Audio
Chellberg Overview
Transcript
The Chellberg Farm is one of the few remaining intact representations of a unique Swedish immigrant community in northwestern Indiana known as Baillytown. The first Swedes came to the area beginning in the 1840s. They were recruited by Joseph Bailly’s son-in-law Joel Wicker, a wealthy Chicago businessman. He managed a nearby sawmill and employed Swedish immigrants. As they continued to work, they slowly earned enough money to be able to purchase land. By the 1880s, Baillytown and Porter County represented the largest concentration of Swedes in Indiana. The Swedish community thrived for decades, keeping Swedish customs and language integrated in the day-to-day activities of its members.
The Chellbergs moved to the area in 1869, and by 1874 they owned their 80 acre farm. Beginning with Anders and Johanna Kjellberg, three generations of Chellbergs lived here spanning over 100 years.
Description
Interpretive audio recording describing the Chellberg's history.
Credit
NPS/Ranger Joe Gruzalski
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