With a blend of cultural heritage, community spirit and historical charm, the second annual Midsummer Celebration at the historic Hallstrom House offered a memorable way for visitors to welcome summer and honor the traditions of those with Swedish ancestry.
The Indian River County Historical Society hosted the festive afternoon on the grounds of the majestic, two-story, red brick farmhouse of Swedish immigrant Axel Hallstrom and his daughter Ruth, where the family’s legacy continues to echo through the rooms of the home.
“Ruth’s Midsummer lunches were a favorite family event,” shared Kelly Thompson, event organizer, noting that the event is a way to continue the tradition.
“People can learn more about their Swedish heritage and the Hallstrom House,” said Thompson.
Visitors gathered to participate in the beloved Swedish tradition of celebrating the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, with traditional music, food and dancing. Guests danced around a beautifully decorated midsommarstång, similar to the maypoles used in other European celebrations, symbolizing fertility, new life and growth.
In addition to Scandinavian games and crafts, people enjoyed nibbling on traditional fare, including Swedish meatballs with lingonberries and various sweets. They were also invited to tour the farmhouse, which was completed in 1918 and still contains the family furnishings, artwork and other belongings.
A Swedish horticulturalist and banker, Axel Hallstrom raised his daughter Ruth on the 40-acre pineapple plantation he had established in 1913. She continued to live there until her death in 1999 and, having been a member of the Indian River County Historical Society, bequeathed the home and its contents to the nonprofit.
Since taking guardianship of the Hallstrom homestead, the Historical Society has operated the property as a living museum. This unique piece of Indian River County history was added to the U.S. Register of Historic Places in 2002.
Proceeds from the Midsummer Celebration will go towards the mission of the Historical Society to save, preserve, and restore the historical and environmental resources of Indian River County.
The Historical Society will host another Swedish tradition at the Hallstrom House on Dec. 14, commemorating the longest and darkest day of the year with their St. Lucia Day Celebration.
For more information, visit IRCHistorical.org.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
