Hibbing's independent mixed choir in 1943. In front: Betty Lampi, Bertha Waara, Sylvia Silta, Ruth Kuusisto, Ilmi Nevala, Victor Taipale, director, Sofia Joki, Kerttu Jackson, Elsie Neva, Edla Linjanen, Hilma Malinen. Second row: Ida Salo, Miina Taipale, Sylvia Sundwall, Jenny Murto, Lempi Mäki, Maria Somppi, May Tolonen, Minnie Muuttonen, Miina Vahto, Hilda Maki. Back row: Martin Sundwall, Vilho Rahko, Victor Neva, Sam Siro, Jack Lampi,

Frank Lampi, Toivo Murto, Eino Lindfors, Gust Manner, Jack Toppila.

Even after the two societies had decided to go their separate ways, however, there were attempts made to meet on common ground. When a temporary but sharp drop in the number of Finns in Hibbing followed the first big mining strike, the two societies got as far as appointing a committee to discuss merger; the Seeker of Truth was represented by Olavi Laulaja, A Sandberg and Gust Saari, while Tapio named G. Järvi, H. Luoma and L. Wilson. No major results were achieved, but on minor issues they came to a degree of agreement: to propose a joint convocation to celebrate the enactment of prohibition legislation in Finland. There was no indication that even this event ever came about, but the two societies did hold joint Christmas parties for children and both contributed to funds for refreshments for those parties. It was not until the next big drop in the local Finnish population, following the 1916 strike, that the two societies were finally able to forget their differences and to unite.

Both had suffered big losses in membership, but more crucial still, the Seeker of Truth was in dire financial straits, saddled with a big mortgage and other indebtedness. It was ready, finally, to relinquish its membership in the Brotherhood, and with Tapio

515