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[lettehead: Iowa State Teachers College Cedar Falls]
Thursday 25 August (1941)
Dear Mom and Dad,
Had some luck in the investigation today. I had a talk with an old settler by the name of Nels Ringdahl, who runs a little tailor shop here in Litchfield. he is 82 years old and he had quite a story to tell.
It seems that Sven Fogelblad was never a preacher in Litchfield, nor anywhere else around here, as far as Ringdahl knows. However, he does recall hearing about an incident or two which took place approximately in 1872 which bears repeating. It seems that a few of the early Swedish settlers wanted to have an old fashioned Swedish "Christmas Morning" celebrations and because Sven Gogelblad was visiting here at the time they asked him to be the leader. Well, it all began with lots to drink and much celebration, and finally it came time for the sermon. This whole thing took place above one of the local taverns. (Saloons, as Ringdahl told me.) Sven was quite drunk by this time, and two men had to lead him to the imporvised pulpit, but he is reputed to have given a marvelous sermon in spite of his condition. This story came to Ringdahl through the men who had actually taken part in the celebration so your can judge for yourself for its authenticity. Mr. Ringdahl seems to be in the very best of health and of sound mind, an how muc of his memories are fact I do not know.
He said very definitely that Sven Fogelblad never served a church here nor was he ever called to serve a church here. Howevr he was thought of as a fine preacher and a well-educated man. He was here only the one winter in question - and Mr. Ringdahl does not know from whence he came nor to whence he went. He guessed, however, that he came from Minneapolis.
About Mr. Widstrand: He was at one time located in Mpls., but inasmuch as he did not believe in paying taxes he was asked t leave - so he came to Litchfield. He was a vegetarian and a radical - he died in poverty after eating some food which did not agree with him. This Nels Ringdahl remembers very clearly. he also gave me a copy of the Tothuggaren (The Radical). It is inclosed. he wants it back, naturally, but is in no hurry about it. This is the only copy of one of these papers in which you are interested tha I have been able to dig up. Daynor thought it would be quite hopeless but, luckily, Ringdahl had thes copy.
[personal comments cut]
Much love,
Karl
[MHS: Holvik papers]
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