Pehr Ringwall was a prolific letter writer and as well as having a few personal letters preserved, I was able to unearth about 85 letters he wrote to the Swedish newspaper Canada Posten. This weekly paper was published in Winnipeg between 1904 and 1954. It began as a communication tool between the Swedish Mission Covenant churches, but it reached beyond that and connected the scattered Swedish settlements and individuals across Western Canada and the United States. Initially it was four pages and published every two weeks, but grew to twice that size with weekly delivery. Each issue contained National and International news, in particular news from Scandinavian countries. There was a serial novel with a chapter printed each week. There were youth and women’s columns, advertising, notes on current events, sermons and a section for letters to the editor. People wrote about their communities, commented on events, shared poetry, travel etc. The majority of the editions are on microfilm in Winnipeg and I was able to obtain them and scour them for Pehr’s letters.
Pehr usually wrote his letters to the editor and described life in his church called the Malmo Mission Covenant church. He frequently commented on the changeable Alberta weather, church events, how the harvest was going and often more detail about special events, in particular Christmas. He wrote with humour and gives some glimpses into his own family and life in the USA and later Canada as a new immigrant as well as painting a broader picture. I am excerpting some of the most interesting bits from these many letters. If anyone would like to read the complete letters, I can send them on. He wrote between 1911 and 1933 when he died.
The Ringwall family moved to Alberta in 1900 and built their house and farm on the shores of Red Deer Lake. For a number of years they ran the post office out of their house, so the mailing address was Ringwall. The post office was later moved to Ferintosh, about 6 miles away. This first excerpt was not written by Pehr but by the unknown EB.

Canada Posten 17 Jan 1912 Ringwall, Alberta
For our post office family Ringwall, there was both joy and sorrow during the Christmas season. The 19th of December was a joyful, sacred wedding when Julia, their second oldest daughter was united with Mr. Albert Hanson from Highland Park. The bridesmaid was sister to the bride, Olive; the best man Mr. Philip Petterson from Ferintosh. When everyone was gathered, at eleven a.m., the bridal party entered and took its place in front of a large floral arrangement with which this home is so rich. The wedding march was played by Mr. Bradenburg and the wedding was led by Pastor Wingblad, who also gave a nice little speech. Later refreshments of all kinds were served, and during this, the bride and groom left to begin their long honeymoon trip to the United States.
We always have a good time celebrating Christmas, and this Christmas we did also. The whole Christmas weekend becomes more special when we meet early Christmas morning to give the Jesus child our homage. Pastor Anderson preached so powerfully that morning and the songs sounded more special than usual. So we went home; in the evening we were to assemble again with our little ones, who were to have a party, led by their faithful teacher, V. Jonson. The church was magnificently decorated; that alone would be special enough to see, but we also listen happily to our little ones who try to bring us something new every year.

But in the midst of this happy time, there was a whispering through the benches, “Mrs McEmber (Inga) has ended her days down here.” She was the oldest daughter of our friends the Ringwalls, who peacefully fell asleep with faith in her Saviour after a long and tiring disease (tuberculosis). The burial took place on Saturday, December 30th. Despite the cold weather, the house was completely full. In front of the same floral arrangement where we had seen a bride join her groom just two weeks earlier, we saw another bride, who was going to meet her groom in a home where there will never be tears of suffering. The procession then continued to the church, which is now decorated in black and white, befitting the occasion. While the organ’s melancholy tones played, the casket was carried in. Pastor Anderson, who led the service spoke in Swedish and pastor Wingblad in English. The church was completely filled with the congregation.

It is not a real sadness to follow a friend to the grave who you know is saved and happy. ”They have only gone in advance to a much better home”. E. B.(could be good friend Elizabeth Backstrom)
Pehr often wrote about the weather! Alberta’s weather was as variable then as it is now! Chinooks are a warm weather phenomenon where unseasonably warm air streams in over the mountains and the temperature rises dramatically very quickly. Southern Alberta including Calgary get them more frequently than further north in Alberta.

Ringwall Alberta 6 Jan 1913
Editor of Canada Posten!
Christmas and New Year have now again passed with their special food, their celebrations and delights, and only happy memories remain…even so at the mission Church in Malmo. It was Pastor Anderson’s turn to be home in New Sweden, so he was not here. But Ludvig Peterson gave a nice sermon, and thanks to the Calgary Chinook, which means Spring weather, many people found themselves listening to the songs and story of the newborn Judean king early in the morning. Organist Mr. Bradenburg and his wife were away on a trip to the States. But ”Calgary Chinook” should be thanked for another thing. Their (Calgary) organist Mr. Johanson had come up on the warm weather’s wings, just at the right time to fill the former’s place at the organ. The Saturday evening between Christmas and New Year was the children’s party. Sunday School Director A. W. Johnson led the program, performed by the children in a worthy manner. And L. Peterson spoke some fitting words to the older ones about the significance of Sunday school and the importance of parents sending children to Sunday school. Then the tree was lit and the children were given both presents and ”goodies”, and all were given apples. There was hardly room for everyone who had gathered. Mr. Johanson played the organ once again and the Christmas spirit was high inside the church. But outside something was missing, because the fields were bare and no bell was heard- all because of the Calgary Chinook. ” Now, the Chinook is felt strongly here and in Wetaskiwin as well. And if the Chinook lasts for a long time, a large part of Swedish Calgary may blow here— on a visit of course. – Calgary is a remarkably growing city. And the future of the Swedish Missionary Assembly there is no exception. About a year ago, the congregation consisted of only bachelors and now on Christmas Eve night, the congregation held its ”first children’s party”. Yes, so it can go during good times.
P. E. R.

Malmo Alta Jan 18, 1915 Editor at Canada Posten!
The merry season of Christmas and New Year has now passed, and we are a good way into “bitter January”. But old man Winter seems to have lost his great power, because since the New Year began, the weather has been so nice that you can hardly believe you are in a Northern country. There has been hardly a day that has been so cold that I did not let the chickens go out. The ground is not bare however. This year we got a good deal of snow before Christmas, about 10 “thumbs” (a measurement), so it’s great sledding. The two past Christmas holidays we missed snow, so this year (1914) it felt more like Christmas. In the Mission Church on Christmas morning, many gathered to listen to the old story- which each Christmas seems so new -the story of the newborn Judean king. Ludvig Peterson was the preacher. Another evening was the Sunday school party and pastor Sanden was there then, and the church was more than full of people who listened to the splendid Christmas performance. The Church was suitably decorated and so it was a fine, nice interlude “pure from the extreme in these wartimes” as Pastor Sanden noted in his speech. What really uplifts at a party or meeting in the mission church is the good powerful singing that one often listens to. There are not many small congregations that have such great talents in the area of singing as here. In addition to song leader Gustaf Bradenburg and his wife, we have the song director Knut Moseson (a brother to rector Gustaf Moseson in Stockholm) and his wife. And when Mr. Moseson sings with his deep bass voice, one can both hear and feel it! And also, pastor Sanden is not just a gifted preacher, he is also a gifted singer. His wife can also make her voice soar. And there are also local members with good voices.

