Near Frederick in Brown County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Savo Hall
National Register of Historic Places
September 17, 2022
1. Savo Hall Marker
has been placed on the
National Register
of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of the Interior
Built 1899
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1899.
Location. 45° 52.774′ N, 98° 24.853′ W. Marker is near Frederick, South Dakota, in Brown County. Marker is at the intersection of 104th Street (County Road 3) and 391st Avenue (County Road 14), on the left when traveling east on 104th Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Frederick SD 57441, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. In Memory of the Finnish Pioneers (within shouting distance of this marker); Savo Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); In Memoriam (approx. 3.1 miles away); Old Finnish Apostolic Lutheran Church (approx. 3.2 miles away); The First Frederick School (approx. 5.7 miles away); Frederick, South Dakota Veterans Memorial (approx. 5.7 miles away); South Dakota (approx. 6.6 miles away); Philip Cain Gelling Homestead (approx. 6.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Frederick.
Also see . . . South Dakota MPS Savo Hall-Finnish National Society Hall - National Archives Catalog
this page online
Statement of Signficance (from 1985):(Submitted on September 24, 2022.)
"The Savo Hall is the only remaining example of a Finnish immigrant hall in South Dakota. As the site of temperance, musical, athletic and theatrical activities in the Finnish settlement. It was a non-denominational and more expansive symbol of community life than the other major Finnish-American institution, the church. The architecture of the building is in the American vernacular tradition of the rural hall and this building remains an extremely well-preserved example of the type. It is significant in the areas of architecture, settlement history, theatre and Finnish ethnic history.
In 1898, sixteen years after the initial settlement of Savo, the Finnish National Society of Savo or Savo Hall Association was founded to build a community hall. Membership was limited to people of Finnish nationality, living in the community, although members were drawn largely from the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Church, which was the more out-going and wordly of the two sects of Finnish Lutheranism in the community. The hall was to be "used for any progressive or cultural purpose" and over the years housed theatrical productions, temperance society meetings, athletic events and musical entertainments and religious celebrations.
The first board of directors consisted of John Forsty, Herman Hukari, F.F. Martilla, K.A.Hukari, M.A. Martilla, Henry Thompson and Paul Geranen. Built during the month of June by Jacob Erkkila, Alex Kriksman and Sam Samuelson, the hall was dedicated with a traditional Finnish Johannus or Midsummer celebration on June 24, 1899.September 17, 20222. Savo Hall & Marker, from the southwest
Hall life was an exteremely important part of Finnish-American life, as virtually all non-religious social life centered on these institutions. Four halls were built in South Dakota and only Savo remains.
In later years, C. 1920-1940, the Savo Hall Association became the victim of partison strife. The improtance of the hall was further weakened by the changing life styles of a younger generation. Although the hall is still used for special occasions, its importance has clearly waned.
The building has been well maintained and is in excellent condition.
September 17, 2022
3. Savo Hall
Credits. This page was last revised on July 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 24, 2022. This page has been viewed 115 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 24, 2022.
