Hakala's grocer, Mr. Prout, had difficulty remembering and pronouncing the Finnish name. He asked Tuomas what his father's name was. Upon hearing that it was Tuomas, he said, "From now on I am going to call you Tom's son.'' Hakala decided to adopt the name Thomas Thompson as being appropriate to his new environment.

Thomas worked as a quarryman for the Granite Railway Company in West Quincy. A daughter, Hulda Olivia, was born May 1, 1888, and she appears to be the first-born Finn in Quincy. Their son, Ludwig, was the first Finnish boy to be born in Quincy, on March 19, 1891.

Klaus A. Hannula was sponsored to this country by his older brother, Antti of Fitchburg, Massachusetts. Klaus apparently lived in Quincy for awhile, since records indicate his membership in the Uljas Koitto Temperance Society from 1891 to 1893. He married Jenny Elizabeth Lindroos, who with her brother, John William, had come to Quincy with an elder on his way to gold mining country. The marriage took place in Fitchburg, after which they settled in Gardner, where they joined a temperance society. He was a charter member of Kaleva Knights in Fitchburg. The couple brought up a family, and at times lived in Worcester and Hubbardston, Massachusetts.

From 1886 to 1890, the Finnish population in Quincy increased rather slowly. By July 1890 there were only 17 adults of but four families. Usually men arrived first. There were many reasons for leaving Finland at that time. Many were from the country and farms where the families were large. Custom dictated that the eldest son inherit the holdings of the parents. Younger members were either left to their own resources. farmed out to others for a consideration, or dependent upon the generosity of the older brother in order to continue life on the farm. Some, in order to reduce the burden on their parents, left to seek their fortunes in this land of opportunity and promise. Others came to escape mandated conscription into the Russian army, since Finland was under Russian rule, and there was increased Russification activity.

Not having a command of the English language, many immigrants had to accept menial work and long hours at hard labor. Many succumbed to a pastime of drinking-, which resulted in drunken brawls, fights, incarcerations. court hearings, disgrace, and losses of weekly earnings.

Fortunately, for the self-edification of the immigrant Finns, sufficient numbers of intelligent, educated, self-reliant, "gutsy" and aggressive individuals, including missionaries, arrived here. They became the mentors and leaders of the adventurers, lumberjacks, laborers, seamen, and others who came to these shores. They were determined to strive for achievement and respect in the higher motives of Finnish tradition and culture. This was not an easy task.

Fourteen charter members were listed as follows: Chairman Konstant Hermansson, Vice Chairman Thomas Thompson, Secretary August Helenius, (later known as Andrew Nelson), Assistant Secretary Frank W. Nelson, Treasurer Wiljam Kangas, Secretary to Treasurer Matti Jansson (possibly Matti Keisala), Corresponding Secretary Johan Bollari, Ushers Oskar Maki, Wihtori Kaalson and Manuel Norpakka. Inside Guard Janne Toko, and Outside Guard Johan Freet (possibly John F. H-akkila). Two women applied for membership; Etla Kangas (accepted as member on December 21, 1890) and Lusiina Toko (accepted on December 28, 1890).

Wedding of UKTS Members 1907

Dues were assessed for a period of two months to defray costs of registration and handbooks from the Brotherhood. Meetings were held at members' homes. By January 1891 the number of members joining reached 32; but, eight were separated within a month. A shaky beginning was caused by members breaking their pledges of total abstinence. A system of fines was imposed. Renewal of pledge to membership cost $1.00, whereas initial membership cost 60 cents. Absence of an officer cost ten cents, and leaving one's handbook at home cost a nickel.

Looking down Water Street from Brewers Corner in West Quincy

Agenda of the meetings was prescribed in the handbook, and meetings were held on alternate Sundays. Following the usual business meeting, a variety program was held which included poems, songs, and talks on individual experiences. A speakers' club was started in August 1891, which provided training for those with native ability in the art of public speaking. Youths between the ages of 12 and 16 were admitted to non-voting membership. By December 1891, 35 meetings had been held and 32 members were on the rolls.

Rules of the handbook prescribed prayers and solemn pledge of total abstinence; forbade dancing, drama, and gambling. Membership fluctuated because of broken pledges, members moving in search of work, and youths searching for more exciting entertainment than the serious programs offered. At the end of 1892 only three members were in good standing.

In order to promote interest, and to satisfy the need for reading material, on March 1, 1891, the Society had started a library with a $15.00 donation. Special events were held to raise additional money. Some books were donated, and others were ordered from Finland. Frank W. Nelson was the first librarian, in his home. In 1893, as listed in the secretary's report, the library contained 89 books, of which the smallest had 11 pages and the largest 425. The books were numbered consecutively as received, and listed by title and number of pages, with loan periods of one to four weeks. The library was relocated to the home of Robert Fredrikson in April 1895. By October it was again moved, to the home of John Kokkinen. The number of books increased to 144 by June 1896, and in October the library was established in a rented meeting room. By 1898 it was finally located in the newly constructed hall at the corner of Nelson Street and Suomi Road.

Rules on the use of the library books were drawn in 1900. The books were intended for use by the total Finnish community, which provided financial support; the Society agreed to be the custodian. Reasonable charges were levied, and the money derived was used to purchase new books as funding allowed. During the year 1905, 450 books were listed and 10,850 loans were recorded, with income of $80.00. This indicated an important service to the community.

Although the need for a permanent meeting hall was recognized from the beginning, funding and search for a site did not begin until 1895. A lot of land, about 10,000 square feet, at the corner of Nelson Street and Suomi Road, was purchased from George W. Morton for $100.00. The deed was recorded on September 10, 1895. The money was raised mostly by loans from Helena Ristiluoma, Titus Waliin, Peter Heinonen, and Oscar Emil Djerf. A two-story building was planned.

(Photo Pembroke, MA - entrance to Suomi Road is on the right after the telephone pole)


Just as the meeting hall was about to be constructed, seven active members decided to separate for religious reasons. They strongly opposed the social programs of drama and dance which were being introduced to encourage young people to membership. During the meeting of September 29, 1895, those who voluntarily separated were the following: Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Nelson, Mr. and Mrs. Konstant Ylenius. Matti Maki (Riihimaki), and Mr. and Mrs. Victor Arenius. They organized the Finnish Evangelical Congregational Church in West Quincy.

In October 1895 a fair-sized meeting room was rented at 28 Crescent Street in West Quincy for $5.00 a month. Problems arose during meetings because of harassment by non-Finns. Saint Mary's Catholic Church was nearby, and one of its members, William H. Teasdale, befriended the Finns and secured police assistance in removing the disturbing element. Mr. Teasdale has been cited as a "godfather" of the Finns because of his continued assistance in various matters. A new second-story location for meetings was found on Copeland Street near Buckley Street, which provided better security .

About 250 Finns were living in Quincy by 1896. Johan Latvala seems to have promoted much interest in increasing membership, because 100 joined that year. He, with John Peltonen, Leander Kainu, Matti Luuri and J ohn Hakola organized a chorus. Entertainment after meetings was often provided by younger members, who also presented the first play, "Jukola Brothers" (Jukolan Veljekset).

On January 13, 1897 the Society separated from the National Brotherhood because of the strict rules that banned dances and drama. This pleased the younger members who otherwise would have gone elsewhere. About five members decided against separation and formed another temperance group called Oppressed Beginning (Sorretun Alku); it lasted only a few weeks. Other temperance organizations in the East were also bothered by the restrictions imposed by the Brotherhood; therefore, a meeting was scheduled at Fitchburg on January 23, 1897. Erick Majanen and John Peltonen represented Uljas Koitto. They met with representatives from Aamun Koitto of Fitchburg, and Id-an Liitto of Worcester, to organize an Eastern Finnish Temperance Association, which permitted more freedom and independence to member societies.

Having separated from the National Brotherhood, the Society drafted its own constitution and bylaws, with which it undertook to obtain a charter from the State. On April 14, 1897 William M. Olin, Secretary of the State, certified that the registered members, their associates and their successors, were legally organized and established as an existing corporation under the name of Uljas Koitto Seura, for the purpose of promoting temperance and morality in the Commonwealth, in accordance with Chapter 180 of the General Laws. The members registered in the charter included: Andrew Ojala, Erik Kallio, Leander Kainu, John Hakola, John Sansdet, John Thompson, Victor Maki. John Peltonen, Gabriel Annala, Erik Majanen, Antti Haavisto and Herman Tuori.