Ringwall’s Grove June 26, 1916
Editor of Canada Posten,
It will be enough to send some midsummer flowers from sunny Alberta. They are just the usual flowers and grass on the ground we have to offer. We do not have any of Oregon’s rose gardens to offer. We don’t have anything as magnificent as that, but we do still have a midsummer which is more beautiful than in Southern countries. We do not wish for any tropical natural beauty in the summer. We like our moderate days, the long bright summer evenings; these are flowers for the North’s children and we rejoice and are delighted with our flowers, friends, neighbours and acquaintances. The association ”Friends of the North” had an excursion to Water Glen on Midsummer Day, which this year was beautiful and clear. But we did get a little drizzle. But then we had a big hall to go into and in about twenty minutes it was sunny and nice again. It’s pleasant for old and young to come together and relive old memories and shake hands with one another. Pastor L.P. Bergström gave the Midsummer message and related how Midsummer was celebrated already back in pagan days. But how it became much more civilized with Christianity. He also touched something; they embraced changes that could be observed in the Swedish settlement here in just the last ten years, and the speaker emphasized that with unanimity and understanding, the Swedes should also here-as well as in Minnesota – rise to a prominent position. In the afternoon there was a football game between Malmö and Water Glen. It was a good game but ended with the advantage for the latter. There were even running and jumping races.
Yesterday, there was a meeting in New Sweden and almost everyone from the Malmo district was there and I’ve just heard by phone that the people who met really felt ”it was the best meeting they’ve been to in a long time”. Now enough for this time. Will soon send a handful of grass and flowers.
Yours truly, P.E.R.

Editor at Canada Posten, July 23, 1918
Midsummer, parties and a wedding

The sun has now reached the zenith of its orbit and nature stands in its full splendor. It breathes life and joy, happiness and growth. One wants to go out and enjoy it in full swing and with today’s possibilities one can soon get where you want, as long as you do not get a blow out or drive in the ditch.
On July 1, Canada Day, there was a large ”emigration” this year to New Sweden. The weather was lovely, the roads were good and one car after the other with the occasional horse in between, followed in a real procession. What was then going on there? Well, it was now 25 years since the first Swedish settlers came and created their homes in this region of New Sweden-Malmö. Therefore, it was arranged and announced to have a memorial celebration, a 25th anniversary, if you would like to call it. And people came from near and far to show up to the feast. There were probably about a thousand people gathered. (Someone had estimated the number of visitors to about two thousand)
It was held on the church property under the poplars, where a large platform was erected and around this was bench seating for several hundred. As CP will have already received the minutes, I will not describe the meeting and its management. Only to say that it was an all round good meeting. It could hardly be better. And the Swedes around here are all praise and thanks for their good arrangements. During the dinner break, the people settled down here and there with their food baskets. But a large number of visitors were told to go up to Mr. C.H. Swanson’s farmhouse, located right next door and out there in the open, was a big table set up and a large amounts of food soon appeared. Refreshments were also available both inside and outside the meeting place…
But now I will leave this memorable day, which will have a big and significant page in the history of Swedish Canada. Many of the first inhabitants live yet and are active. Some have left, others have been pushed away by the relentless hand (of time). Among these, there are at least two who are sorely missed even among other nations, namely Charley Olin and CO Swanson. The former was the first Swede in Canada to hold a seat in the provincial parliament. The latter was known and valued as a colony emigration agent who made sure that so many Swedes came to the right place.
PER.

Malmo, Alta. January 1, 1919
But now we came to the cooler autumn, which in itself was a fine season in all. Yes, the whole winter prior to Christmas was as nice as you would like in such a northern location. But it brought the Spanish influenza. And while we here in the settlement for a long time did not have the disease, it was necessary to follow the regulations of the health officer, which forbade meetings and crowds of any kind more than seven persons, nor to leave one’s house without a protective mask. I thought once again that the mask regulation was comical if not to say superstitious the way that some carried it out. And now I have just seen a doctor’s paper in an English newspaper that if the disease bacilli were so small that they could not even see them with a microscope, a protective mask would serve no better than a grill in a cell window would do to keep out flies. Well, enough of this.

We obeyed the best we could after the order. But two or three weeks ago, the mask decree was repealed and we wanted to arrange meetings for Christmas, several families or family members became ill. As a result, it has been an unusually quiet Christmas with no school or church
celebrations. Now most of the sick have recovered and we’re supposed to have a ”Christmas party” in the church on Sunday, January 5th. But now winter seems to have broken out in earnest, because we’ve had a pretty good snowstorm for a couple of days then and again today.

Sad news reached us from Revelstoke, B.C. around Christmas, that Sigfrid Johnson had fallen victim of the Spanish influenza. He was well known by all around here. For several years he has been a locomotive drive for the CPR. and had his home in Revelstoke, where he has left a wife and two young sons. He was an appealing personality of about 38 years old. Here he leaves an aged father, a brother and two married sisters, as well as a brother in Lethbridge, Alta. His remains were brought here and today was the funeral at the Highland Park cemetery where his mother was previously laid to rest. I got to know this strong young man about 18 years ago, and 17 years ago we worked together at Pigeon Lake for (the then) New Sweden Lumber Company. He was my ”fireman” and a better and more personable man is hard to find. I sympathize in the deepest way with his mourning spouse. I would have liked to attend his funeral today, but due to the rough weather and not so good tires, it was wisest to stay home. Peace be on his memory!
Among the bright spots of the now flown past year, probably the peace declaration was the greatest. How developments in the coming year will take place remains to be seen. That there will be peace and lasting peace between nations is to be expected. But will there shall be peace within the bleeding nations, or shall they be quarreling and fighting for power and killing each other in blind despair. Yes, you can wonder. But now it’s midnight and the new year has begun. I want to end my reflection and write 1919. A good new year to the editor and all the Posten readers.
PER

Malmö Alta Canada Posten 7 Jan 1919
The Spanish influenza has also come to this settlement and a young man around 36 years old has been taken. His name was Ygve Arnell. He was a Swedish citizen and left no family in Canada or the United States, and as far as this letter writer knows, was from Öregrytta or the Göteborg area. He was a caring and well-liked worker. He worked the past year on the Lydins farm, but now this Fall he was working for Tony Greiner, in whose home he became ill and died 18th of December….
Mr Emberson, our Norwegian neighbour, is one of the “Early settlers” and has probably gone through his “dog years”. About two years ago, he had (a serious throat problem) and traveled to the States where he underwent a dangerous operation. A piece of his trachea was taken out and a mechanical tube inserted. But he has not been able to ”talk” since. But once again he was well and could work on his farm. In the summer at one point he was driving in his Overland from Wetaskiwin and tried to drive past another car, but instead drove into the end of a water ditch and ended up in the middle. His car was damaged and one of the wheels went out of line. He himself was this time uninjured.

