Many people drive by the dirt track off Pleasantdale Road in Rutland, but only a few notice the simple sign that reads “Finn Park.” While it is now under two-plus feet of snow, come June, Finn Park Road will lead to a summer full of toe-tapping music, a night of stand-up comedy, and cultural presentations as the Finnish Heritage Society Sovittaja, (FHSS) celebrates its 100th anniversary.

Gail Hakala Cole, president of FHSS, lives in Illinois now, but as a young girl she spent her summers on the shores of Demond Pond with her parents, grandparents, and other families of Finnish descent. 

 Cole, who grew up in Hubbardston on a chicken farm, recalled, “As soon as school let out, our mother would pack us up and off we’d go to Rutland for the summer.” She remembers with great fondness the dances, social events, music, campfires, swimming, boating - and friendships.

Planners for the 100th anniversary meet monthly at the Rutland Library where Cole joins the group by phone. Louise Lehtola Clarke chairs the centennial committee. Clark and Cole are joined by FHSS board members and centennial organizers Joe Arguijo, Irene Hagman Blanchard, Jean Brunter, Lois Chinigo, Ann Gwyther, Ann Hassett, Nicole Hassett, Samantha Hassett, Peter Heaney, Barry Heiniluoma, Katy Heiniluoma, Sandra Hume, Susan Johnson, Mark Lammi, Paul Mattson, Lyra Swann Pelletier, and Jennifer Swan.

To help preserve the park’s history, organizers are looking for early photographs, especially of FHSS members at the park, the community hall, outside coffee house, dances, barbecues, concerts, or construction of the cabins. They hope people in the photos can be identified if possible. Photographs can be scanned and emailed to Cole or mailed to her home address (information below). If requested, originals will be returned after they have been made into prints. Photographs and memorabilia will be displayed at events this year and next and then prints will be placed into albums and saved for future FHSS generations. 

While events are still being finalized, a dance will kick off the celebrations in early June followed by an appearance later in the month by Miska Kajanus, a Finnish-American actor and comedian based in Los Angeles.

There will be another dance in early July (and perhaps a surprise announcement about Rutland’s Fourth of July Parade), followed by Finn Park’s annual chicken barbecue on July 26. Known for their love of coffee, “Coffee with the Finns” is planned for some time in August. Birch trees, a favorite of Finnish people, will be the subject of a painting class in early September. “There are still so many birch trees on the property,” explained Cole, “and they will be an inspiration for the class.” Organizers are confirming other events and dates at the committee’s monthly meetings.

Members of the centennial organizing team will join other exhibitors at Glenwood Elementary School’s Cultural Night on March 24. See the article, “This is Who We Are” in this month’s WFP.

If you have any items that might contribute to the celebration or if you have any questions, Cole can be reached by phone at 217-825-963 or email at  [email protected]. Photographs can be mailed to her home at 19332 N. 17th Ave., Witt, IL 62094.