Balboa Park’s historic House of Sweden celebrates its 75th Anniversary milestone

House of Sweden was founded in 1935 during the California Pacific International Exposition and is located in one of the charming historic International Cottages in San Diego’s world-famous Balboa Park. They are a member of the House of Pacific Relations (H.P.R.) which was founded one year later in 1936. Along with other cottages representing 32 nations and ethnicities from around the world, House of Sweden is proud to open a window to its heritage through goodwill and culture.

After 75 years, House of Sweden is going strong with nearly 200 members ranging from children to seniors. Some active members span three generations including those of House of Sweden Queen Heather Robinson and Princesses Lisabet Ramsey and Vendela Keane. Our current member of the year is former president and U.S.-born Carl “Calle” Englund whose parents came from Axmar and Ramvik, Sweden, though diversity reigned in the past when the 2003 Swede of the Year was Susan Teeter, who is Japanese but loves the Swedish culture.

House of Sweden members preserve their cultural heritage through language classes, crafts, music, song, dance, holiday celebrations, cuisine, and the cottage’s distinctive interior decorated with beautiful hand-painted rosemaling in the style of Swedish painter/designer Carl Larsson. House of Sweden’s largest event is an annual Midsummer Festival featuring music, dance, and a traditional maypole; the community of San Diego can even be Swedish for a day by attending Midsummer’s public celebration. Greater Balboa Park events include Ethnic Food Fair and the International Christmas Festival held during Balboa Park December Nights.

CONTACTS:
Anna Nilsson, President, 619-339-4139, HOSpresident@yahoo.com or sandiegoswede62@yahoo.com
Carol Kerr, Publicity Chairperson, 619-543-1676, fax 619-543-1680, carol@carolkerr.com

House of Sweden: www.houseofsweden.us
House of Pacific Relations: www.sdhpr.org