One morning this week Moseson and Bradenburg saw an automobile standing a distance from the store on the side of the road and it looked like something lying in the snow (there is a little snow on the ground). So B went first to see, and there lay Mr. Emberson, as it seemed almost dead and without delay, he was transferred to the Wetaskiwin Hospital. He had been lying all night in the snow. Certainly the weather was moderate. But still a long December night out in the snow, helpless; it’s terrible just to think about. The doctor, however, had found him for the most part uninjured and it is now said that he intends to come home already next week. How the accident happened is still not clear. It had been assumed by M and B that the machine had stopped and he (E) went out to ”crank” it without first taking it out of gear and the machine started up before E could move because it had been seen in the snow tracks that one of the wheels had probably gone over him. Then the car stopped at a tree and that was not far away. Emberson had a son who was killed about 3 years ago. It happened in the state of Washington.

In this context, I would like tell a little story from North Dakota, which happened while I lived there, and I know the person in question. There is thus nothing new. It happened many years ago. There was a wedding. It was late autumn. There had been nice weather during the day, but in the evening when the wedding guests would go home, a snowstorm had broken out – very quickly as Dakota is famous for, so it was considered impossible for the guests to go home that night. But one of them, Carlson was his name, who had a little firewater in him, stubbornly insisted that he should go home by foot. He knew the way, and did not have far to go. He set off and got home to his farm as far as the pasture. But when he walked around the field a couple of times without finding the gate that would lead to the house, he had to give up. There was no way possible, he knew to find the house. There was already a good snow drift at a place by the fence, and there Carlson dug in and took up ”winter quarters” for the night. The next morning, Carlson crept and soon found the way to his house without any harm. And then someone asked him, what he thought about being out in a snowstorm and his answer was: ”It’s not as dangerous as many believe!”. PER

From the Frozen Beach on the Lake
April 20 1920
I have been kind to you, keeping quiet and not writing since before Christmas. But now that the ink has started to thaw, I want to break the silence and try to get a little rust off the pen and also get a little movement in my stiff hand and arm and talk a little about our good Malmö congregation.
I will not speak of the weather and wind either. In itself, there would not be so much difference between sunny Alberta and cold Manitoba, between Malmö and Winterpeg, which many believe, including me. But if we take some people’s words as true, who have been South of the border, yes, as far south as Nebraska and beyond, it is quite seriously said that we enjoyed a better winter here than there. The Midwest states (had so much snow), as did New York; the skyscrapers were almost half snowed under at one point.
However, there are some who tire of sunny Alberta, or, in other words, are”fed up” with Alberta, and they go out with big money bags. But at the border, ”dear” Uncle Sam has a place called “Customs” and he takes almost a fifth. Miss Canada then is much better. She gives free access to the American border-crossers, and therefore many come to her as well.

From the Cottage by the lake shore January 11, 1921
Editor at Canada Post,
One could not wish for more beautiful Christmas scenery than what we can see this Christmas. Trees and bushes have been adorned with the purest, whitest hoar frost. And although the weather was very cold for a few days, it has been a lovely winter so far. There is snow on the road, but it is possible to get around in a sledge. Cars can go better but you have to be cautious on the bends, otherwise one can easily slide into the ditch. Many have done so, but fortunately no one around here has been injured, however their vehicles have been more or less damaged.

Yesterday we went to Wetaskiwin to the Scandinavian Society’s meeting. And since the weather was the most beautiful, almost up to zero, many attended.
Mr Bradenberg had an accident yesterday, which could have been much worse. He was supposed to help his neighbor, S. Hellsing, with gravel grading, when his sweater in some way got caught in the machinery with the consequence that B was spun around rapidly. H, got the engine stopped as soon as he could, and it was right at the last moment, too, for Mr B. was completely entangled next to the machine when H. Got him loose. B was senseless and looked to be dead but after half an hour he came to, and they could not find any more severe injuries than a large red spot in the back of the head.
They telephoned the doctor in Minto, but since it was unpleasant for him to come out and as they did not find any greater damage, he said he would send liniment to him. When we went over there he was in bed but said he was pretty good and meant to be up tomorrow. He knew nothing of how he got stuck, it had happened so quickly, and he had probably been struck senseless in the first round but then pulled in, so his head didn’t hit the ground any more. It was, as you say, ”a close call”.

A short telling of a long story 1861-1921
From the cabin on the lakeshore March 8th 1921
Today I turn 60 years, so several lines I want to write
A short history, for Canada Posten readers to listen if they want
I first saw the light of day in my father and mother’s house
in the town of Överhogdal. I was born strong and healthy
and there by the shores of the Ho river in beautiful Jämtland
I played through my childhood, and there my hearty yearnings smouldered
In the school where I went, the most homework there I did
I was fiery, I was dizzy, it was hard to keep me in control
How it passed, I do not remember, but at 15 years I read for the priest. (I finished school)
Around one and twenty years, I remember it like it was yesterday,
I developed “America fever”.
So to the priest I went to help my head become clearer,
to allow me to go to West. So I did and was ready for the test,
But now I began to think of a special girl
and I could not go far from her sweet gaze
So for a year in the land of Sweden, on the shores of the river Ho
I stayed and won my girl’s hand.
So to the pastor once again I went with my chosen friend
and the next Sunday he read (the banns) for the two of us
and on the sixth and twentieth of November, so well do I remember
We became a wedded pair, and next year to America we tore
To Dakota we headed, and in Mayville we rented a small house our first year
To Cooperstown we freely went but farming land not worth the effort
and so in the end we sold and went to Seattle. And our family was more than four!
But we came just as the “boom” had passed
We were there a year, then back to Dakota we went
Where we lived years ten, or perhaps it was nine
So I want to quicker tell you in the year 1900 we moved to Alberta
and took a homestead on Red Deer lake, and here on the green beach
we built us a cabin, such as can be built these days
Think how time has gone. We have lived here twenty years
and from the cabin on the lakeshore I have written now
of one thing or another, about people. some have moved on, having reached the goal.
Things are the same as in Noah’s days, we build and plant and destroy and plan
and make an income, the best harvest wins. But about “sowing”; we think of higher thoughts of a better beach in heaven’s land, where the sun does not go down like here. Yet a little more, I want to tell you before I end my speech. About our beautiful province, where barely any creatures
remain in the land as I remember.
look very kindly on our meadows and fields, how good and contented and orderly they seem, Wheat and rye, never the like you’ve seen, prime oats and barley, they grow and are safe
See, brother, sleek oxen and cows, the best you’ve ever seen, I think
keep looking my friend, at these pigs, who are so fat, they barely can eat chickens and turkeys, big like soldiers Here you will find fish and birds, cheese, butter and other produce And by the mountain slopes there lies ore everywhere,
and at the rivers base, both oils and gas. For fuel we do not suffer distress, we have coal and wood in abundance. In Banff we find hot water for tourists and those who falter We have deep layers of salt and not all has been described
Your friend, PER

