Museum-Aktuell: Das Museums-Portal, European Museums, Verlag Dr. Chr. Müller-Straten

More and more people today are interested in issues of culture, history and
environment. Regarding our common future we more often than ever meet concepts
of natural resources, ecology and recycling. Human concern for these issues is
fundamental if the resources of the earth are to be sufficient for an increasing world
population.

Since the 1600s

The Emån Ecological Museum (Emåns Ekomuseum) was founded to reflect on and
mirror these issues in a historical perspective and to assure a local heritage to future
generations. It is situated by the small river of Emån in Bodafors and has its origin in
the flour mill of Boda dating from late 1600s. During a three-year period the
previously run-down mill has now been transformed into an interesting museum.

The museum has been founded by:
Sandsjö Historical Society (Sandsjö Hembygdsförening)
Bodafors Stream Concervancy Society (Bodafors Fiskevårdssällskap)
Bodafors Community Association (Bodafors Samhällsförening)
The Leasure Service and Recreation Committee of Nässjö Municipality (Nässjö
kommuns kulturnämnd)
Jönköping County Museum (Jönköpings Läns Museum)

Aims
Authorities, organisations, private companies and business firms and volunteers have
all contributed to the realization of the museum. It aims are to give evidence of and
reflect:
the biological life in and around the river Emån
the historical significance of the river on local community development
the social conditions for man during different periods
The river – beginnings of the region
By wandering along the small river of Emån between its source – Storesjön or the Big
Lake - and the lakes 7 kilometres downstream one can find remnants of more than
25 early small-scale industrial sites. But local history began far earlier.
For the first settlers in the area the river was not only the natural source of food
supply but also a means of travel and orientation in the area. During long periods of
time man lived by the river in close harmony with nature and its resources. By the
growth of the agricultural society man began to utilize the water-power of the river –
at first in primitive watermills.

Water life was injured

As technology developed and man built larger dams, the biological life of small river
was affected and among other things the passage ways for fish was cut of.
As the agricultural society grew in the industrial stage the river environment became
even more affected. Water pollution was for a period so severe that river life of fish,
crayfish and insects was almost entirely extinguished.
During the last 15 years or so these early damages to river environment have been
repaired and healed by the efforts of the Boda Stream Conservancy Society
(Bodafors Fiskevårdssällskap. By developing unique methods the society has
founded a school of conservation of fish life recognized both nationally and
internationally.

History of the flour mill – and the community

Out of the 25 historical small-scale industrial enterprises along the river it is evident
that the flour mill of Boda has had the most significant influence on local community
development.
Already in 1498 Jöns Ulfsson Roos in his estate land register gives reference to “a
stream or river in Sandsjoe district called Boda”. The flowing river was of early
significance.

Simple flour mill

The first official inventory of local flour mills was done by a Royal Commission in
1697. It was then noted that the farmer of Boda had a simple flour mill which was
registered to Slättefall farmstead. It was of primitive construction with a horizontal
mill-wheel which replaced the earlier hand-driven mills.

Mill-wheel

In 1805 the farmers wanted to exchange their old mill for a mill with a more advanced
type of wheel – this was a construction where water enters the wheel at a level
between its top and its central horizontal shaft. They also requested that their new
mill should be registered as a customs mill. This would allow them to grind grain for
others and charge for it.

In spite of support for the farmer’s request from the county governor and from the
district judge the downstream mill owners attempted to prevent the registration. But
the Boda farmers persisted and a few years later their new mill was finished with its
two mill stones. This is precisely the building which is the origin of the present
museum.

In 1858 the miller Per Johan Rydstedt took the mill on lease with its land. Later he
sublet the mill to the young blacksmith Axel Hägg. It was now that the local farm
culture took its first step into the industrial age. In 1872 Hägg started to produce
Windsor chairs. The production (under new owners) soon grew into a furniture factory
with more than 300 employees. It was an enterprise of decisive significance not only
for the local community but also for the further development of Swedish furniture
production and design.

History of the mill

Over the years the mill was then used for different purposes. For a period it served
for instance as upholstery worshop but later also as bachelor’s apartments and as
architect’s office. Within the museum the use of the mill during different periods is
shown under the heading of “History of the mill”.

Blue thread

Water serves as a “blue thread” of the museum. Even outside the museum the
visitors is met by flowing water and the sound of the small river and the winding
brook.

Also inside a little waterfall or water relief meets the visitor as soon as he enters the
museum. Further into the building there are rooms for exhibitions.
By the east side of the building the reconstructed mill-wheel is turned by the flow of
water and is visible also from inside. Further within the building in a room at
basement level the visitor meets the world of water…and…fish… “below the surface”.

Nature path

By common efforts of the Forestry Board of Jönköping County and of the museum a
“nature path” of about 3 kilometres has been marked out. It starts at the museum and
cuts through several characteristic types of natural sceneries and biotopes. There are
posters along the path to inform on flora and fauna and notable sights. Rocks once
carved into by falling water are worth special attention as are ancient graves. After
having tramped the path, a cup of coffee at the museum pavilion by the little brook
will taste especially good.

The museum provides several services. Besides showing permanent and temporary
exhibitions the museum also functions for conferences and for study purposes.
Companies and organisations of various types have here the possibility of renting the
building or a part of it. Exhibitions of art and handcraft and concerts are other
activities within the museum.

Museum, Parks & Zoos / Museums, parks & zoos

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