Code,801004
Subject,"Olli Patrikainen, Finnish Cultural Garden"
Date,2/20/2009
Interviewer,Judith MacKeigan
Abstract,"Olli Patrikainen, a delegate of the Finnish Cultural Garden, discusses the history and role of the Finnish community in Cleveland's Cultural Gardens. A native of Finland, Mr. Patrikainen came to Cleveland in the early 1990s with his American wife.  The interview focuses on such topics as vandalism, immigration, the current Finnish commununity, the importance of nationalism as it pertains to the Gardens, and finally his vision of the future for the Cultural Gardens."
Special Notes,
minutes:,
0,"Into. Born in Finland, 1964/ Wife is an American and explains why they moved to Cleveland"
1,"The Finnish Garden began in 1958 - how he became involved in the Cultural Gardens, specifically the Finnish Garden"
2,"Before he moved to Cleveland, his first impressions of the Finnish Garden"
3,circumstances of the Finnish Garden when he decided to take it over.  Decided to replace two of the four busts that had been stolen
4,"Vandalsim is still prevelant, but getting better. Busts replaces continued . . ."
5,How he became involved in Garden cont . . . The types of flowers /flower arrangements of the Finnish Garden
6,flowers cont . . .
7,Individuals who were chosen for busts
8,Thoughts on new busts/sculptures.  He would like the next piece to represent modern Finland
9,"Discusses founders of the Finnish Garde.  Started raising funds for Garden in 1956,"
10,fundraising continued . . .
11,Finnish immigration to Cleveland began in 1910s-1920s; when/where/why immigration occured
12,"Reasons behind his own immigration to Cleveland; He was surprised to find a cultural presence in the area, mentions Fairport Harbor in particular"
13,
14,Nationalist movements throughout Finnish history are exemplified by the poets/artists in the Finnish Garden
15,There are two sections within the current Finnish community;1.) Original immigrants who settled in Painsville/Fairport Harbor/Ashtubula
16,current Finnish community continued . . . 2.) Recent immigrants who settled in Cleveland area
17,"Finnish community today, meet informally meet in social situations"
18,generational differences between two sections of Finnish community
19,"refers to scrap book of founder -the scrap includes hand written notes of founders, contracts, invitations,attendance lists, thank you notes, diaries, and photographs."
20,
21,"the Cultural Gardens represent a ""a tiny United Nations"""
22,"the events that shape the Cultural Gardens, and how gardens exemplify culture of each country represented; problems with the placement of the gardens"
23,"his role as the Finnish delegate;when meetings take place, and how officers are elected"
24,Delegation continued . . .
25,the growth of the Finnish community in Cleveland
26,"grew up in north central end of Finland, however immigration is based on personal circumstances and wealth"
27,"He wants more active use in the Cultural Gardens, and improvements on vandalism"
28,"Has a vision of preservation, restoration, and growth of Gardens; does not believe in the Doane Brooke restoration project."
29,Doane Brooke restoration continued . . .
30,chit chat . . .
31,chit chat . . .
32,"Climate, population, geography of Finland"