The Swedish Peddler

The Roseau County Historical Society radio program “A Look Back in Time” (KJ102) has been a wonderful trip through Roseau County history for all who listen on Sunday morning. Irene Olson presents these programs in an informative and enjoyable way.  A few months ago she reiterated the history of Carl Malmskog, the Swedish Peddler.  The next two weeks this column will be devoted to Carl and Amanda. The information for this history is from “Remembrances” compiled by Hazel Wahlberg, Margaret Eklund Johnson in the “Roseau County Heritage” and Jeanette Erickson.

Carl Malmskog arrived in Minnesota from Sweden in 1888. A year later he sent for his wife, Amanda and their son, Martin.  After living in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota for several years they moved to the Badger area in Stokes Township.

Amanda was a housewife, a good gardener, and took care of the milk cows and chickens, which provided much of their sustenance.  As a local midwife she delivered many babies in their area.

In order for a country student to complete high school they had to board with a family that lived close enough to a town school, the Malmskog’s filled that purpose for many students who attended Badger High School.

Carl worked in a shingle mill in Badger; due to an work accident he lost most of one hand. This lead him to pursue a different occupation and  he became well known to Roseau County residents as a peddler of Sayman’s products.

Destined to be known as one of Roseau county’s most loved and remembered pioneers, Carl, the little Swede with twinkling eyes, ruddy cheeks and a cheery wit traveled from one end of the county to the other selling wares.  At first he used a horse and buggy, but later switched to walking, often 20 miles a day.

Carl carried either four cases slung from straps over his shoulders or a huge pack on his back. He sold eye glasses as well as a host of other goods, such as soap, foot powder, spices, vanilla, needles, pins, and cough drops, which were very good, and farm supplies such as liniment for the animals. Loved by children, his pack always contained gifts such as gum, pencils, and handkerchiefs for them. Jeanette Erickson, his granddaughter, remembered the mittens and socks Amanda made and Carl sold.

Many people liken him to Santa Claus with his white beard and jolly manner.  They recall that he claimed his “Sayman Salve” could heal anything but a heartache! 

“He always smelled so good”, one lady said, “it was fun to sit on his lap (she was a small child at the time) and smell the soap, etc.” 

His fur cap, which he apparently wore summer and winter, became so familiar that others who bought fur caps sometimes called them their Malmskog caps.”

At one time he had surgery; Jeanette recalled how during his recovery he would lift his suitcases to regain his strength.  When he had recuperated he returned to work and served the people of Roseau County again.

Carl was an excellent tanner. His daughter, Hilda, Mrs. John Eklund Sr, showed Mrs. Wahlberg a beautiful and precious medal which had been awarded Carl by the King of Sweden for his expertise in tanning leather. (To be continued next week)

RCHS Footnotes

The RCHS annual meeting will be held at 6:30 pm March 25 2003 at the Roseau School commons area. A living history program takes place at 7 pm in the school theater.  The program based on the Orphan Train, will be presented by Dorothy Lund Nelson. Dorothy is the author of Orphan Train Rider, "Burke's Journeys".  Through the use of videos, role playing, and costume, Dorothy shares the experiences of the orphan train. The meeting and program is open to all.  Refreshments will be served following the program.

We hope you have pulled out that wedding dress/gown and called the museum, Mary Ross (218-463-2676) or Sandy Flagstad (218-463-2680) with your plans to participate in the Bridal Review.  We have only about seven (7) weeks to go before this event takes place.  We hope to see you all there either as a participant or as an observer! We would also enjoy having you bring you wedding photographs to share at the event!  Make sure you have you name and phone number on the photographs so they can be returned.

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