr. Landgren was married 
 in 1918 to Bertha A. Carlson of Rockford. They are blessed with 
 three children, Shirley, a graduate of the Rockford High School; 
 Beverly and John D., students in the High School. 
 
 ROLAND D. CARLSON, contractor, was born in Rockford June 
 29, 1891. His father, David Carlson, emigrated to America from 
 Vastergotland, Sweden, in the seventies and located in Rockford 
 where he was engaged as a building contractor. He died in 1927. 
 Roland's mother, Mary E. Carlson, also a native of Sweden, died in 
 1910. Roland received his education in the public school and High 
 School and then worked with his father. From 1919 till 1923 he 
 served as Rockford's first building inspector. In 1923 he came with 
 the Holm-Page Co. and is now vice president of that concern. They 
 make a specialty of industrial and commercial construction. In 1912 
 Mr. Carlson was married to Laura Shetler of Rockford, with whom 
 he has a daughter, Lois V. 
 
 JOHN T. PETERSON, optometrist, was born at Rockford Aug. 
 22, 1905. His father, John Peterson, emigrated to America from Hjo, 
 Skaraborgs Ian, Sweden, in 1882, and located at Rockford where he 
 was employed in furniture factories. He died February 23, 1940. His 
 wife, Emma Peterson, who was from the same place in Sweden, 
 passed away in 1920. John T. attended the Rockford city schools 
 and then took courses at the Bradley Polytechnic College of Peoria, 
 111., and the Missouri College of Optometry at St. Louis, Mo. In 1927 
 he opened practice at Rockford, his office now being located at 1139 
 Broadway. Dr. Peterson was married in 1928 to Malvina Johnson of 
 Rockford with whom he has two children, Pauline and Clarence. Dr. 
 and Mrs. Peterson are members of the Evangelical Free Church. 
 
SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 53 
 
 FRITZ A. FORSBERG, executive, was born in Rockford Novem- 
 ber 15, 1886. His father, Chas. A. Forsberg, came to America from 
 Lund, Sweden, in 1876 and located in Rockford where he worked 
 at other shops until 1883 when he opened his own machine shop. He 
 died in 1924. Fritz' mother, Emma Forgsberg, who came from 
 Nerike, Sweden, is still living. Fritz received his education in the 
 public school and then worked with his father. In 1913 he started 
 the Reliable Machine Co., located at Tenth street and Tenth avenue, 
 making tools and dies. His father joined him shortly after, and his 
 brother, Gust E. Forsberg, a year later. They now employ about fif- 
 teen people. In 1916 Fritz Forsberg was married to Hulda Peterson 
 of Chicago. They have been blessed with two daughters, Thelma 
 (Mrs. H. Oij), who died in 1929; and Julia (Mrs. S. Skorborg) who 
 passed away in January, 1938. 
 
 ERNEST F. ANDERSON, feed merchant, was born in Rockford 
 May 26, 1899. His father, Charley F. Anderson, emigrated to America 
 from Smaland, Sweden, in 1892 and located at Rockford. From 1904 
 he worked in furniture factories until 1917 when he opened a feed 
 store which he conducted after that. He died in 1938. Ernest's mother, 
 Augusta Anderson, who came from Jonkoping, Smaland, died in 1935. 
 Ernest attended public school and a business college and was asso- 
 ciated with his father in the store. He is now associated with his 
 brother, Albert E., in the business. They handle feed, seed, fertilizer, 
 and farm machinery, doing business under the name of Charley F. 
 Anderson at 719 Seventh street. Ernest Anderson was married in 
 1923 to Hazel Angren of Rockford.— Albert E. Anderson was born 
 September 3, 1909, and after obtaining his education in the city 
 schools joined his father in business. 
 
 WALLACE W. PARSON, realtor, was born in Rockford March 
 15, 1897. His father, John G. Parson, came to Rockford from Sweden 
 in 1875 and was employed in the furniture industry, being superin- 
 tendent of the Union Furniture Co. 45 years. Wallace's mother, Ida 
 Parson, is also a native of Sweden. Both parents are still living. 
 After finishing the public school and High School Wallace was em- 
 ployed by the Winnebago National Bank three years. In 1920 he 
 went with the late Charles E. Jackson, continuing with him 9V 2 
 years till his death. In 1930 Mr. Parson opened his own real estate 
 and insurance office at 307 East State street which he is still con- 
 ducting. He was married in 1924 to Amy Doebler of Rockford. They 
 have two children, John Peter, 10; and Natalie Ann, 2. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Parson are members of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church. 
 
 WILLARD U. LINDQUIST, ex-minister, paint dealer, was born 
 in Skutskar, Upsala Ian, Sweden, July 15, 1898, and came to America 
 and Rockford in 1916. In 1918 he took a course at the Moody Bible 
 Institute and the Swedish Free Church Seminary, afterwards serving 
 as pastor of the Swedish Free Church from 1920 to 1939. In 1939 he 
 moved to Rockford and entered paint business in association with his 
 brother Sven Lindquist and Paul Holaine. Their store is located at 
 516 Seventh street. Willard Lindquist was married in 1924 to Ruth 
 Hill of Evanston, 111., with whom he has a daughter, Ruth Ellen. 
 
54 SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 
 
 GUSTAV HERBERT ANGSTROM, chiropractor, was born in 
 Chicago April 16, 1888. His father, Anders Gustaf Angstrom, came 
 to America from Varmland, Sweden, in the later seventies and lo- 
 cated in Chicago where he was employed at common labor. He died 
 in 1934. Gustav's mother, Christine Angstrom, who came from Kris- 
 tinehamn, Varmland, died in 1928. The family moved to Ludington, 
 Mich., in 1892. Gustav attended the rural schools and was confirmed 
 in the Swedish Free Church at Ludington. Afterwards he studied 
 chiropractic at the Palmer School of Chiropractic, Davenport, and 
 the National College of Chiropractic, Chicago. In 1912 he started 
 practice in Michigan and later practised in Ontario, Can., and Janes- 
 ville, Wis. He came to Rockford in 1925 and opened practice here in 
 1926, his office now being located in 305 Swedish American Bank 
 Bldg. Dr. Angstrom was married in 1925 to Lottie Leonora Swan of 
 Rockford. They are affiliated with the Trinity Lutheran Church. 
 
 EDWARD R. PETERSON, designer, was born in Rockford April 
 28, 1904. His father, August B. Peterson, was born in Minnesota of 
 Swedish parents and was active as a plastering contractor. He died 
 in 1928. Edward's mother, Emily Peterson, who was born in Eng- 
 land, is still living in Rockford. Edward obtained his education in the 
 city schools. After being employed by the Bliss Design Co. ten years 
 he went to the Pacific Coast where he worked for the Schumann 
 Granite Works in Portland, Ore., for two years. Returning to Rock- 
 ford, he opened his own business here in August, 1933, at 204 Com- 
 mercial Bldg. under the name of Peterson Memorial Design Service. 
 In 1935 Mr. Peterson was married to Frances Campion of Kansas 
 City, Mo. 
 
 CLARENCE E. ANDERSON, electric appliances, was born in 
 Pecatonica, 111., October 11, 1895. His father, Conrad Anderson, came 
 to America from Ostergotland, Sweden, in the later eighties. He has 
 been engaged in farming, but is now retired and still resides at Peca- 
 tonica, Clarence's mother, Augusta Anderson, is also a native of os- 
 tergotland, Sweden. Clarence attended the rural schools and re- 
 mained on the farm until 1922. He then worked at the building 
 trade until 1928 when he opened a store at 415 Seventh street, deal- 
 ing in electric appliances. In 1922 Mr. Anderson was married to 
 Signe Johnson of Rockford. They have three children, Mauritz, 
 Marian and Richard. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson are members of the 
 Mission Tabernacle Church. 
 
 IV AR CARLSTEDT, jeweler, was born at Vetlanda, Smaland, 
 Sweden, November 11, 1900, and came to America the following year 
 with parents, the family locating in Rockford. Ivar's father, John 
 Martin Carlstedt, is a silversmith and has been employed by the 
 Sheets Silver Co. His mother's name is Charlotte Carlstedt. Both 
 his parents are still living in Rockford. Ivar attended the city schools 
 and then learned the watchmaker's trade. In 1924 he established his 
 own jewelry business, being located at 323 Seventh street. He was 
 married in 1923 to Eleanor Stunkle of Rockford, with whom he has 
 two daughters, Joan, 14, and Rosemary, 12. Mr. and Mrs. Carlstedt 
 are members of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church. 
 
SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 55 
 
 BERGER D. HOGFELDT was born in Rockford December 7, 
 1895. His father, John Hogfeldt, came to Amer^a from Dalsland, 
 Sweden. He located at Rockford and was engaged as engineer at the 
 Rockford Standard Furniture Co. since its organization. He died in 
 1937. Berger's mother, Lina Hogfeldt, who came from Skaraborgs 
 Ian, Sweden, died in 1915. After attending the public school and High 
 School Berger was employed in the Swedish American Bank. During 
 the World War he served in the army 20 months, whereof nine 
 months overseas. From 1920 till 1932 he was employed by the Com- 
 mercial National Bank and went with the Commercial Mortgage and 
 Finance Co., an affiliate of the bank, becoming independent in 1932. 
 In 1934 the building was purchased by the Commercial Mortgage 
 and Finance Co., which since September 13, 1939, has been located in 
 the former quarters of the bank at 115 Seventh street. Mr. Hogfeldt 
 is now secretary and treasurer of the Company. In 1932 Mr. Hog- 
 feldt was married to Myrtle Nelson of Rockford. They have two 
 sons, John Robert, 14; and James Stanton, 9. Mr. and Mrs. Hogfeldt 
 are members of the Trinity Lutheran Church. 
 
 J. AUGUST STERNER, building contractor, was born in Ostra 
 Herrestads parish, Skane, Sweden, October 26, 1880, and emigrated 
 to America in 1901, coming directly to Rockford. Having learned the 
 mason's trade from his father, he worked here for other contractors 
 until 1919 when he established a partnership with Mauritz Hokanson 
 and John Sterner. After four years the partnership was dissolved 
 and August Sterner has since operated for himself. His home and 
 office are located at 2026 Third avenue. In 1902 Mr. Sterner was 
 married to Johanna M. Anderson from Jarrestad, Skane. They have 
 been blessed with five children, whereof two pairs of twins, Alfrida 
 and Mauritz (city fireman); Elvy (Mrs. Carl Lofstedt); Ralph who 
 died in 1928 at 22 years of age, and Arnold, office manager for the 
 Rock River Electric Co. Mr. and Mrs. Sterner are members of the 
 Good Templar lodge Rockford. 
 
 GUSTAF . ARTHUR HERLIN, contractor, was born in Ostra 
 Herrestad parish, Kristianstads Ian, Sweden, May 3, 1876, and came 
 to America in 1892, locating at Rockford. Having learned the mason's 
 trade from his father, he worked here for other contractors until 
 1910 when he started contracting for himself. He was married in 
 1906 to Christine Silver from Hbnsinge, Skane, Sweden They have 
 been blessed with six children, Harry, 32, bookkeeper for the North- 
 ern Illinois Utility Co. at Freeport, 111.; Stanley, 30, proprietor of a 
 knitting mill at Ripon, Wis.; Nina (Mrs. Dr. L. C. Brooks), Freeport, 
 111.; Ellen, public school teacher in Rockford; Barbara, a student at 
 the University of Illinois; and Marjory, senior in the Rockford High 
 School. Mr. and Mrs. Herlin reside at 1520 East State street. 
 
 WALLACE L. KRANS, building specialties, was born at Belvi- 
 dere, 111., March 12, 1900. His father, Charles Krans, came to 
 America from ostergotland, Sweden, in 1884 and located in Illinois 
 where he engaged in farming. In 1920 he moved to Rockford and in 
 1926 entered building specialties business in this city. He died in 
 1936. Wallace's mother, Esther Krans, who was born in Rockford 
 
56 SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 
 
 of Swedish parents, is still living. After attending the public school 
 Wallace was employed in ice cream business 4y 2 years and then went 
 with his father in 1928. Since his father's death he has continued 
 the business under the name of Chas. Krans & Son at 915 East State 
 street. In 1929 Mr. Krans was married to Marguerite V. Lundstrom 
 of Rockford. They have a son, David, 9 years old. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Krans are members of the Zion Lutheran Church. 
 
 DR. CLIFFORD W. FREDBERG was born in Belvidere, 111., Sep- 
 tember 20, 1899. His father, Eric J. Fredberg, came to America from 
 Varmland, Sweden, in the later eighties and located in Ottumwa, la., 
 whence he later moved to Belvidere where he engaged in farming. 
 Clifford's mother, Augusta (Anderson) Fredberg, came also from 
 Varmland. Both the parents are now living in Rockford. Clifford 
 received his education in the public schools of Belvidere, the Rock- 
 ford High School and Augustana College, graduating from the latter 
 in 1925. Afterwards he studied medicine at the Rush College in Chi- 
 cago, receiving his M. D. degree in 1930 and started practice at 
 Rockford in connection with the Municipal Sanitarium. After doing 
 some post graduate work at St. Louis and Chicago he opened private 
 practice in Rockford in 1939, his office being located in 505 Swedish 
 American Bank Bldg. Dr. Fredberg was married in 1929 to Helen 
 Lilliedahl of Essex, la. They are members of the Emmanuel Lutheran 
 Church. 
 
 ANDREW G. OGREN, violin repairer, was born in Vastergbt- 
 land, Sweden, June 9, 1877, coming to America with his parents the 
 same year. The family located in Rockford where Andrew's father, 
 Andrew Ogren, senior, a cabinet maker, worked in the furniture fac- 
 tories. He died in 1933, his wife, Anna Charlotta Ogren, having pre- 
 ceded him in death three months. After attending the public school 
 Andrew worked in furniture and piano factories until 1909 when he 
 opened the Ogren Music House which he conducted for 30 years. He 
 is now engaged in violin repairing under the name of A. G. Ogren at 
 421 East State street, second floor. Mr. Ogren was married in Bos- 
 ton in 1901 to Jennie Johnson of Rockford. They have two adopted 
 children, Janet (Mrs. Reuben Olson); and Hilmer Ogren, employed 
 in a factory. Mr. and Mrs. Ogren are members of the Bethesda 
 Evangelical Church. 
 
 CARL MALCOLM BOLLING, printer, was born in Forshem 
 parish, Vastergotland, Sweden, March 28, 1868, and learned the print- 
 er's trade at Mariestad, Sweden. In 1890 he emigrated to America 
 and came the following year to Rockford where he was employed by 
 the Rockford Publishing & Printing Co. from 1891 to 1907. In 1907 
 he associated himself with C. F. Carlson, establishing the Carlson- 
 Boiling Printing Co., now located at 1020-22 Fourth avenue. Upon 
 the death of Mr. Carlson in 1933 Mr. Boiling became sole owner of 
 the shop. In 1898 Mr. Boiling was married to Anna Helfrida Carlson 
 from Halland, Sweden. They have three children, Harry Malcolm, 
 associated with his father in business; Thyra Helfrida (Mrs. Reuben; 
 Lindstedt) ; and Carl Nelson, mechanical engineer. Mr. Boiling is a 
 life member of the Svea Sbner Singing Society. 
 
SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 57 
 
 JOHN BERGSTROM, florist, was born in Soderhamn, Sweden, 
 September 29, 1883. In his native land he worked as a florist appren- 
 tice on Count Magnus Brahe's estate Rydboholm for six months and 
 then studied floriculture 2V 2 years at the Haga school near Stock- 
 holm. Emigrating to America in 1903, he located first at Kewanee, 
 111., and afterwards spent some time in Minnesota. In 1910 he be- 
 came superintendent of the S. W. Buckbee, Inc., at Rockford, con- 
 tinuing in that position for fifteen years. After being in charge of the 
 Golden Rule greenhouse at Oregon, 111., for three years he purchased 
 the Highland Floral Co. in Rockford in 1935, which he is now operat- 
 ing at 718 Eighteenth street in association with his son, John Harold 
 Bergstrom. In 1906 John Bergstrom was married in St. Paul to 
 Josephine Gustafson who passed away in 1920, leaving six children, 
 Violet, a public school teacher, now assistant supervisor of the Rock- 
 ford Children's Home; John Harold, associated with his father in 
 business; Edward, employed by the Burd Piston Ring Co.; Linnea, a 
 school teacher at Kewanee, 111.; Eva, employed by the Greenlee 
 Brothers Co.; and Carl, employed by the National Lock Co. In 1924 
 Mr. Bergstrom was married the second time to Marie Magnuson with 
 whom he has a daughter, Mary Jane. 
 
 JOHN HAROLD BERGSTROM, florist, son of John Bergstrom, 
 above, received his education in the city schools and then joined his 
 father in business. He was married in 1936 to Julia Tobias of Beloit 
 Wis., their union being blessed with a daughter, Susanne. Mr. Berg- 
 strom is a member of the Svithiod lodge Corona. 
 
 ARTHUR E. GUSTAFSON, printer, was born in Rockford 
 January 22, 1894. His father, Carl A. Gustafson, who was a tailor, 
 emigrated to America from Smaland, Sweden, and died here in 1916. 
 Arthur's mother, Hulda M. Gustafson, who came from Vastergotland, 
 Sweden, is still living. After attending the public school and High 
 School Arthur learned the printing trade and worked in printing 
 shops until 1926 hen he came with the Unique Press of which he is 
 now vice president and manager. They engage in commercial print- 
 ing, their shop being located at 525 West Jefferson street. During 
 the World War Mr. Gustafson served in the army 17 months. In 
 1919 he entered into marriage union with Leta Hazard of Rockford. 
 They have two children, Phoebe, employed by the Unique Press, and 
 Beryl, attending High School. Mr. Gustafson is a member of the 
 Svea Soner Singing Society. 
 
 EVERETTE A. BERG, printer, was born in Rockford, August 
 26, 1903. His father, August Berg, came to Rockford from ostergot- 
 land, Sweden, in the early eighties, and was employed by the Rock- 
 ford Watch Factory. Everette's mother, Anna Berg, came from the 
 same place in Sweden as her husband. Both his parents are still liv- 
 ing. Everette received his education in the public school and High 
 School and then took up printing. After working for other shops 
 until 1931 he opened his own shop at 1004 Fourth avenue under the 
 name of Berg Printing Co., where he is engaged in general com- 
 mercial printing. In 1924 Mr. Berg was married to Estelle Boyd of 
 Rockford. They have a daughter, Rae Ellen, 7 years old. 
 
58 SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 
 
 BERT E. YOUNGQUIST, lumber and fuel dealer, was born in 
 Chicago March 12, 1908. His father, Carl O. Youngquist, emigrated 
 to America from Sweden in 1893. A tailor by trade, he operated a 
 tailoring establishment in Chicago where he still resides with his wife, 
 Emma Youngquist, also a native of Sweden. After attending the city 
 schools, Bert took a course at the North Park College in Chicago, 
 graduting in 1929, and continued his studies at the University of Illi- 
 nois, from which institution he graduated in 1931. Afterwards he 
 taught at Statesville, N. C, two years and at North Park four years. 
 In 1937 he came to Rockford to become president of the Highland 
 Lumber & Fuel Co. with office at Eighteenth and Charles streets. 
 Mr. Youngquist was married in 1935 to Mildred V. Holmberg of 
 Rockford. They have three children, Anne Christine, Charles Thomas 
 and Lance Barton. Mr. and Mrs. Youngquist are members of the 
 Bethesda Evangelical Covenant Church. 
 
 DAVID NYBERG, lumber dealer, was born in orsldsa parish, 
 Vastergdtland, Sweden, July 2, 1892, and came to America in 1910, 
 locating at Rockford. After working in factories for eight months 
 he was engaged in coal yards until 1917 when he became connected 
 with the Highland Lumber & Fuel Co. of which he is now treasurer 
 with office at 18th and Charles streets. Mr. Nyberg was married in 
 1916 to Emma Klint from Hjo, Vastergdtland, Sweden, with whom 
 he has a son, George, 11 years old. Mr. and Mrs. Nyberg are mem- 
 bers of the Evangelical Free Church. 
 
 RALPH A. OLSON, plastering contractor, was born in Rockford 
 October 27, 1893. His father, Alfred Olson, came to America from 
 oland, Sweden. He was a plasterer by trade and was a member of 
 the contracting firm Kjellstrom & Olson for 37 years. He died in 1923. 
 His wife, Elsie Elizabeth Olson, also a native of oland, Sweden, 
 passed away in 1914. Ralph received his education in the public 
 schools and then started work with Mr. Kjellstrom till the latter re- 
 tired in 1928. Since then Mr. Olson has operated alone. During the 
 World War he served in the army nine months. In 1917 he entered 
 into marriage union with Muriel Kreger from Davis Junction, 111. 
 They have three children, Ralph A., Jr., 20, employed by the Rock- 
 ford Drilling Machine Co.; Raymond, 16, student in High School; 
 and Marilyn, attending Junior High School. Mr. Olson is a member 
 of the Trinity Lutheran Church, Lyran Singing Society and The 
 American Legion. The family residence is located at 1121 Second ave. 
 
 OSCAR T. OLSON, florist, was born in Gardslosa parish, oland, 
 Sweden, February 24, 1886, and came to America in April, 1901, lo- 
 cating in Rockford. After working in factories for a number of years 
 he established a florist business August 15, 1922, located at 310 Tenth 
 street. His home address is 1401 Charles street. In 1907 Mr. Olson 
 was married to Hilma S. Lindgren from Falkoping, Vastergdtland, 
 Sweden. They have two sons, Lawrence M., 32, landscape engineer 
 for the State Highway Department, residing at Dixon, 111.; and Del- 
 phin M., 30, associated with his father in the florist business. Mr. Ol- 
 son is a member of the Svea Soner, Lyran, the Vikings and Scandi- 
 navian Brotherhood. 
 
SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 59 
 
 AXEL F. REHNBERG, executive, was born in Lerbacks parish, 
 Nerike, Sweden, September 9, 1883, and grew up at Kumla, Nerike. 
 In 1902 he emigrated to America, coming direct to Rockford. Hav- 
 ing taken up the machinist's trade in Sweden, he continued that line 
 here, taking a course in mechanical engineering with the Inter- 
 national Correspondence School. From 1908 till 1911 he was em- 
 ployed by the Redin, Ekstrom & Co. as a designer and then with the 
 Thayer Action Co. till 1929 as master meechanic, designer and su- 
 perintendent. In 1929 he associated himself with Gust Jacobson, or- 
 ganizing the Rehnberg-Jacobson Manufacturing Co., located at 2135 
 Kishwaukee street. They design and build special machinery, em- 
 ploying about 65 people. Mr. Rehnberg was married in 1907 to Mary 
 Person from Billingsfors, Dalsland, Sweden, who passed away in 1928, 
 leaving two daughters, Lotta (Mrs. H. Ecklund); and Olga (Mrs. S. 
 Nelson). In 1936 Mr. Rehnberg was married the second time to 
 Aneita Upton from Des Moines, la., this union being blessed with a 
 son, Axel Upton, born in 1937. Mr. and Mrs. Rehnberg are members 
 of the Good Templar lodge Rockford. 
 
 GEORGE W. HALLBERG, manufacturer, was born in Rockford 
 December 3, 1894. His father, Casper Hallberg, came to America 
 from Ulricehamn, Vastergotland, Sweden, in 1899 and located in 
 Rockford, where he engaged in furniture and piano work. In 1922 
 he started the Rockford Eagle Furniture Co. of which he is still su- 
 perintendent. George's mother, Mathilda Augusta Hallberg, came 
 from Falkoping, Vastergotland, Sweden. After attending the public 
 school and High School George took up accounting. Upon the or- 
 ganization of the Eagle Furniture Co. he became secretary and treas- 
 urer of that concern. They manufacture Sewing Cabinets and employ 
 about 30 people, their factory being located at 1066 North Second 
 street. In 1925 Mr. Hallberg was married to Iva Kellstrom of Kirk- 
 land, 111. They have two daughters, Kathryn and Marjorie. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Hallberg are members of the Trinity Lutheran Church. 
 
 AXEL H. WIBERG, manufacturer, was born in Krackenbo, Got- 
 land, Sweden, January 19, 1891, and emigrated to America in 1911. 
 After a short stay in Michigan where he worked in a tailor shop he 
 came to Rockford in 1913 and was engaged in furniture factories 
 here until 1932, when he became president of the Atlas Furniture Co., 
 organized that year. They manufacture Book Cases, Dining Room 
 Chairs, Beauty Parlor Furniture, Beds, etc., their factory being lo- 
 cated at 801 North Madison street. In 1916 Mr. Wiberg joined in wed- 
 lock Agnes Carlson of Rockford. They are affiliated with the Mission 
 Tabernacle Church. 
 
 ERIC FREDIN, baker, was born in Trelleborg, Skane, Sweden, 
 October 21, 1904. After working in a bakery a year he emigrated to 
 America in 1922 and located at Rockford. Here he worked in bakeries 
 until 1934, when he opened the Fredin Bakery at 2017 Broadway. He 
 was married in 1934 to Dorothy Hart of Rockford, their union being 
 blessed with a daughter, Carolyn. In 1939 Mr. Fredin made a trip 
 to Sweden to visit his mother near Trelleborg at the celebration of 
 her 70th birthday. 
 
60 SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 
 
 EDWIN J. BILLSTROM, manufacturer, was born in Rockford 
 September 25, 1896. His father, Nels J. Billstrom, came to America 
 from Malmo, Sweden, in 1880. After a short stay in Rockford he went 
 to Minnesota, but returned three years later to Rockford. A machin- 
 ist from Sweden, he worked for other firms until 1904, when he start- 
 ed his own shop. In 1909 he moved into his own building at Ninth 
 street and 19th avenue, which he sold later and removed to another 
 more suitable shop building at 1846 18th avenue, also owned by him. 
 The output consists mainly of glue clamp carriers, feeders for join- 
 ers, dies and tools. Nels Billstrom was the inventor of Barb wire ma- 
 chines, Glue clamp carriers and Feeders for joiners. He died Sep- 
 tember 10, 1939, at the ripe old age of 82 years. His widow, Anna 
 M. Billstrom, also from Malmo, Sweden, is still living, now 84 years 
 old. Edwin received his education in the public school, the Rockford 
 School of Engineering and the Draugh & Porter Business College. He 
 is now secretary and treasurer of the firm which in 1932 was incor- 
 porated under the name of Nels J. Billstrom, Inc. He was married in 
 1917 to Helen L. Johnson of Rockford. They have two children, Mary 
 Jane, 16, and John Edwin, 4. Mr. and Mrs. Billstrom are members 
 of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church. 
 
 ERIC ANDERSON, manufacturer, was born in Borstig parish, 
 Vastergotland, Sweden, May 18, 1893, and came to America in Octo- 
 ber, 1913, going direct to Rockford. After working at the machinist's 
 trade for four years he went with the Rockford Drop Forge Co. and 
 continued with them for twelve years. In 1929 he associated himself 
 with two other machinists from the same company and a third one 
 from the Sundstrand Co. in organizing the Rockford Forging Die & 
 Tool Co., located at 1846 18th avenue. Mr. Anderson is now presi- 
 dent of the company and Eskil Johnson secretary and treasurer. 
 They manufacture mostly Drop Forging Dies, employing about 25 
 men. On April 12, 1919, Mr. Anderson was married to Martha Peter- 
 son from the same place in Sweden. They have a daughter, Janet, 
 stenographer in her father's office. Mr. Anderson has been a member 
 of the Svithiod lodge John Ericsson for 25 years, having been chair- 
 man of the lodge four years. 
 
 JOHN R. ANDERSON, executive, was born in Rockford June 17, 
 1879. His father, Alfred Anderson, came to America from Vaster- 
 gotland, Sweden, in 1868. After being employed by the C. B. & Q. 
 railroad in the vicinity of Rockford he worked in factories as a 
 cabinet maker, passing away here in 1924. John's mother, Ella An- 
 derson, who was born in Rockford of Swedish parents, died in 1928. 
 After attending the public schools John studied two years at Augus- 
 tana College, taking a commercial course. In 1902 he went with the 
 National Mirror Works of which he is now secretary and treasurer. 
 The factory is located at 1925 Kishwaukee street, some 45 or 50 
 people being employed. Mr. Anderson entered into wedlock in 1906 
 with Hulda C. Swenson of Rockford. They have two children, John 
 Edward, assistant in his father's office; and Janet R. (Mrs. R. C. 
 Hamilton). Mr. and Mrs. Anderson are members of the Emmanuel 
 Lutheran Church. 
 
SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 61 
 
 DR. CARL M. RANSEEN was born at Ottumwa, la., September 
 15 1879. His father, Rev. M. C. Ranseen, came to America from Ble- 
 kinge, Sweden, in the early seventies. After taking a course at the 
 Augustana College and Theological Seminary he was ordained a min- 
 ister in the Augustana Synod, serving as pastor for nearly 50 years. 
 He also held the offices of president of the Illinois Conference, presi- 
 dent of the Board of Augustana College and president of the Augus- 
 tana Hospital. He died in 1920. Carl's mother, Sophie Ranseen, came 
 from Vastergotland, Sweden. Carl, who was the fifth of twelve chil- 
 dren, studied at Augustana College and the University of Wisconsin, 
 graduting in 1901. Taking his medical course at the College of Phy- 
 sicians and Surgeons in Chicago, he graduated from that institution 
 in 1905. After serving two years as interne at the Augustana Hos- 
 pital he started medical practice at Rockford in 1907. Dr. Ranseen 
 was married in 1908 to Hilda E. Berglund of Elgin, 111., a graduate 
 nurse. They have a daughter, Lucile (Mrs. Blair Plimpton), residing 
 at Marengo, 111. Dr. and Mrs. Ranseen are members of the First Lu- 
 theran Church. Dr. Ranseen's office is located in the Reliance Bldg. 
 
 CARL HOLMGREN, manufacturer, was born in Holm parish, 
 Dalsland, Sweden, January 28, 1890, and came to America in 1907, 
 locating in Rockford. After working in furniture factories until 1924 
 he went with the Atlas Furniture Co. at 801 North Madison street, 
 where he is now operating independently, refinishing and finishing 
 furniture under the name of Holmgren Finishing. In 1918 Mr. Holm- 
 gren was married to Maria Anderson from Vaxio, Smaland, Sweden. 
 They have two children, Lillian, private secretary at the Illinois Ter- 
 razzo & Tile Co., and Donald, a student at the High School. Mr. Holm- 
 gren is a member of the Tabor Lutheran Church and of the Lyran 
 Singing Society. 
 
 HELGE G. BLOMGREN, manufacturer, was born in Jonkoping, 
 Smaland, Sweden, May 7, 1887, and came to America with parents in 
 1891, locating in Rockford. Devoting himself to furniture work, 
 Helge was employed in furniture factories and was superintendent 
 of the Pierson Co. for six years. In 1932 he organized the Scroll Pro- 
 ducts Co., located at 811 North Madison street, of which he is 
 manager. They manufacture all sorts of Wall Ornaments. Mr. Blom- 
 gren was married in 1917 to Agnes L. Haime of Rockford who is now 
 secretary of the Company. They are blessed with three children, 
 Betty, a graduate nurse; Jack, associated with his father in business; 
 and Jenet, at school. 
 
 MARTIN LUNDQUIST, grocer, was born in Boda parish, Oland, 
 Sweden, May 4, 1870, and came to America in 1892, locating in Rock- 
 ford. A grocer from Sweden, he entered similar employment here in 
 1895 and opened his own grocery store in 1902. He is now associated 
 with his son Willard Lundquist operating a grocery store at 507 
 Seventh street. In 1900 Mr. Lundquist was married to Anna Peterson 
 from oland, Sweden. They have been blessed with three children, 
 Martha, proof reader for the Rockford Morning Star; Henry who died 
 in 1936 at 34 years of age; and Willard, associated with his father in 
 business. 
 
62 SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 
 
 CARL A. DAHLGREN, manufacturer, was born in Rockford 
 February 11, 1888. His father, Albert Dahlgren, came to America 
 from near Falkoping, Vastergotland, Sweden, in 1883 and located at 
 Rockford where he engaged in farming. He died in 1931. Carl's 
 mother, Amanda Dahlgren, who came from the same place in Sweden 
 as her husband, is still living, now 76 years old. Carl attended the 
 Rockford public schools and then went to Chicago where he learned 
 toolmaking, taking a night course in the Lane Technical High School 
 from which he graduated in 1915. After 13 years spent in Chicago he 
 returned to Rockford in 1920, engaged in farming four years and was 
 employed by the Barber Colman Co. 2y 2 years, whereupon he asso- 
 ciated himself with J. R. Jernberg in starting the Rockford Die & 
 Tool Works, located at 1816 17th avenue, Mr. Dahlgren being presi- 
 dent of the company, Mr. Jernberg vice president and E. H. Odell 
 secretary and treasurer. In 1915 Mr. Dahlgren was married to Hilma 
 M. Nelson from Varmland, Sweden. They have three children, Eleo- 
 nore (Mrs. C. L. Badger), residing at Springfield, 111.; Robert E., en- 
 gaged with his father; and C. Stanley, 12. Mr. Dahlgren is a mem- 
 ber of the Svea Soner Singing Society. 
 
 ELMER E. CARLSON, plumber, was born in Ottawa, 111., Sep- 
 tember 8, 1894. His father, Magnus Carlson, came to America from 
 Skurup, Skane, Sweden, in his twenties and located first at Ottawa 
 whence he moved to Rockford a few years later. He has been en- 
 gaged in lumber yards and still resides in Rockford. Elmer's mother, 
 Christina Carlson, came from Solberga, Skane, Sweden. Elmer at- 
 tended the public school and then worked in grocery stores till he 
 took up the plumbing trade in 1922. He was married in 1919 to Ruth 
 Linder of Rockford. They have five children, Leslie, assisting his 
 father; Doris, a High School graduate; Roger, attending the Senior 
 High School; Richard, a student in the Junior High School; and 
 Gerold. The family residence is located at 616 16th street. 
 
 EDWARD O. SJOLIN, tailor, was born in Eslbf, Skane, Sweden, 
 July 11, 1872, and came to America in May, 1905. A tailor from 
 Sweden, he located first in Kewanee, 111., where he spent two years, 
 whereupon he traveled about as journeyman tailor, working at his 
 trade in eight different states. Locating in Rockford in 1917, he 
 started his own shop here in 1924. His shop is now located at 209 
 Seventh street. In 1896 he was married to Augusta Peterson from 
 Sosdala, Skane, Sweden, who died in 1923, leaving two sons, Victor, 
 molder and coremaker in the Matteson Foundry; and Gunnard, em- 
 ployed in a factory. Mr. Sjolin is a member of the Odd Fellow lodge 
 Tegner No. 799. 
 
 HARRY V. JOHNSON, contractor, was born in Arvika, Varm- 
 land, Sweden, April 7, 1891, and came to America in 1910, locating in 
 Rockford. After working in factories and machine shops for some 
 years he started building operations in 1926, his home being located 
 at 320 Welty avenue. In 1918 he entered into wedlock with Ruth Grip 
 from Stockholm, Sweden. They are blessed with five children, Bar- 
 bara, Richard, Elaine, Frederick and Phillip. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson 
 are members of the Temple Baptist Church. 
 
SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 63 
 
 ALBIN STRANDQUIST, executive, was born in Rockford Jan. 
 20, 1899. His father, John P. Strandquist, emigrated to America from 
 Sweden in de early eighties and was conducting a shoe shop in Rock- 
 ford He died January 4, 1940. Albin's mother, Anna Strandquist, 
 also a native of Sweden, is still living. After attending public school 
 and night school Albin went to work for the National Lock Co., hav- 
 ing been connected with this concern ever since, being now the presi- 
 dent of the company. He was married July 17, 1919, to Marjorie 
 Marie Patterson of Genoa, 111. They have two children, Jack, 16, and 
 JaniceAnn, 4. Mr. and Mrs. Strandquist are members of the Centen- 
 nial Methodist Church.— The National Lock Co., Rockford's largest 
 industrial concern, was organized in 1903 by prominent Swedish in- 
 dustrialists Mr. P. A. Peterson was one of the original founders of 
 the company and its president from 1903 till 1927. The original first 
 cost of the manufacturing plant with its equipment was over six mil- 
 lion dollars. Product includes upward of 12,000 distinct designs, 
 sizes and shapes. The buildings contain more than twelve acres of 
 floor space for office, manufacturing and storage purposes. The 
 number of employees is about 2,500. 
 
 FRANK C. FRANZEN, manufacturer, was born in Rockford 
 March 29, 1890. His father, Oscar Franzen, came to America from 
 Sweden in the eighties, locating first in Chicago whence he later 
 moved to Rockford. He lost his life in a railroad accident in 1895. 
 Frank's mother, Selma Franzen, who came from Varmland, Sweden, 
 is still living. Frank received his education in the public school, High 
 School, and University of Illinois. During the World War he served 
 in the army as 1st lieutenant of the air service, spending 1% years 
 overseas. Returning from the war he finished his four year course at 
 the university, studying engineering and administration. In 1923 he 
 went with the Mechanics Tool Co. which he reorganized into Forgings 
 & Stampings, manufacturing forgings and stampings for other manu- 
 facturers. The shop is located at 23rd avenue and Seventh street and 
 numbers about 40 employees. Mr. Franzen is president and general 
 manager of the company. In 1931 Mr. Franzen was married to Ger- 
 trude Wahlbom of Rockford. He is a member of Svea Soner Singing 
 Society and of the Svithiod lodge John Ericsson. 
 
 AMANDUS T. PALMER, executive, was born in Rockford June 
 30, 1895. His father, Peter H. Palmer, came to America from Vaster- 
 go'tland, Sweden, in 1879, locating at Rockford. He was designer and 
 vice president of the Royal Mantle Furniture Co. and vice president 
 of the Rockford National Furniture Co. He died in 1928. Amandus' 
 mother, Amanda Palmer, who also came from Vastergotland, Sweden, 
 died in 1896. Amandus received his education in the public school and 
 High School and then entered furniture business with his father. He 
 is now president of the Rockford Superior Furniture Co. and director 
 and vice president of the Rockford National Furniture Co. The Rock- 
 ford Superior Furniture Co. at 2404 Seventh street manufactures Bed 
 Room and Dining Room Furniture and employs about 100 people. Mr. 
 Palmer was married in 1923 to Ruth Forsberg of Rockford. They are 
 members of the Temple Baptist Church. 
 
64 SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKPORD 
 
 NORMAN T. PETERSON, executive, was born in Rockford 
 August 14, 1895. His father, August P. Peterson, one of the pioneer 
 furniture men of Rockford, came to America from Falkoping, Vaster- 
 gotland, in 1869, locating first in Chicago, whence he moved to Rock- 
 ford shortly after. He was connected with the Central Furniture Co. 
 and organized the Rockford National Furniture Co. in 1907. He 
 passed away January 11, 1940, at 84 years of age. His wife, Amanda 
 Peterson, who was born in Rockford of Swedish parents, died in 1918 
 at the age of 53. Norman was educated in the public school, High 
 School and Bethany College at Lindsborg, Kans. In 1916 he served 
 in the U. S. army on the Mexican border as a member of Company 
 K, 3rd Illinois Infantry, and was discharged in February, 1917. Re- 
 enlisting the following April as a private, he was commissioned as 
 2nd liteutenant and served in France one year, receiving his discharge 
 as 1st lieutenant. Since then he has been with the National Furniture 
 Co., being general manager since 1926. They manufacture Dining 
 Room and Bed Room Furniture of fine and medium quality, employ- 
 ing 85-100 people. Mr. Peterson was married in 1920 to Mildred E. 
 Berg of Rockford. They are members of the Emmanuel Lutheran 
 Church. 
 
 ERNEST R. LUNDIN, mason contractor, was born in okna 
 parish, Kalmar Ian, Sweden, January 16, 1880, and was brought up in 
 Norrkoping, Sweden. In 1913 he emigrated to America and located in 
 Rockford. A bricklayer from Sweden, he worked for other con- 
 tractors until 1917 when he went into partnership with Harry F. 
 Grip, forming the contracting firm Lundin & Grip, General Mason 
 Contractors, with office in the Reliance Building. Mr. Lundin was 
 married in 1906 to Thyra Anna N. Olson from Norrkoping, Sweden. 
 They have a daughter, Gertrude (Mrs. W. F. Westerlind), residing at 
 Hartford, Conn. Mr. Lundin is a member of the Viking lodge Ellida 
 and of the Vasa lodge Brahe. 
 
 PHILIP WEST, office manager, was born in Rockford January 
 17, 1901. His father, John West, came to America from Varmland, 
 Sweden, in 1893 and in the course of a year located in Rockford, 
 where he has been engaged in furniture factories. Philip's mother, 
 Amanda, came from Smaland, Sweden. Philip received his education 
 in the public school and High School. In 1937 he joined George and 
 Simon Lindstrom and Hugo Carlson in organizing the Service En- 
 gineering Co. at 743 Twentieth street, manufacturers of Tools and 
 Dies. Mr. West is office manager of the company. In 1935 Mr. West 
 entered into marriage union with Sylvia Walrod of Sycamore. 
 
 ARTHUR W. JOHNSON, contractor, was born in Chicago Sep- 
 tember 15, 1897. His parents, Oscar and Ida Johnson, returned to 
 Sweden in 1898, locating in Kymbo parish, Vastergotland, where they 
 are still living. Arthur grew up in Sweden and returned to America 
 in 1916, locating in Rockford. Here he learned the carpenter's trade 
 and worked for other contractors until 1922 when he started con- 
 tracting for himself. Mr. Johnson was married in 1922 to Martha 
 Lonn from Huskvarna, Smaland. They are members of the Vasa 
 lodge Elvira and reside at 410 Tenth street. 
 
SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 65 
 
 CASPER W. SANDEHN, oil dealer, was born in Rockford March 
 1 1892. His father, Carl Gustaf W. Sandehn, came to Rockford from 
 Jonkoping, Smaland, Sweden, in 1879. He was active here as a dry 
 goods merchant and passed away in 1936. Casper's mother, Carrie 
 Sandehn, who was born in Rockford of Swedish parents, died in Cali- 
 fornia in 1906. Casper obtained his education in the public school, 
 High School and University of Illinois, whereupon he entered oil and 
 chemical business. During the World War he served in the army 18 
 months. After organizing the Libby Oil & Chemical Co. he was with 
 that concern for 16 years. In January, 1937, he started the Industrial- 
 Oil & Chemical Co. at 1227 22nd street of which he is now president, 
 Emil Bargren being- treasurer of the company. They deal in heavy 
 chemicals, oils and alkali. In 1921 Mr. Sandehn was married to Anna 
 Bargren of Rockford, with whom he has two daughters, Carolyn and 
 Clara Mae. Mr. Sandehn is a member of the Zion Lutheran Church 
 and of the American Legion. 
 
 G. RICHARD CARLSON, laundry owner, was born in Chicago, 
 April 21, 1894. His father, N. E. Carlson, came to Chicago from 
 Gothenburg, Sweden, in the early eighties, and has been engaged as 
 a stationary engineer. Richard's mother, Ida W. Carlson, a native of 
 Vanersborg, Sweden, died in 1929. Richard grew up in Chicago and 
 received his education in the city schools. He afterwards took to rail- 
 roading and was employed by the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul 
 railroad as fireman and engineer for 16 years. Coming to Rockford 
 in 1925, he entered the laundry business and since 1927 has been 
 operating the Forest City Laundry at 1420 South Main street. In 
 1915 Mr. Carlson was married to Alma Dralle from Elgin, 111. They 
 have a son, Donald R., 21, attending the government aviation school 
 at Tulsa, Okla. Mr. Carlson is a member of the Lyran Singing So- 
 ciety and of the Viking lodge Baltic. 
 
 AXEL V. ERICSON, electrical contractor, was born in Borlange, 
 Dalarne, Sweden, May 1, 1900, and came to America in October, 1924, 
 locating first in Chicago. An electrician from Sweden, he took up 
 electric work, working for other contractors. In 1928 he moved to 
 Rockford and became associated with Howard Peterson as electric 
 contractors. In 1930 he started for himself under the name of Broad- 
 way Electric. Since 1936 he has operated the Axel Ericson Electric 
 Co. at 1005 Fifth avenue. Mr. Ericson was married in 1927 to Ger- 
 trude Brate of Brofors, Vastmanland, with whom he has a son, Hans, 
 10 years old. Mr. Ericson is a member of Svea Soner, Lyran Singing 
 Society, Svithiod lodge John Ericsson and the Viking lodge Baltic. 
 
 SIGURD GORANSON, florist, was born in Rockford of Swedish 
 parents August 25, 1912. His father, John Goranson, a moulder, came 
 to America from Smaland, Sweden, about 30 years ago. His mother, 
 Ellen Goranson, is a native of Gothenburg, Sweden. Sigurd received 
 his education in the Rockford city schools. He is now manager of the 
 Florist Service Co., wholesale flower dealers, 160 Morgan street. Mr. 
 Goranson was married in 1932 to Beatrice Walker from Wisconsin 
 with whom he has a daughter, Barbara Kay. Mr. and Mrs. Goranson 
 are members of the Bethany Methodist Church. 
 
66 SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 
 
 A. ARTHUR LUNDGREN, executive, was born at Lake Station 
 (East Gary), Ind., November 4, 1892. His father, August Lundgren, 
 came to America from Skaraborgs Ian, Sweden, in 1866 at five years 
 of age. The family located in Minnesota where Arthur's father 
 passed away in 1892. His mother, Emma Lundgren, who was born in 
 Minnesota of Swedish parents, died in 1932. Arthur grew up in St. 
 Paul, Minn., where he attended the city schools and a business col- 
 lege, choosing the vocation of an accountant. In 1922 he came to 
 Rockford and became connected with the Burd Piston Ring Co. of 
 which he is now vice president and sales manager. The company was 
 organized 26 years ago and employs about 500 people, manufactur- 
 ing Piston Rings and Ha Dees car heaters. During the World War 
 Mr. Lundgren served in the army two years, spending one year 
 overseas. In 1919 he entered into marriage union with Emma Har- 
 mann from Germany. They have two children, Lila Adelaide, attend- 
 ing college, and Alvin Arthur. 
 
 GUNNARD A. ANDERSON, manufacturer, was born in Rock- 
 ford June 11, 1893. His father, John Emil Anderson, came to America 
 from Falkbping, Sweden, in 1889 and located in Rockford where he 
 was engaged as a cabinet maker. He died in 1937. Gunnard's mother, 
 Anna Anderson, also from Falkbping, Sweden, is still living. After 
 attending the public school and a business college Gunnard was em- 
 ployed as a bookkeeper. In 1922 he went with the Rockford Republic 
 Furniture Co. of which he is now president and manager. They manu- 
 facture Dining Room and Novelty Furniture and Sewing Machine 
 Cabinets and employ about 135 people. On September 24, 1919, Mr. 
 Anderson was married to Hannah Bargren from Dalsland, Sweden. 
 They have two sons, G. Arthur, 17, and James D., 8. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Anderson are members of the Evangelical Free Church, Mr. Ander- 
 son being also president of the Swedish American Hospital. 
 
 VERNER W. OLSON, pattern maker, was born in Stora Tuna, 
 Dalarne, Sweden, April 27, 1903, and came to America in 1923, lo- 
 cating in Rockford. After working in factories for some years he en- 
 tered into partnership with Harold Hasselroth in 1937, establishing 
 the Star Pattern and Model Works at 2230 Kishwaukee street. They 
 employ about 20 people. In 1926 Mr. Olson was married to Esther 
 Carlson from Dalarne, Sweden. Mr. Olson is a member of the Svea 
 Soner Singing Society. 
 
 HAROLD HASSELROTH, pattern maker, was born in Gales- 
 burg, 111., February 21, 1900. His father, A. F. Hasselroth, emigrated 
 to America from Malmo, Sweden, in 1885. He is a blacksmith by 
 trade and is now living at Rockford. Harold's mother, Ida Hasselroth, 
 who came from Vimmerby, Smaland, Sweden, died in 1924. Harold 
 grew up in Moline, 111., where he attended the public school and High 
 School and afterwards learned pattern making. He came to Rock- 
 ford in 1927 and worked in factories until 1937 when he entered into 
 partnership with Verner W. Olson, starting the Star Pattern and 
 Model Works. In 1931 Mr. Hasselroth was married to Lillian Fahn- 
 strom of Victoria, 111. They have two children, Carol Jean and Pearl 
 Joan. 
 
SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 67 
 
 O. G. NELSON, manufacturer, was born at Grant Meadow, Minn., 
 October 4, 1875. His father, Guldbrand Nelson, emigrated from Nor- 
 way to Minnesota in 1862 and was engaged in farming. He died in 
 1893. His wife, Karin Nelson, also from Norway, passed away in 
 1938. O. G. Nelson received his education in the public schools and 
 remained on the farm till the age of 22. Moving to Chicago in 1897, 
 he became connected with the National Mirror Works Co. and went 
 with said company to Rockford in 1902 as superintendent and later 
 president of the concern. In 1928 he became manager of the Rook- 
 ford Showcase and Fixture Co. at 1034 Elm street. They manufac- 
 ture Showcases and Store Fixtures, employing about 75 people. Mr. 
 Nelson was married in 1933 to Norma Christianson of Rockford. They 
 have a daughter, Arline Miriam. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson are members 
 of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church. 
 
 JOHN A. SALL, manufacturer, was born near Oberlin, Kans., 
 June 24, 1889. His father, John A. Sail, came to America from Vas- 
 tergotland, Sweden, in the seventies and located on a homestead near 
 Oberlin, being one of the pioneer settlers in that district. In 1906 he 
 returned to Sweden with his family, residing there until his death in 
 1931. John's mother, Augusta Sail, is still living in Sweden. Some 
 of the children returned to America, John arriving in Rockford in 
 1909. Being a wood worker, he and his brother, C. Alfred Sail, started 
 a Pattern and Machine Shop in 1918 under the name of Sail Bros 
 Co. at 2320 Kishwaukee street. Alfred died in 1928. Since then John 
 Sail has been sole operator of the works, employing about 30 people. 
 In 1911 Mr. Sail was married to Esther Brodd, born in America of 
 Swedish parents. They have a son, Wesley, 24, associated with his 
 father. 
 
 EDWARD J. LARSON emigrated to America from Elfsborgs Ian, 
 Sweden, in 1891, and located at Rockford where he has been active 
 as a dairyman, teamster, farmer and factory worker. In 1897 he en- 
 tered into marriage union with Hilma Nord fran Vastra Tollstad, 
 ostergotland, Sweden, who had arrived in America five years pre- 
 viously. They have been blessed with five children, Edward W., born 
 1897; Hilmer, born 1899; Arthur, born, 1903; Frank, born 1906; and 
 Vivian, born 1909. The four sons started a sand and gravel busi- 
 ness in 1928 which they are now operating under the name of Larson 
 Bros. Sand & Gravel, dealing in sand, gravel and concrete blocks. The 
 elder Larson who resides at 1822 South Fifth street, has for some 
 years been assisting his sons with their office work. 
 
 LEONARD I. PETERSON, Battery and Electric Service, was 
 born in Rockford May 15, 1901. His father, John F. Peterson, came to 
 Rockford from Norway about 1895. He was a painting contractor 
 and passed away here in 1933. Leonard's mother, Selma Peterson, 
 who came from oland, Sweden, is still living. Leonard received his 
 education in the public school and then devoted himself to air service 
 from 1920 till 1923. Afterwards he took up automotive electrical ser- 
 vice and opened the Peterson Battery & Electric at 207 South Winne- 
 bago street. He was married in 1923 to Louise Finkbiener of Rock- 
 ford. They have two children, Leonard Junior, 13, and Shirley Lou, 4. 
 
68 SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 
 
 FRANK I. JOHNSON, artist, was born in Nassjo, Sweden, April 
 2, 1879, and came to America with his parents in 1880. The family 
 located first in Pecatonica, 111., but later moved to Rockford, where 
 Frank's father, Frank John Johnson, worked for a furniture company 
 in which he acquired an interest. He died about 40 years ago. Frank's 
 mother, Anna Katrina Johnson, nee Jbnsson, passed away in 1906. 
 Frank obtained his education in the city schools. Already in boyhood 
 he evidenced an inclination for portrait painting, and at seventeen 
 he began making crayon portraits. In 1908 he took up furniture de- 
 signing to which he devoted himself successfully for 30 years, mostly 
 in Rockford. In the meantime he continued portrait painting as a 
 side issue until he has developed into a remarkably skillful portrait 
 artist, attracting the attention and commendation of art critics and 
 reviewers in Chicago and elsewhere. His productions have been 
 exhibited a number of times at the Chicago Galleries as well as in 
 Rockford, and he is now devoting all his time to portrait painting. In 
 1914 Mr. Johnson was married to Lillie Mathilda Lundberg of Rock- 
 ford. They have a daughter ( Lillie Margherite, a graduate of Stevens 
 College, Columbus, Mo., and the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts, now 
 employed by Marshall Fields in Chicago. Mr. Johnson's studio is lo- 
 cated at 421 East State street, second floor. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson 
 are members of the Bethesda Evangelical Church. 
 
 PAUL L. STROMBERG, interior decorator, was born in Rockford 
 April 26, 1904. His father, Carl Stromberg, came to America from 
 Tangelsas, a suburb of Malmo, Sweden, in 1892 and located in Rock- 
 ford where he was active in his trade as an interior decorator. He 
 died in 1931. Paul's mother, Hilma Stromberg, who came from Arlof, 
 Sweden, passed away in 1929. Paul received his education in the 
 Rockford city schools, the University of Illinois and Beloit College. 
 Afterwards he studied interior architecture and decoration at the 
 New York School of Fine and Applied Arts at New York and Paris, 
 extending his studies to Germany, Italy and Sweden. Returning to 
 Rockford, he worked for his father until the death of the latter when 
 the Carl Stromberg Studio was incorporated under the name of 
 Stromberg Studios, Inc. Their office and display rooms are located 
 at 325 West Jefferson street. In 1935 Mr. Stromberg was married 
 to Helen Gardner of Rockford. They have a son, Carl K., born in 
 January, 1938. 
 
 AXEL E. PEARSON, photographer, came to America with par- 
 ents from Skurup, Skane, Sweden, in 1899, the family locating first 
 in the state of Maine, whence they moved to Rockford three years 
 later. Here Axel worked for other photographers until in 1920 he 
 opened his own studio on Fourth avenue. In 1930 he moved his studio 
 to 421 Seventh street. In 1917 Mr. Pearson was married to Theresa 
 Dahlstrom from Skepparrod, Vastergotland, Sweden. They have been 
 blessed with three children, Clarence Axel, 22, photographer; Phyllis 
 Louise, 15; and Lois May, 11. Mr. Pearson was called away suddenly 
 March 16, 1939, since when Mrs. Pearson and her son have operated 
 the Pearson Studio. The Pearson family is affiliated with the Zion 
 Lutheran Church. 
 
SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 69 
 
 WILHELM G. ADAMSON, paint dealer, was born in Rockford 
 March 24, 1905. His father, Charles E. Adamson, came to Rockford 
 from Vastergotland, Sweden, in 1890. He was a furniture worker 
 and passed away here in 1931. Wilhelm's mother, Augusta J. Adam- 
 son, who came from Vartofta, Vastergotland, Sweden, died in 1932. 
 After passing through the city schools Wilhelm was engaged as 
 general bookkeeper by the Rockford Electric Co. three years, where- 
 upon he was employed in paint stores for a number of years. In 1934 
 he opened the Adamson- Johnson Paint Co., their store being located 
 at the corner of Fourth avenue and Seventh street. On October 7, 
 1933, Mr. Adamson was married to Eva Frank of Rockford, with 
 whom he has a daughter, Carol Alice, born September 19, 1939. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Adamson are members of the Salem Lutheran Church. 
 