Dusk by the sauna in Pembroke MA

The original deed to the land at Suomi Road had been assigned to Uljas Koitto Chapter No. 41, which was subordinate to the Finnish National Temperance Brotherhood of America. It was necessary to transfer the deed to the newly established organization. On September 16, 1898, as recorded at the Registry of Deeds on October 11, 1898, the transfer took place. Those representing the grantor of the deed were: Oscar E. Djerf, John Kokkinen, Andrew Helenius, Matti Maki, Konstant Ylenius, Frank Nelson, Charles G. Winquist, John Johnson and Jacob Johnson all of Quincy; Leander Kainu of Negaunee, Michigan; ~litus Walin and John Peltonen of Helsingfors, Finland, Russia. Wives Amanda Djerf, Lizzie Kokkinen, Hilda Helenius and Sofia Ylenius also signed the deed with their husbands. Nelson was a widower and the others were single.

A building 42 feet by 26 feet was designed by William R Lofgren, architect and builder. Oscar E. Djerf was engaged to install the foundation of granite. A building committee headed by John Hakola was formed in February 1898, and a contract with Mr. Lofgren was negotiated for $1,353.00. Construction began in March and the hall was completed May 15, 1898. The dedication of Temperance Hall was held May 30, 1898.

Receipts from the opening celebration, donations from other organizations, collections, and loans amounting to $300.00 from individuals, left a remainder of $700.00 to be secured by mortgage. A note at 6% interest to be paid semi-annually was signed by Treasurer Joseph Matson and Chairman John Hakola for the Society, to cover the mortgage with a Mr. Edward Billings of Weymouth, on August 1, 1898. This was paid in full on August 1, 1903.

A two-day meeting of the Eastern Finnish Temperance Association was held at the Hall, Julv 29 and 30, 1898. The Association had increased to 12 member organizations representing 646 individual members. Representation was present from Fitchburg, Worcester, South Carver, Fall River, West Barnstable, Gardner, Maynard, and New York City, as well as Allenport, Pennsylvania; and Sandcoulee, Montana. It is interesting to note that some organizations from western states joined the Eastern Association.

With a hall that members could call their own, activity and interest increased. The first Finnish instrumental band of eleven members was organized August 15, 1898. Michael Michaelson, who moved from Fitchburg to Quincy, became the conductor, and Herman Tuori provided arrangements with the Society for rehearsals twice a week. A men's chorus Veikkoset (Brothers), and a mixed chorus Kannel (zitherlike instrument) were formed under the direction of J ohn V. Liljeqvist.

The year 1899 showed an improvement spiritually and financially. Through the speakers' club, which had been operating intermittently, the talents of several men came to light as speakers on temperance, health, economics and contemporary themes. These were: Michael Michaelson, John August Latvala, John Waltonen, Herman Tuori, Niilo Nelson and John Hakola. They gave talks locally, and were engaged as Association speakers in Worcester, Fitchburg, Maynard, Cape Ann, and in New Hampshire.

(Picture of UKTS founders - about 1900)

From 1900 to 1904 eighty meetings of the speakers' club were held with from 7 to 20 members present. Handwritten papers provided additional interest to the speeches, lectures, and discussions. An utopian socialist, Antero F. Tanner, with a university education from Finland, drew initial interest in his lectures on nature, origin of man, and socialism. However, his rejection of religious tenets soon lost him his audiences, and he left.

During discussions in the speakers ' club in 1903, a group established a socialist politica] organization of workingmen. They identified the new organization as Tyov-aenyhdistys Veli (Workingmen's Association Brother). They held separate meetings at the Temperance Hall for several months. Differences arose because their bylaws were political, and did not require total abstinence. Resulting arguments disrupted proceedings, so they were requested to leave. They met elsewhere and finally had their own hall built on Arthur Street in 1906. The hall was near the other end of Nelson Street.

In 1905 the speakers' club confined its activity to members of the Society. Competition was initiated to compose poems or songs. Poems were also sung to familiar marching tunes. First and third prizes were awarded to John Hakola. Second prize went to Impi Hakkila, and fourth prize went to Herman Seppala. These songs were printed and used at meetings and programs to supplement song books from Finland.

It is incredible how some of the early members, who worked long hours, were able to bring up families and still find time to participate in community activities. They served as examples to others.

(Note picture of WWII Finnish Commander Mannheim at the top)

One remarkable member was John Hakola. He first joined the Society in 1894. After a couple of breaks in membership, he renewed his pledge in 1896 and became very active, serving as secretary and chairman. On visits to Worcester, he met Hilma Luokkala, who became his wife in 1889. He was also a member of the Finnish Lutheran Church which had been established in 1896. With three others, he organized the Sampo Granite Company in 1900, the first Finnish granite manufacturing concern in Quincy. He completed three years of apprenticeship to become a granite cutter, and developed into one of the best letter cutters. He was the first manager of Sampo. He was also a draftsman, and a cartoonist. In 1903 he purchased the rights to a small newspaper from Fitchburg and, with Otto Jaakkola, began publishing "The New Compatriot" (Uusi Meikalainen) at 29 Copeland Street. This paper contained his poems, essays and cartoons under the pen name Tahvo Tohmolainen until 1906. He was a journalist and agent for the Finnish newspaper ''Workingman'' (Tyomies) which was established in Worcester in 1903. After ten months, the publisher moved to Hancock, Michigan. Hakola and family moved to Chester, Massachusetts in 1906. The following year, with others, he organized the Chester Granite and Polishing Works. This concern, with its quarry and finishing plant, grew to be the largest Finnish granite company in the East. There he sculptured a granite bust of Eugen Schauman, a patriot of Finland. Vuring World War I he worked at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Later he, with son Wayne and Walter Ahlfors, established The Brooklyn Monument Company. His daughter, Lempi Vainio, wrote a biographical account of her father in Finnish American Horizons, which was published in 1976 as a Horizons Project of the Finnish American Bicentennial Committee of U.S.A. In it she quotes John Hakola: "lt was there (Uljas Koitto Temperance Society) I learned of many beneficial and beautiful ideals which to this day have been the inspiration of my intellectual and spiritual life."

Another man, who seryed the Society in an exceptional way, was Michael Michaelson. He arrived from Fitchburg in 1898 with his wife, Sofia. He had natural talents as speaker and musician. It was said of him that "he cleared the fallow and seeded the land that grew the grain for harvest." He went to Finland in 1905, but returned in 1907. He joined the U. S. Navy Band aboard the U. S. S. Vermont. Unfortunately, while on shore leave in Melbourne. Australia. He died accidentally when hit by a train on September 4, 1908, at the age of 40.

Tight scheduling was needed to accommodate all the various activities in Temperance Hall--speakers' and drama clubs, chorus, band, sewing circle, concerts, programs and meetings. Rental to the two Finnish church groups was arranged until they had their own church buildings. The chorus and the band decided to construct a building of their own in 1902. They obtained permission to construct a one-room building of hexagonal shape, 18 feet between opposite walls, on the property of Sampo Granite Company, off Albertina Street in South Quincy. This active place called Melula (place of bustle), with Owen's field close by for picnics, was a place of joy and fun. It relieved some of the congestion and interference at the hall.

The Society elections were held at 3-month intervals, and usually all officers were men. However, it is interesting to note that all the offices for the last quarter of 1901 were held by women: Chairman Ingrid Ketonen. Vice Chairman Hilja Hintala, Secretary Hilma Laurila, Assistant Secretary Elina Saari, Treasurer Anna Wainionpaa, Secretary to Treasurer Tilda Kaihlanen, Ushers Fiina Kamppila and Sanna Latvala, Librarians Hulda Anderson and Mary Markkula.