Malmö 6 dec 1921
The last two weeks have been cold and wintery, but now as I write, it is close to thaw. But there is around three ”tum” of snow. Paul Moseson, Verner Billsten, Arthur Whitefield and Sam Svenson were up in the woods hunting for large animals. They succeeded in taking a large moose with no less than eleven spikes in his antlers. Thus this writer was invited to K Moseson’s for a magnificent moose steak dinner-

A Taste of Christmas atmosphere from the little house on the Beach 6 Jan 1922
To get true Christmas atmosphere, there will be snow, sleighs and ringing bells. But without the first, we miss the others. So it has been this beautiful Christmas in Malmö. Snow, snorting horses and jingling ringing bells are not the main thing for Christmas celebrations even in the high North. Christmas celebration itself should take place in the home, in the church, and Christmas peace in the heart. In this way it is also celebrated here. Julottan (special Christmas morning service) in the mission church was well attended that beautiful Christmas morning. The many candles and the exquisite Christmas decorations were harmonious and atmospheric. But the mood increases when the ”klockaren” sits at the organ and plays; ”We greet you, beautiful morning” and the pastor and the congregation agree and answer: ”Like the holy mouth of the prophets, we offer praise! You, (Christmas) big day, you day of rescue, on which heavens pleasures still visit the earth! Young and old sing together, the prayers of the earth gather around the greatest of its Sons. ” It shows the beautiful memory of the greatest Christmas gift when the true light came into the world, and this was further emphasized when pastor Quarnström read the Christmas text and spoke of the big occasion that began in the Eastern land during taxation time, when the Word became flesh. Yes, Christmas is a time of joy, a time of gift giving and receiving. And the pastor was also remembered by the congregation with a gift of money,

Forty Years 12 December 1922
40 years has now passed since my wife and I were married and became one. We had not thought about that matter a whole lot, other than that is a great grace of God that we have been living together so long, and our marriage has been happy, though not always “a bed of roses”. Now it happened that our 40th anniversary was on a Sunday. So, together with our children and grandchildren, we thought to have a small get together in our home. It was so arranged that those who had already flown the nest and have their own home would come home well in advance of Sunday afternoon. At the dinner table it was mentioned that there was a meeting at the Mission church at 2 pm. Let’s go to the church suggested one. My wife and I had not thought of going, but we decided to go along with it. The others knew but pretended that nothing special was happening at the church.

So we went to the Church, 3 cars full, it takes that many to bring our children and grandchildren. Isn’t that amazing? We count our two sons in law as our children (17 souls in all). Getting close to the church we noticed that there appeared to be many, an unusual number of automobiles there. But it was such nice weather and the pastor had just come home from his ”Småland” trip to Winnipeg so we didn’t think more of it. But then Mrs. Bradenburg came to us and said we and the children should wait a moment in the hall. Now we first began to understand that there were owls in the bog. But what else was there to do, than to obey orders? And there in the hall ”40 years bride and groom” flowers were pinned to our chests. A march was played and we marched into the platform, two by two, to where the pastor stood. The boys went to the right and the girls to the left and sat down on chairs. We old ones were left standing on the carpet and I just started to wonder if they were going to wave at us again or looking to dissolve our marriage. But then chairs were brought so we could sit down and watch. And on it was written “the whole world rejoices in the Lord”. This was just a big and unexpected surprise and it seemed to me so comical, that I really shook with laughter. Mr Björkgren, our chairman was called up and he read and said something. What it was I do not know, as my thoughts were like snow in a Dakota blizzard.
It turned out to be only a one program meeting, because Pastor Quarnström, who led it all, said in a speech that he did not intend to preach, but that this time was particularly devoted to our friends’ the Ringvalls 40 year wedding anniversary. It was a long way to look back at when the Lord had helped and preserved them. The pastor’s own marriage happiness had been all too short, as it only lasted 12 years, he said (his wife had just died). He then read Deuteronomy 8: 2-6 and made some applications. Then he handed over a Bible — a splendid copy — as a gift from the congregation. The good book had gold printing on the cover:

Gölin och P E Ringvall på Frytioåriga bröllopsdagen
från församlingen i Malmö, Alta.
There were others who spoke in both English and Swedish. We received a lovely silver tray as a memento from the Sunday School. There was more music, violin and voice solos. After the program more handshakes and congratulations continued. The last thing on the program was an evening meal where the big ”wedding cake” was on a table like a big snowy mountain. Who had been the mountain climber and placed the 40 number on its peak, we will have to guess. But soon there was a whole mountain range with mountains and hills, which were lovely to see and good to eat. And the good smelling coffee… It has been said that no one can make as good coffee as Mrs. Hedlund and therefore she always makes it.

23 Jan 1923
There is not much going on in the cabin on the lake shore now in winter, it is a cold, frozen beach. There is now not even a green tuft in the whole of this great sunny Alberta, and barely any thrill seekers trying to slide on the slippery beach road. Only a few travel, who have to be out for business purposes. But there is no obstacle to automobiles; the ground is covered with a thin blanket, festooned with countless snow stars: trees and shrubs stand adorned in hoar frost and ice crystals. It is a picture of the North at Christmas time, albeit missing horse and sledge with their ringing bells.

Well, it was not the cottage and the beach I was planning to write when I ”took pen in my hand” – We have other interests. But I must mention that our dear cottage almost went up in smoke and on Christmas Day itself! As we were getting ready to go to the party in the church, fire was seen in the attic room we call the girl’s room. That of course brought ”excitement” for a little while. But some pails of water made a quick end to the fire that was spreading quite vigorously, it was well that it had not been been given any more time. After that, when we were fully convinced that the fire was extinguished and not able to reignite, we went to church as quietly as nothing had happened. We arrived late and there was only room to stand. The weather outside was perfectly ideal and had arrived just as ordered the day before Christmas. The church was beautifully decorated with beautiful lights and greenery. The program length was just right, and the Sunday school children did well. The singers gave us a few good numbers and Oscar a pair of solos on his lovely sounding violin. Joel Patterson spoke for a while in English for the children. It was good and exciting even for the elderly. Pastor Quarnström spoke briefly. Afterwards, the children had their bags of goodies and apples.

Another ”excitement” of beach life is if the boys catch sight of a coyote out on the lake. Then Henry Ford gets a ”hot drink” and caroms over the ice. The coyote slowly begins to understand that they are after him, he speeds up, and goes as fast as he can on the slippery ice, but Henry wins and soon a shot or two are fired, and the hen thief meets his end. This was the fourth wandering bandit who got his taste of ice. My my!