 N. EMIL SWENSON, stationer, was born in Smaland, Sweden, 
 August 17, 1864, and came to America in 1882. Locating in 
 Rockford, he was engaged in furniture business until 1915 when he 
 purchased John A. Alden's Book and Stationary store which he con- 
 ducted until his death in October, 1938. Mr. Swenson was married in 
 1919 to Elin C. Flodell from Gudhem parish, Vastergotland. Since 
 Mr. Swenson's death Mrs. Swenson has continued his business, deal- 
 ing in books and stationary and selling steamship tickets, making a 
 specialty of Swedish books and greeting cards. The store is located at 
 425 Seventh street. Mrs. Swenson is a member of the First Lutheran 
 Church. 
 
 HUGO PETERSON, manufacturer, was born in Koping parish, 
 Oland, Sweden, January 5, 1872, and came to America in 1888, locat- 
 ing first in Chicago, whence he moved to Rockford a year later. After 
 working in furniture factories until 1917 he joined the Continental 
 Desk Co. which had been organized a few months previously. He is 
 now vice president and superintendent of the company, Mr. M. R. 
 Wall being president. They manufacture cedar chests and novelties, 
 employing about 25 people, their factory being located at 631 Cedar 
 street. In 1904 Mr. Peterson was married to Esther Engdahl of Rock- 
 ford. They have a daughter, Evelyn, employed as a bookkeeper. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Peterson are members of the First Lutheran Church. 
 
 ESKIL J. JACOBSON, printer, was born of Swedish parents at 
 Capron, 111., in 1889. After being employed as a printer for 20 years 
 he and his son, Wilbur Jacobson, started their own printing shop in 
 1933 under the name Forest City Printing Co., located at 1321-23 Kil- 
 burn avenue, where they are engaged in commercial printing. On 
 July 3, 1910, Eskil Jacobson was married to Jessie I. Taylor of Free- 
 port, 111. They have two children, Wilbur, associated with his father 
 in business, and Jessalyn (Mrs. E. Cunningham). 
 
 WILBUR C. JACOBSON, printer, son of Eskil J. Jacobson, above, 
 was born in Rockford September 22, 1911. After attending public 
 school and High School he learned printing and became associated 
 with his father in printing business. He was married in 1937 to Mary 
 Jane Wade of Rockford with whom he has a son, John, born July 12, 
 1939. 
 
70 SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 
 
 MARTIN A. KJELLGREN, manufacturer, was born in Rockford 
 August 23, 1877. His father, Andrew Kjellgren, came to Rockford 
 from Vastergotland, Sweden, in 1864. In the early seventies he start- 
 ed furniture activities and was one of the organizers of the Union 
 Furniture Co. February 23, 1882, himself becoming president of the 
 company, August Peterson secretary and Alex Steinman treasurer. 
 Other prominent stockholders were P. A. Peterson and August Kjell- 
 gren. Andrew Kjellgren died in 1921, and his wife, Christina Mathilda 
 Kjellgren, a native of Smaland, Sweden, passed away in 1931. Martin 
 attended the public school and High School whereupon he became 
 a traveling furniture salesman. Later he was engaged in banking 
 business for thirty years, retiring as vice president of the Third Na- 
 tional Bank in 1934. Since then he has been connected with The 
 Rockford Chair & Furniture Co. (organized in 1882), located at 920 
 Ninth street, of which he is now vice president and general manager. 
 Mr. Kjellgren was married in 1905 to Nellie R. Johnson of Rockford. 
 They have three children, Lola (Mrs. M. Lubratt); Robert, manager 
 of the National Chair Co.; and Stanley, a lumber salesman. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Kjellgren are members of the Trinity Lutheran Church. His 
 father was organist of the First Lutheran Church for eight years in 
 the early days of Rockford's Swedish colony. 
 
 MAYNARD F. WESTRING, stationer, was born in Rockford 
 June 16, 1898. His father, John R. Westring, emigrated to America 
 from Kalmar Ian, Sweden, in 1879, coming direct to Rockford. His 
 mother, Alma (Vickstrom) Westring, was born in ostergotland, 
 Sweden. Maynard attended the city schools of Rockford and later 
 the University of Oregon. During the World War he served in the 
 U. S. Navy as radio operator. After the war he moved to the Pacific 
 Coast where he lived for several years. In Portland, Oregon, he was 
 a member of the sales organization of the Kilham Stationary & 
 Printing Co. In the fall of 1923 he helped organize the firm of the 
 Mid-City Stationers, Inc., in Rockford, of which organization he is 
 president. Mr. Westring has been president of the East State District 
 Business and Professional Men's Association, and is an active member 
 of the American Legion, the Navy Club of Rockford and the Navy 
 Clubs of the United States. He is also a member of the Rockford 
 Chamber of Commerce and the Rockford Men Singers, a male chorus 
 of the city. On August 19, 1926, he entered into wedlock with Vivian 
 M. Rothwell of Rockford. Mr. and Mrs. Westring are members of the 
 Trinity Lutheran Church of Rockford. 
 
 JOSEPH CARLSON, shoemaker, was born in Kumla parish, 
 Nerike, Sweden, May 12, 1886, and learned his trade from his father. 
 In 1907 he emigrated to America, locating first in Rockford. Pur- 
 suing his trade, he worked in various shops in Rockford; Kansas 
 City, Mo.; Clinton, la., and many other places until 1915 when he 
 opened his own shop at 1410 Seventh street, Rockford, which he is 
 still operating. He was married in 1910 to Elsie Erickson from Oster- 
 gotland, Sweden. They have two children, Aina (Mrs. Clifford Jones), 
 and Sture, employed as tool and die maker, both residing in Rock- 
 ford. Mr. and Mrs. Carlson are members of the Viking lodge Baltic. 
 
SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 71 
 
 ANDREW W. NORBECK, shoe merchant, was born in Karlstad, 
 Varmland, Sweden, May 12, 1863, and came to America in 1886, lo- 
 cating at Manistee, Mich. Moving to Rockford in 1899, he opened a 
 shoe store at 505 Seventh street in partnership with Mr. Miller under 
 the name of Norbeck & Miller. The partnership was dissolved in 
 August, 1907, and the following year Mr. Norbeck established his 
 own shoe store at 504 Seventh street. Since 1918 he has been asso- 
 ciated with his son Eskel under the firm name Norbeck & Son, their 
 business now being located at 317 Seventh street. In 1892 Mr. Nor- 
 beck was married to Clara A. Peterson from Sodermanland, Sweden, 
 their union being blessed with two sons, Eskel, born November 28, 
 1894, and Norris who died in 1908 at eleven years of age. Mr. and 
 Mrs.' Norbeck are members of the Evangelical Free Church.— Eskel 
 Norbeck who is associated with his father in shoe business, obtained 
 his education in the city schools and was married in 1919 to Emily T. 
 Wilson of Philadelphia. They have four children, Clara, taking nurse 
 training at the Swedish American hospital; Norris, employed by the 
 Free Sewing Machine Co.; David, a student at the East High School; 
 and Eskel, Junior. Eskel Norbeck and his family are affiliated with 
 the Bethesda Evangelical Church. 
 
 C. R. FAGERBERG, upholsterer, was born in Boda, Varmland. 
 and came to America with parents in 1881. After two years at Syca- 
 more, 111., the family moved to Rockford in 1883, where the father, 
 C. E. Fagerberg, was employed in a furniture factory until his death 
 about 20 years ago. His wife, Mathilda Fagerberg, passed away 
 about 15 years ago. Young Fagerberg started upholstery work at 14 
 years of age. In 1916 he bought a half interest in Norberg & Mattes 
 Upholstery Shop and was associated with Mr. Norberg in the busi- 
 ness until 1924 when the firm was incorporated with five stock- 
 holders. In 1921 Mr. Fagerberg acquired Mr. Norberg's interest in 
 the shop at 208 No. Water street. In 1898 Mr. Fagerberg married 
 Anna J. Lagerberg of Rockford. They have been blessed with five 
 children, Mildred Eleanor (Mrs. T. L. Hitchcox), Detroit, Mich.; Carl 
 Roland, who died in 1935 at 33 years of age; Pearl, who died in 1909 
 at the age of six; Evelyn Vera, treasurer of the company; and Ruth 
 Astrid (Mrs. E. P. Carlson). 
 
 ELMER W. JOHNSON, realtor, was born in Rockford June 19, 
 1898. His father, Chas. W. Johnson, came to America from Boras, 
 Vastergotland, Sweden, in 1886 and located at Rockford where he 
 has been engaged as a mason contractor until retiring from active 
 work. Elmer's mother, Carrie Johnson, came from Skane, Sweden. 
 Elmer received his education in the city schools and the Lake Forest 
 University and Valparaiso University. After being employed as a 
 bookkeeper for some time he opened a real estate and insurance 
 office in 1925, being now located in 303 City Hall Bldg. In 1922 Mr. 
 Johnson was married to Florence Orr of Fort Wayne, Ind., who was 
 taken by death in 1929. He was married again in 1935 to Vivian Car- 
 ter of Rockford with whom he has a son, Carter Charles, 2y 2 years 
 old. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are members of the First Presbyterian 
 Church, Mr. Johnson being also a member of the Viking lodge Baltic. 
 
72 SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 
 
 JOHN A. CARLSON, garage owner, was born in Monsteras, 
 Kalmar Ian, Sweden, October 23, 1873, and grew up in Torsas parish, 
 Kalmar Ian. In 1891 he emigrated to America and located at Rock- 
 ford where he learned wood-carving, ultimately becoming foreman 
 and superintendent at the Royal Mantle and National Furniture fac- 
 tories. In 1915 he started the Skandia Garage and Motor Sales which 
 was incorporated in 1931 under the name of Skandia Motor Sales, 
 Inc., with Mr. Carlson as president. They are now engaged in the 
 sale of Ford cars, their garage being located at 1417 Seventh street. 
 In 1896 Mr. Carlson was married to Hilda C. Anderson from Torsas 
 parish, Smaland. They have three children, Mable (Mrs. Rev. David 
 Segerstrom), Ballardville, Mass.; George R., employed by the Rock- 
 ford Sanitary District; and Sibyl Viola (Mrs. Irving Swanson), re- 
 siding on a farm near Rockford. Mr. and Mrs. Carlson are members 
 of the Mission Tabernacle Church, Mr. Carlson having been a mem- 
 ber of the Church Board for eighteen years. 
 
 ERIC J. GUSTAFSON, automotive dealer, was born in Jarna 
 parish, Elfsborgs Ian, Sweden, May 12, 1883, and came to America 
 with his parents in 1887. The family located in Rockford where the 
 father, Levin Claus Gustafson, was active as a carpenter. He died in 
 1928, and his wife, Clara Gustafson, about 1900. Eric received his 
 education in the public school, High School and business college, 
 whereupon he became a tool and die maker. In April, 1909, he opened 
 the Automotive and Industrial Supply store at 417 South Winnebago 
 street which he is now conducting. Mr. Gustafson was married in 
 1915 to Hildur V. Gustafson, also from Jarna, Sweden. They have 
 two children, Roy E., assisting his father in the business; and Miriam 
 V., a student at the Purdue University. Mr. and Mrs. Gustafson are 
 members of the First Lutheran Church. 
 
 O. RENUS HOLMIN, dentist, was born in Rockford February 20, 
 1879. His father, August Holmin, emigrated to America from Vaster- 
 gotland, Sweden, as a young man and worked at his trade as a tailor 
 until his death in 1926. Renus' mother, Mathilda Holmin, who was 
 born in Rockford of Swedish parents, died in 1929. After attending 
 the Rockford schools Renus studied dentistry at the Northwestern 
 University, Chicago, graduating in 1904, whereupon he started prac- 
 tice in Rockford. His office is located in 700 City Hall Bldg. In 1907 
 Dr. Holmin was married to Mabel Johnson of Rockford. They have 
 two children, Serena, teacher in the Senior High School; and William 
 A., a graduate of the University of Wisconsin, now engaged in radio 
 business at 1131 Charles street. 
 
 GUSTAF EMIL (PETE) LARSON, contractor, was born at Bil~ 
 lingsfors, Stenby parish, Dalsland, Sweden, May 28, 1891, and learned 
 the building trade in Sweden. Arriving in America in 1913, he lo- 
 cated first in New York City, moving later to Chicago and from there 
 in 1917 to Rockford. After working for Nels Lind and other con- 
 tractors until 1921, he started contracting for himself. In 1926 Mr. 
 Larson was married to Edna Olson of Rockford who passed away in 
 1931. In 1935 he entered into wedlock the second time with Adelia 
 Linder, also of Rockford. They are members of the Vasa lodge Elvira. 
 
SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 73 
 
 TUVE J. FLODEN, executive, was born in Chicago November 
 16, 1893. His father, Carl Ludvig Floden, came to America from Vas- 
 tergotland, Sweden, in the seventies. He was a tailor and engaged in 
 his trade first in Chicago and then in Rockford whither he removed 
 in 1903. He died in 1930 at 66 years of age. Tuve's mother, Christine 
 (Person) Floden, a native of Skane, Sweden, passed away in 1932 at 
 59. Tuve received his education in the public school and High School 
 of Rockford and the University of Wisconsin, graduating from the 
 latter institution in 1915. After teaching in the Rockford High 
 School for two years he served in the U. S. army during the World 
 War 1V 2 years whereof 16 months abroad. Returning from the war 
 he went with the Nelson Knitting Co., becoming president of the com- 
 pany in January, 1937. In 1921 Mr. Nelson was married to Lea Gor- 
 don of Rockford. They have three children, John, 18, attending the 
 Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Jill, 15; and Robert, 12. Mr. 
 Floden is a member of the Second Congregational Church and of the 
 John Ericsson Republican League. The Nelson Knitting Co. started 
 business in 1876 and was incorporated in 1880. The number of em- 
 ployees is about 250, and the daily output 50,000 pairs of working 
 socks. 
 
 FRANK G. SHELAIN, factory superintendent, was born in Vet- 
 landa, Smaland, Sweden, June 23, 1863, and came to America in 1881, 
 locating in Rockford. A machinist by trade, he worked for the Rock- 
 ford Watch Factory two years. In March, 1883, he went with the 
 Nelson Knitting Co., becoming superintendent of the factory in 
 1896. Mr. Shelain was married in 1886 to Hilda Beckman from near 
 Hjo, Vastergotland, Sweden. They have been blessed with five chil- 
 dren, Bessie (Mrs. A. G. Fogle), died in 1934; Ernest, died in 1907 at 
 17 years of age; Eva (Mrs. Robert Reed); Lee C, engineer, em- 
 ployed by the Central Illinois Electric & Gas Co.; Richard F., assist- 
 ant superintendent of the Nelson Knitting Co. Mr. Shelain is a mem- 
 ber of the Lyran Singing Society. His activity as a promoter of 
 Swedish singing dates back over a period of more than fifty years 
 for which he has been awarded a medal by the United Swedish 
 Singers of America. 
 
 ERNEST ALBIN ANDERSON, grocer, was born in Eriksberg 
 parish, Elfsborgs Ian, Sweden, September 9, 1885. He emigrated to 
 America in 1901 in company with a sister, their parents arriving in 
 October of the same year. Ernest's father, Claus Johan Anderson, 
 who was employed in furniture factories, died in 1937. His mother, 
 Mathilda Sophia Anderson, is still living, having reached the age of 
 91 years. Ernest was employed in furniture factories until 1902 when 
 he obtained employment in a grocery store in Chicago. In 1908 he 
 opened a grocery store in Stillman Valley which he five years later 
 traded for a similar store in Rockford at 1101 Broadway that he is 
 now operating under the name of Broadway Cash Grocery. Mr. An- 
 derson was married in 1911 to Mabel Edna Ring from Stillman Val- 
 ley. They have three children, Helen, 19; John, 18, attending the Uni- 
 versity of Illinois; and William, 15. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson are mem- 
 bers of the Evangelical Free Church. 
 
74 SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 
 
 CARL F. BERGSTROM, merchant, was born in Rockford April 
 2, 1885. His father, Carl Axel Bergstrom, came to America from 
 Vastergotland, Sweden, in the early eighties. He located in Rockford 
 where he was employed in furniture factories, passing away here in 
 September, 1933. Carl's mother, Charlotta A. Bergstrom, also from 
 Vastergotland, Sweden, died in 1908. Carl received his education in 
 the public school and then made a short sojourn in South Dakota. 
 Afterwards he worked in Rockford factories until he entered grocery 
 business with his brother, Oscar, purchasing the Charles Nelson store 
 at 1825 Seventh street. In 1912 the two brothers quit the grocery 
 business and engaged in farming for two years, whereupon they 
 again took up the grocery line, continuing until 1920 when they sold 
 their store. In 1921 they opened a hardware store at Seventh street 
 and 18th avenue, and erected a new store at that corner in 1923, which 
 they are now operating. Carl Bergstrom was married in 1919 to 
 Esther Lindell of Rockford, a graduate in music and voice of Augus- 
 tana College. They have two children, Lauretta (Mrs. Robert Dahl- 
 gren) ; and Roger, attending High School. Mr. Bergstrom is a member 
 of the Salem Lutheran Church and of the Svea Soner Singing Society. 
 
 OSCAR B. BERGSTROM, merchant, brother of Carl F. Berg- 
 strom, above, was born in Rockford September 19, 1886, and received 
 his education in the public school, whereupon he worked in factories 
 and grocery stores until he entered business with his brother. In 
 1911 he was married to Anna V. Osberg from Vastergotland, Sweden. 
 They have a daughter, Eunice, employed in the office of the National 
 Lock Co. Like his brother, Oscar Bergstrom is affiliated with the 
 Salem Lutheran Church and Svea Soner. 
 
 LAWRENCE D. LUNDGREN, dairy owner, was born at St. 
 Charles, 111., April 12, 1880, and grew up on a farm near St. Charles. 
 In 1892 he came to Rockford where he was engaged in grocery busi- 
 ness with his father until 1920 when he took up dairy work, working 
 for different dairy companies till four years ago when he established 
 the Kishwaukee Dairy at 1822 Sixth street. Mr. Lundgren was mar- 
 ried in 1910 to Anna Johnson, a native of Sweden. They have three 
 children, Clifford, 29, employed by the Cudahy Packing Co.; Howard, 
 27, associated with his father in business; and Lenora, bookkeeper for 
 Wilson-Hall Printing Co. Mr. and Mrs. Lundgren are members of the 
 Zion Lutheran Church. 
 
 HOWARD W. LINDEMAN, meat dealer, was born in Rockford 
 July 5, 1905. His father, Bert Lindeman, came to America from Vas- 
 tergotland, Sweden, in the eighties and is a machinist by trade. 
 Howard's mother, Ellen Lindeman, is also a native of Vastergotland. 
 Howard received his education in the public school and High school 
 of Rockford, and then engaged in meat business. For the last five 
 years he has been in partnership with Wendel Olson, operating the 
 Prospect Meat Market at 1655 Charles street. Mr. Lindeman was 
 married in 1927 to Violet Lindstrand of Rockford. They have two 
 children, Gerald, 10; and Nadine, 5. Mr. and Mrs. Lindeman are mem- 
 bers of the Evangelical Free Church. 
 
SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 75 
 
 FRITJOF NELSON, manufacturer, was born in Rockford July 
 18 1865 His father, John Nelson, the noted inventor of the Nelson 
 Knitting Machine, was born in Karrakra, Vastergotland, Sweden, 
 April 5 1830, and came to America in 1852, locating in Rockford the 
 same year. After much experimenting his Knitting Machine was 
 brought to a measure of completion in 1873 and some time later the 
 Nelson Knitting Co. was organized, being incorporated in 1880. John 
 Nelson died in 1883, and his wife, Eva Christina, also from Vaster- 
 gotland, in 1922, 88 years old. After his death his sons continued the 
 business, Fritjof Nelson, the only remaining one, being now president 
 of the Forest City Knitting Co., organized in 1890, and employing 
 about 150 people. Fritjof Nelson was married in 1894 to May Hobler 
 of Batavia, 111. They have two daughters, Katherine (Mrs. W. Hob- 
 bard) ; and Elizabeth E. (Mrs. Edward Eisner, Mr. Eisner being 
 treasurer of the Knitting Co.) The factory is located at 212 Cathe- 
 rine street. 
 
 FOLKE CLAUSON, sheet metal worker, was born in Kolaby 
 parish, Vastergotland, Sweden, July 27, 1885, and emigrated to 
 America in 1905, locating in Rockford. After working in a furniture 
 factory a year he entered the service of the Skandia Hardware Co., 
 remaining with them until 1911 when he went with the Carlson & 
 Son Hardware Co. Ten years later he and his brother Thorsten P. 
 Clauson, became connected with the Rockford Hardware Co. and in 
 1929 they opened their own sheet metal shop at 1233 Broadway Court 
 under the name of Clauson Brothers, Sheet Metal, Furnaces & Dry 
 Gas. In 1912 Folke Clauson was married to Hilma Peterson of Rock- 
 ford They have four children, Paul, assistant to his father in sheet 
 metal work; Dorothy (Mrs. L. Oman); Phyllis, stenographer; and 
 Raymond, employed by the Clark Manufacturing Co. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Clauson are members of the Evangelical Free Church. 
 
 THORSTEN P. CLAUSON, sheet metal worker, a brother of 
 Folke Clauson, above, was born in Kolaby parish, Vastergotland, 
 Sweden, February 23, 1893, and came to America in 1910, going direct 
 to Rockford. After working in a furniture factory 1% years he en- 
 gaged in sheet metal work and in 1921 joined his brother at the Rock- 
 ford Hardware Co. Since 1929 he has been associated with his brother 
 in the Clauson Brothers Sheet Metal, Furnaces & Dry Gas. In 1927 
 Thorsten P. Clauson was married to Amy Wetterstrom of Rockford 
 with whom he has two children, John, 8; and Marilyn, 5. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Clauson are members of the Evangelical Free Church. 
 
 JOHN A. GUSTAFSON, baker, was born in Spring Valley, 111., 
 November 27, 1887. His father, Carl Gustafson, came to America 
 from Sweden in the early eighties. He was a carpenter by trade and 
 passed away in 1914. John's mother, Charlotte Gustafson, who came 
 from Smaland, Sweden, died in 1932. John attended the public school 
 and then learned the baker's trade. In 1928 he opened the Highland 
 Bakery at 1665 Charles street which he is now operating. He was 
 married in 1914 to Emma Reimer, of Danish parentage, with whom 
 he has a son, John, 23, employed in the office of the National Lock 
 Co. Mr. and Mrs. Gustafson are members of the Viking lodge Baltic. 
 
76 SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 
 
 G. ADOLPH PETERSON, banker, was born in Falkoping, 
 Sweden, in 1862 and emigrated to America in 1878. He was first em- 
 ployed on a farm, and then hired out to a grocer in Rockford where 
 he was engaged for three years. In 1886 he moved to Wakefield, 
 Nebr., where he conducted a General Merchandise store for 21 years. 
 Returning to Rockford in 1907, he started the Rockford National Fur- 
 niture Co. that year and in 1910 when the Swedish American National 
 Bank was organized he became president of that institution. In 1913 
 he sold out his interest in the bank, but in 1914 became cashier of 
 the bank and was later made president which position he held until 
 recently retiring from that responsibility. He is now vice president 
 of the bank, president of the Rockford National Furniture Co. and 
 president of the Elco Tool & Screw Corporation. In 1892 Mr. Peter- 
 son was married to Amanda E. Anderson of Rockford. They have a 
 daughter, Helen (Mrs. Robert E. Greene), residing in Rockford. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Peterson are members of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church. 
 
 ALBIN J. NELSON, baker, was born near Malmo, Sweden, May 
 15, 1878, and came to America with his parents in 1883. The family 
 located in Rockford where Albin's father, Peter Nelson, was employed 
 in factories and on the railroad. He died in 1888. His wife, Anna 
 Nelson, who came from the same place in Sweden as her husband, 
 passed away in 1924. Albin received his education in the public school 
 and started to learn the baker's trade at fourteen. He worked for 
 other bakers until 1903 when he opened his own bakery. Being burned 
 out in 1908, he was again employed by other bakers until 1922, when 
 he opened the bakery at 602 Seventh street which he is now conduct- 
 ing. Mr. Nelson was married in 1905 to Alma Uden from Dalsland, 
 Sweden. They have a daughter, Evelyn (Mrs. Clifford Thoren) who 
 is assisting in her father's store. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson are members 
 of the First Lutheran Church. 
 
 JOHN CLARENCE HOLMBERG, cement and mason contractor, 
 was born in Rockford September 25, 1901. His father, John Holm- 
 berg, emigrated to America from Kalmar Ian, Sweden, in the later 
 eighties and was engaged in cement sidewalk work. He died in 1935. 
 Clarence's mother, Selma Holmberg, who came from Lilla Klo, Sma- 
 land, Sweden, is still living. Clarence grew up in Rockford and re- 
 ceived his education in the city schools. After working with his 
 father until the latter's death he operated alone until 1937 when he 
 entered into partnership with Everett Holm as concrete and mason 
 contractors. In 1924 Mr. Holmberg was married to Marie Lind of 
 Rockford. They have three children, Eugene, 14; Stanton, 13; and 
 Janet, 5. Mr. and Mrs. Holmberg are members of the Zion Lutheran 
 Church and reside at 2717 16th avenue. 
 
 EVERETT HOLM, cement and mason contractor, was born in 
 Rockford October 24, 1906. His father, Knut Holm, came to America 
 from Viskafors, Vastergotland, Sweden, and has been engaged in fur- 
 niture factories in Rockford. He is still living. Everett's mother, 
 Minnie Holm, came from Floby, Vastergotland. Everett attended 
 public school and High School and started mason work at eighteen. 
 
SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 77 
 
 After working- for other contractors until 1937 he entered into part- 
 nership with J. Clarence Holmberg, above. In 1926 Mr. Holm was 
 married to Lillian Senobe from Varmland, Sweden. They are blessed 
 with two children, Arlen, 11; and Kenneth, 6. Their home is located 
 at 2012 17th avenue. 
 
 JOHN D. SYDOW, executive, was born in Jonkoping, Sweden, 
 January 8, 1884, and came with his parents to America in 1888. The 
 family located first at Elgin, 111., but moved to Rockford in 1899. 
 John's father, Carl G. Sydow, who was a jeweler, died in 1916, and 
 his mother, Ida Sydow, the same year. John received his education in 
 the Elgin public schools. Upon his arrival in Rockford in 1899 he 
 started work with the Rockford Illustrating Co., of which he is now 
 secretary and manager. The Company was founded in 1894 by K. E. 
 Knutson and does an extensive business in engraving, electrotyping 
 etc. In 1906 Mr. Sydow was married to Beulah Hoover of Rockford. 
 They have four children, Elizabeth (Mrs. Ralph Hanson); Evelyn 
 (Mrs. G. Fuehrer), Ft. Worth, Tex.; John, attending the University 
 of Illinois; and Karl, at home. Mr. and Mrs. Sydow are members of 
 the Second Congregational Church. 
 
 B. A. WILSON, executive, was born in Fora parish, oland, 
 Sweden, August 19, 1883, and emigrated to America in 1902, locating 
 in Rockford. After being employed as a cabinet maker by the Skandia 
 Furniture Co. eight years he took a course at a business college 
 whereupon he was engaged as manager of the Rockford Transfer 
 Co. about two years. In 1912 he went with the Rockford Furniture 
 Co. of which he is now secretary and treasurer. They manufacture 
 Dining Room and Bed Room Furniture and employ about 100 people. 
 Mr. Wilson was married in 1912 to Selma Larson of Rockford. They 
 have three children, June, employed in her father's office; Robert, a 
 furniture salesman; and Sally-May, attending High School. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Wilson are members of the Trinity Lutheran Church. 
 
 BERNHARD W. FRANZEN, meat dealer, was born in Marie- 
 stad, Vastergotland, Sweden, January 6, 1888, and emigrated to 
 America in 1907, going direct to Rockford. He learned the butcher's 
 trade in Sweden and continued the trade after his arrival in America. 
 After a short stay in Gothenburg, Nebr., he returned to Rockford 
 where he worked for other butchers until 1918 when he established 
 his own shop on Broadway. Quitting the business after four years, 
 he again worked for other meat markets until 1936 when he opened 
 Franzen's Royal Blue Store at 412 Seventh street. Mr. Franzen was 
 married in 1914 to Esther Medin from Mariestad, Sweden. They have 
 three children, Walter, 25, employed by the Ingersoll Milling Machine 
 Co.; Verna (Mrs. D. Johnson) ; and Warren, attending High School. 
 
