Roots E-Book

P. K. Kauppi

• Herausgeber: Books on Demand
• Kategorie: Geisteswissenschaft
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024

Seitenzahl: 417

Beschreibung

When the work of presenting the history of rare Nakkula Heritage Farm was started one trusted for a strong national and regional interest for it as the project focused on a blank spot of a rare and undervalued Historic Peasant Culture in Scandinavia coming from Finnish Lapland. Nakkula farm was from the prehistoric time originating heritage farm and homestead still on high riverbank of Kemijoki River in Finland once the most productive 560 km long Salmon River in Europe and in Scandinavia, which is of cultural and historical importance. All ended with construction of twenty power dams starting from river's mouth to Gulf of Bothnia.

Leseprobe

DEDICATION

This Book is dedicated to the Nacku (Nakkula) family from the very first settlement far back in the history in the lands of Suntiokumpu to the riverbank Sigtuna Island of 560 km long Kemijoki River in Northern Finland around 1000 -1100 century and earlier to the last full life time occupation to mid of 1970 by Maria Madilta Kauppi (Nakkula). Kemijoki River was once the most productive Salmon River in Europe. The writer extends his gratitude to the past family members who contributed to the development of the state, and for centuries under difficult conditions kept alive the possibility to develop this kind of long Unbroken Highly Unique History story (Peasant History) from the Lapland part of Finland. Rightly so, a part of this book has been written in the 1600 - century Smokehouse of Nakkula in Liedakkala, Keminmaa, Finland and a part in Canada where the writer permanently lives.

The fruit of recording about this remarkable place and its Heritage History of the Kemijoki River Valley grew up and ripened from the Maria Madilta's hard work and life-long example in the Nakkula Heritage Farm

www.kansalliskirjasto.finna.fi

'

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

The Author grew up in Nakkula's home site along the shore of River Kemijoki. He completed the primary school in the village of Liedakkala, and proceeded to complete a Mechanical Trade School in the city of Kemi. Thereafter, he continued his studies by receiving Diploma in the Mechanical Engineering in Finland and Pulp and Paper Engineering Degree in Sweden. He further continued to receive his MSc in Engineering and Ph.D. Degree in the Management Engineering in the United States.

Author's educational background and professional career is truly international. He has worked in Finland for major pulp and paper machinery companies and the pulp and paper mills. In Canada he worked for well-known machinery and technology companies and several international consulting engineering firms as a Design Engineer and the Chief Project Engineer. He has been the development leader of complete new pulp and paper mill projects in China, Argentina and Thailand. He has been involved in major projects in Nigeria, Turkey, India, Malaysia and other Asian countries. He has published numerous articles in leading international pulp and paper industry magazines and served as an editorial adviser for the Paper Trade Journal Magazine, Chicago, United States.

He has also developed several patents and written a book in the International Development Management - A Broad Sector View in the Global Economy. A new book titled Foreign Production Project Planning in The Real World - Changed Project Development World has been published.

CONTENTS

Photographs and Diagrams

Introduction

Forgotten Sigtuna Island of the Kemijoki River, Lapland

PART 1

INTRODUCTION NAKKULA – SUMMARY

PART 2

SIGNIFICANT CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL ELEMENTS

PART 3

BUILDING CULTURE OF KEMIJOKI RIVER BASIN

3.1 Background

3.2 Course of Development

3.3 Building Culture, Smokehouse Period and Decay

PART 4

ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE OF SIGTUNA ISLAND

4.1 Background

4.2 Lääkkö Farm

4.3 Kontiola Farms

4.4 Nakkula Farm

4.5 Flänkkilä Farm

4.6 Hoikkala Farm

4.7 Cooperation Between Farms

4.8 Why Preserve Smokehouse and History of Kemijoki River Basin?

PART 5

NAKKULA FARMSTEAD AND STRUCTURES

PART 6

TIME OF RIVER BANK DAMS

PART 7

SALMON, KORVA DAM AND DAM RAMP

PART 8

KEMIJOKI RIVER DAMS, LOG BOOMS AND BOOM WIRE HOLDER

PART 9

NARROW CHANNEL OF KEMIJOKI RIVER

PART 10

SWAMP IRON ORE FURNACE

10.1 Background

10.2 Discovery

10.3 Location and Conditions

10.4 Structure and Operation

10.5 Surprises and Findings

10.6 Material Samples

PART 11

16-CENTURY SMOKEHOUSE OF NAKKULA

11.1 Background

11.2 Originally Built

11.3 Attic

11.4 Summary of Subsequent Alterations

11.5 Factors to Note - How Smokehouse and History was Saved - What Now?

PART 12

LITTLE STORIES AND LIFE IN NAKKULA

PART 13

GERMAN WAR ERA

PART 14

CLOSING WORDS

APPENDICES

A.

Map and Nakkula Ownership

A.1

Year 1767 Map and Swamp Iron Ore Source

A.2

Masters of Nakkula from 1500 Century to Year 2024

B.

Additional Material for Iron Ore Furnace

B.1

Structure Diagram

B.2

Furnace Feed

B.3

Masonry Pit Wall Construction

B.4

Slag from Pre-Crushed Iron Cake

B.5

Furnace Bottom and Bottom Wall Slag

B.6

Furnace Corner Structure

B.7

Blowhole Forming Wood for Clay Structure Furnace

B.8

Furnace Air Blow Leather Tube

B.9

Furnace Chimney Bricks

B.10

Logs of Furnace Protection Wall Construction

B.11

Swamp Hoe

B.12

Swamp Axe

B.13

Blacksmith's Made Tool

C.

