Finland House 60 Years 2007

Florida’s desirable climate drew Finns to the area during the winter months as early as the 1930s. In 1945, the area Finns started to talk about purchasing property where they could hold outdoor celebrations and possibly build a hall. In 1947, they met to form a committee with the goal of locating a suitable building site. Several parcels were available around Lantana and Lake Worth, but after thoroughly discussing the possibilities, they decided to purchase two lots along Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. A nine-man building committee planned the design of the hall and had blueprints made. At their annual meeting on December 13, 1947, however, they decided to sell the lots after realizing the building would cost much more than they could afford. They forfeited the cost of the blueprints, but were able to sell the lots at their purchase price.

During the winter of 1947, the Finns pulled together to collect money to build a hall. They organized two huge outdoor festivals which brought in $700 for their building fund. Individuals who donated $5 each toward the fund even had their pictures taken. That same year a new committee was formed to locate a new building site. In 1948, a historic meeting was held in Lauri Hyyti’s basement in Lake Worth. At that meeting, Väinö Heinonen’s offer was unanimously approved. His offer was for three lots situated just north of the current hall on East Coast Avenue. The lots were priced at $100 each. After the meeting, Heinonen announced that he and his wife agreed to offer a similar-sized property at the corner of Central Boulevard and East Coast Avenue for the same price. This offer was met with great delight and the hall is today located at that site. Also, at this meeting, they collected $140 in donations. They elected a building committee as well as other committees, including one to create bylaws that could be modified to meet future needs.

There was now a rush to be able to conduct business under their own roof. Although their building fund had only $745, their enthusiasm was immense. Estimated cost for the planned hall was $6,000, but actual costs were far more. Responsibility for the building project was accepted by local, well-known building contract, Lauri Hyyti. In January 1948, huge earthmoving machines moved in to clear the lot. Huge pine trees were stacked for use as lumber for the hall, and other debris was removed. Both men and women diligently worked at the building site. Women sawed wood into shorter pieces to the amazement of American-born folks, who took pictures of the women at work. Women also helped the carpenters and masons. They carried lumber and cement blocks. They helped everywhere. Martta Nurmi laid bricks for the hall’s cook stove, which was used for many years after the building was complete. Hustle at the work place remained in their memories forever. The work was so rewarding that no one ever felt a bit tired. Their dream was for a hall where tourists and locals alike are always welcome and would feel at home in harmony and good mutual understanding. The Tourist Club’s guiding principles stated: “Know your own value but give value to others as well. It is more honorable to correct old mistakes and scars than to find new wounds.”

The construction work progressed well and the project was completed in three weeks at a final cost of $7,681.  Opening festivities drew a crowd of approximately 500. With that number of people, the members immediately realized the hall was too small and the kitchen was too small and impractical and they both would need repair. Thus, began the expansion project. The kitchen was remodeled and bathrooms were added. At the same time, loudspeakers were connected at a cost of $253. During the 1940s in the first three years of operation, the hall donated money to several charities such as the March of Dimes, Tuberculosis Society, the Lantana Civic Center and other charitable organizations. Charitable activities have continued ever since.

Members realized at the outset that the hall was too small and voted unanimously to plan for a larger hall. A committee was formed to bring new plans forward. They elected locally known building contractor, Hannes Vuori, as the committee chairman and construction manager. Part of the work would be completed by volunteers, and many did volunteer, including several in the building trades. Thus work was completed with 4,000 hours of volunteer work, which saved the club a huge sum of money.

At the same they began a vigorous fund-raising campaign. They held programs and published an advertising booklet in which individuals and businesses paid $1 each to have their names printed, bringing in $800. They also received many interest-free loans. There was never a shortage of money during the entire building process. The new large hall was opened with a two-day celebration on March 10-11, 1956. Attendance was tremendous, which brought in a healthy sum of money.

Finland House leaders would like to have a detailed account of the creative work done by these pioneers. The years have been so multifaceted and so much has occurred that the history could never be covered in a few lines of text. The following have served Tourist Club and Finland House as President: Albin Moisio, Lauri Hyyti, Emil Lehto, Väinö Heinonen, Frank Mackie, William Marttila, John Äijälä, Willehard Kärki, Onni Syrjänen, Eero Matilainen, Martti Saarnio, Kelle Nikula, Kari Konnos, Mauri Laurila and Tapio Salin, who is the current President. We should mention that in 1992, members voted to officially change the organization’s name from Tourist Club to Suomi Talo/Finland House. There was also discussion about conducting business in English, but they concluded that it was important to continue using the Finnish language.

Before the large hall was completed, theatrical performances were held in the small hall’s stage. Later, the stage held the library. The new large hall with its large stage was perfect for lively theatrical and other entertainment activities. Guests from Finland were great in number. Many said the best times were the rehearsals where more than 40 actors were present. It was no wonder that they sold more than 800 tickets on opening night of the largest production. Many violins, accordions, and other musical instruments were played on Finland House’s stage. During the 1960s, a popular mixed choir performed for many years. The Floridan Laulumiehet (Male Singers of Florida) were also organized during the 1960s and continue their activities at Finland House today. Many visiting artists, choirs, orchestras, dance groups from Finland, Canada and the United States have performed here.

During the past few years Finland House has held some new and exciting events in conjunction with Finlandia Week. Some activities include Finnish movies, art exhibits, theater performances, Taste of Finland, and a gala dinner/dance, all coordinated with Finlandia Week activities.

The affiliate groups within Finland House provide a variety of cultural and entertaining activities, including the ever-popular Saturday night dances. Everyone looks forward to the monthly rummage sale and Finnish pancake breakfast on the first Saturday of the month. Also popular are language lessons, which are available for those who wish to learn English or Finnish.

Connections with Finland’s government are strong as evidenced by the Embassy of Finland’s continued desire to conduct Finnish elections at Finland House. Finnish citizens in the area have for many years come to Finland House to vote in the elections.

To help with funding the upkeep of Finland House, we have opened the doors to local families and organizations who rent the halls and kitchen for special events. Thus, Finland House can survive without the concern of its affiliate groups. As the years have passed, the Finnish organization’s funds have not been sufficient to support Finland House operations. A key goal is now to create new activities which will inspire future generations to become a part of Finland House.

More Finland House history can be found at the library on the second floor. Everyone is warmly welcome to visit Finland House to become acquainted with the building and the many activities held there. The annual meeting is held every January where Board members are elected. Monthly meetings are advertised through local media.

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Information translated into English from the Finland House Suomi Talo, The American Finnish Tourist Club, Inc. Turistiklubi 45 vuotta 1947 - 1992, Arvo Katajisto, and Anita Tarvainen. English translation by Arlene Tervakoski