 ALGOT SKOGSBERG, baker, was born in Bralanda, Dalsland, 
 Sweden, July 28, 1910, and emigrated to America in 1929, going direct 
 to Rockford. Here he learned the baker's trade and worked for other 
 bakers until 1938 when he purchased a bakery at 1204 Broadway 
 which he is now operating under the name of Skogsberg's Bakery. 
 Mr. Skogsberg is a member of the Good Templar lodge Vega. 
 
78 SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 
 
 G. AMOS STOCKHUS, executive, was born in Rockford October 
 23, 1882. His father, Charles A. Stockhus, came to Rockford from 
 Smaland, Sweden, in 1867. He was one of the organizers of Skandia 
 Plow Co. and superintendent of said company. He died in 1925. Amos' 
 mother, Christine Stockhus, who came from Stenbrohult, Smaland, 
 Sweden, died in 1915. After attending the public school Amos was 
 employed in furniture factories. In 1919 he went with the West End 
 Furniture Co. and upon the death of J. Herman Lynn succeeded him 
 as president and general manager. In 1907 Mr. Stockhus was mar- 
 ried to Effie Lynn of Rockford who passed away in 1929, leaving one 
 child, Meryle. Mr. Stockhus is a member of the Emmanuel Lutheran 
 Church. The West End Furniture Co. was organized in 1890 and 
 manufactures Bed Room and Dining Room furniture, employing 
 about 100 people. 
 
 SANFORD F. TURNQUIST, sheet metal worker, was born in 
 Asarp parish, Elfsborgs Ian, Sweden, August 22, 1871, and emigrated 
 to America in 1893, locating in Rockford. After being employed by 
 hardware companies for many years, whereof 17% years by the 
 Skandia Hardware Co., he opened his own shop in 1925 at 1130 17th 
 avenue, which he is now conducting under the name of S. Turnquist 
 and Son, Sheet Metal Work and Furnaces. Mr. Turnquist was mar- 
 ried in 1899 to Tekla Frisk from Smaland, Sweden. They are blessed 
 with eight children, Myrtle (Mrs. Thorsten Erickson); Hildur (Mrs. 
 F. Nelson); Lillie (Mrs. George Baker), Portland, Oreg.; Nancy 
 (Mrs. Clifford Berg); Lawrence, associated with his father in busi- 
 ness; Dorothy (Mrs. Walter Kullberg) ; Donald, assisting his father; 
 and Jenette (Mrs. L. Anderson). Mr. and Mrs. Turnquist are mem- 
 bers of the Evangelical Free Church. 
 
 EDGAR SWANBERG, Delicatessen and Fish Market, was born 
 in Nederkalix, Norrbottens Ian, Sweden, January 18, 1895, and emi- 
 grated to America in 1913, locating first in Chicago, whence he moved 
 to Rockford in 1930. Since 1920 he has been engaged in fish business, 
 first in Chicago with the Swedish Produce Company 3V 2 years and 
 later for himself. In 1930 he started a wholesale fish business in 
 Rockford, and in 1939 opened a retail store at 617 Seventh street. He 
 specializes in Home Made Pickled Herring, Salads of all kinds and 
 Baked Hams. In 1918 Mr. Swanberg was married to Esther Maria 
 Swanson from Ryssby, Kronobergs Ian, Sweden. They have five chil- 
 dren, Esther Linnea, attending a business college; Robert Arthur, em- 
 ployed by Mattison Machine Works; Gladys Eleonore and Philip Cal- 
 vin, both attending High School; and Tyler Franklin. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Swanberg are members of the Mission Tabernacle Church. 
 
 AARON GUSTAFSON, baker, was born in Bralanda parish, 
 Dalsland, Sweden, February 22, 1887, and emigrated to America in 
 1905, locating at St. Charles, 111. After working in the Cable Piano 
 factory a year he spent some time in California and other western 
 states. In 1920 he located in Rockford where he was engaged in fac- 
 tory work for ten years. Eleven years ago he opened a bakery at 
 1003 Broadway which he is now conducting. Mr. Gustafson was mar- 
 ried in 1922 to Mary Larson from Vingaker, Sbdermanland, Sweden. 
 
SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 79 
 
 CARL ALFRED PETERSON, grocer, was born in Kraksmala 
 parish, Kalmar Ian, Sweden, November 6, 1872, and came to America 
 with the family in 1886, his father, John Peterson, having arrived 
 four years earlier. They located at Stillman Valley, 111., where the 
 elder Peterson was employed as a section foreman, passing away 
 twelve years ago. Carl's mother, Johanna Peterson, died ten years 
 ago. Carl came to Rockford at five years of age and grew up in 
 Rockford. After working some in furniture factories he entered the 
 grocery business in 1907 and is now operating a grocery store at 702 
 Kishwaukee street. In 1911 Mr. Peterson was married to Emma 
 Krans from ostergotland, Sweden, who passed away in 1923. They 
 had two children, Lois (Mrs. W. Peterson); and Carolyn, who died in 
 infancy. In 1925 Mr. Peterson was married the second time to Anna 
 Krans. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson are members of the Mission Tabernacle 
 Church. 
 
 WENDELL G. OLSON, meat dealer, was born in Rockford July 
 18, 1905. His father, Carl Joseph Olson, came to America from 
 Gothenburg, Sweden, in 1898, locating first in Omaha, Nebr., whence 
 he moved to Rockford in 1900. He was a tinner by trade, and passed 
 away here in 1930. Wendell's mother, Anna E. Olson, who came from 
 Vastergotland, Sweden, is still living. Wendell received his education 
 in the city schools of Rockford. He entered the butcher business 
 at ten years of age, working for other butchers until 7V 2 years ago, 
 when he opened his own shop which he now operates at 1435 Charles 
 street. Mr. Olson was married in 1926 to Inez Ahlstrom of Rockford. 
 They have two daughters, Marjorie, 11; and Joanne, 10. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Olson are members of the Evangelical Free Church. 
 
 SIMON J. CARLSON, plumber, was born in olmestad parish, 
 Jonkopings Ian, Sweden, July 13, 1886, and came to America in 1905, 
 locating in Rockford. After being employed at the Skandia Furniture 
 factory for six months he went to Chicago where he learned plumb- 
 ing. Returning to Rockford in 1912, he worked for other plumbers 
 until 1923 when he started contracting for himself. Mr. Carlson was 
 married in 1914 to Hulda Lilja from Halland, Sweden. She passed 
 away in 1920, leaving two children, Roland, 24, assisting his father 
 in the plumbing business, and Ruth (Mrs. Chester Pall). On August 
 5, 1922, Mr. Carlson entered into marriage union the second time 
 with Ellen Engstrom of Rockford. Mr. and Mrs. Carlson are mem- 
 bers of the Bethany Methodist Church, and reside at 324 Shaw street. 
 AUGUST E. ROHLIN, tailor, was born in orkelljunga parish, 
 Kristianstads Ian, Sweden, July 15, 1883, and learned the trade from 
 his father. In 1906 he emigrated to America and located in Rock- 
 ford where he worked for other tailors a number of years, until he 
 opened his own shop in 1914. Returning to Sweden in 1936, he spent 
 for yours in Vastergotland, but came back to his adopted homeland 
 in August, 1940, again locating in Rockford, where he is now con- 
 ducting a tailor shop at 1511 Seventh street. Mr. Rohlin was mar- 
 ried in 1912 to Olga Josephine Svenson from Bramhult, Vastergot- 
 land. They have a daughter, Evelyn, employed by the National Lock 
 Co. Mr. and Mrs. Rohlin are members of the Zion Lutheran Church. 
 
80 SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 
 
 SIGFRID L. ERICKSON, machinist, was born in orebro, 
 Sweden, June 4, 1882, and emigrated to America in 1900. He lo- 
 cated first at Jamestown, N. D., where he worked in a hardware store 
 a year and then for the Northern Pacific railroad in the round house 
 about a year. Moving to Helena, Mont., he was engaged as brake- 
 man by the Northern Pacific nearly a year and then worked in a 
 hardware store and sheet metal shop until 1905. From 1905 till 1914 
 he was employed by sheet metal concerns in Seattle, Wash. Going to 
 Rockford in 1914, he was employed by the Barber-Colman Co. until 
 1918, then by the Ingersoll Milling Machine Co., the Mechanics Uni- 
 versal Joint Division, the Free Sewing Machine Co., and the Rock- 
 ford Heating & Ventilating Co. successively for shorter periods in 
 the capacity of draftsman. After being engaged by the Weber-Fur- 
 man Hardware Co. for six years and by the Carlson & Son Hard- 
 ware Co. a similar period he started business for himself in 1933 un- 
 der name of Ex-El Repair Service at 1022 Third avenue. Mr. Erick- 
 son was married in 1908 to Laura Fechtner of Seattle which union 
 was blessed with two daughters, June and Dorothy, both residing at 
 Seattle. In 1920 Mr. Erickson was married the second time to Effie 
 Phillips of Rockford. 
 
 OTTO JULIUS PETERSON, baker, was born near Linkoping, 
 Sweden, October 23, 1869, and learned the baker's trade in Linko- 
 ping. Emigrating to America in July, 1892, he located in Rockford 
 and worked for other bakers here until 1918 when he opened his own 
 bakery which he is now conducting at 1126 Kishwaukee street. He 
 also operates a retail store at 616 Seventh street. Mr. Peterson was 
 married in 1894 to Mary Johnson from Varmland, Sweden. They 
 have been blessed with four children, Mauritz, 44, engaged in his 
 father's bakery; Ella Maria (Mrs. Richard Whale); Martha Elvira, 
 who died in 1919 at the age of 16; and Herbert Emil, 35, also em- 
 ployed in the bakery. Mr. Peterson is a member of the Trinity Lu- 
 theran Church and the Odd Fellow lodge Tegner. 
 
 CLIFFORD W. JOHNSON, store manager, was born in Rock- 
 ford February 11, 1905. His father, David Johnson, who was born 
 in Rockford of Swedish parents, is a carpenter by trade. Clifford's 
 mother, Augusta Johnson, came to America from Sweden in infancy. 
 Clifford received his education in the public schools whereupon he en- 
 tered employment as a salesman in clothing stores. For the last two 
 years he has been manager of the Broadway E. & W. Clothing Store 
 at 1136 Broadway. Mr. Johnson was married in 1929 to Josephine 
 Meister of Franklin Grove, 111., with whom he has a daughter, Beverly 
 Jean, 12. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are affiliated with the Trinity Lu- 
 theran Church. 
 
 ARVID E. SKOOG, baker, was born in Hults parish, Jonkopings 
 Ian, Sweden, June 20, 1893, and emigrated to America in 1913. Locat- 
 ing first at Dayton, la., he moved to Rockford in 1915, and worked a 
 year in a factory, whereupon he entered the employ of Mary Ander- 
 son, owner of The Real Swedish Home Bakery, joining her in part- 
 nership in 1926. Upon Mary Anderson's death in 1934 Mr. Skoog 
 became sole operator of the bakery, located at 920 Second avenue. 
 Mr. Skoog is a member of the Odd Fellow lodge Tegner. .. 
 
SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 81 
 
 DR. ENOR GILBERT ANDERSON was born in St. Paul, Minn., 
 September 26, 1902. His father, Algot Anderson, emigrated from 
 Sweden to America about 50 years ago and located at St. Paul where 
 he was active, as a photographer. Gilbert's mother, Anna (Youngberg) 
 Anderson, also a native of Sweden, died in 1927. Gilbert obtained 
 his education in the city schools of St. Paul and McAllister College, 
 graduting in 1924. Afterwards he studied medicine at the Washing- 
 ton University, St. Louis, Mo., obtaining his M. D. in 1928. He served 
 as interne at the City and County Hospital in St. Paul and spent a 
 year at the Buffalo City Hospital, Buffalo, N. Y. Afterwards he did 
 post graduate work at the Children's Hospital, Denver, Colo. In 
 September, 1931, he came to Rockford and started practice in this 
 city. His office is located at 1029 Broadway. On October 15, 1931, 
 Dr. Anderson was married to Marjory Smith, a graduate nurse from 
 Buhl, Minn. They have two children, Jean, 6; and Paul Gilbert, 2. 
 Dr. and Mrs. Anderson are members of the Emmanuel Lutheran 
 Church and reside at 428 North Prospect street. 
 
 DAVID A. LODIN, grocer, was born in Rockford of Swedish 
 parents September 2, 1887. His father, Bengt Aron Lodin, came to 
 America from Vastergotland, Sweden, in the seventies and located in 
 Rockford. After working in a corn starch factory and on farms at 
 Pecatonica, 111., until 1894 he moved to Rockford where he engaged 
 in farming and truck gardening. He died in 1929. David's mother, 
 Josephine Lodin, also from Vastergotland, died in 1936. David re- 
 ceived his education in the Rockford public schools. After being em- 
 ployed a while in a sewing machine factory he worked in meat shops 
 until 1918 when he opened his own meat market, adding groceries in 
 1933. His store is located at 625 Seventh street. Mr. Lodin was 
 married in 1909 to Judith Lindstedt from Vastergotland, Sweden. 
 They have two children, Laurel, 29, associated with his father in 
 business; and Harriet, public school teacher. Mr. and Mrs. Lodin are 
 members of the Trinity Lutheran Church. 
 
 HENRY J. EKLUND, pattern maker, was born in orkelljunga 
 parish, Skane, Sweden, April 1, 1891, and came to America in 1912, 
 going direct to Rockford. After working in factories for some time 
 he learned pattern making, and in 1936 opened the Acme pattern 
 shop at 1905 Kishwaukee street in partnership with Harold Schad, 
 now deceased. During the world war Mr. Eklund served in the army 
 iy 2 years. In 1937 he entered into marriage union with Kristina 
 Bengtson from Gothenburg, Sweden. They have a daughter, Karin, 
 two years old. Mr. and Mrs. Eklund are members of the Salem Lu- 
 theran Church. 
 
 DR. HAROLD G. ARFSTROM, osteopath, was born in Rockford 
 June 30, 1910. His father, Ralph E. Arfstrom, who was born in Rock- 
 ford of Swedish parents, is operating a plumbing shop in the city. 
 Harold's mother, Linda Arfstrom, is a native of Missouri. Harold at- 
 tended the city schools of Rockford and then studied osteopathy at 
 the Chicago College of Osteopathy, graduating in 1934. The same 
 year he started practice in Rockford, his office being located in 915 
 Rockford National Bank Building. 
 
82 SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 
 
 HERBERT E. ANDERSON, meat dealer, was born in New Bos- 
 ton, Mo., January 26, 1890. His father, Nels Alfred Anderson, emi- 
 grated to America from near Falkoping, Sweden, in 1869. He located 
 first in Chicago, but moved to Missouri after the great fire in 1871, 
 and engaged in farming until his death in 1934. Herbert's mother, 
 Johanna Anderson, who came from the same place in Sweden as her 
 husband, died in 1901. After attending the rural school Herbert took 
 a course at the Teachers College, Kirksville, Mo., and then taught 
 rural school for two years. In 1910 he obtained employment in the 
 Armour office in Chicago, was transferred to Freeport, 111., in 1914, 
 and later transferred to Rockford and made branch house manager. 
 In 1921 he joined Carl Danielson in partnership, opening the Daniel- 
 son & Anderson Market at 1305 Broadway. They also conduct a 
 wholesale business under the name of Agar Products. In 1925 Mr. 
 Anderson was married to Ethel Helin of Rockford. They have a son, 
 Rex, 20, a student at the Beloit College. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson are 
 members of the Viking lodge Baltic. 
 
 CARL DANIELSON, meat dealer, was born in Rockford June 19, 
 1893. His father, Gust Danielson, came to America from Ulricehamn, 
 Vastergotland, Sweden, in the early nineties. He was engaged in meat 
 business and died here about ten years ago. Carl's mother, Hilda Da- 
 nielson, also a native of Vastergotland, Sweden, died in 1934. Carl 
 received his education in the public school. In company with his 
 parents he visited Sweden about 35 years ago. Afterwards he worked 
 for his father till 1916 when he entered business with a partner. Dur- 
 ing the World War he served in the army 18 months. Returning to 
 civil life, he opened a meat business on Seventh street in partnership 
 with Oscar Lindstrom, but in 1921 sold out and joined Herbert E. 
 Anderson, establishing the Danielson & Anderson Market at 1305 
 Broadway. Mr. Danielson was married in 1921 to Phyllis Layng of 
 Rockford. He is a member of the Lyran Singing Society. 
 
 AXEL RICHARD WERNSTROM, baker, was born in Gotlunda 
 parish, Vastergotland, Sweden, July 9, 1888, and learned his trade in 
 Sweden. Emigrating to America in 1923, he came first to Chicago 
 and later the same year to Rockford where he worked for other 
 bakers. In 1928 he started business for himself under the name of 
 Swedish Maid Bakery at 1532 Broadway. In 1916 Mr. Wernstrom en- 
 tered into wedlock with Esther Anderson from Nor parish, Varm- 
 land. They have three daughters, Ingrid (Mrs. Harlan Mann); Brita 
 (Mrs. Myron Perkins), residing at Belvidere, 111.; and Barbara Ann. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Wernstrom are members of the Zion Lutheran Church. 
 
 CARL M. PEARSON, contractor, was born in Augerum parish, 
 Blekinge, Sweden, Jan. 11, 1879, and came to America in 1899. Lo- 
 cating at Rockford he worked first on farms and in factories until 
 taking up carpenter work about 36 years ago. Since 1920 he has 
 been engaged in contracting, building mostly residences. He was mar- 
 ried in 1905 to Anna Johnson from Vastergotland, Sweden, with 
 whom he has a daughter, Helen (Mrs. Lawrence Elander). Mr. and 
 Mrs. Pearson are affiliated with the Bethesda Evangelical Church 
 and reside at 1140 Third avenue. 
 
SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 83 
 
 DR. JOSEPH S. LUNDHOLM was born in Chicago June 4, 1891. 
 His father, Victor Lundholm, a graduated druggist from Sweden, 
 emigrated to America from Kalmar, Smaland, in 1885 and located in 
 Chicago where he was employed in drug stores until 1892 when he 
 moved to Rockford. In 1893 he purchased a drug store in this city 
 which he operated until his death in 1924. Joseph's mother, Alfrida 
 (Virstedt) Lundholm, who came from Oscarshamn, Sweden, died in 
 1894. Joseph obtained his education in the public schools, High School 
 and University of Illinois where he graduated in medicine in 1913. 
 taking up practice in Rockford the same year. Dr. Lundholm was 
 appointed Medical Director of the Rockford Municipal Sanitarium in 
 1915, serving one year, and has been Health Commissioner of Rock- 
 ford for four years. During the World War he served in the army 15 
 months. In 1923 he took post graduate work in Germany, France, 
 Sweden and England. He became a Fellow of the American College 
 of Surgeons in 1922, and Fellow of the International College of Sur- 
 geons in 1940. His specialty is surgery with office in 425 East State st. 
 In 1916 Dr. Lundholm was married to Lillian Lutzhoff of Rockford, 
 of Danish parentage. They have been blessed with two children, 
 Joseph, who died in 1927 at six years of age; and Carole Joanne, born 
 in 1927. 
 
 O. L. CARLSTEDT, druggist, was born in Rockford December 
 29, 1905. His parents, John Martin Carlstedt and Charlotte Carlstedt, 
 are still living in Rockford. O. L. Carlstedt received his early educa- 
 tion in the public schools and High School of Rockford, afterwards 
 studying pharmacy at the Des Moines University, Des Moines, la., 
 graduating in 1926. After working in drug stores in Rockford until 
 1938 he went into partnership with C. S. Johnson, opening a drug 
 store at Loves Park. In April, 1940, the firm opened a new drug store 
 at 2213 East State street under the name of Rexall Drug Store which 
 Mr. Carlstedt is conducting. Mr. Carlstedt is a member of the Svea 
 Soner Singing Society. 
 
 CARL S. JOHNSON, druggist, was born in Rockford in 1902 of 
 Swedish parents. After attending the city schools he studied phar- 
 macy at the Des Moines University, Des Moines, la., graduating in 
 1925. He then worked in drug stores in Rockford until 1938 when he 
 went into partnership with O. L. Carlstedt. He is now operating the 
 Rexall Drug Store at 5449 N. 2nd street, Loves Park. 
 
 HILDING P. NELSON, auto mechanic, was born in Espinge, 
 Skane, Sweden, March 1, 1891, and emigrated to America in June, 
 1906. He located first in Chicago where he was engaged as a me- 
 chanic, chauffeur and garage operator. From 1918 till 1920 he served 
 in the motor transport corps of the army. In 1920 he located in Rock- 
 ford and was engaged as a service man by Willis-Overland dealers 
 for ten years. In 1929 he entered into partnership with Palmer B. 
 Olson as proprietors of the Chestnut Auto Service at 417 Chestnut 
 street. In 1918 Mr. Nelson was married to Gertrude Olson from Chi- 
 cago, a native of Smaland, Sweden. They have two children, Lorraine 
 and Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson are members of the Bethesda 
 Evangelical Church. 
 
84 SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 
 
 PALMER B. OLSON, auto mechanic, was born in Chicago May 
 ±0, 1900. His father, Adolph Olson, came to Chicago from Bohuslan, 
 Sweden, in 1875. He was a grocer and passed away in 1939. Palmer's 
 mother, Olga Olson, who came from the same place in Sweden as her 
 husband, is still living. Palmer grew up in Chicago, learned the auto- 
 motive trade and was engaged as an auto mechanic in Chicago. In 
 1929 he came to Rockford and became a partner with Hilding O. Nel- 
 son in the Chestnut Auto Service at 417 Chestnut street. Mr. Olson 
 was married in 1936 to Corrinne Anderson from Chicago with whom 
 he has a son, Richard, 2y 2 years old. 
 
 RALPH A. HANSON, executive was born in Rockford July 8, 
 1893. His father, Andrew Hanson, who was born in Malmo, Sweden, 
 came to America in the sixties and located in Rockford. He died 
 October 31, 1939. Ralph's mother, Elizabeth Hanson, passed away 
 October 9, 1940. Ralph was educated in the city schools whereupon 
 he was engaged as a retail salesman for some time. In 1916 he went 
 with the Rockford Dairies of which concern he is now secretary and 
 treasurer. Mr. Hanson was married in 1914 to Carolyn Mudler of 
 Chicago. They have been blessed with five children, Virginia (Mrs. C. 
 R. Anderson); Lowell and Clifford, twins, born in 1918, the former a 
 salesman, the latter employed by the Rockford Dairies; Ralph, Jr., 
 born in 1922, employed by the Swedish American Bank; and Geral- 
 dine, who died November 25, 1938, at 15 years of age. Mr. Hanson is 
 a member and trustee of the Bethesda Evangelical Church. The 
 Rockford Dairies were started in 1910 and have grown to be the 
 largest concern of its kind in the city. They now handle about 70,000 
 pounds of milk a day, and employ 110 people. 
 
 THURE W. SALGREN, coal dealer, was born in Rockford, Dec. 
 23, 1894. His father Carl W. Salgren, came to America from Vaster- 
 gotland, Sweden, in 1889. He located first in Pennsylvania, but moved 
 to Rockford a year or two later. Here he worked as a millwright for 
 the Greenlee Bros. Co. 23 years. Thure's mother, Carolina Salgren, 
 also came from Vastergotland. Thure was the second of nine chil- 
 dren, all still living in Rockford. After attending the public school 
 he was employed by the Thayer-Action Co. eight years and then 
 worked as a carpenter for nine years. Since 1932 he has been con- 
 ducting the General Coal Co. at 316 Seventh street. In 1934 Mr. Sal- 
 gren was married to Mary Schlie of Rockford. They have a daughter, 
 Theresia, 3y 2 years old. Mr. Salgren is a member of the Svithiod 
 lodge John Ericsson. 
 
 IVAR GOTTFRID PEARSON, meat dealer, was born in Ytter- 
 by parish, Bohuslan, Sweden, November 20, 1887, and emigrated to 
 America in 1912. Locating in Rockford, he worked in factories until 
 1919 when he started work in meat markets. In 1921 he opened a 
 meat market in partnership with John Sundberg. Ten years later the 
 business was incorporated under the name of Pearson & Johnson, 
 the store being located at 509 Seventh street. Mr. Pearson was mar- 
 ried in 1915 to Edith Hoglund from Bralanda, Sweden. They have 
 two sons, Roy, employed by Greenlee Bros. Mfg. Co.; and Kenneth, 
 working with his father. Mr. Peterson is a member of the Svithiod 
 lodge John Ericsson and the S. M. & S. F. Society. 
 
SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 85 
 
 HELGE S. HAGG, auto mechanic, was born in Halmstad, 
 Sweden, January 20, 1900, and came to America in 1904 with his 
 parents. The family located at Graham, Mo., where the elder Hagg 
 engaged in farming. In 1917 they moved to Wisconsin, continuing 
 farming until 1926 when they came to Rockford. In this city Helge 
 worked for the Mechanics Universal Joint Division for six years and 
 was then employed by Roy's Auto Service from 1932 till 1939. In 
 1939 he opened the Hagg's Garage in the rear of 1322 Broadway 
 where he is conducting a general auto repair shop. Mr. Hagg was 
 married in 1930 to Ellen Westlund of Rockford. Mr. and Mrs. Hagg 
 are members of the Viking lodge Baltic. Mr. Hagg's father, Oscar 
 Hagg, died in Wisconsin in 1922, but his mother, Alida Hagg, is still 
 living in Rockford. 
 
 SVEN MANFRED FREEBERG, baker, a brother of Richard 
 Knut Freeberg, above, was born in Norrkoping, Sweden, November 
 17, 1902, and learned his trade in Sweden. Emigrating to America 
 in 1926, he located first at Ottawa, 111., where he spent three years 
 with his brother, Nels Bertil Freeberg. Moving to Rockford in 1929, 
 he worked for other bakers here a few months and then purchased 
 his own bakery. In 1938 he opened the Swedish Home Bakery at 
 1006 East State street. Mr. Freeberg was married in 1928 to Martha 
 Lindgren from Atvidaberg, ostergotland. They have two children, 
 Florence Ann, 11; and Richard Manfred, 7. Mr. Freeberg is a mem- 
 ber of the Svithiod lodge John Ericsson. 
 
 RICHARD KNUT FREEBERG, baker, was born in Norrkoping, 
 ostergotland, Sweden, November 17, 1898, and learned his trade in 
 Sweden. Emigrating to America in 1922, he located first in Princeton, 
 111., but moved the following year to Rockford where he worked for 
 other bakers until 1925 when he started for himself. He is now 
 operating the Lincoln Bakery at 1431 Charles street. In 1922 Mr. 
 Freeberg entered into wedlock with Louise Viola ornberg from Stock- 
 holm, Sweden. They have a daughter, Sandra, a year old. Mr. Free- 
 berg is a member of the Svithiod lodge John Ericsson, the Lyran 
 Singing Society and the S. M. & S. F. Society. 
 
 DR THORSTEN EMIL BLOMBERG, son of Mr. and Mrs. E. E. 
 Blomberg, above, was born in Rockford April 25, 1900. After attend- 
 ing the public school and High School of Rockford he took a course 
 at the University of Chicago, graduating in 1925, whereupon he stu- 
 died medicine at the Rush Medical College, obtaining his M. D. in 
 1927. After practicing in Chicago as assistant to Dr. Austin A. Hay- 
 den three years he located in Rockford in 1931, specializing in dis- 
 eases of the eye, ear, nose and throat. In 1931 he studied at Vienna, 
 Austria, and in 1936 at Bordeaux, France. His office is located in the 
 Swedish American National Bank Building. Dr. Blomberg is a mem- 
 ber of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology 
 and associate member of Chicago Laryngological and Otological 
 Society. He is also a member of the Rock River Valley Eye, Ear, 
 Nose and Throat Society and of the Illinois State Medical and the 
 Winnebago County Medical Societies. In 1932 Dr. Blomberg was 
 married to Georgia Wilsey of Chicago. They are members of the 
 Evangelical Free Church and reside at 2322 East State street. 
 
