"Dedicated, in gratitude, by their descendants, 2 June 1940."

The New York Mills chapter of the Historical Society was organized following an address on 5 January 1947 by E. A. Pulli, who served as an organizer for the Society. The first chairman of this chapter, the 13th of the Society, was Oscar Paavola.

Amid their own problems and difficulties, the Finns of New York Mills have frequently been engaged in aiding others, and the old fatherland has always been close to their hearts. In the previously cited "Greeting to Finland" brochure of 1920, the following appeared : "Free and independent and beloved Finland, accept the congratulations of all Finnish Americans for what you have achieved. These greetings come to you, dear Fatherland, from the oldest Finnish-American newspaper editor, J. W. Lähde, of New York Mills." It was this spirit which led to relief work, too, and after World War I most such work was directed toward Finland, with newspapers reporting that "to aid the Carelians, assistance is at present being sought everywhere, and New York Mills does not want to show itself more backward than other communities when it is a question of helping one's fellowmen. A benefit program to aid Carelia will take place."12 The benefit evening was successful beyond anticipation, and relief work was continued for several months.

During Finland's Winter War, the chairman of the Finnish relief committee was Carl A. Parta.

Finally, in speaking of Finnish organized activity, mention must be made of the Townsend Club established in 1936, which remained active for two or three years, and active Finnish participation in local organizations like the Garden Club, Lions Club, Conservative Club, Civic and Commerce Club, VFW and Candlelight Study Club.

According to some sources, a chapter of the Socialist party was also active at one time in New York Mills. Lacking further details, it is possible that this refers to the organization once active in Heinola, near New York Mills, which will be discussed subsequently.

The left-wing Työmies newspaper had 14 subscribers in New York Mills in 1911, and 19 in 1945. In the latter year, there was only one subscriber to the leftist women's paper, Naisten Viiri.

12. Päivälehti, 15 March 1922

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