Swedish Seattle

Images of America: Washington

by Paul Norlén

Swedish immigrants began arriving in Seattle in the 1880s, and by 1900 had formed a thriving community of churches, businesses, social clubs, labor organizations, choruses, and dance groups, as well as a Swedish-language press. Their civic accomplishments are exemplified by well-known Seattle institutions founded by Swedish immigrants, including a national department store chain and a world-class medical facility, which began as Swedish Hospital. The story of the Swedish community in Seattle is also a personal history of families and friends building a new life as Americans. Swedish culture is perhaps most publicly visible in annual celebrations such as Midsummer and Lucia. A lively local interest in Swedish music and dance suggests that Swedish Seattle is not limited to residents who happen to be of Swedish descent.

128 pages, Paperback

First published October 10, 2007

Reviews

[Bryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Growing up in Seattle and being 1/4 Swedish, this was a fun book. Puget Sound is quite similar to many coastal areas in Scandinavia, so it is no wonder many Swedes moved there.