Although by 1903 the Society owned a debt-free hall, larger facilities were needed to accommodate a membership that exceeded 100. Architect William R. Lofgren provided plans for expansion. A foundation of granite blocks was constructed in 1905 by Oscar E. Djerf, but the building addition was deferred.

Brewer's Corner in West Quincy as it appears today.  The center of finnish life in West Quincy.

In maintaining the ideals of temperance and morality in the community, the Society continued to satisfy cultural, social, and economic needs. Death benefits were paid for members, and also towards those of other societies of the Association. In 1900, 200 books had been collected and shipped to Mobile, Alabama for use by Finnish seamen in sailors' homes. A special Labor Day event in 1902, involving most of the Finns in Quincy, resulted in a gift of $54.00 to the City Hospital.

During the first 15 years, 600 persons had joined the Society. Many broke their pledges and renewed them from time to time. The largest accumulated sum an individual paid for repeated reinstatements was $11.40. Some tried hard, but failed and left; yet, there were those who succeeded. The latter are the ones who, in helping themselves, assured the continuation of the Society's purpose. Credit for leadership, in addition to those already mentioned, must include Anshelm Kantola, Peter Lehtola, Albert Hanninen, Anshelm Heikkila, John A. Hakala and Herman Hermanson.

After having circulated handwritten papers containing speeches, essays and poems, the Society published a printed 20-page journal for its 15th anniversary in 1905. The cover of this issue contained a picture ofthe Society's blue banner with gold lettering, and a picture of a flag having a white bar over a blue bar. This flag appears to be the one suggested by the Finnish patriot, Sakari Topelius, as a flag of Finland, but without the Grand Duke's coat of arms. It is as though the red bar was removed from the bottom of the Russian tricolor flag of the time. However, the blue and white has been significant to identify the Finns, and as a flag or banner, it was used during festive occasions of the Temperance Association.

With other temperance societies of the Associa.ion, publication of yearly almanacs, summer journals, and a newspaper Sade (Ray) was a reality. However, mismanagement of the newspaper, and other factors became so burdensome, that the Society sold its share of the enterprise and separated from the Association on December 16, 1908.

Prior to 1906 a Sunday School had been operated jointly with the Finnish Lutheran Church, with Herman Tuori and John Peramaki as its teachers. Then, with guidance and literature from a temperance organization in Finland, the Society established its own school, adopting the name Toivon Liitto (League of Hope) as used in the literature and song books from Finland. The name was borrowed from England, where a London children's school was established in 1847. Herman Tuori was the organizing superintendent and teacher for the Quincy area youngsters. Eight grades were established as in the public schools, so on Sundays the children were taught: to read and write Finnish, Bible history, Finnish classical literature, nature studies, folk songs and stories, and temperance living. Variety programs, appropriate to the seasons, provided experience in recitations, singing, instrumental music, and participation in games and drama. Gradually participation in adult programs was introduced. Teachers assisting Mr. Tuori included Matti Wainionpaa, John A. Hakala, Selma Lindberg, Fanny Tuomikoski, Hilda Hanninen, Victor and Lydia Rajala, Impi Hakkila and others. Students, who later became teachers, included Helen Heikkila, Esther Lindberg and Esther Leppala. As children passed through the eighth grade, they assisted in teaching the younger ones. The school lasted over 20 years and reached its peak enrollment of about 70 in 1920.

Uljas Koitto Sunday School - 1900

Faith Lutheran Church in West Quincy

Trinity Lutheran Church Dedication May 6, 1950 - West Quincy. Click here to see the full size image.

Trinity - 1960 West Quincy

Trinity Church as it appears today - converted to the Djerf Preschool.  This is the sister building to the Faith Lutheran Church 1/2 mile away

West Quincy Congregational Chuch - 1960

Finnish Congregational Church in West Quincy - 2004

Enlargement of the Hall was again begun in 1911, with the addition of a structure 84 feet by 40 feet, with four times the floor area of the original building. A committee led by Niilo Nelson included Konstant Tikkanen, Matti Wainionpaa, Herman Tuori, Axel Kujanpaa, Anshelm Kantola and Victor Jokinen. Matti Siitonen was engaged for the construction contract at a cost of $7,600.00. Members, with granite from Djerfs quarry, fabricated and installed steps to the building. This effort reduced the contract cost of the addition by only $115.00. It must have been a labor of love and zeal. The building was completed in April 1912, and opening ceremonies took place on April 27 and 28. The addition provided an auditorium for 500 people, with balcony and stage. Below the stage were provisions for two dressing rooms that were finished later. Chairs, stage properties, asbestos curtain, and installation of a heating system added another cost of $2,275.00. Intense acitivity was initiated, with renewed fervor, to raise money to pay off the new debts. Many new members joined in the activity.

The Eastern Finnish Temperance Association had disbanded soon after the Society left it. In 1911 a new association was organized as the Eastern Finnish Temperance League, with membership localized in New England, but including the Tahti (Star) Society of New York City. the League corrected the weaknesses of the previous Association. A board of directors, with representation from member societies. elected annually, planned and coordinated locations for summer festivals and arranged for temperance speakers to schedule appearances at each society. and at the combined summer festivals. They provided prizes that were awarded for the track and field events. Finances were raised by levying a charge on each organization according to its number of members. Additional money was derived from tag sales.

Each society sponsored independently organized bands, choruses, drama clubs, and athletic clubs, which worked in harmony with the League for the successes of the summer festival. These musical and athletic groups formed their own Eastern leagues. The J une 21, 1913 festival in Quincy had participation from Allston, West Barnstable, Fall River, Fitchburg, Gardner, Maynard, Worcester, Lanesville. Rockport, and Salem, Massachusetts; also from Lebanon, Troy, and Newport, New Hampshire. Members of the League's Board at that time included: Victor Jokinen, Konstant Tikkanen, Kaarlo Elo, Jacob Laurila, Heliadoras Heiniluoma, nmari G. Wiinikka, and William Auvinen.

Interesting statistics were recorded for the year 1913 concerning programs of Uljas Koitto as follows: 95 speeches, 92 poems, 103 songs, 26 essays, 11 stories, and 18 instrumental renditions with violin, mandolin, and piano. The a capella chorus Emo sang 24 times; the handwritten newsletter Koiton Kaiku (Society's Echo) appeared 26 times. The drama club presented plays on 20 occasions; and, the band played at more than a dozen functions. Three separate sales were held by the Sewing Circle. Proceeds from the various events were $1,807.82; and expenses, including debt reduction, were $1,783.93. Library fees on separate accounting brought in $80.49. Throughout the Society's history there has been a carefi~.lly detailed accounting of receipts and expenditures, with regular auditing. In 1894 the treasurer was requested to post a bond of $10.00 because a previous treasurer had absconded with $10.00 of the funds. No further bonds have been required even though treasurers have been entrusted with the responsibility of handling thousands of dollars. With an excellent system of checks and balances, and reliable personnel, the finances have been carried on with traditional honesty and discreetness.

For the first time, the Society volunteered and participated in Quincy's city-wide Fourth of July celebration parade in 1914. The Finnish contingent, under the direction of Hannes Hakkarainen, included the Quincy National Band, Hurja Athletic Club, Sunday School, as well as Society members and friends, many in Finnish folk costume. Herman Hermanson was dressed in costume representing George Washington. The youngest Sunday School marcher was 4-year old Eino H. Rajala. The Quincy Daily Ledger described the event as follows: "Fourth of July Celebration was a Rouser.'' First prize in the second division (civil participants) was a silver shield awarded to the Finns. Their contingent was described as including 150 marchers with a 50-piece band. (The silver shield is on display at the Society's camp in Pembroke - see below.)