86 SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 
 
 GUSTAP M. BERGQUIST, meat dealer, is a native of Rockford. 
 His father, Gustaf A. Bergquist, came to Rockford from Sweden at 
 two years of age. He was employed in a furniture factory and died 
 in Rockford in 1917. His wife, Hilma S. Bergquist, who came from 
 Smaland, Sweden, is still living. Gustaf received his education in the 
 public school and began working in butcher shops at 14. At the age 
 of 21 he started his own business and is now operating a meat market 
 at 1112 Broadway. In 1917 Mr. Bergquist was married to Anna S. 
 Johnson of Rockford. They have two children, Clifford G., 20, asso- 
 ciated with his father in business; and June Dolores, 16. Mr. Berg- 
 quist is a member and trustee of the Bethesda Evangelical Church. 
 
 JOHN FOLKE OSTRAND, baker, was born in Sala, Vastman- 
 land, Sweden, January 10, 1909, and learned his trade in Sweden. 
 Emigrating to America in 1928, he located first in Rockford and 
 worked for other bakers in Rockford and Chicago until 1937, when 
 he purchased a bakery and began operations for himself. In June, 
 1939, he acquired the Preeberg Bakery at 1105 Second ave., which he 
 has conducted since. On February 11, 1930, Mr. Ostrand was married 
 to Violet Pollard of Rockford, their union being blessed with a 
 daughter, Dona Jean, who died in infancy January 1, 1931. Mr. 
 Ostrand is a member of the Svea Soner Singing Society. 
 
 SIGVARD HERMAN ROSANDER, realtor, was born in Asheda 
 parish, Kronobergs Ian, Sweden, June 2, 1909, and came to America 
 with his parents in 1913, going direct to Rockford. Sigvard's father, 
 Herman Rosander, has been engaged in the furniture industry. His 
 mother's name is Ruth Rosander. Sigvard received his education in 
 the public school, High School and Business College. After being 
 engaged four years as an accountant he took up real estate business 
 in 1935 and two years later opened his own office in 607 City Hall 
 Bldg., under the name of Rosander Realty Co., handling Mortgage 
 Loans, Real Estate, Insurance and Home Building. 
 
 ALBIN L. JOHNSON, justice, real estate dealer, was born in 
 Rockford April 14, 1889. His father, Nels P. Johnson, came to America 
 from Skane, Sweden, in the early eighties. He located in Rockford 
 where he has been active as a tailor. Albin's mother, Ingrid Johnson, 
 is also a native of Skane, Sweden. Albin obtained his education in 
 the Rockford city schools and then engaged in clothing business un- 
 til the World War. Since the war he has been active in real estate 
 business. Mr. Johnson has served as Justice of the Peace since 1936. 
 His office is located in 408 Rockford National Bank Bldg. 
 
 EMIL ELIAS BLOMBERG, contractor, was born in Askeby, 
 ostergotland, September 21, 1862, and emigrated to America in 1888. 
 He located first in Minnesota where he worked on a farm, but came 
 to Rockford in 1890 and engaged in building operations in this city, 
 erecting many hundred residences and a number of commercial build- 
 ings. He retired from active work ten years ago. In 1895 he was 
 married to Emma Christina, nee Nelson, from Slattefors, Ostergot- 
 land, Sweden, with whom he has a son, Dr. Thorsten Emil Blomberg. 
 Mr. and Mrs. E. E. Blomberg are members of the Evangelical Free 
 Church and reside at 2322 East State street. 
 
SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 87 
 
 AXEL A. LUNDINE, service station operator, was born in 
 Hudene parish, Skaraborgs Ian, Sweden, June 26, 1876, and at the 
 age of seven accompanied the family to America, the father, John 
 Lundine, having emigrated two years before. The elder Lundine who 
 was a farmer located ten miles south of Rockford, where he passed 
 away in 1913. Axel's mother, Mary Lundine, died in 1933. After en- 
 gaging in farm work until he was 26, Axel was employed by the 
 Rockford Watch Co. for 13 years till the firm left the city whereupon 
 he was associated with Varnie Anderson in Watch Supply business for 
 18 months and with the Barber Colman Co. as toolmaker for 16 V 2 
 years. In 1932 he entered the automobile business as auto salesman, 
 being thus engaged for three years. Since 1935 he has been operating 
 the Lundine Super Service Station at Broadway and 10th street. In 
 1902 Mr. Lundine was married to Alice Lind of Rockford. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Lundine are members of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church. 
 
 ALFRED J. SERVIN, service station operator, was born in Alfta 
 parish, Gefleborgs Ian, Sweden, February 11, 1906, and came to 
 America in 1925, locating first at Kewanee, 111., where he spent a year 
 working for construction companies and in Boiler works. Moving 
 to Rockford in 1926, he was employed by the Rockford Peerless Fur- 
 niture Co. until 1930. After spending a year visiting in his native 
 land he returned to Rockford and entered the oil business in 1931. He 
 is now operating the Cities Service Station at Sixth street and Broad- 
 way. In 1933 Mr. Servin was married to Harriett Bebe of Rockford. 
 They have a son, Warren, six years old. Mr. Servin is a member of 
 the Odd Fellow lodge Tegner. 
 
 EINAR NELSON, cement contractor, was born at Billingsfors, 
 Dalsland, Sweden, November 30, 1894, and emigrated to America in 
 1913, reaching Rockford nine months later. After being employed in 
 shops and at cement work about twelve years he engaged in cement 
 contracting work in 1927. In 1922 he was married to Ingeborg An- 
 derson from Karlstad, Varmland, Sweden. They have a daughter, 
 Susanne, four years old. The family residence is located at 1631 17th 
 avenue. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson are members of the Vega lodge of the 
 Independent Order of Good Templars. 
 
 ALBERT MATTSON, auto supply dealer, was born in Bralanda 
 parish, Dalsland, Sweden, November 23, 1891, and came to America 
 in 1909, locating in Rockford. After being employed in furniture 
 factories some years he engaged in auto business about 16 years ago 
 and is now, in association with his son Lloyd, conducting the 
 Eleventh Street Auto Supply Co. at 1417 Eleventh Street. In 1914 
 Mr. Mattson was married to Anna Olson of Rockford with whom he 
 has a son, Lloyd. Mr. and Mrs. Albert Mattson are members of the 
 Evangelical Free Church. 
 
 LLOYD MATTSON, a son of Albert Mattson, above, was born in 
 Rockford March 18, 1915, and grew up in Rockford, receiving his 
 education in the public school and High School. In 1936 he bought 
 out the partner of his father and became associated with his father 
 in the auto supply business at 1417 Eleventh street. In 1936 Lloyd 
 Mattson entered into marriage union with Audrey Larson of Rockford. 
 
88 SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 
 
 VICTOR SANDBERG, service station operator, was born in Pers- 
 nas parish, oland, Sweden, November 24, 1895, a triplet. In 1915 he 
 emigrated to America, going direct to Rockford where he was em- 
 ployed by the Rockford Cedar Furniture Co. six years and by the 
 Greenlee Brothers iy 2 years. Leaving Rockford in 1920, he was en- 
 gaged during shorter periods in Chicago; Ladysmith, Wis.; and Min- 
 neapolis, Minn., but returned to Rockford in 1923 and again took up 
 work for the Cedar Furniture Co., remaining with that concern until 
 it ceased operation. Since 1939 Mr. Sandberg has operated a Cities 
 Service Oil Station at 2332 Charles street. Mr. Sandberg was mar- 
 ried February 6, 1923, to Amanda Borg from Almelund, Minn. They 
 have three children, Doris, 17; Marjory, 12, and Roy, 10. Mr. Sand- 
 berg is a member of the Oland Club. His father who had emigrated 
 to America as early as 1896 returned afterwards to Sweden and died 
 there in 1939. A brother of Victor, John Axel Sandberg, is a Bap- 
 tist minister in San Diego, Calif. 
 
 HAROLD O. STROM ("DIAMOND"), service station operator, 
 was born in Rockford February 13, 1900. His father, Charles Strom, 
 emigrated to America from Vastergotland, Sweden, about 50 years 
 ago. He has been employed as a moulder and is still living, now 69 
 years old. Harold's mother, Anna Strom, died in 1912. Harold ob- 
 tained his education in the public school and was then employed in a 
 furniture shop, becoming superintendent of the shop. From 1930 till 
 1932 he worked for the Standard Oil Co. In 1933 he started business 
 for himself as operator of the Sinclair Station at 902 East State 
 street. Mr. Strom was married in 1927 to Lucy Dorsey from Ken- 
 tucky, their union being blessed with a daughter, Donna Joan, who 
 died in infancy. 
 
 CLIFFORD O, NELSON, service station operator, was born at 
 Jamestown, N. Y., December 24, 1903. His father, Frank Oscar Nel- 
 son, emigrated to America from Smaland, Sweden, in the later 
 eighties. He was superintendent of a furniture factory for 40 years, 
 but is now retired. Cliff's mother, Anna Nelson, is also a native of 
 Smaland. Cliff grew up in Jamestown and received his education in 
 the public school and High School. He came to Rockford 12 years 
 ago and engaged in oil business, having for the last nine years 
 operated a service station at 11th and Charles streets. In 1926 Mr. 
 Nelson entered into marriage union with Effie Weese of Buffalo, N. Y., 
 with whom he has two children, Alvin, 13, and Briden, 12. 
 
 BERTEL L. PETERSON, lathing contractor, was born in Rock- 
 ford January 16, 1904. His father, Theodore Peterson, came to 
 America from oland, Sweden, about 1890, and was engaged here as a 
 lathing contractor, passing away in 1938. Bertel's mother, Hanna 
 Peterson, who came from Skane, Sweden, is still living. Bertel re- 
 ceived his education in the public school and High School and learned 
 the trade from his father, himself taking up contracting later. He 
 was married in 1926 to Gladys Westerlund of Rockford. They have 
 three children, Joanne A., 14; Theodore A., 10; and Daniel, 5. Mr. 
 Peterson resides at 1007 20th street and is a member of Lyran Sing- 
 ing Society, S. M. & S. F. Club and the oland Society. 
 
SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 89 
 
 MARTIN LUNDIN, service station operator, was born on a farm 
 near Milford, 111., June 9, 1886. His father, John Lundin, emigrated 
 to America from Vastergotland, Sweden, in 1880. He engaged in 
 farming and passed away in 1914. Martin's mother, Mary, also a 
 native of Sweden, died in 1934. Martin spent his early years on the 
 farm first in Illinois and then in Wisconsin. In 1910 he came to Rock- 
 ford and was employed as a chauffeur by the Nelson family four 
 years and by W. T. Woodruff another four years. Afterwards he was 
 in charge of the Safety Vaults of the Rockford National Bank for 18 
 years. Since 1939 he has been operating a Texaco Service Station at 
 225 Kishwaukee street. Mr. Lundin was married in October, 1913, to 
 Mary Bremer of Cherry Valley, 111. They have a son, Donald, 26, 
 pharmacist at Elgin, 111. Mr. and Mrs. Lundin are members of the 
 Trinity Lutheran Church. 
 
 RUDOLPH EKSTROM, service station operator, was born on a 
 farm near Sycamore, 111., June 11, 1899. His father, Charles Ekstrom 
 emigrated to America from Smaland, Sweden, in 1886, and located 
 first at Cortland, 111. He devoted himself to farming, passing away 
 in 1923 Rudolph's mother, Jennie Ekstrom, who came from Krono- 
 berss lan Sweden, now resides at Rockford. Rudolph obtained his 
 education' in the public school and High School. In 1926 he came to 
 Rockford where he worked in furniture factories. Since 1929 he has 
 been engaged in oil business and is now operating the Texaco Station 
 at Prospect and Rural streets. Mr. Ekstrom was married in 1933 to 
 Evelyn Turner from Stockton, 111. They are blessed with a pair of 
 twin boys, Gordon and Norman, 5 years old. 
 
 GEORGE F GRIP, plastering contractor, was born in Rockford 
 August 10 1892. His father, Frans O. Grip, who emigrated to 
 America from ostergotland, Sweden, the same year that George was 
 born has been engaged as a mason and plastering contractor. He is 
 still living now 78 years old. George's mother, Josephine Grip, a na- 
 tive of Smaland, Sweden, passed away in 1937. George received his 
 education in the city schools of Rockford and then took up his father s 
 line of work. He is now associated with his two brothers, Carl and 
 Reuben, under the name of Grip Brothers, Plastering Contractors. In 
 1917 Geo F Grip was married to Mabel Anderson of Rockford. They 
 have a son, John Arthur, 10 years old. Mr. and Mrs. Grip are mem- 
 bers of the Temple Baptist Church and reside at 325 James avenue. 
 
 OTTO WILHELM SWANSON, restaurateur, was born in Backebo 
 parish Kalmar lan, Sweden, March 29, 1883, and came to America 
 in 1900 direct to Rockford. After learning the wood carving trade he 
 worked in Chicago and many other places making Chicago his chief 
 stopping place. In 1939 he entered the restaurant business in Rock- 
 ford where he is now operating the South Park Cafe at 1242 Broad- 
 way He was married in 1918 to Ellen Nelson of Chicago, born in 
 America of Swedish parents. They have been blessed with three chil- 
 dren, Arnold who died October 20, 1933, at eleven years of age; Her- 
 bert' 15- and Louise, 12. Mr. Swanson is a member of the following 
 Chicago' clubs and lodges: Irving Park Svithiod lodge, Viking lodge 
 Brage No. 2, and the Harmony Singing Club. 
 
90 SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 
 
 VERNIE E. BERGSTROM, hardware dealer, was born in Rock- 
 ford February 15, 1899. His father, Carl Axel Bergstrom, emigrated 
 to America from Humla parish, Vastergotland, Sweden, in 1882 and 
 located in Rockford. He was first employed by the Union Furniture 
 Co. and afterwards in various other furniture factories, passing away 
 here in 1932. Vernie's mother, Charlotta A. Bergstrom, also from 
 Vastergotland, died in 1909. After attending the public school Vernie 
 joined the Navy in September, 1917, and served as a machinist mate 
 of Naval Aviation for two years. Returning to civil life he was em- 
 ployed as a travelling salesman for a number of years. In March, 
 1926, he entered the hardware business, opening a store at 5424 
 North Second street which he is now conducting. In 1922 Mr. Berg- 
 strom was married to Adele Fagerstrom of Rockford. They have a 
 son, Vernie Emil, Jr., 14 years old. Mr. Bergstrom was one of the 
 organizers of the United States Navy Club and served as Com- 
 mandant of the Navy Club of Rockford in 1939. Mr. and Mrs. Berg- 
 strom are members of the Trinity Lutheran Church. 
 
 HAROLD E. HANSTROM, service station operator, was born in 
 Rockford March 23, 1912. His father, Roy Hanstrom, was born in 
 Boone county, 111., of Swedish parents. He was employed in a factory 
 and died in 1939. Harold's mother, Mamie Hanstrom, who came from 
 ostergotland, Sweden, is still living at Rockford. Harold grew up in 
 Rockford and obtained his education in the city schools. After work- 
 ing in grocery stores and furniture factories he entered the oil busi- 
 ness in 1940 and is now operating the Hanstrom Service Station at 
 601 Kishwaukee street. Mr. Hanstrom was married in 1937 to Co- 
 rinne Johnson of Rockford with whom he has a daughter, Charlene, 
 3 years old. 
 
 ROY W. MALM, auto mechanic, was born in Rockford July 13, 
 1908. His father, Joseph Malm, came to America from Vastergotland, 
 Sweden, in 1902, and is employed by the Street Department. Roy's 
 mother, Anna Malm, is also a native of Vastergotland, Sweden. The 
 family spent 15 years on a farm in Minnesota and Roy learned the 
 truck business at Clarkfield, Minn. In 1926 they returned to Rock- 
 ford where Roy took up auto business, starting for himself in 1933. 
 He is now conducting Roy Malm's Garage at 1436 Third avenue. In 
 1934 Mr. Malm was married to Gladys Hallen of Rockford. They 
 have two children, Karin, 4y 2 , and David, born 1940. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Malm are members of the First Lutheran Church. 
 
 ADOLPH W. CARLSON, painting contractor, was born in Kungs- 
 lena parish, Vastergotland, Sweden, June 21, 1885, and learned paint- 
 ing in his native land. In 1909 he came to America, locating first in 
 Rockford, having since been active as a painter in Chicago, San 
 Francisco and Rockford. For the last 25 years he has been operating 
 for himself in Chicago and Rockford. In 1914 he was married to Anna 
 Larson from Boras, Sweden, who died in 1922, leaving three children, 
 Henry, 26, and George, 25, both working with their father; and Mar- 
 guerite, a twin sister of George. In 1923 Mr. Carlson entered into 
 wedlock the second time with Esther Wilson from Tidaholm, Vaster- 
 gotland. Mr. Carlson is a member of the Viking Ellida Lodge. 
 
SWEDISH ELEMENT IN FORDFORD 91 
 
 CARL J. LINQUIST, painting contractor, was born in Peca- 
 tonica, 111., April 17, 1876. His father, Peter Lindquist, emigrated to 
 America from ostergotland, Sweden, in the early seventies. After en- 
 gaging in farming at Pecatonica for some years he moved to Rock- 
 ford in 1891 and entered the milk business, passing away here about 
 30 years ago. Carl's mother, Augusta Lindquist, also a native of 
 Sweden, died about 25 years ago. After learning the painter's trade 
 Carl took up contracting and also operated a paint store on Seventh 
 street for 31 years. Disposing of the store two years ago he has since 
 devoted himself to contracting only. In 1900 Mr. Linquist was mar- 
 ried to Clara Johnson of Rockford. They have been blessed with three 
 children, Hazel, who died in 1917 at 16 years of age; Everett, who 
 was taken by death in 1913 at the age of 8; and Raymond, 37, asso- 
 ciated with his father in business. Mr. and Mrs. Linquist are mem- 
 bers of the Salem Lutheran Church and reside at 317 Shaw street. 
 
 ERIC E. CARLSON, service station operator, was born in Mor- 
 lunda parish, Kalmar Ian, Sweden, October 20, 1893, and came to 
 America in 1910. After engaging in farming in South Dakota for a 
 year he came to Rockford in 1911 and worked in factories here till 
 1916 whereupon he operated a milk route for 12 years. In 1928 he 
 entered the oil business and is now operating the Carlson Service 
 Station at 228 North 1st street. Mr. Carlson was married in 1916 to 
 Ingeborg Milton of Rockford. They have a son, Rodney, 23, who as- 
 sists his father at the Service Station. Mr. and Mrs. Carlson are 
 members of the Vasa lodge Elvira and the Smaland Club. 
 
 ERIC F. JOHNSON, painting contractor, was born in Engelholm, 
 Sweden, October 30, 1889, and learned his trade in Sweden. Emigrat- 
 ing to America in 1914, he came first to Omaha, Nebr., and from 
 there to Stanton, la., where he remained about a year. In 1915 he 
 came to Rockford, and after working for others for a number of years 
 started for himself in 1926. Mr. Johnson was married in 1919 to Ellen 
 Johnson from Linkoping, Sweden. They have two children, Fern, 19, 
 (Mrs. R. Nelson) and Glenn 14. The family residence is located at 
 2311 15th avenue. 
 
 EDWIN JOHNSON, service station operator, was born in Hogby 
 parish, oland, Sweden, September 29, 1904, and came to America in 
 1923 and located in Rockford where he was employed as truck driver 
 for five years. In 1930 he entered the oil business and is now operat- 
 ing the Texaco Oil station at 2331 Charles street. Mr. Johnson was 
 married in 1928 to Bernice Peterson of Rockford. They have two 
 children, Mavis, 10, and Terry, 5. Mr. Johnson is a member of the 
 John Ericsson lodge of the Independent Order of Svithiod. 
 
 CHAS. H. CARLSON, grocer, was born in Asbo parish, oster- 
 gotland, Sweden, October 13, 1877, and emigrated to America in 1896. 
 Locating in Chicago he worked first for an uncle who was a house 
 mover and remained in that city 25 years. In 1921 he came to Rock- 
 ford where he was employed as a cabinet maker. In 1927 he bought 
 a grocery store at 2134 Charles street which he is now conducting. 
 Mr. Carlson was married in 1911 to Ruth Hemming, a native of 
 England. 
 
92 SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 
 
 ENOCH LINDEN, grocer, was born in Rockford April 23, 1923. 
 His father, Peter Linden, came to America from Skane, Sweden, in 
 1888 and located in Rockford where he was employed in furniture 
 work. He died in 1937. Enoch's mother, Hanna Linden, also from 
 Skane, is still living. Enoch received his education in the public school 
 and began grocery work as a boy. In 1923 he associated himself with 
 Patrick Olson in the firm Olson & Linden. Mr. Olson died October 1, 
 1940, and Mr. Linden is now operating the store at 1538 Broadway. 
 In 1914 Mr. Linden was married to Nellie Ryberg of Rockford. They 
 have three daughters, Virginia, a teacher in the public school at Clif- 
 ton, 111.; Lucile, attending Rockford College; and Junita, in high 
 school. 
 
 CLARENCE LARSON ("KELLY"), meat dealer, was born in 
 Rockford in 1897 of Swedish parents. His father, Gust Larson, who 
 came from Northern Sweden, was a furniture worker and passed away 
 here in 1936. His mother's name is Elizabeth Larson. Clarence was 
 educated in the public schools and then entered the meat business. On 
 May 10, 1919, he started business for himself and now operates the 
 Kelly's Cash Market at 1132 Broadway. In October, 1922, Mr. Larson 
 was married to Ruth Carlson with whom he has three children, 
 Clarice, Janet and Karen. Mr. and Mrs. Larson are members of the 
 Temple Baptist Church. 
 
 GUST R. WIESLAND, plastering contractor, was born in Vis- 
 landa, Smaland, Sweden, June 6, 1901, and emigrated to America in 
 1920, locating first at Cherokee, la., where he farmed 2y 2 years. Com- 
 ing to Rockford in 1923 he learned the plasterer's trade and in 1930 
 started contracting for himself. In 1937 he entered into partnership 
 with Gunnar Johnson under the name of Johnson & Wiesland. Mr. 
 Wiesland was married in 1940 to Caroline Johnson from Smaland, 
 Sweden, and resides at 1134 Revell street. He is a member of the 
 Viking lodge Ellida, the S. M. & S. F. Club and the Baner lodge of 
 the Scandinavian Fraternity of America. 
 
 HERMAN OLSON, service station operator, was born in Ving- 
 aker parish, Sodermanland, Sweden, April 30, 1898, and came to 
 America in 1923, locating in Rockford. After working in factories till 
 1930 he made a trip to his native land and upon his return to Rock- 
 ford the following year took up oil business, being now operator of 
 the Olson Texaco Station at 1826 Seventh street. In 1924 Mr. Olson 
 entered into marriage union with Ingeborg Victoria Peterson from 
 Vastmanland, Sweden. They are members of the Scandinavian Fra- 
 ternity of America. 
 
 GoSTA B. NORIN, painter, was born in Sodra Sallerup parish, 
 Malmohus Ian, Sweden, September 18, 1896, learned his trade in 
 Malmo, and engaged in painting in Sweden. Emigrating to America 
 in 1929, he located in Rockford and was employed five years by Carl 
 Stromberg. In 1934 he started contracting for himself. While in 
 Malmo, Sweden, he entered into wedlock in 1922 with Linnea Svenson. 
 They have a daughter, Brita, employed in the office of Max Weston, 
 Assistant States Attorney. Mr. Norin is a member of the Vasa Junior 
 Club New Sweden and the Svithiod lodge John Ericsson. 
 
SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 93 
 
 GUSTAF ADOLPH EDSTROM, building contractor, was born in 
 Hartford, Conn., January 27, 1874. His father, Carl Edstrom, came 
 to America from Dalsland, Sweden, in 1873 and located in Hartford, 
 but returned to Sweden after seven years. In 1889 he again crossed 
 the ocean and two years later came to Rockford where he worked at 
 his trade as a tailor, passing away here in 1910. Gustaf's mother, 
 Anna Sophia Edstrom, also from Dalsland, Sweden, died in May 1941, 
 at 90 years of age. Gustaf Adolph came to Rockford in 1903 and 
 worked here as a carpenter until 1907 when he started contracting. 
 In 1898 he entered into wedlock with Alma Josephson from Sma- 
 land, Sweden, who died in 1913, leaving three children, Francis, a 
 dentist in Rockford; Edith, and Myrtle (Mrs. Willard Anderson). In 
 1917 Mr. Edstrom was married the second time to Frida Johnson 
 from ostergotland, Sweden, with whom he has a son, Carl, 22, a stu- 
 dent at the University of Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Edstrom are mem- 
 bers of the Tabernacle Church and reside at 1212 Parmelee street. 
 
 FRANCIS B. EDSTROM, dentist, a son of Gustaf Adolph Ed- 
 strom, above, was born in Hartford, Conn., December 9, 1899, and 
 came with the family to Rockford in 1903. After attending the Rock- 
 ford public school and High School he studied at Beloit College a 
 year and then took a dental course at the Dental College of North- 
 western University, graduating in 1932. After graduation he started 
 dental practice in Rockford where he is now located in 604 City Hall 
 Building. 
 
 CARL A. GUSTAFSON, oil station operator, was born in Ma- 
 rengo, 111., March 7, 1893. His father, Charley Gustaf son, who came 
 from Stockholm, Sweden, and was engaged in farming, died 26 years 
 ago. Carl's mother, Agnes Gustaf son, also a native of Sweden, now 
 resides at Delavan, Wis., having reached the age of 80 years. Carl 
 grew up at Marengo and came to Rockford in 1916, working here as 
 a machinist. In 1921 he left Rockford and engaged in farming at 
 Kingston four years. After farming near Rockford 13 years he again 
 moved into the city and in 1939 took over a Standard Oil Station at 
 2220 Charles street. During the World War Mr. Gustafson served in 
 the army 1914-1916. He was married July 23, 1916, to Nona Phelps 
 from Ohio. They have two children, Isabelle (Mrs. C. Hanson), and 
 Chadwick, employed by the American Cabinet Hardware Corporation. 
 
 OSCAR E. CARLSON, shingle roofer, was born in Rockford 
 January 25, 1897. His father, Andrew Carlson, came to America from 
 Smaland, Sweden, in the fifties and was employed as a polisher by 
 the Eclipse Stove Works. He died in 1925. Oscar's mother, Mary 
 Carlson, who came from Karlstad, Sweden, died in 1940. Oscar ob- 
 tained his education in the public school and High School. In 1912 
 he took up roofing work and has been engaged in shingle roofing as 
 a contractor for 21 years. During the World War he served in the 
 army for 3V 2 years whereof nine months in Europe, a year in the 
 Hawaiian Islands, a year on the Mexican border and three months in 
 Siberia. Mr. Carlson was married in 1933 to Evelyn Bergholt of Rock- 
 ford. They have two children, Jack (stepson), 15, and Dennie, 18 
 months. Mr. Carlson is a member of the American Legion. 
 
94 SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 
 
 CARL S. ANDREWS, meat dealer, was born in Bbrstig parish, 
 Vastergotland, Sweden, December 20, 1890, and emigrated to America 
 in 1909, going direct to Rockford. After working six years for the 
 Skandia Furniture Co. and two years on a farm he entered the meat 
 business and opened his own meat market in 1913. Two years later 
 he went on a trip to his native land, and upon his return from 
 Sweden worked three years for Lundquist & Anderson. In 1918 Mr. 
 Andrews opened a meat market at 1535 Broadway, becoming asso- 
 ciated with Mr. Kjellstrom in 1921. In 1917 Mr. Andrews was mar- 
 ried to Amy Hoglund from Kansas who passed away in 1920 leaving 
 a son, Armour, 22, a graduate of Wheaton College. In 1922 Mr. 
 Andrews was married again to Edith Bergbom from Chicago, their 
 union being blessed with a daughter, Betty Ann, 10. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Andrews are members of the Evangelical Free Church. 
 
