FITCHBURG — A Finnish immigrant who worked as a shoemaker, preached socialism and temperance, and promoted Florida real estate has traveled tens of thousands of miles across the United States, visiting hundreds of Finnish communities. His unusual story will be the subject of a presentation at the Fitchburg Historical Society next month.
Karl Hakkarainen will present “Chasing Martin Hendrickson” at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, at the Fitchburg Historical Society, 781 Main St. The program will explore Hendrickson’s life and his connection to Fitchburg’s Finnish-American community, as well as a 20th-century phenomenon known as “Karelian Fever.”
Hendrickson, who became known as an “Apostle of Socialism,” traveled extensively to spread his views on temperance and socialism while also promoting Florida real estate. Hakkarainen’s research follows Hendrickson’s trail and sheds light on a fascinating chapter in Finnish-American history.
Fitchburg became an important center of Finnish-American culture in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as immigrants from Finland settled in the city and helped shape its neighborhoods and civic life. Hakkarainen’s presentation will explore this heritage alongside the city’s socialist history.
Founded in 1892, the Fitchburg Historical Society has long collected and interpreted the stories of the city’s immigrant communities. Its history includes notable Finnish Americans such as politician Oskari Tokoi, playwright Miriam Lehto and Olympic athlete Arthur S. Longsjo Jr.
Hakkarainen, a graduate of Amherst College, lives in Phillipston. Since retiring from the computer industry, he has taught at the Worcester Institute for Senior Education at Assumption University.
“For many Finnish families who came to the United States early in the 20th century, when Finnish politics were chaotic and unpredictable, they wanted only to look forward and not talk about their past,” said Susan Navarre, executive director of the Fitchburg Historical Society. “That pattern is true for many immigrant and new American families. Karl’s talk is a wonderful chance to see how unpredictable the American experience can be; for those who attend, this talk can put their own family’s experiences into perspective.”
The Fitchburg Historical Society is fully accessible to people with disabilities, and ample street parking is available.
For more information, visit fitchburghistoricalsociety.com, email [email protected] or call 978-345-1157.
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