Story by Sami Kalmi
Me, Lars Skalm
I’m a rich nobleman
with good trade relationships. I’m also the mayor of Turku. I have four sons:
Anders, Hans, Dan and Eric. My estate is in Rövarnäs, Parainen about 20 miles south
from Turku, but I own some farmhouses too. Largest is located on the opposite
side of Turku Castle, on the top of Korppoolaismäki.
My (hi)story
My youngster years
went when I was learning the basics of trade and the skills that a seaman
needs. After my parents died, I moved to my uncle’s house. He treated me as if
I would be his child. He gave one of his ships to my command, and I made
voyages around the Baltic Sea. I carried tar, furs and wood to southern Hansa
cities, and on the way back I brought salt and spices. When King Christian I
fought against Swedish rebels, I helped him by carrying his troops and supplies
across the sea. In the year 1461, he gave me the heritable nobility in reward
of my services. The appointment letter is my most valuable treasure.
Kung Kristian
utställer frälse- och sköldebrev åt Laurens Skalm.
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As you can see from
the letter, King Christian gave me also three farms behind Parainen, in the
island of Attu.
My uncle died 1465 and
I inherited his fortune. I have built an estate to Rövarnäs and the people
called me as the lord of Rövarnäs. Some years later I donated a big sum of
money to Sauvo church, which was built in 1465-72. They put my coat of arms to
the front of the church. They also painted my portrait to the wall behind the
altar, but unfortunately it is quite small and doesn’t seem like me much.
I also bought two
farms near the Turku Castle on the opposite strand of the river Aura. The farms
were on the Korppoolaismäki and behind it, in Uittamo.
If I would have lived
in 1557, I would have seen, how prince John bought the farms, and started to
build a fortress on the top of Korppoolaismäki. Before it was ready, King Eric
XIV attacked and conquered it and destroyed the fortress completely. Then he
started heavy cannon fire against the Turku Castle, until John surrendered in
1563. Unfortunately, King Eric executed John’s most trusted men, including my
grandson Nils, who was the brave captain of John’s warship Åbojakten.
I was just elected a
mayor of Turku. I usually live in a farm on Korppoolaismäki, but sometimes I go
to my estate in Rövarnäs. I’m very busy at the moment, and my life is full of
duties as a mayor. Fortunately my sons have taken care of business, so I have
time to concentrate on my other activities.
Turku hasn’t chance
much in my fifty years that I have lived in Turku. The church has improved,
some small buildings have been burnt down and new ones have been built instead.
The way from my farm
to the Town Hall isn’t long. I just walk by the River Aura, until I reach the
marketplace (Town Hall is near it).
It’s early in the
morning when I leave the farm, and when I go a little bit forward I can see the
Turku Castle. It’s very busy looking around it. Even from the other side of the
river I can hear all the people from dirty peasants to glorious knights talking
and shouting to each other. The sides of River Aura are not out of people
either. Many are heading to and coming from the castle. Fortunately there are
no thieves as early as it is, and I can get trough without bigger problems. Now
I’m soon at the heart of the town, you can smell it when you’re heading towards
it. Unfortunately it’s not a good smell, I think I must do something to the
dirt in the streets. There are a few men wandering around city, but most are
still on their beds. On the marketplace, the city is ready to begin the day.
Craftsmen and traders are selling their goods, burghers are walking and looking
important, and all kinds of other people laughing and talking. Then I’m already
at Town Hall, the walk ended here. I could’ve stayed to buy something, but it
surely is nice to get inside from the noisy city.
Mom and dad:
I don’t know much
about my parents; they died when I was young. They lived in Stockholm. There
they owned a big house, made of stone. My father was a rich trader.
Uncle:
After the death of my
parents, I travelled to Turku, and went to live with my uncle.
He was a prosperous
trader, and he owned two ships. He never married and he had no children.
My children:
I have four sons: Anders, Hans, Dan and Eric. They are well educated and I think that they
will be good heirs to continue the Skalm Family.
My grandchildren:
Hans has three sons
and two girls: Lars, Peter, Jacob, Maria and Karin.
Dan has one son: Per
Anders has one son:
Henric.
Eric has two sons:
Nils and Simon.
My typical week
My week is full of
work, but I enjoy it. Normal weekdays go while I’m doing things as a mayor, I
have only a little free time. Meeting important people is sometimes nice
sometimes not, depending on my mood and the person. I’m glad that sometimes I
can be with my children too; it’s nice to go and visit them after a tiring day.
First in the morning I eat breakfast; bread, eggs and porridge. My work in the
Town Hall starts early, so after eating I must head to my office. It’s pretty
hard to be a mayor, but I’m doing my best. Meetings and deciding important
things fill my day, but I’ve still got enough time to eat a good lunch in the
Tree Lions Inn near the marketplace. My favourite food: roast elk with a good
French wine. While I’m going back to work I sometime go to my old friend’s
place, talk and enjoy the little time I’m free. I’m not ready to leave from
work until time is nearly 6 pm, and then I can go to check are there my ships
ashore. I normally spent my evening visiting my grown-up children, and then I
go back to my farm to rest. At Sunday morning I go to church (I’m a catholic),
and the afternoons I rest at home. In Sunday evening I usually ask friends and
relatives to my farm to eat and drink well, and to play cards and different
games.
I’m happy thinking all
the things I have done in this life, but soon my time will pass by and others
will take my duties as their responsibilities. My life has been interesting and
joyful, and I have no regrets about it. I don’t fear death, but I hope that my
journey in this world will continue a little longer. I think I’ll take it
easier after my career as a mayor, but until that I’m tied to my job.