Per Albin Croft - 1942

Per Albin croft 1942

This small cottage, of the type which was called “Per Albin croft”, complete with a cowshed has been reconstructed after the original built in 1935-36 in Järvsand in Alanäs parish. Here the fictional woodman/forestry worker Sture Zetterström and his wife Astrid has built such a cottage. To afford the project they were offered a favourable small farmers’ loan; one way that the state was trying to improve the general standard of living; hereby also enabling those who worked seasonally in the forests to provide for themselves all year round.

We have stopped the clock in 1942. World War II is raging in Europe and both Norway and Denmark have been invaded by the Germans, while Finland has been fighting the Soviets. There is general dread in Sweden of also being attacked. Many men are called up by the army and the country is in a state of alert with the ensuing rationing of food and provisions. Most of the time in our small Per Albin croft only the wife and children remain at home.

Astrid is showing around pointing at the stump grubber which Sture used to prepare the ground for cultivation, the cowshed not yet finished and the cottage built to plans complete with lino flooring and indoor electricity. The cottage is built with two stories but the ground floor is the one mainly used. The cottages are built in accordance with specific plans and it is not for everyone to be granted a loan; an application must be filed and only those considered able and conscientious will be approved.

- Yes, it is a struggle to find the money for the mortgage, sighs Astrid, inviting us to a cup of rye coffee. The cottage is fine but in these days of alertness it is all rather worrying with Sture being called up and everything. It is a heavy burden for me and the children to cope. I hope Sture will be able to come home for the harvest at least!

After listening to the news broadcast on the radio and hearing the latest about the neighbours’ Finnish foster child, the time has come to set off anew. Astrid asks us to go via the forest workers’ hut/cabin in the forest and hand over the latest newspapers. We are sure to be invited to taste the classic thick pancake - kolbullen – the favourite dish of the timbermen.