Kaleva Historical Society
Kaleva Historical Society
Kaleva Historical Society
(231) 362-2749
Lighting uo the Christmas Holiday in Kaleva
2023
The Kaleva Historical Society to celebrate the Christmas holidays at the Bottle House Museum.
The museum will be open on the Saturdays in December leading up to Christmas from 12-4 pm.
December 21st, 2024 – Winter Solstice, Lighting up the maple F\Grove Cemeteary at 4pm.
There will be the Finnish Heaven, which is a wooden frame holding foil stars that hangs over the Christmas tree. This custom came from Finland and is reminiscent of children watching the stars on Christmas Eve. The colored lights on the tree are reflected in the stars and the traditional ornaments of straw and real candles complete the scene. Old fashioned toys and other gifts are scattered under the tree and a heritage quilt serves as the tree skirt.
The front porch of the sauna is the setting for the old-fashioned crèche or Nativity set. It has been part of the Bottle House Christmas for as long as folks can remember. Lights and straw make the figures very life-like and remind us of the real reason for Christmas.
Special Events at The Bottle House Museum
December 2nd - Light the trees on Wuoksi Boulevard and at the Bottle House
at dusk. Hot chocolate served. Kids get a free gift at the Bottle House 12-4 pm
December 9th - "KOKKO" Bonfire and Hot Chocolate; the sauna will be open
for tours - Noon - 4pm
December 16th - Taste of Finland at the Bottle House - Nissua, pannukukku
and other Finnish treats - Noon - 4pm
December 21st - WINTER SOLSTICE - Join us as 1000 candles light up the
graves at Maple Grove Cemetery. Meet across from the cemetery at 4pm.
There will be a short memorial service at dusk. Soup served after at
Bethany Lutheran Church.
December 23rd - Santa Claus will visit with treats for the children; visitors will
have an opportunity to impress the antique Kaleva State Bank stamp on a
free postcard.
Bottle House Museum hours through December
Saturday & Sunday
Noon - 4pm
Kaleva Art Gallery also offering Special Events for the Holiday –
December 2, Noon - 2pm - Deborah Kaskinen Crandell will present her book: “Sisu, Not Just Another Pretty Cat”
December 3, from Noon - 2pm - Make a beach glass ornament, $10 fee - sign up at the gallery
December 9, Noon - 2pm - Rebecca Durant will present her book on Meditations - Noon - 2pm
Wooden ornament workshop Noon - 2pm, $10 - sign up at the gallery
Kaleva Art Gallery, located in downtown Kaleva is a cooperative of over 25 artists.
It is the place to shop locally and find unique Christmas gifts for everyone on your list.
Hours - 12-4 on Friday and Sunday, 10-4 on Saturday
There will be additional hours closer to Christmas
Kaleva - A Finnish Community in the heart of Manistee County.
In 1969 the Kaleva Historical Society (KHS) was formed by members of the community that wanted to preserve the heritage and history of family, church, and community.
Around 1900 when the first Finnish families moved to Kaleva they arrived to pine stumps and blow sand. Many that could afford to cut their losses and return to their homes did, but those who could not leave made the best of the what they had. By treasuring family, church and community and with a bit of SISU (Finnish for strength of will, determination, perseverance, and acting rationally in the face of adversity) the founding families of Kaleva worked hard to persevere and erect a town from nothing.
From that proud heritage came the group of people who formed the Kaleva Historical Society. We hope you enjoy learning about our town, our history and our commitment to preserving the history of Kaleva, Michigan.
Get Here
Join the K.H.S.
We always welcome new members at the Kaleva Historical Society.
If you are interested in membership, click here.
We also accept donations to help continue our projects and raise funds to maintain our sites throughout Kaleva, Michigan.
Did you know?
Sauna forms a great part of Finland's heritage and culture. It is estimated that there are over 2 million saunas, which averages one per household.
While we don't have that many in Michigan - we do have the highest population of Finnish Americans.
Read about our Sauna Project here.
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