Archives West Finding Aid

Swedish American journalist of Stuart Island, Washington.

Svante Lofgren born in 1882, died in 1950. Lofgren grew up in the small town of Ingatorp, Smaland, Sweden, the son of a businessman. At age sixteen he went to sea, working on ships, especially in the South Pacific. Intending to return to Sweden, he instead was brought by his ship to South Bend Washington. From there he went to Seattle, where he settled and worked for various businesses. After World War I, he and a partner operated a paint contracting business. He retired in 1942 and devoted himself more fully to the writing he had done as a hobby throughout his life. His first novel was published in 1921 and his second in 1923. Besides full length books, he wrote numerous short stories and articles for Swedish newspapers in the U.S. and in Sweden and for historical society publications. In 1942 he moved to the farm he had purchased on Stuart Island in the San Juan Islands, continued his writing and extensive correspondence, and welcomed many visitors. He died in 1950 and is buried on Stuart Island.