Uljas Koitto's 25th anniversary was celebrated with a two day program on December 31, 1915 and New Year's Day. All the associated clubs and League members participated. Hilda Heikkila wrote the 25-year history as printed in a special 96-page anniversary journal. Others contributing to the journal included: Siiri Lahtinen, Alli Kukkonen, Herman Tuori, Victor Jokinen, Anshelm Heikkila, and Konstant Tikkanen. Friday evening's program included music by the band, poem by llmi Hakkarainen, songs by Lydia Warvikko, speech by Arvid Low, 2-act play, and felicitations by representatives of other organizations. The program ended with welcoming in the New Year. The next evening's program included music by the band, songs by Emo Chorus, special poem by Hilda Heikkila, annual summary by Lauri Fagerlund, songs and tableau by the Sunday School, and speeches by Herman Tuori and Arvid Low. Initiation of new members followed. From 1912 to 1920 membership peaked to over 200. More Finns arrived in Quincy and nearby towns. There was a drive to learn English and to become citizens. Naturalization classes were conducted in homes, and in the two Finnish halls. Parents took time to keep their children busy and happy by providing them with physical and cultural activities within their organized facilities.

Many weddings have taken place in Uljas Koitto's Hall. One that was of special note in 1918 involved a triple wedding: Lempi Ruohosto to Alfred Nihtila. Aino Seikkula to J ohn Kaukosalo, and Ellen Arnio to Urho Thomas Kantola. Subsequently tragedy struck one couple. Ellen died in 1921, leaving her husband Tom and a baby son, Leonard. Tom joined the Quincy Police Department for which he worked until he reached retirement age. The boy grew up to be a responsible citizen and an officer of the Quincy Savings Bank.

Interest in a young people's club developed after 1917. Large numbers of mostly single, both American-born and Finland-born, young people, joined. Formal organization of the Young People's Club (YPC) was established under the leadership of Alfred Erickson on October 30, 1921. This independent club was open for membership to all young people in the community. Similar clubs were organized in Maynard, Lanesville, Peabody, Worcester, and Gardner. They then formed an Eastern Finnish Young People's League at an April 23, 1922 meeting in Quincy. The clubs were very active and worked harmoniously with their sponsoring societies, contributing to the successes of the annual summer testivals of the Temperance League. The YPC had its own baseball team and orchestra. Many joined the Hurja Athletic Club, which competed with other athletic clubs. They took part in Quincy's Tercentenary parade in 1925. This activity lasted until 1928, when many had married and also had become members of the ''parent" Society. This new group that bolstered the Temperance Society included: Alfred and Annie Erickson, Waino and Cere Hermanson, Toivo and Lily Tuori, George A. and Ema Maria Helin, Lauri Fagerlund, Matilda Korpi, Emma Tikkanen, and Attorney Yrjo M. Matson. The year 1921 brought sorrow to the Society, when Herman Tuori, an active member since 1896, died in November of silicotuberculosis. He was a stone cutter and one of the organizers of Sampo Granite Company in 1900. His many activities in the Society have been mentioned earlier. He was survived by his wife, Marianna, and nine children, all active in the Temperance Society.

Sewing Circle of UKTS - 1920 approx

The City of Quincy celebrated its Tercentenary Anniversary in 1925. All the Finnish organizations participated in the preparation, as well as in the massive parade and pageant. Society members designed a float on Karl Fredrickson's truck depicting a scene from the Finnish epic Kalevala. in which members wore costumes appropriate to the scene. Public school children, who included many Finns, were dressed in red, white or blue costumes to form a huge living flag at Merrymount Park. Hurja A. C. won third prize in the parade. This eventful time was documented in a book entitled Three Hundred Years of Ouincy 1625-1925 by Daniel Munro Wilson and Timothy J. Collins.

During the twenties and earlier, a Reverend Solomon Ilmonen traveled extensively. gathering data on the history and culture of Finnish Americans in the U.S.A., Canada, and Alaska. He published several volumes in Finnish, which included information on people and organizations in Quincy, Boston, and surrounding towns, as well as the whole New England area. Uljas Koitto helped him with data, financial support, and in the sale of his books.

The year 1926 was highlighted by the purchase of a summer recreational camp in the Town of Pembroke, (see below) 30 miles south of Quincy. Thereafter, summer activities were concentrated in Pembroke, and winter programs at the Hall. However, financial returns showed that the nation's Depression was hurting.

UKTS Members - Summer 1928 at their new summer camp.

The departure of Vaino M. Warvikko and family from Quincy in 1926. to live in Finland, was a great loss. He was an outstanding musician who organized and directed the Quincy National Band, the Emo Chorus, and initially directed the Greater Boston Finnish Chorus, which won distinction in competition among various ethnic groups at Boston Symphony Hall.

It is worth noting that, as of the 40th anniversary in 1930, there were 121 members . Of these. honor members who had served actively 20 consecutive years, included: Konstant rlkkanen, Anshelm and Hilda Heikkila. Wilhelmina Kantola, Sylvester and Emma Lehtola, Victor and Hilma Jokinen, Waino and Emma Fagerlund, Kalle F. and Sigrid Hanhisalo, Waino Helin, Sofia Hakala, and Marianna Tuori.

In the fall of 1932, Uljas Koitto happily gave its blessing to a newly formed young people's club, which chose for its name Emanon (no name spelled in reverse). Its purpose was to bring together again young people of the community in order to cultivate a closer relationship with the Society. News of the club spread fast and large numbers came. Membership was not restricted to Finns, and the club was established as an independent although subordinate unit. After a while, some found the standards and ideals too high, or too demanding, and left. Membership peaked over a hundred and then stabilized under this figure, but the club's success depended upon the many that had grown under the protecting wings of "Mamma Ulriika" as the Society was affectionately called. This club for many years w orked with the Society, enriching its activities with many talents, and sponsoring fund-raising events to support the Hall. Similar clubs were formed in other cities and towns as before, when the YPC existed. A club Ilona was formed in New York City. Although no league was formed, the clubs scheduled visitations with variety programs that kept social interaction alive.

In 1937 Helen Heikkila represented Uljas Koitto at the Women's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) Worldwide Conference in Washington, D. C., June 2-8. Attendance included delegates from 52 countries. On June 27, Miriam Makinen, who represented Finland at the WCTU Conference, was a guest speaker at the Temperance League's summer festival in Quincy's Merrymount Park. Musical program included performances by the Quincy National Band, Maynard National Band, and the Florence Range Band of Gardner. The Quincy Band was under the direction of Edward Johnson, a baritone horn player. Waino Hermanson, a talented clarinetist, also conducted the Quincy Band at other times.

The Emanon Club raised $500.00, with which a beautiful new burgundy velvet draw curtain was purchased and installed for the stage of the Hall. On March 13, 1938, the day for its dedication, a fire badly damaged much of the attic, balcony and entry areas of the building. Although the curtain and stage were not affected, activities were curtailed for some months before repairs were completed.

In January 1938, residents of Quincy joined 450,000 other Finns in the United States in organizing a celebration commemorating the 300th anniversary of the settlement of the Delaware River Valley by Finns with the Swedes. Finland was a dukedom under Swedish rule during the time of the settlement. Uljas Koitto members on the local area committee which met at the Temperance Hall included Chairman Alfred Erickson, Secretary Yrjo M. Matson, Assistant Secretary Hilda Heikkila, Sofia Sjostrom, Katherine Lepp-ala, Waino Helin, Lilia Soderblom, and Victor Rajala. From other Finnish organizations there were: Vice Chairman Niilo Jokinen, Treasurer Emil Riihimaki, Financial Secretaries Andrew Soikkeli and Carl Rasanen, Publicity Chairman Toivo Nousio, William Maki, Sabina Bjork, Hilda Jameson, Kalle Koskinen, Axel Sword, William Luukkonen, William Ranta, Uno R Paakkonen, Toivo Pelto, Felix Danielson, Charles Ahola, Thomas Djerf, Edward Johnson, Walter Mehtala, Axel Nummi, Elias Saranpaa and Enne Wall.

Attorney Yrjo Matson sponsored legislation in which Massachusetts officially recognized the tercentenary celebration. A State Commission was established, composed of Swedish members of the legislature, and three citizens of Finnish extraction appointed by the Governor. The Commission participated in the celebration in Wilmington, Delaware; Philadelphia and Chester, Pennsylvania; and Salem, New Jersey. Alfred Erickson and Yrjo Matson of the Commission dedicated the Massachusetts seat of Finnish granite, donated by Finnish Americans, at Crozer Park, Chester, Pennsylvania, where the commemorating monument from Finland was erected. Many Finnish people from Quincy and other communities were present. The Vermont granite base of the Finnish monument was manufactured by National Granite and Polishing Company of Quincy, owned by Society member Waino Fagerlund. The granite steps to the monument, and two benches of Finnish granite, were also manufactured by Quincy companies owned by Finns. Supporting this effort were Premier Granite and Polishing Company, Sampo Granite Company, and Memorial Granite Company. A boulder placed at Salem, New Jersey, to mark Mullica Hill, burial place of the first Finn to die in this country, was processed in Quincy granite by Blue Hill Granite Company, owned by another member, August Hanninen.

