Henry Carlson: Chicago’s Swedish Tradition Keeper
At 96, Henry Carlson embodies a rich blend of Chicago history and enduring Swedish heritage. Featured in the Chicago Reader’s People Issue, Carlson, a Park Ridge resident, reflects on a life dedicated to family, community, and the vibrant cultural traditions he continues to cherish and uphold.
An Engineer’s Journey: From Oak Park to Navy Pier
Born in Oak Park to Swedish immigrants and raised on Chicago’s far northwest side, Henry Carlson graduated from Lane Tech in 1946 before studying civil engineering at Illinois Institute of Technology. His nascent career was paused by four years of service in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, working on a fleet tanker off Japan. Returning home, he dedicated 37 years to the City of Chicago, notably spending 16 years on the construction of the Jardine Water Purification Plant near Navy Pier, a project that remains a source of immense pride.
A Lifelong Connection to Sweden Through Music and Heritage
Carlson’s connection to his Swedish roots runs deep, nurtured through music and travel from a young age.
Swedish Music and Community
A trained vocalist and accordionist, Carlson was part of a Swedish musical group that played for dances along Clark Street in the late 1940s. These gatherings, often hosted by Swedish lodges, provided a vital link for immigrants to “remember back home” through dances like the schottis and hambo. It was at one of these very dances that he met his late wife, Dorothy, whose own parents were Swedish immigrants and whose father also played the accordion.
First Trip to Sweden: A Young Man’s Perspective
At 17, Carlson embarked on a formative month-long tour of Sweden with the North Park College Swedish male chorus, singing exclusively in Swedish. This trip, followed by three and a half months visiting his grandparents’ farm in Dalarna province, immersed him completely in the culture. Living rustically without electricity and surrounded by 17 cousins who insisted on Swedish-only conversation, he quickly mastered the language, cementing a bond with his ancestral land.
Keeping Traditions Alive in Chicagoland
Despite the changing times and dwindling numbers of his generation, Carlson remains a vibrant force in Chicago’s Swedish community.
Local Swedish Connections
Carlson actively participates in his Swedish lodge club, Verdandi Lodge Number 3, meeting twice a month to retain cherished traditions and the Swedish language. He also attends local Swedish festivals, including the Scandinavian Day Festival in Elgin’s Vasa Park and Midsommarfest in Rockford, and frequently visits Andersonville’s Swedish American Museum.
Holiday Traditions
For over 50 years, Carlson has upheld the tradition of making 20 gallons of glögg every Christmas, an aromatic mulled wine. He has passed this beloved tradition down to his grandchildren, ensuring the fragrant legacy continues.
Life at 96: Resilience and Reflection
Living independently in the Park Ridge home he bought in 1956, Carlson defies his age with an active lifestyle and a resilient spirit.
A Personal Journey
Carlson shared the profound grief of losing his wife of 65 years and, tragically, his son six months later. Despite these immense losses, he finds joy in his family, especially his daughter and grandchildren, all four of whom he proudly supported through college.
Aging Gracefully
Carlson maintains his garden, raising dahlias as a member of a dahlia club, and enjoys bird-watching. He attends bingo games at a local senior center and continues to drive independently, passing his test annually. He acknowledges the physical limitations of age but approaches life with remarkable acceptance: “If I get tired, I rest. I have nothing that can’t wait. If it doesn’t get done today, it’s hopefully gonna get done tomorrow.”
Swedish Culture Engagement: Then & Now
| Era | Activities | Community Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Youth (1940s-1950s) | Playing accordion for Swedish dances, touring Sweden with male chorus | Active Swedish clubs along Clark Street, meeting wife at dances, large immigrant community |
| Present (90s) | Attending Swedish lodge meetings, participating in festivals, making glögg | Fewer lodges, focus on retaining tradition, teaching grandchildren, Swedish American Museum engagement |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Henry Carlson?
Henry Carlson is a 96-year-old Chicagoan, featured in the Chicago Reader’s People Issue, recognized for his deep connection to and preservation of Swedish traditions. - What was his professional background?
He worked for the City of Chicago for 37 years as a civil engineer, notably contributing to the construction of the Jardine Water Purification Plant. - How does he maintain his Swedish heritage today?
He is an active member of a Swedish lodge club, attends Scandinavian cultural festivals, visits the Swedish American Museum, and continues a 50-year tradition of making glögg. - What are his current hobbies and interests?
Carlson enjoys raising dahlias, bird-watching, playing bingo, spending time with his daughter and grandchildren, and driving independently.
Henry Carlson’s story reminds us of the invaluable living history in our city and the importance of supporting local voices who keep cultural legacies vibrant for future generations.
Henry Carlson Chicago Swedish Tradition Keeper