 CARL A. KJELLSTROM, meat dealer, was born in Mariestad, 
 Skaraborgs Ian, Sweden, June 17, 1894, and emigrated to America in 
 1913, stopping first at Trenton, N. Y., but going on to Rockford the 
 same year. He was first engaged as an electrician, but in 1914 en- 
 tered the meat business, being employed by Conrad F. Hallen for six 
 years. During the World War he served in the army, being abroad 
 for 13 months. After working for Carl S. Andrews a year he bought 
 into the company, now known as Andrews & Kjellstrom, 1536 Broad- 
 way. In 1921 Mr. Kjellstrom was married to Mildred Hallen of Rock- 
 ford. They have two children, Richard, 19, and Marcelle, 16. 
 
 OSCAR J. LANDQUIST, manufacturer, was born in Asle parish, 
 Vastergotland, Sweden, August 31, 1882, and came to America with 
 his mother in 1890, his father having emigrated five years before. 
 They located in Rockford where the father, William Landquist, was 
 engaged as a carpenter and builder. He died in 1934, his wife, Ma- 
 thilda Landquist, having passed away two years earlier. Oscar grew 
 up in Rockford, and obtained his education in the public school, 
 whereupon he was employed in factories. In 1917 he organized the 
 L=T-L Tool Co. for manufacturing special tools and small machinery 
 with shops located at 1320 Woodruff avenue. Mr. Landquist was mar- 
 ried 35 years ago to Delia Larson of Rockford. They have two chil- 
 dren, Fletcher, 33, associated with his father in business, and Irene 
 (Mrs. Robert Bolander), residing at Burlington, la. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Landquist are members of the Zion Lutheran Church. 
 
 RUDOLPH SUNDQUIST, painting contractor, was born in Kalix, 
 Norrbottens Ian, Sweden, and emigrated to America in 1906, locating 
 first in Michigan where he learned the painter's trade. In 1909 he 
 came to Rockford where he has been engaged in contracting for the 
 last 14 years. In 1906 Mr. Sundquist was married to Hanna Maria 
 Carlson from Kalix, Norrbotten, who died in 1919 leaving a son, 
 Rudolph Herbert, that passed away in 1930 at eleven years of age. 
 In 1920 Mr. Sundquist was married the second time to Hilda Ander- 
 son from Malmo, Sweden. The family residence is located at 1012 
 13th street. Mr. and Mrs. Sundquist are members of the Bethany 
 Methodist Church, Mr. Sundquist having been treasurer of the Church 
 for nine years. 
 
SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 95 
 
 C. LEONARD OLSON, masseur, was born in Dunnell, Minn., July 
 17 1897. His father, Ola Olson, came to America from Skane, 
 Sweden, in the later seventies. He lived in Des Moines, la., for some 
 time and then' located on a farm at Triumph, Minn., where he is still 
 living, now 75 years old. Leonard's mother, Hilda Olson, came from 
 Vastergotland, Sweden. Leonard attended public school and High 
 School and remained on the farm until 20 years of age. Afterwards 
 he farmed for himself for eight years. In 1928 he moved to Rockford 
 where he worked in factories for ten years. After considerable pri- 
 vate study he took a course in the College of Swedish Massage in 
 Chicago in 1938 and the following year started practice. He is now 
 operating Olson's Bath & Massage at 1139 Broadway, making a spe- 
 cialty of massage. Mr. Olson was married in 1919 to Minnie Carlson 
 of Triumph, Minn., who passed away in 1928, leaving two sons, 
 Harold, 20, machinist with Barber-Colman, and Martin, 14, at school. 
 In 1930 Mr. Olson was married the second time to Inez Johnson from 
 Pocatello, Idaho, with whom he has a daughter, Evelyn, 7 years old. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Olson are members of the Evangelical Free Church. 
 
 HARRY A. JOHNSON, banker, was born in Rockford June 22, 
 1893. His father, August Johnson, came to America from Vastergot- 
 land, Sweden, in 1888 and located first at Cherry Valley, 111., where 
 he worked on a farm. In the early nineties he moved to Rockford 
 where he was employed as a cooper with the Forbes Co. He is now 
 living on a farm at Cherry Valley. Harry's mother, Emma Carolina 
 Johnson, came to America from Vastergotland, Sweden, at nine years 
 of age. Harry grew up on the farm at Cherry Valley. In January, 
 1916, he started work at the Third National Bank in Rockford. Dur- 
 ing the World War he served in the Navy seven months. He became 
 cashier of the bank March 1, 1934. Mr. Johnson was married May 12, 
 1020, to Lila B. Williams of Belvidere, 111. 
 
 SWAN J. JOHNSON, plastering contractor, was born in Jungs 
 parish, Skaraborgs Ian, Sweden, November 26, 1882, and came to 
 America in 1901, locating in Rockford. After being employed in the 
 shops as a moulder for about 16 years he started work as a plasterer 
 For the last 17 years he has been operating for himself as a con- 
 tractor. His home is located at 207 Carbaugh street. In 1911 Mr. 
 Johnson was married to Florence Cole of Rockford who passed away 
 in 1934, leaving four children, Howard, 28, employed in a lumber 
 yard; Evelyn, manager of Princes Ice Cream Castle; Viola and 
 Greta, both attending school. 
 
 CLAUDE W. SWANSON, painting contractor, was born in 
 Ringamala parish, Blekinge, Sweden, April 18, 1908, and emigrated to 
 America in 1926, going direct to Rockford. After working in a furni- 
 ture factory two years he learned painting, working for H. C. Peter- 
 son four years and in partnership with Mr. Peterson for another four 
 years. In 1939 he started contracting for himself. His residence is 
 located at 1203 15th avenue. In 1932 Mr. Swanson was married to 
 Agnes Anderson of Rockford with whom he has a son, Donald, born 
 July 2, 1940. Mr. and Mrs. Swanson are members of the Temple 
 Baptist Church. 
 
96 SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 
 
 LLOYD H. LARSON, poultry and egg dealer, was born in Rock- 
 ford December 4, 1908. His father, Oscar Larson, came to America 
 from Vastergotland, Sweden, at the age of twelve. The family located 
 first on a farm at Pecatonica, 111., but later moved to Rockford where 
 the elder Larson was employed as shipping clerk by the Mechanic 
 Furniture Co. for 18 years and by the Rockford Transfer Co. for 25 
 years. He died in 1937. Lloyd's mother, Kate Larson, a native of 
 Germany, died in 1919. Lloyd received his education in the Rockford 
 city schools and was then employed by Greenlee Brothers three years 
 and by a Body and Fender shop five years. In 1930 he started the 
 Poultry and Egg business which he is now conducting at 430 Pearl 
 avenue, Loves Park. Mr. Larson was married in 1926 to Gladys 
 Stockwell of Rockford. They have two children, Gerold, 13, and 
 Gene, 11. 
 
 ANDREW JOHNSON, grocer, was born in Traryd parish, Krono- 
 bergs Ian, Sweden, November 23, 1858, and came to America in 1879, 
 locating first in Chicago whence he moved to Rockford two years 
 later, A cabinet maker from Sweden, he worked for the Forest City 
 Furniture Co. for ten years. Afterwards he was in the milk business 
 8% years, worked as a carpenter and was employed in the Haddorff 
 Piano factory. Entering the grocery business 38 years ago he is still, 
 in association with his two sons, Irving and Vernon, operating a 
 grocery store at 1323 Broadway. In 1884 Mr. Johnson was married 
 to Hilda Thompson from Varmland, Sweden. They have been blessed 
 with five children, Esther (Mrs. W. L. Dorr); Alice, who died in 
 February, 1941, at nearly 53; Irving, 44, associated with his father in 
 business; Ethel (Mrs. David Anderson); and Vernon, 36, associated 
 with his father. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are members of the Bethany 
 Methodist Church. 
 
 AXEL R. NELSON, florist, was born in Vaxio, Smaland, Sweden, 
 May 17, 1879, and came to America with parents in 1882. The family 
 located in Rockford. Axel's father, Henry Nelson, was engaged in 
 florist business. His mother's name was Dorothea Nelson. Axel grew 
 up in Rockford and received his education in the public school, af- 
 terwards being employed as a cigar maker and coremaker. Eighteen 
 years ago he entered the florist business which he is now conducting 
 in association with his two sons at 6232 N. Second street. In 1897 
 Mr. Nelson was married to Julia Andrew of Rockford who passed 
 away January 17, 1937, leaving two sons, Robert, 40, and Charles, 27, 
 both associated with their father in business. Mr. Nelson, senior, is 
 a member of Svea Soner. 
 
 HERBERT OLSON, mason contractor, was born in Rockford 
 April 27, 1891. His father Peter Olson, a mason contractor, came to 
 America from oland, Sweden, in the eighties and still resides in 
 Rockford. Herbert's mother, Jennie Olson, came from Gothenburg, 
 Sweden. Herbert grew up in Rockford and obtained his education 
 in the public school. At fifteen he started work with his father, and 
 about thirteen years ago commenced contracting for himself. In 
 1925 he entered wedlock with Josephine Lauer of Spring Valley, 111. 
 Their family residence is located at 540 Lawn Drive, Loves Park. 
 
SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 97 
 
 CARL A. SUNDSTRAND, manufacturer, was born in Rockford 
 August 6, 1887. His father, Lars G. Sundstrand, came to America 
 from Stockholm, Sweden, in 1880. A carpenter from Sweden, he was 
 engaged as a building contractor in Rockford and died here in 1929. 
 Carl's mother, Anna C. Sundstrand, also from Stockholm, Sweden, 
 died in 1931. An elder brother of Carl, David Sundstrand, became 
 famous as the inventor of the Sundstrand Adding Machine, first pro- 
 duced in Rockford in 1911. He died in 1930. Another brother, Oscar 
 Sundstrand, associated with David in his enterprise, went east with 
 the Underwood Elliot Fisher Co. when that concern bought out the 
 Sundstrand Adding Machine Co. in 1925. Carl Sundstrand has been 
 engaged in manufacturing household articles and is now president 
 and manager of the Metwood Co., located at 1229 Broadway Court. 
 In 1916 Carl Sundstrand was married to Alice Swanson of Rockford. 
 They have two daughters, Kathryn, a teacher of the Kishwaukee 
 Consolidated Schools, and Phyllis, employed by the Commercial 
 Mortgage and Finance Co. Mr. and Mrs. Sundstrand are members of 
 the Bethesda Covenant Church. 
 
 HELGE C. PETERSON, painting contractor, was born in Visby, 
 Gotland, Sweden, November 9, 1890, and learned his trade in Kalmar, 
 Sweden. Emigrating to America in 1912, he located first in Cedar 
 Rapids, la., later residing in Tulsa, Okla., and Peru, 111., in which 
 city he started contracting in 1915. In March, 1927, he came to Rock- 
 ford where he is now residing at 1734 Broadway. In 1921 Mr. Peter- 
 son entered into wedlock with Hulda Zander from Mbrtfors, Kalmar 
 Ian, Sweden. They are blessed with twin daughters, Gladys Evelyn, 
 employed by the American Cabinet Hardware Corporation, and Grace 
 Elaine, employed by the National Lock Co. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson 
 are members of the Temple Baptist Church and the Vasa lodge Brahe. 
 
 AXEL REUBEN CARLSON, paint dealer, was born in Jonko- 
 pings Ian, Sweden, December 18, 1887, and emigrated to America in 
 1909. Locating in Rockford, he worked in furniture factories 20 years 
 and engaged in farming for 16 years. Since 1930 he has been engaged 
 as a paint dealer, having been for the last two years proprietor of 
 the Perfect Products Co. at 1101 Seminary street, dealing in Paints, 
 Enamels and Varnishes and supplying factory materials. Mr. Carl- 
 son was married in 1912 to Sally Larson from Eksjo, Smaland, 
 Sweden. They have two children, Sigrid (Mrs. Robert Tenney), re- 
 siding in Chicago, and Warren Leighton, 25, employed in the office of 
 the National Lock Co. 
 
 ERIC W. ERICSON, contractor, was born in Skallvik parish, 
 Vastergbtland, Sweden, May 24, 1892, and emigrated to America in 
 1917. He located first in Philadelphia where he worked as a carpen- 
 ter four years. Moving then to Illinois he spent some time in Peca- 
 tonica and Freeport whereupon he came to Rockford in 1921. After 
 being employed in factories two years he started contracting in 1923. 
 Mr. Ericson was married in 1928 to Agnes Hogland of Rockford. They 
 have three children, Stanton, 12; Marjory, 10; and John, 8. Mr, Eric- 
 son is a member of the Evangelical Free Church and the Gideon So- 
 ciety, and resides at 719 Rome avenue. 
 
98 SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 
 
 EMIL C. TRANER, manufacturer, was born in Rockford, August 
 19, 1876. His father, Nels P. Traner, was born in Sweden September 
 22, 1842, and emigrated to America from Karlshamn, Blekinge. Lo- 
 cating in Rockford he was engaged as a moulder and died here March 
 25, 1912. Emil's mother, Sofia Traner, also from Karlshamn, Sweden, 
 was born June 18, 1845, and passed away February 18, 1928. Emil 
 received his education in the Rockford city schools whereupon he en- 
 tered the manufacturing business. For eight years he was connected 
 with the Free Sewing Machine Co. and for 16 years with the National 
 Lock Co. In 1916 he went with the Rockford Drilling Machine Co., 
 of which he is now President and Manager, this company having 
 since 1929 been associated with the Borg- Warner Corporation under 
 the name of Rockford Drilling Machine Division. Since 1936 Mr. 
 Traner is also President and General Manager of the Mechanics 
 Universal Joint Division of the Borg-Warner Corporation. In 1899 
 Mr. Traner entered into marriage union with Emma Hannblom of 
 Rockford. They have a daughter, Lillian, who has been engaged in 
 the business office of the Rockford College for twelve years. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Traner are charter members of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church. 
 
 ERNEST R. EKSTROM was born in Gothenburg, Sweden, Aug. 
 12, 1885, and emigrated to America in 1893. After being employed 
 in the Rockford factories for many years he served for 16 years as 
 superintendent of the Universal Joint Division of the Mechanics Uni- 
 versal Joint Co. Since 1931 he has been operating the Ekstrom Ma- 
 chine & Tool Sales in the Rockford News Tower. Mr. Ekstrom was 
 married in 1913 to Vera Ellison of Rockford. They have two sons, 
 Dayton, 26, tool engineer with the Atwood Vacuum Machine Co.; 
 and Richard, 20, attending the Illinois Institute of Technology. Mr. 
 Ekstrom has been a member of the Svea Soner Singing Society since 
 1905. 
 
 GUST O. JOHNSON, painting contractor, was born in Jarstad 
 parish, Dalsland, Sweden, October 5, 1885, and emigrated to America 
 in 1904, locating first in Pennsylvania. Moving to Rockford in 1907, 
 he worked in factories as a finisher till 1913. In 1914 he started work 
 for himself as a painter and decorator. Mr. Johnson was married in 
 1909 to Amanda Carlson from Smaland, Sweden. They have been 
 blessed with five children, Marguerite (Mrs. O. G. Larsen); Dagmar, 
 employed by the City Welfare; Bertel, a draftsman with Greenlee 
 Brothers; Ruth (Mrs. L. Arthur Madsen), and Philip, attending High 
 School. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are members of the Evangelical Free 
 Church and reside at 115 S. London ave. 
 
 OSCAR F. CARLSON, painting contractor, was born near Tida- 
 holm, Vastergotland, Sweden, January 18, 1891, and emigrated to 
 America in 1909, locating at Rockford. After working a while for 
 other painters he started contracting for himself in 1915. Mr. Carlson 
 was married July 15, 1911, to Bertha Johnson from Jonkoping, Sma- 
 land. They have two sons, Clemens, 27, working with his father, and 
 Evert, 24, employed in a machine shop in Los Angeles, Calif. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Carlson are members of the Evangelical Free Church and reside 
 at 532 Rome avenue. 
 
SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 99 
 
 FRED A. SWENSON, ex-journalist, was born in Stora Ekeby, 
 Vastmanland, Sweden, May 8, 1869, the family later removing to 
 Eksjo, Smaland, and from there to Jonkoping where Fred attended 
 the City College for nearly seven years. In 1886 he emigrated to 
 America, locating in Rockford where he learned printing and worked 
 for "Rockfords-Posten" for three years. After taking a course in 
 English and Shorthand he became associated with C. F. Erickson in 
 the publishing of "Framtiden" and later a partner in a small printing 
 shop. In 1894 Mr. Swenson went to Los Angeles, Calif., but returned 
 to Illinois the following year and obtained employment as book- 
 keeper and proofreader in Rockford and Chicago. From 1905 till 
 1916 he served periodically as editor and manager of "Rockfords- 
 Posten," spending shorter intervals during 1908 and 1909 with "Sven- 
 ska Kuriren" in Chicago and "Kansas City Tribunen" in Kansas City. 
 After severing his connection with "Rockfords-Posten" he was en- 
 gaged as agent for the Mutual Trust Insurance Co. for two years 
 and after the World War published a monthly magazine, The Re- 
 flector, for some two years. Since 1922 Mr. Swenson has been' secre- 
 tary and manager of the Associated Industries of Rockford with 
 office in 404 City Hall Bldg. In 1899 Mr. Swenson entered into wedlock 
 with Elna Bjorklund from Umea, Norrbotten, Sweden. They are 
 blessed with three children, Carl A., attorney; Clinton F., manager of 
 Rockford Stoker Sales; and Tranceita, secretary to her father. 
 
 MAGNUS ELMBLADE, cleaner, was born in Soderala parish, 
 Halsingland, Sweden, August 4, 1906, and emigrated to America in 
 1926, locating first in Chicago. Moving to Rockford the same year, he 
 was employed in furniture factories here as a hand carver until 1940, 
 when he started a Rug and Upholstery Cleaning establishment which 
 he is now conducting at 904 Brodway, Mr. Elmblade being the only 
 exclusive rug and upholstery cleaner in the city. In May, 1934, Mr. 
 Elmblade was married to Doris Johnson of Rockford. They are 
 blessed with two boys, Dennis, 4; and James, born in November, 1940. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Elmblade are members of the Swedish Philadelphia 
 Church. 
 
 ALARIK NILSON, plastering contractor, was born in Hogby 
 parish, oland, Sweden, May 19, 1904. His father being a mason he 
 learned the trade from him. In 1928 he emigrated to America and 
 located in Rockford where he took up the plastering trade and is now 
 engaged as a plastering contractor, his home and office being located 
 at 834 Nineteenth street. 
 
 STURE R. SAMUELSON, painter, was born in Algotsboda 
 parish, Kronobergs Ian, Sweden, May 16, 1903, and learned painting 
 in his native land. In 1927 he came to America where he located at 
 Rockford. After working for other contractors he started for himself 
 in 1931 and associated himself with Axel Skogsberg in 1933. Together 
 they opened a Paint and Wall Paper store in April 1941, at 1229 
 Broadway, which they are now operating in conjunction with their 
 contracting business. Mr. Samuelson was married in 1936 and has a 
 daughter, Sally Ann, 4 years old. He is a member of the Salem 
 Lutheran Church and the Vasa lodge Hilding. 
 
100 SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 
 
 AXEL SKOGSBERG, painter, was born in Bralanda, Dalsland, 
 Sweden, June 8, 1903, and learned painting in Sweden. In 1925 he 
 emigrated to America, locating first in Minneapolis, Minn., whence he 
 moved to Rockford the following year, having since been engaged in 
 painting in this city. Associating himself with Sture Samuelson they 
 opened a Paint and Wall Paper store in April, 1941, located at 1229 
 Broadway. Mr. Skogsberg was married in 1937 to Virginia Freberg 
 of Rockford. They are members of the Good Templar lodge Vega. 
 
 ARVID C. GUSTAFSON, manufacturer, was born in Varberg, 
 Halland, Sweden, January 29, 1892, and emigrated to America in 
 1913. Locating in Rockford, he worked in factories until 1939 when 
 he associated himself with Arvid T. Oberg under the name of Gus- 
 tafson & Oberg and engaged in tool manufacturing. Their shop is 
 located at 1115 Sixth street. In 1920 Mr. Gustafson was married to 
 Ingeborg Tegner from oland, Sweden. They have a son, Paul, 19, who 
 is working with his father. 
 
 WALTER HAROLD JOHNSON, masseur, was born in Minneapo- 
 lis, Minn., April 18, 1907. His father, Axel Johnson, came to America 
 from Vastergotland, Sweden, in 1904, was located in Elgin, 111., two 
 years and came to Rockford in 1906. being engaged in furniture busi- 
 ness. Walter's mother, Anna Johnson, is a native of Smaland, Sweden, 
 After attending the Rockford public school and High School Walter 
 took a course at the College of Massage and Physiotherapy in Chi- 
 cago and the College of Swedish Massage in the same city, graduat- 
 ing in 1938. The same year he started practicing in Rockford, being 
 now located at 408 City Hall Bldg. In 1928 Mr. Johnson was married 
 to Veda O. Elliott of Rockford. 
 
 AXEL H. SWENSON, mason contractor, was born in Varberg, 
 Halland, Sweden, August 27, 1889, and came with parents to America 
 in 1892, the family locating in Rockford. Axel's father, Aaron Swen- 
 son, a stone mason, died in 1936. His mother, Amanda Swenson, 
 passed away in 1937. Axel obtained his education in the Rockford 
 public school and Brown's Business College. He first worked at the 
 mason trade with his father, but started for himself about thirty 
 years ago. In 1919 he was married to Laura Sowatzki of Rockford 
 with whom he has a son, Robert, 12 years old. Mr. and Mrs. Swenson 
 are members of the Grace Lutheran Church, and reside at 210 Snow 
 avenue. 
 
 GODFREY ROSENQUIST, painting contractor, was born in Hal- 
 singborg, Skane, Sweden, June 13, 1894, and came to America in 1913. 
 Locating at first in St. Charles, 111., he lived in the Fox Rjver Valley 
 for a number of years but moved to Rockford in 1927. Learning the 
 painter's trade he worked for others until ten years ago when he 
 started contracting for himself. In 1923 Mr. Rosenquist was married 
 to Bertha Hegstrom of St. Charles. They have three children, 
 Norma, 16; Marvin, 14; and Gordon, 10. During the World War Mr. 
 Rosenquist was in the army 10 y 2 months, and is now a member of 
 the American Legion. Mr. and Mrs. Rosenquist are members of the 
 Trinity Lutheran Church and reside at 714 Highview avenue. 
 
SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 101 
 
 HERMAN A. SWANSON, contractor, was born in Fagerhult 
 parish, Kalmar Ian, Sweden, May 13, 1887, and emigrated to America 
 in 1906, going direct to Rockford. After working in furniture fac- 
 tories for 14 years he started building operations in 1920. In 1909 
 he entered into wedlock with Olga Olson from Soderakra, Kalmar Ian, 
 Sweden. She passed away in 1916, being the mother of two children, 
 Mildred (Mrs. Earl Betts); and Maynard who died in 1916 at three 
 years of age. In 1918 Mr. Swanson was married the second time to 
 Mrs. Alma Johnson with whom he has two children, a stepdaughter, 
 Ingrid (Mrs. Harold Carlson); and Ruby, at home. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Swanson are members of the Temple Baptist Church, Mr. Swanson 
 being also a member of the Viking lodge Ellida and the Scandinavian 
 Fraternity of America. His residence is located at 1113 Sixteenth St. 
 
 AUGUST HALLQUIST, contractor, was born in Skara, Vaster- 
 gotland, Sweden, July 11, 1870, and learned cabinet making in Sweden. 
 Emigrating to America in 1895, he located in De Kalb, 111., where he 
 obtained a job in the American Wire & Steel factory. Coming to 
 Rockford in 1906, he worked in a factory here for a year and then 
 for a building contractor three years. In 1911 he started contracting 
 for himself. Mr. Hallquist was married in 1907 to Maria Peterson 
 from Vastergotland, Sweden. She passed away in 1937 leaving three 
 children: Gladys (Mrs. Ernie Peterson); Evert, associated with his 
 father in business and residing at home; and Ruth, also living at 
 home. Mr. Hallquist is a charter member of the Scandinavian Fra- 
 ternity of America and resides at 304 South Highland avenue. 
 
 THEODORE A. LARSON, accountant, was born in Chicago 
 December 16, 1900. His father, Alfred Larson, came to America from 
 Vastergotland, Sweden, in the middle eighties. He was a wood carver 
 and furniture worker and passed away in Chicago in 1904, the family 
 moving to Rockford the same year. Theodore's mother, Hulda Lar- 
 son, also a native of Vastergotland, died in 1934. Theodore grew up in 
 Rockford and received his education in the city schools, afterwards 
 taking up bookkeeping, accounting and secretarial work. After 
 being employed by Barber-Colman from 1919 till 1923 he started his 
 own business the latter year which he is now conducting in the Palace 
 Theatre Bldg. under the name of Daygraph Accounting Service. In 
 1924 Mr. Larson entered into marriage union with Mildred Nance of 
 Rockford. 
 
 JOHN A. GUSTAFSON, mason contractor, was born in Hogby 
 parish, oland, Sweden, March 20, 1889, and came to America in 1906, 
 locating in Rockford. After being employed in furniture factories 
 and at other work for a number of years he started for himself as a 
 mason contractor in 1918. Mr. Gustafson was married in 1909 to 
 Nancy Carlson, born in Rockford of Swedish parents. They are 
 blessed with five children, Gladys (Mrs. K. D. Eychaner) ; Leroy, en- 
 gaged with his father; Verna, employed by the American Insurance 
 Co.; Russell who works with his father; and June, attending High 
 School. Mr. Gustafson is a member of the Lyran Singing Society and 
 the Viking lodge Ellida. The family residence is located at 326 Calvin 
 Park boulevard. 
 
102 SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 
 
 HERMAN J. EKLUND, architect, was born in Des Moines, la., 
 August 1, 1893. His father, John Eklund, came to America from Up- 
 land, Sweden, in 1891 and located in Galesburg, 111., whence he moved 
 to Des Moines in 1892 and from there to Denver in 1912. He was a 
 cabinet maker by trade and passed away in 1939. Herman's mother, 
 Anna Eklund, died in 1915. Herman obtained his early education in 
 the public schools and studied architecture at the Chicago Technical 
 College and Art Institute. He served in the World War 18 months 
 whereof 13 months abroad. In 1920 he came to Rockford where he has 
 practiced architecture since, specializing in residential and apartment 
 work, with office in Room 405, Empire Bldg. In 1920 Mr. Eklund 
 entered into marriage union with Rose Wagner. They have two daugh- 
 ters, Carolyn L., rural school teacher, and Joanne M., attending 
 school. Mr. Eklund is a member of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church 
 and the American Legion. 
 
 PER AXEL ANDERSON, contractor, was born in Sundsvall, 
 Sweden, September 3, 1883, and learned the carpenter trade in 
 Sweden. Emigrating to America in June, 1906, he came first to Rock- 
 ford, but afterwards went to La Grange, 111., working for other con- 
 tractors until 1911 when he started work for himself. In 1922 he 
 moved to Rockford where he has since been engaged in building 
 operations. Mr. Anderson was married in 1908 to Emma Johnson 
 from Erska parish, near Gothenburg, Sweden. They have seven chil- 
 dren, Bertil, employed by E. W. Schmeling & Sons; Martha (Mrs. R. 
 F. Miller), Winnebago, 111.; Edith (Mrs. W. Strote) and Astrid (Mrs. 
 E. Swanson), twins; Woodrow, employed by Schmeling & Sons; 
 Harry, working with his father; and Mary Jane (Mrs. Howard Lau- 
 sen). The Andersons are all members of the Zion Lutheran Church. 
 
 OSCAR T. STENWALL, merchant, was born in Rockford of 
 Swedish parents. His father, John A. Stenwall, came to America 
 from Skaraborgs Ian, Sweden, in 1868 and located in Rockford where 
 he was conducting a grocery store. He died in 1925. Oscar's mother, 
 Wilhelmina Stenwall, passed away in 1891. Oscar grew up in Rock- 
 ford and received his education in the public school and High School. 
 After being engaged in laundry business for 25 years he entered the 
 mattress business in 1931 under the name of Stenwall Mattress Co., 
 operating a store at 128 North Church street. Mr. Stenwall was mar- 
 ried in 1913 to Victoria C. Bergstrom of Rockford. They have a son, 
 David, 15 years old. Mr. and Mrs. Stenwall are members of the Em- 
 manuel Lutheran Church and reside at 1043 Harlem boulevard. 
 