Finland Steam Baths in West Quincy.

Another event of note, by Finnish granite men in 1938, involves a tablet of Golden Pink granite from a quarry in Niantic, Connecticut, designed and donated by John A. Paakkari, and manufactured in Quincy. It was shipped to Helsinki and installed in the wall of the Olympic Stadium. The tablet, with the inscription, "Mika on kutsu kansallasi, siina sullakin osasi -- Amerikan Suomalaiset", was insta!led and dedicated June 12, 1938. Freely translated the inscription reads, "Your country's call is shared by all Finnish Americans". Granite men of Quincy who participated in the donation were: Konstant Rikkanen, August Hanninen, Jacob Niemi, the Seppala brothers, Waino Fagerlund and Andrew K. Nisula. Willie Tuomisto of Chester, Massachusetts also took part. The Olympics scheduled for Finland in 1940 were postponed until 1952, because of the war.

Those who had immigrated to this side of the Atlantic still felt great affection for the land of their birth. They viewed with alarm the growing threat from the East to Finland. By late summer of 1939, coffee parties were being held by the Temperance Society, and "Save Finland's Border" buttons were being sold. The sum of $719.25 was sent to Finland. On December 8, Chairman Lauri Takki called upon all interested Finns, but not the communists, to attend a meeting to decide on further aid to Finland. Thus was formed the Aid Finland Committee of Greater Quincy. A tremendous surge of activity ensued. Tons of food and supplies were shipped to Finland. A memorial service for Finnish war dead was held April 14, 1940. By 1945 the movement was nationwide, so the Committee became the Quincy Chapter of Help Finland, Inc., which continued to function until October 1949. Since all the Finnish organizations in the area were entered into this project, larger fund raising programs were held at T. Y. Veli and Uljas Koitto Halls, and public school auditoriums. A Finnish flag, brought from Finland as a gift to the Society by Hilda Nurmi, was borrowed many times for fund raising events, to which non-Finns also contributed to help a brave little country in her fight against the large aggressive neighbor. In 1949 Finland's President Juho Kusti Paasikivi sent an appreciative "thank you" to all the Finnish Americans for the supplies, and over 2 million dollars of financial aid, that Finland received during her trying times. The various provinces of Finland sent commemorative picture albums to the United States in appreciation of the help received.

In 1940 Uljas Koitto was well represented in a League-arranged trip to Conneaut, Ohio, where a summer festival on June 23 was sponsored by a newly organized United Finnish Temperance Council of U.S.A. Alfred Erickson was elected president of the Council, and he held that post for ten years. Between the years 1936-1943, Erickson served six yearly terms as Society chairman. He was the first chairman born in Quincy, of Finnish parents. He represented the Society in the Quincy No-License Movement which, with other temperance and church groups, tried to secure State legislation to keep saloons closed on Sundays and holidays. He was also nominated by the Prohibition Party as candidate for lieutenant governor of Massachusetts. His translations and original articles on temperance were published in temperance journals.

One of the many summer festivals held in Quincy's Merrymount Park by the sea, was the one hosted for the Eastern Finnish Temperance League on July 20 and 21, 1940. Variety programs and athletic events were held on both afternoons. On Saturday evening, guests had a choice of attending a concert at Temperance Hall, or dancing at the National Guard Armory near the Park, to the music of the well-known Boston dance band of Andrew Jacobson (former Cape Ann Finn). Joint services with the Rev. Armas Holmio, DD, pastor of the Lutheran Church, and the Reverend William Hokkanen of the Congregational Church, were held on Sunday morning. Delegates from Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia were introduced. Guest speaker, Miss Kyllikki Pohjola, representing Finland, told of the horrors of war and its effect upon her country. A collection amounting to $139.39 for Finnish children, was given to Miss Pohjola to take to Finland. Frederick Leppala was provided with 400 feet of 16 mm. film to pictorially record the event for posterity.

Formerly Ted's Home Bakery in West Quincy owned by the Ahola family for many years - footsteps from Brewer's Corner.

Soon after the involvement in aid to Finland, the United States became embroiled in World War II. Many of the Emanon Club and Society members served in our armed forces. They included: Bert and Norma (Tuomala) Russell who were married after going into the service; Helmi, Toivo, Earl and Robert Heikkila; Katherine and Fred Leppala; Elmer and Eino Fagerlund; Fred and Olavi Hakala; Eero Helin; Arvo Jokinen; George Johnson; Alfred Karimaki; Fred Karstunen; Wilfred Kilpinen; Eero, Edwin and Sulo Kujanpaa; Paul Lehtonen; Sulo Nihtila; Edwin K. Nisula; John Ollila; Eino and John Rajala; Birger and Edward Sjostrom; Lauri and Martti Takki; and Robert Tuori. Nisula was killed in action in Normandy, France. During the Korean War (1950-1953), Arthur H. Ahola served with the Army in Korea. In 1951 G. William ("Bill") Tuori and David T. Hirvimaki went into training in the U. S. Navy. Seppo J. Pakkala served from 1966-1969 and saw action in Vietnam.

Historical photos from Trinity Lutheran Church

n order to support the morale of those in wartime service, a volunteer group was formed, known as the Finnish Unit of the American Red Cross, Quincy Chapter. This Unit functioned from 1942 and carried on into 1945 with Uno S. Wall as the leader. Gift packages, letters, Christmas cards, and various other aid were sent to service people world-wide. Mr. Wall preserved a record of 225 persons in service from Quincy and the surrounding region. It included lists of material sent, replies received, and local correspondence with parents and the Red Cross. In addition, he maintained a scrapbook with newspaper articles on the service people, and also on activities in general, in the regional area.

Wartime shortages and rationing of sugar, coffee, butter, meat, and gasoline hampered activities. However, the League's summer festival of 1943 was hosted by Uljas Koitto at its Camp in Pembroke, when other societies were reluctant to take the responsibility for fear of not being able to cope with the shortages. Members sacrificed valuable ration coupons to supplement those of the Society. The festival was a success considering wartime circumstances.

With the return of service people and release from wartime restrictions, activities at the Hall and Camp returned to normal. In 1949 the Society decided to accept interested non-Finnish members. Therefore, the constitution and bylaws were translated into English. Gradually the meetings became bilingual. In 1956 the titles of Chairman and Vice Chairman were changed to President and Vice President. In 1967 English became the language for the meetings and records .

In 1953 Onni Syrjaniemi, newspaper editor, poet, and temperance speaker for many years, brought greetings from Friends of Temperance in Finland, on the occasion of their 100th anniversary. This was the organization from which the early temperance societies had received their guidance and literature.

The Emanon Club was still in existence in 1954, but certain irritations built up because the majority of the members' goals and purposes were not in the best interest of the Society. Although the Hall was being used by the Club, there was practically no interaction between the two organizations, so the Club became disassociated from the Society.

The United Cooperative Society, which was originally organized in 1904 as a consumer cooperative by Finns of Quincy, operated a fair-sized grocery store, named Turva (Refuge), in the vicinity of Brewer's Corner (webmasters old "stomping grounds"). At one time it had a branch operation in Norwood. It joined other cooperatives in Maynard, Worcester, Fitchburg, and other places to form a New England Cooperative Wholesale supply in Cambridge, which in turn was associated with a national cooperative wholesale organization. The Temperance hall and Camp facilities were used by the Cooperative for many occasions. Its 50th anniversary celebration, with a banquet, was held at Temperance hall on November 6, 1954.

