When the Finnish military situation put a halt to further shipments, Arne Halonen proposed in December 1941 that the establishment of a new organization to carry on the work in a form appropriate in the altered circumstances was in order, and so the Finnish-American Society of Minneapolis was born, to foster the well-being of its members and to encourage a better understanding of American institutions and customs, especially among those of Finnish origin: to encourage the arts; to perpetrate Finnish cultural traditions, and to assist various benevolent and worthy causes.

In spite of the difficulties inherent in the situation, aid for Finland was continued quietly, until the Finnish armistice with Russia made it possible to work more freely and effectively. The "Helping Hand to Finland" committee ceased to exist in January 1942, and its assets were put aside to be sent to Finland when the opportunity presented itself, but the Finnish-American Society of Minneapolis has continued to exist even after aid to Finland was finally discontinued. Its first chairman was Dr. Luttio, who was later succeeded by John Sala. Prominent in Finnish aid work were Carl E. Södergren, William Toivonen, and later Victor H. Gran. The latter received the Order of the Finnish Lion from the President of Finland in recognition for the work he has done.

Historical Work: The most recent form of communal work among the Finns has been through the local chapters of the Minnesota Finnish-American Historical Society, active in Minneapolis from 1949 to 1955. It brought together a group of 10 to 20 interested Finns, and its most recent chairmen were Mrs. James Arnold and Leo Liiste.

Musical Activities : Musical activity, particularly choral work, has been present among the Finns in Minneapolis as long as any formal organizations have existed. They have had a place in all societies from the early temperance society to the present Finnish-American Society. The first permanent chorus was established in 1905, when Emil Kemppainen conducted both a brass band and a mixed chorus. He was succeeded by a musician named Lee, who, like his predecessor, came from a military band in Finland. For some years August Blom directed both band and chorus, and Kalle Kaario, another musician from the Finnish army, conducted the band. Then came Toivo Oksanen, who conducted both brass bands and orchestras, among both Finns and Americans, and then John Mickilä, who also conducted a chorus.

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