Near Woodland in Cowlitz County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)

The Finn Hall

Photographed by Kevin W., June 9, 2008

1. The Finn Hall Marker

Inscription. In 1916 Finnish immigrants constructed a hall near this site under the name of a literary association (Kirjallixuus Seura), forming a lending library. Although they brought their diet, language, and saunas with them, some old country beliefs were left behind. These people found it necessary to meet where they could study the social customs of their new country, challenge and question partisan politics, and reflect on new theological insights. At this cultural center were held language classes, meetings, athletic activities, wedding dances, funerals and programs with oratory, drama, poetry, vocal and instrumental music. Steaming kettles of coffee and the warmth of dignified waltzes, pulsating polkas and schottisches brought togetherness to these rugged individualists.

Life to them was involvement.

Erected by Descendants and friends of Finnish Settlers, Woodland Bicentennial Committee, Washington State Highways Commission, Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, Cowlitz County Parks and Recreation Dept.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Immigration • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1916.

Location. 45° 56.615′ N, 122° 41.578′ W. Marker

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is near Woodland, Washington, in Cowlitz County. It is on Finn Hall Road (Washington Route 503). Marker is in a small rest area on Finn Hall Road, about four miles east of Interstate 5. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Woodland WA 98674, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southwest Washington State.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast,

in the Pacific Northwest,

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Oregon Trail (approx. 3.6 miles away); Woodland Community Veterans Memorial (approx. 3.9 miles away); Caples House Museum 1870 (approx. 6.6 miles away in Oregon); Dr. Charles Caples (approx. 6.7 miles away in Oregon); Caples House Museum (approx. 6.7 miles away in Oregon); Warrior Rock Fog Bell (approx. 7½ miles away in Oregon); down the trodden path... (approx. 7½ miles away in Oregon); Lewis & Clark Discovery Trail (approx. 7½ miles away in Oregon). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Woodland.

Other markers no longer nearby. A Memorial to Indian Zack (was approx. 3.7 miles away but has been confirmed missing); Deer Island (was approx. 7½ miles away in Oregon but has been confirmed missing).

Photographed by Kevin W., June 9, 2008

2. The Finn Hall Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on December 28, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 18, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 3,017 times since then and 96 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 18, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.