 RICHARD J. LUNDGREN, advertising manager, was born in 
 Rockford October 26, 1911. His father, G. Herbert Lundgren, born in 
 Rockford of Swedish parents, is superintendent of the Mattison 
 Foundry in this city. Richard's mother, Ruby M. Lundgren, is of 
 English descent. Richard obtained his education in the Rockford city 
 schools and the University of Illinois. Since January, 1934, he has 
 been connected with The Rockford Consolidated Newspapers, being 
 now National Advertising Manager. In 1931 Mr. Lundgren was mar- 
 ried to Maurine Schull with whom he has a son, Richard Junior, 
 born 1933. 
 
SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 103 
 
 ARTHUR M. LINDBECK, electric contractor, was born in Bishop 
 Hill, 111., October 2, 1881. His father, John Eric Lindbeck, came to 
 Bishop Hill from Sweden with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jonas Lind- 
 beck. Arthur's father died in Rock Island in 1915. His mother's 
 name was Carrie (Nelson) Lindbeck. Arthur grew up and attended 
 school in Bishop Hill. He came to Rockford in 1900 and worked in 
 factories two years whereupon he entered the electric business. In 
 1921 he started contracting for himself. From 1923 till 1927 and 
 a-ain in 1933 he served as electrical inspector. In 1907 Mr. Lindbeck 
 w & as married to Clara W. Peterson from Altona, 111. They have four 
 children, Raymond 33, clerk in the office of the Mattison Machine 
 Works; Howard, 30; draftsman for the Fairbanks-Morse Co.; Wendell, 
 28, Professor in Chemistry at the Junior College, Martan, Tenn.; and 
 Marjorie, employed by the Rockford City Electric Dept. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Lindbeck are members of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church and reside 
 at 228 Summit street. 
 
 GUST G. GUSTAFSON, painter, was born in Gammalkil parish, 
 ostergotland, Sweden, February 2, 1892, and emigrated to America in 
 1910. Locating first in Ishpeming, Mich., he came to Rockford in 
 1917, but after three years returned to Michigan where he spent five 
 years in Marquette, moving to Rockford the second time in 1925. 
 Since 1915 he has been engaged in painting, doing contracting since 
 1928 first in partnership with others and since 1936 by himself. Mr. 
 Gustafson was married July 4, 1917, to Ruth Johnson from Mar- 
 quette, Mich. They have three daughters, Signild (Mrs. H. Lidberg); 
 Virginia (Mrs. L. Ottoson), Peoria, 111.; and Martha, at home. Mr. 
 Gustafson is a member of the Viking lodge Ellida and the Svithiod 
 lodge John Ericsson. The family residence is located at 416 Catlin St. 
 
 CARL E. STROBERG, oil merchant, was born in Klippan, Skane, 
 Sweden, September 7, 1879, and emigrated to America in 1902. After 
 spending some years in the New England states he came to Rockford 
 in 1913 and obtained employment in a bank where he was engaged as 
 vault custodian from 1914 to 1934. Since then he has been in oil busi- 
 ness, being now conducting an Oil Depot at 317 South Wyman street. 
 In 1907 Mr. Stroberg entered into marriage union with Beda Larson 
 from Vastergotland, Sweden. They have two children, Mildred, as- 
 sistant in the office of Dr. H. W. Edson, City Hall Bldg.; and Irving, 
 employed in the Illinois National Bank. Mr. and Mrs. Stroberg arc 
 affiliated with the Bethesda Church. 
 
 WALLACE CARLSON, radio service, was born in Rockford 
 December 31, 1912. His father, Fred Carlson, who came to America 
 from ostergotland, Sweden, in the early eighties has been engaged as 
 a repair man, but is now retired. Wallace's mother, Anna Carlson, 
 came from Smaland, Sweden. Wallace received his education in the 
 public school and High School and then engaged in repair work a 
 year whereupon he took up radio service. For the last three years he 
 has been conducting the Carlson Radio Service at 1824 Ninth street. 
 Having lately sold the business to his brother, Stanley Carlson, em- 
 ployed by the Weiman Co., he is now managing the Radio Service for 
 his brother. 
 
104 SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 
 
 CARL E. PAULSON, mill supply dealer, was born in Rockford 
 August 23, 1893. His father, Nels Paulson, came to America from 
 Skane, Sweden, in the seventies. He was employed in furniture fac- 
 tories and passed away here in 1930. Carl's mother, Ida Paulson, 
 who came from Smaland, Sweden, died in 1936. Carl received his edu- 
 cation in the Rockford city schools and the Michigan State College 
 at East Lansing. After being employed by the Barber-Colman Co. 
 7 years and by Swords Bros, 6 years he opened his own business in 
 1929 under the name of Carl E. Paulson Co., Mill Supplies, which 
 he is now conducting in 215, Security Bank Bldg. Mr. Paulson was 
 married in 1919 to Edna Anderson with whom he has a son, Robert, 
 17, graduate of St. John's Military Academy, Delafield, Wis. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Paulson are members of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church. 
 
 ROY M. JOHNSON, manager, was born in Rockford May 30, 
 1897. His father, Charles Johnson, who came from Sweden, has been 
 engaged in leather business. His mother, Tyra Johnson, is also a 
 native of Sweden. Roy obtained his education in the public school 
 and then served in the army a year during the World War, spending 
 nine months abroad. Since his return to civil life he has been en- 
 gaged in Towel Service, being now manager of the Rockford Clean 
 Towel Service with office at 2109 Kishwaukee avenue. In 1927 Mr. 
 Johnson was married to Irene Anderson of Galesburg, 111. They are 
 members of the Trinity Lutheran Church. 
 
 CARL ALLAN MALLQUIST, merchant, was born in Boras, Vas- 
 tergotland, Sweden, March 19, 1909, and emigrated to America in 
 1929, locating first in Chicago where he entered the butter and egg 
 business. In 1933 he moved to Rockford where he is now conducting 
 a wholesale butter and egg business at 2406 Broadway with head- 
 quarters in Chicago. In 1935 Mr. Mallquist was married to Harriet 
 Kent of Rockford. They have a son, Kent Allan, 3 years old. Mr. 
 Mallquist is a member of Svea Scner Singing Society and "Vastgota- 
 forbundet." 
 
 SWAN JOSEPH DAHLBERG, contractor, was born in Krist- 
 dala parish, Kalmar Ian, Sweden, April 21, 1890, and emigrated to 
 America in 1908, locating first in Jameston, N. Y. The following 
 year he came to Rockford and worked here for other contractors un- 
 til 1921 when he started work for himself. During the depression he 
 was engaged by other builders, but in 1937 again started building 
 operations by himself. In 1915 Mr. Dahlberg was married to Adelia 
 Adolphson from Oskarshamn, Sweden. He is a member of Lyran 
 Singing Society and the Vasa lodge Hilding. 
 
 EINAR ANDERSON, painter, was born in Stromfors, Vaster- 
 gotland, Sweden, January 19, 1899, and learned painting in his native 
 land. Emigrating to America in 1924 he located in Rockford and 
 worked for other contractors until 1927 when he started contracting 
 for himself. In 1926 he married Mrs. Ruby Wester of Rockford who 
 had two children, Doris and Leonard, from a former marriage. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Anderson are members of the Vasa lodge Elvira and reside 
 at 2214 Seventeenth avenue. 
 
SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 105 
 
 PHILIP E. OLSON, oil station operator, was born in Rockford 
 September 10, 1907. His father, Anthony Olson, came to Rockford 
 from Sweden in 1888. He was a city fireman and died here in 1932. 
 Philip's mother, Esther Olson, also a native of Sweden, is still living. 
 Philip obtained his education in the public school and High School 
 and then worked in furniture factories and offices for eight years. 
 For two years he was engaged in surveying in Brazil, South 
 America. In 1935 he entered the oil business and is now operating the 
 Refiners' Petroleum Co. station at the corner of Court and Mulberry 
 streets. Mr. Olson was married in 1936 to Pearl Montgomery of Rock- 
 ford. They have a son, Peter Richard, born February 6, 1941. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Olson are members of the Salem Lutheran Church. 
 
 DR. IRVING O. LINDQUIST, optometrist, was born in Chicago 
 August 27, 1888. His father, John Lindquist, a tailor, came to 
 America from Sweden in the seventies and died in 1894. Irving' s 
 mother, Mathilda Lindquist, also a native of Sweden, died in 1927. 
 After attending the public school Irving took a course at the North- 
 ern Illinois College of Optometry, graduating in 1909. He first prac- 
 ticed his profession at Aurora, 111., and in 1934 located in Rockford, 
 his office now being located at 115 West State street. Dr. Lindquist 
 was married in 1911 to Lillie Pearson of Chicago. They have three 
 sons, Robert, 27, optometrist in Chicago; James, 22, a student of Op- 
 tometry at Northern Illinois College of Optometry; and John Ed- 
 ward, 18. 
 
 CARL GUSTAF ENGSTROM, painter, was born in Stockholm. 
 Sweden, March 1, 1903, and emigrated to America in 1922, going 
 direct to Rockford. Here he worked in factories the first two years 
 and then for the painting contractor Oscar F. Carlson seven years. 
 In 1931 he started contracting for himself. Mr. Engstrom was mar- 
 ried in 1932 to Margareta Johnson from Grenna, Smaland, Sweden. 
 They are blessed with three boys, Walter, 9; Rudolph, 7; and Kenneth, 
 5. Mr. Engstrom is a member of the Viking lodge Ellida and resides 
 at 1436 Seventh avenue. 
 
 BROADWAY CAFE, 1138 Broadway, is conducted by Mrs. Erna 
 Anderson and her mother, Mrs. Alma Cedar. Mrs. Anderson who is 
 a native of Boras, Vastergotland, Sweden, came to America with 
 her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Herman Cedar, in 1910. Mr. Cedar died 
 in 1935. Mrs. Anderson and Mrs. Cedar have been in restaurant busi- 
 ness since 1918. Mrs. Anderson's husband, Arthur Anderson, with 
 whom she entered into wedlock in 1927, is a machinist by trade. They 
 have a daughter, Lorraine, 12 years old. Both Mr. and Mrs. Ander- 
 son are members of Viking lodges. 
 
 IVAR E. TEGNER, coffee merchant, was born at Borgholm, 
 Oland, Sweden, September 24, 1888, and emigrated to America in 
 1905. Locating in Rockford, he worked in furniture factories until 
 1917 and then as an insurance salesman for two years. In 1920 he 
 purchased a coffee business and is now the proprietor of the Black- 
 hawk Coffee Co., corner of Fifth avenue and Sixth street. Mr. Tegner 
 was married in 1917 to Ruth Overstrom from Chicago, 111. 
 
106 SWEDISH ELEMENT IN ROCKFORD 
 
 J. AL JOHNSON, manufacturer, was born in Jonkoping, Sweden, 
 July 19, 1885, and came to America with the family in 1887, locating 
 first in Red Wing and St. Paul, Minn., whence they moved to Rock- 
 ford in 1888. Al's father, J. P. Johnson, who was a wood worker, 
 died May 5, 1895, and his mother, Christine Johnson, June 11, 1911: 
 Al received his education in the public school and business college, 
 whereupon he engaged in leather work. In 1915 he organized the 
 Leather Washer Co. of which he is president and manager. They 
 employ some sixty people and manufacture mechanical letters of 
 various kinds, the factory being located at 720 Chestnut street. On 
 December 25, 1907, Mr. Johnson entered into wedlock with Bessie 
 May Jackson of Rockford, of English descent. 
 
 VICTOR EMANUEL RINGDAHL, automechanic, was born in 
 Rockford March 24, 1890. His father, Olof M. Ringdahl, came to 
 America from Malmo, Sweden, in the later seventies and located in 
 Rockford where he was employed in furniture factories. He died in 
 1937. Victor's mother, Elna Ringdahl, also from Malmo, Sweden, 
 passed away in 1933. Victor received his education in the public 
 school and then took up the machinist's trade. In 1909 he started 
 work in garages, being employed by Eric Gustafson for 24 years. In 
 November, 1938, he opened an automotive parts store at 408 Kish- 
 waukee street which he is now conducting. Mr. Ringdahl was mar- 
 ried in 1912 to Mary Hogan of Rockford. 
 
 LARS N. EKWALL, contractor, was born in Skurup, Skane, 
 Sweden, November 4, 1881, and learned his trade in Sweden. Emi- 
 grating to America in 1911, he stopped first in Chicago, but came to 
 Rockford the same year and obtained work in a furniture factory. In 
 1914 he engaged in the building trade, starting for himself in 1918. 
 Mr. Ekwall was married in 1914 to Alma Schoug from Malmo, 
 Sweden. They are blessed with five children, Gladys (Mrs. Harold 
 Josephson), Princeton, 111.; Lillie, cashier in the Chas. V. Weiss Co. 
 department store; Alice, employed by the Western & Southern In- 
 surance Co.; Jane and Victor, attending school. Mr. and Mrs. Ekwall 
 reside at 1645 Sixth avenue. 
 
 FRED NELSON, contractor, was born in Persnas parish, oland, 
 Sweden, June 21, 1904, and learned his trade in Sweden. Emigrating 
 to America in April, 1922, he located in Rockford and worked for 
 other contractors here until 1935 when he started for himself as a 
 contractor and builder, being now associated with E. L. Johnson of 
 3308 Charles street. Mr. Nelson was married in 1930 to Astrid Swan- 
 son of Rockford. He is a member of the Svithiod lodge John Erics- 
 son and resides at 724 Parkview avenue. 
 
 GUST G. LARSON, contractor, was born in Karlsborg, Vaster- 
 gotland, Sweden, May 26, 1893, and emigrated to America in Novem- 
 ber, 1912, going direct to Rockford. After working on farms for 
 six years' he entered the building line, starting contracting for him- 
 self in 1923. In 1921 he entered into wedlock with Anna Dahlman 
 from Skara, Vastergotland. They have two boys, Harold, 18, and 
 Donald 14. Mr. and Mrs. Larson are members of the Evangelical Free 
 Church and reside at 2329 Thirteenth avenue. 
 
Wilbur Cliristensou 
 I Funeral Home 
 
 925 Third Avenue 
 
 ROCKFORD, ILL. 
 
 &tDebtgf)-amertcan Hospital 
 
 ^cljool of J^ursitng 
 
 ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS 
 
 Three-year Course Open to High School Graduates 
 
 Fully Credited 
 
 Hospital Approved by American College of Surgeons 
 
 Member of American Hospital Association 
 
 Direct Inquiries to the Superintendent of Nurses 
 
 SWEDISH BUILDING & LOAN ASSOCIATION 
 
 Organized 1889 
 
 Over Fifty Years Continuous Service 
 
 to the Community 
 
 • 
 
 206 Third National Bank Building 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
MEND IT! leaves an IgW 
 
 INVISIBLE JOINT; GUARANTEED S™*«8W 
 
 TO STAND BOILING WATER'.] 
 
 TESTOR CEMENT CO., ROCKFORD, ILL 
 
 PETERSON CAMERA 
 
 SHOP 
 
 Photo Supplies - Developing 
 Greeting Cards 
 
 - Printing 
 
 423 E. State Street 
 
 Rockford, 111. 
 
 LINDSTROM TRAVEL BUREAU 
 
 Steamships - Tours - Cruises - Air - Rail - Bus 
 Hotels - Baggage Insurance 
 
 Phone, Main 866 108 West State St., Rockford, Illinois 
 
 THORSTENSON'S CITIES SERVICE 
 
 Oil and Gas 
 
 Phone, Main 4823 Walnut at First Street 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 CARL JOHANZON 
 
 Expert Watchmaker and Jeweler 
 
 1027 Charles Street Rockford, 111. 
 
 NELSON HOTEL BATH PARLORS 
 
 Otto Carlson, Proprietor 
 
 Turkish Baths - Tub Baths - Swimming Pool 
 
 Swedish Massage - Lady Attendant 
 
 Phone, Main 87b Nelson Hotel, So. Main and Chestnut 
 
E. W. Carlson Inar A. Carlson 
 
 DAVID CARLSON ROOFING CO., Inc. 
 
 Roofing Contractors 
 
 • 
 
 Phones, Main 1505-1506 2501 Charles Street 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 SKANDIA COAL & LUMBER CO. 
 
 Lumber, Fuel and Building Material 
 
 708 Seventh Street, Rockford, 111. 
 
 NELS LIND 
 
 General Contractor and Builder 
 
 Phone, Main 6789 118 Shaw Street 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 SIGN PROBLEM 
 
 Consult F. G. Shostrom 
 
 Phone, Forest 326 1025 Second Avenue 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 Axel Eklund Arthur Eklund 
 
 EKLUND BROS. CAFE 
 
 Originators of the Smorgasbord in Rockford 
 
 Phone, Forest 171 614 Seventh St., Rockford, 111. 
 
 CARL E. LINDQUIST 
 
 Jeweler 
 
 Jewelry - Blue Bird Diamonds - Silver 
 1137 Broadway, Rockford, 111. 
 
Fred C. Olson, Sr. Fred C. Olson, Jr. 
 
 Fred C. Olson Mortuary 
 
 'in the Shadow of the Church" 
 
 1101-3 Second Avenue Rockford, Illinois 
 
 Fritz Anderson Oscar Strand 
 
 ANDERSON & STRAND 
 
 Bedding - Furniture - Rugs 
 
 Phone, Main 5561 217 East State St., Rockford, 111. 
 
 S. A. LAWSON PAINT CO. 
 
 Decorators 
 
 Paints, Oils, Brushes, Varnishes 
 Wall Paper, Picture Frames 
 
 Phone, Main 421 508 East State St., Rockford, 111. 
 
 CARL A. LAGERSTROM REALTY CO. 
 
 Incorporated 
 
 Phone, Main 782 207 Seventh Street 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 JOHNSON PHOTO SHOP 
 
 Kodaks - Finishing - Supplies 
 
 Phone, Main 1584 316 East State Street 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 NEW METHOD CLEANERS 
 
 E. L Lagerquist, Mgr. 
 
 315 Seventh Street Rockford, Illinois 
 
H. P. Nelson Carroll H. Nelson C. Oliver Nelson 
 
 NELSON & NELSON 
 Lawyers 
 
 303 Reliance Bldg. Rockford, Illinois 
 
 ALF. O. AHLSTRAND 
 
 Lawyer 
 
 Security National Bank Bldg. Rockford, Illinois 
 
 LEONARD LUNDIN 
 
 Lawyer 
 
 502 Rockford Nat'l Bank Bldg. Rockford, 
 
 WILBUR E. JOHNSON 
 
 Attorney 
 
 The Commercial Bldg. Rockford, Illinois 
 
 ELMER O. STRAND 
 
 City Clerk 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 ARTHUR A. THORSELL 
 
 City Treasurer 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 C. O. NYMAN 
 Attorney and Counsellor at Law 
 
 304 Reliance Bldg. Rockford, Illinois 
 
SPONGBERG PHARMACY 
 
 H. S. Spongberg, R. Ph. 
 
 Phone, Main 1851 1518 Broadway 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 ALBERT N. NELSON 
 County Treasurer 
 
 it 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 J. 
 
 AUGUST SWENSON 
 
 
 Assessor 
 
 
 * 
 
 
 Town of Rockford 
 
 J. A. Swenson 
 
 K. 
 
 L. Swenson 
 
 
 SWENSON & 
 
 SWENSON 
 
 
 
 
 Accountants and Auditors 
 
 
 
 Phone, 
 
 Forest 109 Sw. Am 
 
 Bank Bldg., Rockford, 
 
 111. 
 
 GILBERT A. JOHNSON 
 
 Architect 
 
 it 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 DR. STANLEY J. ADAMSON 
 
 Osteopathic Physician 
 
 Phones: Office, Main 3433 1102 Broadway, 
 
 Res., Forest 4077 Rockford, 111. 
 
ALEXIS SCHOOL OF MUSIC 
 
 Carl G. Alexis, Director 
 
 Experienced Teachers in Piano, Organ, Voice, Guitar, Accordion, 
 Band and Orchestra Instruments, and Dramatic Art. 
 
 403 Seventh Street Telephone, Main 1464 
 
 AMERICAN BEAUTY MUSIC HOUSE, Inc. 
 Gust E. Swanson, Sec., Treas. and Mgr. 
 
 403 Seventh Street Rockford, 111 
 
 THE DAHLSTROM STUDIO 
 
 Arvid M. Swenson, Prop. 
 
 Portraits by fluorescent light 
 Phone, Main 3329 221 Seventh St., Rockford, 111. 
 
 AMERICAN SWEDISH RESTAURANT 
 Best of Food and Best of Service 
 
 504 Seventh Street Rockford, Illinois 
 
 EASTMAN HOTEL 
 
 Carl Eastman, Owner 
 
 419-421 Seventh St Rockford, Illinois 
 
 August W. Larson LeRoy W. Larson Bertil L. Larson 
 
 LARSON & HULT CO, 
 
 Furniture and Rugs 
 
 Honest values since 1906 
 
 Phone, Main 2063 420-422 Seventh St., Rockford, 111. 
 

 THE 
 
 CAR-PET-LINE 
 
 STORE, Inc. 
 
 
 Linoleum - Rugs 
 
 ■ Carpets - 
 
 Shades - Draperies 
 
 Ph( 
 
 jne, Main 
 
 1700 424-30 Seventh Street 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 IVAR J. LARSON 
 
 Dry Goods and Ready-to-Wear 
 
 Phone, Forest 910 1133-35 Broadway 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 ED CARLSON'S 
 
 Ed and Walt 
 Clothing - Furnishings - Shoes 
 
 Phone, Main 7326 303-303 V 2 E. State St., Rockford, 111. 
 
 Al Broquist O. T. Johnson 
 
 BROQOIST & JOHNSON 
 Plumbing Contractors 
 
 First Class Material and Workmanship 
 Phone, Forest 95 107 Seventh St., Rockford, 111. 
 
 
 LINDBLADE BOOT SHOP 
 
 
 
 Shoes for the Entire Family 
 
 Brownbilt Jarman 
 
 
 113 
 
 Broadway Rockford, 
 
 Illinois 
 
 BROADWAY FUEL COMPANY 
 
 Coal, Coke and Kindling 
 
 Phone, Main 2904 1835 Broadway 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
Manufacturers of 
 
 Wood Screws 
 
 Machine Screws 
 
 Cold Headed Products 
 
 EIcd Tool & Screw Corporation 
 
 1800 Broadway 
 ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS 
 
 Elmer J. Johnson Dayton L. Johnson 
 
 WHITE BEAR CLEANERS AND DYERS, Inc. 
 
 Phone -i ^> Unlucky Furs Repaired 
 
 Forest 1 <J for Spots Cleaned and Stored 
 
 1818 Eleventh Street Rockford, Illinois 
 
 JOHNSON HOME CREAMERY 
 
 Wholesale and Retail 
 Cold Brand Butter and Eggs 
 
 Phone, Forest 4873 1210 11th St., Rockford, 111 
 
 E. O. BERGREN 
 
 Plumbing - Heating - Air Conditioning 
 Kol-Master Stoker - Heil Oil Burner 
 
 Phone, Main 1562 1020 Broadway, Rockford, 111 
 
Simdstrand Machine Tool 
 
 Company 
 
 Lathes, Milling Machines, Centering Machines 
 Grinders, Hydraulic Pumps and Special Machinery 
 
 • 
 
 ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS 
 
 SWANSON ELECTRIC SHOP 
 Zenith Washers - Sales and Service 
 
 We Repair All Makes of Washers 
 Phone, Main 6705 1013 Broadway, Rockford, 111. 
 
 BENSON CUT STONE COMPANY 
 
 Dealers and Contractors in All Kinds of 
 CUT STONE 
 
 Phone, Main 5423. Office and Yards, 10th Ave. and 10th St. 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 
 VESTINE 
 
 & 
 
 BERGREN 
 
 
 
 Clothing and 
 
 Furnishings 
 
 
 1028 
 
 Broadway 
 
 
 Rockford, 
 
 Illinois 
 
 LINDEN & SONS, INC. 
 
 Industrial Service. Building Construction 
 
 Phone, Main 1281 10th Street and 10th Ave. 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 LAWSON 
 
 TRANSFER 
 
 & 
 
 STORAGE 
 
 Phone, Main 3713 
 
 
 
 816 Eeventh Street 
 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 
ARTHUR G. LUNDGREN 
 
 Kodaks - Home Movie Cameras 
 
 419 Seventh Street Rockford, Illinois 
 
 RUDELIUS— DRUGS 
 O. E. Rudelius, Prop. 
 
 402 Seventh Street Rockford, Illinois 
 
 CHARLES HOFFMAN 
 
 Merchant Tailor 
 
 Phone, Main 4735 305 Seventh Street 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 SEVENTH STREET HOTEL 
 
 Carl Anderson, Prop. 
 
 Newly Remodeled and Refurnished Throughout 
 Hot and Cold Water in All Rooms 
 
 Phone, M. 4642 423 Seventh St., Rockford, 111. 
 
 WINQUIST— DRUGS 
 
 Dependable Prescription Service 
 
 Phone, Main 3269 630 Seventh Street 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 C. HENRY BLOOM 
 
 Financial Secretary-Treasurer of the Hospital Service 
 
 Association of Rockford. Oldest in U. S., organized 1912. 
 
 Co-operative. Non-profit. Member Controlled. 
 
 1628 Crosby Street Rockford, Illinois 
 
 HERMAN JOHNSON 
 
 Paints - Varnishes - Linseed Oil - Stains and Brushes 
 
 Phone, Main 315 604 Seventh Street 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
ARTHUR L. JOHNSON 
 
 Real Estate - Insurance 
 
 Phone, Main 785 622 East Jefferson Street 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 JOSEPH W. NILSON 
 
 Plumbing, Heating, Water Systems 
 Softeners and Gas Heaters 
 
 905 East State Street Rockford, Illinois 
 
 MAURITZ HOKANSON TURE BLOOM 
 
 507 N. Chicago Ave. 2304 — 13th"Ave. 
 
 Phone, Main 5919 Phone, Main 6252 
 
 HOKANSON & BLOOM 
 
 Contractors 
 
 507 North Chicago Ave. Rockford, Illinois 
 
 GUNNAR LARSON 
 Building Contractor 
 
 Phone, Forest 3893 619 North Chicago Ave. 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 OSCAR MAGNUSON SHEET METAL WORKS 
 
 Furnaces - Air Conditioning 
 General Sheet Metal Work 
 
 214 Seventh Street Rockford, Illinois 
 
 ANDERSON & SON 
 Electrical Contractors 
 
 Service Calls and Repairs 
 Phone, Main 1452 310 Seventh St., Rockford, 111. 
 
 EKSTROMS 
 
 Magazines and Newspapers 
 Gent's Furnishings 
 
 628 Seventh Street Rockford, Illinois 
 
Hiii.IJiihI 
 Hepublic Furniture Cu. 
 
 Manufacturers of 
 
 Dining Room Furniture 
 
 Phone, Main 1091 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 ROCKFORD SUPERIOR FURNITURE CO. 
 
 Makers of 
 
 Dining, Library and Bed Room Furniture 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 Rehnberg-Jacobson Manufacturing Co. 
 
 Designers and Builders of 
 
 Special Machinery 
 
 Phone, Forest 7944 2135 Kishwaukee St., Rockford, 111. 
 
 ROCKFORD SHOW CASE & FIXTURE CO. 
 
 Manufacturers of 
 
 High Grade Show Cases and Store Fixtures 
 
 Phone, Forest 913 1034 Elm St., Rockford, 111. 
 
 BURD PISTON RING COMPANY 
 
 Piston Rings and Ha Dees Car Heaters 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 FORGINGS & STAMPINGS, INC. 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
Forest City Bit fv Tool Co 
 
 Manufacturers of 
 WOOD BORING BITS, 
 HOLLOW MORTISING CHISELS 
 AND TOOLS 
 
 Rockford, 111. 
 
 NATIONAL MIRROR WORKS 
 
 All Kinds of Glass 
 
 Phones: Main 2237 1925 Kishwaukee Street 
 
 Main 2238 Rockford, 111. 
 
 NELS J. BILLSTROM, INC. 
 
 The Largest Manufacturers of Glue Clamp 
 Carriers in the World 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 ROCKFORD FORGING DIE & TOOL CO., INC. 
 
