Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
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Title
Date(s)
- 1984-08-23 (Creation)
Extent
2 file folders
1 sound cassette
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
The interview was conducted with Frank Buorklund on August 23, 1984 in Spokane, Washington. This interview contains information on personal history, school, Swedish heritage, emigration, settling in, occupations, language, and return trips to Sweden. The interview was conducted in English and some Swedish towards the end of the interview.
Folder Contents
Box 12, File 12 Personal and Family History
Tape Archive Sheet, Family Background and Tape Index
Box 12, File 12A Correspondence and Forms
Checklist and Release Form
Handwritten Family Background
System of arrangement
Interviewed by Janet Rasmussen
Transcribed by Mary Sue Gee, Julie Peterson and Becky Husby
Encoded by Kerstin Ringdahl & Amity Smetzler
Recording Quality: Good
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Notes element
General note
Biographical Note
Frank Buorklund was born Thor Franke Björklund on January 25, 1904 in Tosene, Sweden. Frank was among nine children living in the small fishing town where his father, Frans Björklund, was a fisherman and stonecutter. Frank attended school for four years and spent one year studying for his confirmation. At the age of 12 Frank had to commit himself to working; he worked as a fisherman, a housekeeper, and a stonecutter.
Tired of the high taxes and wanting a better life, Frank traveled to the United States aboard the 'Stockholm' in 1929. He got a job with his brother Pete in construction, but his lack of English skills hindered his work. For a short time he and his brother tried mining for gold in Idaho.
In 1931, Frank married Elsa Eklund, whom he met in Sweden before they both emigrated. They bought a house in Spokane, Washington in 1934 and had two children, Stanley and Sonja. Elsa and Frank have visited Sweden regularly and can still read, write, and speak the language.
Lineage
Full Name: Thor Franke Björklund
Father: Frans Hermansson Björklund
Mother: Maria Amundsen
Brothers and Sisters: Astrid Björklund, Per (Pete) Björklund, Marta Björklund, Disa Björklund, Vale Björklund, Ragnhild Björklund, Sune Björklund, Lila Björklund
Spouse: Elsa Eklund
Children: Stanley Björklund, Sonja Björklund