Farm chronicles- from the little cabin by the lake shore March 4, 1924
Up here in the sunny Alberta we have a little winter, usually this happens once or twice a year. This past year we had a little winter at the beginning of the year, but at the end of the year there was no winter. The autumn was good enough over Christmas until the New Year, when we had a little sharp autumn weather, but it did not last long. And ducks were still visible in many ways, even though this happy lake was well frozen and completely inaccessible to ”ducks”. However, it was not quite the same at Buffalo Lake. One of my sons, who in the middle of January went there to fish and “camp” for three days and three nights, explained when he came home that there were ducks by the thousands although he did not see any open water, it must have been some somewhere. Buffalo Lake’s northernmost bay is only about 10 miles from this lake, from Red Deer Lakes southernmost tip. Then the ground was still almost snow-free and the ducks could easily find their food among the ”stubble” in the fields. Just after that time we got 4 to 5 inches of snow, and you could think that they would leave with the first train, but no. And a person in Ottawa was told about it, and responded: ”Ottawa has acted swiftly to save the lives of thousands of mallards that were slowly starving to death at Buffalo Lake. Wired instructions have been received in Camrose by Frank L Farley, bird life authority, to proceed with relief measures. Up to $ 500 to be spent buying grain and straw for the ducks etc.

It was Mr Farley’s plan to scatter straw on the ice around the water holes, which the ducks with their constant movement keep from freezing, and to sprinkle oats and barley among the straw. However, these emergency shelters have not been appreciated by the farmers around here, claiming that the ducks are their worst country plague (pest), worse than the gopher, which this district spends hundreds of dollars to rid themselves of. Furthermore, the farmers point out that when they suffered not so many years ago because of drought, their cattle swollen in death and many farmers were ruined, the government did nothing for their rescue. The ducks were good enough to take care of themselves, say the farmers in an answer to Ottawa. Yes this and not ”newspaper ducks” but real ducks, ”mallards”, as they are called in the country’s language. It also seems to have happened before that ducks have wintered in Alberta, thus nothing new under the sun, though I think it is a novelty for most of Canada Posten’s readers.

How are things with our Swedish pastors here? Well, thank you for asking. It’s probably good, and they probably come as ducks to hibernate here, and that without government support. But there seems to be something in the air, that three, no four are all at once deciding to escape. Quarnström, Svanström, Hindorff and Alexander, who for some time have met in Malmö Church, Water Glen and elsewhere. The first three have ”formally” resigned. Pastor Hindorff (and wife)is going to stretch his wings to escape over the Altantic to ”Sweden’s lands. Pastor Alexander has apparently not ”formally” resigned, but he, as if he was trying to show the ducks the way, just after Christmas winged his way to southern places, and is now bathing in sunny California, and it is not clear if they (his congregation) are going to get him back or not. We will wait for the warm months, and then see if the other ducks come back. They will probably be surprised to find out that their current siblings have been eating at the government’s table. PER

Small ”Broadcast” from ”Hot Springs” Sanatorium Banff Aug 31, 1926
As CP readers can see, I am now no longer at the cottage by the lake shore but am about 250 miles away. I am now at the famous ”Upper Hot Springs” (sulphur sources). This is to see if I can get any relief from my rheumatism. I have now begun my second week here. I got relief after two or three days bathing, so I could leave the crutch and go pretty well with a just the stick in hand. However, I am now somewhat stiffer, especially in my right knee so I am not moving so well. But I hope that before I leave I will feel better. Banff is a large area and is the headquarters of the “Rocky Mountains Park ”, a wonderful region of 2751 sq. mile, embracing more than the mineral springs, also rivers, lakes and a magnificent mountain range. The ”Upper Hot Springs” is located three miles from Banff (train) Station. It is a magnificent vehicle road that is constantly on the rise and is the only way here. Banff is 5,434 feet above sea level. But here we are already about 6,000 feet up in the hillside. But still there are 3000 feet more to reach this so-called. sulfur ”mountain peak” A hiker can come after a path that is 4 miles long and has no less than 28 u-turns. At the top there is a small stone house, whose roof we can see a little from the hotel where I am staying. On the other side of the valley here, we have a magnificent mountain that in the evening sun shines with its bare rock peaks as real monuments of light gray marble. The pools at ”Hot Springs” have a lively traffic during the summer months, especially July. Then they have 6 and 7 hundred bathers in a day. Here are now two hotels. But there are not so many who stay here. Most drive with their cars up and down, and stay down in the city or at the camping grounds, and the “big bugs” stay at the grand CPR hotel, which is supposed to have 500 rooms.

It is not just sick people who are staying here. Certainly not, there are tourists here from all sides of America and from other countries. I had a conversation one day with a lady, she came from Alabama. When I asked how long she had been here, she said, “only a couple of days and we were traveling again tomorrow.”You are not here ”for bathing”, I asked. ”No, no, I am perfectly well,” she said, and that’s probably true for most of the people here. Philip Björkgren, Margaret Moseson and a son and daughter of Pastor Oscar Johnson came here a few days after me. But they are not here either just for the sake of health. They are staying down in the city and go around and see the sights. Philip has been here three times and has taken me around in his car, so even I have seen some of Banff’s many sights that I would otherwise have missed. Yes, I am very grateful for this. They leave tomorrow to go home….

The first day I was here and thought I didn’t know a single person and had just taken my bath inside one of the bathing rooms, the manager said I could go to the bath basin and watch them bathe. I went and there were a large number of bathers, swimmers and divers, and to my great surprise I saw the head of August Johnson from Highland Park sticking out of the water. His wife and daughter were also with him, as well as a few others. But now I have to stop my ”broadcast”. ”Good night everybody!” PER

A little ”Broadcast” from the Cottage by the Lakeshore 21 December 1926
Editor of Canada Post,
When I last wrote to CP I was up at ”the Upper Hot Springs” in Banff. And as nothing more has been heard from me, perhaps the editor and those who read my letters would start wondering if I was still there with the hot springs and the mountains. No, I came home to the cottage and my family, and I felt much better once home than on departure, so the 34 baths I took were just as beneficial for a time before the autumn. But now again, I have to force my stiff legs to get across the cabin’s floor. There could have been more to write about Banff. But after such a long silence, it is not worth trying to say a lot about it. I can say so much, however, that the Swedes are scarce there. There is no Swedish church or any Swedish association of any kind. This is probably because agriculture and forestry can not be carried out here. However, I became acquainted with a prosperous man from Skåne who has lived there for many years. He has a taxi business and drives tourists and travelers around. His name is Nilson. I also became acquainted with a Swedish family named Johnson, who have lived there no less than 28 years. Mr Johnson is a foreman on the railway (section). They have a nice home in town. An adult son has a job at an iron shop in town.

