Stories and Tales
There comes a time when one wonders where they came from and what makes them what they are.
This page is for stories, tales, and documentaries written by the friends, relatives, and descendants of area immigrants, so as not to get lost or fade in the passage of time, and can be read by present and future generations. The subject material can be just about anything, but should coincide with the Hanka Homestead Finnish Museum’s mission.
Submit your story to " EdRaisanen@HankaHomesteadMuseum.org " or send it to the address on the Contact Us page. The story can be typed, hand written, in English or Finnish, and include the author’s name. Name will not be published if so requested.
By submitting your story you consent to the publishing of your story on this web site after its approval by the Hanka Homestead Finnish Museum. Thank you for participating in our mission.
Date: 5/13/2016
Submitted By: Edwin 'Bill' Raisanen & Lisa Marttila
Hill 69
Gustav Line, Italy
My Mother's Husband
This story’s time line is during World War ll and is by the man my mother married a few years after her first husband (my father) passed and I, at seventeen, had long left to conquer the world. I’m sure there are many such stories as one only has to read the names on the honor rolls in the communities of the Copper Country to realize the contribution made by Finnish Americans to protect our freedoms.
I do not remember him very well from my younger years, but upon my retirement and returning to the Copper Country I got to know him a little better. He passed away two weeks before his one hundredth birthday and circumstances dictated I clean out his remaining belongings from the home he shared with my mother. Back in a far corner of a closest in a weathered box I came across this poem/letter tucked between the pages of an Army reunion book along with several other treasured items which I presented to his daughter (my half-sister). It is with her permission and blessing I post his poem/letter to these pages.
In his own handwriting by Joel Marttila, Italy 1944
Click on image for readable text
Hill #69
1944
I’d like to tell my experience on line the night that we took Hill sixty-nine May the eleventh at eleven P.M. was the time set for the attack to begin
The hill was part of the Gustav Line. The English had broke it, but fell back each time. Now it was time for us Yanks to try and each man was ready and willing to die.
At eleven o’clock we laid a barrage that will go down in history none ever so large. The boys started out to take this hell hole on earth facing machine guns and artillery bursts.
Through Trimonsonli we had to move fast for it had the name of “Purple Heart Pass”. To get into position our chances looked slim for most of those Jerries had all zeroed in.
On the side of the hill we had to dig in. With martar shells singing shrill songs of sin. Twenty-three hours on that hillside we stayed and many a brave men went to his grave.
Each man prayed out-loud and looked toward the sky, but the shells kept on coming – brave men had to die. We accomplished our mission and broke that strong line and Jerry pulled out leaving wounded behind.
After they started running it was not so bad. Our boys gave them all that they had. We knew our objective, it was to Rome and we knew each step placed us nearer home.
We marched through Rome on June the fifth. Dirty and sore and tired and stiff. The only regret we had on our mind was our buddies we left back on Hill 69.
Date: 12/1/2020 (edited)
Submitted By: Sharon Ecklund
The Hanka Family Historical Background
Source: "Askel Means Step" Author: Gene Meier, 3/1983... More
People don't usually get excited about axes, but here is a story some may find intriguing. In the past few days, I have made significant discoveries... More
Date: 7/5/2016
Submitted By: Oscar Heikkinen
As written by the Askel School civics class of 1927 - 1928
Askel, as the eastern shore of Otter Lake is called, is strictly a Finnish settlement. It has a population of... More
Date: 7/14/2016
Submitted By: Linda Knuuti Montonati
The Knuuti Family Story
Toivo Knuuti was born to John and Elizabeth Jarvi in 1907 in Hancock, Michigan. As an infant he moved to Keweenaw Bay, Michigan. His mother died and his Aunt took him to Finland. His sister was placed in an orphanage in Houghton.
Toivo was raised in Finland, married and had four children. He served in the Finnish army during WW2. Three of four of his children were sent to Sweden during the 7 years of the war, Helge, Leila and Paul. They returned to Finland but were sent back to Sweden due to the terrible war conditions in Finland. His oldest son Wilho stayed with his mother Aune in Finland. The family experienced many hardships during the war and after the war.
John, back in the United States wanted his son and family to come to America. He sent enough money for them to take the Queen Mary from England to New York, and a train from New York to Baraga. The family sold everything they had including their home and packed one suitcase each for their new life in America. They paid their own expense to get from Finland to England.
The family thought they were going to move into their wealthy grandfather’s home on a large farm with many animals. To their surprise it was a small home and there were no beds for them and not even enough blankets and it was October, 1950. Things did not go well and they were given $20 and told to move out.
The Keweenaw Bay community was very generous in helping the new family from Finland. They found a home to rent, donations of clothing and food were collected and soon jobs were found. They brought their SISU with from Finland and got thru the hard times. A few years after Grandfather John died, Toivo received 40 acres and a small home on Jarvi Road. He lived there until his death in 1981.
The four children all married and had children and went on to lead successful lives. The farm is still owned by Paul Knuuti.
Date: 3/11/2016
To Those Who Read This:
These pages were written as the thoughts came to my mind; without any plans or rough sketches to... More
Date: 5/6/2017
Submitted By: Oscar Heikkinen
From: The Finnish American Reporter, April 2017
Date: 5/8/2016
Picture:
Typical Finnish Farm Kitchen.
Mary Ramberg, Laurium, MI
Date: 1/28/2016
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Contents © 2015 Hanka Homestead Finnish Museum. Images by Edwin 'Bill' Raisanen, Dr. Colette Marie McLaughlin, Sharon Eklund, Oscar Heikkinen and others. Mike Stockwell - Graphics, Edwin 'Bill' Raisanen - Web Master/Facebook manager.
