A book showed up on my Libby app so I checked out Swede Hollow by Ola Larsmo and translated into English by Tiina Nunnally. The story is about the people who emigrated from Sweden and settled in a ravine formed by Phalen Creek just north of Seventh Street. The main family in the story arrived at Ellis Island in 1897. After trying to make it work in New York City, they come by train to Saint Paul where they meet other Swedish immigrants they met on the boat coming over. Gustaf and Anna Klav arrive after midnight on a cold winter night. The train depot is closed until morning. They happen to spot a couple of Irish lads who were also on their boat. The Irish lads live further upstream in Swede Hollow and they lead the family to the Swedish section. Much is said about the beautiful grounds and mansion where the Hamm family live. Their property is guarded by German Shepherds. The Hamms brewery will only hire people of German descent. I found the story of Gustaf and Anna, their three children, and their many grandchildren was fascinating. Life is so much easier now than it was then.
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