Kovjoki Community Center
Source: Kovjoki, the village with the water and the many roads
In 1903, the youth association in Kovjoki was formed on the initiative of Alfred Andersson, who had taken inspiration from his stay in America where association life was more developed.
In 1908, plans began to build their own community center, and the location became the highest point on Helgaberget. In 1909, the community center was inaugurated with singing and dancing until three in the morning.
The house was a lively place. The youth association was involved with a newly formed choir, the Rapido Orchestra and a theatre group. Many festivities were organised in the house, including large weddings and parties.
Volunteer cooks on the steps of the community center in 1950 (from Kovjoki, the village with the water and the many roads)
The fire
In 1957, a violent thunderstorm swept over the village. A lightning bolt struck a transformer in the village. During the extinguishing work, smoke was noted from the treetops on Helgaberget. The community center was in flames. All attempts to save the center were doomed to failure. But the curtain that had adorned the stage was pulled down by Arne Ekblom and a gramophone with some old records could be saved.
Photos taken by Bernhard Åhman in 1957. He lived next door to the community center and was one of the first to desperately try to save the house.
The drapery that was saved from the fire in 1957. And a picture of Alfred Andersson 1903-1933
Gramophone that has entertained at many parties at the community center. The folk costume is Alfred Andesson's, donated by Rainer Carlstedt in 2022.
Kovjoki youth on the steps of the community house in 1915
