Gene Kangas, Art Professor Emeritus

As the twentieth century was drawing to a close, a small group of Finnish/Americans looked forward as they discussed the ideal way to permanently celebrate Finnish heritage in North America. A committee was formed for that purpose. It was unanimously decided that a memorable sculptural monument be designed and built of substantial materials for location in Fairport Harbor, Ohio. Fairport, like many Great Lakes communities, provided home and opportunity for each generation of Finnish/Americans. The public Veterans Memorial Park in Fairport was chosen as a permanent site for the new monument.

The Finnish Monument Committee investigated costs involved with such an ambitious project, arriving at a projected goal. Next, a plan of action was determined to raise necessary funds. The plan required no public funding but did include private donations, business gifts and in–kind services. A manageable schedule was established and the project was underway. The committee met to brainstorm ideas for the basic design and materials of the monument. Finally, a scale model was agreed upon and was formally presented to the Village of Fairport for site approval.

The monument was designed to represent several ideas. It would have three sides, each with different imagery. Granite was chosen to establish the foundation and strength of the memorial sculplture. About two decades ago, granite was voted one of six national "Nature Symbols" in Finland. Kapeen Kivipojat Oy of Teralahti quarried the monument's stones out of bedrock in Finland; then they were shaped, polished and detailed in another Finnish factory before leaving by ship to America. The trans–Atlantic journey retraced the path of many of the immigrants who settled on this continent.

It was agreed that two metal swans would rise above the triangular granite blocks. They were to be fabricated from American stainless steel. The granite and stainless would represent the joining of time and culture. Both are enduring self–sustaining materials. Those qualities are inherent in basic Finnish character. Balmoral Red granite, which formed over 1500 million years ago, was selected for its color and universal popularity.

Work began in 2002 at Sorvikivi Oy located in Savitaipale, Finland on the granite sculpture following committee specifications. Owners of the company, Eero and Kaarina Vainkka, are famous for the quality of their craftsmanship. While almost the entire stone surface was meticulously smoothed, polished and engraved, some surfaces were intentionally chipped and made rough. This illustrates words in the monument's poem, which acknowledge that much has been accomplished but more remains to be done. For well over a century, people of Finnish heritage arrived in North America willing to work hard and to contribute in any way they could. That spirit continues today.

The pinnacle of the monument features an abstracted portrayal of flying swans. Swans mate for life and each is loyal and boldly protective of its partner and family. Their color is simple and pure. They are capable of flying great distances in search of food and habitat. Swans are like the immigrants who had to 'cross a great ocean to come to this land. Like granite, swans were also voted a Finnish national "Nature Symbol," making them an appropriate monument image. In Finland, ancient drawings scratched into rocks thousands of years ago depict primitive renderings of swans. And, white swans seen silhouetted against the blue of the sky resemble the reverse design of the Finnish flag. Finnish/American artist Gene Kangas, who was born and raised in the lakeside town, designed the monument and sculpted the stainless swans and their supporting metal pyramid.

Each of the three sides of the pyramidal stone form has its own identity. The first side includes its title, Finnish Monument. Below that are the words "Dedicated to celebrate and honor all Finnish heritage families." Side two displays a large outline map of Finland. Above the map are cros'sed flags of the United States and Finland. Below the map are the words "Old Friends—Strong Ties" "Vanhat Ystävät—Lujat Siteet." Side three features the poem "The Finns."

The Finnish Monument in Fairport is complete. It is a significant addition to public sculptures in North America that honor the legacy of brave Finnish immigrants. Throughout the project, the monument committee endeavored to exceed its original proposal. It was the sincere intention of the committee that t'he sculpture site becomes a public place of respect, to be visited often; and, that it becomes a special place for private thought and reflection. Please visit the monument when you are in the area.

Committee Members

KATHY COTTAGE "Being part of this committee was an honor and a great privilege. It's an expression of love for our families past, present and future. I hope that everyone who visits this monument will stop to remember their heritage, whatever it may be."

GENE KANGAS "After my grandparents died, I promised myself to strive to do something important to honor their memory. Three decades have passed for the ideal opportunity to present itself. My participation in the creation of the Finnish Monument fulfills that heart felt commitment."

MATT LEHTONEN "I am glad and proud to have been involved in leaving something important for future generations of Finnish/Americans. The new monument should provide lasting memories for them for many years to come."

JOHN LEIVO "We took a chance at a better life for ourselves and our families, and we found it here. Working on this committee has given me the opportunity to leave something that will be here for future generations to enjoy and honor the Finnish immigrants that came here."

HEIKKI PERTTU "It is important to me to leave a lasting mark to honor generations of Finnish men and women who with their talents, perseverance (sisu) and love of their new homeland were a part of the mosaic that created, built and preserved this great country."

LEILA SAJNER "After being in the United States for decades and having already raised his own family, my great uncle Jack Malkamaki sponsored my family to come to his home in America in 1955. That was quite a RISK for my mom's uncle, yet he generously provided us with a great chance in life. This monument is one way that I can personally honor my great uncle's wonderful gift."

The Finnish Monument provides a permanent recognition for Finnish immigrants who came to North America to help make it be greater. It was a sacrifice to leave the security of their homeland; however, the new Finnish/Americans bravely accepted the challenges. The committee thanks them and all following generations. If each of our ancestors had not risked that epic journey, many of us would not have had so many incredible opportunities. Finnish/Americans share a common feeling to honor and respect our ancestry. The Finnish Monument was dedicated in July of 2003. (Virtual Gallery)