 Manufacturers of 
 Drop Forging Dies 
 
 Phone, Forest 7170 1846-48 18th Ave., Rockford, 111. 
 
 ATLAS FURNITURE CO., INC. 
 
 Manufacturers of 
 Furniture and Wood Novelties 
 
 Phone, Main 3243 801-803 No. Madison Street 
 
 CARL HOLMGREN 
 
 Finishing and Refinishing Furniture 
 
 Phone, Main 3243 801-803 No. Madison Street 
 
FOREST CITY KNITTING COMPANY 
 
 Manufacturers of 
 
 New Rockford Socks 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 ROCKFORD DIE & TOOL WORKS, INC. 
 Tools, Dies, Jigs, Fixtures, Special Machinery 
 
 Phone, Main 3084 1816 17th Avenue 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 SERVICE ENGINEERING CO. 
 
 Designers and Builders 
 
 Special Machinery, Dies, Jigs, Fixtures 
 
 Phone, Main 3336 Twentieth Street, near Charles 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 SALL BROTHERS CO, 
 
 Manufacturers of 
 
 Oil Distribution Equipment 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 Verner Olson, Pres. H. Hasselroth, Sec. 
 
 STAR PATTERN & MODEL WORKS, INC. 
 
 Wood and Metal Patterns - Pressure Cast Match Plates 
 
 Phone, Main 2079 2230 Kishwaukee Street 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 INDUSTRIAL OIL and CHEMICAL CO. 
 
 Alkali, Acids, Chemicals, Oils 
 
 Phone, Main 3147 1227 Twenty-Second St 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
AXEL ERICSON ELECTRIC CO. 
 
 Electrical Contracting 
 
 Phone, Main 1897 1005 Fifth Avenue 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 LUNDIN & GRIP 
 
 Mason Contractors 
 
 Phone, Main 874 310 Reliance Bldg. 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 LARSON BROS. SAND & GRAVEL 
 
 Concrete Products - Sand and Gravel 
 
 Phone, Forest 1708 1822 S. 5th Street 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 PETE LARSON 
 
 General Building Contractor 
 
 Phone, Main 5332 2112 17th Avenue 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 ART W. JOHNSON 
 
 Building Contractor 
 
 Phone, Forest 4046 410 Tenth Street 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 FOREST CITY LAUNDRY 
 
 and Linen Supply 
 
 G. R. Carlson, Proprietor 
 
 Phone, Main 7983 1420 S. Main Street 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
STROMBERG STUDIOS, INC. 
 
 Interior Decorations 
 
 Fine Furniture - Draperies - Floor Coverings 
 
 Painting - Upholstering 
 
 325 W. Jefferson Street Rockford, 111. 
 
 ADAMSON-JOHNSON PAINT CO. 
 
 Distributors of Painters' Supplies 
 Paints - Varnishes 
 
 Seventh St. at Fourth Ave Rockford, 111. 
 
 SKANDIA MOTOR SALES, INC. 
 
 Ford - Mercury 
 
 Phone, Main 659 1417 Seventh Street 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 HIGHLAND LUMBER & FUEL CO. 
 
 Phones, Main 1633-1634 Cor. Charles and 18th Sts. 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 HIGHLAND FLORAL CO. 
 
 John Bergstrom & Son 
 "Say It With Flowers" 
 
 Phone, Main 3496 718 18th St., Rockford, 111. 
 
 ELMER E. CARLSON 
 
 Plumbing and Heating 
 
 Phone, Main 4915 616 Sixteenth Street 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 RALPH A. OLSON 
 
 Plastering Contractor 
 
 Phone, Main 1314 1121 Second Ave. 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
ERIC J. GUSTAFSON 
 
 Automotive and Industrial Supplies 
 
 Phone, Main 3004 413-17 S. Winnebago St. 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 PETERSON BATTERY & ELECTRIC SERVICE 
 
 The House of Specialized Service 
 
 Phone, Main 7251 207 S. Winnebago St. 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 OLSON FLORIST & GREENHOUSES 
 
 Oscar T. Olson, Proprietor 
 
 Cut Flowers and Pot Plants - Funeral Work a Specialty 
 
 Phone, Main 1838 310 Tenth Street 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 THE UNIQUE PRESS 
 
 Arthur E. Gustafson, Mgr. 
 
 Commercial and Job Printing 
 
 Phone, Main 2388 525 W. Jefferson St. 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 ED. SJOLIN 
 
 Ladies' and Men's Tailor 
 Dry Cleaning - Pressing 
 
 209 Seventh Street Rockford, 
 
 N. E. SWENSON'S 
 
 Elin C. Swenson, Proprietor 
 
 Books and Stationary - Steamship Tickets 
 
 Phone, Main 2299 425 Seventh St., Rockford, 111. 
 
 PEARSON STUDIO 
 
 Photography of All Kinds 
 
 Phone, Main 1891 421 Seventh Street 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
The Sock America Wears to Work 
 
 NELSON RDCKFDRD SOCKS 
 
 NELSON KNITTING COMPANY 
 
 • 
 
 WEST END FURNITURE CO. 
 
 Manufacturers of 
 
 Dining Room and Bed Room Furniture 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 ROCKFORD FURNITURE CO. 
 
 Manufacturers of 
 
 Distinctive Furniture 
 Complete Dining Room Suites 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 CLAUSON BROTHERS 
 
 Sheet Metal Works 
 
 Phone, Main 886 1233 Broadway Court 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 S. TURNQUIST AND SON 
 
 Sheet Metal Work and Furnaces 
 
 Phone, Forest 1016 1130 Seventeenth Avenue 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 J. C. Holmberg Everett Holm 
 
 HOLMBERG & HOLM 
 
 Cement and Mason Contractors 
 
 Phone, F. 386 1652 Fifth Avenue 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
BERGSTROM BROS. HARDWARE 
 
 Paints, Sporting Goods, Household Furnishings 
 
 Phone, Main 6158 Corner 7th St. and 18th Ave. 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 KISHWAUKEE DAIRY 
 
 Pasteurized Milk and Cream 
 Daily Delivery 
 
 Phone, Main 3520 Rockford, 
 
 NELSON'S HOME BAKERY 
 
 Church and Party Orders a Specialty 
 
 Phone, Main 1490 602 Seventh St. 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 SWANBERG'S 
 
 Delicatessen and Sea Foods 
 If It Swims We Have It 
 
 Phone, Main 1774 617 Seventh Street 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 BROADWAY CASH GROCERY 
 
 Albin Anderson, Prop. 
 
 Phone, Main 388 1101 Broadway 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 SKOGSBERG'S BAKERY 
 
 We Specialize in Cakes 
 and Cater for Parties 
 
 1204 Broadway Rockford, 111. 
 
 PROSPECT MEAT MARKET 
 
 Butter - Eggs - Cheese 
 Quality Meats, Fish and Poultry 
 
 Phone, Main 676 1655 Charles Street 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
ROCKFORD INDUSTRIES, INC. 
 
 Industrial Supplies and Equipment 
 Heating Electrical Work 
 
 Air Conditioning Sheet Metal Work 
 
 Automatic Sprinklers Power Equipment 
 
 Phone, Main 2085 1509-19 Railroad Avenue 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 ANDERSON BROS. MFG. CO, 
 
 Manufacturers of 
 Anderson Machinery 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 F. A. Forsberg Pres. G. H. Forsberg, Sec.-Treas. 
 
 RELIABLE MACHINE COMPANY 
 
 Designers and Builders of Quality Dies 
 
 Phone, Main 1589 10th Street and 10th Avenue 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 BOGREN SHEET METAL WORKS 
 
 A. H. Bogren, Prop. 
 
 General Industrial Sheet Metal Works 
 
 Phone, Main 3114 721 Kishwaukee Street 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 GENERAL SHEET METAL WORKS 
 
 1412 Seventh Street 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 Harry G. Molander Everett Holmbeck 
 
 CENTRAL GARAGE and AUTO SERVICE, Inc. 
 Motor and Body Work 
 
 Phone, Forest 106 716 Market Street 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
WESTERN, INC., DRUG STORE 
 
 Prescriptions Our Specialty 
 Drugs and Fountain Service 
 
 530 Seventh Street Rockford, 111. 
 
 CENTRAL DAIRY COMPANY, 
 
 "As Fresh As Nature Made It" 
 Wholesale and Retail 
 
 INC. 
 
 
 Phone, Main 4780 809 First Ave., 
 
 Rockford, 
 
 111. 
 
 A. G. OGREN 
 
 Violins Sold and Repaired 
 
 Acessories — Bows Rehaired 
 
 Musical Instruments 
 
 421 East State Street, 2nd Floor Rockford, 111. 
 
 KLINT'S BATH AND MASSAGE PARLORS 
 
 Hotel Faust 
 
 Electric Light or Steam Cabinet Baths 
 Swedish Massage 
 
 Phone, Main 7020 Rockford, 111. 
 
 Gust W 
 
 Lundin 
 
 Willard G. 
 
 Lundin 
 
 
 GUST W. LUNDIN & SON 
 
 Mason and General Contractors 
 
 
 Phone, 
 
 Main 5859 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 414 Paris Avenue 
 
 J. AUGUST STERNER 
 
 Mason Contractor 
 
 Phone, Main 2954 2026 Third Avenue 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
MARVIN A. GUSTAFSON 
 
 Insurance 
 
 Phone, Main 3741 207 Security Nat'l Bank Bldg. 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 BROADWAY UPHOLSTERY SHOP 
 
 Carl Stenberg, Prop. 
 
 Expert Upholstering— Refinishing and Repairing 
 
 Phone, Forest 312 904 Broadway 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 ROY'S AUTO SERVICE 
 
 Pioneers of Scientific Brake Service in Rockford 
 Official Lockheed Service — Bendix Service 
 
 Phone, Main 1266 1244 Broadway 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 NICHOLSON HARDWARE 
 
 Hardware — Houseware 
 
 1420 Twentieth Street 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 ROCKVIEW PHARMACY 
 Evar C. Forsell, R. Ph. 
 
 2102 Broadway 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 S. J. Justuson O. M. Forslund 
 
 JUSTUSON & FORSLUND 
 
 Mason and Cement Contractors 
 
 Phone, Forest 2696 1315 So. 5th St., Rockford, 111. 
 
HOTEL BROADWAY 
 
 Modern and Strictly Fireproof 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 Rooms by Day or Week— Rates $1.25 to $2.50 
 
 Phone, Main 4096 1 106-12 Broadway 
 
 
 NORBERG & 
 
 PETERSON 
 
 
 
 Painters and 
 
 Decorators 
 
 
 
 Paints and Wall Paper 
 
 
 Phone, 
 
 Forest 187 
 
 Rockford, 
 
 1021 
 Illinois 
 
 Broadway 
 
 SKOGLUND'S CAFE 
 
 Regular Meals and Short Orders 
 
 Phone, Main 7437 1508 Broadway 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 THE HOME SHOE CO., INC. 
 
 Broadway and Eighth Street 
 
 Phone, Main 6223 Rockford, 111. 
 
 BROADWAY FLORIST 
 
 "Always Fresh" — "Deal with Confidence" 
 
 Phone, Main 2371 1010 Broadway 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 JOHN KLINGSTEDT 
 
 Druggist 
 Purity — Accuracy 
 
 1030 Broadway Rockford, 111. 
 
DANIELSON & ANDERSON 
 
 The Butcher Boys of Broadway 
 
 Quality Meats 
 
 Phone, Main 1143 1305 Broadway, Rockford, 111. 
 
 LODIN'S MARKET AND GROCERY 
 
 Phone, Main 868 625 Seventh Street 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 PEARSON & JOHNSON, INC. 
 
 Meat Market 
 
 Phone, Main 1754 509 7th St., Rockford, 111. 
 
 LINCOLN MEAT MARKET 
 
 Butter - Eggs - Cheese 
 Quality Meats - Fish and Poultry 
 
 Phone, Main 2265 1435 Charles St., Rockford, 111. 
 
 G. M. BERGQUIST & SON 
 
 Fresh Meats and Fish 
 
 1112 Broadway Rockford, 111. 
 
 C. A. PETERSON 
 
 Best in Quality and Service 
 Fruits and Vegetables 
 
 Phone, Main 2480 702 Kishwaukee St. Rockford, 111. 
 
ROSANDER REALTY COMPANY 
 
 Insurance - Management - Mortgage Loans 
 Sales - Rentals 
 
 Phone, Main 675 607 City Hall Bldg. 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 CARLSTEDT-JOHNSON 
 
 Rexall Drug Stores 
 
 5449 North 2nd St. 2213 E. State St. 
 
 Phone, Parkside 61 Phone, Main 7961 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 Office Phone, M. 2636 Res. Phone, M. 4922 
 
 DR. HAROLD G. ARFSTROM 
 
 Osteopathic Physician 
 
 Rockford National Bank Bldg. 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 AUG. 
 
 E. ROHLIN 
 
 Tailor 
 
 
 
 Suits Made to Order - 
 
 - Cleaning and Pressing 
 
 
 151 1 Seventh Street 
 
 
 
 Rockford, 
 
 111. 
 
 FRANZEN'S ROYAL BLUE STORE 
 
 Good Meat - Fresh Fruit and Vegetables 
 
 Phone, Main 1625 412 Seventh St. 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 C. M. PEARSON 
 
 General Contractor 
 
 Phone, Forest 2045 1 140 Third Avenue 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
PETERSON'S BAKERY 
 
 Bakers of Goods of the Better Quality 
 
 1 1 26 Kishwaukee St. Rockford, 111. 
 
 SWEDISH MAID BAKERY 
 
 Like Mother Makes 
 
 1532 Broadway Rockford, Illinois 
 
 LINCOLN BAKERY 
 
 Richard Freeberg, Prop. 
 
 Daily Fresh Bakery Goods 
 
 Phone, Main 7800 1431 Charles St., Rockford, 111. 
 
 FREEBERG'S BAKERY 
 
 Folke Ostrand, Prop. 
 
 When entertaining call Main 4551 
 
 1105 Second Ave. Rockford, 
 
 THE REAL SWEDISH HOME BAKERY 
 
 Arvid E. Skoog, Prop. 
 
 Phone, Forest 5745 920 Second Ave. 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 SWEDISH HOME BAKERY 
 
 Sven Freeberg, Prop. 
 
 Our Bakery Goods are Oven Fresh 
 Try Our Cookies — they are Delicious 
 
 Phone, Main 3766 1006 E. State St., Rockford, III 
 
ACME PATTERN WORKS 
 
 Wood Patterns - Novelties 
 
 Phone, Main 3438 1905 Kishwaukee Street 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 HAGG'S GARAGE 
 
 General Automobile Repairing 
 Battery Charging - Brake Service 
 
 Phone, Main 4375 1322 Broadway, Rear, Rockford, 111. 
 
 CHESTNUT AUTO SERVICE 
 
 General Repairing 
 Official Truck Testing Station 
 
 Phone, Forest 2121 417 Chestnut St., Rockford, 
 
 GENERAL FUEL COMPANY 
 
 Coal - Coke - Wood 
 
 Since 1932 
 
 Phone, Main 100 316 Seventh St., Rockford, 111. 
 
 SIMON J. CARLSON 
 
 Modern Plumbing and Heating 
 
 Phone, Main 4081 324 Shaw Street 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 EX-EL REPAIR SERVICE 
 
 General Repairing - Lawn Mowers Sharpened 
 Sheet Metal and Furnace Work 
 
 1022 Third Ave. at 7th St. Rear of Skandia Hdw. Bldg. 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
AXEL A. LUNDINE 
 
 Sinclair Oil Co. Products 
 
 Washing - Greasing - Repairing 
 
 Phone, Main 4604 1334 Broadway, Rockford 
 
 VICK SANDBERG 
 
 City Service Station 
 
 Phone, Main 4691 2322 Charles Street 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 PROSPECT & RURAL TEXACO STATION 
 
 Rudolph Ekstrom, Mgr. 
 Texaco Gas & Motor Oils - Complete Lubrication 
 
 Phone, Main 6914 Cor. Rural & Prospect Sts., Rockford 
 
 HANSTROM SERVICE STATION 
 
 Harold E. Hanstrom, Prop. 
 
 College Avenue and Kishwaukee Street 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 ROY MALM GARAGE 
 
 Repairing - Body and Fender Work 
 Washing and Greasing 
 
 Phone, Main 2215 1436 Third Ave., Rockford 
 
 Albert Mattson Lloyd Mattson 
 
 ELEVENTH STREET AUTO SUPPLY 
 
 Gasoline and Oils - Tires and Batteries 
 
 Phone, Main 4242 1417 11th Street, Rockford, 111. 
 
 BERGSTROM HARDWARE 
 
 Vernie E. Bergstrom, Prop. 
 
 Builders' Hardware, Paints, Sporting Goods 
 
 Phone, Parkside 25 5424 N. 2nd St. Loves Park 
 
ERIC E. CARLSON 
 
 Texaco Service 
 Globe Tires - Batteries - Charging 
 
 East Jefferson at 1st Street Rockford, 111. 
 
 STROM'S SINCLAIR SERVICE 
 
 Harold Strom, Prop. 
 
 Phone, Main 4785 902 E. State St. at N. 5th St. 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 OLSON'S TEXACO STATION 
 
 Texaco Petroleum Products - Certified Lubrication 
 Goodrich Tires - Batteries Recharging 
 
 Phone, 7546 Cor. 7th St. & 18th Ave., Rockford 
 
 LUNDIN'S TEXACO SERVICE 
 
 Greasing - Washing 
 Tires - Batteries - Battery Service 
 
 Phone, Main 4828 225 Kishwaukee St., Rockford 
 
 CLIFF NELSON 
 
 Standard Service 
 Atlas Tires and Batteries - Greasing 
 
 Phone, Main 1668 11th and Charles Sts., Rockford, 111. 
 
 TEXACO OIL STATION 
 
 Edwin K. Johnson, Prop. 
 
 Phone, Main 4828 2331 Charles St. 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 SERVING SUPER-SERVICE STATION 
 
 Alfred Servin, Prop. 
 Washing - Greasing -Accessories 
 
 Phone, Main 4419 1000 Broadway, Rockford 
 
BERTEL L. PETERSON 
 
 Contractor in Lathing 
 A Complete Lathing Service 
 
 hone, Main 5416 1007 20th St., Rockford 
 
 GRIP BROTHERS 
 
 Plastering Contractors 
 
 Phones, Main 6085 and Main 2256 525 James Ave. 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 ALARIK NILSON 
 
 Plastering Contractor 
 
 Phone, Forest 4093 834 19th Street 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 JOHNSON & WIESLAND 
 
 Plastering Contractors 
 
 Phones, Forest 3624 and Forest 9354 
 
 1134 Revell Ave. Rockford, Illinois 
 
 EINAR NELSON 
 
 Cement Contractor 
 
 Phone, Forest 5712 1631 17th Ave. 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 ERIC F. JOHNSON 
 
 Painting and Decorating 
 
 Phone, Main 6736 2311 15th Avenue 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 ADOLPH W. CARLSON 
 
 Painter and Decorator 
 
 Phone, Forest 2181 1219 Ninth Street 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
C. J. Linquist 
 Phone, Main 1145 
 
 
 R. H. 
 
 Phone, 
 
 Linquist 
 Forest 240 
 
 
 c J 
 
 Painting 
 
 . LINQUIST & CO. 
 and Decorating Contractors 
 
 
 317 
 
 Shaw Street 
 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 Gunnar Anderson Gust Norin 
 
 ANDERSON & NORIN 
 
 Painters, Decorators and Paperhangers 
 
 Phone, Main 5429 316 S. 4th St., Rockford 
 
 LUNDSTROM & PETERSON CO. 
 
 A Paint for Every Purpose 
 
 Wholesale and Retail — Imperial Washable Wallpapers 
 409 Seventh Street Rockford, Illinois 
 
 CHAS. H. CARLSON 
 
 Grocery and Confectionery 
 
 Phone, Main 4575 2134 Charles St. 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 OLSON & LINDEN 
 
 Groceries, Vegetables and Fruits 
 
 Phone, Main 5152 Broadway and 1 1th St. 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 KELLY'S CASH MARKET 
 C. Larson 
 
 Phone, Main 5715 1132 Broadway 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 SOUTH PARK CAFE 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Otto Swanson, Proprietors 
 
 1242 Broadway Rockford, Illinois 
 
ROCKFORD DRILLING MACHINE DIVISION 
 
 of Borg- Warner Corporation 
 
 Industrial Clutches— Special Machinery 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 MECHANICS UNVERSAL JOINT DIVISON 
 
 Borg- Warner Corporation 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 L-T-L TOOL COMPANY 
 
 Manufacturers of 
 
 Special Tools and Cutters, Dies, Jigs, Fixtures 
 
 Phone, Main 2517 1320 Woodruff Ave., Rockford 
 
 
 
 GUSTAFSON 
 
 & OBERG 
 
 
 
 Dies, Tools, 
 
 Machinery 
 
 Phone, 
 
 Mair 
 
 1 1178 
 
 1115 Sixth Street 
 
 
 
 Rockford, 
 
 Illinois 
 
 E. R. EKSTROM 
 
 Machine and Tool Sales 
 
 210 News Tower Building 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 POULTRY AND EGGS 
 
 Lloyd Larson 
 
 Phone, Parkside 313 430 Pearl Ave., Loves Park 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
G. A. EDSTROM 
 
 General Contractor and Builder 
 
 Phone, Forest 432 1212 Parmele St. 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 ERIC W. ERICSON 
 
 General Contractor 
 
 Phone, Main 7841 719 Rome Ave. 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 AXEL H. SWENSON 
 
 Mason Contractor 
 
 Phone, Parkside 332 210 Snow Ave. 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 SWAN JOHNSON 
 
 Plastering Contractor 
 
 Phone, Forest 1678 207 Carbaugh Ave. 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 
 CLAUDE 
 
 w. 
 
 SWANSON 
 
 
 
 Painting 
 
 and Paperhanging 
 
 
 Phone, 
 
 Forest 5828 
 
 
 1203 
 
 15th Ave. 
 
 
 Rockford 
 
 Illinois 
 
 
 
 0. 
 
 E. 
 
 CARLSON SHINGLE 
 
 Roofing and Siding 
 
 1 , 2 or 3 years to pay 
 
 CO. 
 
 Phone, 
 
 Parkside 
 
 51 5151 Illinois 
 
 St., Rockford 
 
 LOVES PARK FLORAL SHOP 
 
 We Telegraph Flowers Everywhere 
 
 Phone, Parkside 46 6232 N. 2nd St. 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
JOHNSON APPLIANCE CO. 
 
 General Electric Products — Skelgas 
 Refrigerators — Washers— Radios 
 
 Phone, Main 3134 227 Seventh St., Rockford 
 
 Phone, 
 
 FREBURG'S PHARMACY 
 
 Quality Drugs 
 
 Forest 19 102 Seventh St. 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 THE PERFECT PRODUCTS CO. 
 
 Manufacturers and Jobbers of 
 
 Varnishes — Shellacs — Enamels— Lacquers 
 Paint Sundries 
 
 Phone, Forest 86 1101 Seminary St., Rockford 
 
 BROADWAY MARKET 
 
 Andrews & Kjellstrom 
 
 Phone, Main 2738 1536 Broadway 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 OLSONS BATH AND MASSAGE 
 
 Vapor and Electric Light Baths 
 Electric Foot Massaging 
 
 Massage a Specialty 
 
 Phones: Bus., Main 2589; Res., Forest 7320 
 1139 Broadway Rockford, Illinois 
 
 ELMBLADE RUG & UPHOLSTERY 
 
 Cleaners 
 
 Phone, Forest 438 904 Broadway 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
SKOGSBERG-SAMUELSON 
 
 Paint and Wallpaper 
 Painting and Decorating 
 
 1229 Broadway Rockford, 111. 
 
 OSCAR F. CARLSON 
 
 Painting and Decorating 
 
 Phone, Main 2889 532 Rome Ave. 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 G. ROSENQUIST 
 
 Painting, Decorating and Paperhanging 
 
 Phone, Forest 2088 714 Highview Ave. 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 GUST. O. JOHNSON 
 
 Painting, Decorating and Paperhanging 
 
 Phone, Main 5596 115 S. London Ave. 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 H. C. PETERSON 
 
 Painting and Decorating 
 Brocade Wall Finishing 
 
 Phone, Main 5828 1734 Broadway, Rockford 
 
 R. SUNDQUIST 
 
 Painting, Decorating and Paperhanging 
 
 Phone, Main 6612 1012 Thirteenth St. 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
EXCELSIOR LEATHER WASHER MFG. CO 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 CARL E. PAULSON & CO. 
 
 Production Tools— Steel— Handling Equipment 
 
 Phone, Main 960 1 102 Broadway, Rockford, 
 
 BROADWAY CAFE 
 
 • 
 
 Phone, Forest 8696 1 1 38 Broadway 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 STENWALL MATTRESS CO. 
 
 Mattresses, Box Springs, Studio Couches, Bedding 
 
 Phone, F. 6597 128 N. Church St. 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 VIC. RINGDAHL 
 
 Automotive Supplies and Bearing Service 
 
 Phones, Main 1509-1510 408 Kishwaukee St. 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 BLACKHAWK COFFEE CO. 
 
 Ivar Tegner, Prop. 
 
 Fifth Avenue and Sixth Street 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 Stanley Carlson, Owner W. E. Carlson, Service Mgr. 
 
 CARLSON RADIO SERVICE 
 
 Phone, Main 1913 1824 Ninth Street 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
HERMAN J. EKLUND 
 
 Architect 
 
 Phone, Main 5435 405 Empire Bldg., 206 S. Main St. 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 
 P. 
 
 A. 
 
 ANDERSON 
 
 & SON 
 
 
 
 Builders of Better Homes 
 
 Phone, 
 
 Forest 6914 
 
 
 2517 Sixteenth Ave. 
 
 
 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 
 GUST G. 
 
 GUSTAFSON 
 
 
 Painting 
 
 and 
 
 Decorating 
 
 Phone, 
 
 Main 5194 
 
 
 416 Catlin Street 
 
 
 Rockford, 
 
 Illinois 
 
 
 
 EINAR 
 
 ANDERSON 
 
 
 
 Painting 
 
 and 
 
 Decorating 
 
 Phone, 
 
 Main 
 
 7520 
 
 
 2214 Seventeenth Ave. 
 
 
 
 Rockford, 
 
 Illinois 
 
 
 CARL G. ENGSTROM 
 
 
 
 Painter and Decorator 
 
 
 Phone, 
 
 Forest 4442 1436 Seventh 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 Ave. 
 
 ROCKFORD 
 
 CLEAN 
 
 TOWEL 
 
 SERVICE 
 
 Phone, Main 1900 
 
 • 
 
 2109 Kishwaukee St. 
 
 
 Rockford, 
 
 Illinois 
 
 
 MOTOR OIL DEPOT 
 
 Oil, Grease and Gear Lubricants 
 
 • 
 317 S. Wyman Street Rockford, Illinois 
 
JOHN A. GUSTAFSON 
 
 All Kinds of Cement and Mason Work 
 
 Phone, Main 5801 326 Calvin Park Blvd. 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 
 HERMAN SWANSON 
 
 
 Building Contractor 
 
 Phone, 
 
 Forest 4550 1113 Sixteenth Street 
 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 S. J. DAHLBERG 
 
 Building Contractor 
 
 Phone, Main 7958 646 Fifteenth Street 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 E. L. Johnson, 3308 Charles St. Fred Nelson, 724 Parkview Ave. 
 Phone: Country 804-2 Phone: Main 6716 
 
 JOHNSON & NELSON 
 Contractors and Builders 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 L. N. EKWALL 
 Contractor and Builder 
 
 * 
 1645 Sixth Avenue Rockford, Illinois 
 
 EVERT HALLQUIST 
 
 General Building Contractor 
 
 Phone, Forest 7308 304 S. Highland Ave. 
 
 Rockford, Illinois 
 
 
 GUST G. 
 
 LARSON 
 
 
 
 Contractor and Builder 
 
 
 Phone, 
 
 Main 7522 
 
 2329 Thirteei 
 
 ith Ave. 
 
 
 Rockford, 
 
 Illinois