Some of the smaller temperance societies in the Eastern League could no longer host the summer festivals. By 1955 they were sponsored alternately by Worcester and Quincy, since they had the strength and facilities of summer camps. Worcester's camp (Sovittaja Park) was located in Rutland, and of course Quincy had the Pembroke Camp. The Prohibition Era, beginning with the 18th Amendment in 1919 and ending with its repeal by the 21st Amendment in 1933, had greatly helped temperance work and the organizations. However, after 1933 increasingly permissive attitudes of society caused many temperance organizations to fall by the wayside.

The common interest in Finland during the 40's was revived by the 1952 Olympiad in Finland. Benefits for the Olympic games, such as the Olympic Night at Boston Pops with 16-year old Charles Hedlund as guest pianist, were held by area Finns, including the Society. A Quincy area Marathon Committee was established to raise funds to assist athletes from Finland to participate in the annual Boston Marathon. Dances were held at the Finnish halls, after the races, for this purpose. Interest in tourism to Finland was developed, so the Eastern Finnish Temperance League started charter flights to Finland. Frans Vaino Toivonen of the Worcester Sovittaja Temperance Society arranged and managed the round trip flights for temperance society members. These flights at $247.00 per personallowed five weeks of visitation. Five annual flights took place between 1962 and 1967. After the last flight, Mr. Toivonen passed away on November 25, 1967. New members were gained with this program. Uljas Koitto gained four active and responsible members: Elsie and Victor Snell, Lempi and Arno Sodergren.

Pathway by the sauna - dusk

For a short time a new young people's club was established under the name of Live Wires by members' children and friends. Many soon became members of the Society and merged into the four working groups of the time.

On August 11, 1973 the Hall in West Quincy was burned so severely (the webmaster remembers this this day quite vividly, the hall was the place of many happy get-togethers) that the City ordered the remains to be knocked down and removed. This fire, the work of vandals, was a tremendous loss. However, certain trophies and many of the records, with smoke and fire damage, were happily recovered with the help of the firemen. The library with about 3,500 books was totally destroyed.

But we just recovered 16mm movie footage of the interior of the West Quincy Finn Hall to DVD.

Memorial stone for the hall in West Quincy.

Temperance Hall site as it looks today.

(click here to see the old photo of the Temperance Hall)

The Society applied for meeting nights at the Lincoln-Hancock Community School, which was being finished at the time. Regular meetings were scheduled for the first Monday of each month at the School. Board meetings were scheduled at members' homes. The Camp at Pembroke has been available for seasonal and annual meetings. Incidentally, the gymnasium and swimming pool of the School were dedicated to the memory of Dr. Charles Djerf, MD, who was a prominent pediatrician, musician, school committee member, and community leader. He was the youngest son of Amanda and Oscar Emil Djerf, Quincy's active early Finns. The many years that the Uljas Koitto has been in existence, in Quincy since 1890, and in Pembroke since 1926, show that its talents, programs, and charitable efforts have reached out in as many directions as the spokes of a bicycle wheel. A wealth of publications documented the work of all the temperance societies in the United States. Uljas Koitto published its own anniversary journals for the years 1905, 1915, 1930, 1940, and 1950. Members took active part in submitting articles, and subscribing to almanacs, journals, and newspapers. The annual Temperance Almanac was first issued in 1897 by the Brotherhood, and later published by the United Temperance Council through 1973. During the first decade (1900-1910), the Eastern Association published a paper Sade, some annual journals and almanacs. From 1913 through 1933, the Eastern League issued semi-annual (summer and Christmas) journals. During the years 1934 through 1944, the Eastern League, with the Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia League, sponsored the publication Valoa (Light), a summer issue. Then the United Finnish Temperance Council coordinated the work of the societies and the leagues by annually publishing Valoa through 1968.

Dr. Charles Djerf M.D.

Finnish language newspapers, primarily used and supported as the media for temperance programs, included Pohjan Tahti (North Star), published in Fitchburg, Massachusetts from 1903 to 1926; Amerikan Suomalainen (Finnish American), edited by Onni Syrjaniemi in Fitchburg from 1926 to 1929; and New York Uutiset (New York News), published in Brooklyn, New York. After 1940, Raivaaja (Pioneer), published in Fitchburg, has also been used for publication of important events.

Women of the Society supported the Hall through its Sewing Circle. They took part in the Women's Suffrage Movement which had parades in Boston. They joined in the work of the Women's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) in Quincy. Their Sister League, (SisarLiitto), also was represented in the Quincy Federation of Women's Clubs. They joined in the Quincy Finnish Godmothers' Circle which benefited Finnish war orphans, and the American Red Cross. Afghans were made for veterans in hospitals.

The Society took pride in participating in Red Cross events, Liberty Loan and War Bond drives, welcoming home soldiers from the wars, hospital support, Y.M.C.A. assistance, and financial support to the Countil for Alcohol Education. When a long-time beloved high school music teacher died, a contribution was made to the Maud Howes Memorial Fund. One hundred dollars was contributed to rebuild the steeple of historic United First Parish Church in Quincy Square, where Presidents John and John Quincy Adams lie in a crypt. When the drug problem began to surface in the city, Dr. Charles Djerf organized Survival Incorporated, and the Society gave it financial support. Dr. Djerf gave of himself to many community and humane efforts, but he died at an early age because of heart failure. In his memory, the Society donated to the Quincy lunior College Scholarship Fund.

In its anniversary publications, Uljas Koitto proudly featured the historic landmarks of Quincy, and included articles by prominent public officials and citizens. Mayor Thomas McGrath's congratulatory letter appeared in the 40th anniversary issue. Mayor Thomas S. Burgin's personal and City felicitations were included in the 60th anniversary issue. Mayor and Mrs. Amelio Della Chiesa were guests at the 75th anniversary and festive functions both at the Temperance Hall, and at the Pembroke Camp. He was one of the friendliest and most accessible mayors in Quincy's history. At the Society's 80th anniversary celebration Mayor James McIntyre brought greetings from the City, and a State Senate Resolution commending Uljas Koitto on its work. Helen H. Heikkila recited an 18-stanza poem of the Society's history, specially composed by her for the 80th anniversary. She is the daughter of an ardent temperance worker, Hilda M. Heikkila, who had summarized the Society's history as published in the 25th and 50th anniversary editions.

Later donations to worthy organizations have been significant. Used clothing from members and friends have been delivered by the Society to men in the Long Island Chronic Disease Hospital of Boston, and also to men in the Dedham County Jail. Annual visits to the Fair Havens Rest Home in Middleborough are made to provide material and money, with variety programs for the residents. Fair Havens was originally established for Finns in 1951 by Pastor Hugo Hillila and the Trinity Lutheran Church of Quincy, with other churches of New England and New York. In celebration of the Society's 85th anniversary a gift of $700.00 for a color television set was given to Fair Havens. At the same time $680.00 was used to purchase and deliver four recliners to the Quincy Hospital for use by patients in special nursing care. In July 1979, Chinese dishes and memorabilia from the furnishings of the Pembroke Camp were presented to the Muse um of the American China Trade in Milton, Massachusetts.

Active membership in 1975 numbered 73 of whom 36 had attained honor membership. Two honor members, Matilda Korpi and Maria Kamppila, were confined in nursing homes; and one, Toivo Heikkila, who fought in the Battle of the Bulge in Germany (World War II), was confined in a Veterans' Hospital. They have since passed away. In 1980 three honor members, Emma Fagerlund, Marie Fagerlund, and Helmi Johnson, all having been very active in years past, were in nursing homes. Marie Fagerlund died in 1981. Four special honorary citations have been made. The Reverend Viljo Heiman, pastor of the Finnish Lutheran Church in Quincy during 1929 to 1933, urged temperance in many of his sermons, and was a frequent temperance speaker at programs of the Society, and the League. Dr. Ensio K. F. Ronka, MD, physician, surgeon, and hospital director in Quincy, and overseas Army Hospital surgeon and director, was an ardent temperance man. He willingly gave much of his time to appear as guest speaker at Society functions. He died November 1, 1978. The Reverend Vaino M. Valkio of the Congregational Church of West Wareham was also recognized as an honorary member because of his literature and speeches in support of temperance. He served many parishes in Finland and New England, and has traveled in the United States and Canada. His experiences have been published in his autobiography Silta Yli Atlannin [Bridge over the Atlantic]. On December 13, 1981, at the Society's Christmas party, Esther Tankard, mother of longtime member Evelyn Tankard, was named the Society's fourth honorary member. Although she will celebrate her 95th birthday on May 16, 1982, she faithfully attends all Society functions, weather permitting.

