Arnold Ahonen papers

Collection — Folder: 1

Identifier: IHRC111

Staff Only

DESCRIPTION OF THE COLLECTION

Compilation of autobiographical materials pertaining to the Ahonen family history. Includes 16-page typed autobiography, photographs. Autobiography also available on microfilm in the American Immigrant Autobiographies Series; interview on tape as part of the Minnesota Finnish American Family History Project.

Dates

1847-1981
1847-1981

Creator

Ahonen, Arnold (Person)

Language of Materials

English

ACCESS RESTRICTIONS

Open for use in the Elmer L. Andersen Library reading room.

OWNERSHIP & LITERARY RIGHTS

This collection may be protected by the Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17, U.S. Code). It is the user's responsibility to verify copyright ownership and to obtain all necessary permissions prior to the reproduction, publication, or other use of any portion of these materials. Researchers may quote from the collection under the fair use provision of the copyright law.

For further information regarding the copyright, please contact the IHRCA.

HISTORICAL SKETCH

Arnold Ahonen's grandfather was born in Sulkava, Finland, in 1847. His father was also born in Finland. His mother was born in Liminga, Finland, in 1878. Ahonen's father immigrated when he was sixteen. The rest of the family came to America later. Ahonen remained in the U.S. Ahonen's father first lived in Billings, Montana, then moved to Chisholm, Minnesota, in 1901. Ahonen's mother first lived in Cloquet, Minnesota then moved to Chisholm in 1902. Ahonen lived in Chisholm then moved to New York to study. In 1947 he moved to Orr, Minnesota. He later moved to the original homestead in Chisholm. Ahonen's father first worked in the copper mines then operated a general store. Ahonen's mother first worked for a doctor, then operated a candy store. Ahonen studied art in New York City. After WWII he worked as a miner, the only work he could get. He later taught and retired in 1976. During his army training he met his wife. They corresponded during World War II and were married in 1944. They had three children. Ahonen wrote about the forest fire which almost destroyed Chisholm in 1908.

Extent

1 linear inch

Additional Description

Abstract

Papers consists of autobiographical materials, correspondence and photocopied images.

PROVENANCE

Collection donated to the IHRC by Arnold Ahonen in 1981 as part of the Minnesota Finnish American Family History Project (1979-1981). Later, the autobiographical materials were included in the American Immigrant Autobiography Series microfilming project by University Publications of America (1988). Descriptive information encoded and formatted for display on the IHRC Web site in 2005.