Masters and Hostesses

C.1

Last Master and Hostess

C.2

Last Hostess Maria Madilta Kauppi (Nakkula)

C.3

Old Hostess Amanda Nakkula

C.4

Old Master Pekka Nakkula

C.5

Master Jalmari Kauppi

C.6

Author

D.

About Salmon Dams

D.1

General Plan of Korva Dam

D.2

Net casting - Poaching Masters - One Boat Group

D.3

Korva Dam Salmon in Boat

D.4

Lower Pen Section of Korva Dam

D.5

River Bank Dam Masters and Chaplain

E.

Nakkula Smokehouse Living and Family History

E.1

General Stages of Smokehouse Development in Nakkula

E.2

Old Nakkula Smokehouse on Bank of Kemijoki River

E.3

High Kemijoki River Bank Below Old Smokehouse (two pictures)

E.4

Front – River Site and South Walls of Smokehouse

E.5

Fixtures, Material and Tool Examples (1,2,3,4 & 5)

E.6

Individual Wall Markings (signatures)

E.7

Engravings

E.8

Wallpaper and Edging Tape Examples

E.9

Typical Funeral Invitations

E.10

Municipal Poverty Board - and Welfare Board

E.11

Farm Proprietary Situations, Meaning and Impacts

F.

Historical Background Of Sigtuna Island

G.

Historical Peasant Culture at Focus

General

;

G.1

Unprecedented - Understanding, Relevance and Promotion

G.2

Increasing Understanding and Meaning

H.

Background of Nakkula Estate and Development

General

Summary

H.1

Lands of Nakkula Homestead - Year 1825

H.2

Location Facts of Nakkula Estate Development

J.

Life of Farms and Religiousness

I.

Smokehouses Structural Factor Impacts

K.

Presentation and Challenges of Preserving Peasant Culture

L.

Historical Aerial Photograph - Nakkula Yard

M.

Salmon Fisheries on Kemijoki River

N.

What Really Happened to the Understanding in Scandinavia with its Unique Peasant Culture Specifically in Finland and the Region in Question

O.

Food For Culturally and Historically Minded

P.

Importance and Meaning of Historic Peasant Culture

PHOTOGRAPHS AND DIAGRAMS

PART & PHOTO No.