Kitchen in the "Big Camp"

The years 1930 to 1981 indicate a large number of persons in administrative positions of Uljas Koitto. Those who held the office of president, and were born in Finland include: Leander Hill, Kalle F. Hanhisalo, GeorRe A. Helin, Vaino Helin, Victor Rajala, J ack Hytonen, Waino Fagerlund, Sulo Sanninen, Lauri Takki, Yrjo M. Matson, Uno S. Wall, Bertha Lampinen, and Sigrid Hanhisalo. U. S. born presidents have included: Alfred Erickson, Waino Hermanson, Toivo and Sulo Tuori, John W. Hermanson J r., Frederick A. Leppala, Walter O. Nisula, Arno Sodergren, Stephan Tanczos, And Charles M. Deans .

Treasurers have held their positions for long terms since only four have served during the last 50 years. They are Thomas Wegelius, Frederick A. Leppala, K. Waino Fagerlund, and Esther L Nisula. Leslie A. Deans started serving in 1980.

Volumes of records have been written by a large number of secretaries. Minutes of regular and board meetings have been written by: Lydia Rajala, Lyyli Jylkk'a, Olga Kyllonen, Emma rlkkanen, Annie M. Erickson, Fannie Hermanson, Sigrid Hanhisalo, Katri Peura, Hilda Nurmi, Esther Takki, Sadie Ham'al'ainen, Miriam Nelson-Park, Aune I. Leppala, and Evelyn Tankard. Corresponding secretaries for a long period have included Anshelm and Hilda Heikkil'a. Membership secretaries have included Alfred Nihtil'a, Victor Jokinen, Victor Snell, Arno Sodergren, Walter O. Nisula, and Christine Bottomley. Long term financial secretaries have been Lauri Fagerlund-and Katherine T. Leppala. News reporters have included Kalle F. Hanhisalo, Emma Fagerlund. Yrjo M. Matson, Uno S. Wall, Helen Heikkila, Toivo Tuori and others.

Custodians of the Hall until the unfortunate fire of 1973 have included: Victor and Mikko Leppala, Victor Rajala, Nestor Nurmi, William F. Fredrickson, Edward Hamalainen, William Johnson, Helmi Johnson, Sadie Hamalainen, Mary Maki, Lily Tuori, and many others assisting.

The Uljas Koitto Temperance Society has been likened to a tolerant and understanding "parent" giving her "children" much freedom and independence, provided her ideals of temperance and morality are respected.

As mentioned earlier, the year 1926 marked the purchase of a summer recreational property in the town of Pembroke. Early attempts were made to give the place a name other than the commonplace "Camp", but over the years it has remained simplyand affectionately "The Camp". The Camp has played such an important part in the life of Uljas Koitto, that it deserves its own history. Therefore, we shall now go back in time to the year 1926.

It was in the spring that Thomas Toiviainen, one of the early Finns to settle in Pembroke. notified the Society that a very choice property, bordering on Furnace Pond, was for sale by Miss Estelle P. Stuart Clark of Boston. Members Victor Jokinen, George Helin, Victor Leppala, and Lauri Fagerlund went to inspect the property with Tom, and Miss Clark's agent. Gordon G. Jones.

They were delighted to find a two-story hunting lodge built of wood. It had a large fireplace room with cathedral ceiling, dining room, kitchen, two baths, four bedrooms, three porches, and a well water supply; also an ice house, storage shed with boats, and a hut on the shore, with seven acres of land. The lodge was reached from Center Street by a narrow pathlike road through pine woods.

This find was met with great enthusiasm. A check for $10,000 was given to bind the sale. On August 17, 1926 the deed for the property was registered to the Society with a $3,500.~.0 Granite Trust Company bank mortgage. Attorney Yrjo M. Matson, a member, provided legal services in the transaction. Total cost of the property was close to $10,000.00. It was necessary to secure more than $6,000.00 in loans from members; not an easy task. By February of the next year $2,000.00 had been raised by selling camp lots to members. The Camp's treasury was kept separate from that of the Hall to facilitate making the Camp a self-supporting project.

By deed, there was a right of way (now known as Suomi Road) to Center Street, through the property of two Finnish families who owned nearly nine acres of land. A problem arose over the use of the private way. It was resolved when the neighbors sold their property, with two cottages they had erected, to the Society on October 2, 1929. One member, Matilda Korpi, came to the rescue in overcoming the added financial burden by providing a mortgage to cover the entire sale price of $1,700. The two cottages and related lots were sold to members, and a portion of the land was divided into camp lots and sold to other members.

Work of maintaining both the Camp in Pembroke and the Hall in Quincy was quite a burden. However, the membership was divided into four, then five, and later into six groups, assuring enough workers and talents for the necessary tasks. The mortgages and loans were all finally paid by 1941.

Members enjoyed working together and participating in programs and recreational activities. There was no time for loafing. There was confidence in the organization and a willingness to work, and to abide164 by majority decision - sometimes after heated discussions - at well-attended meetings. This is what brought about the successes still enjoyed after almost a century of time.

In the early days, the 30-mile trip from Quincy to Pembroke was traveled in Model Ts and other now antique automobiles. Autos were not reliable, and often at least one flat tire might be experienced each trip. At times the distance was covered by bicycle, a favorite with the young, or even by a competitive foot race.

Since electricity was not available at first, kerosene lamps provided light. Heating and cooking utilized wood and coal fires, and kerosene stoves. Food was preserved in iceboxes. "Armstrong-powered" pumps maintained an overhead tank of well water for indoor facilities. Two outside privies, one labeled ''Laidies" (the spelling was never corrected) and the other "Men", took care of large gatherings.

Ice was harvested from the pond each winter and hauled into the sawdust-lined icehouse by horse and manpower. Later, a rear wheel of Sylvester Lehtola's or John Hill's truck, rigged with a pulley, hauled the ice from the pond and pushed it along guide rails, with pikes or peaveys, into the icehouse. Covered with sawdust, the ice lasted through the summer for preserving food and cooling soda pop.

Electricity was finally available in May 1931. Members installed poles from Center Street to the Camp. Electrician Charles Hedlund and his men installed wiring and fixtures. An electric pump for water was installed in 1934. Later an LP gas stove replaced the kerosene stoves, but the wood and coal burning army range has been retained.

Initially, the hut on the shore of the pond was modified into a sauna. As with Finnish tradition, the sauna was placed in working order before the living quarters were settled. Half the heat generator was in the ladies' steam room; the other half, in the men's room. Dressing rooms were located at opposite ends of the building. Water from the pond was pumped by hand into a tank fitted with a coil in the firebox for hot water supply. The same pump filled another tank with cold water.

The first sauna custodians were Victor and Mikko Leppala, Nestor Nurmi and Alfred Erickson. Later John Hedlund, Sr. and others took over the duties as they learned the art. Victor Leppala was known as the hard working "Isanta", or custodian of the Camp as well as the sauna, for several years. Later his son Frederick, Victor Rajala, Uno Wall, and Bill Fredrickson performed the overall duties. Fred Leppala built fieldstone stairs, and a bench flanking a raised flower garden, in memory of his parents Victor and Aina. Their daughters, Aune and Katherine, have maintained the garden with flowers which beautify the approach to the sauna during the summer.

