City of Lindsborg
LINDSBORG - On Saturday, the City of Lindsborg, along with residents and distinguished guests, will celebrate the grand opening of the Alma Swensson Memorial Garden.
The ribbon cutting is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. and is expected to last approximately 25-30 minutes. The garden is located in Swensson Park.
Many residents and artists have been involved with this project from early on, and some will be on hand at the ceremony to give remarks or otherwise help usher in its opening.
●Alma Swensson Committee Chair Becky Anderson will give the introduction
●Local artist/sculptor Michaela Groeblacher with an artist statement
●Local designer Lindy Nelson with an artist statement
●Linda Lewis-poem dedication
●Mayor Chuck Shultz will do the honors with the ribbon cutting
The Memorial features a garden with landscape designed by local designer Lindy Nelson. A statue of Alma Swensson stands tall in the middle of the garden and is the vision and work of local sculptor, Michaela Groeblacher. Boulders and arbor frames also flank the garden as well.
Residents and visitors are invited to attend the ribbon cutting and help celebrate the legacy of Alma Swensson.
A brief history of Alma Swensson
Lindsborg is well-known as "Little Sweden" and that distinction starts with the legacy of Alma Swensson.
She arrived in Lindsborg in 1880 as the new bride of Rev. Carl Swensson, pastor of Bethany Lutheran Church, and immediately established herself as a pioneer and driving force in helping shape the community we know and love today. Below is a sample of her accomplishments and contributions to our state:
●Upon her arrival in Lindsborg, she worked with the mostly Swedish population, most of whom still did not speak English, and taught them the language through music.
●In 1892, more than 30 years before women had the right to vote, Alma hosted 50 women from across the country as part of the Augustana Woman’s Missionary Society. The organization empowered women to draft by-laws, board governance, organize events and learn to raise money. Part of her role was editor of the monthly magazine which reached 24,000 subscribers and told of the group’s efforts that lead to hospitals and schools being built in India, China, and Africa.
●After the passing of her husband, Alma stayed in Lindsborg and hosted college and community events, family gatherings, and distinguished visitors to Lindsborg.
City staff, residents, and volunteers have dedicated years of their hard work and effort to bring the Alma Swensson Memorial Garden to reality. There is not a better representation of community and fellowship that represents not only Lindsborg, but the spirit of all Kansans, than Alma Swensson.