PART 1

1 Historic Sigtuna Island Center

2 Nakkula - Lääkkö - Flänkkilä Farms – Upper Section of Korva Dam

PART 2

3 Year 1767 Liedakkala -Map of Land Surveyor's Office, Farm Plots

PART 3

4 Nakkula Yard

5 Part of the Barn Building

6 Vertical Outer Lining the Grain Sheds

7 Barn, Side Shed and Old Swamp Iron Ore Furnace Pit Building

PART 5

8 Nakkula Yard View from Rovaniemi Road

9 Yard Buildings and Decay

10 Court Yard

11 Barn Building Decay

12 Behind Smokehouse

13 Behind Smokehouse and Grain Shed (2),

14 View From Nakkula Yard to Rovaniemi Road

15 Happy Time at Grain Shed

16 Crop Barn Building

PART 6

17 River Bank Dam and Dam Ramp Location Signs

18 River Bank Dam Location

19 Salmon Trap on Kemijoki River

20 Salmon Trap for Deeper River Location

21 Typical River Dam

PART 7

22 Korva Dam Location Determination

23 Korva Dam Location Marker at Nakkula

24 Korva Dam Site Plan

25 Korva Dam Damage Control Watch at Nakkula Hut

26 Big Salmon

27 Dam Net Fishing Boat

28 Dam Material Supply Boat

29 Salmon Catch Weighing at Korva Dam

PART 8

30 Nakkula's Master and Hostess at River Boom Holder

31 Boom Holder at River Bank 2019

32 From Nakkula River Bank Across Kemijoki River

33 River Booms Below Boom Holder at River Bank

PART 9

34 Narrow Channel Clay Bottom

35-S2 Narrow Channel (Lääkkö Stream), Viewed from Nakkula Side, 2019

35-S2 Narrow Channel (Lääkkö Stream), Viewed from Lääkkö Side, 2019

35-S2 Narrow Channel Area Below Swamp Iron Ore Furnace Location, year 2019

PART 10

36 Swamp Ore Furnace Diagram

37 Swamp Ore Furnace Building

38 Swamp Ore Pit Furnace Excavation at Advanced Stage

39 Excavation from Feed Side of Furnace

40 Round Heart of Furnace at Chimney Location

41 Location of Furnace at Corner of Pit Wall

42 Furnace Round Heart Below Pit Wall Level

43 Interrupted Final Melting in Section of Furnace

44 Pretreated Piece of Round Iron Cake

45 Furnace Slag Outlet and Oven Bottom Slag Pieces

46 Excavation Material

47 Glass Slag

PART 11

48 Nakkula Smokehouse House in Winter, Exterior Refurbished

49 Porch Stairs to the Attic, and through Hallway to Chambers (2),

50 View from Hallway to Smokehouse Room Through Entrance Door

51 Through Smokehouse Room Door to Hallway and Hall

52 Locations of Smokehouse Room Roosts on South Wall

53 Smokehouse Room River and South Side Walls

54 Smokehouse Room Smoke Holes in River Side Wall

55 Last Heating Oven in Chamber Behind Smokehouse Room Wall

56 Foundation of Last Heating Oven in Chamber Behind Hall Wall

57 Heating Oven in Hall and Chimney to Attic

58 The North and River Side Wall of Hall

59 The North and Yard Wall of Hall

60 Yard Side Wall of the Hall

61 Corner of Yard Side and Porch Wall of Hall

62 Hallway and Hall Wall in Attic

63 Continuation of Previous Picture

64 Chimney of Hall Oven in Attic

65 Smokehouse Room Side Wall in Attic

66 Through Hall Attic Door to Attic of Hallway and Chambers

67 View from the Attic of Smokehouse Room

PART 12

68 Author and His Friend Taru

PART 13

69 German Captain's Two-Sided Oaks and Mill Game

70 Liedakkala Historic School Building

71 Evacuee’s Cottage in Village of Viitakoski

More pictures can be found in the Appendices

INTRODUCTION

A Story of Facts, Findings and Observations

When the work of presenting history of the Nakkula heritage farm was started one could have hoped national and regional interest as the focus was empty space / blank spot of Salmon based Peasant Culture in Scandinavian Lapland. This rare Scandinavian story has a lot to tell of peasantry contents. Nakkula was a prehistoric time heritage farm with homestead on the bank of Kemijoki River in Historic Sigtuna, (Liedakkala) Finland the most productive 560 km long Salmon River in Europe, which is of cultural and historical importance. That changed with twenty river power dams starting from the river's mouth to the Gulf of Bothnia.

The Peasant Culture History as a whole presented in the book benefited from the fact that the author, a permanent resident abroad had grown up in Nakkula and understood early the lack of regional interest on its cultural history and the under-emphasized heritage history of Kemijoki River basin supported by state intervention. As a result of the research efforts undertaken, author’s time constraints, subject and its complexity difficulties and four Finnish book editions the story finally emerged. This translated story also finalized a status review of the group factors that influence true understanding of historical peasant culture by authorities, which impact the public awareness and interest. Based on the project work crucial three-level issues have come forth of which a summary is below and details in Appendices N, O & P.

1. Why has the National Board of Antiquities as the State Authority, the Regional Museum in Tornio Valley next to Sweden for the National Board of Antiquities, and other communities related to cultural preservation, stayed away, paid no attention to or expressed opinions in this Scandinavian history-level work on Historic Peasant Culture introduced by a private owner?

2. Why the Municipality of Keminmaa as regional authority is indifferent to the Historic Peasant Culture that has been brought to light, representing a valuable Salmon based farmstead history of Kemijoki River that once was significant well-known Salmon source in the region and in Europe? Isohaara power dam at the rivers mouth to the Gulf of Bothnia destroyed this all.

3. Why have the officials of the local municipality museum and cultural society representatives knowledgeable about the local history been silent despite invitation to visit, paid no attention to rare village heritage history and farm culture life, formed and shaped up by Kemijoki River Salmon? It must have taken ignorance and bias when driving by this well noticeable place.

Since finalizing the presentation, limiting effect of the above factors on the possibilities to preserve rare museum-level history left on the site by private owner has been realized. The presentation takes it being imperative to establish and confirmimpact of those critical group issues and other in various story contexts in detail for readers and history to recognize.

TIMELESS HISTORY OF ONCE EUROPEAN MOST PRODUCTIVE SALMON DAM RIVER

&

UNIQUE HISTORIC PEASANTRY CULTURE ALONG ITS BANKS

Nakkula (originally Nacku) was a rare prehistoric heritage farm in Finland, where the historic peasant culture of the farmstead as a whole was revealed to be unusually extensive, while the homestead was still owned by the original family. The heritage farm had enjoyed for centuries favorable site and area characteristics. In today’s heritage history view atmosphere, for a writer living abroad, the work of presenting history had its own challenges and difficulties. As this had been understood from the outset, the situation was not all consuming but needed to be clarified as the project progressed. The plan evolved while waiting patiently for the results of years of work closely related to Nakkula’s history and long pending activities to be confirmed without a question. Over the centuries the family on this site had developed a sense of understanding of its roots in the case and situation. This final edition concludes the work and presents the story as a whole. The family felt a moral responsibility for the historic Sigtuna regions’ peasant culture to clarify parts of its past for the future generations. The fact is that with positive influences also came negative, less positive, ones (say “Good and Bad”). Such a way thinking has been found to be alien in the region but in its own way confirms the overall significance and rarity of the place, and the centuries-old economic foundations for Nakkula, WITH A THOUSAND YEARS OF IMPACT in this challenging but significant location along Kemijoki River.

Finnish language editions noted how the original primary purpose for publishing the book was simple and clear: to present and preserve a rare Historical Peasant Culture at its best. Presentation and preservation of this level cultural history story with facts including national and regional level influences could not simply be ignored. Interested reader needs patience, open mind and time to understand the extent of the historic peasant culture with numerous contributing factor situations and the truths. Many may not see the project as a whole and its way of bringing up and presenting the facts worthy of attention! Details are given in Appendix N. The story proves to focus on undoubtedly one of most rare but ignored heritage history subjects in Scandinavia. This gives to the Author mixed feelings.