The sauna has been the center of attraction throughout the years. Sometimes the men indulged in a rather foolhardy sport. They competed to see who could withstand the greatest amount of heat. On one occasion in 1937, although all but two were driven out by the heat, John Hedlund, Sr. kept feeding the fire so that the boys would not run out of steam. Being stubborn Finns, Axel Kujanpaa and Gabriel Ulvila would not give in until, with ears and the skin on their backs blistering, they decided to call it a draw. But that is not the end of the tale! By morning, all that remained of the sauna were the ruins of the firebox surrounded by dying embers. Andrew Soikkeli in a humorous poem he composed for the Camp's 30th anniversary celebration, aptly described the night's holocaust: "It was so hot in Pembroke that night that the firemen merely watched the blaze from afar, wondering where to get water when Furnace Pond, too, burned to ashes." A new sauna was constructed so that the heat generator would withstand maximum heat; and fireproofing materials were used in construction of the steam rooms. Separate washrooms were added between the steam and dressing rooms. The sauna continued to operate on Wednesday and Saturday evenings for members and friends, to provide relaxation, companionship and recreation. Swimming in the pond and fun on the large raft were enjoyed by all.

 Front of the UKTS Sauna

Hurricanes wrought havoc with the pine trees and the power lines, cutting off electricity for weeks. Undaunted, members continued their activities using bucket brigades to carry water into the sauna, since electricity for the pump was not available. A gasoline-powered lawn mower engine was coupled to the water pump of the lodge. Candles and kerosene lamps were put to use. The huge pines felled by the storm were replaced, when a special tree planting bee was held to transplant pines from other areas.

The Camp has been, and is, a wonderful place for children. One twelve-year old, Nancy Nisula, during a two-year stay in Europe, started a composition for her school with the question, "Did you ever love one place so much that you knew, no matter where you went in the world, you'd come back there some day?" She was referring to her beloved Camp where she had spent much of her young life.

Four Knights who, with their families, were consistently supportive to the Society for many years, were John Hollander, John Saloma, Charles Pye, and Jared "Jerry" Wodall. They brought in Fred Peterson and Herbert Johnson to work with them. They were good organizers of workbees as well as fund raisers. John Saloma was sauna custodian after Bill Johnson died. Then James "Jim'' Bottomley (a favorite of the webmaster) followed in the footsteps of Saloma for several seasons.

When John Hollander died, his widow Grace donated the money, given her by relatives and friends, to the Society. This money was used, with additional Society funds, to erect a flagpole in 1976 on the bank of Herring Brook, in memory of John and others who have passed on. The location of the flagpole has other historical significance. Pembroke's first iron furnace had been built on the opposite bank of the brook in 1702.

Many students from colleges in Boston and South Shore areas were attracted to the Camp. Of varying ethnic background, they have become aficionados of the sauna. They too have joined in the woodchopping bees, probably partly attracted by the delicious hot meals and coffee with homemade pastries prepared by the ladies; and finally, by the hot sauna at the end of the workday to soothe and relax stiff and aching muscles. In recent years member Edwin Berg, veteran baker and Navy cook, has also been chief cook at the workbees (see photo below).

(The Society gets busy ... no wood - no heat!)

During the early years, firewood was cut with two-man saws, axes, wedges, and sledges. An engine-driven circular saw for cutting tree trunks into cordwood was provided by Sylvester Lehtola. Later, with the advent of the gas engine-powered chain saw, the work became easier. Cordwood was cut to length at the site of the tree and transported by truck to the campsite for splitting and stacking. At times Paul Lehtola donated the use of saw, truck, and wood lot from which trees were cleared. Steve Tanczos has often volunteered his services and equipment. Allen Taylor and his log splitter have eased the work considerably. With sufficiently large work crews and many wood lots in Pembroke and neighboring towns, a continuing source of cordwood has been available.


An important feature throughout the years has been the food, all served family style. Baked beans and casseroles have been the Saturday summer favorites; chowders and stews in early spring and fall. Sunday dinners have included escalloped beef, meat loaf, chicken, turkey, lamb, baked ham, and smorgasbords. Each groupplans, prepares, and serves its own choice of dinner. Usually dinners have been served to from 80 to 125 persons; on special occasions, the number has been as high as 300.

An athletic field was created by leveling an area large enough for an oval, with space for field and track events. The Hurja Athletic Club used it; which brings to mind Carl Linder, who won the Boston Marathon in 1919. William Wick placed second in that race, and Otto Laakso of Brooklyn placed third. Linder also took part with the U. S. Olympic team in Antwerp (1920) and in Paris (1924). Active Hurja members included the Hermanson brothers (John, Alfred, and Ivar), John Hedlund Sr., Bill Fredrickson, Oiva Sten, Jack Hytonen and many others. The field has also been used for antique auto shows, children's games, and as an auto parking lot.

During the summer of 1937, William Wick coached several boys in various Olympic type track and field events. Enthusiasm was aroused for more of the same in 1938. Due to Wick's illness Eero Helin, Colby College student majoring in physical education, took over the task. The first Junior Olympics, carefully patterned after the real games, were held in the summer of 1938. Eero was assisted by a staff of members who fed and cared for the young contestants, massaging them in the sauna after each day of practice for the coming event. Each boy represented a different country, winning points and places in the various events according to established rules.

These Junior Olympics delighted audiences for several summers until Eero Helin entered military service in 1944. About 26 boys, ages 8 to 17 years, took part. They were youngsters of members and their friends. Boys who took part in the 1939 games told, with sparkling eyes, how they had had their pictures taken with the distinguished Finnish envoy, Hjalmar J. Procope. He was representing Finland in Washington, D. C., and came to Quincy and Pembroke on his tour of Massachusetts to meet Finnish Americans and to observe their activities. Fred Leppala took 16mm movies vith film furnished by the Society, and recorded the events of these years, which have been shown many times since with great enjoyment. The showing in 1975 at the Society's 85th anniversary was most interesting. Eero Helin was present, as were many of the boys who, now grown men, brought their wives and children to see the delightful and often-times humorous scenes from the past.

Recreational activity has included a large variety of passive as well as active sports. These have included: parties at Halloween, Christmas, and anniversaries; dances, skating, foot races, pitching horse shoes, shuffle board, singing around the piano, cribbage, whist, and Scrabble. With benches built on a natural slope under pines, facing a large porch, audiences have enjoyed plays and variety programs by members and guests from as far away as Finland.

Ready for the 30 minute ride to the UKTS Camp

During the thirties through the sixties, three singing groups delighted audiences at summer festivals, Aid Finland programs, Kalevala and Finnish Independence Day celebrations, and their own concerts. The Suomi Singers, a male chorus, started under the leadership of William Pellinen in 1935. The chorus continued to perform under the direction of Martha Lind and later, Olga Gellatly. The Suomen Kaiku (Finland's Echo), a group of Emanon Club members and others from the Greater Boston area, performed as a mixed chorus of young people under the direction of Olga Gellatly. Rehearsals were often held at Boston's International Institute. Bertha Ruuttila Lampinen led the third group, Laulu Siskot (Singing Sisters). Their specialty included folk songs of Finland.

The Camp has been used by the Finnish 3-5-7 Masons; the United Cooperative Society of Quincy, Scout and church youth groups for overnight outings, and by Bible groups of the Finnish Lutheran and Congregational Churches until they provided their own facilities. Two member couples' weddings were held there in 1939 and 1941.

In 1971 Walter Nisula and John Hermanson designed and constructed a new swimming raft (8 feet by 10 feet) out of lumber, with styrofoam floatation material instead of the previous oil drums. The raft still serves ten years later. The shoreline of the swimming area has required periodic reconditioning with sand. New concrete steps into the water were constructed in the fall of 1980.

The sauna firebox was rebuilt in 1963 by the Knights of the Sauna under the supervision of shipfitter Bill Johnson and foreman John Hermanson with Bill Dunstan as welder. Assisting them were John Hollander, John Saloma and Sulo Tuori. In the spring of 1981, the heat generator had to be replaced. It was customized from a high pressure tank (3 feet in diameter by 6 feet). The work involved much burning by means of a gas torch to shape the metal, and electric arc welding to fasten parts into form. The heat generator included the firebox with heating coil for hot water, and a steel crib overhead loaded with field stones, which vaporize the steam when heated. Members involved in this work included Steve Tanczos, Charles Deans, Seppo Pakkala, Reino Maki and Walter Nisula. others included Pete Salenius, Allen Taylor, Paul Rudack, and Karl Dahl. Still others joined in cleaning, carpentry, and painting of the sauna building for the summer season.

(Photo - fire burning in the sauna firebox on a Saturday eve)