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Fruin, Iris Nilsson (Nelson)
| Last Name: | Fruin |
|---|---|
| First Name: | Iris Nilsson (Nelson) |
| Dates: |
29.1.1898 - 17.3.1973 (Life/Active Dates)
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| Biography/History: | Iris Victoria Nilsson was born in Sweden on 29 Jan 1898 to Nels and Maria Anderson. At age 17 she followed her older sister Alma to Whitefish, Montana, leaving Sweden from the port of Malmo, passing via Copenhagen to New York City. She was listed as a single female “servant” on the passenger roster of the ship “Hellig Olav.” In America, she used the anglicized name, Nelson. From 1915 until at least January of 1918 she lived in Whitefish, Montana. By August 1918 she was working as a 2nd maid for the Campbell family at 2316 W First, Spokane. She soon met a young soldier, Leonard(“Jack”) Stanley Fruin (1896-1988), based at Spokane’s Fort George Wright, and the couple married on December 29, 1918. Iris continued to work regularly for the Campbells through April, when Jack’s Army enlistment ended. She likely lived at Campbell’s home during this time, too (letters from her Swedish family were posted there through 1919), and she continued to work occasionally for the Campbells. By 1920 the couple were living at 2917 Walton Ave. Around 1930 they returned to Jack’s home state of Michigan, but returned to Spokane by 1934. Their children were Stanley Emery (1922-1985), Dorothy Elaine (1926-2004)(married Fredrick), and Bruce Leonard (1930-2004). Iris died March 17, 1973. Jack worked in construction and died in 1988. The family collection includes significant letters, photographs and immigration documents related to Iris’ family (MSSC 309; L88.251) and samples of Iris’ needlework (3592). |
| Related Objects: |
3592.1 (Tablecloth, Embroidered Tablecloth, early 20th century)
3592.2 (Tablecloth, Embroidered Tablecloth, early 20th century)
3592.3A (Pillowcase, Pillowcase, early 20th century)
3592.3B (Pillowcase, Pillowcase, early 20th century)
3592.4A (Pillowcase, Pillowcase, early 20th century)
3592.4B (Pillowcase, Pillowcase, early 20th century)
3592.5 (Tablecloth, Card Table Cover, 1920-1930)
MsSC309.2.Inspection.Card (Card, Documentary, Iris Nilsson's Inspection Card, August 20, 1914, August 20, 1914)
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