So, it cannot be taken as a surprise if in addition to developing and preserving the heritage history the work challenges, observations and findings began to become increasingly important to understand and the story evolved beyond the original plan with much more time-consuming additions and several editions of the original book. As the situation evolved, the region's attitude towards this unique project was found to be crystal clear. The book can only leave the stigma of Lower Kemijoki River region's attitude towards its cultural heritage. No moral support was self-evident from the work and the local character unmasked.

It is acknowledged that due to the author's background, writing of the original editions differed from the current Finnish literary language and the readers could easily find shortcomings. This cannot alter the historical information and facts. Those interested are suggested to keep the historic contents of the story as focus points regardless which edition they read. The story focuses on the heritage of lower Kemijoki River region, the farm culture and life far back on the smokehouse culture times with Salmon proving the foundation for the development.

The central photograph of this book's front cover is from Professor Kustaa Vilkuna's Salmon book (Lohikirja), showing the Upper Korva Dam section in Kemijoki River. Korva Dam was the biggest Salmon River Pen Dam in Europe. The upper section location was on the border of Nakkula and Lääkkö farms in Kemijoki River. In this picture farms of Nakkula, Lääkkö and Flänkkilä can be seen on the river's bank. Nakkula's 16s the century smokehouse is shown on the top picture as today, the author sitting on the roof next to the chimney. The bottom picture shows diagram of a surprising semi-industry scale swamp iron ore furnace pit layout. The structure emerged from the hillside above Kemijoki River narrow channel used for swamp ore transport to the furnace. The site was the second for the farm after Suntiokumpu lands and the only such surviving structure in Lapland, and most likely in whole Scandinavia.

Appendix M looks at the stages of the historic salmon fishing and revised Appendix N at the state of Historic Peasant Culture in Finland, understanding and general attitudes – a surprising introduction. Appendices O and P present for those interested in cultural history, author’s reflections and observations that developed as the project was finalized and in preparations of change of the site ownership to outside original Nakkula family.

Nakkula (Nacku) heritage farm on historic Sigtuna Island location as the background the story highlights the forgotten Peasant Culture of Liedakkala (Sigtuna) Village. The book is based on Dr. Kauppi’s knowledge of his ancestral home where he grew up (lives now in Canada), information about this locality and the material preserved in Nakkula. The site represents of a typical farmstead from the early 1000s to 1100s in the central part of the historic Sigtuna Island. The island consisted of a piece of land separated from the mainland by a narrow channel between Kemijoki River and Rovaniemi Road, including the homesteads of six old farms. Nakkula homestead between Kemijoki and Rovaniemi Road is the only survived place where the original family-owned smokehouse from the 16s still stands - the only one such structure in Finland. As mentioned, the site also surprisingly revealed an underground semi-industry scale furnace structure where swamp iron ore was processed into marketable iron. The short water transport of the ore and the export of the iron to the market via Kemijoki River to the Gulf of Bothnia represented a very advantageous transport situation. The clay needed for the furnace construction and repair was available at the site. The setting is the only surviving semi-factory-scale structure used in Finland for the production of the peasant iron. Earlier in the history, rudimentary iron making on the lands of Nakkula was carried out in the bottomlands swamps of the Suntiokumpu hill area, see Appendix H. This was the situation before the activity was gradually transferred to the homestead due to the raise of land over the centuries. The National Board of Antiquities stated that the site is a cultural heritage site of historical value - but no information about local peasant iron production has been left for the National Board of Antiquities! No specific interest to it either, Part 10 and Appendix O.

The site also has a location identification marker for Europe's largest Salmon River Pen Dam and Kemijoki River log float boom wire holder. Both are the only ones that survived in the area. Nakkula was the first farm in Liedakkala to north where the German war arson stopped.

Sigtuna Island, the historical particularity of the area emerges, which disappeared as the land raise progressed, becoming an invisible and generally unknown regional phenomenon today. The story is a rare extremely laborious work of historic peasant culture of a farmstead and today’s "impact factors" towards it, which the book widely reviews and reinforces. Similar ensembles, are few, if any in Scandinavia. Conception of "Timeless Culture of the Kemijoki River Basin" emerges from this long and highly complex history saving story.

Already mentioned in the earlier Finnish editions were the history of land ownership on Nakkula and neighboring farms, importance of regional features and the centuries-old manufacture of peasant iron on Nakkula farmlands. It was reclaimed how the farm could remain in the ownership of the same family from the earliest days of settlement in the area, leading to its development as one of the rarest example of a historic peasant farm and this 2024 presentation in Finland. Also, included is a look at the presentation and development difficulties of peasant culture, importance of religion and structural elements of the farmyard in the Smokehouse Culture Period. The setting and presentation from the original editions has not changed. Additions and factual clarifications were made in various parts of the book, and the main changes are presented in Part 14 and the Appendices. Appendix H is perhaps the most significant for the formation and integrity of the story. The importance of the historic peasant culture and its general understanding is explored at length in Appendix N. The most recent additions are Appendices O and P.

