The Swedes’ Life and Work in the State of Washington photograph album, circa 1920

By 1910, nearly 150,000 Scandinavians had immigrated to the Pacific Northwest, making them the largest foreign-born ethic group in the state. Swedes labored on farms, lumber mills, railroads, mines and the waterfront. They frequently worked on construction projects, contributing manual labor and engineering skills. Many successful Swedish-owned businesses were established in Seattle between 1890 and 1930.

The pioneer Swedes clustered together socially and formed a large number of secular, religious and charitable organizations including clubs, lodges, orders and churches. The Swedish Club was founded by recent arrivals in 1892 at the Stockholm Hotel, located at First Avenue and Bell Street. The hotel was owned and operated by Andrew Chilberg, President of the Scandinavian-American Bank and Puget Sound Savings and Loan. Early members and founders of the Swedish Club included Nels B. Nelson of Frederick & Nelson, and John Nordstrom, who together with Carl Wallin started what is now Nordstrom Department Store. The first Swedish Club building was located in downtown Seattle at Eighth Avenue and Olive Street.

Swedish Hospital was organized in 1908 to address the Swedish Club’s concerns for healthcare. It began operation in a leased building on Belmont Avenue and moved to a new building on Summit and Columbia in 1912. Club member Dr. Nils A. Johanson was the driving force behind the hospital.

The church was an important factor in the lives of Scandinavian immigrants, and the major denominations were Lutheran, Baptist and Methodist. The 30-year pastorate of Reverend Emil Friborg was instrumental in founding Adelphia College in 1905. Seattle charitable organizations of Swedish origin include the Millionaire Club and the Lutheran Compass Mission. The Scandinavian Department at the University of Washington was established in 1910, when an addition to the State Constitution required a Swedish language program be included in the University program.

Seattle Swedish social organizations include various Vasa Lodges, the Skandia Folkdance Society and the Swedish Cultural Society, founded in 1921. In 1961, a modern Swedish Club building was completed overlooking Lake Union and downtown Seattle. The Swedish Club continues their mission to promote better understanding between the United States and Scandinavian countries.