A little from the Cottage by the Lake shore 12 April 1927
…After I left the hospital in Camrose, my wife and I made a visit to our beautiful capital, Edmonton, for a week. Of course, the visit really was to a married daughter and her husband who we have there (Minnie and Cliff!) . It was very nice weather during these days so it was even small water puddles here and there on the streets disappeared. There could be a lot to tell about Edmonton, but I should not fill the space too much in that way. About my state of health I shall not mention anything this time either. But I enclose a picture to the editor. and if he wants to put it in the newspaper, he may. The picture may speak better than words, as the old saying goes. It was taken just as I came out of the Parliament Building in Edmonton where one afternoon I visited and listened to a longer speech by Mr. Brownlie. PER “Hereby we present Mr. P. E Ringvall, Malmö, Alta, who is well known to Canada Posten and one of our most diligent correspondents and we owe it to him for the many letters and news he has sent us over the years. In recent times, through illness, he has not had the urge to write as often as he did, which we regret. Grateful for the interest he has shown, we express the desire that he soon be restored to health and will be able to put away the crutch and find it easier to take up the pen. In this desire, we agree, we are assured of that.” Canada Posten’s Editor.

A Little Broadcast from the Cottage by the Lakeshore June 7, 1927
When I last flung out a few words from here, it was mentioned, among other things, that March was an all too remarkable month. Now I will mention that April was just as remarkable. And May came and has begun just as remarkable with rain, snow and all kinds of weather. But the weather we were most waiting for was rather small to start with. You could often hear such expressions such as : ”But we are not getting any real spring weather this year.” But it has come even if it is bracing and cool and the Spring work has been able to go ahead. Those who have had tractors to plow with, have probably used them. We have sometimes been able to hear the buzz of this machine, almost day and night. But it has probably been burdensome with the wet soil for them. I heard about one who got stuck in a soft hole, so it took him two days to get it out. We have never seen so much spring water flooding the roads as in this Spring. But since the water is sinking, you can now drive with automobiles on most of the roads and it starts to look right Springlike and even Summer like. The aspen trees stand now so neat in their new light green costumes. Similarly, the grassy prairie adorned by the early spring flowers. Lilac and honeysuckle and others are covered in leaves and buds. And when we see all this, we know that summer is close. But then we have not much more than a week left, (as the calendar says) of this last spring month.
PER

Z

22 Nov 1927
We usually are helped by having a little Indian summer here in mid-November. But now instead, we have got a little Indian winter right here in sunny Alberta. We first felt it the Sunday before Thanksgiving when some snow with a bitter wind visited us which we also had on Thanksgiving Day. However, there was no big snowfall, so sleds have not have to be put to use. And now, a week later, when this is written, we have the same cold weather and snow once again. The majority of the threshing is, however, done, but in a few isolated cases i.e. in the middle part of the province.

A Little Broadcast from the Cottage by the Lakeshore April 2, 1929
I can hardly go to a meeting or gathering without hearing such statements addressed to me as these: ”It has been a long time since we saw something broadcast from the cottage by the lake shore.” I answer that perhaps a broadcast is better not seen and heard, something noisy is not to be welcomed. Other times I might say, ”You should not expect so much from an old farm crab or make fun of me” But then I got a letter from our former pastor after Christmas who is now in the States, who said at the conclusion of his letter: ”I have been watching carefully for some broadcast from the cottage by the lakeshore, but so far no such thing could be found. I am interested to read your little epistles. ”I came to reflect on this, and I reasoned that he was not teasing me. So now after all I have come up with a little, though it will be a little one-sided and maybe too much about myself. I usually write about what is happening in Malmö, where most of our friends live and where our spiritual home is. But this letter will be more about Highland Park. We celebrated Christmas holidays in Highland Park with our daughter and husband, J.A. Hanson. We are a great collection of children and grandchildren, when all together. But this year we were missing a daughter and her husband and two children (Minnie and Cliff, Dorothy and Jeanne) They live in Pincher Creek in southern Alta, where he is a high school teacher. Well, we had a very nice Christmas night around the tree and many gifts were distributed to the right and left.

If I had not received good help, I would have been tired by the end of that large passing out of presents. And that gave great delight, especially among the little ones who jumped with great joy. At midnight, the father of the house read about the great Christmas gift, the eventful night in Bethlehem, and so we were all recommended to God’s care and protection and then went to bed. We did not get up in time to go to Christmas morning at the mission church, only one and a half miles away. On a lovely Christmas morning we went to the (Highland Park) church. But here, like in Malmö, there is no pastor. However quite a lot of people were gathered. Highland Park has been blessed since the Enarson’s moved here as he can lead a meeting and preach as masterly as any pastor. In the evening we were there again in the church. Now it was the children and youth party and there was greenery and light in the house of God. It was a real party even without a pastor. Small children read and spoke with all of their ability and songs filled the church. The long program was well performed by all participants in speech, song and music. On New Years eve we went to the Malmö Church to welcome in the New Year with friends. The weather was fit and snow free, so a number of older people were there. But the strange thing was there were no children, neither school age or any other age. The reason was that Miss Influenza had come to visit in most homes. The old people had had something around julotta (Christmas morning service) There had not been a Christmas evening party here because of the ravages of the illnesses. Malmö has had a good deal of ”flu”, measles and whooping cough this winter. We awaited the New Year with readings, speech, praise and prayer and then congratuations and handshakes all round when the new year 1929 arrived.

I should also give my opinion about the two English columns in CP. It’s not too much at all. It should be a whole page. And I think that this will be the case in a few years. Someone thought that when immigration eventually ceases and we old ones are no longer alive that Canada Posten also must cease. I do not see that this will be so, but in ten, fifteen years CP will have two sides in the old national language and in twenty and 25 years maybe only one page will need to be in the Swedish language. But as you know, I am not a prophet, so you get some comfort from that in your breast.

A Little Broadcast from the Cottage by the Lakeshore 20 Oct 1931
I shall mention that it has been quite busy both around the cottage and the lake shore this summer. People from Ferintosh this summer more than usual came to the lake shore here as an almost daily excursion. And Malmö Sunday School has had, as usual, its annual ”picnic” here, as well as the Highland Park Sunday School and on such occasions not only the poplar grove at the cottage, but also the cottage’s kitchen is required for coffee making and the like. and so we ourselves get to be guests at such times, and that is nice.

And there have been baptisms. Pastor A Wickström mentioned in ”Wetaskiwin Letter” that he had been baptized at ”Red Deer Lake” and Pastor Anderson in his Highland Park glimpses about baptism ”at a beautiful lake”. All this was true. But let me add that it was right here at our lake shore that all this went on. Yes even our yard was available for the benefit of automobiles and the granaries used for change rooms for the baptismal candidates. Now, however, the summer is over, but the beach is not quite still and undisturbed, even if we don’t count the waves ripples. Now we hear the duck hunters from near and far, who are looking for
satisfaction. And now as well we hear the lovely drone of threshing machines both early and late when the weather allows such work to occur, but the weather has not always been the best. And before harvest much was threshed by a hailstorm. Even I felt it, and I am waiting for the day when a real threshing machine can distinguish between chaff and wheat.