It is hoped that the story presented will increase enthusiasm among those interested in heritage history and encourage other areas and Scandinavian countries to research and preserve significant cultural history stories as appropriate. This would be worth its weight in gold for any location or country when it comes to talking about and developing tourism and the society attitude in general. In many respects, the changes brought about by nature and general development of life are beyond the regional controls. The cultural and historical relevance, control and monitoring of regional regulations, the activities of regional communities, the changes made by residents and the general attitude all influence the way in which the image and appreciation of a region is viewed by outsiders. A conscientious final regional decision-maker (the municipality) should leave proposals that depress the landscape culture only on a piece of paper - the importance for the village community. Example in this specific case from east side of Kemijoki River viewed from Nakkula is historically noticeable.

The story indicates how the presented Kemijoki River peasant culture entity is undeniable and leads to a unique blank spot historic peasant story from otherwise well-known region next to Sweden but appeared as not wanted to acknowledge place and subject in Finland - remained in the family since the early days of regional settlements. A bit hard to argue with that and that's how it will go down in the history! The story also tells how the situation after the introduction of this forgotten culture case was expected to be challenging and is so repeatedly noted in the story. Regional understanding, interest, implementation, exploitation and moral responsibility require first and foremost the local roots type of thinking and ability for anything related to the local history being successful. To summarize, it mainly requires a suitable regional identity. On the basis of this story existence of that could not be found.

Due to the author's situation, circumstances of the area, extent of the heritage history of Nakkula farm and presenting and shaping of this story was at times quite difficult and uncertain to complete under the influence of Covid-19. An additional burden was the various forms of obstacles already manifested in the ownership of the home site as the work continued and the general oversimplification of the site's remarkable history. In some cases they represented arbitrary measures bringing additional hardship and cost to the non-resident site owner. In addition, varying degrees of general national-level cultural history attitudes and subject introduction difficulties were identified which also needed to be firmed up. So, the work took many years.Some of the observations surprised and tested the author's understanding as someone who grew up on the frontier but already with foreigner's mindset. It was depressing, but not unexpected; indeed to learn how the moral support for the local history was none existent. A permanent expatriate with no countrywide input offers and no interest expressed carried out the work of this important regional history? When one looks at a rare history and shape of the story for future generations, the question in the original editions work was already raised: WHAT, AND IN WHAT FORMAT TO USE HIGLIGHT NUMEROUS RARE FEATURES AND RELATED LOCAL PECULIARITIES, AND WHAT TO LEAVE OUT? When preservation of the cultural history of an old family, a place and a region is in the focus, the story base became broad and the story long that was not avoided exposing the situation. An important history story must be presented with findings, observations and pinions as repeatedly and prominently pressed in related contexts and in the Appendices. When looking for the entire journey of story in this place and the region, it was also necessary to take into account the influences and actions that felt more like “go away tactics". In this way, the history of the forgotten past and the countrywide ignorance towards it at the present time will record the complete written history. It was a grinding task but story is very clear.

The story is long with many details, highly complex and at times hard to read, and expected to provoke some. It requires time and patience to comprehend. It is again reinforced that there was no alternative how the cultural history of this unique farmstead under the rural and overwhelming countrywide influences could be written and recorded from many peasant history anglesfor the story totality! The challenge factors that followed were widely examined indifferent contexts, the same attitudes were repeatedly realized and are vividly introduced. The story with author's shortcoming in the Finnish editions gave the envious ones an opportunity for criticism, if it pleases someone. That writing style and the rarity of the subject had impact to this translation as well. This has no meaning to the author. The undeniable heritage history left by ancestors, the region and the book written about the whole by the author is in the first hand a regional story.Criticizing the complex historic peasant culture can be quite a chore in this case! For those outside Finland with interest the story is concluded with summary, reflections and statements in Appendices N, O and P. The story provides an informative example of society development in Lapland and a definitive link to Forest Lapp and Sami cultures of Sweden, Finland, and Norway and in Denmark.

THIS IS A STORY THAT AS A WHOLE MUST BE LEFT TO HISTORY OF SCANDINAVIA

On the basis of the work and a status review carried out the region's original Nakkula family can only recommend Authorities to carry out appropriate Heritage History Status Review Check-up, and for the region and the village level a more society positive attitude towards its remarkable Historic Peasantry Culture directly linked to the timeless Salmon Based History of the Kemijoki River in Lapland.

The opportunity as an expatriate who grew up in the location to tell this story was unexpected. It was a highly satisfying and personally in lighting experience from all the accounts faced with.

P.K. Kauppi

ROOTS

HISTORIC PEASANT CULTURE IN FOCUS

Lapland, Scandinavia

FORGOTTEN SIGTUNA ISLAND OF KEMIJOKI RIVER, LAPLAND

PART 1

INDRODUCTION NAKKULA - SUMMARY

The book presents a condensed part of the cultural heritage of the lost nationally significant area of Sigtuna (Liedakkala) Island of Finland’s Lapland. The story deals with the development, decline and decay of the Smokehouse living culture and provides an opportunity to explore the basis for a rare manufacture of iron from a previously unknown source of iron rich Swamp iron ore in the area. The history of Kemijoki River Basin was rich and the presentation of Nakkula story is justified in the interests of regional history, history education and national cultural heritage, providing an opportunity for the regional representation. The case will further promote awareness of Lower Kemijoki River Basin, provide a rare peasant cultural history as a tourist attraction and contribute to tourism development - provided that an understanding of the importance of the case is developed and maintained. This would a rightful place for some degree Peasant Culture Museum in forgotten historic Sigtuna Island’s center. The book provides the basis for village stories such as Korva Dam days, farmers cooperation, riverbank dams, Salmon net fishing, swamp iron source, German war period and other past events, Appendix F. Historic Sigtuna (Liedakkala) Island as seen from the center of the Island in Part 2 brings out a potential for county wide peasant history importance and its presentation as a unique regional example, Appendix G. Ideally, this would benefit from village acceptance, cooperation and a suitable leader.

