Fiskars Assembly Hall 1896-1996

In the late 19th century cultural activity was on the rise in Fiskars. There were a large number of associations and everybody felt a need for a place to gather and meet. The only place open for occasions like these was the laundry house, the so called mangel room. The brass band, the choir, the theatre groups all had to share what little space was available. Young people also gathered here for dances.

The founder Karin von Julin

Karin von Julin (1871-1914), the oldest daughter of the Fiskars company’s first managing director, Albert von Julin, had long noticed that the lack of space was holding back the cultural development in the village. On September 24th 1895 she felt determined to make a change and started a capital stock subscription for an “entertainment hall”.

The stock capital was set at 10 000 marks (about 1680€), but the subscription yielded only 2700 marks (about 450€). The subscription included many of the Julin family and officials from the iron works but also outsiders like Mr Brummer and senator Leo Mechelin. In the Fiskars company’s budget for 1895 12 000 marks (about 2000€) were put a side for the Assembly Hall. Furthermore the company also gave 2000 marks (about 340€) a year until 1900 to the Assembly Hall and its library. The library was open in the Assembly Hall between 1897 and 1938.

The architect was chosen

The Fiskars inhabitant Waldemar Aspelin, son of the recent iron works director J.W. Aspelin, was given the honor of designing the building. The architect's plan was received by mail on March 30th 1896 and at this time the building was named the Assembly Hall. The Assembly Hall was built in seven months by building master Johannes Wiklund and became a masterpiece in the revival style. On October 9th the building was inspected by Karin von Julin and she seemed pleased because she invited Mr Wiklund in for coffee and wine.