Thursday, March 27, 2008

HISTORY IN MY CITY


This Hall is located in my City of Rocklin, California. It is dedicated to the people from Finland who immigrated to Rocklin and the Finnish Temperance Society who built the hall in 1905. The Society was organized as a fraternal, social and cultural lodge to provide a meeting place for Finnish immigrants to preserve the language, customs and traditions of their former homeland. Rocklin was once a largely Finnish Granite - quarrying community.
Now the Hall is used for many activities such as Little Theater performances and Town Meetings.
I am of Scandinavian descent so perhaps that's why I feel so comfortable and have a sense of belonging in this town.
Come and visit sometime.
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19 comments:

Annie said...

I know so little about Fins, really. I have heard that the culture is prone to depression but I'm thinking those who immigrated to California must be very happy indeed.

Anna said...

Can you believe that I have never been to CA? I would LOVE to visit. Actually, I think that next February I am going to LA with my husband for a work trip there. SO FUN!

Outhouse Capital of Canada said...

The long dark winters in Finland must be hard to take, makes you wonder why they had temperance societies.

Olivier said...

une très belle architecture, je vois que les élections se préparent ;o). Bon Weekend
a very nice architecture, I see that elections get ready ;o). Good Weekend

John Roberts said...

A very symbolic photo: preserving the old world traditions while under the flag of the new country. I love old buildings like this !

Beverly said...

A trip to California would be fun! I was there in the early 70's with my mother to visit my aunt and uncle.

That is neat to have a building like that that connects you to your heritage.

Texas Travelers said...

Ditto John Roberts. I always loved history in high school and college. It's nice to know the culture of a place when you visit (and meet the people). I especially like to sample the ethnic regional cuisines.

Nice photo and story, Troy

PS: Californian Mexican cuisine is different from Texmex. I like both.

Rune Eide said...

The is always interesting for a Scandinavian to hear about the history of the Scandinavian immigration to the US. I have myself accidentally seen some of the aspects of this when I have been visiting. It makes for a kind of bond.

Neva said...

what an interesting building and history....very nice.

CG said...

What a lovely building...really striking. Nice colours :)

Anonymous said...

We have a large Finnish community in the area I live in. Beautiful families and children! I like the historocity of the building you captured here.

I LOVE the Chicago picture! Stunning!

I always enjoy coming over and seeing what you have done. Great eye for beauty!

Anonymous said...

This was a big surprise - really nice one :)
Thank you for this, Sue!

Annie,
I am Finn, living in Finland and I am happy :))

Outhouse. . . .,
I think, you could instead of that ask, how Finnish Nokia is doing so well ;)

But if somebody want to know something about Finland, here is a link:
http://virtual.finland.fi/Economy/

and plenty of pages about Finland.

Have a happy weekend, Sue and thank you for your comments on my site!

Anonymous said...

So, some Finns got all the way to CA! I didn't realize it. We have a sweet little Finnish town in MI.

AVCr8teur said...

I was in Rocklin very briefly back in Sept. I'll come exploring the next time I get a chance. I love old buildings.

Steve Buser said...

Glad to see that the building and the heritage has been saved.

Dave said...

Hi. I thought I would try your Blog after seeing your comment on Jessicas blog comments (Foster Communications). I like your site and your pictures. Good work. - Dave

Anonymous said...

Hi Photowannabe - nice to see this building. Both sides of my family are from Finland. I am 2nd and 3rd generation. Interestingly, the temperance societies started at the turn of the 20th century in North America and at that time split the communities. I have some elderly great aunts living in California who were born in Finland. The architecture of that building is very reminiscent of some buildings in Helsinki -austere and grand.

imac said...

Sure looks a nice building, and pleased its used too.
Sonds a nice town as well, have put it on my list of places i wish to visit.

Chica, Cienna, and Cali said...

would love to visit!!! and have you been to Door County in WI??? they have the Scandinavian connection too.....wanna pay me a visit??? :) it's not too far from where we stay....and i will love to meet you in person :)