The peasant culture at Nakkula site was surprisingly extensive, difficult to explain simply and to present with its links to the prehistoric times in Lapland. Understanding the elements and impact to the whole requires serious concentration and patience on the part of the reader. The story includes a large number of photographs and diagrams with explanations, necessary to understand the cultural and historical significance of the site and the interaction of its components, and to clarify a rare piece of regional historical information. The photographs, old and new, all speak in every respect the language of life on their time.

The appendices contain more photographs, drawings and diagrams to complement the content. The historical scope of the story, the many historical elements of the place and the region, the influence of the characters and the essence of the area are recounted in several parts and in relevant contexts. For the story as a whole, interest, observations, conclusions and opinions became an important part of this story. Illuminating the region's level of interest and support for its remarkable heritage history and will remain for future generations of history writers to wonder about it and study.

The cultural and historical significance of Nakkula is not the result of any single factor, but of many factors that play a significant role in the development, which came together to form a rare regional entity and a monument to the settlement of Kemijoki River on this site of its time. Clarifying the significance - WHAT, WHY, HOW - in the author's situation of presenting a challenging and historically important project in a region - where the appreciation of heritage history is notoriously low demanded attention from the very beginning of the work. Contributing factors were: a) knowledge of the place of origin and the region, b) an understanding of the attitudes towards regional history and the overlooking of its importance, c) own extensive international project development experience, d) years of work, e) interest. The basic factor was the long history of Nakkula family on the site.

The rare peasant culture of Sigtuna (Liedakkala), which is of national and regional importance, has been lost due to the destruction of the salmon stock in Kemijoki River, changes in the economic situation and regional structure, the damming of Kemijoki River, the changed settlement pattern, and the underestimation of the importance of the cultural heritage. During the German war, some of the main farmhouses in Liedakkala were burnt down or later demolished without regard for the cultural heritage in favor of new construction. Through the background picture presented in the book an important piece of the cultural history of the area becomes clearer. The situation in Nakkula presents a valuable background of national and regional cultural history, opening an unexpected door to the existence of historic farmhouses and the challenges of life for people today to understand and learn to appreciate. The original settlement in the area is very old and Salmon was a basic element of life in Kemijoki River Basin.

Nakkula farm's home plot on the banks of Kemijoki River is linked to the prehistoric time settlements and particularly the old smokehouse still sitting on the riverbank, swamp ore iron production and the land ownership. The family roots at the site go back to the early days of area settlement starting from the high Suntiokumpu land area, Appendix H (H.1 & H.2). Figure 1 of Historic Sigtuna Island’s center is from Prof. Vilkuna's Lohi book (Salmon book) was a Spark Plug for this book.

Figure 1. Historic Sigtuna Island Center from Prof. Vilkuna's Lohikirja (Salmon book). The courtyards of Nakkula and Lääkkö farms until the mid-19th century were as described, representing to a large extent the situation in the historical center of Liedakkala. Of the farm buildings, only the 16th century smokehouse in Nakkula on the riverside has survived. The annual salmon festivals and days at Korva Dam were held on the Nakkula and Lääkkö riverbanks. There were indicative subterranean finds from the location, Appendix M. The narrow channel was formed due floods and later became to be so called Lääkkö Stream or Ditch and when the land rises in the area. Figure 3. Lääkkö Salmon cellar is one of the structures in Fig. 1, Section 4.2.

Prof. Vilkuna: “The center of the village of Liedakkala (Sigtuna) formed an elongated island with high bank on Kemijoki River side and a narrow channel running along its western side from the 1100s. This island of Liedakkala was already inhabitable in prehistoric times. The steepness of the embankment on the riverside shows that even a large ship could reach the shore”. There was a direct connection to the Gulf of Bothnia.

The upper section of Europe's largest river salmon pen dam (Korva Dam) was located at Nakkula and Lääkkö farms northern border in Kemijoki River, Figure 2. The site was central to the construction, maintenance and monitoring of the dam. At this same location on Kemijoki River was an earlier Nakkula riverbank Salmon dam.

Figure 2. Nakkula - Lääkkö – Flänkkilä farms and the Upper section of Korva Dam according to Prof. Vilkuna's 1922 Salmon Book shoving Historic Sigtuna Village Center. Boats of the two fishing net groups gathered on Korva Salmon Dam ready to cast nets in the dam area. Nakkula's old smokehouse, the newest part of the much older smokehouse setting are visible on the left, barns and the grain sheds on the right◄ just above Korva's upper dam section as shown in the picture. There was activity below the riverbank. On the shore there was a loading dock off the side of Korva Ramp to River and roof covered “Klaavu” structure, Figure 25, where men of Kemijoki River log floating company were stationed watching for loose logs. Two boats were always at the shore ready for the dam protection.