A Little Broadcast From The Cottage by the Lakeshore 1 Mar 1932
The editor of Canada Posten on Jan 26th threw a jab at me when he said, ”It may never be possible for it to be frozen too close to the cottage by the lake, where the hunters so often play in the northern forest.” I cannot say anything but we had such a nice and nice winter here in sunny Alberta. Certainly we have had some cold spells and snow but some snowstorms such others describe (in Canada Posten) we cannot be famous for. And now I want to give a small chapter about my own little hunting experiences.
Already as a twelve year old boy I was playing at hunting in the company of a hunter friend. It was there near Jämtlands southern border about 60 years ago. The hunter’s game was this. To be aware of any snapping noises, it is necessary to be within shooting range. When the man with the gun hears the snapping he stands still, and this gives him cover. Then he can jump out from behind his stone. And so he can be within shooting range of his prey, he can hear his prey even before he sees it. But I will not take longer describing how as I boy I began to hunt squirrels, which in the winter came down so thickly. In North Dakota I shot many wild geese during the 15-16 years we lived there. Here on this beach I have shot many ducks, and one or two snow geese.
This fall I did not go out on the first day we were allowed to shoot ducks, however there were a lot of others shooting on the lake. But the next day it was quiet for a while, so I took out the gun. I went out about six miles and brought in six ducks. When I got home I said to the wife, Do you know I got four of them with one shot, She said, you have good luck, as is usual for you. I have never wasted ammunition as many do, and have never shot more than needed by the house, except maybe to give a few away.

Now we come to the exciting fun hunting story. It was three weeks before Christmas, my oldest son came in and said he saw a wolf on the lake, let us go and see if we can get him. I did not feel able to go on such a hunt, but I saw that the lake was safely frozen, so we could drive out on the fine ice. Soon we were out in the car on the ice, which was covered in just the right amount of snow, so the car was not hindered. But the wolf had gone so far out, i could not even see it to begin with. When I could first see it, it did not even seem afraid, but as we came nearer he broke into a run, but it was too late for him. The car could go even faster. So soon we were in shooting range, but I am old and stiff and could not shoot well at a moving animal from a moving vehicle. So my first shot did not move even a hair of him. But I tried to arrange myself better and take better aim and with my second shot I got him in the chest and he fell on the ice. He tried to lift his head one last time. It was the biggest animal I had ever shot and I felt like a real hunter like Nimrod. (Arthur and Stanley have shot a few more, as they steal the chickens). But the snow now lies on the lake in little waves and a car cannot drive on it so quickly, so grey legs can remain safe.

But now it is time to answer a question. It has been cold enough in the groves around the cabin. But in the cabin it is nice and warm. Our potted plants are doing well. We have a Christmas cactus. You should have seen it around Christmas, it was so full of red flowers, and there are a few left. Those that see it say they have never seen such big ones. They are like big umbrellas and much deeper. Our out buildings are not so warm, but our little hen flock gives us about a dozen eggs a day. Now you
know how things are both in and out. It is up to the editor to decide whether to print this or to give it to the waste paper basket. We are good friends either way, maybe even better! PER

A greeting: 8 March 1932 To Mr. P Ringvall, Ferintosh, Alta.
Old friend and brother in the Lord, When I read Canada Posten last night, my eyes fell on a letter from ”The Cottage by the Lakeshore” Naturally, I had to take the time to read it. And so my thoughts moved for a while, out to the ”lake” and ”the cottage” and I tried to experience the described events together with the actors in the same.

Our old memories want to surface in our thoughts from time to time; and sometimes a thought such as this made me think: ”I wonder how Brother Ringvall out in Alberta is and how his health is” – When I read the aforementioned correspondence my thoughts were answered. Sick people do not chase after quarries on the ice: nor do they race with wolves. Those who do so are certainly not patients. And that vision is at its best, both ducks and wolves carry their silent but eloquent testimony. Good luck in the new year! May health, happiness and bliss stay in the cottage by the beach, as long as the living day lasts! I ask to take the liberty of giving the title, Alberta’s NIMROD to our brother Ringvall; however, with the proviso that this ”Nimrod” does not deal with the founding of any new kingdoms, such as Babylon and others founded by the first Nimrod of history, one of the World’s first such founders. No, no, it was a pleasure in any case to see that our friends the Ringvalls feel well. (The number of pioneers) on the trail out there in Alberta has been getting thinner in recent years. (he mentions others who have died) What a tribe of magnificent and valuable SWEDISH CHRISTIAN pioneers have honored Sunny Alberta! Warmest peace of mind to everyone, and especially to those at ”The cottage by the lake shore” In brotherly love, JJ (JJ wrote an article in CP for years called “Genom Kickaren”, through binoculars. He had traveled over the years to Malmö and knew the Ringwall’s from these visits.)

A Litle Broadcast from the Cottage by the Lakeshore 27 Sep 1932
And now I mention that it has been very busy here at the lake shore. Large numbers of ”hoppers” have gathered and jump in the water. But we have not been accident free. One jumped straight down from the diving board and pushed his head so hard against the bottom that a bone in his neck was damaged. If he ever gets fully better or is already, I don’t know. Another lost his dentures which he could not find then or later. He promised five dollars to the one who could find them, and some have tried without results. The editor may perhaps think that I am every day tied to the cottage and the lake shore. No, I’ve let myself out of here sometimes, and been a little here and there. Was in Meeting Creek at the Mission meeting there; was in Wetaskiwin at the meeting there and in Malmö at the annual meeting. I had nothing to do there, but went there to listen. And there was such a good concert that the church was in danger of exploding from the crowd and the roof of being lifted off by music and singing, and even so, at the end we blew ourselves up with ice cream and cake.

From the cottage by the Lakeshore December 13, 1932
Please allow me to jump back 50 years in time. Then there was also an assembly (he had just described a church assembly) But this one included only two young people, and the two became one. It was in Överhogdal’s parish. Jämtland County, November 26, half a century ago. Recently we were able to celebrate our golden wedding in the circle of children and grandchildren, and some had to come a long way, and they arrived the previous afternoon (from Calgary and Meeting Creek). And when we are all gathered, we are a good number, with grandchildren included. Yes, we had a nice time in our home among these on our golden wedding day. The next day we were invited to our daughter and husband’s in Highland Park. But here we came to a trap, but about that I should not write, for I think someone else is doing that.

