More Murals

More murals by Lauren Sinnott illustrating local history with portraits of real people & places, telling their stories, keeping memory alive.

“From Finland to Fort Bragg”

Look at this photo from 1912 of the United Finn Picnic in Fort Bragg.

Immigrants from Finland during the late 1800s and early 1900s formed the largest national group to create the bustling town of Fort Bragg on the northern California coast.

The Finns valued cooperation, equality, and a state of mind called SISU, meaning personal determination in the face of adversity. They worked together for the common good. Many supported unions and workers rights.

And they brought the cleansing sauna, which makes bathing a social occasion.

With refreshments! Hot coffee was served and cake, even beer and sausage.