The Andrew Peterson Society

Andrew Peterson's farm

Leaving behind a written testimony of one's life and work is of great value for posterity. It is equally valuable that there are buildings and objects left from times gone by. The well kept farm of a Swedish settler in America can contribute to maintaining knowledge of what such a life could be like. These farms are scarce in America. Many of them still exist but they're often in a miserable state of decay. There are exceptions, though. One of them is Andrew Peterson's farm.

Andrew Petersons farm.

Many of the houses he built are still there. When you look at these buildings there can be no mistake where the builder came from. If you placed the houses in Ydre they would not stand out much from other farms. Many of the tools from Andrew's days are kept in the barn and in sheds, and many of them bear witness of their former owner's native home.

The north barn is in urgent need of repair but the granary was renovated in october 2006. The Andrew Peterson Society in Sweden financed this project and it was done by voluntary help from Americans and four Swedes.

» See pictures from the renovation of the granary. (will open in the window)

The buildings tell their own story. If Andrew's old farm buildingscontain gaps in their story, the diaries make up for it. By the same token, the farm can bring life and color to the diary entries. Seen separately, Andrew's farm and his diaries are fascinating and important historical sources. Combined, they probably make up the most complete account of a Swedish settler's life in North America.

Details from the farm at Clearwater Lake.