As a surprise, a rare Swamp ore iron advanced smelting furnace structure with a complete batch of furnace material was discovered at the site confirming centuries old iron making on the Nakkula farmlands and the sale of iron by transportation in Kemijoki River.

The National Board of Antiquities:

"The site is an excellent example of the history of iron making in northern Finland and the site reflects the industrialization of the area"

Figure 2 illuminates high Kemijoki River embankment and the location of the famous Korva Dam upper section on Kemijoki River on the border of Nakkula and Lääkkö farms. The site was the highest point of the former island. The deep southern shore of Nakkula homestead was suitable for the boat landing and transport of agricultural products, tar, charcoal, skins, Salmon, wild rice and iron down the river, as the area was closer to the Gulf of Bothnia Sea.

Centuries of land rise made it more difficult for larger vessels to go up Kemijoki River due to the reef at Lääkkö location, to the north of upper Korva Dam section. The western bank of the river remained suitable for small boat traffic for a long time.

The story dates back to the smokehouse culture days of Sigtuna Island farms, which may be welcomed by positive-minded people as a cultural-historical "awakening", an increased understanding of the importance of cultural history and an important promotional tool for the area's features. The valuable cultural history of the present village of Liedakkala is 'obscure history' to most people, not 'noticed and not wanted to be exploited', and iron production has now been added to the mix! Nakkula family was the original family of the place - the farm developed and remained a rare heritage farm, the home plot still in 2024 in the family's possession. A hereditary farm is a place that remained continuously in the ownership of the same original family. Most farms in the Island got deserted and sold but did not fundamentally change until early 1900s.

In addition to the Old Church (St Michael) in Keminmaa, Nakkula, about three kilometers to the north, represents a site of cultural and historical importance in the region, on its original site, providing a rich cultural heritage background - 'Something for everyone about the history of the peasant culture of Lower Kemijoki River Basin. For the region, the combined effect of the local knowledge and presentation of Nakkula's history by expatriate family member, by all accounts, introduced a little-desired surprise package.

The case of Nakkula contributes to the definition of the concept of peasant culture as a form of history and its period, Part 14. It was an unusually broad and well-adapted peasant culture of Lower Kemijoki River country farms' life in the smokehouse era, iron manufacturing, salmon fishing on Kemijoki River, and with time breaking away from former ways of life under the constraints and many changing factors.

The peasant-smokehouse settlement at the turn of the 1500s and 1600s was the norm for Lower Kemijoki River farms but was still evolving. At the same time it was in its infancy in Upper Kemijoki River area where, due to many factors, it developed surprisingly quickly, Part 3.

The book brings to light a little noticed historical fact that the main farms needed two smokehouses in their yards. This and other historically significant regional and farm-specific factors and differences in smokehouse settlement are discussed in Parts 3, 4 and Appendix I. Why is the preservation and understanding of the cultural heritage of the typical Nakkula farmstead in the region beneficial to society and who would have a moral responsibility to take a positive approach? Research, presentation and promotion of cultural heritage are a fundamental element of strong regional marketing. The past generations of Nakkula family left to the author with an opportunity that could not be overlooked in his respect for the importance of the past. From the family, the story is an obligatory addition to the peasant cultural history of the region. The official will to promote the region is non-existent and selfishness seems to flourish. A history of pride would still be a good way, if accepted?

It is believed that later generations of region-decision-makers will come to appreciate the story of the book once attitudes become more positive and understanding takes more of a front seat position. For the benefit of the residents, let's hope that local communities and key individuals will adopt the more positive and healthy attitude towards regional history that was noted during the presentation work. The story of Nakkula is "Lower Kemijoki Heritage History in the backyard of the locals". It leaves the door open for continuity for benefit of the region, Appendices F & G.

Dr. Seppo Matala from Liedakkala deserves attention and thanks for noting the cultural and historical significance of the project at the beginning of the work, for the references and some supporting material. As the work progressed, Dr. Matala was an understanding light in the village. Paavo Ylinen's help in preparing the start of the work was significant for the author. Ari Kauppi’s help with old photographs of Nakkula and Kari Kauppi’s photographs of the house were also helpful. Pentti Viheriälä's (Nakkula's southwest neighbor) material on the Korva Dam, Part 7, is of great historical significance. This was a valuable help from a very old friendly neighbor. This came from a desire to help (not hinder) without a moment's doubt, a noteworthy reference for new and old locals. Pentti realized Nakkulas’ history importance

Part 2 of the book highlights the main factors of the location and why Nakkula has now 'popped up' as a cultural and historically significant heritage farm example and rarity on Kemijoki River where Salmon was the king of the region's smokehouse era farm economy. It can be said that Salmon was the basic condition for the development and life of the farms along Kemijoki River. Economic stability for Nakkula over the centuries typically came from Salmon, an important and regenerating addition being the production of farmhouse iron. First it was in the disposable pit and shaft furnaces at Suntiokumpu hill area swamp iron ore area and later in the semi-industrial blast furnace located in the yard circle, Part 10.

Nakkula homestead was a rare place for the manufacture of peasant iron. This distinguished Nakkula from other farms in the area. The proximity of the Swamp iron ore and its water transportation, situation of the narrow channel, suitability of the site, availability of clay and Kemijoki River iron transport were the key factors for the operation.

