Jill's Genealogy Journey

Stories, Discoveries & Tips

Katri Kempainen

William & Katri Laitala – A Finnish Family in Northern Minnesota

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William & Katri Laitala with grandson circa 1944 Chisholm MN

Hooray! The second edition of A Finnish Family in Northern Minnesota is available with lots of new information. Read about William and Katri here!

Please note: a PDF is available for printing on the book home page, but the links don’t come through that way. Use this version to link to the resources that are cited in the book.

The Basic Facts:
William LAITALA
b. 1 Jan 1878, Hapavesi, Finland
d. 21 Apr 1952, Virginia, St. Louis, MN

Katri Elizabeth (Kaisa Liisa) KEMPPAINEN
b. 17 Feb 1879, Paltamo, Finland
d. 29 Jun 1963, Virginia, St. Louis, MN
m. 6 May 1906, Chisholm, St. Louis, MN

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The Laitala Farm through Time – A Photo Essay

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In 70 years, a lot has happened and then again, not so much has changed. Many of the buildings have stood the test of time. I’m especially proud of the pole barn, standing so straight and true, because my grandpa built it! But alas, the house burned down and some of the buildings are succumbing gracefully to gravity . . .

Pic of The Laitala farm as it was in 1938
The Laitala farm as it was in 1938

 
Pic of The cow barn & pole barn in 1938
The cow barn & pole barn in 1938

 
Pic of The cow barn in 1988
The cow barn in 1988

 
Pic of The garage and machine shop September 1988
The garage and machine shop September 1988

 
Pic for The pole barn & blacksmith shop in 1988
The pole barn & blacksmith shop in 1988

 
Pic of The Laitala farm in 2008
The Laitala farm in 2008

 
Pic of The pole barn, cow barn & blacksmith shop in 2008
The pole barn, cow barn & blacksmith shop in 2008

 
Pic of The blacksmith shop with the chicken coop in the background in 2008
The blacksmith shop with the chicken coop in the background in 2008

 
Pic of The machine shop succumbing to gravity in 2008
The machine shop succumbing to gravity in 2008

 
Pic of the Inside view of the machine shop succumbing to gravity in 2008
Inside view of the machine shop succumbing to gravity in 2008

 
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