My Swedish - American Experience

That's my first weekend-off in Chicago and I am trying to get more "familiar" with the city. So, I started browsing on internet what places must be seen, like museums, parks, galleries etc. There are so many options, but I chose to visit and explore the "Andersonville" which is one of the swedish colonies since 19th century. Andersonville is located close to Michigan Lake, and it's very easy to go there by public transportation.
Anyhow, my destination was the Swedish - American Museum [5211 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60640-- www.swedishamerican museum.org/]. This museum is an honor to Swedish immigrants, who came to the U.S.A in the 19th century because of a growing population, the practice of subdividing farms among the sons of each family, severe droughts that caused lack of food, social and political discontent, the desire for religious freedom, and the wish to escape compulsory military service (these are the "push" factors of immigration). On the other side, the main "pull" was the availability of low cost, high quality farm land in the upper Midwest (the area from Illinois to Montana), and high paying jobs in mechanical industries and factories in Chicago, Minneapolis, Worcester and many smaller cities. The American environment also provided low taxes and no established state church or monarchy. Push factors inside Sweden included population growth and crop failures. Most migration was of the chain form, with early settlers giving reports and recommendations (and travel money) to relatives and friends in Sweden.

Swedish migration peaked 1870-1900. By 1890 the U.S. census reported a Swedish-American population of nearly 800,000. Most immigrants became classic pioneers, clearing and cultivating the prairies of the Great Plains, while others remained in the cities, particularly Chicago. Single young women usually went straight from agricultural work in the Swedish countryside to jobs as housemaids. Many established Swedish Americans visited the old country in the later 19th century, their narratives illustrating the difference in customs and manners. Some made the journey with the intention of spending their declining years in Sweden, but changed their minds when faced with what they thought an arrogant aristocracy, a coarse and degraded laboring class, and a lack of respect for women. ---> (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swedish_emigration_to_the_United_States)

The exhibition is divided in two sections: 1) The Swedish Emigration (2nd floor) & 2)  The Brunk Children's Museum of Immigration (3rd floor). When I got on the 3rd floor, I was amazed by the space management where there were small cottages and a large Viking's ship, made suitable for the dimensions of the children. So the kids could experience the swedish culture from within by playing! 


After my visit to the museum, I was walking on N. Clark St., when I found a restaurant, which is called "SVEA Restaurant". It's small inside, but it's so friendly and warm. I entered and I tasted a swedish plate. It was delicious!!! Yummieeee!!!!!


Many of you would wonder  "Why didn't you go in a greek community?" Well, since I have the chance staying in the U.S.A  for a year, it's a great opportunity to meet people. To looking for a greek community would be "vanity"! I wanted to learn something new!!! :)