Mankell Family History

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August Strindberg's Midsommar


Written, 1900, translated

Note: This is a conversation with some people who are hard of hearing. In Swedish words rhyme which offers additional humor. The confusion stems from the fact that Carl Abraham and Gustav Mankell were organists in Stockholm during the same time period. Carl Abraham was at St. Clara Church; Gustav was at St. James Church.

Sjostsrom: ….What kind of church is that on the mountain?

Andersson: Does Mrs. Lindgren know what kind of church it is?

Lindgren: No, I don’t.

Fisherman: That’s a steeple at Skansen (refers to a park in Stockholm)

Sjostrom: A constable?

Fisherman: A steeple!

Sjostrom: I’m not deaf my little friend….Is that the fortress I have read something about in the newspaper by Mankell? (refers to Julius Mankell, the military historian)

Fisherman: No, that’s Skansen by Hazelius…

Sjostrom: Isn’t his name Mankell?

Lindgren: No, he’s been dead since long ago.

Sjostrom: Oh, is he dead? But he played organ at St. Clara Church…I heard him.

Andersson: No, that was at St. James Church.

Sjostrom: Little Mrs. Andersson, when I was confirmed at St. Clara Church I heard Abraham Mankell play the organ. That I know!

Lindgren: Yes, but there was one at St. James, too. I don’t remember his name. (refers to Gustav Mankell)

Sjostrom: In St. James, that was Lundberg.

Lindgren: No, that was Mankell. There were 2 Mankells that played.

Andersson: Oh my, there were 2 in St. James.

Lindgren: No, know not the men…

Sjostrom: I don’t know what the two Mankells had to do with Skansen.

Fisherman: No. Regarding Skansen… That was General Hazelius!

Note: General Hazelius built Skansen.


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Last updated: February 20, 2008