Glimpses from Highland Park December 12, 1932
November 27th a large crowd of friends from Malmö and Highland Park met at Albert Hansons roomy home to celebrate our friends P.E.Ringwall’s 50th wedding anniversary (Mrs A Hanson is a daughter of the Ringwalls). Most of their children and grandchildren were there. A happy afternoon was enjoyed by all, with Scripture reading, prayer, singing and congratulations. Telegrams were read from the Skanse relations from Minneapolis, a greeting from mrs August Swanström and son in Chicago, and also a lively and nice poem from professor P Person, North Park College. The undersigned (pastor from Highland Park) spoke on Psalm 103:1-2. The celebrated pair were thankful for the party and for the sharing of good memories and gifts. This was followed by great coffee and food and everyone went home happy. E Anderson

From the Little Cabin by the shore 24 January 1933
I am sitting alone at home this afternoon in the cabin, because my wife and son have gone to Highland Park, but I have not been well so did not want to go out. However, it is nice outside, quite mild. And, as I sit here alone I thought maybe the editor at Canada Posten begins to wonder if it has ”frozen” too close to the cabin, so I thought I better try to write some lines and reassure him that this is not true. And it has been cold long enough that the ice is strong enough on the lake that JJ must know that ”Alberta’s Nimrod” was out in the car on the ice shooting coyotes again this winter Now perhaps the editor wants to know how we celebrated Christmas in this area. But I can not tell you about that so much as my health has been quite difficult for some time. You must understand, I’m not complaining about health, it’s the ill health i’m complaining about. On Christmas Eve, we were with our family in Highland Park. We have a daughter with family there, and also a son and his wife and children there. So we were with them and shared our small gifts and reminded ourselves of the great Christmas gift the world received nineteen hundred and thirty-three years ago. We did not get out for julottan. (Christmas morning) Our newly-arrived pastor was here in Malmö church then and I have heard it was a great gathering and a great meeting on that beautiful morning. But we were able to attend the Christmas children’s party when the Sunday School had their big program.

From the cottage by the Lakeshore 25 April 1933
We already passed the first Spring month and March has always been a remarkable month, so remarkable that you can be quite surprised. Winter started early here in Alberta, already in October, so not everyone got all of their threshing finished before the first snow and then we got more and more. Most of the time however, the winter as a whole was quite decent, though we probably had some ”cold snaps” from time to time, but not so much snow that the cars had trouble going on most roads. But when the spring month came, the lion came wildly and uncontrollably, so the snow fell in thick layers and after a day’s rest it came again and waved its long tail a lot here in central Alberta. And here at the cottage the drifts so large that it was impossible to get to some of our outbuildings. It was more snow than we had in many years.But as the saying goes that if March comes in like a lion then it goes out like a lamb. Something like that was the case the last week of the first spring month. But we still have no bare earth to talk about. From here at the cottage we were up to the church only once in March and then with the horse and sleigh. Then we got to go and run many tracks on the fields. But the road there was already open so it went well. There were many at the Church who came with horse and sleigh, and inside the church it was as usual, nice, edifying with varied song and sermon. Afterward there was a kind of Sunday school even for the old people, so we stayed and we tried to find a seat to work for us. The pastor asked me if I could hear from there and I shook my head so he asked us to come up front, and so like good children we did so. It was a kind of school discussion on sobriety and it was interesting to sit and hear something even on this subject. Someone thought that the licensing system was better than an absolute ban, because otherwise the maple barrels flooded the country and these could not be controlled and no tax could be made on them. The pastor seemed to almost agree with them but added, “But we cannot vote for open sales.” No, certainly not. At one point, the pastor asked who was the first person recorded in history as drunk? ”Perhaps Ringwall can tell us what his name was? ”” No, I can’t remember, or really think who right now”, ”but in a little while I mumbled” Wasn’t it Noah?” ”Yes, that’s right, I knew he would know it,” the pastor said. I didn’t know or could not understand how he could know I knew it, and if he knew me better he probably would not have said so. Even though I have once read the Bible from cover to cover and read parts thereof many times, I cannot now remember or quote a verse, even though I know it by heart, so like a child I need to start Sunday school again.

A few lines from the cottage by the Lakeshore September 12, 1933
To the editor at Canada Posten,
Bonelli wrote in his views and revues in CP on August 8th, among other things: ”We count it as a regret that we did not make a small turn in to the cabin by the lake shore to slap our good friend Ringwall on the hand. I have been sitting here in the cottage, thinking about the two words ”time” and ”regrets”! Yes, in terms of time, there is rarely enough for visits, at least to small places, even if the will and ability were not weak. Now about the ”regrets” I think the loss is both for Bonelli as well as for me. I sincerely wished I could come to Highland Park, at least on the big day of the holiday. And I even made an attempt and crawled out of the cabin and crept into the automobile, and then I gave a command: ”Now drive around the house, so I can feel how it is to be moving. ” But that was impossible, for as soon as the car began to move I almost screamed with pain. A few days earlier I had injured myself in a fall from a rotten ladder. But now I’m as good as I was before the fall.

Thank you in any case for thinking of us and the mention; in addition, that ”the son of the writer from the cabin at the lake shore was the man of the house where we stayed.”
There could be a great deal more to write yet from here the lake shore, which has now become not just a swimming place but a destination. But now I will mention one final thing, that yesterday we had a visit by someone in an airplane who did some good turns and twists right over the cottage and the beach. Harvesting is as good as over and the threshing mills have begun hum. PER

From Malmö October 31, 1933
We have had a time of mourning here. Much grain has been stored, taken from Alberta’s fertile plains. These last weeks a collection was also made into the eternal barn. Two of our dearly loved brothers have left us to face Him face to face. In the ”cottage by the lake shore” a voice has silenced. We will read no more in Canada Posten thoughts written by PE Ringwall’s pen. His last letter to C.P. He was read to him by his wife three days before his homecoming came. And now his place is empty in the family, in the congregation, in his circle of friends. His call home came Sunday morning on the 17th, September after only a few days of illness with pneumonia. Friend and thinker PE Ringwall was born in Överhogdal, Jämtland County, Sweden, March 8, 1861. Thus, when he said farewell he was 72 years, 6 months and 2 (9) days old. He spent his childhood on his father’s land. At the age of 21, he joined in sacred marriage with Gölin (Skanse). The following year they immigrated to Cooperstown, North Dakota. God blessed the Ringwalls with eight lovely children. All the children along with their mates stood mourning as he lay. Canada lured them and in 1900, the Ringwall family moved to Alberta and settled on the shore of scenic Red Deer Lake. The ”Cottage at the Lake Shore” was his home until he was called to travel to the Father’s abode. Several years ago he found peace with God and was a member of the Malmö Missionary Assembly. His final service was held in the Malmö church on Tuesday 19 September. Pastors E B Anderson, A. Wingblad and the undersigned participated in the meeting. The spacious church could not accommodate the large congregation. May God bless and strengthen those who have so sorely grieved. May these home callings be a poignant warning to us, still standing on this side of the Jordan River. May we prepare to meet our God and friends who have gone first. We don’t know the time. PE Landerdahl