The production of iron at Suntiokumpu slopes from iron rich Swamp ore, and later as the land rise became dominant but slow on the homestead answered questions about the historically preoccupying economic factors of a relatively small farm. Swamp ore boat and road transport to the furnace and iron transport by boat to the Baltic Sea was a great advantage. The Nakkula case is a nationally rare iron making historical trump card in northern Finland. The reader interested in heritage history will find the thoughts shifting to the time of the smokehouse culture and the challenges of life at that time that most people don't know or care about - but is instructive - and makes one think a bit as one delves deeper into the topic (Appendix P).

Reference has already been made to the challenges of introducing Nakkula's peasant culture by the author in his situation. As the work progresses, the challenges and the findings of the expanded whole demanded increased attention. There were identifiable stages in the progress and four Finnish language editions of the book which all took time and was a difficulty for the author living abroad: Furthermore, various constrains and the locations facts made it necessary to publish several editions of the book with evolving contents and confirmed information.

Stage 1. What to Do and How to Proceed

It involved ongoing work and consideration of options for preserving Nakkula homestead and the history of the farm. With the help of the Ely Center, the restoration of the smokehouse began and was the key to expanding the work. The attitude to project development was examined from different levels: National Board of Antiquities and responsible local entities - the historical community - the professional community - the river salmon community – foundations - associations - universities - the municipality - etc. This work took plenty of time. A general lack of interest was noted but the work continued.

Stage 2. Moving Forward And Making Decisive Decision

Included a written record of the work, findings, opinions, conclusions and a review of the publication possibilities of the story for historical preservation. This became a focal point when preserving part of the material history for future generations was already found to be very difficult.

Stage 3.Moral Obligation For Regional Heritage Had To Be Fulfilled

In June 2019, a preliminary proposal was submitted to the Municipality of Keminmaa for a Cultural History Museum on site in the context of some regional cooperation. The decision of the Municipal Board of Education # 281/27.11.2019 was that discussions would continue. By 2023 the connection to the municipality had already been broken, but the work continued.

Stage 4. Significant Book Decision 2019-2020

Authors own Finnish language writing difficulties were overlooked if important historic peasant culture of the region was to be prevailed.

Stage 5. Book Publication

Book publications in Finnish: 2021, 2022, 2023 & 2024. Prof. Vilkunan's Salmon book had a fundamental impact for the decision to record in the book form about Kemijoki River Salmon based Historic Peasant Culture and including Korva Pen Dam.

Stage 6.Book Translation 2024.

The publication of the “Roots” titled book with added material to the 2024 edition of the book in Finnish. The Root book was mainly considered being important for readers outside Finland to expose the true meaning of Peasant Culture in Scandinavia.

What material history of the site will be preserved after a new owner takes over remains to be seen. Appendix O.

PART 2

SIGNIFICANT CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL ELEMENTS

Nakkula farm home plot is located in the center of the lost Sigtuna Island on a high riverbank of Lower Kemijoki River, where large ships have been able to pick up local produce over the centuries. Kemijoki River was one of the most productive Salmon Rivers in Europe:

On the border between Nakkula and neighboring Lääkkö was the Upper section of the largest and most productive Korva Salmon Pen Dam in Europe, Figure 2. The Dam main lower section was just south of neighboring Upper-Kontiola, dam closed in 1932.

The Nakkula site is the only surviving heritage farmstead in the area with a 16th century smokehouse where the rarity of the location and the special character of the area are highlighted by the historic narrow channel that separated the area as an island of Kemijoki River. The channel was a key economic factor enabling the construction of a second-order Swamp iron ore furnace on its edge and convenient transport of ore by water from the source to the operation. Later, as the land raise progressed, the narrow channel got the name "Lääkkö Stream" or ditch the presence of which is particularly noticeable in spring on Nakkula homestead along Rovaniemi Road. Above the channel, on the slope of Nakkula, there is an underground mound with the aforementioned Swamp iron furnace structure. Understanding the background of the author's homestead played a crucial role in the discovery of this rare find and the importance of its preservation: a) excavation and its preservation, b) recording of related factors, c) collection of sample material and photographs, d) a shelter on top.

The location of Sigtuna (Liedakkala) Island and the site of Nakkula farm's home plot in the center of the island are also well illustrated by Professor Vilkunan's Salmon book's page 48 and the accompanying description, see Figure 1. The island consisted of a high bank on the shore of Kemijoki River separated from the mainland by a narrow channel breakwater and measuring approximately 650 - 700 m in length from the north to south. On the eastern side of the channel, at the site of Nakkula, there is a 3 - 3.5 m slope, which had been found hundreds of years ago to be very suitable for swamp iron ore furnace structure when water transport to the location, Figure 3, was possible. Due to centuries of land rise, the area of the narrow channel gradually contracted and was replaced by the deep Lääkkö Stream, as already mentioned above. Short iron ore transport distance and flexibility of transportation was the key factor for the location. Over time the transport conditions to the site changed and these will be discussed later.

The land area between Kemijoki River and the narrow channel on the island was home to six farms and their farmsteads, with Flänkkilä at the northern end and Ojala at the southern end, Figure 3 and Appendix A.1. Figure 3